Tools and Materials

TOOLS Crochet Hooks q

The projects in this book are worked using a size F (3.75mm) hook with the worsted-weight yarn and a size H (5mm) hook with the chunky-weight and faux-fur yarns. With toy making, it’s ideal to keep your stitches tight enough so the stuffing does not show through. Because most of the chunky yarn will be covered with faux-fur yarn, less-than-perfect stitches will be mostly hidden.

Tapestry Needle w

Large steel tapestry or doll needles with relatively pointy tips will hold up best when assembling, shaping, and embellishing your toys. Be sure the needle eye is large enough to accommodate your yarns!

Sewing Needles and Thread VS Craft Glue e

Depending on your preference, you can attach felt details using a sewing needle and thread, or craft glue. If you choose craft glue, select a glue that is very thick so it doesn’t soak into the fibers of your yarn and dry before it has a chance to set.

Scissors r

Invest in a small, sharp pair of scissors that you will use exclusively for crochet projects.

They can easily navigate the surface of your work to trim leftover yarn tails and threads or to cut clean shapes out of felt.

Straight Pins t

Sharp, straight pins with large, easy-to-see heads will make assembly quicker and easier before sewing your baby beast together.

Stitch Markers y

Markers come in a variety of styles (like split rings or clip/locking style), although a piece of scrap yarn will do in a pinch. For projects where the surface will be manipulated quite a bit, locking markers may be preferable over an open-ring style. Stitch markers are also useful for marking the start of a round, which can be tricky to track since rounds are worked in a spiral with no chains to mark the end or beginning of the next round. They are also sometimes left in place to mark specific points of a pattern that will be referenced later during project assembly.

Combs and Brushes u

After applying the faux-fur yarn to the surface, you’ll want to loosen the long fibers that become twisted in the slip stitches. Vigorously drawing a metal tooth comb or a pet slicker brush across the surface of faux-fur will help to fluff up your creature’s coat. Just take care not to catch the surface of any exposed worsted-weight stitches as combs and brushes can snag and pull on them.

Project Storage i

To keep the various supplies for your project together while working on a babybeast-to-be, consider using a sturdy, reusable tote along with a small, zippered case for storing hooks and smaller tools.

Stitch Counter o

A small device that keeps track of how many rounds or rows you have worked.

Wire Cutters

If you plan to use paperwrapped floral wire in your projects, purchase a small set of wire cutters (located online or in the jewelry-making section of your local craft store). Do not use your scissors to cut wire as that will quickly dull and chip the blades.