The finished beetle/scarab beetle measures approx 17cm long and 5cm wide, depending on how you position the legs, but can be easily made smaller or larger depending on the type of hook and yarn you choose. Gauge isn’t important for this project. It works up very quickly- easily achievable in one evening- and the finished beetle would make a great gift for children. You can easily customise it to make it unique by changing the colour of the yarn, adding stripes or polka dots or using different colours for the legs.

For this pattern, you will need DK weight acrylic in a colour of your choice for the main body, antlers and legs. I chose glittery dark blue.You will also need a small amount of a contrast colour for the eyes and toy stuffing. In terms of equipment, you will need a 3.5mm hook (or one appropriate to yarn), tapestry needle, scissors and stitch marker. You will need to be familiar with US crochet terms including: Slip Stitch, working in rounds, Single Crochet, Fasten Off, Magic Ring, and Increases and Decreases.

This pattern is suitable for a beginner crocheter. The download is just over 5 pages long and includes colour photos of the finished project.
This is my own design (Isobel Marks at Ok Then What’s Next). Please do not redistribute, copy or duplicate all or part of this pattern as your own- give credit where necessary.

The scarab beetle pictured (Barry) originally went on an adventure to Egypt with a volunteer before being sent to a Postpals child. For more information, have a look at the Out With Animals blog. All proceeds from sales go into funding the charity project, Out With Animals. https://outwithanimals.wordpress.com/