Knitting and crocheting are often mixed together, although these are completely different techniques. Plus, you can KNIT sweaters and socks, but you can CROCHET a lot more creative things.
Especially popular are the cuddly toys, which even beginners can do quite well. What crochet is all about, what you need for it, and what you can crochet in addition to cuddly toys, we explain to you here.
What do I need to crochet for a cuddly toy?
Unlike knitting, crochet doesn’t require two needles to work with at the same time, but a single one is enough. However, this is not long and pointed but consists of a handle,long range baby monitor an intermediate piece or shaft, and at the end a barb with which you pull the thread/yarn through the mesh.
Your basic crochet equipment should look like this:
For the basic equipment, you should buy at least one crochet hook. The classic needles made of aluminum are best suited. Or a special needle for beginners that has a soft grip.
To do this, you need either wool or yarn. You can choose between cotton yarn or school yarn. Of these, it is best to have many different colors in stock.
And finally, you’ll need sewing needles and threads to sew your crocheted artwork.
The more choice and matched colors you have available, the better the results will look afterward.
For thread and yarn you still need a tape measure and scissors for cutting.
If you want to sew a cuddly toy, you need something more:
Depending on the animal, all the required colors.
Accessories such as eyes or possibly “mane” for lions or horses.
Filling material (filling wadding) to stuff the animal.
Very practical are the crochet sets, in which all the necessary materials for a cuddly toy including an instruction booklet are already included. And the best part is that these sets are even suitable for children.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a crocheted cuddly toy?
Crocheting small cuddly toys yourself has a few advantages, but unfortunately also some disadvantages.
Advantages:
Crocheting is a very creative activity that is a lot of fun.
Crocheting is very fast and is very easy.
Thanks to the ready-made crochet sets with the instruction booklet, even beginners can easily get started and have their first sense of achievement.
Therefore, crochet is also very suitable for children.
When crocheting, small mistakes can be reversed more easily than when knitting.
There is a huge selection of different crochet animals.
You can also choose individual shapes and colors. How about, for example, a green lion with a red mane?
Disadvantages:
The stitches are much thicker than knitted products. As a result, the animals are heavy and somewhat stiff, so unfortunately not as soft as a plush toys due to the coarse meshes.
Parts such as mane, tail or eyes must be attached, weight limit for a baby swings which may not hold well and can come loose. This can become a danger (swallowing).
Crochet consumes much more yarn than has to be used in knitting.
Cleaning and drying are difficult. Depending on the material used, the animals can be washed in the washing machine, but parts and cotton wool can come loose and the animal could deform.
What else can I crochet besides a cuddly toy?
For creative minds, crochet offers many more possibilities. You will find a lot of suggestions on the Internet or in crochet books.
We have put together some examples for you:
Crochet blankets and pillowcases for decoration in the living room or bedroom are popular.
Fashionably, it is no problem to crochet small beanies, scarves, ponchos, or strap tops.
In addition, large-meshed and sturdy shopping bags can also be easily produced.
In the household, small egg warmers, pot holders, and knitted coasters are popular.
Crocheted ribbons or small items can also be used for decorative gift wrapping.
In addition, there are Christmas decorations such as crochet stars as well as other decorative handicrafts such as colorful wrappings of flower pots.
In addition, there are no limits to your creativity and imagination when crocheting.
