Baby Beasts to Crochet by Sixth&Spring Books

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An imprint of SOHO Publishing LLC

19 West 21st St, Suite 601 New York, NY 10010 www.sixthandspringbooks.com Editor JACOB SEIFERT Creative Director IRENE LEDWITH

Dedicated to the fantastical

Designer DANITA ALBERT Pattern Editors AIMÉE HANSEN URSULA REIKES

Mk Haley

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information storage-and-retrieval systems—without written permission of the publisher.

Names: Kreiner, Megan, 1981- author. Title: Baby beasts to crochet: cute amigrumi creatures from myth & legend / Megan Kreiner. Description: First edition. | New York, New York : Sixth&Spring Books, [2023] | Includes index. Identifiers: LCCN 2023010887 | ISBN 9781970048131 (paperback) Subjects: LCSH: Amigurumi--Patterns. | Soft toy making-Patterns. | Crocheting--Patterns. | Monsters in art. Classification: LCC TT829 .K735 2023 | DDC 745.592/4-dc23/eng/20230308 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2023010887

The written instructions, photographs, designs, projects, and patterns are intended for the personal, noncommercial use of the retail purchaser and are under federal copyright laws; they are not to be reproduced in any form for commercial use. Permission is granted to photocopy patterns for the personal use of the retail purchaser. Items made from patterns in this book are for personal use only and are not intended for resale. WARNING: Small items attached to crocheted items could present a choking hazard. Take care to attach them securely. Supervise child at all times. Illustrations by Megan Kreiner courtesy of Cedar Lane Press: pages 12–18, 20

Manufactured in China 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 First Edition

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Cute Amigurumi Creatures from Myth and Legend Megan Kreiner

Table of Contents Introduction 6 Tools and Materials 8 Crochet Stitches 12 Crochet Techniques 15 Notes About Patterns 17 Finishing 18 Adding Wire 21 Adding Faux-Fur 21

Capricorn Kid 38

Hippogriff Chick 60

Phoenix Chick 22

Cerberus Pup 30

Pegasus & Unicorn Foals 48

Yetling 72

Kelpie Fry 80

Kitsune Kit 88

Minotaur Calf 96

ackalope Kit 104

Owl Gryphlet 112

Wampus Kitten 122

Basilisk Fledgling 130

Abbreviations 155 Resources 155 Index 156

Luck Dragon Hatchling 140

Squatchling 148

Making the Fantastical Real

When I was 10, I had a book of Greek mythology that I reread and flipped through so much that the spine gave out. For as much as the stories themselves drew me in, it was the wondrous illustrated beasts that lived between the pages that really captured my imagination. This fascination with tales of mythical and magical places and the creatures that lived there was deepened by the animated films I grew up watching, where epic narratives and fantastical visuals were woven together by movie magic. Those same stories and characters led me to a career as an animator, where I get to bring those worlds to life for audiences every day, making animated characters as appealing, imaginative, and engaging as possible. That work is the inspiration for the crochet toy patterns I love to create. The mythical and magical beasts in this book are designed to delight, inspire, and entertain. While the full-grown versions of these beasts can be huge and downright terrifying, these baby versions are crafted for maximum cuteness with their large eyes, oversized paws, fluffy fur, and feather details. Even the baby basilisk is super huggable, scales and all! I am excited for you to create some fantastically adorable creatures to join you on your next epic adventure! —Megan

pull

stuff

Cerberus Pup Optional: Wire Neck (fig y) Cut 3 pieces of wire 8in/20cm long and bend one end to form a 2in/5cm loop. Insert one wire, loop side first, down center neck and into body so that 2in/5cm of wire sticks out from top of center neck. Rep on left and right neck holes. Stuff body and neck so wires are firmly enclosed in stuffing.

Attach Heads If applicable, work neck wire into bottom of center head. Use straight pins to attach open edge of neck to back of head, lower sides, and back edge of jaw. With A, sew in place using mattress st. If needed, add more stuffing before closing seam. Rep on rem heads.

LEG (MAKE 4) Note: Except for ch-1, count and use chs as sts. With A and size H (5mm) hook, make a 6-st AR. Rnd 1: Sc 2 in each st around. (12) Rnd 2: (Sc 1, sc 2 in next st) 6 times. (18) Note: Work in BLO to end unless otherwise indicated. Rnd 3: Sc 3, ch 6, mark last ch with scrap yarn, ch 6, sk ch-12, sk 6 sts, mark last sk st with scrap yarn, sk 6 sts, sc 3 (scrap yarn indicates base of toes). (18) Rnds 4 – 6: Sc 18. Rnd 7: (Sc 4, sc2tog) 3 times. (15) Rnds 8 –11: Sc 15. Rnd 12: Sc 6, ch 1, turn; in FLO, sc 6, ch 1, turn; in BLO, sc 6, insert 34

hook into side edge of sc-6 short rows, YO and draw up a lp, insert hook into BL of next st of Rnd 11, YO and draw up a lp, YO and draw through all lps on hook (counts as 1 sc); in BLO, sc 7, insert hook into BLO of rem st in rnd, YO and draw up a lp. (15) Rnd 13 Insert hook into side edge of sc-6 short rows, YO and draw up a lp, YO and draw through all lps on hook (counts as 1 sc), sc 14. (15) Rnd 14: (Sc 4, sc 2 in next st) 3 times. (18)

Rnd 15: (Sc 5, sc 2 in next st) 3 times. (21) Rnd 16: Sc 21. Rnd 17: (Sc 1, sc2tog) 7 times. (14) Fasten off, leaving a 24in/61cm tail. Pm to hold current st open. Work and shape toes before working Rnd 18 of leg.

TOES With A and size H (3.75mm) hook, work in ch-12 opening from Rnd 3 of leg. Rnd 1: Starting in lower right corner, (sl st 1, ch 1, sc 1) (counts

Hippogriff Chick

Half eagle and half horse, the hippogriff sprang to existence from a poem written in the 16th century to become the steed of choice for magicians, knights, and wizards. With its sweet disposition, fluffy coat, steely beak, and razor-sharp talons, a baby hippogriff chick is the perfect combination of delightful and deadly! Just watch your fingers when you go in for chin scratches. Finished Measurements Height 12in/31cm Width 11in/28cm Length 12in/31cm

• Optional: Foam stabilizer, if not wiring wings • Optional: Fake Eyelashes (Ardell Professional 3D Faux Mink)

head with 10–12 sts bet top edges of eyes. If helpful, remove stuffing while installing eyes. Finish stuffing head before cont to Rnd 14.

Materials

HEAD

• Berroco Comfort Chunky A 1 skein in 5770 Ash Grey • Berroco Comfort B 1 skein in 9713 Dusk C 1 skein in 9784 Slate D 1 skein in 9729 Smoke Stack E 1 skein in 9743 Goldenrod F 1 skein in 9700 Chalk G 2 yds in 9734 Liquorice • Knit Picks Fable Fur H 1 skein in 29440 Andesite • Size H (5mm) crochet hook • Size F (3.75mm) crochet hook • Stitch markers in 3 colors • 1 pair of 30mm round-pupil safety eyes • Tapestry needle • Round-headed pins • Stuffing • 1in/3cm square of pink felt • Optional: 5 lengths of paperwrapped floral wire, each 18in/46cm long, if wiring beast

With A and size H (5mm) hook, make a 6-st AR. Note: Work in BLO to end. Rnd 1: Sc 2 in each st around. (12) Rnd 2: (Sc 1, sc 3 in next st, sc 1) 4 times. (20) Rnd 3: (Sc 2, sc 3 in next st, sc 2) 4 times. (28) Rnd 4: (Sc 6, sc 2 in next st) 4 times. (32) Rnds 5 – 9: Sc 32. Rnd 10: (Sc 7, sc 2 in next st) 4 times. (36) Rnd 11: Sc 36. Rnd 12: (Sc 1, sc2tog) 12 times. (24) Rnd 13: (Sc 1, sc2tog) 8 times. (16) Stuff head.

Rnd 14: Sc2tog 8 times. (8) Fasten off, close hole, and weave in end.

Install Safety Eyes Orient square shaping at front of head to be plumb and level. Install safety eyes 5–6 rnds from front of

Shape Head (fig q) Apply a sink st bet edges of eyes to sink eyes into head.

EYE RING (MAKE 2) With B and size F (3.75mm) hook, ch 20 and sl st in ch 1 to form a loop. Working in ch-20 sp, sc 25 (enclosing edge of loop). Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Attach Eye Ring (fig w ) Pin eye rings around eyes with FSlps of ring against sides of head. Pinch upper back corner and lower front corners of ring tog to create 2 small, folded bumps along ring edge. Hold shape in place with a few pins. Sew eye rings and pinched shaping to head. 61

Minotaur Calf

It can be lonely puttering around a massive labyrinth by yourself, so minotaur calves are big fans of inviting friends over for epic games of hide and seek. You can join in as long as you leave your gold sewing thread at the door—no cheating! Feel free to accessorize your cow-headed cutie with a cabone nose ring while assembling their snout or with a blanket for nap time (in any color but red). Finished Measurements

HEAD

MUZZLE

Height 9in/23cm Width 9in/23cm Length 6in/15cm

Note: Count and use chs as sts. With A and size H (5mm) hook, ch 11, turn. Rnd 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook and working in BRlps, sc 9, sc 3 in next ch; rotate ch; starting in FSlps of next ch, sc 8, sc 2 in next ch. (22) Note: Work in BLO to end. Rnd 2: (Sc 2 in next st, sc 8, sc 2 in next st, dc 1) 2 times. (26) Rnd 3: (Sc 2 in next st, sc 10, sc 2 in next st, dc 2 in next st) 2 times. (32) Rnd 4: (Sc 3, sc 2 in next st) 8 times. (40) Rnd 5: (Sc 2, sc 2 in next st, sc 2) 8 times. (48) Rnd 6: Sc 48. Rnd 7: Sc 2, ch 15, sk ch-15, sk 18 sts, (sc 2, sc2tog, sc 2) 4 times, sc 2, sc2tog. (40) Rnd 8: (Sc 2, sc2tog )10 times. (30) Rnds 9 –13: Sc 30. Rnd 14: (Sc 3, sc2tog) 6 times. (24) Rnd 15: Sc2tog 12 times. (12) Rnd 16: Sc2tog 6 times. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

With A and size H (5mm) hook, work along edge of ch-15 opening from Rnd 7 of head. Rnd 1: Starting in lower right corner, (sl st 1, ch 1, sc 1) (counts as 1 sc). Working clockwise, evenly sc 35 around rem edge. (36) Note: Work in BLO to end. Rnd 2: (Sc 1, sc2tog) 12 times. (24) Rnd 3: Sc2tog 12 times. (12) Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Materials • Berroco Comfort Chunky A 2 skeins in 5727 Spanish Brown B 1 skein in 5701 Ivory • Berroco Comfort C 1 skein in 9729 Smoke Stack D 1 skein in 9701 Ivory E 1 skein in 9784 Slate F 1 skein in 9720 Hummus • Go Handmade Fur Lux G 3 skeins 17690 Nougat • Knit Picks Fable Fur H 1 skein in 29441 Pumice • Size H (5mm) crochet hook • Size F (3.75mm) crochet hook • Stitch markers • 1 pair of 27mm round-pupil safety eyes. • Scrap yarn • Tapestry needle • Round-headed pins • Stuffing • Optional: 2 lengths of paperwrapped floral wire, each 18in/46cm long, if wiring beast

Install Safety Eyes Insert safety eyes into Rnd 8 of head with about 7 sts bet them.

Finish and Shape Head (fig q and w ) With A, use a mattress st to close opening at front of mouth in a horizontal line. Apply a sink st through head bet inner edges of eyes. With A, apply sink st bet Rnd 8 at back of muzzle (just bet eyes) and bottom of head. With A, apply cinch st bet bottom of head and middle of muzzle seam, pulling firmly to form two cheeks.

Basilisk Fledgling

Whether you prefer to call it a basilisk or a cockatrice, there’s no denying that this reptilian fledgling has a sweet look that could melt your heart. Unfortunately, it’s also a look that could turn you to stone. Make sure you wear some heavy-duty sunglasses if you want to play with this petrifyingly cute chicklet! Finished Measurements Height 10in/26cm Width 9in/23cm Length 20in/51cm

Materials • Berroco Comfort Chunky A 1 skein in 5717 Raspberry Coulis B 1 skein in 5770 Ash Grey • Berroco Comfort C 1 skein in 9734 Liquorice D 1 skein in 9743 Goldenrod E 1 skein in 9712 Buttercup F 1 skein in 9729 Smoke Stack G 1 skein in 9784 Slate • KFI Collection Furreal I 1 skein in #19 Purple Finch • YUYOYE Super Soft Fluffy Fur Yarn J 1 skein in #32 Yellow • Size H (5mm) crochet hook • Size F (3.75mm) crochet hook • Stitch markers in 3 colors • 1 pair of 28mm split-pupil safety eyes • 24in/61cm length of scrap yarn • Tapestry needle • Round-headed pins • Stuffing • Optional: 7 lengths of paperwrapped floral wire, each

18in/46cm long, if wiring beast • Optional: Foam stabilizer, if not wiring beast • Optional: Fake eyelashes (Ardell Professional 3D Faux Mink) • Optional: 1in/3cm square of pink felt, for tongue • Optional: Thread and sewing needle or fabric glue, for tongue

HEAD With A and size H (5mm) hook, make a 6-st AR. Note: Work in BLO to end. Rnd 1: Sc 2 in each st around. (12) Rnd 2: (Sc 1, sc 3 in next st, sc 1) 4 times. (20) Rnd 3: (Sc 2, sc 3 in next st, sc 2) 4 times. (28) Rnd 4: (Sc 6, sc 2 in next st) 4 times. (32) Rnd 5: Sc 32. Rnd 6: (Sc 7, sc 2 in next st) 4 times. (36) Rnds 7–11: Sc 36. Rnd 12: Sc 12, sc2tog 6 times, sc 12. (30) Rnd 13: Sc 30. Rnd 14: Sc 6, sc2tog 10 times, sc 4. (20)

Rnd 15: Sc 6, sc2tog 5 times, sc 4. (15) Rnds 16 and 17: Sc 15. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Install Safety Eyes and Stuff Head (fig q ) Stuff and rotate head so decs on Rnds 12–15 face down. Orient the square shaping at front of head to be plumb and level. Place eyes into head roughly 4 to 5 rnds from front of head with about 10 to 12 sts bet top edges of eyes on either side of square shape. Add more stuffing if needed.

Close and Shape Head (fig q ) Weave yarn tail through sts at back of head and pull to close. With A, apply sink st back and forth through head bet edges of top half of eyes to sink eyes into head.

EYE RING (MAKE 2) With G and size F (3.75mm) hook, ch 16 and sl st in ch 1 to form a loop. Working in ch-16 sp, sc 22 (enclosing edge of loop). Fasten off, leaving a long tail. 131

Index A abbreviations 155 adding faux-fur 21 adding wire 21 assembly stitches 18

B Basilisk Fledgling 130 beak Basilisk Fledgling 130 Hippogriff Chick 60 Owl Gryphlet 112 Phoenix Chick 22

C Capricorn Kid 38 Cerberus Pup 30 crochet stitches 12–15 crochet techniques 15–16

E embroidery stitches 20

F finishing 18–20

hooves Capricorn Kid 38 Hippogriff Chick 60 Jackalope Kit 104 Kelpie Fry 80 Minotaur Calf 96 Pegasus & Unicorn Foals 48 horns Capricorn Kid 38 Jackalope Kit 104 Luck Dragon Hatchling 140 Minotaur Calf 96 Unicorn Foal 48

Minotaur Calf 96

Pegasus & Unicorn Foals 48 Phoenix Chick 22

fins Capricorn Kid 38 Kelpie Fry 80 talons Basilisk Fledgling 130 Hippogriff Chick 60 Owl Gryphlet 112 Phoenix Chick 22 teeth Jackalope Kit 104 tools and materials 8–11

Jackalope Kit 104

K Kelpie Fry 80 Kitsune Kit 88

L Luck Dragon Hatchling 140

Hippogriff Chick 60

Author Megan Kreiner is an independent knit and crochet designer who publishes patterns under MK Crochet & Knits. Her work has been featured in pattern collections, magazines, and crafting kits. She is the author of several crochet books. Megan's professional credits span a variety of roles on over fifteen animated feature films. as well as short films, television shows, and theme-park attractions for world-renowned studios such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, DreamWorks Animation, and Walt Disney Animation Studios. 156

N notes about patterns 17

O Owl Gryphlet 112

resources 155 scales Basilisk Fledgling 130 Capricorn Kid 38 Kelpie Fry 80 Luck Dragon Hatchling 140 sculpting stitches 19 Squatchling 148

Wampus Kitten 122 wings Basilisk Fledgling 130 Hippogriff Chick 60 Owl Gryphlet 112 Pegasus Foal 48 Phoenix Chick 22

Y Yetling 72

CRAFTS • CROCHET

Cute Amigurumi Creatures Megan Kreiner to CROCHET from Myth and Legend

Legendarily Cute

Get ready to create a mythical world of epic cuteness with the 16 adorable creatures found in Baby Beasts to Crochet. First, use chunky yarn and simple stitches to create a base. Next, stuff, shape, and assemble. Finish up by adding surface details such as fauxfur, scales, and even eyelashes. All that’s left is to adventure forth with the cuddliest baby beasties in all the land! Simple instructions, detailed illustrations, and a comprehensive how-to section ensure that crocheters from beginner to advanced can make phoenix chicks, unicorn foals, and more. Optional instructions for adding a wire framework are also included to make your beastly buddies extra posable. So, grab your most magical hooks. The time has come to bring these lovable legends to life!

$19.99 US • $25.99 CANADA ISBN: 978-1-970048-13-1

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Cute Amigurumi Creatures from Myth and Legend

INCLUDES DETAILED DIAGRAMS FOR EVERY BEAST!

Megan Kreiner

CVR_Baby Beast to Crochet_FinalCX2.indd 1

5/24/23 10:54 AM