Hello, fellow yarn lovers! If you are looking for a project that is equal parts clever, whimsical, and downright adorable, you have found it. Today, we are diving into the delightful world of the “Worm in a Crocheted Apple.” Combining smooth, classic fruit shapes with a cheeky little amigurumi worm, this project is a fantastic way to practice your shaping skills while bringing a smile to everyone’s face.
Whether you want to gift a wonderful surprise to a favorite teacher, add a touch of playfulness to your kitchen shelf, or make a fun interactive toy for a child, this charming little make is sure to become an instant favorite. Let’s grab our hooks and get started!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton yarn in Red (or Green), Brown, Light Green (for the leaf), and Bright Pink or Green (for the worm).
- Crochet Hook: Size 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm (use a smaller hook than recommended for your yarn to keep the stitches tight and prevent fiber stuffing from showing).
- Notions: Polyester fiberfill stuffing, tapestry needle, stitch markers, and black embroidery floss for the worm’s face.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Invisible decrease (sc two stitches together in the front loops only)
- sl st: Slip stitch
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- Note: Work in continuous rounds without joining unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the start of each round.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Apple Body (Red Yarn):
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) 6 times (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) 6 times (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) 6 times (30)
Rnd 6-12: Sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 13: (3 sc, dec) 6 times (24)
Start stuffing the apple firmly.
Rnd 14: (2 sc, dec) 6 times (18)
Rnd 15: (1 sc, dec) 6 times (12)
Finish stuffing completely.
Rnd 16: Dec 6 times (6). Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Thread the yarn needle through the center of the apple from top to bottom and pull firmly to indent the top and bottom, creating the classic apple shape. - The Worm (Pink or Green Yarn):
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6)
Rnd 2-15: Sc in each st around (6). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff the worm (or leave unstuffed for a wiggly feel) and embroider a smiling face with black floss. - Stem & Leaf (Brown and Light Green Yarn):
Stem: With brown, ch 5, starting in the 2nd ch from hook, work 4 sl st. Fasten off and sew to the top indent of the apple.
Leaf: With light green, ch 6, work 1 sc, 2 hdc, 1 dc, and (3 dc in the last ch). Working down the opposite side of the chain, work 1 dc, 2 hdc, 1 sc. Fasten off and attach securely to the base of the stem.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Tension is Key: Keep your stitches nice and tight. If your tension is too loose, the polyester stuffing will peek through the gaps in the apple.
- Creating the Apple Indentation: Don’t skip the step of pulling your yarn needle straight through the center of the apple. That simple tightening technique is what transforms a crochet ball into a recognizable apple shape!
- Attaching the Worm: Cut a small hole (about the size of one stitch) into the side of the apple before assembly. Insert the bottom of the worm slightly into the apple and secure it with tiny, neat whip stitches so it looks like it is peeking right out.
- Safety First: If you are gifting this toy to a young child, embroider the facial features with yarn rather than using plastic safety eyes to ensure it is completely baby-safe.