Eric Carle's caterpillar is one of the easiest book characters to dress as, because the whole costume rests on four colors a five-year-old can name: red head, green body, yellow eyes, purple feelers. The story also gives you more than one character. There's the tiny egg on the leaf, the caterpillar himself, the cocoon and the butterfly at the end, plus a full week of food he eats his way through. Below are 30 versions I'd happily put together, from felt-circle sweatshirts and toddler rompers to teacher outfits, family groups and even a dog. Each one is built head to toe with antennae, shoes and a prop, and most start from plain clothes you can strip back to everyday wear afterwards.
What Eric Carle's Caterpillar Actually Looks Like
Before cutting any felt, I look at the book again, because small details decide whether a costume reads as this caterpillar or just a green bug. His face is red and round, with yellow eyes that have green centers. The feelers are purple, and the body is a chain of green segments in several shades, each one textured like painted tissue paper. That mix of greens is the key. A costume in one flat green looks like a frog, while three or four greens side by side look like the book.
The food is your prop list
The story hands you a ready-made menu, in order:
- Monday: one apple
- Tuesday: two pears
- Wednesday: three plums
- Thursday: four strawberries
- Friday: five oranges
- Saturday: chocolate cake, an ice-cream cone, a pickle, Swiss cheese, salami, a lollipop, cherry pie, a sausage, a cupcake and watermelon
- Sunday: one nice green leaf
Any of these with a round hole cut through it tells people which book you're from. The hole is the giveaway, so make it clean and circular rather than ragged.
1. Classic Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
This is the version most children picture, and it starts with a green sweatshirt and matching joggers. Overlap felt circles in lime, emerald and forest green down the front and back; I cut them in three sizes so the body tapers instead of looking like polka dots. The head is a soft red hood with big yellow-and-green felt eyes, a small brown nose and purple pipe-cleaner antennae. A little green face paint on the cheeks ties the hood to the body without covering the face, which matters for a child wearing it all day. Green socks, cushioned green sneakers and a light cardboard leaf with one bite cut out finish it. One thing about pipe cleaners: fold the cut ends back on themselves, because the wire tips scratch.
2. DIY Felt Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
Felt is the cheapest way into this costume, and it's forgiving for beginners because the edges don't fray. Layer a plain green T-shirt over a long-sleeve emerald top, with black or green leggings underneath. Cut circles from several greens, overlap them slightly and run them down the body with fabric glue or removable safety pins. Stiff acrylic craft felt pills fast where an arm rubs, so if you can find wool-blend felt, use it for the circles near the arms. The head is a red beanie with felt eyes, a brown nose and bendy purple antennae, with hair tucked in or in two low braids. Rosy cheeks, a touch of green eye shadow, green slip-ons and a felt apple with a round bite hole keep it school-safe all the way through.
3. Toddler Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
With toddlers, I plan the costume around what they'll tolerate, not around the picture. A green hooded romper or fleece jumpsuit gives them room to climb and squat. Sew padded fabric circles along the back, where small hands can't pick at them, and stitch every one down; glue alone won't survive a two-year-old. Keep the eyes flat felt and the antennae short fabric tubes, never wire. Face paint is optional, and I'd skip it for sensitive skin or use a tiny dab of washable green on the cheeks. Nonslip green shoes matter on shiny classroom floors during a parade. A plush apple or strawberry is the right weight to carry, and a cotton shirt underneath lets you peel off a layer when the hall gets warm.
4. Baby Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
For a baby, everything has to be soft and stitched flat, with nothing that can come loose and end up in a mouth. Start with a green footed onesie and sew fleece circles across the tummy. A separate red cotton cap with embroidered yellow-and-green eyes and short stuffed antennae makes the head; embroidery beats glued felt because it can't be pulled off. Leave the face bare and keep the cap loose. Built-in feet or green booties mean no hard shoes. For photos, I set the fabric leaf or plush pear beside the baby rather than in their hands, since anything held goes straight to the mouth. The round onesie already gives that segmented shape and still lets a baby crawl and sit, which is what a library session or family party needs.
5. Adult Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
Adults can wear this without looking like a mascot, as long as the felt does the work instead of padding. A fitted green sweater and straight-leg green pants are the base, with large overlapping circles across the torso in olive, lime, teal and emerald. I keep the circles bigger on adults; small ones on a grown body read as spots from across a room. A red knit hat with handmade eyes and purple antennae sits over loose hair or a low ponytail. Blend green shadow at the outer eyes, add soft pink blush, then lace up green high-tops. The canvas tote painted like a leaf, with a hole eaten through it, is the detail that tells people which caterpillar you are. Teachers, librarians and parents get a clear character they can still drive home in.
6. Very Hungry Caterpillar Dress Costume
A green dress makes a tidier costume that still moves well. I lean toward a knee-length T-shirt dress because jersey takes glue and pins without puckering much, though a sweater dress works in cold weather. Cover the front with circles that grow larger toward the hem, then add a red capelet or wide red collar for the head. Hair goes up in a high bun under a slim headband with purple antennae and felt eyes. Green liner, rosy cheeks and a brown dot on the nose keep the makeup wearable. Opaque green tights and flat green ankle boots carry the color down, and a small apple-shaped bag gives you a prop that also holds your keys. Older students and adults tend to like this one most.
7. Very Hungry Caterpillar Tutu Costume
Tulle gives the round body some bounce without any stiff structure. Start with a green leotard or fitted long-sleeve shirt and leggings, then tie a tutu from alternating strips of lime, forest and teal. Tulle strips tied onto elastic loosen with wear, so I double-knot each one and push them tight together. A row of soft felt circles down the bodice keeps it reading as the caterpillar rather than a green fairy. The head is a red headband with yellow eyes and purple antennae over a high ponytail. Add green shadow, light pink blush and a dab of brown on the nose, then green ballet flats or dance sneakers. A felt plum or orange is light enough to carry all afternoon.
8. Very Hungry Caterpillar Hoodie Costume
If the event is outdoors and chilly, I'd go straight to the hoodie. An oversized green hoodie with joggers is the base, and removable fabric circles go across the chest, sleeves and back. The hood becomes the face: flat felt eyes, a brown oval nose and short purple antennae stitched firmly at the top, because a hood gets pulled up and down all day. Hair in a low braid fits underneath. Makeup can be subtle green and rosy cheeks, or nothing at all for school. Running shoes with thick socks and a felt leaf with a bite out of it finish things. The real advantage comes afterwards: snip the circles off and it's an ordinary hoodie again.
9. Very Hungry Caterpillar Poncho Costume
A poncho slips over whatever a child already has on, which makes it handy for cold parade mornings. Cut two large ovals of green fleece, make a head opening and join the sides, leaving room for the arms. Fleece doesn't fray, so there's no hemming. Overlap light and dark green circles across it. The head is a red fleece hood or beanie with large yellow eyes, a brown nose and purple fabric antennae, with hair tucked back and a little washable green on the cheeks. Black leggings and green rain boots make a practical base, and a small basket of plush fruit is the prop. Because it's roomy, a coat can go underneath instead of on top, so the costume doesn't vanish under outerwear.
10. Cardboard Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
Cardboard suits the painted look of the book better than anything else here, since you can brush the greens on in streaky strokes like the illustrations. Wear a plain green shirt, green pants and sneakers underneath. Cut several large circles, paint them in varied greens and link them in a curved row with ribbon or brass fasteners, adding shoulder straps so it hangs like a light sandwich board. A separate red cardboard headpiece carries the yellow eyes, brown nose and purple antennae. Tape every cut edge; raw cardboard scratches arms and snags tights. It's cheap and reads well on a stage, but I wouldn't send it into a crowded hallway or out in the rain, because cardboard catches on doorframes and goes soft when wet. Tie back long hair, keep makeup to green shadow and pink cheeks, and carry a cardboard apple with a clean hole.
11. No-Sew Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
No needle needed here, only removable adhesive dots, felt and clothes from the drawer. A green sweatshirt with leggings or joggers is the base. Cut uneven circles from several shades of felt and overlap the edges so it looks hand-cut, like the book. Adhesive dots grip well on cotton sweatshirt fleece but tend to let go on slick polyester, so check the fabric label before you start. A red baseball cap with stick-on felt eyes, a brown nose and purple craft-foam antennae makes the head, with a low ponytail pulled through the back. Green eye shadow, pink cream blush, green canvas sneakers and a felt strawberry finish it. Most of it peels away after the day, and any sticky residue usually washes out.
12. Last-Minute Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
Running out of time the night before is when this approach earns its place. Put a green T-shirt over a green long-sleeve shirt and pair it with jeans or green sweatpants. Tape paper circles in several greens down the front, with painter's tape looped on the back so nothing sticks to the fabric. A red beanie with two purple pipe cleaners pushed through felt loops is the head. Leave the hair natural and use green liner with pink blush. Green or white sneakers and a drawn paper leaf glued to light cardboard finish it. Paper circles crease the moment a child sits on the carpet, so cut a few spares and tuck them in the school bag.
13. Teacher Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
A teacher has to read aloud, crouch at tables and walk the corridor in this, so I build it from work clothes. A green cardigan over a green midi dress, or a green top with black trousers, is the base. Pin removable felt circles down one side of the cardigan in a curve; it reads as the body when you turn, and you can still sit back in a chair. A red headband with small yellow eyes and neat purple antennae handles the head, with hair in a low bun. Soft green shadow and natural blush, then supportive green loafers or cushioned flats for a full day on your feet. Carry the picture book itself and a fabric apple tote for your papers. Point the safety pins down and away from where children lean in for a story.
14. Librarian Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
For a library event I'd keep it smart, so the costume works at storytime and at the desk afterwards. A forest-green sweater vest over a lime button-down, with green tailored pants or a midi skirt, carries the color. Arrange felt circles across the vest in a curved line rather than straight rows; the curve is what makes it look like a body and not a print. A red beret with purple antennae and flat yellow-and-green eyes is the head, and berets hold antennae steadier than thin headbands because the weight sits on top. A sleek low ponytail or short natural hair keeps the beret in place. Green liner, peach blush and clear gloss are plenty. Quiet loafers, a leaf-shaped bookmark and a canvas bag of plush fruit round it off.
15. Plus-Size Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
Separates are kinder than a one-piece here, because a long tunic and leggings let the fabric drape without anything pulling across the middle. A green tunic with matching leggings or wide-leg pants is the base. Set the felt circles vertically or on a diagonal; a diagonal line is flattering and still reads as segments. A cropped red cardigan or red hooded capelet becomes the head, and a purple antenna headband goes over curls, braids or an updo. Green shadow, warm blush and a small brown nose if you like. Supportive green sneakers or flat ankle boots and a crossbody apple bag keep your hands free. I pin the circles on while the tunic is being worn, because they lie differently once fabric stretches over a body.
16. Maternity Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume
The caterpillar's round segments suit a bump surprisingly well, since the belly becomes the biggest circle. A stretchy green maxi dress or soft tunic with maternity leggings is the base. Arrange felt circles around the bump and carry them up and down from there, using removable fabric tape or a few loose hand stitches so nothing stiffens the stretch. A red scarf or short capelet adds the head color at the shoulders and keeps anything tight away from the waist. A padded antenna headband over a loose braid or low bun stays comfortable for hours. Finish with green liner, pink cheeks, lip balm and supportive green walking shoes, and carry a small plush butterfly as a nod to the ending.
17. Very Hungry Caterpillar Onesie Costume
A zip-front green onesie, in adult or child size, is about as warm as costumes get. Add large fabric circles down the torso, sleeves and legs. The hood carries the face: a removable red panel, oversized felt eyes, a brown oval nose and short purple antennae. Braid or tuck hair flat so it doesn't tangle inside. Because the hood already makes the face, I keep cheek color minimal. Choose nonslip slippers indoors and sneakers outside. A plush cupcake or watermelon slice is a soft prop, and both come straight from the Saturday feast in the book. For young children, practise the zip at home first; a onesie makes toilet trips slower than parents expect.
18. Very Hungry Caterpillar Raincoat Costume
Rain on parade day happens often enough that I like having this version ready. A knee-length green raincoat is the base, and craft-foam circles go on with removable fasteners; foam shrugs off water, where felt soaks it up and droops. A red rain hood or waterproof bonnet carries laminated eyes and soft purple antennae. Two low braids stay put under the hood. Use waterproof green liner and a touch of cream blush, and skip anything heavy that will run. Green rain pants or dark leggings and green rubber boots take care of puddles, and a leaf-shaped umbrella or apple bucket gives treats somewhere to go. It stays bright on a gray afternoon and the child stays dry underneath.
19. Very Hungry Caterpillar Pajama Costume
Pajamas are the softest base you'll find, which is why I reach for them with preschoolers. Green striped pajamas or a solid green sleep set both work. Add flat fleece circles down the front with temporary fabric adhesive, keeping them thin so sitting on the carpet stays comfortable. A red sleep cap with stitched-look felt eyes and short purple antennae is the head. Hair can stay loose or go into a simple braid. A little green on the cheeks with rosy blush for photos, or a bare face. Nonslip slippers indoors, sneakers outside and a plush pear or apple to hold. Children who refuse scratchy costumes will usually wear this one without a fight.
20. Very Hungry Caterpillar And Butterfly Couple Costume
Splitting the story between two people is my favorite way to do this: one caterpillar, one butterfly. The caterpillar wears green joggers, a circle-covered green sweatshirt, a red antenna hood, green on the cheeks and green sneakers. The butterfly wears a black top and pants under large painted wings in blue, purple, yellow, red and green, with a dark headband of curled antennae, colorful eye shadow and black flats. Carry a leaf and a soft cocoon between you to fill in the middle of the story. Measure your doorways before you cut the wings; anything much wider than the shoulders will catch on every frame. Parents and children, siblings or partners all suit it.
21. Caterpillar And Apple Duo Costume
The apple is the first thing he eats, on Monday, so it's the obvious partner. The caterpillar wears a green hoodie and pants covered in overlapping felt circles, plus a red hood, purple antennae, green face accents and matching sneakers. The apple wears a red tunic over a green shirt and leggings, with a brown felt stem and green leaf on a headband. Cut a neat round bite from one side of the tunic and edge the hole with black felt so it looks like a hole and not a tear. Rosy cheeks and red sneakers finish the apple. Carry a cardboard leaf between you. It's the simplest duo here, and small children get the joke straight away.
22. Caterpillar And Strawberry Duo Costume
Strawberries come on Thursday, four of them, and they add texture the apple lacks. Dress the caterpillar in green sweats with dark and light felt circles, a red character hood, purple antennae, green eye makeup and green athletic shoes. The strawberry wears a red dress, or a red tunic with leggings, scattered with small yellow felt seeds. I cut the seeds as teardrops rather than dots, a tiny change that makes the fruit read properly. A green leaf collar and leafy headband sit over a high bun or short hair, with rosy blush, soft green shadow and red flats or sneakers. Each of you can carry a felt leaf with a bite out of it. Siblings and parent-and-child pairs suit this one.
23. Caterpillar And Cupcake Duo Costume
The cupcake comes from the Saturday binge, the day he eats far too much and gets a stomachache, which children love pointing out. The caterpillar wears green pants, a segmented green top, a red antenna cap, a little green makeup and comfy sneakers. The cupcake starts with a pleated tan or pale pink skirt that looks like a paper case, a white ruffled top scattered with felt sprinkles and a red pom-pom headband on top. Hair goes up in a high bun under it, with pastel shadow and pink blush. White tights and pink flats finish the dessert, and light cardboard food props with clean bite holes complete the pair. Two children in a book-themed group tend to have the most fun with it.
24. Very Hungry Caterpillar Family Costume
With a family, give each person a different stage so the story runs from youngest to oldest. One adult wears the full green caterpillar with the red antenna hood, and another is the butterfly in black clothes with bright fabric wings, curled antennae and multicolor makeup. A child becomes the red apple in a padded tunic with a leaf headband, rosy cheeks and red sneakers. The baby is the little egg on the leaf: a white oval bunting with a green felt leaf, a soft cap and booties. Keep props light and faces visible. Green, red and the rainbow wing colors tie the group together in photos, and nobody has to wear anything they find uncomfortable.
25. Very Hungry Caterpillar Food Group Costume
A bigger group can be the caterpillar plus his week's menu. One person wears the main costume in green segmented clothes, red headwear, purple antennae, green makeup and sneakers. Everyone else takes a fruit in tunic form, an apple, pear, plum, strawberry or orange, each with matching leggings, comfortable shoes, a leafy headband and fresh cheek color. Sew a round black felt hole into one side of every tunic so it looks as if the caterpillar has had a bite of each. If you have the numbers, match the book: one apple, two pears, three plums, four strawberries, five oranges. Tie hair back or tuck it under the headpieces. Teachers, classmates and library staff can keep adding fruit as people join.
26. Very Hungry Caterpillar Classroom Costume
This one turns a whole class into one long caterpillar, and each child only needs their own green top. Every student wears a green T-shirt or sweatshirt, dark pants, green sneakers and a large green cardboard circle on the front. Use different greens so the line looks segmented. The first child adds a red vest, red cap, purple antennae, felt eyes, rosy cheeks and a brown nose to be the head, and the last child holds a butterfly to hint at the ending. Fix the circles with two short shoulder straps or pin them to the shirt, never with a cord around the neck, and check that every arm is free. Makeup should stay optional. The children can still move on their own all day, then line up for the class photo in seconds.
27. Very Hungry Caterpillar Cocoon Costume
The cocoon is the quiet stage, and it's a good pick for a child who doesn't want bright green. A brown or tan sweatshirt with matching leggings is the base, and a lightweight textured shawl wraps around the body in overlapping layers. Pin it at the shoulders so the arms stay free; a fully wrapped child can't catch themselves if they trip. A soft brown hood goes over tucked hair, with neutral makeup, defined brows and a faint green near the eyes. Brown ankle boots or sneakers keep it earthy. The props do the explaining: a small green caterpillar on one side and a colorful fabric butterfly on the other. Without them, people tend to guess mummy.
28. Very Hungry Caterpillar Butterfly Costume
The butterfly at the end is the showpiece. A black long-sleeve top, black leggings and comfortable black shoes make the base, and oversized fabric wings carry the color in uneven patches of blue, purple, red, yellow and green, painted to look like collage. A simple black antenna headband sits over a ponytail, braids or short hair. Blend a few wing colors around the eyes and add pink blush. Wrist loops let the wearer flap the wings and keep them in check in a crowd, without wire frames that bend and poke once they're knocked. A small green caterpillar plush or a leaf bag links it back to the start of the story. Children who like to run and spin get the most from it.
29. Very Hungry Caterpillar Leaf Costume
The leaf he eats on Sunday is a clever pick for someone who wants a simple all-green costume. Cut two big leaf shapes from green felt or foam, paint on the veins and join them over the shoulders like a sandwich board. Cut a few smooth round holes along one edge for bites; I trace around a jar lid so they look deliberate. Underneath, wear a green long-sleeve shirt and leggings, with a leafy headband over loose hair or a low bun. Fresh green shadow, rosy cheeks and natural lips are enough. Add dark green sneakers or flat boots and a small plush caterpillar riding on one shoulder. On its own it's a nice leaf; standing next to someone in the classic caterpillar, everyone gets it.
30. Very Hungry Caterpillar Dog Costume
With a dog, comfort comes first and the costume a distant second. A soft green dog shirt or adjustable fabric vest is the base, with flat fleece circles sewn along the back. A red fabric panel at the collar suggests the head without covering the face. An antenna hood is fine for a quick supervised photo, but it should sit loose and come off the moment the dog shakes its head, pins its ears or tries to back out of it. No makeup at all. Leave the paws bare and clip a light felt leaf to the leash, not the dog. If your dog can still see, hear, breathe and walk normally, you've got it right.
Getting Felt Circles to Stay On Until Home Time
Most of these costumes succeed or fail on how the circles are attached, and each method has a weak spot.
- Hand stitching is the strongest. A few stitches in the center of each circle hold it and let the edges lift like scales. It's what I use for babies and toddlers.
- Fabric glue is fine on cotton sweatshirts but poor on polyester fleece and slick sports fabric, where it can peel by lunchtime. Let it cure overnight, not for an hour.
- Hot glue is quick, but it goes stiff and cracks off knit fabric when the wearer bends, and it lets go in cold air. I keep it for cardboard and foam.
- Safety pins are removable and fine for adults. For small children, I'd skip them or use them only on the back where hands can't reach.
- Iron-on adhesive web is a good middle ground for a hoodie you plan to keep, though it can leave a faint mark when you peel the felt off later.
Whatever you use, cut the circles in at least three sizes and overlap them by about a third. Gaps between circles are what make a costume look spotted instead of segmented.
Surviving a Full School Day in Felt and Antennae
A book character day is long, and the costume has to cope with things the photos never show. Check your school's dress-up rules first. Many schools ask for no face paint, no masks and nothing that has to be carried all day, so a costume that still works without its prop is the safer plan.
Then do a trial run at home. Have your child sit cross-legged, eat a snack and use the toilet in it. Onesies and jumpsuits slow down toilet trips, and young children who can't manage alone often get upset, so two-piece outfits are easier for the youngest classes.
Write your child's name inside the hood and on the prop, because a dozen red caterpillar hats look identical on a row of coat pegs. I also put the antennae on a separate headband rather than sewing them into the hat, so they can come off at lunch without losing the whole head.
A Red Head, Green Body and One Bitten Leaf
You don't need clever sewing for any of these. Green clothes, overlapping felt circles, a red headpiece, purple antennae and one bitten food or leaf will carry the character on any child or adult. For little ones, I'd stick to soft pieces that are stitched down; for adults, removable circles mean your sweater survives the day. If a group wants to go further, split the story into egg, caterpillar, fruit, cocoon and butterfly. Whichever you make, check the antenna tips, the doorways and the shoes before the big day, and the wearer will forget they're in costume at all.
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