FREE KNITTING PATTERN: Colin or Cuthbert? The Cute Caterpillar!

M&S have launched legal proceedings against Aldi over their rival caterpillars - but what about our little knitted buddy? Is he a Colin or a Cuthbert? Let us know in the comments down below!

Essential Info

Yarn used
Kit yarn

1 ball each in Canary (A), Chaffinch (B), Robin (C), Starling (D), Bluebird (E), Parrot (F), Dove (G) & Raven (H)

About the yarn
4-ply; 66m per ball; 100% polyester

Tension
22 sts x 38 rows = 10cm measured over G st

Needles used
3.5mm straight

Other supplies
toy filling
tapestry needle

Sizing
One size (30cm long)

Abbreviations

Why not try?
James C Brett Top Value DK
DK, 290m per 100g ball; 100% acrylic, £1.69
8426, 8411, 8462, 8457, 846, 8432

All pieces are knitted flat (back and forth) on a pair of straight knitting needles, and worked in garter stitch (knit RS and WS rows).
Most of the pieces could be converted to knitting in garter stitch in the round if you prefer.

Start Knitting...

Body
Make 1
With A, leaving a long tail for finishing, cast on 9 sts.
Row 1 & all odd rows: Knit.
Row 2: [Kfb] 8 times, k1. 17 sts
Row 4: [K1, kfb] 8 times, k1. 25 sts
Row 6: [K2, kfb] 8 times, k1. 33 sts
Row 8: [K3, kfb] 8 times, k1. 41 sts
Row 10: Knit.
Row 12: [K9, kfb] 4 times, k1. 45 sts
Rows 13-25: Knit.
Break A and join B.
Rows 26-45: Knit.
Break B and join C.
Rows 46-65: Knit.
Break C and join D.
Rows 66-85: Knit.
Break D and join E.
Rows 86-105: Knit.
Break E and join F.
Row 106: [K10, kfb] 4 times, k1. 49 sts
Rows 107-123: Knit.
Row 124: K1, [k2tog, k4] 8 times. 41 sts
Row 126: Knit.
Row 128: K1, [k2tog, k3] 8 times. 33 sts
Row 130: K1, [k2tog, k2] 8 times. 25 sts
Row 132: K1, [k2tog, k1] 8 times. 17 sts
Row 134: K1, [k2tog] 8 times. 9 sts
Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

Eyes
Make 2 the same
With G, cast on 18 sts.
Rows 1-3: Knit.
Row 4: [K2tog] 9 times. 9 sts
Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

Antennae/Tail
Make 2 in F & 1 in A
Cast on 4 sts.
Rows 1-12: Knit.
Cast off.

Feet
Make 2 each in A, B, C, D and E.
Cast on 18 sts.
Rows 1-5: Knit.
Row 6: [K2tog] 9 times. 9 sts
Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

Making up

Body: Using mattress stitch, sew long edges together, adding stuffing as you go. This seam runs down centre underside. Gather the cast on sts together at the bottom. At each colour change row, tie a length of yarn firmly around the Body, pull tight and knot firmly, hiding yarn ends inside Body.
Eyes: Sew side edges together to make a circle. With H, embroider pupil. Sew eyes onto front of head (green section). With H, embroider mouth below eyes.
Antennae/Tail: Sew side edges together to make a small tube. Sew 2 Antennae to green section and Tail to yellow section.
Feet: Sew side edges together, add a little stuffing, and sew the cast on edge onto the underside of Body.
Weave in remaining ends.