Crocheted Cuties

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About Crochet Cuties Plushies

Get ready to combine cute and cuddly, with a distinct look and style, with these comfy and soft crochet cuties. Made with care, the crochet design gives these plushies an endearing handmade look, filled with warmth and loved. The intricate designs and variation in stitching, creates a slightly bumpy, but still soft texture, that provides a unique feel, for ultimate cuddles.

Kick back with flair or add a hint of quirkiness to playtime fun. You can enjoy all of your favorite animal friends, as this collection offers a wonderful assortment of furry companions, designed with uniformed stitching and close attention to detail, adding to the crafted-by-hand appearance.

This collection includes your go-to animal pals:

 

Crochet Origins 

Many cultures have made their claim that the art of crochet began its origins with them. This includes places such as: France, South Africa, England, Italy, Arabia, and China. However, the true origins of crochet still remain a mystery. Though, crochet, as we know it today, is attributed to European immigrants to the US in the early 19th century.

Crochet comes from the word croc/croche, the French word for hook. It also could be connected to the Norse word krokr, which also means hook. Its name, a nod to its original use, as a life-saving necessity for creating nets to fish, animal trapping or clothes, has now become an intricate artform.

Irish Crochet

Mademoiselle Riego de la Branchardiere who is often considered the mother of modern crochet is said to have invented Irish Crochet. Unlike most forms of crochet, which is created by working in either rounds or rows, traditional Irish Crochet (sometimes just called Irish Lace) is made up of motifs that are joined with mesh stitches, forming lace. 

Irish crochet originated in France and became popular in Ireland in the mid-1800’s during the potato famine. It was created as a way to make lace that was similar to the expensive Venetian lace. It became a lifeline for families, as the income that they received from selling crochet items, was much needed during this difficult time.

There are two main styles of Irish crochet:

  1. Fine crochet: Made up of squares or medallions with a shamrock or rose in the center 
  2. Outline or template: A more challenging style that involves crocheting each motif separately and then basting them onto a cloth

Crochet Vs. Knitting

Knitting and crocheting both use yarn to weave fabrics to make accessories, and garments, but they use different tools and techniques. With knitting, the stitches are interlocking loops, and their construction allows each stitch to stretch quite a bit. However, crochet stitches are more like knots, making them very solid, and less pliable. Any stretching will be minimal, with its flexibility being mostly determined by the type of yarn used.

Basic Crochet Materials

The 5 most essential crochet materials are:

  • Yarn: What you’ll be crocheting with. You can select different types of yarn depending on the texture you are going for or the project that you plan on making.
  • Crochet hooks: What you’ll use to loop the yarn. The size of the hook is usually determined by the type of yarn that you use. Most beginners typically start with a medium sized hook.
  • Scissors: Used to cut the yarn. A small pair of scissors is absolutely essential for cutting the yarn when you are either finished, or need to change colors.
  • Tapestry needle: Helps you weave loose ends. This is a blunt-end instrument that helps you to complete your crochet projects neatly.
  • Stitch markers: To help you keep track of your progress. This helps keep track of stitch count, or if the pattern repeats on more complex projects.
  • Measuring Tape: To measure the yarn. If you are working on a project that requires specific measurements (like a garment or clothing item), measuring tapes are very helpful. 

Crochet Hook

Crochet hooks are a vital tool that are used in crocheting in order to pull the yarn through loops and create the stitches. There are many different hook sizes and styles, and they come in many different forms. Selecting the right hook depends on the project, the yarn that you are using, and your desired result. Crochet hooks can be made from aluminum, ergonomic plastic or even wood and come in a range of sizes from small to large.

There are several types of crochet hooks, including:

  • Inline and tapered: These are the two main types of crochet hooks. Though they look similar, they have subtle differences that can affect how you crochet. Inline hooks have a pointier head that is the same size as the shaft, while tapered hooks have a slightly smaller and rounder head. 
  • Plastic: These are popular with beginners because they are affordable, lightweight, and widely available. 
  • Steel: These are the smallest hooks and are used for fine thread crocheting. They are made of a stronger metal to keep them from bending while you work. 
  • Ergonomic: These hooks have a handle or special grip, which can make crocheting more comfortable. 
  • Tunisian: These hooks are longer than regular crochet hooks and are used for Tunisian crochet, which is a niche of the craft that uses a different set of stitches. 
  • Wooden and bamboo: These are good for smooth yarns. 
  • Soft grip: These are good for people with arthritis or sore hands. 

Yarn

Crocheting yarn comes in a wide variety of types, ply, weight, texture and color, all of which will impact the final look and feel of your project. Beginners often start with a medium-weight acrylic (Synthetic Fiber) or cotton yarn (Natural Fiber) because it is easy to use and affordable. More experienced crocheters' may choose to go with a blend, which is a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, depending on the project.

Types of Stitches

For most patterns, there are a variety of stiches that you can choose from, when starting your foundation. The most common stitches are: Chain stitch, Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet and Treble Crochet. When it comes to choosing the correct stitch, the project that you are working on will dictate which stitch you chose. 

The Crocheting Process

  1. Choose your Yarn and Hook: When you select your yarn and hook, it is important that the hook size and the yarn’s thickness, are compatible.
  2. Make a slip Knot: You should start by making a slip knot on the hook. When doing so, this creates the first loop that allows you to begin crocheting. 
  3. Tighten the Loop: Next, pick up the loop in your left hand and slide the hook into the loop and tighten the loop around the hook.
  4. Create a Foundation Chain: Creating a foundation chain is an integral step in the crocheting process. A foundation chain is a series of loops that form the base for the rest of the project. The number of chains will always vary based on your pattern.
  5. Crocheting Stitches: Now, you can now start crocheting stitches. The stitch that you choose depends on the type of project that you are creating. 
  6. Working in Rows or Rounds: When crocheting you can choose between two different techniques depending on your pattern. You will either work in rows, which is crocheting back and forth, or in rounds which is a continuous loop.
  7. Finishing Off: To finish, cut the long side of the yarn and pull it through the loop. Then, weave in any loose ends using a yarn needle.
  8. Blocking: Blocking involves wetting or steaming your project to help the stitches settle into place. This technique gives your project a more finished look.

Crocheting and Fashion

Crocheting is a very versatile technique and that versatility can be seen across the fashion industry. Lately, there has been a surge in crocheted items, as designers search for new and innovative ways to create more creative fashion pieces, using this technique. Today you can not only find crochet garments such as dresses, tops, cardigans and skirts but also accessories such as, handbags and even jewelry. Crochet has also been used for appliques, which can be sewn into t-shirts, jeans and bags. Crocheting can also be applied to footwear, creating comfortable sandals, espadrilles and slippers.

Uses for Crocheting

Creating Items
Crocheting can be used to make a variety of items, such as blankets, hats, scarves, bags, sweaters, crop tops, bathing suits, toys, and home decor. 

Reducing Stress
The repetitive motions and focus required for crocheting can help reduce stress and anxiety. 

Improving cognitive function
Crocheting requires concentration and fine motor skills, which can help improve hand-eye coordination and keep the mind engaged. 

Managing Pain
The concentration required for crocheting can be a useful distraction for people dealing with chronic pain. 

Expressing Creativity
Crocheting can be a way to express creativity and create a tangible piece of art

Crochet Plushie Uses

All of the crochet cuties in this collection are made with knitting wool and polypropylene cotton down filling. They are crafted with love and each animal within the collection has just a touch of handmade charm that adds to their cuteness. These crocheted collectables have many different uses depending on your individual need. Here are some ideas on how you can use your crochet animal cutie:

  • Toy for Children - This crochet plushie is a great choice for young children. The thick plush knitting wool, creates a soft feel, which makes it the perfect playtime companion, and naptime snuggle buddy.
  • Gift or Keepsake - These crochet plushies are the perfect gift to remind someone how special they are. Made with thick yarn and durable stitching, they are made well enough to keep for years to come.
  • Decorative Piece - These are ideal if you are looking to add character to any space. The bright color and textured look, creates a playful look that can be used to enhance any nursery, a child’s playroom or bedroom. 
  • Collector’s Item - Crochet is a popular technique, and everyday there are more and more items becoming available for crochet enthusiasts. These plush toys are perfect for those collectors who enjoy items that are beautifully designed with intricate details.
  • Therapeutic Comfort - These crochet animals are soft and provide the perfect comfort and emotional support. The unique patterns and pronounced texture offer a sense of security for anyone needing stress relief or dealing with anxiety.