You know that we’re all crocheting Hannah the Slug for this month’s Crochet-a-long, right? It’s not too late to join us!
Even though we’re all using the same crochet pattern, I bet that no two slugs will look alike! Why? Because there are so many ways to modify an amigurumi pattern! Let’s take a peek at a few options… you might end up making more than one slug!
1. Follow the pattern exactly
There’s no shame in doing this! Use the recommended yarn, recommended hook size and follow the instructions to the letter.
You’ll get an amigurumi that looks pretty much exactly like the sample.
To change it up a little bit, pick a different color!
2. Make a giant amigurumi
To make a super-big amigurumi, pick a thick yarn and use a larger size hook. Then, follow the pattern!
If you can’t find a thick yarn, hold two strands of yarn together. It’ll be double the thickness of the original!
Don’t know what size hook to use? Don’t fret. Check the yarn label for hook recommendations, or (if you don’t have a label) guess and try a swatch. As long as your fabric doesn’t have holes, it’s a fine hook!
3. Make a teeny-tiny amigurumi
Instead of going big… go small!
I like using a fingering weight yarn (i.e. sock yarn) and a size C hook… but I’ve seen others go even smaller! Try crochet thread and a steel crochet hook for a super-tiny guy!
4. Add stripes or a gradient
It’s easy to add stripes to your amigurumi… just change yarn colors every few rounds. This is a fabulous way to use up all those little odds-and-ends of yarn!
Even easier… use a self-striping or gradient yarn. Knit Picks Felici, Noro (available from sock to bulky) and Lion Brand Amazing are some of my faves.
5. Add some glitz
Maybe your amigurumi just wants a little pizazz!
You can add some beads, or pick a yarn that already has beads or sequins added in. Fun!
Ready to start crocheting?
Now that you have lots of ideas for your slug, the next step is to pick a yarn and get started!
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting crocheting tips that will help you through any tricky parts. If you stumble on a problem before then, pop into the slug-a-long thread on Ravelry and ask a question!
Can’t wait to see what you crochet!
Bet you can’t wait to see what’s coming up, can you? Here’s the updated schedule:
Hi, Stacey! I love the calendar of awesome FreshStitches events to come. How do I submit an order for the Vday Owl Kit?
Hey DeeAnna- Thank you :) The Vday owl kit will be available on Monday… I’ll be posting it with the rest of the new 2013 kits :)
Look out for the blog post!
whoohooo I definitely will! Thank you!
Stacey, do I understand right that we can’t order the V-day owl kit until the 21st and only have until the 25th? I need to make one for my dental hygenist’s daughter (in process of adopting baby- has room in owl theme). So those dates work out, just don’t want to miss it!! I’m jotting down the other dates too!!
@Patty- Yup! The V-day kit is only available next week, and I’ll get them shipped by Jan 30th… so you’ll get it in time for making them for Valentine’s Day! :)
I have question about safety eyes….the post on eye sticks out thru a purse I made can I cut off stub or will it make eye come off…or is there a way to get safety eyes off and re do it differently ?
That’s a really good question! In my experience, if you cut off the post one ‘ripple’ behind the washer, then it won’t come off.