Looking for quick and easy last minute gifts to crochet? Try this cute Ladybug Pencil Topper pattern.
It's perfect for all ages and works great for last-minute or bulk gifting events!
It's perfect for all ages and works great for last-minute or bulk gifting events!
This minutes-to-make pattern includes written instructions for crocheting this ladybug pencil topper for standard issue pencils and pens. Plus, tips are included for turning this topper into a finger pencil instead!
This project was inspired from an idea I had while dreaming. See Dreaming of Pencil Toppers for the full story and to see more pencil topper designs.
Gifting ideas include stocking stuffers for Christmas, trick-or-treats for Halloween, party favours and back-to-school accessories. My favourite idea is to make several for a Teacher's appreciation bouquet with various stationary staples in a coffee mug!
This crochet pattern is also available as a printer friendly, 3-page PDF download. GRAB IT HERE for only $1.75, OR SIGN UP for Rebeckah's Newsletter and grab this one or another pattern of your choosing (from the loyalty program list) for FREE in the next edition!
This project was inspired from an idea I had while dreaming. See Dreaming of Pencil Toppers for the full story and to see more pencil topper designs.
Gifting ideas include stocking stuffers for Christmas, trick-or-treats for Halloween, party favours and back-to-school accessories. My favourite idea is to make several for a Teacher's appreciation bouquet with various stationary staples in a coffee mug!
This crochet pattern is also available as a printer friendly, 3-page PDF download. GRAB IT HERE for only $1.75, OR SIGN UP for Rebeckah's Newsletter and grab this one or another pattern of your choosing (from the loyalty program list) for FREE in the next edition!
This pattern is copyrighted to Rebeckah Ferger of www.rebeckahstreasures.com. It is for personal use only. No part of this pattern may be copied or distributed in any way. If you sell what you make from this pattern, please credit me as the designer. All rights reserved, 2016.
You'll Need:
- cotton thread size 10 (I use Circulo Clea) about 10m (2 grams / scraps) - in black & red colours
- 1.05mm hook (or hook to achieve gauge)
- stitch markers
- tapestry yarn needle
- scissors
Abbreviations: ~US Terminology Used~
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*...** - repeat instructions between the two asterisks as directed ~ I always highlight the repeat directions for this in purple so it is easier to see.
BL - back loop ch - chain CL of 2 - double crochet 2 stitches together by means of the cluster stitch (instructions below) dc - double crochet f/o - fasten off lp(s) - loop(s) rem - remaining rep - repeat rnd - round RS - right side sc - single crochet sk - skip sl st - slip stitch sp(s) - space(s) st(s) - stitch(es) yo - yarn over |
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Special Abbreviations:
*CL of 2 (a.k.a. cluster of 2) = leaving the last 2 lps from each st on the hook, work a dc into each of the next 2 sts, yo & pull though all 3 lps. *See how here...
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Sizing:
Designed to fit a standard pencil or pen when using lace weight yarn. The base of this pencil topper, the part that slips onto the pencil, is approximately 1” (2.5 cm) in height. Sizing can be adjusted by changing the yarn weight and hook size.
Gauge:
20 single crochet stitches x 24 rows = 2” (5 cm), or 10 single crochet stitches fit around the pencil snuggly but not too tight.
TIP: Thread/Yarn weight and hook size are flexible. Most lace or fine weight yarns will work well for creating a pencil topper. Whereas, thicker yarn weights such as DK or WW work great for turning it into a finger puppet. All you have to ensure before you begin, is 10 single crochet stitches wrap snuggly, but comfortably around the pencil, pen, chalk, finger or whatever staple you wish to accessorize! |
Pattern Notes:
You should be familiar with basic crochet stitches (chs, sl sts, sc, dc), clusters, working in rows, rounds, front/back loops, and how to do increases and decreases.
You should be familiar with hand sewing on crochet pieces by means of the whip stitch.
Additional notes are included below...
You should be familiar with hand sewing on crochet pieces by means of the whip stitch.
Additional notes are included below...
Ladybug Pencil Topper Instructions:
This ladybug pencil topper is worked in two parts. The first part creates the pencil topper base and antennas. The second part creates the wings.
Base Instructions:
Make 1
The base of this ladybug pencil topper is worked in continuous rnds from top to bottom. The third rnd creates the antennas.
Base Instructions:
Make 1
The base of this ladybug pencil topper is worked in continuous rnds from top to bottom. The third rnd creates the antennas.
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Work continuously and do NOT turn at the end of rnds unless directed otherwise to do so. *Side facing you = RS.
Starting with black... rnd 1: sc 5 into a magic circle (5 sts). rnd 2: sc 2 in each st around (10 sts). rnd 3: sc 5, starting the antennae → *ch 5, sc in the bottom lp (a.k.a. back hump) of the 2nd ch from hook, sl st 3 over the rem chs,** sl st in the same sp on the circle, rep from * to ** – antennae complete, sc in the same sp on the circle, sk the next st, sc 4 (10 sts + antennas). rnd 4: sc 5, sk the antennas – pulling them to the front of work so they stay on the RS, sc 5 (10 sts). rnd 5-16: sc 10 – 12 rnds or until desired height is reached, sl st & f/o at the end of the last rnd (10 sts). *The number of rnds you work here may vary according to your project and preference. |
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Wing Instructions:
Make 1
The wings of this ladybug pencil topper are worked as one piece. *Side facing you = RS.
ch 14 in red...
rnd 1: work the following sts into the bottom lps of the chs → sc in the 2nd ch from hook, CL of 2 twice over the next 4 chs, sl st, sk 1 ch, sl st, CL of 2 twice over the next 4 chs, sc, ch 1, rotate the piece & work the following sts into the unworked BL of the same chs → sl st 6, now instead of working directly into the next st → sl st around the whole piece or rnd for a bow tie effect – this way no extra height is added & a pinch is created, sl st 6, ch 1, f/o (two wings joined at the top).
Weave in all ends.
Make 1
The wings of this ladybug pencil topper are worked as one piece. *Side facing you = RS.
ch 14 in red...
rnd 1: work the following sts into the bottom lps of the chs → sc in the 2nd ch from hook, CL of 2 twice over the next 4 chs, sl st, sk 1 ch, sl st, CL of 2 twice over the next 4 chs, sc, ch 1, rotate the piece & work the following sts into the unworked BL of the same chs → sl st 6, now instead of working directly into the next st → sl st around the whole piece or rnd for a bow tie effect – this way no extra height is added & a pinch is created, sl st 6, ch 1, f/o (two wings joined at the top).
Weave in all ends.
Finishing Details:
All that remains is to add the final touches to the wings and attach them onto the base.
Thread a long strand of black onto a tapestry needle without knotting the ends together. Embroider four dots or spots evenly spaced on each wing according to your preference.
Use the same black strand to secure the wings onto the top of the ladybug base by tacking down the center join of the wings close to the antennae and the middle-end-point of each wing in whatever position you like – closer together for a rested look, farther apart to have the ladybug preparing for flight like the model ladybug pencil topper, or not at all for a ladybug in flight.
Tie off and weave in all remaining ends. Attach to your favourite stationary staple!
All that remains is to add the final touches to the wings and attach them onto the base.
Thread a long strand of black onto a tapestry needle without knotting the ends together. Embroider four dots or spots evenly spaced on each wing according to your preference.
Use the same black strand to secure the wings onto the top of the ladybug base by tacking down the center join of the wings close to the antennae and the middle-end-point of each wing in whatever position you like – closer together for a rested look, farther apart to have the ladybug preparing for flight like the model ladybug pencil topper, or not at all for a ladybug in flight.
Tie off and weave in all remaining ends. Attach to your favourite stationary staple!
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If you've enjoyed this free crochet pattern, please spread the Love and share the Joy!
Tell me what you think! Leave me a comment below, give this pattern a rating and/or favourite this pattern on Ravelry... 
Do you have any pictures of your pencil toppers? Share them with me on Ravelry, or in one of my Crocheting Treasures groups!
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Thanks Elizabeth M., Margie E. and Wendy B. for testing the Pencil Topper/Finger Puppet crochet pattern for me, and a huge thank you to Theresa P. for your help tech editing this pattern too!
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