Note: only the patterns for the frogs, snails and log are available in the bookazine ‘Amigurumi for Beginners’.

With the patterns in this set you can crochet a selection of mini creatures – spiders, beetles, frogs and snails – along with a toadstool, hollow log and grass mat for them to play on.

Creepy crawlies of all types are fascinating to many children, but not every parent wants a house full of them! If you have children who love to meet these creatures out in the garden or on a walk, why not make them these slightly more cuddly crochet versions for indoors? They can keep them in a jar or a matchbox, or play with them on the play mat.

These creatures are very small, between 1.5” and 2.5” long, and they’re quick to make, with minimal sewing required. They’re great for party favours or other little presents, or to sell at school or church fairs. You can easily turn them into keychains, brooches, or fridge magnets. You could even make sets of different coloured creatures (particularly the frogs and beetles) and use them as game counters.

The patterns are quite straightforward and suitable for beginner/intermediate crocheters. The instructions are detailed and easy to follow if you know the basic stitches and techniques used to make amigurumi, with lots of photos to help you. They are written using US crochet terms, and the list of abbreviations includes the UK alternatives.

To make them you will need:
Small amounts of yarn for each creature. I used double knitting weight (DK) yarn, but other thicknesses of yarn will work, just change hook size as necessary.
Approx 50g green yarn, double knitting weight, for grass play mat.
Approx 10g red yarn, double knitting weight, for toadstool.
Approx 10g white/off-white yarn, double knitting weight, for toadstool.
Approx 10g each of two different brown yarns, double knitting weight, for hollow log.

Black yarn for some eyes and mouths, or other contrasting yarn as described in the patterns.
Small amount of stuffing for each creature.

Available on LoveCrafts here