Handmade by Ani

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...

I LOVE projects that can be made in lots of different colours, which is one of the reasons why I designed these dinos. It's always fun to mix and match different colours when starting a new project. I can't wait to see what colour combinations you choose! 🎨 If you're sharing it on Instagram, please tag me @handmade__byani or use the hashtags #colourfulminidino #handmadebyani! If you have any questions about the pattern, please leave a comment below. Anika x Colourful Mini Dino Pattern Note:  Please do not sell or claim this pattern (whole or in part) as your own. You may sell finished items from this pattern - if you do, please credit Handmade by Ani as the designer. You may share this pattern via a link to this post. This pattern is also available for free on my Ravely store here  and my LoveCrafts store here .  If you would like to translate this pattern into other languages, I would appreciate if you could please send an email to handmadebyani2017@gmail.com This patt...

Some crochet designers recently organised a great initiative for new designers, picking 6 designs out of hundreds (or maybe even thousands!) of entries. Mini Saturn (inspired by the Celestial Buddies plush toys) was my entry. I hope you enjoy making him! 🪐 If you're sharing it on Instagram, please tag me @handmade__byani or use the hashtag #handmadebyani! If you have any questions about the pattern, please leave a comment below. Anika x Mini Saturn Pattern Note:  Please do not sell or claim this pattern (whole or in part) as your own. You may sell finished items from this pattern - if you do, please credit Handmade by Ani as the designer. You may share this pattern via a link to this post.  If you would like to translate this pattern into other languages, I would appreciate if you could please send an email to  handmadebyani2017@gmail.com This pattern uses UK terminology and is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified. I recommend using a stitch marker or ...

There are so many amigurumi books out there, so it can be hard to choose one to buy, especially if you're new to the craft. The best books (in my opinion) are ones that both beginners and experienced crocheters can learn something from and be challenged by, while also creating something super kawaii in the end 😍 Here are some books that I have in my collection that I'm currently obsessed with. Though I wouldn't call myself a super experienced crocheter (having started crocheting back in 2017), I have learnt a new technique from each of these books. Animal Friends of Pica Pau and Animal Friends of Pica Pau 2 by Yan Schenkel Animal Friends of Pica Pau In each book, Yan introduces crocheters to 20 cute and colourful characters. So far I've made 10 - one day I'll get around to making all of them 😁 This book taught me about the 'x-shaped' single crochet*, which results in a tighter stitch that is straighter than the regular 'v-shaped' single crochet. * ...

Echoing the words of my favourite Beatles' song: Here comes the sun / And I say, it's all right I seem to be a little obsessed with crocheting weather-related amigurumi! I hope this little sun will brighten your day (pun intended) 😎 As always, if you're sharing it on Instagram, please tag me @handmade__byani or use the hashtag #handmadebyani! If you have any questions about the pattern, please leave a comment below. Anika x Mini Sun Pattern Note: Please do not sell or claim this pattern (whole or in part) as your own. You may sell finished items from this pattern - if you do, please credit Handmade by Ani as the designer. You may share this pattern via a link to this post.  If you would like to translate this pattern into other languages, I would appreciate if you could please send an email to  handmadebyani2017@gmail.com This pattern uses UK terminology and is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified. I recommend using a stitch marker...

Nothing beats boredom than crocheting cute amigurumi while watching TV. I know I'm happier when I'm making something KAWAII (Japanese for cute)! For those new to crochet, amigurumi are small knitted or crocheted stuffed toys. If you think this word sounds Japanese, you'd be right - it's derived from two Japanese words (Google to find out more 😉). There are heaps of talented designers out there, with many of them sharing free patterns! If you're looking for new projects to start (or you're procrastinating from completing unfinished projects), here are a few of my favourite free patterns. I have many more, but if I shared them all in this post, that would be the end of my blog 😂 In no particular order... Dottie the Duck  - by Katie from @yarnsociety When I first saw this cutie pop up on my feed, I immediately picked up my hook and started crocheting! I added a little bow for extra cute-ness. Shoutaro the Sleepy Sloth - by Mei from @amigu...

Being asked to social distance and stay home means I don't have to come up with an excuse to crochet and watch TV (currently alternating between 2 Broke Girls and Elementary) - yep, I'm definitely a homebody! I'm also finding I'm catching up more regularly with friends - so much easier to video chat than spending all that time getting ready to go out 😄 Keeping with the theme of this post's title, I'd love to share a little cloud pattern with you - if you're sharing it on Instagram, please tag me @handmade__byani or use the hashtag #handmadebyani! If you have any questions about the pattern, please leave a comment below. Enjoy! x Mini Cloud Pattern Note : Please do not sell or claim this pattern (whole or in part) as your own. You may sell finished items from this pattern - if you do, please credit Handmade by Ani as the designer. You may share this pattern via a link to this post.  If you would like to translate this pattern into other lang...