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Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern

Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern
4.6★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
2.6K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive knitting.

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Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern

Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

With finished measurements of 25 inches in circumference and 14 inches in height, this organizer is perfectly sized for storing toys, laundry, or serving as a unique holiday stocking that will bring smiles year after year.

Why You'll Love This Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines nostalgia with practicality in the most charming way! The Yip Yips have always held a special place in my heart, and being able to recreate them as functional storage pieces brings me so much joy. I appreciate how the pattern offers both crochet and knit options, making it accessible regardless of your preferred technique. The creative use of ping pong balls and pipe cleaners for the eyes and antennae adds such a playful touch, and watching these quirky characters come to life stitch by stitch is incredibly rewarding.

Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern step 1 - construction progress Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how versatile this Yip Yip pattern really is! While the original design calls for bright, bold colors like Royal Blue or Pow Purple, I've experimented with more neutral tones like cream, gray, or soft pastels to match different home decor styles. The result is equally charming but blends beautifully with modern minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired rooms.

I've also played around with the size by working additional increase rounds at the beginning to create a larger floor basket for blanket storage, or conversely, stopping earlier for a smaller desk organizer perfect for craft supplies or office essentials. The construction method is so forgiving that it's easy to customize to your exact needs.

For a fun twist, I sometimes add embroidered details or fabric paint designs to the lining before sewing it in, which creates a delightful surprise when you peek inside. You could add stars, polka dots, or even name labels for personalized kids' storage. I've also seen makers create families of Yip Yips in graduating sizes, which looks absolutely adorable displayed together on shelves.

If you want to make the eyes even more expressive, try using different colored ping pong balls or adding eyelashes with black embroidery thread. Some crafters skip the pipe cleaners entirely and sew the eyes directly onto the head for a simpler but equally cute look, though you lose that iconic bouncy antenna effect.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not maintaining consistent tension throughout can result in a lopsided organizer that won't stand properly or hold its cylindrical shape ✗ Forgetting to leave the front loops free in Round 9 for crochet or purl bumps in Round 14 for knit makes attaching tentacles extremely difficult later ✗ Overstuffing or understuffing affects the structure significantly so aim for firm but flexible filling that maintains the shape without being rock hard ✗ Skipping the fabric lining step leaves raw edges visible and reduces durability so always complete this final step for a professional polished finish

Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern

Create your own adorable Yip Yip alien organizer inspired by beloved characters from late 20th century children's television! This versatile pattern works up as a fun storage solution perfect for holiday stockings, toy organization, or kids' laundry. With both crochet and knit versions included, you can choose your preferred technique to bring these lovable creatures to life. Featuring tentacles, googly ping pong ball eyes on pipe cleaner antennae, and a fabric lining, this project combines creativity with functionality for a truly unique handmade piece.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Yip Yip Aliens Storage Organizer Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Bernat Blanket, Blanket Brights, or Baby Blanket yarn (100% polyester, 220yds/201m per 300g skein) in color of choice
  • 02
    Colors shown: Royal Blue, Pixie Pink, Pow Purple, Baby Teal, Crimson (crochet), and Baby Lilac (knit)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    L/8mm crochet hook
  • 02
    US 10.5/6.5mm circular needle, 24 inches long
  • 03
    Stitch marker
  • 04
    Tapestry needle
  • 05
    2 ping pong balls
  • 06
    Black paint pen or permanent marker
  • 07
    2 pipe cleaners, 12 inches long
  • 08
    Awl, ice pick, or corn pick for poking holes
  • 09
    Black flannel fabric, 16 inches by 24 inches
  • 10
    Scissors
  • 11
    Sewing needle
  • 12
    Black thread

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— CROCHET BODY :

Setup :

Make a slip knot

Round 1 :

6 sc into slip knot. Place stitch marker on first st. Move marker up to first st of each new round as you work.

Round 2 :

2 sc into each st (12 sts)

Round 3 :

[Sc in next st, 2 sc in following st] to end (18 sts)

Round 4 :

[Sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in following st] to end (24 sts)

Round 5 :

[Sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in following st] to end (30 sts)

Round 6 :

[Sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in following st] to end (36 sts)

Round 7 :

[Sc in each of next 5 sts, 2 sc in following st] to end (42 sts)

Round 8 :

[Sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in following st] to end (48 sts)

Round 9 :

Sc into back loop of each st (The tentacles will be attached to the front loops of this round)

Round 10 :

Sc in each st

Rounds 11-21 :

Repeat Round 10 an additional 11 times, or until body measures 8 inches from front loops of Round 9

Row 22 [RS] :

Sc in each of next 16 sts, turn

Row 23 [WS] :

Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 27 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn (29 sts)

Row 24 :

Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 25 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn (27 sts)

Row 25 :

Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 23 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn (25 sts)

Row 26 :

Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 21 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn (23 sts)

Row 27 :

Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 19 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn (21 sts)

Row 28 :

Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 17 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn (19 sts)

Row 29 :

Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in each of next 15 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, turn (17 sts)

Round 30 :

Ch1, sc dec in next 2 sts (move marker to this st), sc in each of next 7 sts, ch12 (this will be the hanging loop), sc in each of next 6 sts, sc dec in next 2 sts, do not turn (15 sts, do not count hanging loop chain)

Round 31 :

Sc in first st of previous round (with the marker), [sc dec in next 2 sts, sc in following st] twice, sc dec in next st and first st after hanging loop chain, [sc in next st, sc dec in following 2 sts] twice (10 sts)

Round 32 :

[Sc dec in next 2 sts] 5 times (5 sts)

Finishing :

Cut yarn and tie off. Using tapestry needle, thread tail in and out of final sts and cinch closed. Join yarn at top point of mouth opening. Work 13 sc down first side of mouth, 17 sc along bottom edge of mouth, 12 sc up second side of mouth, slip st in first st of this round. Cut yarn and tie off. Weave in ends.

— KNIT BODY :

Setup :

CO 2 sts, slide to opposite end of needle, and place marker for beginning of round

Round 1 :

Kfb twice (4 sts). Redistribute sts to use magic loop method until full circumference is achieved.

Round 2 :

Kfb 4 times (8 sts)

Round 3 :

K to end

Round 4 :

Kfb 8 times (16 sts)

Round 5 :

K to end

Round 6 :

[K1, kfb] 8 times (24 sts)

Round 7 :

K to end

Round 8 :

[K2, kfb] 8 times (32 sts)

Round 9 :

K to end

Round 10 :

[K3, kfb] 8 times (40 sts)

Round 11 :

K to end

Round 12 :

[K4, kfb] 8 times (48 sts)

Round 13 :

K to end

Round 14 :

P to end (The tentacles will be attached to the purl bumps of this round)

Round 15 :

K to end

Rounds 16-48 :

Repeat Round 15 an additional 33 times, or until body measures 8 inches from purl ridge of Round 14

Short-row 49 [RS] :

K16, turn

Short-row 50 [WS] :

Sl1 wyif, p15, sm, p16, turn

Short-row 51 :

Sl1 wyib, k15, sm, k15, turn

Short-row 52 :

Sl1 wyif, p14, sm, p15, turn

Short-row 53 :

Sl1 wyib, k14, sm k14, turn

Short-row 54 :

Sl1 wyif, p13, sm, p14, turn

Short-row 55 :

Sl1 wyib, k13, sm, k13, turn

Short-row 56 :

Sl1 wyif, p12, sm, p13, turn

Short-row 57 :

Sl1 wyib, k12, sm k12, turn

Short-row 58 :

Sl1 wyif, p11, sm p12, turn

Short-row 59 :

Sl1 wyib, k11, sm, k11, turn

Short-row 60 :

Sl1 wyif, p10, sm, p11, turn

Short-row 61 :

Sl1 wyib, k10, sm, k10, turn

Short-row 62 :

Sl1 wyif, p9, sm, p10, turn

Short-row 63 :

Sl1 wyib, k9, sm, k9, turn

Short-row 64 :

Sl1 wyif, p8, sm, p9, turn

Short-row 65 :

Sl1 wyib, k8, [place last st back on left-hand needle, k1] 12 times (this will be the hanging loop), do not turn. You should now be back to the stitch marker for the beginning of round.

Round 66 :

K9, [k1, pass previous st over] 32 times (32 sts bound off), k7 (16 sts)

Round 67 :

K8, k8 from other side of bind off to close gap

Round 68 :

K7, k2tog, k7 (15 sts)

Round 69 :

K to end

Round 70 :

[K3, k2tog] 3 times (12 sts)

Round 71 :

K to end

Round 72 :

[K2, k2tog] 3 times (9 sts)

Round 73 :

K to end

Round 74 :

[K1, k2tog] 3 times (6 sts)

Finishing :

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Using tapestry needle, thread tail through final sts, cinch closed, and tie off. Weave in ends.

— TENTACLES :

Step 1 :

Cut 48 strands of yarn roughly 8-12 inches long. Variable length for the tentacles is better.

Step 2 :

Insert crochet hook upward through one of the front loops not used in Round 9 (crochet version) or the purl bumps of Round 14 (knit version)

Step 3 :

Fold a strand in half roughly. Grab the middle with your hook and pull it through.

Step 4 :

Grab both tails with hook and pull through loop

Step 5 :

Gently pull to tighten. Repeat Steps 2-5 with each strand and each front loop or purl bump around the body.

— EYES & ANTENNAE :

Step 1 :

Using a sharp implement, carefully poke a small hole in a ping pong ball. Wiggle it around to widen the hole a bit.

Step 2 :

Poke a second hole about 1/2 inch away from the first. Widen this hole as well until you can stick the tool in one hole and out the other.

Step 3 :

Feed one end of a pipe cleaner through the holes. You may have to bend the end slightly.

Step 4 :

Pull about an inch of pipe cleaner out the other side

Step 5 :

Repeat Steps 1-4 with a second ping pong ball and pipe cleaner

Step 6 :

Poke the short end of both pipe cleaners through the fabric on either side of the top of the head

Step 7 :

Twist the ends of the pipe cleaners together on the underside of the fabric

Step 8 :

Feed the long end of both pipe cleaners through the fabric near where you poked through the short ends in Step 6, but not in the exact same place

Step 9 :

Twist the ends of the pipe cleaners together a couple times on the underside of the fabric. Then feed them back up through the same holes as in Step 8.

Step 10 :

Bend antennae into desired shape

Step 11 :

Using a paint pen or permanent marker, draw pupils on each ping pong ball. A little asymmetry will give your Yip Yip that delightfully wacky expression.

— LINING :

Step 1 :

Fold lining fabric in half widthwise

Step 2 :

With the folded edge to the left, cut a 3-inch square from each of the bottom corners, cutting through both layers of fabric

Step 3 :

Measure 4 inches down from the top right corner and cut inward 4 inches through both layers. Then measure 7 inches across from the top right corner and cut downward at an angle to meet the stopping point of your previous cut.

Step 4 :

Either by hand or with a sewing machine, sew across the top flat edge, the right edge, and the bottom edge

Step 5 :

Pinch the fabric of each bottom corner so that the bottom seam meets the side seam on the right side and the bottom seam meets the original fold on the left side. Sew both corners closed.

Step 6 :

Insert the lining, with seams facing outward, into the body. Hand-sew around the mouth opening using short, straight stitches. The black thread should not be visible from the outside if you used a fluffy yarn.

Step 7 :

Hang your finished Yip Yip in a place of honor for all to admire

Assembly Instructions

  • Cut 48 strands of yarn 8-12 inches long and attach each strand to the front loops from Round 9 (crochet) or purl bumps from Round 14 (knit) using the fringe technique described in the pattern
  • Prepare ping pong ball eyes by poking two holes about 1/2 inch apart in each ball and threading pipe cleaners through to create antennae stems
  • Insert the short ends of both pipe cleaner antennae through the top of the head fabric and twist together securely on the underside
  • Feed the long ends back through nearby holes, twist again underneath, then feed back up to create stable antennae that can be bent into shape
  • Draw pupils on ping pong balls with black paint pen or permanent marker, embracing slight asymmetry for character
  • Prepare fabric lining by folding widthwise, cutting 3-inch squares from bottom corners, and creating mouth opening with angled cuts as specified
  • Sew lining edges, pinch and sew bottom corners to create box shape, then insert into body with seams facing outward and hand-sew around mouth opening with black thread

Important Notes

  • 💡The pattern includes both crochet and knit versions so choose the method you're most comfortable with
  • 💡Keep stitch markers in place throughout to track the beginning of rounds especially during the mouth shaping sections
  • 💡Don't worry about making tentacles perfectly even as variable lengths add to the authentic Yip Yip character
  • 💡When working with ping pong balls be gentle but firm when creating holes to avoid cracking them
  • 💡Use fluffy bulky yarn like Bernat Blanket to help hide the black stitching around the mouth lining
  • 💡The hanging loop can be adjusted to any length you prefer by changing the number of chains or knit stitches
  • 💡Non-fraying fabric like flannel works best for the lining and doesn't require edge finishing

This whimsical Yip Yip organizer pattern brings beloved television nostalgia into your home as a functional storage solution! Whether you choose to crochet or knit, you'll create a delightful 25-inch circumference container with playful tentacles, googly eyes, and that signature wacky expression. Perfect for toy storage, kids' laundry, or even as the most unique holiday stocking ever, this pattern combines creative construction techniques with practical everyday use. The detailed instructions guide you through every step from the circular base to the mouth opening, tentacle fringing, ping pong ball eyes, and fabric lining. 🧶 Yip yip yip yip uh-huh uh-huh! ✨

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FAQs

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

While the pattern is designed for bulky weight yarn like Bernat Blanket, you can substitute with a different weight by adjusting your hook or needle size and stitch count. Keep in mind that your finished measurements will differ significantly, and you may need more or fewer rounds to achieve the 8-inch body length.

Do I have to include the fabric lining?

The fabric lining is highly recommended as it gives the organizer structure, hides the interior, and makes it more durable for actual storage use. However, if you're making it purely as decoration, you could skip the lining, though the mouth opening may look less finished.

How do I keep the ping pong ball eyes from falling off?

Make sure to twist the pipe cleaner ends securely together on the underside of the fabric multiple times as instructed in Steps 7 and 9. The double-securing technique where you feed them through, twist, and feed back through creates a very stable attachment that won't easily pull out.

Can I make this smaller for a child's bedroom?

Yes! Simply work fewer increase rounds at the beginning to create a smaller circumference, and work fewer regular rounds to reduce the height. You'll need to adjust the mouth opening proportionally and use fewer tentacle strands around the base.

What if I don't have circular needles for the knit version?

You can use double-pointed needles (DPNs) instead, though you'll need to work with 4 or 5 DPNs to accommodate the 48-stitch circumference. The magic loop method with circular needles is recommended for ease, but DPNs work just as well once you're comfortable managing multiple needles.