Handmade by Ani

Almost 5 years ago, I learnt how to crochet after seeing a cute amigurumi bear, and I've been hooked ever since! 😉 Fast forward, I am by no means an expert, however I have learnt a few things that I'd love to share. If you're new to amigurumi, or keen to learn a new trick or two, hopefully this helps! 1. Always use a smaller sized yarn hook than what's specified on the yarn label With amigurumi, you want tight stitches so that the stuffing does not show through. You can try and tighten your tension, however this may put a strain on your hands. An easy way is to use a smaller hook size - normally 1 or 2 hook sizes smaller than what is specified on the yarn label. For example, for 8 ply yarn (also known as DK / light worsted), I like to use a 3mm hook. My collection of hooks! P.S. you can find the free pattern for this dinosaur on my blog  here . 2. Right side vs. wrong side For amigurumi, there is typically a right side and a wrong side. Noting that there may be some de...

When I first started crocheting, I had no idea that stitches had different names depending on whether the pattern was written in UK terminology or US terminology.  I first started trying to learn crochet from my grandma's old pattern books, which were written using UK terminology. However, when I couldn't figure out some of the stitches from the pictures, I turned to YouTube for video tutorials. At first I thought there were even more basic stitches I needed to learn. However, to my surprise, the basic stitches were the same - they just had different names! The following table converts UK terminology to US terminology (and if you're logical like me, you can kind of see pattern 😉). This will come in handy if you're following the patterns in my blog as they are written in UK terminology (I recently found out that most people actually prefer US terminology, so I've slowly been making my paid patterns available in US terminology). If there are any tips or tricks you...

For most crocheters, sewing is their least favourite part of a project - mine too when I have several other new projects I want to start! 😂 However, sometimes sewing can be the difference between an AMAZING make and an okay make. Here are some tips and tricks that will hopefully make sewing a slightly more enjoyable part of the process 😄 Note: the YouTube videos I'm sharing are ones that I've found super helpful. I am not associated, affiliated or sponsored by these YouTube channels. Invisible finish (also known as a clean fasten off) If you're sewing on some cheeks, or another piece where the last round is visible, it's good practice to end with an invisible finish. All you'll need is a tapestry needle, which you'll most likely already have. Check out the video below to find out how! URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue0UeEs5dS4 Mattress stitch I love to use mattress stitch to sew two open pieces together - usually when both pieces end wi...