Create these iconic lovable aliens from late 20th century children's television! These adorable Yip Yips can serve multiple purposes - use them as festive holiday stockings, convenient toy storage, or even kids' laundry bags. With their characteristic tentacles and googly eyes, they'll bring that delightful 'yip yip yip yip uh-huh uh-huh' charm to any space. Perfect for Sesame Street fans of all ages, this versatile pattern offers both crochet and knit versions to suit your preferred crafting style.
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โ Crochet Body :
Round 1 :
6 sc into slip knot. Place stitch marker on first st. Move marker up to first st of each new round as you work
Round 2 :
2 sc into each st. โ 12 sts
Round 3 :
[Sc in next st, 2 sc in following st] to end. โ 18 sts
Round 4 :
[Sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in following st] to end. โ 24 sts
Round 5 :
[Sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in following st] to end. โ 30 sts
Round 6 :
[Sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in following st] to end. โ 36 sts
Round 7 :
[Sc in each of next 5 sts, 2 sc in following st] to end. โ 42 sts
Round 8 :
[Sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in following st] to end. โ 48 sts
Round 9 :
Sc into back loop of each st. (The tentacles will be attached to the front loops of this round.)
Info :
Repeat Round 10 an additional 11 times, or until body measures 8 inches from front loops of Round 9
Row 22 [RS] :
Sc in each of next 16 sts, turn
Row 23 [WS] :
Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 27 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn. โ 29 sts
Row 24 :
Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 25 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn. โ 27 sts
Row 25 :
Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 23 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn. โ 25 sts
Row 26 :
Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 21 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn. โ 23 sts
Row 27 :
Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 19 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn. โ 21 sts
Row 28 :
Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 17 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn. โ 19 sts
Row 29 :
Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 15 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn. โ 17 sts
Round 30 :
Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts (move marker to this st), sc in each of next 7 sts, ch12 (this will be the hanging loop so feel free to chain more or fewer for your desired loop length), sc in each of next 6 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, do not turn. โ 15 sts (do not count hanging loop chain)
Round 31 :
Sc in first st of previous round (with the marker in it), [sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in following st] twice, sc dec in next st and first st after hanging loop chain, [sc in next st, sc dec in following 2 sts] twice. โ 10 sts
Round 32 :
[Sc dec in next 2 sts] 5 times. โ 5 sts
Finishing :
Cut yarn and tie off. Using tapestry needle, thread tail in and out of final sts and cinch closed. Join yarn at top point of mouth opening. Work 13 sc down first side of mouth, 17 sc along bottom edge of mouth, 12 sc up second side of mouth, slip st in first st of this round. Cut yarn and tie off. Weave in ends.
โ Tentacles :
Step 1 :
Cut 48 strands of yarn roughly 8-12 inches long. There's no need to be precise. In fact, variable length for the tentacles is better.
Step 2 :
Insert crochet hook upward through one of the front loops not used in Round 9 (crochet version) or the purl bumps of Round 14 (knit version).
Step 3 :
Fold a strand in half roughly (again, no need to be precise). Grab the middle with your hook and pull it through.
Step 4 :
Grab both tails with hook and pull through loop.
Step 5 :
Gently pull to tighten. Repeat Steps 2-5 with each strand and each front loop or purl bump around the body.
โ Eyes & Antennae :
Step 1 :
Using a sharp implement, carefully poke a small hole in a ping pong ball. Wiggle it around to widen the hole a bit.
Step 2 :
Poke a second hole about 1/2 inch away from the first. Widen this hole as well until you can stick the tool in one hole and out the other.
Step 3 :
Feed one end of a pipe cleaner through the holes. You may have to bend the end slightly.
Step 4 :
Pull about an inch of pipe cleaner out the other side.
Step 5 :
Repeat Steps 1-4 with a second ping pong ball and pipe cleaner.
Step 6 :
Poke the short end of both pipe cleaners through the fabric on either side of the top of the head.
Step 7 :
Twist the ends of the pipe cleaners together on the underside of the fabric.
Step 8 :
Feed the long end of both pipe cleaners through the fabric near where you poked through the short ends in Step 6, but not in the exact same place.
Step 9 :
Twist the ends of the pipe cleaners together a couple times on the underside of the fabric. Then feed them back up through the same holes as in Step 8.
Step 10 :
Bend antennae into desired shape.
Step 11 :
Using a paint pen or permanent marker, draw pupils on each ping pong ball. Once again, there is no need to be precise as a little asymmetry will give your Yip Yip that delightfully wacky expression.
โ Lining :
Step 1 :
Fold lining fabric in half widthwise.
Step 2 :
With the folded edge to the left, cut a 3-inch square from each of the bottom corners, cutting through both layers of fabric.
Step 3 :
Measure 4 inches down from the top right corner and cut inward 4 inches through both layers. Then measure 7 inches across from the top right corner and cut downward at an angle to meet the stopping point of your previous cut.
Step 4 :
Either by hand or with a sewing machine, sew across the top flat edge, the right edge, and the bottom edge.
Step 5 :
Pinch the fabric of each bottom corner so that the bottom seam meets the side seam on the right side and the bottom seam meets the original fold on the left side. Sew both corners closed.
Step 6 :
Insert the lining, with seams facing outward, into the body. There is no need to fold over the top edge of the lining fabric if you used flannel or another non-fraying fabric. Hand-sew around the mouth opening using short, straight stitches.
Step 7 :
Hang your finished Yip Yip in a place of honor for all to admire.
This charming Yip Yip pattern brings beloved Sesame Street nostalgia into your home with practical functionality. Whether you choose the crochet or knit version, you'll create a delightful storage solution that captures the whimsical spirit of these iconic aliens. The combination of soft yarn texture, bouncy tentacles, and googly eyes makes each finished piece a conversation starter that's sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages. ๐งถ Happy crafting! ๐งตโจ