Crochet Now 94: Make the Zodiac with these Amigurumi Patterns
Here is something a little different from my usual posts! I usually write about patterns and ideas that are available online, as it is convenient for readers to be able to get stuck straight in and start making. However, I was getting my shopping done in Tesco, where a craft magazine caught my eye: Crochet Now. Issue 94 is packed full of different patterns and competitions, but it was the bonus magazine that I fell in love with – amigurumi versions of the Zodiac signs!
Each sign has its own adorable design, and is perfect for any crafter interested in astrology and horoscopes. These also make great birthday gifts too. Maybe it can be an addition to a birthday hamper for a loved one. Include a daily horoscope book as well as some treats and pamper items, you’ve got a top gift!
These designs are in fact made by two designers named Beardie and Blondie who work really well together to create some amazing amigurumi designs of some very adorable animals. If you have picked up a crochet magazine in the UK before, there’s a high chance that you have already seen some of their patterns already.
They do have a website that I would recommend you visit. This showcases some of their most recent designs, and also links to all of their social media accounts. I’d especially recommend following their Instagram account – it’s full of cute images, pics of the lovely couple, and also some very useful amigurumi tips.
My first observation of the cover page is that each pattern has unique features, but also shares a lot of features with other dolls. Aside from Pisces and Capricorn, they all have the same body style, just will different colours or clothing.You can also see similarities in the head shapes, eye positions and arms – excluding the pincered Scorpio!
I really appreciate how the designers have managed to create something different for each star sign – even the ones that do not have an animal directly associated with it. Gemini, for example, is represented by a cat due to their typical personalities: curious, expressive and affectionate. Instead of just a crab to represent Cancer, we instead get a cute girl wearing an adorable crab swimsuit.
My favourite of the designs has to be between Taurus and Virgo. I love cows, so I instantly fell in love with Taurus and his adorable little bell. I also love the deer that is representing Virgo – Virgos tending to be shy, cautious and paying close attention to detail. The crown of flowers increases the cuteness levels even further.
Each doll pattern covers two magazine pages, but most are not too long. They are made using the amigurumi style where there is no slip stitch join at the end of a round, you just keep going – don’t forget your stitch marker! Don’t worry if you struggle to understand the abbreviations used; you will find a comprehensive guide at the back of the book, and any unique stitches will be noted underneath the pattern info on the pattern page. The beginning part of the book also features full size images of each of the amigurumi doll, so you will easily be able to compare yours to the model to check if you are on the right track. I find it extra useful when it comes to sewing everything together.
As I have said, these patterns tend to share common features with each other, so when you move on and make another, you will likely find some similarities. This kind of pattern collection is great if you want to make a few different ones, as there is less of a learning curve. It’s also great for beginners who want to have a go at amigurumi. You will be able to see how simple it is to combine different elements or slightly tweaking something can give you an entirely new creation. It also gives beginners a chance to practice crocheting in the round, increases, decreases and working in back loops. There are a few other stitch types included, but the book explains these quite well. As long as you understand the basics, you should be fine.
Possibly my favourite part of these patterns is the legs. You will start to make the legs and then immediately start making the body. I love this as it means less sewing at the end! Sewing elements together can be a right pain, and I have made a few teddies with wonky arms and ears in my time. Therefore, the less sewing together there is to do, the better I am going to rank a pattern! In fact, this is something that Beardie and Blondie consider when designing their patterns.
The patterns recommend using Deramores Studio DK with a 3mm hook. This yarn tends to have around 250m per 100g ball, and you will likely just need one of each colour.
I tend to enjoy working with cotton as I find it easier to crochet with, and tends to be more washable. My go-to amigurumi brands and Paintbox cotton DK, Ricorumi and Sirdar Happy Cotton I think most crafters will have their own favourites here, so I’d suggest experimenting and finding your perfect yarn. Take note of the size of each ball, as you may need more than one!
Aside from that, you will need amigurumi eyes – or black thread to sew on your own eyes and toy stuffing.
Finally, you are going to need a copy of the magazine! You can buy it now on Craftstash!
Well, that’s enough typing from me, I’m off to get started with my makes (look out for another post once I have a finished product. I am currently trying to decide which one I want to make first. Fortunately, as there is a variety of different coloured dolls, I can utilise my existing yarn stash to have a go.
As a little bonus, you also get an additional booklet with more patterns in, and all the content in the magazine. Look at this adorable armadillo you can make using a pattern featured in the magazine:
A big thank you to Beardie and Blondie for all the hard work you put into creating these lovely, cute, and beginner friendly patterns. Keep it up!
And a thank you to you, the reader. It is both my passion for crafting and the positivity I have experienced in the craft community that keeps me motivated to write my blog.
Good luck making your own amigurumi zodiac!