This post contains affiliate links, please see our disclosure here for more information.
Happy Monday friends! I'm super excited to share all of the details for this puppy CAL (crochet-a-long)! I had a blast making this pup and I hope you do too!
Happy Monday friends! I'm super excited to share all of the details for this puppy CAL (crochet-a-long)! I had a blast making this pup and I hope you do too!
The Inspiration Behind Our Puppy
Back in August Ashley with A Crafty Concept hosted her first designer challenge to create a puppy to pair with the super cute book titled Boone. If you haven't seen it, it's an adorable story about a puppy who is adopted just before Christmas. Based on a true story by the author April Renner Curtsinger!
It was such a fun experience brainstorming and participating in the challenge. If you'd like to check out the winning pattern (by my sweet friend Amanda of Loops and Love Crochet) you can check it out here on her blog or here on the A Crafty Concept blog (Ashley also has more information on how you can find the inspiring book that started it all)!
I've used a 3.5mm hook for this pattern but it's definitely negotiable! Everyone crochets with a different tension and the hook you want to use for amigurumi can vary. If you've made amigurumi before chances are you have your favorite go to hook and are ready! If you're new to amigurumi try a small part to crochet and get a feel for how loose or tight your tension is.
Start with the 3.5mm hook (or a similar size if you don't have one on hand), if your stitches are so tight you have trouble getting your hook in you want to go up in size (try half a size at a time until you find what works for you). If your stitches are very loose you will want to go down in size.
Tight stitches help your amigurumi to be strong structurally and help reduce the chance of your stuffing showing through.
Keep in mind if you do end up using a different size hook your finished puppy may be slightly smaller or bigger depending on the size and your tension.
We will make our puppy in 3 parts which I will go over below. While there are set days that each part will be released, you are welcome to crochet at your own pace. There is no date your creation has to be started or finished. Each part will remain on the blog as a free pattern!
What's a CAL (Crochet-a-long)?
A CAL is a fun event where a group of crocheters come together and work on each part of the pattern together. This CAL will be split into 3 parts and is FREE here on the blog.
The best place is in the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook!
With everyone being in different time zones and having different schedules everyone will be crocheting at different times. The group atmosphere allows you to share photos, comments, and questions whenever you'd like!
While the Facebook group is the easiest place to interact with others participating in the CAL, it's not necessary to join. You can also grab a friend to crochet each part together or work on your own as well.
If you prefer to work with an ad-free printable PDF version, one will be available in my Etsy and Ravelry shop starting on December 6th!
How do I find each part?
Each part will have it's own post here on the blog!
I will hyperlink each part below in this post, so feel free to PIN it here to save to your crochet board!
Each link will also be shared on the Grace and Yarn Facebook page and group page.
If you'd like the link sent straight to your inbox, you can sign up for my newsletter here! I'll also keep you updated when new patterns are released so you won't miss them!
The CAL will start on Friday, December 6th and will have 3 parts.
Other Helpful Tips
If you are new to amigurumi, this is a fun pattern to start on. I will break down each part and provide helpful photos along the way. Feel free to ask questions at any time!
Be sure to check out the Tips to Learning Amigurumi page as it will go over color changes, making magic circles and other tips to get you started!
You're finished puppy will measure about 10 inches tall in a sitting position, perfect size for snuggles!
- Size 4 worsted weight yarn
150g yarn for the body ( I used Yarn Bee Denim in Color in Ivory)
Small amount of accent color for the nose, ears and paws (I used Yarn Bee Denim in Color in Taupe)
- 3.5 mm crochet hook (These are the hooks I use and love!)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle (Bent tips work wonders for amigurumi!)
- Stuffing
- Stitch markers
- Sewing Pins (these are super helpful when it comes time for sewing)
Optional Materials -
If you would like your puppy to be weighted (this helps in balancing/stability in a sitting position) you will also want the following materials:
- Poly-pellets - approx. 1/2 - 1 cup
- Knee-high nylon (I found a package at Wal-Mart for 50 cents; if you are choosing a light colored yarn for your puppy you may want to also use a light colored nylon for your weight)
- Funnel (a rolled up piece of paper will also do the trick, this helps in filling the nylon with the small poly-pellets)
Abbreviations (US terminology)
SC- Single crochet
SC INC- Single crochet increase
INV DEC- Invisible decrease
Rep – Repeat
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Optional Materials -
If you would like your puppy to be weighted (this helps in balancing/stability in a sitting position) you will also want the following materials:
- Poly-pellets - approx. 1/2 - 1 cup
- Knee-high nylon (I found a package at Wal-Mart for 50 cents; if you are choosing a light colored yarn for your puppy you may want to also use a light colored nylon for your weight)
- Funnel (a rolled up piece of paper will also do the trick, this helps in filling the nylon with the small poly-pellets)
SC- Single crochet
SC INC- Single crochet increase
INV DEC- Invisible decrease
Rep – Repeat
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Now the fun part, picking out your colors! Once you have them ready share a picture or comment with us in the group! I'll see you back on Friday for Part 1!
No comments