One of my oldest friends (we’re talking preschool playmates here people!), a UC Santa Cruz alum (go Banana Slugs!), is gearing up to welcome his first son. This design was commissioned by him for his little boy, but he agreed to let me spread the joy along to you all after we saw how cute it came out.
PS. Like my free patterns? I recently wrote a children’s book, All the Ways You’re Important to Me, that contains 10 adorable crochet patterns in the back. I’d love for you to take a peek!
Some notes before we get started!
Materials:
- Small amounts of worsted-weight yarn of your choice (I used Lily Sugar ‘n Cream cotton yarn) in:
- Yellow (sunshine)
- Black
- White
- Pink
- US F/3.75mm crochet hook
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Fiberfill for stuffing
Skill Level: Advanced beginner
Size: Approximately 18 centimeters (7 inches) long.
Pattern Notes: Unless otherwise specified, this pattern is worked using the amigurumi method. Rounds are worked in a continuous spiral (no need to slip stitch at the end of a row and chain one before beginning the next one). To keep track of where I’m at in the pattern, I use a brightly colored paperclip as a stitch marker in the first stitch of each row. The amigurumi technique is very forgiving in terms of gauge! I tend to be a tight crocheter, so I usually to start with a slightly larger hook than patterns call for. If you have a more loose or standard gauge, simply size down your hook until the stitches look right for you!
Construction: Eyes and facial protrusions are worked up before body. Body is worked up starting at the front of the face. Note that I like to sew my facial features on before adding the fiberfill and the instructions reflect this preference. Facial features can always be added once the body is completed if you prefer.
Abbreviations (US terms):
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: single crochet increase (two single crochet stitches into the same stitch)
- dec: single crochet decrease (crochet two crochet stitches together)
- BLO: back loop only
- FLO: front loop only
- st: stitch(es)
- [number]: indicates number of stitches in each round or row
Pattern
Eye Centers (Make 2)
With black
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring. Pull tight to close. [6]
Round 2: (inc, sc in next st) around [9]
With small length of white worsted-weight yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider two French knots on either side of Round 1.
Round 3: (dec, sc in next st) around [6]
Finish off and sew closed.
Eyelids (Make 2)
With yellow
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring. Pull tight to close. [6]
Round 2: (inc, sc in next st) around [9]
Round 3: In BLO, (inc, sc in next 2 st) around [12]
Round 4: sc in each st around [12]
Finish off and leave a long tail for sewing eyelids to eye stalks. Sew eye centers to inside of eyelids using the front loops you skipped when stitching up Round 3.
Eye Stalks (Make 2)
With yellow, ch 5
Rounds 1-3: sc in each st around. Finish off and leave a long tail for sewing to body. Sew eyelids to eye stalks.
Facial Protrusions (Make 2)
With yellow
Round 1: 4 sc in magic ring. Pull tight to close. [4]
Round 2: (inc, sc in next st) twice [6]
Finish off and leave a long tail for sewing to body.
Body
With yellow
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring. Pull tight to close. [6]
Round 2: (inc, sc in next st) around [9]
Round 3: (inc, sc in next 2 st) around [12]
Round 4: In FLO, (inc, sc in next st) around [18]
Round 5: (inc, sc in next 2 st) around [24]
Round 6: (inc, sc in next 3 st) around [30]
Round 7: sc, inc, sc in next 10 st, dec, sc in next 12 st, (inc, sc in next st) twice [32]
Round 8: sc in next 12 st, dec, sc in next 13 st, (inc, sc in next st) twice, inc [34]
Round 9: sc in next 2 st, inc, sc in next 8 st, dec, sc in next 9 st, (inc, sc in next 5 st) twice [36]
Rounds 10-11: sc in each st around [36]
Round 12: sc in next 13 st, dec, sc in next 15 st, inc, sc in next 5 st [36]
Round 13: sc in each st around [36]
Round 14: sc in next 8 st, (dec, sc in next 2 st) twice, dec, sc in next 9 st, (inc, sc in next 2 st) three times [36]
Round 15: sc in next 8 st, (dec, sc in next st) twice, dec, sc in next 9 st, (inc, sc in next 3 st) twice, inc, sc in next 2 st [36]
Round 16: sc in next 8 st, dec three times, sc in next 9 st, (inc, sc in next 4 st) twice, inc, sc in next 2 st [36]
Round 17: sc in each st around [36]
Round 18: sc in next 9 st, (inc, sc in next 11 st) twice, inc, sc in next 2 st [39]
Round 19: sc in next 9 st, (inc, sc in next 12 st) twice, inc, sc in next 3 st [42]
Rounds 20-26: sc in each st around [42]
Using the photo below as a guide, with tapestry needle, sew eye stalks to top of head between Rounds 9 and 10, approximately 3 st apart. Sew facial protrusions on either side of “nose,” approximately 9 st apart. With small length of pink worsted-weight yarn, embroider cheeks below eyes, approximately 3 stitches across. With small length of black worsted-weight yarn, embroider smile under “nose” between Rounds 3 and 4. Stuff face.
Round 27: (dec, sc in next 12 st) around [39]
Rounds 28-29: sc in each st around [39]
Round 30: (dec, sc in next 11 st) around [36]
Rounds 31-32: sc in each st around [36]
Round 33: (dec, sc in next 10 st) around [33]
Round 34: sc in each st around [33]
Round 35: (dec, sc in next 9 st) around [30]
Begin stuffing body. Continue stuffing as you go.
Round 36: (dec, sc in next 8 st) around [27]
Round 37: (dec, sc in next 7 st) around [24]
Round 38: (dec, sc in next 6 st) around [21]
Round 39: (dec, sc in next 5 st) around [18]
Round 40: sc in next 2 st, dec twice, sc in next 12 st [16]
Round 41: sc in next 9 st, dec twice, sc in next 3 st [14]
Round 42: sc in next 8 st, dec twice, sc in next 2 st [12]
Round 43: sc in next 7 st, dec twice, sc [10]
Round 44: dec around [5]
Finish off, sew closed, and weave in ends.
And there you have it! A sweet little banana slug, ready to squish and love! I would love to see your work! Tag me on Instagram (@handcraftingalife) or share in the comments below!
The Delightful Doug the Banana Slug pattern is provided free by Cassandra Rendon with the intention of spreading a little joy as one of her first friends welcomes his first son. Please feel free to make and give away or sell any amigurumis made from this pattern, but please keep in mind that copying this pattern for your own commercial use is not allowed (plus it’s just kind of a jerk move). For additional information, please contact Cassandra Rendon on her blog (wordpress.com/handcraftingalife) or on Etsy (etsy.com/shop/lascosaschiquitas).
Want to see more of my work? I wrote a book! I’d love for you to take a peek! Find me on Instagram: @handcraftingalife or on Etsy: etsy.com/shop/lascosaschiquitas.
Handcrafting a Life 