Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
SHELLY
the Sea Turtle
Say hello to Shelly the Sea Turtle. Even though she looks tough with her strong protective shell, she's actually quite shy. But once you coax her out of her shell, you'll realize just how sweet she is. Shelly the Sea Turtle is worked in continuous rounds and joins together with no sewing necessary. The fins start as circles and are then folded in half to give them shape. The head, fins and tail are then worked into the body. Shelly swims about 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) tall and 6 inches (15.5 cm) long.
SKILL LEVEL
* * * *
MATERIALS
1 oz green worsted weight/4-ply yarn
1 oz golden-brown worsted weight/4-ply yarn
0.5 oz tan worsted weight/4-ply yarn Size E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook Stitch markers
2 (6-mm) black plastic safety eyes Polyester fiberfill Tapestry needle
TERMINOLOGY
R1: row 1 or round 1
st(s): stitch(es)
slst: slip stitch
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
inc: single crochet increase
dec: invisible decrease
MR: magic ring
FLO: front loops only
FRONT FINS
This piece starts at the center of each fin using green yarn. Repeat the pattern so you have two fins.
R1: 8 sc in MR (8)
R2: 1 inc in each st (16)
R3: [1 sc, 1 inc] x8 (24)
R4: [2 sc, 1 inc] x8 (32)
Fold the piece in half.
R5: Ch 1, then, working through the front and back stitches, sc 16 (16)
Ch 1 then fasten off. No need to weave in the ends, the yarn will end up inside the piece.
BACK FINS
This piece starts at the center of each fin using green yarn. Repeat the pattern so you have two fins.
R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 1 inc in each st (12)
R3: [1 sc, 1 inc] x6 (18)
Fold the piece in half.
R4: Ch 1, then, working through the front and back stitches, sc 9 (9)
Ch 1 then fasten off. No need to weave in the ends, the yarn will end up inside the piece.
HEAD
This piece starts at the front of the head using green yarn.
R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 1 inc in each st (12)
R3: [1 sc, 1 inc] x6 (18)
R4: 2 sc, 1 inc, 2 sc, 1 inc. Place a stitch marker on st 8 to mark a space for the eyes. 2 sc, 1 inc, 2 sc, 1 inc, 2 sc, 1 inc. Place a stitch marker on st 20 to mark a space for the eyes. 2 sc, 1 inc (24)
R5–8: 1 sc in each st (24)
Place the eyes between R4 and R5 where you placed your stitch markers.
R9: [2 sc, 1 dec] x6 (18)
R10: [1 sc, 1 dec] x6 (12)
R11: 6 dec (6)
Stuff the piece with polyester fiberfill and flatten.
R12: Ch 1, turn, then, working through the front and back stitches, sc 3 (3)
Ch 1 then fasten off. No need to weave in the ends, the yarn will end up inside the piece.
TAIL
This piece starts at the tip of the tail using green yarn.
R1: 4 sc in MR (4)
R2: [1 sc, 1 inc] x2 (6)
Flatten the piece.
R3: Ch 1, turn, then working through the front and back stitches, sc 3 (3)
Ch 1 then fasten off. No need to weave in the ends, the yarn will end up inside the piece.
SHELL
This piece starts at the top of the shell using golden-brown yarn.
R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 1 inc in each st (12)
R3: [1 sc, 1 inc] x6 (18)
R4: [2 sc, 1 inc] x6 (24)
R5: [3 sc, 1 inc] x6 (30)
R6: [4 sc, 1 inc] x6 (36)
R7–10: 1 sc in each st (36)
R11: Working in FLO, [5 sc, 1 inc] x6 (42)
Slst in next st. Fasten off, and then weave in the ends with a tapestry needle.
BELLY
Using tan yarn, join the yarn to the first back loop from R11 of the shell.
In the next round, we will attach the head, fins and tail by working through the body and each piece simultaneously. Line up each piece as shown.
R1: 2 sc, then, working through the tail and belly, sc 3. 2 sc, then, working through the back fin and belly, sc 2. 5 sc, then, working through the front fin and belly, sc 3. 3 sc, then, working through the head and belly, sc 3. 3 sc, then, working through the front fin and belly, 3 sc. 5 sc, then, working through the back fin and belly, sc 2. (36)
R1: [4 sc, 1 dec] x6 (30)
R2: [3 sc, 1 dec] x6 (24)
R3: [2 sc, 1 dec] x6 (18)
R4: [1 sc, 1 dec] x6 (12)
R5: 6 dec (6)
Stuff the piece with polyester fiberfill. Close off, and then weave in the ends with a tapestry needle.
CHAPTER 2
JILLY
the Jellyfish
Jellyfish love to float and bob through the ocean without a care in the world. But not Jilly, she is totally spineless and terrified of the ocean! She would much rather hang out somewhere high where she can dance and sway the night away. Jilly the Jellyfish is worked in continuous rounds. The pattern starts with the body, leaving a round of free loops to attach the belly. Then each tentacle is attached to the bottom of the belly. This pattern calls for pink yarn, but feel free to personalize your jellyfish! Hang her up somewhere high and watch her little tentacles sway. Jilly's body is approximately 2 inches (5 cm) tall, and her tentacles are about 5 inches (13 cm) long but can be made to any length.
SKILL LEVEL
* *
MATERIALS
1.5 oz pink worsted weight/4-ply yarn Size E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook Stitch markers
2 (6-mm) black plastic safety eyes Scrap piece of black yarn for embroidery Tapestry needle Cosmetic blush, for adding cheeks (optional)
Polyester fiberfill
TERMINOLOGY
R1: row 1 or round 1
st(s): stitch(es)
slst: slip stitch
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
inc: single crochet increase
dec: invisible decrease
sc2tog: single crochet two together
MR: magic ring
FLO: front loops only
BODY
The piece starts at the top of the body using pink yarn.
R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 1 inc in each st (12)
R3: [1 sc, 1 inc] x6 (18)
R4: [2 sc, 1 inc] x6 (24) B LD[R5: [3 sc, 1 inc] x6 (30)
R6: [4 sc, 1 inc] x6 (36)
R7–12: 1 sc in each st (36)
R13: [4 sc, 1 dec] x6 (30)
Place the eyes between R11 and R12, about 4 sc apart. Using black yarn, embroider the mouth onto the front of the face with the tapestry needle, just below the eyes. Add blush for rosy pink cheeks, if you'd like.
R14: Working in FLO, [1 slst, 3 hdc in the next st] x15 (60)
Slst in next st. Fasten off and weave in the ends with the tapestry needle.
R3: [1 sc, 1 inc] x6 (18)
R4: [2 sc, 1 inc] x6 (24)
R5: [3 sc, 1 inc] x6 (30)
R6: [4 sc, 1 inc] x6 (36)
R7–12: 1 sc in each st (36)
R13: [4 sc, 1 dec] x6 (30)
Place the eyes between R11 and R12, about 4 sc apart. Using black yarn, embroider the mouth onto the front of the face with the tapestry needle, just below the eyes. Add blush for rosy pink cheeks, if you'd like.
R14: Working in FLO, [1 slst, 3 hdc in the next st] x15 (60)
Slst in next st. Fasten off and weave in the ends with the tapestry needle.
BELLY
Using pink yarn, join the yarn to the first back loop from R14 of the body.
R1: [3 sc, 1 sc2tog] x6 (24)
R2: [2 sc, 1 dec] x6 (18)
R3: [1 sc, 1 dec] x6 (12)
R4: 6 dec (6)
Stuff the piece with the polyester fiberfill. Close off, and then weave in the ends with the tapestry needle.
THIN TENTACLES
Use pink yarn for this piece and repeat the pattern until you have five tentacles.
Ch 25 (25)
Fasten off. Use the excess yarn ends to attach each tentacle to the body at the center of the belly, as shown. Weave in the ends with the tapestry needle.
CURLY TENTACLES
Use pink yarn for this piece, and repeat the pattern until you have five tentacles.
Ch 31 to create a foundation chain. Starting at the second chain from hook, [1sc, 1 inc] x15 (45)
Fasten off. Use the excess yarn ends to attach each tentacle to the bottom of the body along the outside edge, as shown. Weave in the ends with the tapestry needle.
CHAPTER 3
INKY
the Octopus
Some days you just need an extra set of arms (or four) to get you through your never-ending to-do list. Well, Inky the Octopus has got you covered. His little tentacles may be stumpy, but don't let that fool you. He is a force to be reckoned with! Inky the Octopus is worked in continuous rounds and requires no sewing. The tentacles are made first and worked into the body. This pattern calls for purple yarn, but feel free to personalize your octopus! Inky's finished size is approximately 5 inches (13 cm) tall and 5 inches (13 cm) long.
SKILL LEVEL
* * *
MATERIALS
2 oz light purple worsted weight/4-ply yarn Size E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook Stitch markers
2 (6-mm) black plastic safety eyes Scrap piece of black yarn for embroidery Polyester fiberfill Tapestry needle Cosmetic blush, for adding cheeks (optional)
TERMINOLOGY
R1: row 1 or round 1
st(s): stitch(es)
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
inc: single crochet increase
dec: invisible decrease
MR: magic ring
TENTACLES
This piece starts at the tip of each tentacle using light purple yarn. Repeat the pattern until you have eight tentacles.
R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 1 inc in each st (12)
R3–5: 1 sc in each st (12)
R6: [2 sc, 1 dec] x3 (9)
R7: 1 sc in each st (9)
R8: [1 sc, 1 dec] x3 (6)
Stuff the piece with the polyester fiberfill and flatten the opening.
R9: Ch 1, turn, then working through the front and back stitches, sc 3 (3)
Ch 1 then fasten off. No need to weave in the ends, the yarn will end up inside the piece.
HEAD
This piece starts at the top of the head using light purple yarn.
R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 1 inc in each st (12)
R3: [1 sc, 1 inc] x6 (18)
R4: [2 sc, 1 inc] x6 (24)
R5: [3 sc, 1 inc] x6 (30)
R6: [4 sc, 1 inc] x6 (36)
R7: [5 sc, 1 inc] x6 (42)
R8: [6 sc, 1 inc] x6 (48)
R9–16: 1 sc in each st (48)
R17: [6 sc, 1 dec] x6 (42)
R18: [5 sc, 1 dec] x6 (36)
R19: [4 sc, 1 dec] x6 (30)
R20: [3 sc, 1 dec] x6 (24)
Place the eyes between R15 and R16, about 6 sc apart. Using black yarn, embroider the mouth onto the front of the face with the tapestry needle, just below the eyes. Add blush for rosy pink cheeks, if you'd like.
In the next round, we will attach the tentacles by working through head and tentacles simultaneously.
R21: [Working through the body and one tentacle at a time, sc 3] x8 (24)
R22: [2 sc, 1 dec] x6 (18)
R23: [1 sc, 1 dec] x6 (12)
R24: 6 dec (6)
Stuff the piece with the polyester fiberfill. Close off, and then weave in the ends with the tapestry needle.
CHAPTER 4
STARLA
the Starfish
While I was in school, one of my favorite getaways was this secluded little beach tucked behind a quiet neighborhood in Orange County. I could explore those tide pools for hours, each little crevice hiding a mysterious anemone or twinkling starfish. This pattern perfectly encapsulates those magical memories. Starla the Starfish is worked in continuous rounds and joins together with no sewing necessary. The starfish starts with a magic ring, then a series of chains is formed to give shape to each leg. The front and back pieces are joined by working through both simultaneously to close. Starla's finished size is approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) tall and 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) wide.
SKILL LEVEL
* * *
MATERIALS
1 oz orange worsted weight/4-ply yarn Size E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook Stitch markers
2 (6-mm) black plastic safety eyes Scrap piece of black yarn for embroidery Polyester fiberfill Tapestry needle
TERMINOLOGY
R1: row 1 or round 1
st(s): stitch(es)
slst: slip stitch
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
inc: single crochet increase
dec: invisible decrease
sc2tog: single crochet two together
MR: magic ring
STAR
Repeat this pattern to create Starla's front and back pieces. Each piece starts at the center of the starfish and works outward using orange yarn.
R1: 5 sc in MR (5)
In the next round, we will use a series of chains to create each leg.
R2: [1 sc, ch 7, then, starting at the second chain from the hook, 6 sc in the back loops of the ch, 1 sc in the starting st] x5 (70)
R3: [1 sc2tog, 4 sc, 2 inc, 4 sc, 1 sc2tog] x5 (70) Slst in next st and fasten off.
On one piece, place the eyes between R2 and R3, on each side of the face. Using black yarn, embroider the mouth onto the front of the face with the tapestry needle, just below the eyes.
FINISHING
Line up the two stars with the correct side of the stitches facing outward. Using orange yarn, insert the crochet hook through ch1 in both pieces to join. Work through both pieces simultaneously and stuff periodically with fiberfill.
R1: 1 sc in each st to close (70)
Slst in next st. Fasten off and weave in the ends with a tapestry needle.
CHAPTER 5
WILLY
the Whale
When life has you feeling like a fish out of water, Willy the Whale is here to help you through it. Cuddle up with this cutie and everything whale be just fine. Willy the Whale is worked in continuous rounds and joins together with no sewing necessary. Each side of the tail is made separately and joined together to create a seamless piece. Then the fins and tail are worked into the main body to avoid the hassle of sewing. This pattern calls for blue and white yarn, but feel free to personalize your whale! Willy swims at approximately 3 inches (8 cm) tall and 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) long.
SKILL LEVEL
* * * *
MATERIALS
1 oz light blue worsted weight/4-ply yarn
0.5 oz white worsted weight/4-ply yarn Size E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook Stitch markers
2 (6-mm) black plastic safety eyes Scrap piece of black yarn for embroidery Polyester fiberfill Tapestry needle
TERMINOLOGY
R1: row 1 or round 1
st(s): stitch(es)
slst: slip stitch
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
inc: single crochet increase
dec: invisible decrease
sc2tog: single crochet two together
MR: magic ring
BLO: back loops only
FINS
This piece starts at the tip of each fin using light blue yarn. Repeat the pattern so you have two fins.
R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 1 inc in each st (12)
R3: 1 sc in each st (12)
R4: 1 sc in each st (12)
Flatten the piece.
R5: Ch 1, turn, then working through the front and back stitches, sc 6 (6)
Ch 1 then fasten off. No need to weave in the ends, the yarn will end up inside the piece.
TAIL PART 1
This piece starts at the tip of the first part of the tail using light blue yarn.
R1: 4 sc in MR (4)
R2: [1 sc, 1 inc] x2 (6)
R3: [1 sc, 1 inc] x3 (9)
R4: [2 sc, 1 inc] x3 (12)
R5: [2 sc, 1 dec] x3 (9)
Slst in next st and fasten off.
TAIL PART 2
This piece starts at the tip of the second part of the tail using light blue yarn.
R1: 4 sc in MR (4)
R2: [1 sc, 1 inc] x2 (6)
R3: [1 sc, 1 inc] x3 (9)
R4: [2 sc, 1 inc] x3 (12)
R5: [2 sc, 1 dec] x3 (9)
Hold the tail sections together as shown. With the last loop of the tail piece still on your hook, slst 1 through both pieces to join. To begin the next round, start by crocheting clockwise around both pieces, excluding the slst used to join.
R6: 2 sc, 2 dec, 4 sc, 2 dec, 2 sc (12)
After R6, work 3 sc so the yarn end lines up with the side of the tail. Flatten the piece.
R7: Ch 1, turn, then working through the front and back stitches, sc 6 (6)
Ch 1 then fasten off. No need to weave in the ends, the yarn will end up inside the piece.
BODY
This piece starts at the top of the body using light blue yarn.
R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 1 inc in each st (12)
R3: [1 sc, 1 inc] x6 (18)
R4: [2 sc, 1 inc] x6 (24)
R5: [3 sc, 1 inc] x6 (30)
R6: [4 sc, 1 inc] x6 (36)
R7: 31 sc, 1 inc, 4 sc (37)
R8: 32 sc, 1 inc, 4 sc (38)
R9: 33 sc, 1 inc, 4 sc (39)
R10: 34 sc, 1 inc, 4 sc (40)
R11: 35 sc, 1 inc, 4 sc (41)
R12: 36 sc, 1 inc, 4 sc (42)
In the next round, we will attach the fins and tail by working through the body and each piece simultaneously.
R13: 4 sc, then, working through one fin and the body, 6 sc. 12 sc, then, working through the second fin and the body, 6 sc. 6 sc, then, working through the tail and body, sc 6. 2 sc (42) Place the eyes between R11 and R12, about 10 sc apart.
Switch to white yarn.
R14: Working in BLO, [4 sc, 1 sc2tog] x7 (35)
R15: [3 sc, 1 dec] x7 (28)
R16: [2 sc, 1 dec] x7 (21)
R17: [1 sc, 1 dec] x7 (14)
R18: 7 dec (7)
Stuff the piece with polyester fiberfill. Close off, and then weave in the ends with a tapestry needle.
CHAPTER 6
CLAUDIA
the Crab
When you first meet Claudia the Crab, she can be a bit snippy. But once you get to know her, she is a true friend. If you ever find yourself in hot water, she will be there for you in a pinch! Claudia the Crab is worked in continuous rounds and joins together with no sewing necessary. The tips of the claws are made first and joined together to complete a seamless pair. Once the legs and claws are completed, they are worked into the body. Claudia stands about 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) tall and 6 inches (15.5 cm) wide.
SKILL LEVEL
* * * * *
MATERIALS
2 oz red worsted weight/4-ply yarn Size E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook Stitch markers
2 (6-mm) black plastic safety eyes Scrap piece of black yarn for embroidery Polyester fiberfill Tapestry needle
TERMINOLOGY
R1: row 1 or round 1
st(s): stitch(es)
slst: slip stitch
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
inc: single crochet increase
dec: invisible decrease
MR: magic ring
FLO: front loops only
LEGS
This piece starts at the tip of each leg. Repeat the pattern until you have six legs.
R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 1 sc in each st (6)
R3: 1 sc in each st (6)
R4: 2 inc, 2 dec (6)
R5: 1 sc in each st (6)
R6: 1 sc in each st (6)
Stuff the piece with polyester fiberfill and flatten the opening.
R7: Ch 1, turn, then, working through the front and back stitches, sc 3 (3)
Ch 1 then fasten off. No need to weave in the ends, the yarn will end up inside the piece. The legs should have a slight natural bend.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Hooked on Amigurumi"
by .
Copyright © 2019 Melanie Morita.
Excerpted by permission of Page Street Publishing Co..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
