This pattern includes instructions for an adorable interactive bug play set which includes 6 bugs and a home for each of them. The little caterpillar loves hanging out on his oak leaves on top. The bee, ladybug and pill bug like taking turns in each other’s flowers. Miss Snail enjoys wading in her pond, and Mr. Spider spends most of his days in his web.

The play mat also includes drawstrings with acorns at the ends. It makes the set great for travel, and after the kids are finished playing, just cinch the mat together to form a bag for storage and when they’re on the go!

Extra embellishments were made with a separate insect applique pattern which I have also included. They add just the right touch! (Usually sold separately - included for free!) https://www.etsy.com/listing/974392113

Sizes:
Gauge is not important to this pattern. The size of your finished products will vary depending on the size yarn and hooks you use. Made with the materials listed, the bee and ladybug are 3” tall, the caterpillar is 3” long, the spider is 2” long by 3” wide, the snail is 3” x3”, the pill bug is 3.75” long. The Play Mat is about 20” across including the loops.
• Using a thinner yarn and smaller hooks will yield smaller items. Using thicker yarn and larger hooks will result in larger items. An individual crocheter’s yarn tension can also be a factor in sizing as well.

Materials for Mat and Amigurumi Characters:
Yarn: Most is made with Worsted Weight. Plus baby/sport: White and Black
Hooks: 3mm hook for characters, (2.25 for ladybug’s spots), 5.5mm for mat, 3.5mm and 4.5mm for mat embellishments
Embroidery Floss: Black, red
Eyes: 2 - 6mm safety eyes for each character
Pipe Cleaners: 2 white or a color to match the pill bug; and wire cutters to cut them.
Other: Yarn needle, sewing needle, straight pins, safety pin, skewers for stuffing, needle nosed pliers to grab the needle when sewing pieces together

Bug Appliques Materials:
Sport weight yarn, 2.75mm crochet hook, Embroidery floss, Tapestry needle, sewing needle, scissors
Chosen materials to attach the appliques to your piece, ie: waterproof fabric glue & tweezers, invisible thread & needle, (or the original yarn you’re working with)

Pattern Notes
The pattern is written for intermediate crocheters and beyond. The crocheter should be familiar with making amigurumi and understand basic amigurumi crochet terminology and stitches as well as how to sew pieces together, finish off, hide ends, etc. Experience sewing on appliques is helpful as well. If you are not familiar with all the terms used in this pattern, there are a multitude of tutorials on You Tube that can help. Also feel free to contact me with any questions.