Crochet Pattern: Ladybug on a Leaf

 Crochet Pattern: Ladybug on a Leaf

This pattern will guide you through creating a charming crochet ladybug and a leaf for it to sit on. This is a great amigurumi project for beginners and can be used as a toy, a decorative pin, or a fun addition to a blanket.

Materials:

• Worsted weight yarn in three colours:
• Colour A: Ladybug body (red)
• Colour B: Ladybug head and spots (black)
• Colour C: Leaf (green)
• Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Optional: Safety eyes (6mm) or embroidery floss for the eyes
• Optional: Fibrefill for stuffing the ladybug

Abbreviations:

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)
• FO: fasten off
• [...]: work instructions within brackets into the same stitch
• (...): work instructions within parentheses a specified number of times
• *: repeat instructions following the asterisk

Individual Design & Stitch Count:

Ladybug Body (Make 1)

Start with Colour A.

Round 1: Ch 2. In the second ch from the hook, work 6 sc. (6 sts)

Alternatively, you can use a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring.

Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 3: (Sc in the next st, inc in the next st) 6 times. (18 sts)

Round 4: (Sc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st) 6 times. (24 sts)

Round 5: Sc in each st around. (24 sts)

Round 6: (Sc in the next 2 sts, dec in the next st) 6 times. (18 sts)

Round 7: (Sc in the next st, dec in the next st) 6 times. (12 sts)

Stuff the body firmly with fibrefill at this point.

Round 8: (Dec) 6 times. (6 sts)

• FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Using a tapestry needle, weave the tail through the front loop of each remaining stitch and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in and trim the end.

Ladybug Head (Make 1)

Start with Colour B.

Round 1: Ch 2. In the second ch from the hook, work 6 sc. (6 sts)

Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 3: Sc in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 4: (Dec) 6 times. (6 sts)

• FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close the hole as you did with the body.

Ladybug Spots (Make 6)

Start with Colour B.

Round 1: Ch 2. In the second ch from the hook, work 6 sc. (6 sts)

• Sl st to the first st to join.
• FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Leaf (Make 1)

Start with Colour C.

Row 1: Ch 12.

• Starting in the second ch from the hook, sl st in the next st, sc in the next 2 sts, hdc in the next 3 sts, dc in the next 3 sts, [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in the last st.
• Continue working down the other side of the leaf: dc in the next 3 sts, hdc in the next 3 sts, sc in the next 2 sts, sl st in the last st.
• Sl st to the first st to join.
• FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Finishing Instructions & Tips

1. Assemble the Ladybug:
• Head: Position the head at the top of the body. Using the long tail from the head, sew it securely to the body.
• Spots: Arrange the six spots on the red body of the ladybug. Use the tails to sew them in place. A classic arrangement is three spots on each side of the body's centre line.
• Antennae (Optional): You can crochet two short chains of 3 with black yarn and attach them to the top of the head for antennae.
• Eyes (Optional): If using safety eyes, insert them into the head before stuffing. If embroidering eyes, use black or white floss to stitch them on after the head is sewn.
2. Attach the Ladybug to the Leaf:
• Position the ladybug on the crocheted leaf. Using a tapestry needle and a long tail from either the ladybug or the leaf, sew the ladybug's body to the leaf. Stitch through the bottom of the ladybug and the top of the leaf to ensure it is secure. Weave in and trim all loose ends.
3. Stuffing: For the ladybug's body, make sure to stuff it firmly but not so much that the stitches stretch and you can see the fibrefill. This will help maintain its shape.
4. Invisible Decrease: For a cleaner look, use an "invisible decrease" (inv dec) when working with the amigurumi pieces. This involves inserting your hook through the front loop only of the next two stitches and then completing a single crochet.
5. Stitch Consistency: Maintaining even tension is key for amigurumi to prevent gaps in your work.