Love Bugs

"Say hello to the Crochet Love Bug, one of the cutest ways to spread some love and handmade kindness into the world! This is a great advanced beginner pattern that introduces a bit of tapestry crochet when making the heart on the body and optional colorwork in the wings, legs, and arms. The knotted arms and legs add a touch of detail that is both fun and simple to achieve. You’re going to love making your Love Bug! Also note that by switching up the yarn colors and patterns used throughout the design the personalization of this project is endless, not to mention the ability to use up some of those yarn scraps in the colorwork sections of the project! Any recipient is sure to love their customized Love Bug. The Crochet Love Bug is great for gifts, decor, imaginative play, Valentine’s Day, and showing someone you care any day of the year! PATTERN INFORMATION + The pattern is written in English using US crochet terminology. SKILLS NEEDED + The skill level needed is advanced beginner. + The techniques you will need to know include: chain, single crochet, slip stitch, increase, invisible sc decrease, regular sc decrease, working in the back bar of the ch, half double crochet, double crochet, working in the back loop only, bobble stitch, picot, invisible finish (optional), and the adjustable (magic) ring. MATERIALS NEEDED + yarn in your choice of colors (about 235-250 yds/215-229 m of worsted/aran) + a size E/4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook + stitch markers + tapestry needle + Poly-fil stuffing + pins + scissors + chopstick to help stuff + safety eyes, 10 mm + red crayon, blush, or acrylic paint (optional for adding cheeks) FINISHED MEASUREMENTS + Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) the Crochet Love Bug measures approximately 9 inches (23 cm) tall not including the legs or the antennae. Including these, it is approximately 13 inches (33 cm) tall. "

Crochet HookE/4 or 3.5 mm hook

Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

Crochet GaugeGauge is not essential to this project but a tight, even tension should be maintained.