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How to Make Clothespin Caterpillars: A Super Easy and Fun Craft for Kids!

Clothespin caterpillars are an adorable and creative craft for your little ones. They are a perfect activity for kids of all ages! Armed with just a few supplies, this craft offers endless fun and a chance to bond with your child while letting their imagination run wild.

If your kids love colorful crafts or cute little creatures, they’ll be absolutely charmed by these playful pom-pom caterpillars. Trust me, the process is just as fun as the final result. And the best part? It’s quick, affordable, and mess-free (well… mostly)!

how to make clothespin caterpillars

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Why Clothespin Caterpillars?

This little craft is a favorite in our home. Last week, my daughter and I spent the afternoon making a fresh batch of these little cuties, and they’ve taken over our house in the most delightful way. She calls them her “pom-pom babies,” and not a day goes by that I’m not discovering stray pom-poms hidden in odd places. (Yes, under the couch and inside her dollhouse!)

Whether you want a fun rainy-day activity or a creative project for birthday parties or playdates, clothespin caterpillars are a guaranteed hit.

Why This Craft is a Favorite

This project isn’t just about the end result—it’s the experience of creating together that really matters. My daughter was so proud of the caterpillars she created all by herself, from picking the colors to carefully placing each pom-pom. And when they were done? Instant imagination overload! She had “Mr. Rainbow” and “Fluffy the Green Friend” crawling around our living room for hours.

Plus, I love how this simple craft nurtures her creativity, fine motor skills, and independence. It’s a win for kids and parents!

Tips for Success

  • Be Patient with the Drying Process: Kids are often eager to play with their creations right away, but letting the glue fully dry helps ensure that the pom-poms stay in place.
  • Start with Larger Googly Eyes: Tiny googly eyes can be tricky for little hands. Starting with larger ones makes the process easier and more kid-friendly!
  • Use Tweezers for Younger Kids: If your toddler struggles to grab small pieces, tweak the process by giving them child-safe tweezers to place the pom-poms or googly eyes.

Where to Display Them

Once your crafts are complete, show off your little one’s hard work!

  • Clip them onto your houseplants—instant garden fun!
  • Attach them to your child’s school bag for a custom accessory.
  • Use them as refrigerator magnets.

Now, let’s get started! Here’s everything you need to know to make your own.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before diving in, gather these simple supplies—you likely already have most of them at home!

materials needed to make clothespin caterpillars
  • Clothespins
  • Pom-poms (assorted colors and sizes)
  • Elmer’s Glue or any other kid-friendly glue
  • Googly Eyes

That’s it! You don’t need anything fancy, which keeps this craft super budget-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Set up your crafting space before the fun begins. I recommend laying out some newspaper or a crafting mat to make cleanup easier, especially since glue can sometimes make its way onto your table. (Been there!)

Step 2: Squeeze the Glue

Hand your child a bottle of Elmer’s Glue and watch their face light up. Kids love doing this part! If you’re working with younger children, you may need to squeeze the glue onto the clothespin for them.

Pro tip: Apply a thin but even layer of glue along the clothespin. It doesn’t need to be too much—just enough for the pom-poms to stick.

Step 3: Add the Pom-Poms

Now, the fun begins! Hand your child a selection of colorful pom-poms and encourage them to get creative. They can pick colors to form stripes, gradients, or totally random combinations. My daughter decided her caterpillar needed to be rainbow-colored!

Press the pom-poms onto the glue and hold them for a few seconds to make sure they stay in place.

Step 4: Attach the Googly Eyes

The googly eyes are the finishing touch that brings your caterpillar to life. A small dab of glue works perfectly to attach the eyes to the “face” (a.k.a. the end of the clothespin).

Optional tip for older kids or parents who want to get fancy: Use a piece of pipe cleaner to make tiny antennae for your caterpillar. Just glue them near the googly eyes for extra flair.

Add Personal Touches for Extra Fun!

Here are a few easy ways to personalize your clothespin caterpillars and take the fun to the next level:

  • Glitter Glam: Add a dusting of glitter to the pom-poms before the glue dries for a sparkly touch.
  • Mini Paint Makeover: Paint the clothespins with your child’s favorite color before adding the pom-poms. Acrylic paint works well and dries quickly!
  • Wings and More: Use construction paper to give your caterpillars butterfly wings or to create a tiny environment for them to live in.
clothespin caterpillars

Why We Love Clothespin Crafts

Crafting doesn’t always have to involve elaborate plans, expensive supplies, or one-time kits. Clothespin caterpillars are affordable, simple enough for any age group, and endlessly customizable. They’re just the right combination of engaging and hands-on, making them the perfect no-stress activity to bring smiles to your little ones.

Have you made clothespin caterpillars before? Or planning to try it after reading this? I’d love to hear how your creations turned out!

Have fun!

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54 Comments

  1. Shreya @ The Creatives Hour says:

    Wow!! Such a simple and fun pom pom craft to do with kids! I love how amazing the caterpillars look. This one’s sure to excite the kids!

  2. Those are so adorable! I love crafts that are cute and easy to make, thanks for sharing.

  3. These are simply adorable!! This is being featured today at {Junk in their Trunk}…thanks for linking up!

  4. The Monko says:

    these are so cute I have to make some for my son. So simple but adorable

  5. We made these in class on Monday after reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Then we pinned it to a toilet paper roll and wrapped yarn around it for a chrysalis on Wednesday. The students colored some coffee filters for the butterfly wings, and I'll add them to the pins this coming Monday. They'll be so excited to see the butterflies!

  6. Carrie @ My Favorite Finds says:

    Those are super adorable! THey remind me of a fun Sunday School or VBS craft from my childhood. Thanks for sharing at Handmade Tuesdays!

  7. Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE says:

    Super cute!
    You'll be getting a Sticker from me soon!

  8. Oh my word…these are too cute! My kids would love to make these, too. 🙂