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Ravelry: June
Flickrlemmings!
Okay, I can’t spin out the suspense any longer – I have to show you what I’ve made… It seems like there are a lot of Mario or PacMan inspired crafts going on at the moment, but I can’t imagine why nobody has thought to make these before: amigurumi Lemmings!
Gamers of the ’90s probably remember the classic Lemmings video game franchise – those hapless green-haired troops who followed each other in a line and would walk straight off a cliff to their doom if you didn’t create a path to safety for them. It was an original and engaging puzzle/strategy game with really cute music. I used to love playing it on my cousins’ Amiga, and later the tiny black-and-white version on my original GameBoy.
The way to play the game was to assign skills to some of the many lemmings in order to help as many as possible to safely navigate their surroundings and make it through each level. There were 9 different skills:
- Walker: The basic model lemming. Walks and walks until he hits a wall or falls off a cliff
- Blocker: Stops other lemmings from passing
- Miner: Digs a tunnel with his trusty pickaxe
- Floater: Falls from any height without damage thanks to his handy umbrella
- Builder: Builds a bridge using the boards he carries in his backpack
There were also Digger, Climber, Basher & Bomber lemmings, but I didn’t make those because they didn’t have any interesting props.
Please click through to see the full-size image – it looks so much better that way!
I crocheted all the Lemmings using my free Mop Top Mascots pattern, and I improvised their accessories to make them into the appropriate lemming. I crocheted around floral wire to make the pickaxe and umbrella handle, and I made a little stand for Builder’s bridge out of black polymer clay (a crocheted bridge isn’t stiff enough to support a lemming!). I also made a stand out of floral wire for Floater (you can see the base of it in the group shot), so he really does hang in the air.
Click through to see the full-size image
It was such a fun project. My favourite parts to make were the umbrella and the builder’s backpack – tiny accessories are just so cute!
Retro-game geek June signing off… Please leave me a comment if you like my Lemmings!
ETA: Just to make it clear, if you’d like to make your own lemmings, the basic lemming body uses my Mop Top Mascots pattern, and you can improvise your own accessories for them!
ETA: Bowing to pressure, I’ve added details for how I made the accessories in the next post…
ETA: If you are interested in commissioning any lemmings from me, please see this post!
Hi, I'm 
Mandi Said,
February 23, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
*GASP* Oh my GOSH those are fantastic!!
Christy DeKoning Said,
February 23, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
June these are to die for.
I love the blocker.
I have no idea what Lemmings are (being not so video-game-savvy) but I just want to play with them all. Makes me wish there was a top to my iMac lol (for displaying funky things like this)
christy
Josefin Said,
February 23, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
Not sure if I have played lemmings or not, since I know I have played other games with the same name…
Anyway, they are so great! I really like the one with the umbrella! Well done!
Allie Said,
February 23, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
Oh my god! this brings back such memories! I remember playing lemmings on my brother’s sega. It was the only game I could actually beat. I love them. I’m going to have to make some and send them to my brother. Great idea, better than Mario!
Misty Said,
February 23, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
I love your lemmings! I have never seen the game but it sounds like so much fun. I always love seeing the things that inspire you…you have such a talent for creating fantastic amigurumi!
eve Said,
February 23, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
Lemmings yay! I forgot all about them!! Are you going to sell the patterns? I might have to dust off my crochet needles for these babies…
Glenda Said,
February 23, 2009 @ 10:18 pm
OMG! I wasted sooooo much time playing Lemmings! My daughter and I used to argue over who was going to play each evening! Now I’ll have to spend my evenings crocheting them! They are great! The attitudes are perfect!
Rachel Said,
February 23, 2009 @ 11:54 pm
Check out http://www.consoleclassix.com and you canplay all those great old games on your computer!
Puglette Said,
February 24, 2009 @ 12:07 am
oh my, June those are perfect! My hubby and I got a chuckle out of these…he and our daughter used to spend hours playing lemmings…I was not very good at the game but I always thought they were so cute!
)
hugs,
puglette
Camelama Said,
February 24, 2009 @ 12:19 am
Oh. My. God. My friends and I played this so much! I love it!
Krista Said,
February 24, 2009 @ 12:24 am
I don’t believe what I’m seeing. Lemmings?! I idolized these little guys as a child! I spend, goodness… HOURS on the computer saving my lemmings from a certain doom. They are just as I remember them; long-snouted, fuzzy-haired, blue sack-bodied critters with umbrellas and steps! I will be making these. You have officially made my day. Quite officially.
…wait. Will I be making these? Do you plan on sharing…? Pleeeaaaase?
Annkari Said,
February 24, 2009 @ 3:20 am
When I showed your Mop Top Mascots pattern to my husband yesterday, he immediately exclaimed: “Lemmings!”
Thanks for the cute pattern!
Maya Said,
February 24, 2009 @ 4:26 am
OMG, these are made of win.
One used to be able to play Lemmings online … if you google ‘DHTML Lemmings’ you might still find it is up?
Jana Said,
February 24, 2009 @ 8:05 am
Awesome! to cute for words! I agree the accessories are more than half the fun! Can’t wait to make some of my own!
Ruhammie Said,
February 24, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
I remember playing lemmings ALL THE TIME!! These are AWESOME!!! I SO need to make one for my mom and brother, we were all addicted. Thanks for sharing such a creative idea!
Tomer Said,
February 24, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
Absolutely amazing!
Kristen Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 12:56 am
Hi June,
I totally love this pattern. I already made a little lemming! My boyfriend and his family are big video game fans and ever since I showed him my finished lemming he has start to play the free online lemmings game which he said reminds him of the old days when he used to play it as a child. I am considering making him a big gang of them and was wondering if you’d consider sharing your patterns for the back bag, umbrella, and pick. I’m not sure how you switched colors to make the umbrella. Thanks so much for the help and thanks for sharing this cute pattern.
Aveen Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 3:13 am
These are the coolest thing I’ve seen in years! Great idea. If I can find some green fluffy yarn for the hair I’ll have to make myself a pet lemming.
danielle Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 9:19 am
I love lemmings! I really miss playing the game, too (though in other comments, online lemmings was mentioned, so maybe…)
PlanetJune » oh no! more lemmings Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 11:43 am
[...] PlanetJune previous post: lemmings! [...]
June Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 11:52 am
Thank you, guys! Check my next post for more details of how I made the accessories…
melissa Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
I Love, Love, Love these! So cute!!!! (I used to play and play this game…)
Redd Said,
February 25, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
OMG!
These are SO freaking adorable!
I must find that green yarn!!
nimoloth Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 2:27 am
Genius! I love Lemmings! Between you and Roman Sock, I have got to learn to crochet!
Meg Said,
February 26, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
I just saw these on Craftster and said OH MY GOD. You have no idea how much I wish I knew how to crochet now. I seriously would BUY a set from you, this used to be a favorite game of mine. I always thought they were so cute. If you ever would consider selling a set, please please please contact me.
Jo Said,
March 6, 2009 @ 3:49 am
I used to play the computer games too. The lemmings are so cute. This post makes me want to create some of my own to display or to give away as gifts
Amigurumi Lemmings — Sprite Stitch Said,
March 13, 2009 @ 10:01 am
[...] the lemmings are starting to make an appearance on the crafting scene…June sent in these sweet crocheted amigurumi lemmings. interested in making your own? she’s got [...]
Oh No! More Lemmings… » Katein’s Video Game Classics Said,
March 27, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
[...] detailgetreu nachzubilden. Fotos seiner selfmade Lemmingkollektion finden sich auf seiner Website. Zu den insgesamt fünf erstellen Figuren zählen der Walker, der Builder, der Floater, der Blocker [...]
Ozzer Said,
April 14, 2009 @ 10:29 am
Simply fantastic
Ruth Said,
May 19, 2009 @ 9:46 am
Absolutely adorable.
Great interpretation of the little creatures, love their hair! and the colors you chose. Imaginative accessories!
Congratulations, they are winners!!
jajdks Said,
June 9, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
how can i play lemmings i really want to play
June Said,
June 9, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
jajdks, you can play a port of the original Lemmings game online here or here
technabob Said,
July 21, 2009 @ 11:27 pm
lemmings get crocheted!…
I know we give Mario, Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Sonic plenty of geek craft love around here, but do you guys remember a little video game called Lemmings? I think I must have spent a million and one hours playing this game, despite the fact the conce…
pigliapost Said,
July 22, 2009 @ 10:58 pm
Awesome!
Tyler Wagner Said,
July 24, 2009 @ 4:36 am
Hi! These are awesome! I organise a Lemmings theme camp for a burning-man-type festival in Spain. A night-time shot of our shade structure (inspired by the exit door with torches):
http://www.tolaris.com/gallery/Nowhere_2007_event/tyler3623
You can see one of us in the background, with blue jumpsuit and green hair.
Unfortunately, none of us have crochet experience, but we’re willing to pay for yours. Are you interested in making more and selling them? I would love a complete set for our camp.
Jenny Said,
July 24, 2009 @ 7:55 am
Brilliant!
June Said,
July 24, 2009 @ 7:58 am
Tyler: I’ve emailed you
PlanetJune by June Gilbank » lemmings! | Spacemadness Said,
July 24, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
[...] PlanetJune by June Gilbank » lemmings!. Share and Enjoy: [...]
Lemmings get the stuffed toy treatment Said,
July 24, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
[...] out the Planet June blog for [...]
YAHUUU! « Nerd Pride Said,
July 24, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
[...] By thecapricorntm Secondo voi esplodono a [...]
Default Prime » Blog Archive » Wool Lemmings have never been Cuter Said,
July 24, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
[...] were cute at first, but now just look at them. I mean, they’re in wool! These were just made for fun and as an experiement to mess around, so odds are the only way [...]
Joliie Said,
July 25, 2009 @ 4:10 am
Bloody brilliant
the expression is just great, leeets go!
Abby Said,
July 25, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Those are so adorable!
Knitted Lemmings Exhibit Sheeplike Behaviour | Kotaku Australia Said,
July 25, 2009 @ 10:01 pm
[...] seen on Planet June, via Offworld. [...]
Jen Said,
July 26, 2009 @ 1:42 pm
Very cute. I’d forgotten about that game, it was fun! Thanks for the reminder!
MMORPG Info Said,
July 26, 2009 @ 8:37 pm
[...] originals are on PlanetJune and I was really excited to find out she has a shop! But she’s selling the crochet pattern, [...]
Taymar Said,
July 26, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
I’ve blogged begging my readers to make me these
lemmings | Said,
July 27, 2009 @ 3:45 am
[...] Planet June Bookmark to Gamer [...]
Lemmings, Lã… « Less Words More Action! Said,
July 27, 2009 @ 5:05 am
[...] É preciso dizer mais? [...]
Shadee Said,
July 27, 2009 @ 8:35 am
Ok these are just amazing
It doesn’t just sort of look like them, they’re spot on.
Awesome creative way to bring back some nostalgia. Great work!
PlanetJune by June Gilbank » lemmings on demand Said,
July 27, 2009 @ 8:41 am
[...] someone in the gaming/tech world discovered my amigurumi lemmings last week, and there’s been an explosion of interest and blog posts featuring them ever [...]
meneame.net Said,
July 27, 2009 @ 8:54 am
Lemmings… ¡de ganchillo!…
Lemming caminante, bloqueador, minero, paracaidista, constructor de escaleras… ¡de ganchillo!…
THE ARCADES» Blogarchiv » Gehäckelte Lemmings Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 4:14 am
[...] Link (via) [...]
Cadeaux geeks : les Lemmings | LostInBrittany - Le blog d'Horacio Gonzalez Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
[...] jour je suis tombé, presque par hasard, sur des amigurumi1 lemmings (que j’hésite à qualifier comme comble de geekitude mignone ou comble de [...]
vian Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
These are absolutely, adorably, nostalgically inspired! Off to buy yarn now. I might even attempt a bomber with a number above its head. (“Oh no!”)
Crochet + Lemmings = Win | Team Teabag! - Home of the Latest Gaming, Technology, and Gadget News, Reviews, and Previews. Said,
July 31, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
[...] on over to Planet June for the [...]
randomlinkage » Retro Crochet Corner Said,
August 1, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
[...] crochet items for their new-found minions. Alas this won’t happen but we have the plans from Planet June so Mr Trench and I are in for some scintillating evenings of red hot crochet action. My needle is [...]
Hurt Me Plenty: Middle-brow gaming culture. Said,
August 3, 2009 @ 6:59 pm
[...] of 5 wool lemmings. [src] No [...]
Links I like: Week 9, 2009 | 73% geek, the rest is girly-bits Said,
August 6, 2009 @ 7:54 am
[...] Lemmings! A fantastically cool, pattern for making amigurumi lemmings. If you click on that link and *don’t* expect little green-haired dudes in blue dresses, don’t come running to me. You are obviously sorely lacking in basic 90’s gaming knowledge. I think my favourite is the floater, he is seriously cute with that umbrella. [...]
Kultig: Gestrickte Lemminge | GamerGadgets Said,
August 7, 2009 @ 1:25 am
[...] aber selbstmörderischen Tierchen nicht kennt, hat in den 90ern geschlafen. Leider sind die Lemmings! von PlanetJune nicht [...]
Angelica Bays Said,
August 10, 2009 @ 11:44 am
Hey June!!
i don’t know how i got onto this page, but i’m glad I did. I’ve been trying to figure out how I’m going tofashion ami eyeglasses for a custom order…
Floral wire! Genius! Thanks so much for the tip!
Walt Snider Said,
August 13, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
I’d love to buy the builder!
www.pinoyscoop.com Said,
August 14, 2009 @ 12:14 am
PlanetJune by June Gilbank » Lemmings!…
Remember Lemmings game?…
Kore Geek 33 – Zombie Deathstar | Kore New Media's Podcast Show Notes Said,
August 22, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
[...] Links: Pixelated Building LEGO Table Foosball Table Top PlanetJune’s Lemmings! Star Wars: Death Troopers (Hardcover) A Day in the Extra Life LaCie iamakey 8 GB USB 2.0 Flash [...]
JS Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:25 am
Thought you might be interested to know that HUNDREDS of these little critters are now doing all sorts of Lemming’y things around the information technology building of Helsinki University of Technology.
Elaborate practical jokes are a tradition in Finnish technology schools, and the girls crafts club of HUT IT students has apparently been crocheting these things for FIVE MONTHS in secret… best pics I’ve seen of the prank are at http://idis.1g.fi/kuvat/Lemmings/ and blog of the conspirators chronicling the planning of the “strike” at http://virkut.blogspot.com/ (but it’s all in Finnish)
PlanetJune by June Gilbank » lemming invasion! Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 10:38 am
[...] this is just too cool not to share: JS left me a comment on my original lemmings post to tell me about a project planned and executed to perfection by the [...]
Brooke Condolora » Make Month: Day 5 Said,
October 5, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
[...] can make your own, but be sure to keep some blocks handy. I can’t seem to keep Psyg away from dropoffs… [...]
Shaun Said,
October 28, 2009 @ 8:29 am
My gran’s made some a bit like yours – I persuaded her to try them! They’ve come out quite well, I think: http://www.shauncampbell.co.uk/blog/?p=15
Ariel Said,
November 7, 2009 @ 10:28 am
Do you sell those? I would really love to buy a set from u!!
Contact me on tota5forever@gmail.com if interested
Lemminge zum Selbermachen! « nonstyler Said,
November 30, 2009 @ 5:30 pm
[...] um ein Renner zu werden, das Merchandising ist wohl anderer Meinung gewesen. Aber June Gilbank von PlanetJune hat es nun [...]
PopoZero Said,
March 25, 2010 @ 6:34 am
They are sooooo cute…
Brings me far in the past ooohhh yes…
I just visit “nerdigurumi blog” and i am so happy i am not the only one in the world who love old (and less old) games and amigurumi,so why not marry them together…
Your lemmings are the cutest thing for a geek-birthday, i think.
<3
judy Said,
April 7, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
I enjoyed seeing this on stumbleupon and reading all the other comments that were left
Things I covet: Amigurumi Lemmings « a stitch in lime Said,
April 19, 2010 @ 10:53 pm
[...] after posting the other day about the Shrinky Dinks rings she made) really caught my eye. Why? She made freaking LEMMINGS. Does anyone remember Lemmings? It was probably one of my earliest video/computer game [...]
-STR/+CHA » Blog Archive » Spelnördig amigurumi-virkning Said,
April 25, 2010 @ 3:40 pm
[...] är en spelserie som många minns med värme i bröstet. June Gilbank har skapat de här jättefina virkade Lemmingsarna. Hon är dessutom generös och delar med sig av [...]
Link party no 12 – Amigurumis « Husflit Said,
June 16, 2010 @ 7:44 am
[...] little white ”troll” – from PlanetJune - pattern in [...]
Oh No! More Lemmings… | NTgamer Said,
December 19, 2010 @ 5:33 am
[...] detailgetreu nachzubilden. Fotos seiner selfmade Lemmingkollektion finden sich auf seiner Website. Zu den insgesamt fünf erstellen Figuren zählen der Walker, der Builder, der Floater, der Blocker [...]
Wednesday Geek Craft #1: Crochet Lemmings! « TacoMagic's Random Insanity Said,
May 4, 2011 @ 8:57 am
[...] week it’s PlanetJune’s (The talented June Gilbank’s blog) Lemmings! pattern. Also known as the Mop Top Mascot pattern as linked on the Lemmings page. Onward to [...]
Tania Said,
September 27, 2011 @ 8:01 am
Wow, these are amazing! And I love the way you photographed them. I realize I’m commenting on an old post, but just had to!
Curious Woolly Things: 1. Video Games Said,
May 14, 2012 @ 5:58 am
[...] A woollen version of the early-1990s classic Lemmings. Here we can see the Miner, the Walker, the Builder, the Blocker, and my own personal favourite, the Floater. Have also seen a knitted ‘Bomber’ Lemming, which is basically one of these broken up into pieces/scattered limbs (nice!). Get the pattern for these fully intact Lemmings from June Gilbank at Planet June. [...]