Make a Cute Caterpillar Cover for Kids' Rooms - DIY Sewing Tutorial

Materials Needed to Make a Caterpillar Cover

Making a caterpillar cover is a fun arts and crafts project that you can do with kids of all ages. The materials needed are simple and easy to find.

Fabric

The main material you'll need is fabric. Good fabric choices include felt, fleece, cotton, or even an old t-shirt. You'll need enough fabric to cover the width and length of whatever you're making the caterpillar cover for. Some good sizes to aim for are:

• Twin mattress: About 70" long x 39" wide
• Full mattress: About 75" long x 54" wide
• Queen mattress: About 80" long x 60" wide

Make sure to purchase at least 1 yard of fabric, but allow for some extra just in case. It's better to have too much than not enough!

Foam or Fiberfill

To give the caterpillar shape, you'll need some kind of stuffing material. Good options include:

• Foam - sheets or recycled scraps work well
• Polyester fiberfill, similar to what's used in pillows or plush toys
• Batting - look for low-loft cotton or polyester batting

Aim for at least 1 yard of stuffing to sufficiently stuff a twin/full caterpillar. Go up to 1.5-2 yards for a queen.

Thread

You'll need thread in a color that matches or complements your main fabric. Go with standard all-purpose thread; you'll want a medium weight and polyester or cotton/poly blend.

Basic Sewing Supplies

Lastly, gather some basic sewing supplies:

• Sewing machine and/or needles for hand-sewing
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Tape measure and/or ruler
• Fabric marker or chalk

And that's it - with fabric, stuffing, thread, and some sewing tools you'll have everything you need to make a fun caterpillar cover!

How to Make the Caterpillar Cover

Once you've gathered the materials, it's time for the fun part - sewing! Follow these steps to make your own caterpillar cover:

Step 1: Cut Fabric Pieces

First, cut out the main fabric pieces:

• Cut 2 rectangles to the dimensions of your mattress (ex: for a twin, cut 2 pieces about 70"x39")
• Cut 2 long, skinny rectangles for the caterpillar body. The width should be about 1/4 of your mattress width. For a twin, cut 2 strips about 8-10" wide x 70" long.

Cut the strips across the grain so they have some stretch.

Step 2: Sew the Body

Take your two long skinny strips. Fold each one in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and sew down the long edge. This makes long tubes for the caterpillar's body.

Then, arrange the tubes end-to-end on one of the large mattress-sized rectangles. Sew them together, keeping the raw edges aligned.

Step 3: Add the Face

Cut circles or ovals from felt or fabric scraps for the face features. Glue or hand-sew them onto one end of the caterpillar body to make the face.

Good sizes are:

• Eyes: 2x 3-4" circles
• Nose: 1x 2" circle
• Mouth: 1x 5-6" semi-circle or oval

Get creative with different eye shapes, noses, or mouths!

Step 4: Sew the Top

Place the caterpillar body on top of the second large mattress-sized rectangle, matching up the raw edges.

Sew around the perimeter, leaving an opening on one of the short sides.

Step 5: Stuff the Caterpillar

Turn the caterpillar cover right side out through the opening.

Stuff the body segments with fiberfill, foam, or batting. Stuff firmly so the caterpillar holds its shape.

Make sure to leave space in each segment so they can flex and bend.

Step 6: Close Up

Hand sew the opening closed or use a ladder stitch to neatly close it up.

Add any final decorative details, like antennae or feet if desired.

And that's it - you now have an adorable handmade caterpillar cover to brighten up a child's room!

Caterpillar Cover Variations

The great thing about sewing a caterpillar cover is that it's easy to customize. Here are some variation ideas:

Size

Adjust the size to fit a crib, chair, or even just make caterpillar pillows.

Fabric Patterns

Use patterned fabrics like florals or polka dots for a fun, whimsical look.

Alternative Stuffing

For a bean bag style, try stuffing the body with plastic pellets instead of fluff.

Added Decorations

Sew or glue on rickrack, ribbons, lace or other trims. Add mini pom poms or fabric flowers.

Legs and Antennae

For support, add thick legs made from rolled fabric or tubes. Make springy antennae with wire and fabric.

Let your imagination run wild - anything goes with a handmade caterpillar!

Tips for Sewing a Caterpillar

Here are some helpful tips to make sewing your caterpillar cover go smoothly:

• Use tightly woven, medium-weight fabrics so the cover holds its shape.
• Pre-wash and dry all fabrics to avoid later shrinking.
• Use a denim or leather needle for thicker layers.
• Go slowly and pin well so fabric doesn't shift while sewing.
• Backstitch at the start and end of seams for durability.
• Leave ample seam allowances, especially around curves.

And most importantly, relax and have fun! Handmade gifts made with love have a charm that can't be matched.

Caterpillar Inspiration

Need a little inspiration for your caterpillar project? Here are some ideas:

• Search Pinterest for "caterpillar crafts" or "caterpillar sewing" for tons of ideas
• Look at photos and videos of real caterpillars for color schemes and proportions
• Check out Eric Carle's beloved book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" for whimsical caterpillar illustrations
• Think about your child's favorite colors and themes - can you incorporate them?

Even a simple green caterpillar cover can thrill a child. Just be creative and make it your own!

Creating a handmade caterpillar cover is a super fun project for crafters of all skill levels. With some basic sewing skills and supplies, you can easily whip up a fabric caterpillar in no time. Let your imagination run wild and see what whimsical caterpillar creations you can make!

FAQs

What's the best fabric to use?

Felt, fleece, cotton, and polyester blends work well. Look for medium-weight, tightly woven fabrics. Stay away from very lightweight or stretchy material.

How do I get the segments to curve?

Cut the fabric strips on the bias or cross-grain so they have some natural stretch and flexibility. They'll also curve better when stuffed.

What can I use to stuff the body?

Polyester fiberfill, low-loft batting, foam, or even plastic pellets work nicely. Make sure to stuff firmly so the segments hold their shape.

How do I get clean lines when sewing?

Pinning is key! Take the time to pin fabric pieces together before sewing for a neater finished look. Backstitch at the start/end of seams too.

What if I'm not super experienced sewing?

No problem! Just take it slow. This project is perfect for beginners since caterpillar bodies are so forgiving. Don't worry about perfection.