Crocheting a tiny worry worm is one of the most satisfying ways to use up leftover yarn, and this pocket-sized friend comes together in just ten minutes. With a cheerful rainbow striped body, friendly embroidered eyes, and a sweet little smile, this little companion is ready to sit in a pocket, ride along in a school bag, or offer comfort whenever the day feels heavy.
Pocket-Sized Crochet Worry Worm – Free 10-Minute Scrap Yarn Pattern
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Beginner friendly
- Finished size: Approximately 4 inches (10 cm) long and 0.75 inches (2 cm) wide
- Yarn: Fingering or Sport weight scrap cotton yarn in Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Light Blue, Dark Blue, and Purple
- Hook: 2.5 mm (US C/2) crochet hook
- Stitches used: sc, inc, dec
- Time to make: 10 minutes
Size customization tips are included further down.
What Makes This Crochet Worry Worm Special
Working in continuous spiral rounds of single crochet creates a tight, neat tube that securely holds light stuffing without any gaps. Changing colors every two rounds builds the classic rainbow stripes cleanly and easily. Embroidering the eyes and mouth at the very end gives each worm its own unique, friendly personality.
Skill Level
- Basic understanding of crochet terminology
- Working in the round in a continuous spiral
- Basic color changes in amigurumi
- Simple surface embroidery (French knots and backstitch)
You’ll be stitching up a whole basketful of these little friends in no time!
Finished Measurements
| Dimension | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4 in | 10 cm |
| Diameter | 0.75 in | 2 cm |
Materials You Will Need
| Material / Color | Yarn Weight / Type | Yards | Meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Fingering / Sport Cotton | 3 yds | 3 m |
| Orange | Fingering / Sport Cotton | 3 yds | 3 m |
| Yellow | Fingering / Sport Cotton | 3 yds | 3 m |
| Green | Fingering / Sport Cotton | 3 yds | 3 m |
| Light Blue | Fingering / Sport Cotton | 3 yds | 3 m |
| Dark Blue | Fingering / Sport Cotton | 3 yds | 3 m |
| Purple | Fingering / Sport Cotton | 3 yds | 3 m |
| Black (scrap) | Embroidery floss or thin yarn | 1 yd | 1 m |
- Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm (US C/2)
- Notions: Polyfill stuffing, yarn needle, stitch marker, embroidery needle
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Weight | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schachenmayr Catania | Sport (Fine 2) | 137 yds (125 m) | Crisp stitch definition, perfect for amigurumi |
| DMC Happy Cotton | Sport (Fine 2) | 48 yds (43 m) | Great small balls for scrap projects |
| Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 | Fingering (Fine 2) | 186 yds (170 m) | Smooth cotton with vibrant color choices |
⚠️ Note: Avoid fuzzy yarns like mohair or roving yarns for this project, as they make stitch counting difficult and obscure the clean rainbow stripe transitions.
Gauge
- 6 Rnds of the starting circle = 0.75 in (2 cm) across using a 2.5 mm hook. Exact gauge is not critical for this small scrap project.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain |
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Single crochet increase (2 sc in the same stitch) |
| dec | Invisible decrease (sc2tog using front loops only) |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| Rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| rep | Repeat |
UK translation: sc = double crochet (dc).
Special Stitches Explained
- Invisible Decrease (dec): Insert hook into the front loop only of the next stitch, then insert hook into the front loop only of the following stitch. Yarn over and pull through both front loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops on hook.
Pattern Instructions
Pattern Notes:
– The worry worm tube is worked in continuous spiral rounds without joining. Do not slip stitch at the end of rounds.
– Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.
– Color changes are made on the last pull-through of the final stitch of the previous color.
Section 1: Worry Worm Body (Make 1)
With Red, start with a magic ring.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6 sc)
Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (9 sc)
Rnds 3 to 4: sc in each st around (9 sc). Change to Orange at the end of Rnd 4.
Rnds 5 to 6: sc in each st around (9 sc). Change to Yellow at the end of Rnd 6.
Rnds 7 to 8: sc in each st around (9 sc). Change to Green at the end of Rnd 8.
Rnds 9 to 10: sc in each st around (9 sc). Change to Light Blue at the end of Rnd 10.
Rnds 11 to 12: sc in each st around (9 sc). Change to Dark Blue at the end of Rnd 12.
Rnds 13 to 14: sc in each st around (9 sc). Change to Purple at the end of Rnd 14.
Rnds 15 to 16: sc in each st around (9 sc).
✅ Checkpoint: At this point, your tube should have all rainbow colors worked and measure about 3.5 inches long. Stuff the tube lightly with polyfill using the blunt end of your crochet hook or a chopstick before closing.
Rnd 17: (1 sc, dec) x 3 (6 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the bottom end. Weave in the starting and ending tails securely inside the body.
Assembly and Finishing
- Eyes: Thread your embroidery needle with black thread. Position the two little eyes on the upper Red section (around Rnds 2 and 3), placing them about 2 stitches apart. Make a few small French knots or tiny horizontal stitches for each eye.
- Smile: Using the same black thread, stitch a small curved smile just below and centered between the eyes. Secure knots neatly inside the stitches.
Size Customization Tips
- Make your worry worm longer or shorter by adding or removing 2-round color segments in the middle of the body.
- Use a heavier DK or worsted weight yarn with a 3.5 mm hook to create a larger, chunkier huggable worm.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap. Press out excess water in a clean towel and lay flat to dry in the shade. Do not tumble dry.
FAQ
Can I use safety eyes instead of embroidery?
Safety eyes with washers can be used if this toy is intended for older children or adults. For babies and toddlers under three years old, always embroider the eyes securely to avoid choking hazards.
What is the best yarn to use for worry worms?
Cotton yarn works best because it holds its shape tightly, doesn’t fuzz, and keeps the stuffing completely hidden inside the narrow tube.
How do I join a new color smoothly?
Work the final stitch of the current color until the last step where two loops remain on the hook. Drop the old color, yarn over with the new color, and pull through both loops to complete the stitch, then continue working with the new color.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you love making these little rainbow friends to share with everyone who needs a pocket hug. Save this pin on Pinterest and leave a comment below to let me know what colors you chose for your worry worms!
📄 Your free PDF pattern