Cute and Cuddly Crochet: Learn to Make Huggable Amigurumi Animals

This adorable outing by crocheter Bergstrom (Mini Crochet Creatures) shows how to make upsize amigurumi, or stuffed crochet creatures typically small enough to fit in one’s palm. Beginners will appreciate the overview of recommended tools and materials (tapestry needles, “super bulky weight yarn,” and 7mm and 13mm crochet hooks) and the illustrations of crochet basics, including how to make slip knots, chain stitches, and x stitches. The darling projects include extinct (dinosaur), rare (red panda, narwhal), and commonplace (fox, French bulldog) animals, each around a foot in length or height and designed with big eyes and tiny noses. Several of the animals sport crocheted accessories: the flamingo wears a crown, the elephant holds a flower in its trunk, and the sloth wears a bow tie. Bergstrom encourages readers to put their own flair on the designs, suggesting readers might create smaller versions of the animals by using thinner yarn, use buttons or embroidery for eyes, or adorn the creatures with a bow or ribbon. The instructions are thorough and the projects are irresistible. This charms. (Sept.)