Borderlands 2 Claptrap (CL4P-T4P) Amigurumi Pattern
High five? You’ve earned it!
It’s finally here! The pattern for my Claptrap amigurumi is an intermediate pattern not recommended for those just starting with crochet. He is made with a 3.5mm hook and reinforced with plastic canvas to keep a cornered and symmetrical shape. I used copper electrical wiring to attach his wheel and reinforce his arms. The more minor body details are painted felt glued on with fabric glue. This amigurumi is a fitting way for a fearsome minion to pay tribute to their stair-challenged master, and would be a good gift for any Borderlands/Borderlands 2 fan.
You’ll be my fearsome minion!
Borderlands 2 – Claptrap (CL4P-TP)
Claptrap side view… soooo lonely.
Yarn Used
Sunshine
White
Silver Grey
Misty Grey
This pattern was made with a 3.5mm hook going through both loops and worked in joined rounds to maintain symmetry except where stated otherwise in the instructions. I used a 3.5mm hook and a mix of Lily Sugar n’ Cream and Peaches & Cream but any worsted weight non-stretchy yarn and hook size that will achieve good tight stitches will do.
Terminology
SC = Single Crochet
HDC = Half Double Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
TC = Triple Crochet
SL ST = Slip Stitch
SK = Skip
CH = Chain
INVDEC = Invisible Decrease
INC = Increase (2 SC in one stitch)
repeat x # = do the sequence as written then repeat it again the number of times specified
Body
Start in Sunshine Yellow
CH X 7
1. SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 4, SC X 3 in same ST, work the remainder in the other side of the chains, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 4, SC X 3 in same ST; (20) join then CH X 1
2. SC, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 6, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 2, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 6, SC X 3 in same ST; SC (28) join then CH X 1
3. SC X 2, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 8, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 4, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 8, SC X 3 in same ST; SC X 2; (36) join then CH X 1
4. SC X 3, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 10, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 6, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 10, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 3; (44) join then CH X 1
5. SC X 4, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 12, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 8, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 12, SC X 3 in same ST. SC X 4; (52) join then CH X 1
6. SC X 5, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 14, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 10, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 14, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 5; (60) join then CH X 1
next round in back loop only
7. SC X 6, SK, SC X 16, SK, SC X 12, SK, SC X 16, SK, SC X 6; (56)
8. SC X 56; (56) join then CH X 1
9. SC X 56; (56) join then CH X 1
10. SC X 5, INVDEC, SC X 14, INVDEC, SC X 10, INVDEC, SC X 14, INVDEC, SC X 5; (52) join then CH X 1
switch to White
11. SC X 52; (52) join then CH X 1
12. SC X 4, INVDEC, SC X 14, INVDEC, SC X 8, INVDEC, SC X 14, INVDEC, SC X 4; (48) join then CH X 1
13. SC X 48; (48) join then CH X 1
14. SC X 48; (48) join then CH X 1
switch back to Sunshine Yellow
15. SC X 48; (48) join then CH X 1
16. SC X 4, INVDEC, SC X 12, INVDEC, SC X 8, INVDEC, SC X 12, INVDEC, SC X 4; (44) join then CH X 1
17. SC X 40; (40) join then CH X 1
18. SC X 4, INVDEC, SC X 10, INVDEC, SC X 8, INVDEC, SC X 10, INVDEC, SC X 4; (40) join then CH X 1
19. SC X 40; (40) join then CH X 1
20. SC X 3, INVDEC, SC X 10, INVDEC, SC X 6, INVDEC, SC X 10, INVDEC, SC X 3; (36) join then CH X 1
21. SC X 36; (36) join then CH X 1
22. SC X 3, INVDEC, SC X 8, INVDEC, SC X 6, INVDEC, SC X 8, INVDEC, SC X 3; (32) join then CH X 1
23. SC X 32; (32) finish off and leave a long tail to sew on bottom panel
Reinforce the inside of the body with plastic canvas.
Bottom
Sunshine Yellow (this forms the bottom of claptrap and is sewn onto the body like a lid.)
CH X 7
1. SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 4, SC X 3 in same ST, work the remainder in the other side of the chains, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 4, SC X 3 in same ST; (20) join then CH X 1
2. SC, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 6, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 2, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 6, SC X 3 in same ST; (28) join then CH X 1
3. SC X 2, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 8, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 4, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 8, SC X 3 in same ST, SC X 2; (36) finish off and leave a long tail for sewing on.
Eye Pipe
Start in Charcoal Grey
CH 2 or Magic Ring or start however you like.
1. SC X 8; join then CH X 1
2. SC X 8 on the back loop only; finish off and leave a long tail for sewing on.
Sew a blue button inside the tube. I used an 8mm button.
Body Detail
Black
CH X 42
1. SC X 10, DC X 20, TC X 7, 2 DC in next CH, HDC, SC X 2, work the remainder in the other side of the chains, SC X 2, HDC, 2 DC in next CH, TC X 7, DC X 20, SC X 10; (84)
Finish off and leave a long tail for sewing on. This piece goes from the back to the front and is sewn on before the eye.
Wheel (make 2)
Black
CH 2 or Magic Ring or start however you like.
1. SC X 8; (8) join then CH X 1
2. INC X 8; (16) join then CH X 1
3. SC, INC; repeat X 7; (24) join then CH X 1
4. SC X 24; (24) join then CH X 1
5. SC X 24; SL ST (25) finish off and leave a long tail.
Sew both pieces together at the open end to make the wheel (think like the two halves of a hamburger bun) stuff before sewing completely shut. Add detail to the wheel at the center in light grey making stitches to resemble spokes. Once finished the wheel should be attached to the body using copper wiring or pipe cleaners (ROMEX copper wire is recommended).
Arm flap (make 2)
Black
CH X 7
1. SC X 6; (6) CH X 1 and turn
2 – 6. repeat row 1
Arm Detail (make 2)
Dark Grey
CH X 20
1. DC X 19; (19)
Finish off leaving a long tail and sew to side of body before attaching the arms.
Arms (make 2)
Lighter grey
CH 2 or Magic Ring or start however you like.
1. CH X 4; (4) Work in a spiral without joining
2 – 15. repeat round 1 for rounds 2 through 15;
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing on to the body. Arms should be wired to allow them to be posed.
Hands
Dark grey
CH X 11
1. SC, DC X 6, SC X 3; (10) finish off leaving a long tail for sewing on.
Fold the hand in two (like a duck bill) before attaching to the arm and sew on.
Hello,can you tell me what you use for the antenna on top of his head Please Thank You
I used a broken bobby pin which I dipped the tip in paint.
Thank You
I know it calls for a 3.5 hook but i was wondering if you can use a bigger hook size will he come out taller i would like for him to be a little bigger then 6 inch but if not not that important i will make him 6 inch Thank You so Much for the pattern
You can get it a bit bigger that way but your stitches will also be looser which will lose some of the stuctural integrity of the doll and potentially stuffing will show through.
Thank You for getting back to me I don’t want my stitch to be to loose so I will stick with the 3.5 hook
when you do the rows, am I supposed to be going in a lcircle” like just looping or surrounding the other rows our am i supposed to go like s shape?
It depends on the piece, the body, arms and legs are worked in rounds. Some of the other pieces are worked flat.
[...] I wasn’t sure if I’d do another post about it…until I saw it. She has a Claptrap amigurumi…I know right? My husband totally wants one [...]
Thanks for your wonderful pattern
They are always great and I must say I was delighted to find a Clap Trap pattern !
Here it is and please, keep creating so awesome amigurumi patterns
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ESi2gXUEoWNm_mFJu5FRotMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
My last comment didn’t seem to go through..But i need help with the arms. I don’t understand how to do the arms. How do you chain in a circle?
I don’t understand what you are asking. The instructions dont’t call for chaining in a circle. Please detail the instructions you are having problems with and if you are asking how to start working in the round please watch one of the beginner tutorials.
I am confused on how to do the arms…
Which part of the arms? There are several parts. Please be more specific.
I am having trouble at the beginning. I get to row 3 and I do not end at the marker I placed. Could you make a video of the first few rows?
No sorry. My suggestion is add an extra stitch to get yourself to the marker and move on. Stitch count is really not a huge deal.
I’ve looked high and low, and cannot find either shade of grey anywhere, even online. I can only find those colors in acrylic which I hate using. Is there another kind of non stretchy yarn besides cotton, or a brand besides the peaches/sugar and cream that has grey? He’s too cute not to try!
Maybe try wool? Cascade 220 has many colours available. It’s much nicer to work with than acrylic. Sadly there are no kitchen cottons being made that I am aware of in the greys. I stocked up before P&C was ought out by spinrite.
I love this pattern has my hubby is a big fan of borderlands. I’m confused with steps 20, 21, 22 the total number stitches in brackets don’t add up??? HELP
Try now.
Hi! I’ve been crocheting a while, but mostly easy-intermediate patterns that basically just require yarn and a hook.
I have never had to use plastic canvas in anything before–what would you recommend? This: http://shop.hobbylobby.com/yarn-needlework/plastic-canvas/ is what I found when I did a quick search. Is that what you are referring to in this pattern? I’m trying to make this for my husband for his birthday (He’s a huge Borderlands fan and found this pattern and has been begging me to make it (O: ). I assume if that IS the correct material, I just cut it to size and kind of bend and fold it to get it up against the yarn? I’m sorry if this is kind of a basic question; like I said, I’ve never done a project as complex as this before, so I just want to have a direction to go in so I don’t end up wasting too many materials or making it more difficult than it has to be! Thanks!
You want to get 7 count plastic canvas. That is the correct kind. Usually a sheet of 7 count costs around $1. You would cut the plastic out to match the shaped of the amigurumi. For example with claptrap, you want to reinforce the top of his head so it is flat at the top and not rounded or bulgy once stuffed. So you would cut out a panel that will fit the shape of the top of his head. You would slip it in before working decreases the opening to be too small to stick the panel in. I made a panel for the top of his head, one for the front and the back of his body and two strips for the sides, then stuffed the cavity inside of the panels. This made it so he kept corners and edges and flat surfaces once stuffed. You can also use cardboard if you like and do not mind losing washability of the amigurumi.
Thanks so much for the tips!! Can’t wait to get started!
[...] Emjay Bailey at Nerdigurumi makes adorable geeky/nerdy crochet patterns, including CLAPTRAP! [...]
When you say back loop only, what does that do? Is there a difference between skip stich and decrease?
The stitches in the back loop only don’t pull the previous stitches down into a solid fabric. It permits there to be almost like a corner or edge. Hard edges don’t really work if you work them in both loops, they get really rounded out and don’t look right. Skip stitch you don’t do anything in the next stitch, decrease is taking two stitches and turning them into one. The skip is used to construct a corner. If you work two stitches with a decrease it creates a far less sharp corner and a lumpy look.
Thank you. Your skills are amazing. the only thing I could come up with and not use a pattern is a Mickey Mouse nit cap that had 3D ears on the top. I haven’t figured out how to do figures like this though. You are amazing.
I attempted to make this and ran into some issues around step 11 and 12. Every time i do it I end up with five extra stitches. When I did the math for the pattern, it didn’t add up properly either. Jump from 52 stitches to 44 didn’t add up. Could you tell me if maybe I messed something up?
Stitch count was off. Try again and see if it works out now.
Yup, works out. Thank you very much!
this is awesome :3 thanks
I linked back to your site , all your patterns are wonderful
This looks absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to make one of my own. About how big is he when completed?
Thanks!
About 6 inches tall I think.
thanks for this pattern! my boyfriend can’t wait for me to start this haha
Thanks for the awesome pattern
As always, your stuff is amazing!