Handmade by Ani

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...

Wow! Time has flown by since my last blog post in December - I can't believe it's almost Easter. There are already so many cute Easter creations popping up on my Instagram, but I couldn't resist designing my own one. This free pattern also coincides with me reaching 3k followers on Instagram - a BIG thank you to everyone who has supported me 💖 Meet Cooper the Baby Chick - a newly hatched baby chick who loves to play! His design was inspired by the little chick emoji 🐣 If you're sharing it on Instagram, please tag me @handmade__byani or use the hashtags #cooperthebabychick and #handmadebyani! If you have any questions about the pattern, please leave a comment below. Anika x Cooper the Baby Chick 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...

With the festive season fast approaching, some of you may be looking for some last-minute stocking stuffers. I think these sleepy little cats would be perfect for your cat-loving loved ones! 🐈 And if you're feeling a bit adventurous, you can change the embroidered eyes to turn them into happy cats or laughing cats! 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 Sleepy Cat 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...

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. * ...