Lulu the Love Bug – Free Crochet Pattern

Are you looking for the perfect crochet Valentine’s gift? This cute little love bug crochet pattern makes a great gift and fun decor to celebrate the holiday.

I would classify this free love bug crochet pattern as “advanced beginner”. It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

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Free Crochet Pattern for Lulu the Love Bug

Stitch Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)

Special Stitches

SC2tog (using invisible decrease method): Insert hook into front loop of the first stitch. Insert hook into front loop of second stitch. Yarn over. Draw through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Draw through both loops on hook.

Notes

• Checking your gauge is not required for this pattern. Use a hook that is smaller than the size recommended for your yarn weight. This will ensure that your stuffing will not show through the stitches.
• All pieces, except for the antennas are worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
• Invisible decreases are recommended. Please see “Special Stitches”.
• Safety eyes and noses pose a choking risk for babies; therefore, if making this toy for a baby, I recommend using yarn, felt, or embroidered details.
• Body and head require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the wings.
• See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) hook:

Body

Using color A (shown as pink):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R4: *2SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R5: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

Using color B (shown as red):

R6: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R7-8: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

Using color A (shown as pink):

R9-11: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

Using color B (shown as red):

R12-14: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

Using color A (shown as pink):

R15-17: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

Using color B (shown as red):

R18: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R20: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

Do not fasten off. Move on to head.

Head

Using color C (shown as light pink):

R21: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R22: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R23: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R24: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)

R25-30: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R31: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R32: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

If using safety eyes, insert them now between R29-30 with approximately 4 sts between each. Do not attach the backs to the safety eyes yet.

Using black yarn, add two eyelashes from the same stitch that you inserted your safety eyes, over 1 stitch. Attach safety eye backings. See tutorial photos.

Fill with stuffing.

R33: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R34: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R35: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Tie off and weave in ends.

Antennas (make 2)

Using color C (shown as light pink):

R1: Ch 9, turn, sl st in second ch from hook and each ch to beginning. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving tail for sewing. Fasten off.

Wings (make 2)

Using color D (shown as white):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat form * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5-7: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R8: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R9: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat form * around. (12 sts)

R10-11: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R12: Fold the wing closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (5 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Attach the wings to the back of the body over R12-17, aligned with the color change, with approximately 2 sts between each wing.

Attach antennas on each side of the top of the head, over R34.

Using color A (shown as pink), embroider blush under each eye, between R27-28, over 2 sts.

Using color D (shown as black), embroider a smile centered between the blush, over R25-26, with approximately 5 sts between each end of the smile.

For video tutorials on adding embroidery to your amigurumi love bug crochet pattern, check out this post on amigurumi embroidery.

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Lulu the Love Bug

Tips & Tricks

• Use the invisible color change method for this project to have seamless color changes along your love bug crochet pattern.
• Using the invisible decrease will ensure that your SC2tog stitches blend in with your other single crochets on this Valentine’s Day crochet pattern.
• Use a stitch marker to keep track of your continuous rounds with this free bug crochet pattern.

Alterations

• Use various amigurumi embroidery techniques to create unique creations with this love bug crochet pattern. Check out my post on amigurumi embroidery.
• Use a chunky yarn, such as Parfait Chunky, to create a larger plush love bug for your crochet Valentine’s gifts.

More Free Animal Amigurumi Crochet Patterns

I hope that you enjoyed this Valentine’s Day crochet pattern for Lulu the Love Bug crochet pattern! Check out my other free amigurumi crochet patterns. You may enjoy my free mouse crochet pattern, no sew turtle, or farm animal collection.