CAL Episode 5: The Finale

Ok, doll makers. You are my patient friends who have been waiting and waiting, so without further ado, let's give them finished.

Firstly, I MUST point you in the direction of the most amazing crochet doll maker:
Beth at By Hook, By Hand. She publishes loads of free patterns for dolls and clothes and is where I learned to make dolls and their hair. DO go and visit her- she has patterns for all types of dolls and the most amazing wig-making tutorial too.


Hair

Ok, this is what you do:

With your chosen hair yarn and with the same hook, you need to crochet the same pattern as the original head and repeat until you have a snug fitting cap which covers the area where you want hair on your doll.



I used 2 strands together of a thinnish yarn to make mine. You could experiment with mohair or other fluffy yarn, too. 

Round 1
5 sc in magic ring OR
Ch 2, 5s c in 2nd chain from hook. (5 sts)

Round 2
2 sc in each sc (10 sts)

Round 3
(1 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (15 sts)

Round 4
(2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (20 sts)

Round 5
(3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (25 sts)

Round 6
(4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (30 sts)

Round 7
(5 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (35 sts)

Round 8
(6 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (40 sts)

Rounds 9- ?
Sc 40

Repeat until you have enough of the head covered, then turn out the right way.
This makes a wig cap and means that you don't get bald patches on your doll. (Don't sew onto the head just yet)

Here's how I made my doll's hairstyle (bunches/pigtails), but you could do whatever you want here- be creative and have a try. Anything you don't like can be easily changed, so don't worry.

You now need to wind lengths of yarn for the hair itself. Decide on roughly the length you'll need and then choose a book of the same size to wind the yarn around. Remember to opt for slightly longer hair than you think- you can always trim it later. 



Cut the yarn at one end only- this gives you double the length.



For bunches/pigtails, I found the best method is to surround the edges of the wig cap first.
Push your crochet hook through the V of the stitch:



Hook the yarn and pull through: 



Now pull the tails of the yarn through the loop and tighten the knot.





That's it.
Repeat around the edge.



Now to make the centre-parting.
Make a chain the length of your wig from the middle of the forehead to back of the wig cap.



Lie the chain in front of you.
You will add the lengths of hair, as you did for the wig cap, but ONLY through the top loops of the V.



Work along the top row.



Turn around.
Now work the hair through the (now) top loops again.



Hair (nearly) done!
Ok, we're on the home stretch now:
Get yourself a long length of cotton and a sharp needle and stitch the wig cap to the head. Make sure it fits tightly and go round a couple of times.
Then stitch the centre parting from the middle of the forehead to the back.



Now, style!! 
High pigtails, or low? A pony tail? Long hair? or short?
It's up to you!



Check out Beth's blog for other hair ideas, too!

What about a dress?



Here's the link to the lovely Molly Chicken's blog, where I found instructions to make my dolly's reversible dress.
Simple and quick. 
[And I am a complete sewing novice and managed this with no problems.]

Crochet skirt

This is for you guys and gals who did a nifty bit of back-loop-only single crochet on Round 8 of your doll's body.



Ok. Put the skirt colour onto your hook with a slip knot and hold your doll upside down, with its legs in the air, with its back facing you.

Hook through the first loop you can see and make a single crochet.



Continue with Round 1: Single crochet around (24 sts)



Round 2: (1 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (36 sts)
Rounds 3- desired length: Sc 36.



Finish off and weave in ends.



Have I forgotten anything?
I do hope not.

You should have a lovely Monk, Kat, Doll, Bunny, Bear or maybe something else in your hands.
Hug them now, give them a name and feel super-proud, especially if this is the first crochet toy (amigurumi) you have ever made.

I hope you've enjoyed playing along with this CAL.
Enjoy your week and do post your finished pictures in our Flickr CAL group- click over there on the right to join up.

See you soon.
Xx  

CAL Episode 3: Body and legs

'ello again, crochet bunnies.
Lovely to hear from so many of you about how you're getting on with this little project and great to see your photos in our Flickr group too. 
I'm also super-relieved that the instructions have made sense and the photos helped too.

Right, I know you're itching to get on, so pros- your instructions are at the bottom, everyone else, read on.

Just to remind you, this pattern is worked in rounds in a continuous spiral of stitches. Use your stitch marker to mark where you began each round.

Stitches and abbreviations:
I use US crochet terms, so single crochet here is the SAME as UK double crochet.

Chain (ch)
Single crochet (sc) 
Stitches (sts)
Decrease (dec) 

Ok, so we left our heads with 5 scs.



We are going to carry on from where we left off and work the body and one of the legs as one continuous piece.  

Round 1
2 sc in each sc (10 sts)

Remember what to do? 
Make 2 single crochets into each stitch around. Remember to move your stitch marker to show where the first stitch of the round is. 

Round 2
(1 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (15 sts)

Make 1 single crochet in the first stitch (stitch marker in) and then make 2 single crochets in the following stitch. Repeat around.

Round 3
(2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (20 sts)

Make 1 single crochet into the first stitch (stitch marker in). Make the 2nd single crochet into the next stitch and then make 2 single crochets into the 3rd stitch.
Repeat around.

Round 4
(4 sc , 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (24 sts)

A bigger increase here, so make 4 single crochets and then 2 into the 5th stitch. Repeat around.



Rounds 5 - 12
Sc 24

NOTE: If you would like to add a little crochet skirt to your creation, then on round 8 you need to single crochet in the BACK LOOPS ONLY.
This will leave you with a round of loops in your work- see pic. 



We will use these loops later (trust me, this isn't any more difficult than anything else you have done so far)



I also changed colour on round 9 to give my mouse some white underwear!! 
Optional, of course.
To change colour, make the beginnings of your next single crochet as usual, but stop when you have 2 loops on your hook. Leave a length of yarn and cut it. Now make a slip knot with your new coloured yarn, put it onto your hook and finish off your single crochet by pulling through a loop of new colour and completing the stitch. Carry on with the pattern.

Round 13
(4 sc, dec 1) repeat around (20 sts)

We just need to reduce the stitches a bit here, to shape the bottom of the body.
So make 4 single crochets and then squish the next 2 stitches together in a decrease. Here's a reminder: 

Insert hook into next stitch. 
Yarn over, pull up a loop. ( You will have 2 loops on your hook)
Insert hook into next stitch.
Yarn over, pull up another loop. ( You will have 3 loops on your hook)
Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops together.



Ok. That is the body 'done'. You'll need to stuff it now. Make sure you push the stuffing into the neck too, otherwise you'll end up with a floppy head.

Next, you need to flatten it (squash between your fingers) and close it with 10 single crochets.
You need to make sure your stitches end up at the side of your Monk/Kat/Doll, or you'll end up with wonky legs.
See where my round has finished in the pic below?



I just did about 6 scs until I reached the side.
Do the same with yours and make a few more single crochets until you're at the side too.

See the stitches below?  



We just need to join the pairs with 10 single crochets (the first and last one are always a bit tricky, just do your best).




Done? Now for the legs (don't cut the yarn yet!)

Have a look at your marvellous handiwork. We will be making the first leg by turning the work and single crocheting around the FRONT LOOPS only of the first 5 stitches.
Don't panic!!!!
T'is all easy.

Round 1

First, turn your work. You need to make 5 single crochets in each of the FRONT LOOPS of the first 5 stitches. You will be working from right to left.



[Rather unhelpfully, I realised that this photo was taken before I had turned my work. Therefore the arrows are pointing at the back loops at the moment. Once I turn my work, these will become the front loops.]

This photo shows making the first sc in the front loop:



Ok. Now turn and make 5 more stitches in the new front loops.





See? Easy!.

Rounds 2 - 25
Sc 10
Stuff as you go and remember to use your stitch marker.



(if you are making a doll and want to change the yarn colour for shoes, then make your colour change at the beginning of round 25)

Round 26
(1 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (15 sts)

Rounds 27 and 28
Sc 15

Round 29
(1 sc, dec 1) repeat around (10 sts)
Finish stuffing.

Round 30
(Dec 1) repeat around (5 sts)

Stitch closed. 



I hide the thread end by poking the needle back up through the middle of the leg and snipping off. 



End hidden.

Now for the other leg. You need to put a slip knot onto your hook and make your leg in exactly the same way as before. Just make sure you work across the front of your creation from right to left. This ensures you have the 'right' side of your work on the outside.

Follow the instructions as before and BINGO! - A 2-legged-creation all of your own. 



You can hug him/her now and look forward to making arms, ears and all other bits very soon.

As before, PLEASE ask me any questions and let me know if something seems wrong.

And do join our Flickr group and post your pics.

Well done again and I'll see you in a week....!
Xx


Written Pattern:

Continue from the 5 stitches you have on the head.

Round 1 
2 sc in each sc (10 sts)

Round 2
(1 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (15 sts)

Round 3
(2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (20 sts)

Round 4
(4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (24 sts)

Rounds 5-12 
Sc 24
If you want to make a crochet skirt for your creations then on Round 8 you need to single crochet in the BACK LOOPS ONLY.



This will leave you with a round of loops in your work which we'll use later.
I also changed colour on round 9 to give my mouse some white underwear!! 
Optional, of course.

Round 13
(4 sc, dec 1) repeat around (20 sts)

Stuff

Next, you need to flatten it and close with 10 single crochets -make sure your stitches end up at the side of your Monk/Kat/Doll, or you'll end up with wonky legs. (Just make a few more single crochets until you're at the side.)
Don't cut the yarn- we will carry on from here.

LEGS.

Round 1
Turn your work. Make 5 single crochets in each of the FRONT LOOPS of the first 5 stitches.
Turn again and make 5 more stitches in the front loops again. 

Rounds 2-25
Sc 10
(Stuff as you go) 

Round 26 
(1 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (15 sts)

Rounds 27 and 28
Sc 15

Round 29
(1 sc, dec 1) repeat around (10 sts)
Finish stuffing.

Round 30
(Dec 1) repeat around (5 sts)

Stitch closed.
Fasten off.

Repeat for leg 2.



As before, PLEASE ask me any questions and let me know if something seems wrong.

And do join our Flickr group and post your pics.

Well done again and I'll see you in a week....!
Xx

CAL Episode 2: Head's up

Right, my little crochet-bunnies. 
You've got your kit list and have everything ready?
OK, let's make ourselves a little Monk/ Kat/ Dolly. 
Well, the head anyway. 



Before we do, a little note about the pattern:  It is intended 

for
 personal
 use only 
and 
the 
products
 made
 from
 it
 cannot
 be 
sold
 online
 or
 elsewhere. 
('cos I'm selling them!)

Ok, no more waffle, let's just get started.
[Crochet Pro's- the pattern is written at the bottom of the post, so scroll on down to avoid all the photos]

This pattern is worked in rounds in a continuous spiral of stitches. You'll need your stitch marker to mark where you began each round, or it all gets crazy.

Stitches and abbreviations:
I use US crochet terms, so single crochet here is the SAME as UK double crochet.

Chain (ch)
Single crochet (sc) 
Stitches (sts)
Decrease (dec) 

In each round, I'll write the proper crochet instructions first (as it would appear in a pattern) and then explain what you need to do. At the end of each round, I'll tell you how many stitches you should have. (remember not to count the loop on your hook)

Round 1
5 sc in magic ring OR
Ch 2, 5sc in 2nd chain from hook. (5 sts)

Ok. If you can do a magic ring (brillo- clever you) then you need to make 5 single crochets into it. Pull the tail a little, to close the ring. Don't over tighten it yet, or it becomes difficult to work the next round into.



If you can't do the magic ring method then chain 2 and make your 5 single crochets into the 2nd chain from the hook- see the arrow on the pic.



Round 2
2 sc in each sc (10 sts)

Now we need to increase the number of stitches:
Make 2 single crochets into the first single crochet from the first round.



Use your stitch marker (or a piece of different yarn) to show where the first stitch of this second round is.



Now do the same in each single crochet; making 2 single crochets into each.
You will have 10 stitches in all. (I find it easier to count backwards from the hook- remember not to count the loop on your hook, though).



Round 3
(1 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (15 sts)

Ok, in this round we need to make more increases, but not in every stitch. This time, in every 2nd stitch.
So make 1 single crochet in the first stitch (stitch marker in) and then make 2 single crochets in the following stitch. 
Now repeat this pattern around, 1sc in next stitch, 2 scs in the following.. And so on. 
You will have 15 stitches.

Round 4
(2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (20 sts)

This means, make 1 single crochet into the first stitch (stitch marker in). Make the 2nd single crochet into the next stitch and then make 2 single crochets into the 3rd stitch.
Repeat around. You will have 20 stitches.



Round 5
(3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (25 sts)

See the pattern?
Make a single crochet in the first stitch (stitch marker in), followed by 2 more. Then make 2 single crochets into the 4th stitch.
Repeat. You will have 25 stitches.

Round 6
(4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (30 sts)

I reckon you've got it sussed now.... (make 4 single crochets in the first 4 scs from the previous round and then 2 single crochets in the 5th and repeat)

Round 7
(5 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (35 sts)

Round 8
(6 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (40 sts)

Rounds 9-13
Sc 40

Ok, we've increased the width as much as we need to. You should have a dome shaped piece of crochet. (don't worry if it looks a little pointy, its shape will change once stuffed).

Now we need to lengthen the piece to create the 'face' bit:
You just need to make a single crochet in every stitch around.
Do this for the next 5 rows.  
Remember to use your stitch marker so you know where each round has begun (although nothing bad will happen if you are a couple of stitches over or under). 
[I also keep a tally so I know how many rows I have completed.]

Ok, now you should have a definite rounded shape. I always find that the 'outside' of my crochet is the wrong side; the right side is on the inside: 


(wrong side)


(right side)

Here, the stitches are nicer looking and smoother too. See the difference? (we'll turn it out the right way in a bit.

Round 14
(6 sc, dec 1) repeat around (35 sts)

So now we need to decrease the number of stitches to complete the head.
Don't panic!!! T'is easy. We are just reversing the pattern.

Make 6 single crochets in the first 6 scs. (remember stitch marker).
Now complete 1 decrease (this means merging the next 2 single crochets into one stitch). Here's how:
Insert hook into next stitch. 



Yarn over, pull up a loop. ( You will have 2 loops on your hook)
Insert hook into next stitch.



Yarn over, pull up another loop. ( You will have 3 loops on your hook)




Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops together.




You have squished 2 single crochets into one. Decrease made!!

Round 15
(5 sc, dec 1) repeat around (30 sts)

Keep going with the same pattern.
Make 5 single crochets in the first 5 stitches (stitch marker),  then make your decrease as before.

Round 16
(4 sc, dec 1) repeat around (25 sts)

Round 17
(3 sc, dec 1) repeat around (20 sts)



Phew!!
We're nearly there.

This is the time to turn your head out the 'right' way and decorate the face. 



Add your safety eyes/ buttons and stitch noses and mouths using your embroidery threads. If you are making a felt face, like I did, then decorate this first and then stitch to your character's face.(I found it easier once the head had been stuffed a bit.)

Now stuff the head. 
Think you've put in enough? 
Add more.
It needs to be quite firm.



Now let's finish the head:

Round 18
(2 sc, dec 1) repeat around (15 sts)

Round 19
(1 sc, dec 1) repeat around (10 sts)

Round 20
(dec 1) repeat around (5 sts)





Yaaaaaaaaaaay!
You're done.

Now, DON'T cut off any yarn- we will be continuing from here in the next episode!
And PLEASE - ask me any questions and let me know if something seems wrong.

Do join our Flickr group and post your pics of your progress so far (click the CAL button over there on the right) and/or obviously you can blog it if you like!
Well done to you. And I'll see you in a week's time.

Xx 

Written Pattern:

Round 1
5 sc in magic ring OR
Ch 2, 5s c in 2nd chain from hook. (5 sts)

Round 2
2 sc in each sc (10 sts)

Round 3
(1 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (15 sts)

Round 4
(2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (20 sts)

Round 5
(3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (25 sts)

Round 6
(4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (30 sts)

Round 7
(5 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (35 sts)

Round 8
(6 sc, 2 sc in next sc) repeat around (40 sts)

Rounds 9-13
Sc 40

Round 14
(6 sc, dec 1) repeat around (35 sts)

Round 15
(5 sc, dec 1) repeat around (30 sts)

Round 16
(4 sc, dec 1) repeat around (25 sts)

Round 17
(3 sc, dec 1) repeat around (20 sts)

Add eyes and features. Stuff.

Round 18
(2 sc, dec 1) repeat around (15 sts)

Round 19
(1 sc, dec 1) repeat around (10 sts)

Round 20
(dec 1) repeat around (5 sts)



Now, DON'T cut off any yarn- we will be continuing from here in the next episode!
And PLEASE - ask me any questions and let me know if something seems wrong.

Do join our Flickr group and post your pics of your progress so far (click the CAL button over there on the right) and/or obviously you can blog it if you like!
Well done to you. And I'll see you in a week's time.

Xx