Very Hungry Caterpillar Felt Board

1,109 Replies

I’ve been quiet here on the blog while working on a large sewing project, though I’ve been posting regular updates on the Facebook page. I took a break from quiet book sewing to make a birthday present for one of Jax’s friends who was turning 2 years old. His friend adores all of Eric Carle’s books and was planning a Very Hungry Caterpillar themed party.

I’ve been itching to try my hand at making a felt version of all the pretty food featured in that book, and I was excited to finally have the perfect reason to! I knew they would appreciate a handmade gift, so two weeks before the party, I started tackling the project.

The felt items were made using only s felt from my scrap bags (I sort all my felt scraps by color and store them in freezer bags) with the exception of the black background felt. I would have preferred to have a white background like the book, but I was purchasing  felt board to save time and money, and white wasn’t an option. (You could make your own felt board by covering a blank art canvas with flannel fabric.) I purchased this black felt board. It comes in green and purple, but I wanted to easily match the background to a felt color, so I chose black. The colors really pop on it!

Because so much detail went into each piece, they were all heavy and wouldn’t stick to the board without the help of Velcro. I used Snag-Free Velcro so they wouldn’t snag each other when tucked away together in their pocket. Each item was sew to a base piece of black felt, trimmed to size, then backed with another piece of black felt with some Velcro sewn to it. I sewed to backings on by hand with a back stitch, only going through the two black layers of felt so the stitches wouldn’t show on the front.

The Pattern
I’m afraid that I can’t post a pattern for this project here on my blog because I want to respect Eric Carle’s copyright. He does have a coloring sheet you could enlarge and use to make your own set. However, I have a PDF of all the sketches I did for my set, and I’d be happy to send it on to any of you lovely friends who would like to have it for your personal use. Please leave a comment below using the blog’s comment form (not the Facebook comment form – I don’t get notified of those!) In the email field, include the address you’d like me to send the PDF link to. I’ll do my best to send you an email within a day or two with the link.

Here is a quick run-down of how I made each item:

Fruits 1 – 5: For the sets of fruits the caterpillar starts out eating, I used rectangles of black felt as the background of each group instead of having tiny, separate fruits and numbers that would get lost. I sewed the fruits down to the background using back stitch and 2 strands of floss. For the stems, I used all 6 strands of floss: I made a knot in the end of my floss and came up from the back. I tied another knot flush against the felt to hold it in place, then made a knot at the end of the stem and cut of the rest. For some of the stems I went back down into the felt after the top knot to hold them in a certain position. Leaves were sewn down with a line of back stitch along the vein. For the strawberry tops, I made an x-shaped stitch in the center before doing the stem. The numbers are sewn on with back stitch down the center. I stitched little circles and open circles on the oranges to make the navels. I sewed all the rectangles to backing pieces with Velcro using the sewing machine to save time.

     

[img src=”http://www.imagineourlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/oranges.jpg” w=”600″ h=”200″]

The Very Hungry Caterpillar: I tackled this guy first, as he is the star of the show. The caterpillar and the butterfly were the only ones I used yellow felt as the background for sewing down all the details (I still used black for the back side with the Velcro.) I cut his segments out of various colors of green and blue. The color variations are more subtle in the book, but I was working with what I had. Each segment is back stitched down. You may need to trim them up to get them just right – different felt stretches different amounts – especially with little, tiny pieces. for the feet and antennae, I used 3 layers of felt to make them stiff and blanket stitched round the edges.

The fuzzy fringe along the caterpillar’s back was the most annoying part of the whole project, but I didn’t want to leave it out! I made each little fringe the same way I did the fruit stems, but without the knot at the end: knot the floss, go through the back of the caterpillar (the yellow piece only), make another knot, then cut off and repeat. I alternated red and aqua blue, then went back and spread out the strands and gave him a “hair cut” so they were all even. To finish him off, I sandwiched the feet and antennae between the front piece and the black back piece with Velcro and sewed them together.

Leaf: I back stitched around the outside and down the center vein, then made a stem and sewed on the backing.

The Beautiful Butterfly: I took liberties when translating the butterfly from the book to a felt design, so you could certainly “wing it”! In fact, I only used my computer sketch for the basic shape, and ended up cutting out most of the pieces by hand. (I later drew them on the computer, so they are included in my PDF sketches.) Everything is back stitched down except the tiny felt circles – I have French knots in the center of those.  I added two layers of yellow to his skinny body to add strength before sewing on the head. His face is satin stitched on and his legs and antennae are done the way I made the fruit stems. His arms are long stitches I added at the end. When he was all decorated,  I cut out a backing of black felt to match, added Velcro and back stitched it on, only going through the yellow layer.

All the junk food items are sewn down to black felt then trimmed to size. The backs are all done the same: I cut out black felt to fit the finished item, sewed on Velcro, then back stitched it to the front, only going through the two black layers.

Chocolate Cake: I sewed the top and layer on, plus some dark brown back stitch to show the corner of the cake. I made light brown stitches to add texture to the top and then sewed the cherry on.

Ice Cream: I back stitched a grid design on the cone, then sewed around the edge of the ice cream scoop.

Pickle: After sewing it down, I made lines of little dashed stitches to add the bumpy texture then added a stem.

Cheese: I sewed a strip of dark yellow down the side to match the book, then sewed around the edges, I didn’t bother to cut out the holes in the cheese in the black felt.

Salami: After sewing down the body of the salami and the pink ends, I sewed down little scraps and made white stitches to match the book. I stitched a bit of brown thread to the “tied” end and tied it in a knot.

Lollipop: I sewed down the middle of a long strip of brown felt to make the stick. I took a long strip of yellow with a point at one end and sewed it down to the blue circle (starting with the tapered end in the center) in a spiral, then sewed down the exposed edges of the blue circle.

Pie Slice: The pie crust is sewn down around the edges, except for the extra crust along the top-back of the slice. I made a basting stitch that I pulled tight to give it a little ruffle. The pie filling is sewn down with scrap circles in pinks and reds to make the cherries.

Sausage: The sausage is simply sewn down around the edges with little brown ties added on to each end like the salami.

Cupcake: I cut out the top of the cupcake liner using pinking shears to give it a zigzag. I sewed down the cupcake, then sewed down the cupcake liner using vertical lines of back stitch.

Watermelon Slice: The watermelon is sewn down around the edges. The seeds I cut by hand (very hard to do because they are so tiny. Use sharp, micro-tip scissors!) the sewn down with a few stitches running vertically down the middle.

   

Because this felt set is a gift and I went with a 12″ x 12″ travel size felt board, I wanted to sew a quick case for it. I had limited time – just a few hours on on Saturday – so I don’t have many photos to the process, but I’ll do my best to explain it.

I made the case so it could be zipped shut for travel or storage, opened flat or hung from a door knob at toddler height for play time. I used Eric Carle fabric in Very Hungry Caterpillar white/green and Grouchy Ladybug Grass green/lime. I already had a 36″ white separating zipper and clear vinyl. I purchased a pack of fusible fleece.

The finished size of the case when unfolded is 14″ wide by 28″ high (with the 12″ square felt board.) I cut rectangles out of both fabrics and the fusible fleece that were 15″ x 29″. I ironed the fusible fleece to the back of the green liner fabric according to the instructions. I cut a 14″ x 7″ rectangle of vinyl for the pocket. I sewed ribbon over the sharp upper edge of the vinyl, but it would be easiest to just use some bias tape. (I didn’t have any on hand.) I sewed the pocket down to the liner/fleece piece with a regular stitch followed by a zigzag to cover the sharp edges. I also divided it into a 4.5″ pocket and left the rest a large pocket for the book and bigger pieces.

 

I cut strips of the green fabric and lined them with the fusible fleece before making them into 1″ wide straps. There are a zillion ways to make straps. I started with a 2″ width, ironed .5″ edges in on each side, folded it in half and pressed, then sewed down each side and the ends.

For the felt board, I sewed down two 11″ strips of black elastic. (See the photo at the top for an example.) I folded the ends of mine under (towards the center of the case) and sewed them with a zigzag on the machine. It is probably easiest if you sew the elastic on by hand after finishing the zipper so you don’t have to deal with the elastic folding your fabric in.

The zipper is the hardest part to explain – especially without photos. You may need to search around for zipper tutorials before tackling it. I drew some sketches of the steps I took. I used a zipper foot when sewing the zipper on.

Here is the finished case when closed!

 

I hope you enjoyed reading about this project! I had so much fun doing it, and I was very proud to hand it off to its new owner. If you create a felt board case or Very Hungry Caterpillar felt set of your own, let me know! I’d love to see it…

1,109 thoughts on “Very Hungry Caterpillar Felt Board”

  2. Tara Kemper

    This is so awesome!!! I have Twin boys that I would love to make this for. Could you please send me the pattern? Thank you so much!

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  3. Shannon

    I love your cute pages. Would love to make the cute Hungry Caterpillar project if you would send me the pattern. Thanks so much!

    Reply ↓
  5. Janice

    I love your quiet book pages. I’m new to sewing, but would love to try this as my first project. It’s just too cute! Could you send me the pdf? Thanks!

    Reply ↓
  6. Amy Cornett

    I did a “Very Hungry Caterpillar” theme for my son’s first birthday and he’s been in LOVE with this book since I first started reading it to him. Do you think you could send me a PDF of your template? I’d love to add some pages to his Quiet Book and these are the cutest pages I’ve seen!

    Reply ↓
  7. Krista

    Please, please, please send me your pdf’s!! These are absolutely awesome. I am an ESOL teacher AND have two babies, 3 months apart who love the Very Hungry Caterpillar. I cannot wait to get sewing! Thanks so much.

    Reply ↓
  10. Georgina Taylor

    Hi! I just wanted to say this is FANTASTIC!! I am desperate to have a go myself (although I can’t imagine it looking like yours lol) Would you mind sending me the PDF’s, I would be so grateful x

    Reply ↓
  11. Sarah Linehan

    Hi there!
    I am going to have a Very Hungry Caterpillar party for my son’s first birthday and your pattern would be the perfect special gift for him. I would be ever so grateful if you would email the PDF.
    Thanks you so much.
    Sarah

    Reply ↓
  12. Dina

    Hi! I LOVE your blog! You have a great talent and wonderful ideas! I would like to start making a quiet book for my 11-month-old and I think the “very hungry caterpillar” would be a great project to start from. I would be grateful if you could email me the PDF file with sketches. Thank you so much for this amazing blog!

    Reply ↓
  14. Nicole

    I’d love a copy of the PDF for the hungry caterpillar please. perfect for my daughters bday.
    Thank you

    Reply ↓
  15. Rebekah

    Your site is my favorite! Thank you for sharing all of your hard work!! Can you please send a pattern? this is too cute! 🙂

    Reply ↓
  16. Magda

    I am so in love with your website and all your clever ideas! Could I also please have a copy of your pattern.
    Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply ↓
  20. Thanuja

    This is a beautiful piece of work (as most of your projects!). You are certainly very talented AND patient! Would you be kind enough to share the template so I can attempt to make something similar for my daughter (although I doubt it will look nearly as good as yours!)? Thank you so much

    Reply ↓
  22. Pascale

    What a great project I have just learned to sew and my 3 year old loves this book can you please send me the PDF of all the sketches
    thank you so much

    Reply ↓
  23. Narelle

    Hi, i am just amazed at your talent and you have inspired me.
    i have already made 6 of your pages.
    I can’t wait to tackle the hungry caterpillar.
    Would you kindly send me the pdf of your sketches.
    best wishes narelle

    Reply ↓
  25. maleaha sommel

    i would love to have the pdf pattern for the hungury caterpiller. i have done almost all your others and am running out of projects. thanks!

    Reply ↓
  26. Carrie

    A little late to the game, but love what I see, and love your site. I would love to receive a copy of the pattern as well please.

    Reply ↓
  28. Eby Davis

    I would really appreciate receiving your sketches for The Hungry Caterpillar project – I intend to start soon.

    Many thanks,

    Eby

    Reply ↓
  31. Katie

    You are soo talented! I’m just now getting into making little stories and pieces from felt for my two year old daughter’s flannel board! I would love to have this pattern!

    Reply ↓
  32. Anna Seay

    I would live the patterns for this project if possible, this is my 19 month old little boys favorite book, I would love to make this for him. Thanks!

    Reply ↓
  33. Penny Rawlings

    This Very Hungry Caterpillar felt is one of the most vibrant crafts I have seen. You have done a FABULOUS job, thank you for sharing!! Would you kindly send me the PDF so I can try to make it in time for Christmas. I’m not sure if it will be for my 16 month old daughter or 4 year old son, they will both love it. THANK YOU.

    Reply ↓
  34. Cheryl Ann Habink

    I love the details you created to make the Very Hungry Caterpillar felt board. The travel felt case is a great idea. Would you please email the patterns to me. I would like to make this for my granddaughters. Thank you.

    Reply ↓
  35. Barbara Mattox

    I am a paraprofessional working with special education students in a public elementary school. Your work is fantastic! I would love to have the pattern so I could make this to use with my students.

    Reply ↓
  36. Tina

    I like your work!
    Could you please send me the Pattern?
    I’ m a qualified educator in Germany.
    I would like to take it at work.
    Thank you! Tina

    Reply ↓
  37. Judith Lamb

    I am going to make this for my granddaughter for Christmas and very much appreciate the pattern. Thank you

    Reply ↓
  41. Megan Ashton

    Your work is beautiful! Jax is so lucky to have such a talented mommy! If you are still willing to share, I would love a pdf copy of your sketches for this project. I would love to make it as a gift for my son. Thank you so much for sharing this!

    Warmly,
    Megan

    Reply ↓
  43. Wendy Wolfe

    Your work is beautiful. Thank you for your willingness to share your pattern via emailed pdf, it is very generius and I would appreciate a copy. Thank you 🙂

    Reply ↓
  44. regina

    i am so impressed with all of your quiet books and felt crafting! i found you via pinterest and have spent literally the last hour pouring through your site going “ooohh ahhhh oh i want tomake that!” thanks for providing your patterns! if you get a moment i would love to have a pdf of this hungry caterpillar- it is my son’s favorite eric carle and i’d love to make it for his classroom! thanks so much

    Reply ↓
  45. Ashley

    Hello! I just love your website! It has inspired me to create some quiet books for my children and my nephew! Would you be able to email me the pattern for the Very Hungry Caterpillar book? My daughter’s birthday is next month and that is the theme!

    Thank you and keep up the beautiful and CREATIVE work!! Just awesome!

    Reply ↓
  47. Becky

    I absolutely love all of your ideas. I just started busy bookin’ it and am now obsessed. Would enjoy working on this felt board too now that I have so many pieces of felt! Thank you so much!

    Reply ↓
  48. Kathy Groner

    I absolutely love your work and have spent a happy five (5) hours happily copying ideas from your busy book to make one for my grandchildren. I actually made their parents one when they were little – not sure what happened to them – but they really enjoyed them.
    Please send me a copy of your drawings. I am good at sewing, but not very good at diagramming or drawing.
    Thanks for all the time you have spent on these pages and also for the wonderful samples.
    Happy Holidays!
    Kathy

    Reply ↓
  50. Carolina

    I´m a teacher of arts, I have told this story hundreds of times to my little 3 years students. They love it. I would love the pdf pattern, I can draw it, but yours it´s lovely.
    YOur blog it´s amazing and full of inspiration, thank you very much!
    [email protected]

    Reply ↓

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