Typically called amigurumi, crocheting animals is one of the exciting crochet styles where one is able to craft from a flat piece of fabric to a cute, three dimensional creature. Animals in crochet takes various forms and shapes and can therefore be ideal for even a beginner who wants to take the small steps or the large advanced crocheter who wishes to overcome the impossible looking designs.
Getting Started with Crochet Animals
Generally the making of any crochet animals includes some few very basic items:
Yarn: Pick a yarn that is different and soft so that the comfort levels while cuddling are high, cotton or acrylic blends are good examples.
Hooks: Lower hook size aids in the neatness of the work since it helps in tightening the stitches thus a stronger fabric.
Stuffing: For a toy look, one must stuffing the toy with polyester stuffing.
Stitch Markers: These have their uses in keeping track of the steps in crochet also keeping in round crochet designs amigurumi whereby there are many rounds crocheted and stitches do not have a defined end.
Beginner Level: Simple Crochet Animal Patterns
Choose animals that do not require extensive round shapes such as, spheres or cylinders. Patterns for frogs, fish, or even simple teddy bears are ideal. Concentrate on being able to do a magic ring, single crocheting and round turning.
Intermediate Level: Adding Complexity
Now that you know the basics, more advanced animals like owls or rabbits or cats. These usually require more shaping, color changes or even assembling of parts of the body like attaching limbs, ears etc. It is here that it helps to know how to crochet both in rounds and rows.
Amigurumi Very Advanced Level: In-depth Amigurumi
Less experienced crocheters take on quite advanced crocheted animals which come with complicated patterns, color changes and level of detail beyond the imitative reproduction of living beings. Projects such as dragons, elephants or multi-colored birds typically also incorporate several types of stitches along with carefully constructed forms with some embellishments like scale, horn, or feathers dutifully added. These are power pieces that take patience to work on but yield amazing outcome.
How To Achieve this?
Stick to the Instructions: Do follow written or video pattern if available.
Do practice Small Stitches: This helps to make even stitches without showing the stuffing in between.
Try Different Types of Yarn and Colors: Mixing and matching to suit one’s taste is fun and inspires creativity.
Be it for presenting to someone, embellishing, or starting her own of these, crochet animals are entertaining at any skill level.