Book Review: Cuddly Crochet Critters 26 Animal Patterns by Megan Kreiner

Cuddly Crochet Critters: 26 Animal Patterns by Megan Kreiner introduces 26 soft, huggable, pillow-like animals that are easy projects for beginners and will be loved by children and adults of all ages. Fashioned from super-bulky, machine-washable, chenille-style yarn, the stuffed animals can be completed in just a few hours. These cuddly critters make great pillows for a child's nap time, homey accessories for a dorm room, comfy companions for travel, and great gifts, too! Based on the popular Japanese "tsum tsum" style, each project starts with a standard body shape and requires just some basic crochet stitches. As an added bonus, there are 12 additional "critter combinations" to make! Mix and match pattern pieces to create a koala, a zebra, a narwhal, and more. 

Cuddly Crochet Critters offers readers clear and accessible patterns and instructions for reasonably large crochet stuffed animals. I like the idea of the blanket yarn used in these patterns- it makes for faster work and larger projects, and less hand cramps than smaller works. With this in mind- I liked that the book offers tips and tricks for working with the special yarn, but I think they could have gone one step further and made the stitch instructions in the front of the book with the yarn readers would be using. This is done in the project instructions- but not the stitch tutorials in the very beginning. Having worked with both I have to say that there is a big difference in working in such different weights and it will take some getting used to for those that have never worked with it before. With all that said- the patterns are well written, and I think they will offer readers plenty guidance to complete these projects along with room further customization as they continue to create. The book offers a good starting point and clear instructions, but it is not something I can see adding to my permanent collection- rather I would borrow it from a library and return for the next happy crafter.

Cuddly Crochet Critters is a good introduction for fairly quick working amigurumi.