When I was studying science at school, I found it really hard to remember the order of the planets in our Solar System. This book is a great way to teach kids the order of the planets from a very early age. The Solar System Book is a free crochet pattern available in this post!
The Solar System Book is made up of 12 crocheted squares with crocheted appliqués sewn onto the square. This design is a great way to learn amigurumi techniques, as the appliqués are in the round and it’s also a great way to expand on your construction skills when you join the pages together into a book.
The book is pictured with the toys from my Crochet Solar System Pattern.
The pattern is available for free in this blog post in UK terms only. For a version of the pattern in US terms, you can buy the PDF. This blog has ads so I can provide the pattern for free.
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An ad-free PDF version of the pattern in UK and US terms is available on Ravelry and Lovecrafts.
Buying the PDF version makes it easy to follow the pattern without ads and is ideal if you want to print the pattern. As a bonus, when you buy the pattern it supports my work and enables me to continue making patterns for you!
I highly recommend that you read the Essential Information and Additional Instruction sections before you read this pattern.
If you’ve already read them, and are returning to this page, then simply jump to the section you’re working on.
Intermediate
Colourwork
Crochet in the round
Magic ring
Double crochet
The yarn weight listed below is for making one book. Please note that the yarn colours listed may differ slightly from the yarn pictured.
Stylecraft Special DK (8 Py); 295 m (323 yards) per 100g; 100% acrylic
60g / 177 m / 194 yards in Black (1002)
8g / 24 m / 26 yards in Cloud Blue (1019)
5g / 15 m / 16 yards in Grey (1099)
2g / 6 m / 6 yards in Kelly Green (826)
4g / 12 m / 13 yards in Lipstick (1246) (Red)
8g / 24 m / 26 yards in Parchment (1218) (Light Brown)
4g / 12 m / 13 yards in Sunshine (1114) (Yellow)
73g / 215 m / 236 yards in White (1001)
King Cole Splash DK (8 Ply); 292 m (319 yards) per 100g; 100% acrylic
4g / 12 m / 13 yards in Frappucino (Variegated Red/Brown)
8g / 24 m / 26 yards in Sweet Dreams (Variegated yarn containing Pink / Grey / Yellow)
3 mm (US D/3)
Sewing needle to sew in ends
Scissors
Stitch marker
UK Terms
24 dc X 26 rows = 10x10cm (4x4in) using 3mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension
Each page is 9 cm x 9 cm (3.5 x 3.5in) and the spine is 9 cm by 5 cm (3.5 x 2in)
Ch: Chain
Dc: Double Crochet
Dc2tog: Double crochet two stitches together
Dc3tog: Double crochet three stitches together
Inc: Increase
Rep: Repeat
Rnd: Round
RS: Right Side
Ss: Slip stitch
WS: Wrong side
The stitch count is only indicated at the end of the round when the stitch count has changed. Stitch counts are shown like this: 12 sts
Sections to be repeated are indicated within squared brackets [ ], with the number of repeats written after.
Decreasing
When changing colour, join the new yarn on the last yarn over of the previous stitch, unless otherwise stated.
Always sew in the ends on the wrong sides of your work.
Starting in the top square, insert your hook into the middle corner chain in the right bottom corner of the square on the final round of the square border.
Then insert your hook into the corresponding corner chain on the bottom square. Yarn over and pull the thread through all loops on the hook.
Then, insert your hook into the st on the top square and then the corresponding st on the bottom square. Yarn over and then pull through all three stitches that are on the hook.
Multiple stitches worked in one stitch.
UK Terms
UK Terms
When working in rows, turn at the end of the row and then on the next row create a turning chain. For example:
Row 4: 4 dc, turn. (4 sts)
Row 5: 1 ch, 4 dc. (4 sts)
Take note of whether the turning ch counts as a st. In the example above, it does not count as a st.
When sewing the appliqués onto the squares for the book, position them in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above them.
If you prefer, you can attaching the appliqués for the Book with velcro instead of sewing them on.
Optional: Add some small stars to the pages of your book using white by simply stitching crosses on the background.
Pattern Content & Images © 2017-2023 Ruth Haydock – All Rights Reserved.
All content in this pattern is the copyright and design right of Ruth Haydock. You are not permitted to sell the written instructions or images in any way, amended or as they are. You may only print this pattern out for personal use. You are allowed to sell completed items that you have made using this pattern but you must credit me as the designer of the pattern (Ruth Haydock) and provide a link to my website, ruthhaydock.com.
![[1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc] (UK) / [1 sc, 1 ch, 1 sc] (US) into the corner](https://i0.wp.com/ruthhaydock.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Solar-System-Book-Border-Ruth-Haydock-5.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1)
Make 12 squares using Black.
Note: The 12 squares are joined at a later stage into 6 pages, which is why the word Square is used at this stage until making up.
With Black, chain 26.
Row 1(WS): Starting in 2nd ch from hook, 25 dc. Turn. 25 sts
Row 2 (RS): 1 ch, 25 dc.
Rows 3 to 26: rep row 2, 24 more times. Total of 26 rows.
Cut the yarn, fasten off and sew in the end.
With RS facing and with White, insert your hook into the top right corner, [1 ch, 1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc] into corner, 23 dc along top, [1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc] into left corner, 24 dc along left side, [1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc] into left bottom corner, 23 dc along bottom, [1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc] into right bottom corner, 24 dc along right side. SS into first dc.
Cut the yarn, fasten off and sew in the end.
The planet pattern is the standard pattern that you will use for the book. Depending on which planet you are making you will crochet fewer rounds of the standard pattern to make smaller planets. The planet are crocheted separately as appliqués that are then sewn onto the pages.
Rnd 1: With yarn indicated, working into a magic ring, 1 ch, 8 dc into the ring. 8 sts
Rnd 2: [2 dc in next st] eight times. 16 sts
Rnd 3: [1 dc, 2 dc in next st] eight times. 24sts
Rnd 4: [2 dc, 2 dc in next st] eight times. 32sts
Rnd 5: [3 dc, 2 dc in next st] eight times. 40 sts
Rnd 6: 2 dc, [2 dc in next st, 4 dc] seven times, 2 dc in next st, 2 dc. Ss into the first stitch of the rnd. 48 sts
Cut the yarn leaving a 30 cm / 12in tail for sewing the planet onto the square, fasten off, sew onto the square using the tail and sew in the end to secure.
With yarn indicated, 19 ch, ss into the 2nd ch from the hook, 16 dc, ss into the the last stitch. Cut yarn leaving a 2in tail to sew on the ring to the planet, fasten off.
Sew on the “ring” to the edge of the planet, then across the middle of the planet and onto the edge at the other side so that it looks like is a ring that goes around the planet. Cut the yarn, and sew in the end.
Use the buttons to jump to the square that you’re working on.
Rnd 1: With White, working into a magic ring, 1 ch, 5 dc into the ring. Work in a continuous spiral until told to turn. 5 sts
Rnd 2: [2 dc in next st] five times. 10 sts
Rnd 3: [1 dc, 2 dc in next st] five times. Ss into the first stitch of the rnd. Turn. 15 sts
Work in rows to create the first point in the star.
Ss from rnd 3 doesn’t count as a st. On the next row, do not dc into that st.
Row 4: 1 ch, 3 dc. Turn. 3 sts
Row 5: 1 ch, dc3tog. 1 st
Cut yarn leaving a 10 cm / 4in tail for sewing onto the square at a later stage, fasten off.
For the second point, rejoin the yarn beside the first point in the ss on rnd 3 and then rep rows 4 and 5 to make the second point in the star.
*For the next point, rejoin yarn to rnd 3, to the left of the last point just made, and then rep rows 4 and 5**
Rep from * to ** twice more to make five points on the Small Star.
After finishing the last point, cut the yarn leaving a 10 cm / 4in tail for sewing onto the square, fasten off.
Sew the Star onto the square using the tails and sew in the ends to secure.
With Sweet Dreams, use the planet pattern to make Saturn and its ring.
Sew the appliqués onto the square, positing them in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above them.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Space.
With Gold, follow rnds 1 to 4 for the planet on square 1.
At the end of rnd 4, ss into the first stitch of the rnd. Turn. 32 sts
Work in rows to make the first point in the sun.
Ss from rnd 3 doesn’t count as a st. On the next row, do not dc into that st.
Row 5: 1 ch, 4 dc. Turn. 4 sts
Row 6: 1 ch, [dc2tog] twice. Turn. 2 sts
Row 7: 1 ch, dc2tog. 1 sts
Cut the yarn leaving a 10 cm / 4in tail for sewing onto the square once all points have been made, fasten off.
For the second point, rejoin the yarn beside the first point in the ss, then rep rows 5 to 7 for the first point.
*For the next point, rejoin yarn to rnd 4, to the left of the last point of the sun just made, and then rep rows 5 to 7**
Rep from * to ** five more times to make eight points on the sun.
Cut the yarn leaving a 10 cm / 4in tail for sewing onto the square, fasten off, sew onto the square and sew in all ends to secure.
Sew the appliqué onto the square, positing it in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above it.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Sun.
With Slate, follow the pattern for the planet on square 1.
With Slate, working into a magic ring, 1 ch, 4 dc. Ss into the first stitch. 4 sts.
Cut the yarn leaving a 10 cm / 4in tail, fasten off. Sew in the tail from the magic ring.
Sew creators onto the planet in any position using the 10 cm / 4in tail and once sewn on, sew in the end to secure.
With Slate, working into a magic ring, 1 ch, 8 dc. Ss into the first stitch. 8 sts.
Cut the yarn leaving a 4in tail, fasten off. Sew in the tail from the magic ring.
Sew creators onto the planet in any position using the 4in tail and once sewn on, sew in the end to secure.
Rnd 1: With Slate, working into a magic ring, 1 ch, 6 dc. 6 sts.
Rnd 2: [2 dc in next st] six times. Ss into the first stitch. Ss into the first stitch. 12 sts.
Cut the yarn leaving a 10 cm / 4in tail, fasten off. Sew in the tail from the magic ring.
Sew creators onto the planet in any position using the 10 cm / 4in tail and once sewn on, sew in the end to secure.
Sew the appliqués onto the square, positing them in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above them.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Mercury.
With Pebble, follow the pattern for the planet on square 1 and craters on square 3.
Sew the appliqué onto the square, positing it in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above it.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Venus.
For the Earth you will be using White, Green and Blue, colour changes are in bold.
Rnd 1: With Green, working into a magic ring, 1 ch, 8 dc. 8 sts
Rnd 2: With Green, [2 dc in next st] seven times, change to Blue, 2 dc in next st. 16 sts
Rnd 3: With Blue, 1 dc, 2 dc in next st, change to Green, 1 dc, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc, change to Blue, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc, change to Green, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc, change to Blue, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc, 2 dc in next st, change to Green, 1 dc, 2 dc in next st, change to Blue, 1 dc, 2 dc in next st. 24 sts
Rnd 4: Change to Green, 2 dc, change to Blue, [2 dc in next st, 2 dc] twice, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc, change to Green, 1 dc, 2 dc in next st, change to Blue, 2 dc, 2 dc in next st, 2 dc, change to Green, [2 dc in next st, 2 dc] twice, 2 dc in next st. 32 sts
Rnd 5: With Green, 1 dc, change to Blue, 2 dc, 2 dc in next st, [3 dc, 2 dc in next st] four times, 3 dc, change to Green, 2 dc in next st, change to Blue, 1 dc, change to Green, 2 dc, 2 dc in next st, 3 dc, 2 dc in next st. 40 sts
Rnd 6: Change to Blue, 2 dc, [2 dc in next st, 4 dc] twice, 2 dc in next st, 2 dc, change to White, 2 dc, 2 dc in next st, change to Blue, [4 dc, 2 dc in next st] twice, 4 dc, change to Green, 2 dc in next st, 4 dc, 2 dc in next st, 2 dc. Ss into first stitch of the rnd. 48 sts
Cut the White and Green yarns leaving short tails, fasten off and sew in the ends. Cut the Blue yarn leaving a 30 cm / 12in tail, fasten off, sew onto the square and sew in the end to secure.
With Pebble, follow the pattern for the Medium Crater on square 3.
Cut the yarn leaving a 10 cm / 4in tail for sewing onto the square, fasten off, sew moon onto the square beside the Earth.
Sew the appliqués onto the square, positing them in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above them.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Earth.
With Red, follow the pattern for the planet on square 1 and craters on square 3.
Sew the appliqué onto the square, positing it in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above it.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Mars.
With Frappuccino, follow the pattern for the planet on square 1.
Sew the appliqué onto the square, positing it in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above it.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Jupiter.
With Sweet Dreams, follow the pattern for the planet and planet “ring” on square 1.
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Sew the appliqué onto the square, positing it in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above it.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Saturn.
With White, follow the pattern for the planet, alternate between White and Cornflower every rnd.
Sew the appliqué onto the square, positing it in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above it.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Uranus.
With Cornflower, follow the pattern for the planet.
Ring of Neptune
With White, follow the pattern for the ring on the planet pattern.
Sew the appliqué onto the square, positing it in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above it.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Neptune.
With Slate, follow the pattern for the Large Crater on square 3.
Rnd 1: With White, working into a magic ring, 1 ch, 5 dc . 5 sts
Rnd 2: [2 dc in next st] five times. 10 sts.
Rnd 3: [1 dc, 2 dc in next st] five times. 15 sts
Rnd 4: [2 dc, 2 dc in next st] five times. Ss into the first stitch of the rnd. Turn. 20 sts
Work in rows to create the first point in the star.
Ss from rnd 4 doesn’t count as a st. On the next row, do not dc into that st.
Row 5: 1 ch, 4 dc. Turn. 4 sts
Row 6: 1 ch, [dc2tog] twice. Turn. 2 sts
Row 7: 1 ch, dc2tog. Turn. 1 sts
Cut the yarn leaving a 10 cm / 4in tail for sewing onto the square at a later stage, fasten off, and sew in the end.
For the second point, rejoin the yarn beside the first point in the ss and then rep rows 5 to 7 to make the second point in the star.
*For the next point, rejoin yarn to rnd 4, to the left of the last point just made, and then rep rows 5 to 7**
Rep from * to ** twice more to make five points on the Large Star.
After finishing the last point, cut the yarn leaving a 10 cm / 4in tail for sewing onto the square, fasten off.
Sew the Star onto the square using the tails and sew in the ends to secure.
Sew the appliqués onto the square, positing them in the lower section of the square to leave room for the wording above them.
With RS facing and the rows horizontal on the square, with White, embroider on the word Pluto.
With White, make three small stars by following the Small Star pattern on square 1. Or make one Large Star and one Small Star.
Sew the appliqués onto the square.
The 12 squares now need to be joined together so that the wrong sides of the squares are no longer visible. Joining the squares makes 6 pages.
The squares that are joined together are as follows:
Page 1: Squares 1 and 2
Page 2: Squares 3 and 4
Page 3: Squares 5 and 6
Page 4: Squares 7 and 8
Page 5: Squares 9 and 10
Page 6: Squares 11 and 12.
Hold the squares for the page together with the wrong sides facing, you now have a front and back square.
With White, insert your hook into the top right corner ch space on the front page, 1 ch to secure the yarn. It’s important that you start in the top right corner.
Insert your hook into the back of the loop on the next st on the front square, then insert hook into the back of the loop of the corresponding st on the back square, yarn over and pull through all loops. There should be three loops on your hook when you pull the yarn through.
Continue joining the squares together using the slip stitch join method up to and including the left corner ch.
1 ch into the ch space, insert your hook into both corresponding stitches on the front and back squares and dc both together. Continue dc the front and back together along the left side for a total of 26 dc, up to the ch space. Do not dc into the ch space.
Starting in the ch space, slip stitch join the squares together along the bottom of the square and along the right side. Cut the yarn, fasten off and sew in the end.
To finish the book you will be crocheting along the the left side of the front cover page, then crocheting a row for the spine, then joining the next page, crocheting a row for the spine, then joining another page and continuing in this way for all pages
Row 1: To make the spine and join all the pages together, start with square 1 and rejoin White to the top left corner with a ch. Then dc along the left side of the page, working into the back of the loop to create a small ridge that makes the book spine bend. Turn. 26 sts
Dc normally from now on.
Row 2: 1 ch, 26 dc. Turn. 26 sts
Row 3: 1 ch, hold the Mercury/Venus page behind the cover page with the Sun and Mercury pages facing.
* Insert your hook into the first spine stitch and the corresponding first stitch on the next page, dc into both of these stitches to join the page to the spine. 26 dc. Turn.
Row 4: 1 ch, 26 dc. **
Hold the Earth/Mars page behind the one you just worked, with Venus and Earth facing, then rep from * to **
Hold the Jupiter/Saturn page behind the one you just worked, with Mars and Jupiter facing, then rep from * to **
Hold the Uranus/Neptune page behind the one you just worked, with Saturn and Uranus facing, then rep from * to **
Join the final page with Pluto on it. For this final row you need to insert your hook into the spine stitch as normal and then insert the hook into the front loop only on the Pluto page to make a final ridge for the spine, then dc together. Continue in this way along the row to join. 24 sts.
At the end of the row all your pages are now joined, cut the yarn, fasten off and sew in the end. Sew in the end and any other ends you find.
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