Recently my crocheting has taken me into the world of amigurumi, and I think I've found my calling...now if I could only make a living off of it. ...sigh...
I completed my first two attempts from patterns on Fiber Doodles: "Chi Chi Kitty" and "TOBi," both are simple and wonderful for practice, and look absolutely adorable when completed (even when completed by a beginner like me).
Once I figure out this blog thing I'll post a picture or two of each project :)
UPDATE: I figured it out!!!
We call him the "Stubby Little Alien"
And the Chi Chi Kitty
Although I say my projects came out successfully, I think I need a little more practice before attempting the millions of new creatures I've found in the past few days. At first I made balls...it's a good way to practice the technique and works up quickly... but now I have about 20 random little yarn balls and very little to do with them. Now I make dryer balls...I still have dozens but they at least have a purpose!
So, without further ado, the point of this post:
Amigurumi Practice Dryer Ball "Pattern" (for those of you like me who want to practice your amigurumi, or want dryer balls without paying exorbitant store prices for them)
Yarn:
Anything wool (not superwash - you need to felt it)
- I used 1 ball of Lion Brand Wool in "Ocean Blues" and had plenty for many many dryer balls
Size F crochet hook (or a hook a few sizes smaller than what the yarn calls for)
Washing machine
Stuffing
Gauge:
Not important, just make sure your stitches are tight
"Pattern":
**Note: Amigurumi is worked in spirals, not rounds. Don't join at the end of a round, don't chain or turn, just keep working into BOTH loops of the next available sc**
Ch 2
Row 1: 6 sc in second chain from hook (6 sc total)
Row 2: 2 sc in each chain around (12)
Row 3: *sc in first sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from * til end of row (18)
Row 4: *sc in first sc, sc in second sc, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from * til end of row (24)
Row 5: *sc in each of next three, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from * til end of row (30)
Row 6: sc evenly around (30)
Row 7: *sc in each of next four, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from * til end of row (36)
Row 8: sc evenly around (36)
Row 9: *sc in each of next five, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from * til end of row (42)
Row 10: sc evenly around (42)
Row 11: *sc in each of next 6, 2 sc in next sc, repeat from * til end of row (48)
Row 12: sc evenly around (48)
Row 13: *sc in each of next 6, dec across next two sc, repeat from * til end of row (42)
Row 14: sc evenly around (42)
Row 15: *sc in each of next 5, dec across next two sc, repeat from * til end of row (36)
Row 16: sc evenly around (36)
Row 17: *sc in each of next 4, dec across next two sc, repeat from * til end of row (30)
Row 18: sc evenly around (30)
Row 19: *sc in each of next 3, dec across next two sc, repeat from * til end of row (24)
Begin to stuff FIRMLY, using small bits of stuffing at a time, as opposed to one monster handful, will make it more round - trust me, I learned.
Row 20: *sc in each of next 2, dec across next two sc, repeat from * til end of row (18)
Row 21: *sc in next sc, dec across next two sc, repeat from * til end of row (12)
Another note from experience: After 12 sc remain, it's really hard to fit more stuffing. This is pretty much your last chance to fill it.
Row 22: *dec in next two sc, repeat from * around (6)
Pull the yarn tight. You can use a yarn needle to sew in ends, or, since felting hides imperfections, use your crochet hook to poke the excess yarn through to the inside.
For best results in your dryer, I'd make at least two. I like three.
Finishing:
Turn your washer on to the hot wash, cold rinse, and throw the completed balls into the wash without detergent and push start.
Copyright:
I am not claiming this pattern as "original" - it's a ball. There are hundreds of "ball" patterns out there and they all probably follow the same basic formula. I'm simply providing an idea and explaining what I did to practice some new techniques. However, respect my rights and the rights of others - do not claim this idea as your own.
