Insect Knitting Patterns

Author:

Free Insect Knitting Patterns

My designs expanded beyond the realm of science related projects and morphed into insect knitting patterns. Think about it, simple, modular shapes. The size is right for a small knit object. And it is easy to make cute! Okay, okay, the first project I designed was a fly, and I did talk about genetic mutations on the pattern page... BUT it still has more appeal to the general public. In fact, the fly became part of my Halloween decorations this year!

Amigurumi

Free Patterns Designed by ChemKnits

Many of my early knitting designs are based on insects. I am not a huge insect lover by any means, but I found that the modular fashion of these little bodies easy to interpret into a simple amigurumi pattern. For inspiration, I start by looking at cartoons of the insect I want to recreate in knit form, and hten I try to do my best to be accurate.

Caterpillar Plushie

Butterfly Finger Puppet

Smiley the Worm Finger Puppet

Dragonfly Plushie

Ant Plushie

LadyBug Flying Version

LadyBug Simple Version

In Spring 2013, the ChemKnits Butterfly Design (AND THIS LENS!) was Featured in the Buzz - a invertabrate conservation magazine!

A Crochet Bumble Bee!

The Most Popular ChemKnits Design Adapted for Crochet!

In 2013, I joined a local crochet club. I was finally able to break out the hooks that I had inherated from my grandmothers to try my hand at crocheting. Before long, I knew that I would need to design some crochet patterns.

For my first ever crochet design, I decided to adapt my most popular knitting pattern... the knit bumble bee buddy! Since the single crochet (SC) stitch is a little larger than a knit stitch, the crochet version ended up being a little larger than its knit counterpart, but I still think that they make a very handsome pair.

Duel

I still sometimes wonder why I decided to design so many knit insects. I mean, I don't like bugs and spiders very much. I've been bitten by lady bugs! And yet, here I am considering the design or more little knit invertibrate creatures. So what do you think, are they cute or are they icky?

Knit Insects, Cute or Icky?

Amigurumi Books

Knitting insect amigurumi is extremely popular. There are many books that feature insect knitting patterns. (I may even end up writing my own book of insect knitting patterns, but for now I am offering all of my designs for free!)

Halloween 2010: The fly got caught in the web, and the spider is ready to take him down!

Special Yarns Create Special Insect Amigurumi

ChemKnits Dragonfly Knit out of Handspun Yarn

I love my insect amigurumi designs, but they were all knit with commercially available yarns. When I saw the beauty of the first yarn I had ever spun (3 yards of extra bulky neutral yarn), I realized that this would be a stunning embellishment for an insect! I took another handspun single and knit the body of my Dragonfly knitting pattern. The first yarn I had ever spun was perfect to highlight as the wings of this dragonfly. Choosing unique novelty yarns (whether you buy them or make them yourself) elevates the knit insect to a whole new level. What do you think?

What would you most like to knit?

JeremiahStanghini on March 29, 2011:

This is right up there with the gosling, for me!

With Love and Gratitude,

Jeremiah

blessedmomto7 on December 29, 2010:

I'd love to knit some baby booties for my newest little guy. Your insects are adorable! Now if I just had some extra time and the talent you have, I could do it!

Bambi Watson on November 18, 2010:

I'm more of a crochet kind of gal...but I love making little plushies for my grand daughters! :)