Caterpillar models are commonly used in DIY projects, especially for making crafts with children. The caterpillar shape lends itself to many techniques, so it's great for encouraging creativity and using waste materials.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Caterpillar Made with Egg Boxes
This is probably one of the more traditional methods of making a toy caterpillar.
Step 1. Get a clean, dent-free egg carton
The six egg containers must be intact. If you have a container of 18, you will only need a third of the box, while if you have a container of 12, cut it in half lengthwise.
Step 2. Reverse the 6 containers
Paint them with acrylic paints. You can choose the colors - it could be just green or you can create a more refined design, like a rainbow caterpillar. Leave the carton face down to dry completely.
Step 3. Cut out two small slits in one end of the cardboard
This is where you will place the antennas.
To cut, you can use kitchen scissors, a utility knife, or a single-hole punch
Step 4. Run a yellow toothbrush through the crevices
Pull it up so that it stands straight, to create the antennae. Tick it off if necessary, then glue it to the inside of the cardboard.
Step 5. Decorate the caterpillar
Glue the eyes, and with a black permanent marker draw the smile (alternatively glue a felt mouth). Other decor ideas include:
- Add dots on the body.
- Add large red cheeks on the muzzle.
- Add a bow on the head for a tender touch.
- Put on a scarf or tie.
Step 6. Done
Method 2 of 6: Pompon Caterpillar
This method is very simple and fun.
Step 1. Make or buy pompoms
If you want to do it yourself, read this article for more details.
When choosing or making pompoms, think about whether you want a caterpillar of one, two or more colors and choose accordingly
Step 2. Glue the pompoms that make up the body together at the same height
Step 3. Glue the pompom which will form the head a little higher than those of the body
Step 4. Let it dry completely
Step 5. Make the legs
Fold toothbrushes or chenille sticks into an "M" shape. Glue them under each pompom on the body, with the points of the "M" facing down on either side of the pompom to create the paws. Repeat until you've put them all on. Do not put your paws on the pompom that makes up the head.
Step 6. Add the antennas
Cut the toothbrush or chenille sticks to a suitable length and bend the ends slightly. Glue one to each side of the pompom that makes up the head.
Step 7. Decorate the head
Glue the eyes and a smiling mouth made of felt.
Step 8. Done
Let it dry and the pompom caterpillar will be ready to play with or show off.
Method 3 of 6: Caterpillar Made with Ping Pong Balls or Rubber
This method requires the help of an adult, especially for the operation of piercing the balls.
Step 1. Place the first ball directly on the bottom of the sock
Step 2. Add the other balls one by one
By doing this, leave some space between each ball. This will allow the caterpillar to fold when you play with it.
If you want, you can put a strip of rubber between each ball. It is not mandatory, but it will give the caterpillar more stability
Step 3. Leave 5 cm free at the end of the sock
You may need to trim off the excess.
Step 4. Prepare the last ball
This will lock the sock and form the caterpillar's head. Use a pencil or scissors to make a small hole in the ball. Push hard, but do it carefully so you don't get stuck.
Step 5. Add the last ball to the ones already aligned
Point the hole towards you or towards the outside of the sock. Insert the end of the sock into the hole you made in the ball - this will lock the sock in the correct position and complete the caterpillar. Paste well.
Push the sock in with the tip of the pencil
Step 6. Decorate the muzzle
This is the fun part:
- Glue the eyes.
- Make the antennae using a toothbrush or chenille sticks. Make holes in the ball and insert the antennas, then glue them well.
- Cut out a small smiling mouth out of felt and glue it to the muzzle.
Step 7. Add the legs
This step is optional, but it adds personality to the caterpillar.
- Measure the correct length of the legs so that they cross the lower part of the ball that makes up the body. Be sure to include room to fold down the paws on each side in your measurement.
- Cut the legs according to the measurement you made, one for each of the balls that make up the body, but not for the ball that makes up the head.
- Glue the center of the piece that will make up the legs to the base of the ball that makes up the body. Then fold the ends down to form the feet of the caterpillar.
- Repeat for all the balls that make up the body.
- Let it dry well. Don't skimp on the glue.
Step 8. Add more decorations if you like
The caterpillar will already look great, but you can also cheer it up with a bow, dots, sequins etc.
Step 9. Done
It is now ready to play with it or to be put on display.
Method 4 of 6: Button caterpillar
This method is suitable for those who love to sew and want to embellish children's dresses.
Step 1. Choose a suitable shirt or dress
The garment must be strong enough to be able to sew buttons over it.
Step 2. Choose the buttons to make the caterpillar
They can all be the same color, but it's much nicer if you choose different colored buttons.
Step 3. Decide where in the garment the caterpillar will be
At one end of this point, put the first button. Simply sew it where it needs to be.
Step 4. Attach the next button slightly higher than the first
You will sew one a little higher and one a little lower, in sequence.
Step 5. Finish with an "up" button
This will be the caterpillar's head. Starting from this, embroider two lines on top of the head to create the antennae.
Step 6. Done
It's really simple, but it's a beautiful decoration for children's clothes. It's also a great way to give kids a fun reason to start sewing!
Method 5 of 6: Caterpillar Made with Cardboard Strips
This is a really easy chore, suitable for younger children.
Step 1. Cut out strips of card stock
The width of the strips is up to you; keep in mind that the wider they are, the more resistant they will be in case they are jerked during play. All strips must be exactly the same size, in both length and width.
Use cardstock, not paper. The paper wouldn't last long and tears too easily
Step 2. Decorate the card strips
You can add streaks, dots, zigzag patterns, colors, stickers, sequins, prints… really anything. Just make sure you leave the muzzle blank.
Step 3. Make a ring with a strip of construction paper
Secure it with tape or stapler.
Step 4. Wrap the next strip around the ring you just made to create the next link in the chain
Again, secure it with tape or stapler.
Step 5. Continue until the caterpillar reaches the desired length
The last strip you add must be the white one.
Step 6. Decorate the muzzle
Draw eyes and a smiling mouth, or glue the eyes if you prefer.
Step 7. Add the antennas
Cut two small pieces of a folding straw, just below the seam, then glue or tape them over the head. Fold the joint to form the antennae.
Step 8. Done
The caterpillar is ready to play with it or to be put on display.
Method 6 of 6: Bruco Sandwich
If you want to make an edible caterpillar for a party, the sandwich is one of the simpler methods.
Step 1. Decide how long the caterpillar will be
This will determine the size of the plate you will need to arrange it on top.
Step 2. Make small sandwiches
Cut them all in a circular shape. You can use a round cookie cutter for this purpose. Use a filling that is easy to cut and that also keeps the round slices of bread well attached to each other (e.g. you can use butter, peanut butter, Nutella etc. as a binding element).
Step 3. Arrange the round buns in a wavy line on the plate
They have to stand straight to form the caterpillar's body.
Step 4. Add the head
Making the head is very simple:
- Get a tomato of the right size.
- Decorate it with icing or powdered sugar for the eyes and mouth.
- Stick in two toothpicks for the antennas.
Step 5. Add other decorative elements, such as chopped lettuce to simulate a layer of grass
Now the sandwich caterpillar is ready to be displayed and eaten.
