Create This Stunning “Plants vs. Zombies” Crochet Plant
Bring a playful touch of creativity into your space with this charming crochet plant inspired by “Plants vs. Zombies!”
This intricate yet rewarding project blends aesthetic beauty and functionality, making it the perfect addition to your decor or a thoughtful handmade gift.
This crochet creation is more than just eye candy – it’s a durable decoration that makes a bold statement in any room.
With movable parts and intricate elements like spikes, leaves, and a flexible stem, it’s as versatile as it is detailed. Perfect for fans of the game or lovers of whimsical decor!
Credit Ambros Crochet
Materials and Preparation
To create the Chomper crochet plant (inspired by Plants vs. Zombies), you’ll need the following materials:
- Yarn:
- Three shades of green: light green, medium green, and dark green.
- Yarn weight: Medium (worsted weight recommended).
- Tools:
- Crochet Hook: Size 3mm.
- Wire: Two widths: one fine wire (should be thin enough to be hidden by the yarn) and one thicker gauge wire (for base structure).
- White Felt: For teeth accents.
- Hot Glue: To attach felt teeth if needed.
- Tapestry or Darning Needle: For sewing parts together.
- Pins: Helpful for marking stitches or securing pieces during assembly.
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or other suitable stuffing.
Abbreviations and Notes
Before beginning the project, familiarize yourself with the following crochet abbreviations:
- MR: Magic Ring.
- CH: Chain Stitch.
- SC: Single Crochet.
- INC: Single Crochet Increase (two SC in the same stitch).
- DEC: Decrease (SC two stitches together).
- HDC: Half-Double Crochet.
- DC: Double Crochet.
- TR: Triple Crochet.
- SLST: Slip Stitch.
Pattern Notes
- This project is medium difficulty, primarily because of how many components are required and the detailed assembly.
- Be precise with color changes, and leave long tails for sewing individual pieces.
- Pay attention during wire incorporation — ensure it fits snugly within stitches.
- The project involves sewing, crocheting parts separately, and layering felt accents for detail.
Gauge, Approximate Size, and Pattern Notes
- Gauge: Gauge isn’t critical for this project. However, ensure that individual components (e.g., head, tongue, spikes) are proportionate by maintaining consistent tension.
- Approximate Size: Finished Chomper will be around 25-30cm tall, depending on the wire positioning in the stem and the curve of the base.
- Special Techniques:
- Magic Ring: Used to begin multiple components.
- Wire Incorporation: Added in rounds to stabilize larger pieces.
Step-by-Step Pattern
1. Head — Top and Bottom
Using medium green:
Bottom of Head
- Round 1: Start with a magic ring [(MR)] and crochet 6 SC into it.
- Round 2: Crochet 6 INC (1 increase in each stitch). 12 SC total.
- Round 3: (1 SC, INC) repeat 6 times. 18 SC total.
- Round 4: (2 SC, INC) repeat 6 times. 24 SC total.
- Round 5: (3 SC, INC) repeat 6 times. 30 SC total.
- Round 6: Crochet 1 SC in each stitch (no increases). 30 SC total.
- Round 7: (4 SC, INC) repeat 6 times. 36 SC total.
- Round 8: (5 SC, INC) repeat 6 times. 42 SC total.
- Round 9: Crochet 1 SC in each stitch. 42 SC total.
- Round 10: (6 SC, INC) repeat 6 times. 48 SC total.
Wire Incorporation
- Round 11: (7 SC, INC) repeat 6 times. 54 SC total.
- Use the fine wire for this round. Cut wire to match the internal circumference — don’t overlap ends. Insert the wire as you crochet this round by pulling the yarn over it and keeping the hook under the wire.
- Rounds 12-13: Crochet 54 SC. Last round forms a firm base. Fasten off.
Top of Head
Repeat steps 1-11, but only work up to Round 6. Use medium green again and incorporate wire in the final round.
Leave a long tail on the final round for sewing.
2. Lips
Using dark green:
- Mark 38 SC from the bottom part of the head and 36 SC from the top portion. Start attaching dark green yarn here.
- Crochet 1 SC into each of the stitches (combining both parts of the head). 74 SC total: 38 SC from bottom + 36 SC from the top.
- Add one round using dark green to reinforce structure.
3. Tongue
Using alternating light green and medium green:
- Round 1: Start with an MR and crochet 6 SC in light green.
- Round 2: (1 SC, INC) repeat 3 times. 9 SC total.
- Round 3: Switch to medium green and SC into each stitch. 9 SC total.
- Round 4: (2 SC, INC) repeat 3 times. 12 SC total.
- Alternate light/dark green for rounds. Finish with 24 SC after multiple increases.
4. Body/Stem
Using light green:
- Rounds 1-6: Start with MR and increase steadily. For final round, total 42 SC.
- Incorporate thick wire by curling it into a circle at the base and pull it upward. Crochet rounds 7-37, tapering the body structure.
5. Spikes
Make 4 spikes using dark green:
- Two large spikes: Complete 7 rounds of increasing SC. Final round should have 16 SC total.
- One medium spike: End at Round 6. 14 SC final total.
- One small spike: Finish at Round 5. 12 SC total.
6. Teeth Assembly
- Cut 4 larger teeth (approx. 2cm x 2cm) and 8 smaller teeth (approx. 1.5cm x 1.5cm) from white felt.
- Attach teeth using hot glue inside the lip boundary. Position the larger teeth in front and smaller teeth proportionately around edges.
7. Leaves
Using dark green:
- Start with a magic ring and make 6 CH.
- On one side of the chain, crochet the following sequence to create the curve:
- SC → HDC → DC → DC → 4 DC (in last chain).
- Continue working along the opposite side of the chain:
- DC → HDC → SC → Slip stitch into the first stitch of the chain to close.
Repeat to make 6 smaller leaves and 5 larger leaves.
For larger leaves, incorporate fine wire into stitches for better structure and positioning at the base.
Assembly
- Head: Sew the top and bottom head pieces together using the long tail left during the top head’s final round. Stitch carefully around the wire for sturdiness.
- Tongue: Sew the tongue into the bottom jaw of the chomper, ensuring proper positioning.
- Spikes: Attach spikes evenly across the top of the head starting from the last round of light green just above the lips.
- Teeth: Glue or sew the felt teeth inside the mouth cavity, ensuring edges look clean.
- Body: Attach the head securely to the stem using wire for added reinforcement.
- Leaves: Position the leaves evenly around the base of the stem for stabilization. Attach the larger leaves first then the smaller ones overlapping slightly.
Key to Success:
- Use three shades of green yarn for added depth and detail.
- Follow the step-by-step tutorial carefully – the pattern gets intricate midway.
- Incorporate wire for structure in the stem, head, and leaves.
- Take extra care when sewing; shallow stitching can prevent visible seams.
- Stuff the body adequately to maintain the correct shape and balance.
- Be patient – this complex amigurumi takes time but is worth the effort!
Conclusion:
This crochet plant is the ultimate blend of creativity, fun, and craftsmanship. Whether you love “Plants vs. Zombies” or enjoy unique crochet projects, this challenging yet fulfilling pattern is a fantastic way to refine your skills. Once complete, you’ll have an eye-catching piece to treasure or gift!
