Crochet Ladybug Lovey Pattern

By Jan Bay

This crochet ladybug pattern makes a soft red and black baby lovey with a rounded ladybug head, simple blanket body, embroidered face, and baby-safe finishing for a cheerful handmade gift.

Skill Level, Gauge and Finished Look

This ladybug crochet lovey is best for an advanced beginner who can work in joined and continuous rounds, count increases and decreases, sew pieces securely, and embroider simple facial details.

• Skill level: Advanced beginner
• Gauge for the stated size: About 12 to 13 double crochet stitches measure 4 inches before blocking. Because the blanket grows outward in a circle, use the Round 8 and Round 13 diameter checkpoints below as the primary size checks.
• Round 8 checkpoint: The blanket body should measure approximately 9 to 10.5 inches across.
• Round 13 checkpoint: The blanket body should measure approximately 14.5 to 16.5 inches across before the final border.
• Finished style: Round red blanket body, black stuffed head, embroidered face, antennae, and six sewn black spots

Supplies for the Crochet Ladybug Pattern

This crochet ladybug pattern uses simple worsted weight yarn and basic crochet stitches. Red and black give the lovey the classic ladybug look, while the round blanket shape keeps the project friendly for an advanced beginner.

• Approximately 300 to 350 yards of worsted weight red yarn
• Approximately 100 to 150 yards of worsted weight black yarn
• Approximately 5 yards of white, cream, or light pink yarn for embroidered face details
• Size H/5.0 mm crochet hook for the blanket body, or the size needed to meet the stated gauge
• Size G/4.0 mm crochet hook for the stuffed head and small pieces, or a hook one size smaller than the blanket hook if needed to produce firm fabric that does not expose the stuffing
• Polyester fiberfill for the head only
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors

The yarn amounts are estimates. Yardage will vary with the yarn brand, fiber content, hook size, tension, and whether the 12-stitch or 18-stitch spots are used.

Choose a soft, washable yarn if the ladybug lovey will be handled by a baby. Cotton, cotton-blend, or soft acrylic yarn can all work, but avoid scratchy novelty yarns for baby projects.

Baby-safe note: Use embroidered eyes and facial features instead of buttons, beads, or plastic safety eyes.

Finished Measurements

The finished ladybug lovey measures about 15 to 17 inches across the blanket body, depending on your yarn, hook size, and tension.

• Blanket body: about 15 to 17 inches wide
• Ladybug head: about 3.5 to 4 inches tall after stuffing
• Black spots: about 1.25 to 1.75 inches wide
• Antennae: about 2 inches long
• Head attachment area: about 2.5 to 3 inches wide

Crochet Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• inc = increase, 2 stitches in the same stitch
• dec = decrease
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• FO = fasten off

Important construction notes: Work the blanket body in joined rounds with the right side facing. The beginning chain 1 or chain 2 does not count as a stitch. Join each blanket round with a slip stitch to the first actual stitch, not to the beginning chain, and do not work into the slip-stitch join. Work the head and spots in continuous spiral rounds without joining or turning. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each continuous round and move the marker up as each round is completed.

Secure every magic ring: Pull each adjustable ring firmly closed. Thread the starting tail onto a yarn needle and weave it through the backs of at least 4 to 6 nearby stitches. Change direction and weave through several more stitches before trimming. Secure the magic rings in the blanket body, head, and all six spots this way. Do not rely on the adjustable loop alone to keep the center closed.

Crochet Ladybug Lovey Pattern

This crochet ladybug lovey is worked in separate pieces before everything is assembled. The blanket body forms the wings, while the stuffed head, embroidered face, antennae, and spots create the classic ladybug look. Stitch counts are included at the end of every round so it's easy to check your progress.

Photo variation note: The written instructions below make a full circular blanket with a red single-crochet border, a black stuffed head with embroidered facial details, two flat antennae, and six black spots. Some photographs show alternate ladybug lovey variations with a semicircular cape, cream face panel, black outer edging, rounded antenna tips, arms, eight spots, or raised-looking eyes. Follow the written stitch counts and six-spot layout for this version. For a baby lovey, embroider the eyes as directed and do not add plastic safety eyes, buttons, beads, or other hard facial pieces.

Blanket Body (Ladybug Wings)

Using red yarn and the blanket hook, make the round blanket body first. The beginning chain 2 does not count as a stitch. Join every round to the first double crochet.

1. Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 2, work 12 dc into the ring. Join to the first dc. (12 sts)
2. Round 2: Ch 2. Work 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (24 sts)
3. Round 3: Ch 2. *Dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (36 sts)
4. Round 4: Ch 2. *Dc in the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (48 sts)
5. Round 5: Ch 2. *Dc in the next 3 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (60 sts)
6. Round 6: Ch 2. *Dc in the next 4 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (72 sts)
7. Round 7: Ch 2. *Dc in the next 5 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (84 sts)
8. Round 8: Ch 2. *Dc in the next 6 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (96 sts)
9. Measurement checkpoint: Lay the blanket flat without stretching it. It should measure approximately 9 to 10.5 inches across. Confirm that it lies flat before continuing.
10. Round 9: Ch 2. *Dc in the next 7 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (108 sts)
11. Round 10: Ch 2. *Dc in the next 8 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (120 sts)
12. Round 11: Ch 2. *Dc in the next 9 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (132 sts)
13. Round 12: Ch 2. *Dc in the next 10 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (144 sts)
14. Round 13: Ch 2. *Dc in the next 11 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. Join. (156 sts)
15. Measurement checkpoint: Lay the blanket flat again. It should measure approximately 14.5 to 16.5 inches across before the border.
16. Round 14: Ch 1. *Sc in the next 25 stitches, work 2 sc in the next stitch.* Repeat 6 times around. Work with relaxed tension so the border lies flat. Join to the first sc and fasten off. (162 sts)

The finished blanket should lie flat without cupping or forming deep ripples. Weave in the red yarn tail securely before adding the black wing divider.

Ladybug Wing Divider

Using black yarn, add the center line that separates the ladybug's wings. Work the surface slip stitches loosely so the divider does not gather or shorten the blanket.

1. Lay the blanket flat with the right side facing up.
2. Identify the center magic ring and select one outer-edge point for the head attachment.
3. Beginning at the center ring, surface crochet a loose, straight row of slip stitches to the selected head-attachment point at the outer edge. Fasten off, leaving a tail long enough to weave in securely.
4. Rejoin the black yarn at the center ring and surface crochet toward the directly opposite outer edge. Fasten off, leaving another secure weaving tail.
5. Turn the blanket to the wrong side. Weave the two center tails and the two outer-edge tails through several nearby stitches in more than one direction before trimming.
6. Lay the blanket flat again. If the divider pulls the fabric inward, remove it and repeat with looser tension or a hook one size larger.

The two rows should meet neatly at the center ring and appear as one continuous line across the blanket.

Ladybug Head

Using black yarn and the smaller hook, work in continuous spiral rounds. Do not join or turn. Move the stitch marker to the first stitch of each new round.

1. Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
2. Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12 sts)
3. Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, inc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. (18 sts)
4. Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, inc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. (24 sts)
5. Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, inc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. (30 sts)
6. Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, inc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. (36 sts)
7. Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, inc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. (42 sts)
8. Round 8: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, inc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. (48 sts)
9. Rounds 9–12: Sc in each stitch around. (48 sts in each round)
10. Round 13: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, dec.* Repeat around. (42 sts)
11. Round 14: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, dec.* Repeat around. (36 sts)
12. Round 15: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, dec.* Repeat around. (30 sts)
13. Round 16: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, dec.* Repeat around. (24 sts)
14. Round 17: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, dec.* Repeat around. (18 sts)
15. Begin stuffing the head. Distribute the fiberfill evenly around the sides, front, and back. Shape the head into a firm rounded form without stretching the stitches apart.
16. Round 18: *Sc in the next stitch, dec.* Repeat around. (12 sts)
17. Add the final small amount of stuffing before the opening becomes too narrow.
18. Round 19: Dec around 6 times. (6 sts)
19. Cut the yarn, leaving a sewing tail at least 30 inches long. Thread the tail through the front loop of each remaining stitch and pull the opening completely closed. Pass the yarn through the gathered stitches again to secure it. This gathered closure forms the bottom of the head. Do not cut the remaining tail because it will be used to attach the head to the blanket.

Ladybug Spots

Make six matching spots using black yarn. Choose either the 12-stitch spot or the optional 18-stitch spot before beginning, and use the same stopping round for all six.

1. Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
2. Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. (12 sts)
3. Optional larger spot Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, inc in the next stitch.* Repeat around. (18 sts)
4. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Before sewing, check that the finished spots measure approximately 1.25 to 1.75 inches across. If the 18-stitch version exceeds that range or crowds the blanket, use the 12-stitch version for all six. Arrange three matching spots on each side and check the complete layout before sewing them permanently into place.

Ladybug Antennae

Make two antennae using black yarn.

1. Ch 7.
2. Sl st in the second chain from hook and across. (6 sl sts)
3. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
4. Optional: tie a small neat knot at the end of each antenna to create a rounded tip.

Embroidered Ladybug Face

Use white, cream, or light pink yarn to embroider the face after the head has been stuffed and closed but before sewing it to the blanket body.

• Hold the head with the gathered closure at the bottom and choose the side that will face forward.
• Thread the yarn needle with an 18 to 24-inch length of yarn. Insert the needle from the hidden underside near the gathered closure and bring it out at the first eye position, leaving a 4-inch tail at the underside.
• Use short curved stitches to make two sleepy eyes across the front of the head. Do not pull the stitches tightly enough to dent the head.
• Add a small stitched smile if desired.
• Bring the working yarn back out beside the starting tail at the hidden underside of the head.
• Tie the two ends together securely with a square knot. Thread each end separately through the stuffed head and bring it out at a different hidden point. Pull gently and trim so the yarn ends retract inside the head.

Before You Sew the Pieces Down

Pin or lightly tack every piece in place before final sewing. The ladybug lovey looks best when the head lines up with the center divider and the black spots are balanced on both red wings.

Assembly Measurements and Placement

Lay the blanket right side up and rotate it so the selected head-attachment endpoint is at the top and the black divider runs vertically from top to bottom. The section on the viewer's left is the left wing, and the section on the viewer's right is the right wing. Pin or lightly tack every piece into position and confirm the complete layout before making permanent stitches.

• Place the head at the top endpoint of the black wing divider. Rest the gathered bottom closure against the blanket, keep the embroidered face directed upward, and align the center front of the head with the divider.
• Overlap the lower curve of the head onto the blanket by approximately 0.75 to 1 inch. The completed attachment should span approximately 2.5 to 3 inches across the base of the head.
• Using the long head tail, whipstitch through the lower head stitches and through full blanket stitches within the outer two rounds. Do not attach the head only to the single-crochet border.
• Sew across the complete attachment area, then make a second reinforcing pass in the opposite direction. Secure the yarn on the wrong side and bury the tail through several stitches before trimming.
• Position the antennae approximately 1 inch apart on top of the head. Sew through each antenna base and the head several times, secure the yarn, and bury the tails inside the stuffed head.
• Place three spots on the left half of the blanket and three spots on the right half.
• Arrange one spot in the upper area, one in the middle area, and one in the lower area of each wing. Keep the spots clear of the divider and at least 1.5 inches from the finished outer edge.
• Measure the open space between the outer edges of the spots rather than between their centers. The spots should not touch or overlap.
• Check the complete six-spot arrangement before sewing. Both sides should appear balanced, but minor differences are acceptable if the blanket lies more naturally with a slightly staggered arrangement.
• Sew around the complete outer edge of every spot with small matching stitches. Do not leave loose sections that little fingers could lift.

After assembly, weave every yarn tail in several directions through the wrong side of the blanket or into the stuffed head. Inspect the head, antennae, spots, divider, and all fastening points before washing and again after the first wash.

Finished Parts Reference

Part	Color	Qty	Finished Size	Stuffed?
Blanket body	Red	1	15 to 17 inches wide	No
Head	Black	1	3.5 to 4 inches tall	Yes
Spots	Black	6	1.25 to 1.75 inches wide	No
Antennae	Black	2	About 2 inches long	No

Baby-Safe Finishing Tips

Because this ladybug lovey may be made as a baby gift, the finishing should be secure, washable, and free from small hard parts.

• Use embroidered eyes instead of plastic safety eyes.
• Do not add buttons, beads, bells, charms, or glued-on pieces.
• Sew the spots around the full outer edge so little fingers cannot pull them loose.
• Keep stuffing inside the head only.
• Stuff the head firmly enough to hold its shape, but not so tightly that the stitches stretch open.
• Weave yarn tails in several directions before trimming.
• Check all seams again after washing.

For current safe sleep guidance, follow the latest recommendations from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Handmade loveys should be used with supervision and should not be placed in a crib with a sleeping infant.

Troubleshooting the Crochet Ladybug Lovey

If the blanket body ruffles: count every round before changing hook sizes. Each double-crochet round must contain exactly 12 more stitches than the previous round. If the counts are correct but the fabric still forms deep ripples, remake the affected rounds with a smaller hook or firmer tension.

If the blanket body cups: confirm that all 12 increases were completed in every double-crochet round. If the counts are correct but the circle remains cupped or measures below the stated checkpoint, remake the affected rounds with a larger hook or looser tension. Do not add an unnumbered increase round because that changes the border stitch count and finished placement measurements.

If the head leans forward: sew a wider attachment area across the base of the head so it has more support.

If the spots curl: lightly block the spots before sewing or use the smaller 12-stitch spot instead of the larger 18-stitch version.

If the antennae look floppy: shorten the chain by 1 or 2 stitches, or stitch the base more firmly into the top of the head.

More Free Crochet Baby Patterns

If you enjoy making animal loveys, these pages will give you more ideas for handmade baby gifts and nursery-friendly crochet projects.

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Ladybug Baby Nursery Ideas to Pair With This Lovey

A crochet ladybug lovey can also work as part of a ladybug baby shower gift, a handmade nursery basket, or a red and black ladybug nursery theme.

• Ladybug baby nursery theme ideas

Crochet Ladybug Lovey Pattern FAQ

Is this crochet ladybug pattern beginner friendly?

Yes. This crochet ladybug pattern uses basic rounds, simple increases, double crochet, single crochet, slip stitches, and sewn assembly. It is a good project for an advanced beginner who is comfortable working in the round.

How big is the finished ladybug lovey?

The finished ladybug lovey is about 15 to 17 inches across the blanket body. The head is about 3.5 to 4 inches tall after stuffing.

Can I use safety eyes on a crochet ladybug lovey?

For a baby lovey, embroidered eyes are the better choice. Avoid plastic safety eyes, buttons, beads, or any small hard pieces that could loosen with use.

Where should I place the black ladybug spots?

Place three spots on each red wing section. Keep the spots at least 1.5 inches from the blanket edge and check the layout before sewing them permanently.

Can I make this ladybug crochet pattern in other colors?

Yes. Red and black give the classic ladybug look, but pink, coral, rose, or burgundy yarn can also work for a softer nursery-friendly version.