Very Hungry Caterpillar Felt Board

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

  1. Emma

    Hello, I LOVE this project, so beautifully done! I am expecting my first child in May and was planning on making a Very Hungry Caterpillar mobile for his cot. I would love to adapt your sketches for this purpose if you are still willing to share (I see you have had loads of requests already).

    Reply
  2. Holly

    I grew up with quiet books, and wanted to make some for my son’s birthday, but was running out of time. Your patterns have saved the day. Thank you so much. I finished just in time, and am planning on making more pages for years to come. I would love the PDF for the Very Hungry Caterpillar. He is also very excited for the Fire Truck. I will be taking a break before tackling that one! Thanks again, he loves them all.

    Reply
  3. Hayler

    Could I have a PDF pattern too, I am in awe of all your work. How do you have time to do all these lovely pieces of work? You should have an exhibition.

    Reply
  4. Justine

    Hi I am in school to be an ECE I would love to use this for my placement children.
    I would really appreciate the PDF !

    Reply
  5. Vesna

    My 2 year old would LOVE this!!!! It is my sons favorite bed time story.. Can I please get a copy of the PDF for the patterns. Thank you!!!

    Reply
  6. Hope

    Wow! This is one of my little girl’s favourite books — I’d love to have your pdf pattern if you are willing to share 🙂 Thank you.

    Reply
  7. Wendy Yates

    Your work is amazing. I would love if you could send me a copy of your drawing for the very hungry caterpillar. Thanks so much.

    Reply
  8. Christine

    I would love a copy of the PDF, too. I’m not sure I’m skilled enough to attempt this, so I’m going to try one of your quiet book patterns first… but if I can do that, I’m keen to try this, too! You have such great instructions and such amazing versions of ideas I’ve seen elsewhere. Yours are the best, though. I’m inspired!

    Reply
  9. Tien

    Please, please send me the PDF of your sketches. I would love to make this for my girlfriend’s daughter who is learning how to count soon. Awesome tutorial!

    Reply
  10. Helena

    You are very talented at your craft! Really charming work. I’d love to have the pattern to make it for my son’s birthday. I’ve done felt stories before, but more simply. I can certainly see why all the effort is worth it. I photocopied books, cut felt and decorate with sequins and googly eyes. Really excited to have a go at this project.

    Thanks for your time and for sending the pattern.

    Reply
  11. Amy

    Will you please send me the caterpillar felt board pattern? Now that I’ve finished the Valentine Playset, this is the next project I’d like to tackle. Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Leslie

    I would love to make this for a shower persent to a gal who never thought they would have kids! Thanks, Leslie

    Reply
  13. angie boller

    hi! i just found out on pinterest…..i am in love with your work…..and i love felt! 🙂 i was wondering if you would send me this template….it is the perfect christmas gift for my new niece….my sister is due in may so she will still be to little at christmas to use it….but it would be cute hanging in her eric carle nursery! and something my sister wont receive from anyone else! 🙂 thank you for sharing your creativity!!

    Reply
  14. Niki

    Hi, I’m very new to quiet books and I’m attempting one for my daughter. I’d be ever so grateful if you could send me the pdf for your hungry caterpillar. thanks so much xx

    Reply
  15. lindsey

    Oh wow I love love love love this !!!! Can you send me the info and pattern ?? My son had a VHC bday party for his 1st bday. WE just started a felt board are in love with it. Thanks so much

    Reply
  16. Anna

    I was wondering if you could tell me what colors of felt that you used to make this, I want to order from American Felt and Craft?

    Reply
  17. Ashley Thompson

    I love your blog. I just discovered it yesterday and I am already planning so many projects to work on this summer. I would love your Very Hungry Caterpillar pattern!! Thank you!!!

    Reply
  18. Leonie M

    I would firstly like to commend you on the excellent designs you have created for quiet books. They are the best I have ever seen!
    I would also love a copy of your very hungry caterpillar pattern as my great nephew goes ape over The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

    Reply
  19. Wendy

    Stephanie, you are amazingly talented! I appreciate you sharing your work and patterns! I have made a few of your pages for my 2 year old daughter. Maybe someday you could show us an example of your day…I cannot comprehend how you have time for all the things you do (my daughter would never let me accomplish a small percentage of it) <3
    Will you please email me your PDF?
    Thank you so much!

    Reply
  20. Tyan

    I would love a copy of your sketches to make this. Thank you so much for all your wonderful designs! My kids LOVE them!

    Reply
  21. Terri

    I just love your work and would like to receive the PDF to make a book for my grandchild.

    Thanks
    Terri

    Reply
  22. talia

    hi- my friend and i are about to start making quiet books for our little guys, i’ve been so inspired by your work. if you could please send me the pdf for the hungry caterpillar project that would be great! thank you!

    Reply
  23. Asna

    This is such a beautiful project! How lucky is the little child who received this gift. I would love if you could also send me the PDF.
    Thank you:)

    Reply
  24. Anna

    I would love a copy of this pattern. I am hoping to make one in time for my local NICU’s reunion so the kids can play with it.

    Reply
  25. Alexandra

    WOW!!! Beautiful. Please send me a copy of the sketches. My 2 year old son’s class at school is doing a butterfly project and this will be a nice addition to their room.

    Reply
  26. Doreen Forbush

    I just found your web page and I love it! I would love to do this Hungry caterpillar flannal board for my grandson’s 2nd birthday. He’s only 18 months but I am not the fastest sewer so I want to get started now. I found and printed the coloring page and your directions are WONDERFUL! I would love to have a copy of your sketches to make this even more doable for me. Thanks you so much for sharing your talents and your wonderful posts.

    Reply
  27. Gladys

    I love your works and I’m learning how to sew. Please let me have a copy of the patterns. Thank you so much for sharing =)

    Reply
  28. Lauren

    I would love a copy of your patterns. Thank you in advance.
    I love all your patterns !Thank so much for sharing them.

    Lauren Crews

    Reply
  29. Marcela

    Hi your quiet books are SOO beautiful, i’m just learning to sewing and your patters are very helpful. I would love to get the catterpiller PDF pattern if possible.

    Thank you and please continue sharing

    Reply
  30. Joyce Beasley

    I’ve already made 2 of your quiet book pages and would love to start the Very Hungry Caterpillar next. (Your ideas are so creative!) I would love to be able to get your Hungry Caterpillar sketches. Thank you!

    Reply
  31. Robin Wuertz

    I would really love to have a copy of the Very Hungry Caterpillar pattern for a quiet book. I am tackeling making my first quiet books for both my kids for our first flight this summer. Can you please, please send me the PDF pattern? Thank you so much.

    Reply
  32. lilly molina

    can you send me the link for your PDF on the very hungry caterpillar? i want to make my soon to be grandbaby a small quilt and this also happens to be the theme for the baby shower 🙂

    Reply
  33. Judit

    Hello!
    I’m really glad that I found your post. I want to give this for my friend’s son and that would be really helpfully if you can send me the pattern.
    Have a nice day 🙂

    Reply
  34. Ann Marie Carter

    I really want to make this!!! It is soooo CUTE!!! I have made almost all of your quiet book pages and took a break to make the cute Easter eggs!
    My 6 year old son will LOVE this!
    Thanks!

    Reply
  35. Meg

    I would love to make this book for my boys. If you are still sharing the PDF pattern, will you please send it to my email? I have made spider page and monkey page for my boys and they love it!! Thank you.

    Reply
  36. Leah Copland

    I think this is so adorable! This is my son’s favorite book! I’d love the pattern please!

    Reply

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