Crochenit Easy Cuddly Critters

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· 12 ratings · 10 reviews

Start your review of Cuddly Crochet Critters: 26 Animal Patterns

This is a crochet book that you learn how to crochet oversized stuffed pillow pal animals. She lists the tools needed to complete the 26 pillow pals, and where to find them. All of the patterns call for chunky Bernat blanket yarn. Each animal uses the same basic body shape. Different animals require different colors and body parts. She even has an instructional section if you need to learn a crochet technique. The animals are very cute, and sure to please children. The patterns are easy to follo This is a crochet book that you learn how to crochet oversized stuffed pillow pal animals. She lists the tools needed to complete the 26 pillow pals, and where to find them. All of the patterns call for chunky Bernat blanket yarn. Each animal uses the same basic body shape. Different animals require different colors and body parts. She even has an instructional section if you need to learn a crochet technique. The animals are very cute, and sure to please children. The patterns are easy to follow. ...more

Aug 14, 2019 Julie Barrett rated it it was amazing

Cuddly Crochet Critters 26 Animal Patterns by Megan Kreiner
Starts with table of contents then a page or two about using chunky yarns.
Other materials are not only mentioned but shown in a nice clear fashion.
Resources are also listed. 26 to choose form-such wide variety!
Crochet stitches and techniques are up next showing you in detail along with medium size color photos and words how to make the stitches.
How to assemble the animal shapes is included. Notions and all the extra things like eyes are Cuddly Crochet Critters 26 Animal Patterns by Megan Kreiner
Starts with table of contents then a page or two about using chunky yarns.
Other materials are not only mentioned but shown in a nice clear fashion.
Resources are also listed. 26 to choose form-such wide variety!
Crochet stitches and techniques are up next showing you in detail along with medium size color photos and words how to make the stitches.
How to assemble the animal shapes is included. Notions and all the extra things like eyes are also noted.
What I really like about this book is that the author tells you to mix it up some-create a new animal shape.
Using different parts of the bodies of the animals mix them up. Sounds so fun.
Each animal is given their own chapter. Starts with large size color photo of finished project.
Next page is all the technical details: Yarns used and notions, hook sizes and finished size starts off each pattern.
Easy to follow row by row instructions for the different body parts.
Tells you how to put the animal together and the finishing touches.
There is a special section at the end called critter combinations that you just need to see. So clear how to mix and match animals.
Abbreviations used at listed at the end.
Acknowledgment and about the author section is also enclosed.
Next page is all the technical details:
Received this review copy from Dover Publications via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#CuddlyCrochetCritters #NetGalley ...more

Jul 29, 2019 Ann rated it liked it

There are 26 cute patterns of many common animals. The directions are easy to follow and the illustrations show how to attach various limbs and ears. The only thing that disappointed me was no actual picture of each animal. It might be because I was working with a downloaded ARC and the print book might have pictures. The projects are perfect for using yarn leftover from previous projects. The first chapter has well illustrated instructions for the different types of stitches. One thing I notice There are 26 cute patterns of many common animals. The directions are easy to follow and the illustrations show how to attach various limbs and ears. The only thing that disappointed me was no actual picture of each animal. It might be because I was working with a downloaded ARC and the print book might have pictures. The projects are perfect for using yarn leftover from previous projects. The first chapter has well illustrated instructions for the different types of stitches. One thing I noticed that the body of the animals used the same basic pattern and added different attachments to make each animal unique. Most animals could be made in one sitting and the skill level if easy. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. ...more

Aug 23, 2019 Laura rated it really liked it

Kids love stuffed animals of all types and Cuddly Crochet Critters will help you make soft, huggable toys they will cherish. Using basic crochet stitches, which are demonstrated with color pictures along with written instructions, you can bring these cute critters to life.

Be sure to read all of the "how-to" sections. The author gives excellent instructions about the assembly & embroidery stitches, general assembly tips and the materials needed.

Each pattern begins with the yarns and notions neede

Be sure to read all of the "how-to" sections. The author gives excellent instructions about the assembly & embroidery stitches, general assembly tips and the materials needed.

Each pattern begins with the yarns and notions needed as well as the finished size of the critter. Following that are the step-by-step crochet instructions. The critters are done in pieces, and then stitched together (thus the importance of reading the how-to sections). You can either use plastic safety eyes (for older children only), satin stitch eyes or crochet eyes. I prefer satin stitch eyes, because you can add expression to the faces with your stitches and there is no choking hazard.

All of the animals are a basic chubby tube shaped. It works out well for most of them. Penny Pig, Danny Dog and Henry Hippo are my absolute favorites. But the shape does not lend itself to some of the animals, making them cute, but not easily identifiable for the animals they represent. For example, Ella Elephant has a tiny trunk with tusks that are the same length. And Maxwell Monkey looks more like a sloth. Don't get me wrong, they are still cute stuffed animals, but just the wrong shape to create the animals they are supposed to be. The body shape works best for the whale, cow, beaver and other animals with round bodies.

Overall, these cuddly critters are adorable and the kids in your life would love to snuggle with them. Because there are twenty-six patterns, there is something for everyone. You may have to make a barnyard or zoo full because animals have to have friends! They would also be the perfect, easy to make baby shower gift.

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Cuddly Crochet Critters: 26 Animal Patterns by Megan Kreiner introduces 26 soft, huggable, pillow-like animals that are easy projects for beginners and will be loved by children and adults of all ages. Fashioned from super-bulky, machine-washable, chenille-style yarn, the stuffed animals can be completed in just a few hours. These cuddly critters make great pillows for a child's nap time, homey accessories for a dorm room, comfy companions for travel, and great gifts, too! Based on the popular J Cuddly Crochet Critters: 26 Animal Patterns by Megan Kreiner introduces 26 soft, huggable, pillow-like animals that are easy projects for beginners and will be loved by children and adults of all ages. Fashioned from super-bulky, machine-washable, chenille-style yarn, the stuffed animals can be completed in just a few hours. These cuddly critters make great pillows for a child's nap time, homey accessories for a dorm room, comfy companions for travel, and great gifts, too! Based on the popular Japanese "tsum tsum" style, each project starts with a standard body shape and requires just some basic crochet stitches. As an added bonus, there are 12 additional "critter combinations" to make! Mix and match pattern pieces to create a koala, a zebra, a narwhal, and more.

Cuddly Crochet Critters offers readers clear and accessible patterns and instructions for reasonably large crochet stuffed animals. I like the idea of the blanket yarn used in these patterns- it makes for faster work and larger projects, and less hand cramps than smaller works. With this in mind- I liked that the book offers tips and tricks for working with the special yarn, but I think they could have gone one step further and made the stitch instructions in the front of the book with the yarn readers would be using. This is done in the project instructions- but not the stitch tutorials in the very beginning. Having worked with both I have to say that there is a big difference in working in such different weights and it will take some getting used to for those that have never worked with it before. With all that said- the patterns are well written, and I think they will offer readers plenty guidance to complete these projects along with room further customization as they continue to create. The book offers a good starting point and clear instructions, but it is not something I can see adding to my permanent collection- rather I would borrow it from a library and return for the next happy crafter.

Cuddly Crochet Critters is a good introduction for fairly quick working amigurumi.

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Aug 02, 2019 Karen rated it really liked it

As expected from the cover photos, the various animals use the same simple cylindrical body shape with various appendages (noses, tails, ears, legs, fins, hair, etc) added along with yarn color choices to differentiate the animals. This book would be a good fit for a maker looking for very simple, quick projects. This book would not be a great fit for the maker who detests attaching numerous pieces together after the fact. Personally, I prefer projects that incorporate as much of the shaping as As expected from the cover photos, the various animals use the same simple cylindrical body shape with various appendages (noses, tails, ears, legs, fins, hair, etc) added along with yarn color choices to differentiate the animals. This book would be a good fit for a maker looking for very simple, quick projects. This book would not be a great fit for the maker who detests attaching numerous pieces together after the fact. Personally, I prefer projects that incorporate as much of the shaping as possible as you go, but there are a few projects here I could see myself making in a smaller size (thinner yarn vs bulky) and stuffed with catnip as kitty toys. Worked up in the specified yarn, Super Bulky Bernat Blanket, the animals are pillow sized and soft and squishy and would be perfect nap buddies. Most of the animals chosen are well-suited to this simple body shape like the cow, beaver, fox, whale, cat, dog, etc, while others are a little odd. The owl is strange due to the placement of the face, but I understand wanting the variety of animals represented. I like that Kreiner includes a bonus section of additional animals that can be made using the various parts from main patterns in the book - for ex an otter can be made using parts from the owl, beaver and dragon patterns. Overall very cute and I nice alternative to more complicated patterns. These items definitely grew on me with time.

Thank you to Dover Publications and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Sep 12, 2019 Erin rated it it was amazing

So...much...cuteness!
Author Megan Kreiner shows how to much some of the most adorable plushies with crochet stitches and some accessories. This is at least intermediate level, but once you get the hang of it you're going to want to make these for everyone (I know I do!). So...much...cuteness!
Author Megan Kreiner shows how to much some of the most adorable plushies with crochet stitches and some accessories. This is at least intermediate level, but once you get the hang of it you're going to want to make these for everyone (I know I do!). ...more

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A gorgeous little book filled with crochet patterns for an assortment of animals, perfect for the little ones in your life.

Aug 07, 2019 Runner10 rated it really liked it

Cuddly Crochet Critters is a great book for beginner crocheters who want to try making animals. There are many patterns to try. It inspires many project ideas..

With 26 patterns to choose from, there is sure to be an animal that will delight the crocheter (or the recipient of the crocheter's work) in Megan Breiner's Cuddly Crochet Critters. The instructions are easily understood and while similar to amigurumi, though much larger, the shaping of the basic body (and, at least for the bear, the belly piece) has a slight variation that may add a little challenge when working with the fluffiness of blanket yarn.

If working with bulky blanket yarn is not you

If working with bulky blanket yarn is not your preference there is a section that explains how to make a smaller version using lighter weight yarn and a smaller hook. There is also a page of additional animal variations that adds further value to this collection and may lead to a wider variety of animals to be made.

This review refers to a digital galley I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

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