The Muppets and their friends on Sesame Street have a permanent place in most of our hearts. The shows, the movies, the characters, they’ve been around for over 30 years now, and they show no signs of stopping. I grew up watching both The Muppet Show and Sesame Street, and I’m glad they’re still around for my kids to enjoy. There are some amazing free patterns out there featuring the characters in both knit and crochet, so let’s take a look!
- Jim Henson Muppet Charts (knit) – These nine charts stand alone or combine to make an amazing blanket. Absolutely awesome! I want one to cuddle up with for movie night.
- Muppet Glasses Holder (crochet) – I made my dad the Professor Honeydew version for Christmas a few years ago, and it was a huge hit! The one I made is below, but the Animal version made by Funkynitter on Ravelry blows my mind! It does run a little small, so I recommend making the “head” a bit bigger if you aren’t adding a lot of embellishments. Or make it just a bit smaller for kids!
Yip Yip Alien (crochet) – These guys may not have been main characters, but anyone who’s seen them has never forgotten them! Basically a tube with eyes and a bunch of simple tentacles, they are sure to bring a smile to any Muppet lover’s face! Also a chorus of “yipyipyipyipyipyipyip…” 
- Slimey (knit) – Slimey the Worm is Oscar’s pet on Sesame Street and definitely the cutest worm I’ve ever seen. This puppet is adorable both felted and un-felted, and as a bonus this pattern comes some great felting tips if you want to try it.
- Muppet Skin Mitts (crochet) – More of an homage than a specific Muppet pattern, these fun mitts definitely bring this cultural reference to life! If you’ve ever thought a yarn or a carpet or blanket looked like “someone skinned a Muppet,” then I think you’ll get a kick out of these. And they look mighty warm too! This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download.
- Elmo (crochet) – Arguably one of the most famous of Jim Henson’s Muppets these days, Elmo is so well beloved by the younger set that I couldn’t resist including him here. This free Elmo pattern is the best crocheted one I’ve seen!
- Elmo (knit) – It’s only fair to offer a knit version for this famous little 3 1/2 year old, and this one is free and super adorable as well! Best of all, you’ll also find Cookie Monster here, and a bunch of other great characters!
- Frog Puppet (crochet) – This one isn’t labeled as Kermit, but I know I see it – it’s the eyes! This is a fun, functional puppet that’s ready for it’s rendition of The Rainbow Connection.
- Make Your Own Muppet Hats (crochet) – This crocheter has designed a whole bunch of Sesame Street themed beanies, but best of all she’s described how to make all the parts – eyes, mouths, noses, feathers, etc. With all these bits and the basic beanie pattern, you can assembly any character you like, in a wide variety of sizes!
- Oscar (knit) – Possibly the very best use for eyelash yarn ever invented, Oscar comes to life complete with trash can in this fun pattern. Love!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of free Muppet and Sesame Street patterns! Jim Henson’s creations continue to delight and inspire, and with any luck you’ve found some inspiration right here today!
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Dorothy Szepesi says
Has anyone mentioned anything to you about possible copyright violation/infringement?
moogly says
No, but then they aren’t my patterns, and I’m not reprinting them, just linking. If someone asked to be removed from the list I would do that. There are a lot of for-pay patterns with the muppets and sesame street that do concern me in terms of copyright, but these are all free, so from what I understand there are fewer concerns. I am aware that rules are different in different countries.
Laura says
Thanks for these awesome ideas! I am thinking of making the crocheted Elmo for my son. When I was exploring the pattern and the website that it is on, I noticed that the woman if from England. Would you know if the pattern is writing in US terms or English terms?
Thank you!
(I put your chevron wrap on my list on Ravelry….can’t wait to make it!)
Laura
moogly says
Laura, looking at the pattern and the photo, it looks to me like it’s written in US terms. She says to sc each round, and it looks like sc in the photo. (If it were UK terms, the instructions would say to dc meaning a US sc.) Hope that helps!
Glad you like the wrap too! 😀
Laura says
I looked a little closer at the pattern and pictures and agree with you! The UK patterns I’ve seen usually state that they are written in UK versus US terms.
Thanks so much!
Laura
Ellisen says
Thank you thank you for some very sweet patterns. Love the new Elmo!
Joyce says
I have attempted to crochet Elmo however the white stuffing shows through the stitches. can you give me suggestion of what type of yarn to use.. thanks so much
moogly says
Joyce, it sounds like a thicker, fluffier yarn or a smaller hook would help!
Maggie says
Hi, just to let everyone know. The crocheted Elmo doll has been moved to http://maggie-makes-stuff.blogspot.co.uk/2008/10/elmo-pattern-yay.html?m=1 and I write my patterns in US terms (because it makes more sense to me).
Happy Stitching Everyone!
moogly says
Thank you for the update Maggie!
neida says
nice patterns
Robin says
As the designer of the muppet blanket I’m totally cool with you sharing my free pattern! I think it’s awesome! (In reference to the first comment) Thanks!!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 You’re very welcome – and thank you!
isobel gibbons says
I believer there was a version of the elmo pattern that was not knit in the round. Does anyone have it for me. I cant knit in the round thanks a lot. Isobel in England
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Isobel! I think this might be the one: http://thevenomousshrimp.blogspot.com/2013/09/elmo-plushie.html
isobel gibbons says
Thank you very much. I will give it a go Thanks again Isobel
Marrie says
Je te jure, ce sont littéralement adorable! ♥
Sharon Jacobs says
Thanks for the great elmo crocheted pattern. I have been searching for the old sesame street character graph patterns that Mary Maxim used to have. Do you have any ideas for me? Thanks for your help, Sharon
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Sharon! I haven’t been able to find much, from what I can tell it’s a discontinued pattern booklet from the 1970s. In this case your best bet is ebay or etsy!
trudy boone says
I have made elmo and cookie monster they are adorable. What I need is a free crochet pattern for bert. I work with special needs children and they love bert and ernie.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Trudy! There’s this one, but it isn’t free I’m afraid: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amigurumi-ernie-and-bert
Teresa Oliver says
My 3 year old grandson adores Red the “Virgin” knitted puppet (from Tiddlers TV) . I have searched for a knitting pattern for Red but alas I have had no luck. Can you help? – perhaps another pattern similar to Red that I could adapt? I would be so grateful if you can help or point me in a right direction. Many thanks.
Tamara Kelly says
I’m sorry Teresa, I’m not having any luck!
teresa Oliver says
Thank you for trying to get a pattern for “Tddlers” puppet.
Joy says
Been looking for the swedish chef from the Muppets
My son is a pastry chef and his 40th birthday is coming up and would love to make him the swedish chef doll….can’t find one would really appreciate ideas or insite to making one……..will have to end up free handing one lmao due to I’m so great at it again lmao
Hope you can help me love to all
Joy
Tamara Kelly says
Alas, this is the only chef puppet I was able to find: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chef-amigurumi-finger-puppet Good luck in your search!