DROPS Merino Extra Fine
DROPS Merino Extra Fine
100% Wool
from 4.55 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 31.85$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale

Arnie the Caterpillar

Knitted toy caterpillar with garter stitch and stripes. The piece is worked in DROPS Merino Extra Fine.

DROPS Children 30-23
DROPS Design: Pattern no me-035-bn
Yarn group B
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Size: Length: Approx. 63 cm / 24 3/4'' (without feelers). Circumference: Approx. 13 cm / 5'' (without padding).
Materials:
DROPS MERINO EXTRA FINE from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group B)
50 g in each of the following colors:
color 01, off white
color 08, light beige
color 15, light grayish green
color 18, green
color 19, light gray blue
color 24, light yellow
color 25, pink
+ a left-over of black and red, for eyes and mouth.

The piece can also be knitted with yarn from:
"Alternative yarn (Yarn Group B)" – see the link below.

DROPS NEEDLES SIZE 3.5 MM / US 4 – or the size needed to get 22 stitches and 45 rows garter stitch on 10 cm / 4'' in width and 10 cm / 4'' in height.

ACCESSORIES: Padding to fill.

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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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DROPS Merino Extra Fine
DROPS Merino Extra Fine
100% Wool
from 4.55 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 31.85$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale

SAVE 30% on 6 cotton favorites!
Valid until 04.12.2024

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in American English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from inches to cm - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in American and British English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in British English, please click here.
INFORMATION FOR THE PATTERN:

RIDGE/GARTER STITCH (worked back and forth):
1 ridge = Knit 2 rows.

INCREASE TIP:
Increase 1 stitch by making 1 yarn over. On the next row knit the yarn over twisted to prevent a hole.

STRIPES:
Work 5 cm / 2'' garter stitch in each color in the following order: off white, pink, light yellow, green, light grayish green, light gray blue, off white, light yellow, light grayish green, green. NOTE: Leave approx. 25-30 cm / 9 3/4"-11 3/4'' strand at each change of color to sew the caterpillar together with.
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CATERPILLAR:
The piece is worked back and forth on the needle to finished length and is sewn together at the end.

BODY:
Cast on 30 stitches with needle size 3.5 mm / US 4 and light beige. Work GARTER STITCH – see description above. REMEMBER THE GAUGE! When the piece measures 5 cm / 2'', work STRIPES – see description above. After the last stripe, the piece measures approx. 55 cm / 21½''.

HEAD:
Change to light beige and work stockinette stitch back and forth as follows:
ROW 1 (= right side): * Knit 2, 1 yarn over * work from *-* a total of 14 times and finish with knit 2 = 44 stitches.
ROW 2 (= wrong side): Knit 1, purl until there is 1 stitch left (the yarn overs are purled twisted to prevent holes), finish with knit 1.
Continue working stockinette stitch with 1 edge stitch in garter stitch in each side until the head measures approx. 8 cm / 3 1/8'', bind off. The whole caterpillar measures approx. 63 cm / 24 3/4'' from top down.
Embroider small eyes with off white and black and a mouth with red mid front of head – see photo.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew the caterpillar together mid back in the outermost loop of the outermost stitch so that the seam is flat – NOTE: Each stripe is sewn together with the same color.
Fill the caterpillar with padding (push the padding in from both ends) so that it is the right softness. Sew the head together at the top, inside the bind-off edge. Tack a few stitches in the other end with light beige, up and down through the stitches around the opening, pull the strand tight to close the opening and fasten well.

SCARF:
Cast on 48 stitches with light gray blue. Knit 3 rows and bind off with knit. Tie the scarf around the neck, just below the head.

FEELERS:
Cast on 5 stitches with pink. Work garter stitch back and forth for 7 cm / 2¾''. Cut the strand (leave enough of the strand to be able to sew the feeler together). Pull the strand first through the 5 stitches on the needle, tighten so that the stitches are pulled together. Then (without cutting and fastening the strand) sew the feeler together along the edge in the outermost loop of the outermost stitch so that the seam is flat. When the seam has been sewn all the way down, pull slightly in the strand so that the tip of the feeler bends a little, fasten the strand well. Work another feeler in the same way and sew them on to the top-middle of the head with small stitches.

EARS:
Tack some stitches with light beige around the one corner at the top of the head. Tighten the strand to make a small ear and fasten the strand well. Work the other corner in the same way.
Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size only serve as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn converter, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the converter will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be converted separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn converter

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn converter, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn converter will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder (usually closest to the neckline), and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

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Comments / Questions (9)

country flag Marga wrote:

Como se hace el cambio de color al tejer a rayas? Tengo entendido que en un trabajo tejido por ejemplo a punto de musgo ,el primer punto de cada hilera se pasa sin tejer ,excepto el primero.Mi pregunta es : Si estoy tejiendo una bufanda a rayas de 10 cm cada color ,trabajo siempre el primer punto ?o solo cuando cambio de color?.Gracias

13.11.2022 - 17:40

DROPS Design answered:

Hola Marga, puedes ver el siguiente vídeo sobre cómo cambiar de color: https://www.garnstudio.com/video.php?id=64&lang=es.

14.11.2022 - 00:33

country flag Kari wrote:

Hvor mye garn (gram) trenger man om man velger å strikke i kun 1 farge?

28.10.2021 - 18:29

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Kari, du skal nok bruge omkring 300 g til en ensfarvet :)

29.10.2021 - 08:12

country flag Marianne Steen wrote:

Hvor meget vat skal jeg bruge til at stoppe i kålormen

25.12.2020 - 12:09

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Marianne, du kan også stoppe kålormen med garnrester :)

07.01.2021 - 11:23

country flag Raueiser Claudia wrote:

Danke schön für Ihre schnelle Antwort \r\n\r\n\r\nLg Claudia Raueiser

29.06.2020 - 08:15

country flag Raueiser wrote:

Ich habe mal eine Frage Ich verstehe den Satz nicht. 1 Reihe= hin Reihe. 2 M rechts 1 Umschlag Von insgesamt "," 14x arbeiten und enden mit 2 Maschen rechts = 44 Maschen

27.06.2020 - 14:01

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Frau Raueiser, die erste Reihe ist eine Hin-Reihe (von der Vorderseite gestrickt). Die 30 angeschlagenen Maschen stricken Sie wie folgt: (2 Maschen rechts, 1 Umschlag), von (bis) insgesamt 14 Mal wiederholen (= über die ersten 28 Maschen = es sind ja 14 Umschläge auf der rechten Nadel), 2 Maschen sind noch übrig auf der linke Nadel, diese 2 Maschen stricken Sie rechts = jetzt haben Sie 44 Maschen. Viel Spaß beim stricken!

29.06.2020 - 08:06

country flag Dominico wrote:

Bonjour j essai de faire votre chenille mais je ne comprend pas la tete on monte combien de maille et on doit arriver a combien de maille au bout des 8 cm et pour les oreilles ses pareil je n ai pas tout compris si vous pourriez m expliquer j attend avec impatience votre réponse je vous Remercie bonne soirée

13.05.2019 - 22:35

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Dominico, la tête se tricote sur les 30 m du corps (on ne rabat pas les mailles du corps après les 55 cm/les rayures). On augmente à 44 m au 1er rang de la tête et on continue en jersey endroit avec 1 m lis au point mousse de chaque côté. Quand la tête mesure 8 cm, on rabat toutes les mailles. Bon tricot!

14.05.2019 - 08:22

country flag Lemonnier wrote:

Bonjour ,j\'ai fait cette chenille très facile ,je tricote des doudous pour les enfants de l\'hôpital ,si vous en avez d\'autre se serait sympa ,merci à vous

31.05.2018 - 08:38

Nilcea Vilela wrote:

Como entender essas receitas no Português!

15.04.2018 - 23:23

country flag Madeleine Gagné wrote:

J'aimerais recevoir des patrons gratuits de jouets d'enfants S.V.P. Merci

16.03.2018 - 21:31