Crochet A Llama CAL - Part 2

UPDATE: This CAL has ended but you can still find the free pattern here!

Welcome to the Crochet-a-Llama CAL Part 2!

Today we will add a head to our sweet llamas! We'll make the head, nose, ears, and give them a fuzzy and 'woolly' patch!

Feel free to add some fun expressions with smiles, eyebrows, eyelashes etc!

If you are just joining in it's not too late to start! You can find all the details about the CAL and Part 1 here! It will remain a free pattern here on the blog so you can crochet at your own pace.

Be sure to share your photos in the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook, I'm excited to see all those cute bodies gain a noggin!

Pattern

If you prefer to work with an ad-free printable PDF copy, one can be purchased for just $3 in my Etsy and Ravelry shop! This includes the full pattern.

PIN to your favorite crochet board!

This CAL is split into 3 parts:

Part 1 - October 29 - Legs and Body

Part 2 - October 31 - Head and Facial Features (this post here)

Part 3 - November 2 - Arms, Tail, Scarf (Final Assembly)

Don't want to miss any new patterns? Sign-up for my newsletter and I will send an email for each part of the CAL plus keep you updated when new patterns have been released!

This post contains affiliate links, please click here for more info. Thank you for supporting Grace and Yarn!

You may make and sell items made from this pattern but please do not sell, share or reproduce the actual pattern. If you sell finished items online (Etsy, etc) please provide a link to the pattern and credit to me as the designer, thank you. I hope you enjoy this pattern!

Note: If you don't have 12mm safety eyes on hand or want to make this for a child under 3, I highly recommend making crochet eyes. You can use these here or make a magic circle with 6 HDC if you'd prefer to use black yarn!

For each of the pieces below we will be using size 3.5mm hook.

Nose/Mouth Piece

With body color

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC

Round 2: SC INC in each stitch (12)

Round 3: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, rep around (18)

Round 4: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (24)

Rounds 5-7: SC around (24)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing

Nose - With black crochet or embroidery thread make a 'V' for the nose with a line a few stitches down. Feel free to add a smile for extra detail. (Black yarn will work as well, either as is or you can pull it apart to get a thinner nose.)

 Head

With body color

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC

Round 2: SC INC in each stitch around (12)

Round 3: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, rep around (18)

Round 4: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (24)

Round 5: SC in the first 3 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (30)

Round 6: SC in the first 4 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (36)

Round 7: SC in the first 5 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (42)

Round 8: SC in the first 6 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (48)

Round 9: SC in the first 7 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (54)

Rounds 10-18: SC around (54)

Note: Here is where we will add the eyes and facial features before we start closing the head. Insert the eyes between rounds 15 and 16, 7 stitches apart. If you would like to add eyelashes or eyebrows I recommend doing so before securing the backs onto the eyes.

Next, sew your mouth piece centered between the eyes as pictured, stuffing lightly.

Round 19: SC in the first 7 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (48)

Round 20: SC in the first 6 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (42)

Round 21: SC in the first 5 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (36)

Round 22: SC in the first 4 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (30)

Round 23: SC in the first 3 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (24)

*Continue to stuff the head

Round 24: SC in the first 2 stitches, INV DEC in the next, rep around (18)

Round 25: SC in the first stitch, INV DEC int he next, rep around (12)

Round 26: INV DEC around (6)

*Add your final stuffing before closing, I like to use the end of my crochet hook to help stuff at this point*

Fasten off and sew remaining part closed, weave in your end.

Ears

Make 2 with body color

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 8 SC

Rounds 2-3: SC around (8)

Round 4: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next, rep around (12)

Round 5: SC around (12)

Round 6: SC in the first 2 stitches, SC INC in the next, rep around (16)

Rounds 7-12: SC around (16)

Fold ear in half and SC across the top as pictured, then fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Flower

Round 1: With color of choice create a magic circle with 5 SC, join with a slip stitch to the first SC (5)

Round 2: *3DC and slip stitch into the same stitch*, repeat in each stitch making a total of 5 petals, join with a slip stitch to the first DC.

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembling the Head

• Sew the ears onto the head at the 5th round on each side.

• With body color we will make the 'wooly' patch between the ears.
• Create a slip knot and slip stitch into the stitch closest to the ear as pictured below.
• Chain 16 and slip stitch into the next stitch.
• Continue this process until you reach the other ear (this completes one row of 'wool'.)
• Slip stitch into the next stitch towards the back of the head and make one more row back across to the first ear. Feel free to add additional rows to your liking.

• If you made a flower, sew onto the ear of choice.

You are done with Part 2 and more than halfway done with your llama!

Join us back on Friday to make Part 3. We'll add the arms, tail, scarf and finish assembling!

Crochet A Llama CAL - Part 1

UPDATE: This CAL has ended but you can still find the free pattern here!

Welcome to Part 1 of the Crochet-A-Llama CAL! I'm so excited you're here and joining in! 

Today we will make the legs and the body, the legs will be made separately and then joined together to make the body, making it all one piece!

If you are just learning about the CAL head over here to find out all the details, it's never too late to join in and each part will be remain free here on the blog so you can crochet at your own pace. 

Be sure to share your photos in the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook, I'm excited to see the colors everyone has chosen! Feel free to make the girl or boy version (or both!). 

Pattern

If you prefer to work with an ad-free printable PDF copy, one can be purchased for a low fee from my Etsy or Ravelry shop! 

PIN to your crochet board here! 

Many of you shared that this will be your first CAL, yay! If you have any questions feel free to share them in the group or send me a message, I hope you all have a blast making your own little llama! 

If amigurumi is new to you, I have a Tips to Learning Amigurumi page that I think will come in handy. I've brought over some of the main tips below as a refresher if needed! 

Scroll down if you're ready for Part 1 now, otherwise keep reading and I'll go through the materials, abbreviations and how to get started with a magic circle and color changes! 

This CAL will be split into 3 parts: 

Part 1 - October 29 - Legs and Body (this post here) 

Part 2 - October 31 - Head and Facial Features 

Part 3 - November 2 - Arms, Tail, Scarf (Final Assembly)

Don't want to miss any new patterns? Sign-up for my newsletter and I will send an email for each part of the CAL plus keep you updated when new patterns are posted! 

This post contains affiliate links, please click here for more info. Thank you for supporting Grace and Yarn!

You may make and sell items made from this pattern but please do not sell, share or reproduce the actual pattern. If you sell finished items online (Etsy, etc) please provide a link to the pattern and credit to me as the designer, thank you. I hope you enjoy this pattern! 

Materials

• Size 4 worsted weight yarn 
• 100g of main body color (I used Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek in Ivory for the girl and Vanna's Choice in beige for the boy version) 
• Small amount of 
• Light brown 
• Color of choice for scarf/flower 
• Crochet thread/embroidery floss for facial features 
• 3.5 mm and 5mm crochet hook
• 12 mm safety eyes 
• Scissors 
• Tapestry needle (I love the bent tip needles!) 
• Stuffing 
• Stitch markers (a piece of scrap yarn works great!) 

Abbreviations: US terminology

SC- Single crochet

SC INC- Single crochet increase

INV DEC- Invisible decrease

HDC- Half double crochet

DC – Double crochet

(Below is a little mini tutorial for making a magic circle, invisible decrease and invisible color join. Please note the photos are for reference and were taken from other projects, the concept will be used for our CAL) 

Magic Circle

A magic circle (also called an adjustable loop) is the most common way to start amigurumi.

1. Leaving about a 4 inch tail wrap the yarn into a circle as in the photos below.

2. Hold the loop by placing your fingers over the part where the working yarn crosses over the tail.

3. Insert your hook into the circle, yarn over, pull through and chain 1

4. You're magic circle is now ready to start as your pattern instructs (ex: if round one says 6 SC you will complete 6 SC around the loop)

5. Pull your tail tight to close




Invisible Decrease

This is the preferred way to decrease in amigurumi, it keeps the decrease tight and avoids the 'bump' of a regular SC decrease.

An invisible decrease happens over two stitches, insert your hook into the front loop of the first stitch and then into the front loop of the second stitch (you will have 3 loops on your hook), yarn over, pull through two loops (you will have 2 loops left on your hook), yarn over again and pull through all loops on the hook.

You've just made an invisible decrease!




Invisible Color Join

When changing colors it can have a jagged look because we are working in rounds. This method helps the colors change smoothly.

When you are completing the last stitch before you are instructed to change colors you will complete the first half of the stitch with your old color and finish the stitch with your new color.

Meaning, you will insert your hook into your stitch, yarn over with the old color and pull through, now drop your old color and use your new color to yarn over and finish the stitch by pulling through all loops on your hook.



You now have your new color on your hook. I like to tie off my old color here.

As you start your next round, complete the first stitch as a slip stitch instead of a sc. When you come back around to start your next round be sure to sc into your slip stitch as a regular stitch.

Ready to start? Here we go!

Legs and Body-

Legs: Make 2 - Using light brown with 3.5mm hook

Round 1: Create a magic circle with 6 SC

Round 2: SC INC in each stitch (12)

Round 3: SC in the first stitch, SC INC in the next stitch, rep around (18)

Rounds 4-8: SC around (18)

Change to body color

Rounds 9-22: SC around (18)

Fasten off (when you finish the 2nd leg do not fasten off, proceed to round 23)

*Round 23 joins the legs together and starts the body*

Round 23: Chain 3 and attach to the first leg with a SC, SC in the remaining stitches around the leg, when you reach the chain make a SC across each of the 3 chains, SC in the remaining stitches of the next leg and SC across each of the 3 chains again (42 SC)

You will end up crocheting across each side of the chain, this acts a "bridge" to join the two together.This completes your join and is where your next round will start.



Rounds 24-40: SC around (42)

Round 41: SC in the first 5 stitches, INV DEC, rep around (36)

Round 42: SC in the first 4 stitches, INV DEC, rep around (30)

Round 43: SC around (30)

Round 44: SC in the first 3 stitches, INV DEC, rep around (24)

Rounds 45-50: SC around (24)

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing

Part 1 of your llama is complete! Join us back on Wednesday for part 2 where we'll make the head and facial features!

Crochet A Llama - A Free CAL

UPDATE: This CAL has ended but you can still find the free pattern here!

Welcome to the Crochet-a-Llama CAL! If you've never participated in a crochet-a-long you're in for some fun! 

I highly recommend reading through all of this post as my goal is for it to be informational and hopefully answer most of the questions you have with how it will work. 

If I've missed any key points please feel free to ask, I want this to be a fun event!

What's a CAL (crochet-a-long)? 

It's a fun event where a group of people work on each part of a pattern at the same time! This CAL will be in 3 parts, each being released a few days apart.

Where does it take place?

 The best place is in the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook! 

With everyone being in different time zones and having different work schedules everyone will be crocheting at different times. The group atmosphere allows you to share photos whenever you'd like and questions are always welcome!

More than 100 of you have already shared you're joining us for this CAL, and many of you have shared this will be your first one! I'm so excited you'll be joining us!

While the Facebook group is the best place to interact with others participating in the CAL it is not necessary to join!

 You can also grab a friend(s) and crochet each part together or work on your own. Each part will be shared here on the blog and you can work at your own speed!

If you prefer a printable PDF version to work with, one will be available in my Etsy and Ravelry shop starting on Monday the 29th!

How do I find each part? 

There are many places each part will be shared! Each part will have it's own post here on the blog so here is a great place to find which part you are working on.

I will also hyperlink each part below in this post, so feel free to PIN it here to save to your favorite board!

I will also share each link on my Facebook business page as well as in the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook.

You can also sign up for my newsletter and receive an email when each part is released! I'll also send emails when new patterns are posted so you won't miss any! 

When will each part be posted?

The CAL will start on Monday October 29th and will have 3 parts.

(Each of these will be hyperlinked as they are posted on their dates so you can find them easily!)

Part 1 - Monday October 29 - Legs and Body

Part 2 - Wednesday October 31 - Head and Facial Features

Part 3 - Friday November 2 - Arms, Tail and Scarf

What are we making?

For this CAL we will be making this sweet llama! Feel free to make a boy or girl version (or both!).

Your finished llama will measure about 15 inches tall (from top of ear to feet). The legs and body are made as one piece and the head is sewn on separately. 

If you are new to making stuffed animals be sure check out this page for tips to learning amigurumi!

For both of my llamas I used plastic safety eyes, but these are my favorite eyes to use if you're making this for a little one under 3!

The pattern will be worked in the round and I highly recommend using stitch markers if you don't already.

This is one material you don't necessarily have to purchase. A piece of scrap yarn, safety pin or bobby pin will work just fine!

This post contains affiliate links, please click here for more info. Thank you for supporting Grace and Yarn!

It was hard to choose the colors for this project because I really wanted to use about 4 different shades! I finally decided on two, one for the boy and one for the girl.

White, ivory, beige, light brown, dark brown.....all would be super cute and add to the personal detail you can give your llama!

Materials

• 100g size 4 worsted weight yarn in main body color (I used Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek in Ivory for the girl and Vanna's Choice in beige for the boy version) 
• Small amount of light brown and color of choice for scarf/flower 
• Crochet thread/embroidery floss for facial features 
• 3.5 mm and 5mm crochet hook 
• 12 mm safety eyes 
• Scissors 
• Tapestry needle (I love the bent tip needles!)
• Stuffing 
• Stitch markers (a piece of scrap yarn works great!)

(If you would like to learn why these are my favorite materials please visit my post here!) 

Abbreviations: US terminology 

SC- Single crochet 

SC INC- Single crochet increase 

INV DEC- Invisible decrease 

HDC- Half double crochet 

DC – Double crochet

This CAL is split up into three parts: 

Part 1 (Monday October 29)

Making the legs and body.

Part 2 (Wednesday October 31)

Making the head and facial features. 

Part 3 (Friday November 2)

Finishing touches! Making the arms, scarf and tail. 

See you on Monday with Part 1! Let me know if you have any questions now or along the way, I'll be happy to help! I look forward to seeing your beautiful creations!

Amigurumi Candy Corn - A Free Crochet Pattern

I'm so excited Fall is here! I love that each season brings different colors and weather. Here in the Pacific Northwest we usually get a lot of rain but it also makes for a lot of green and pretty views!

When October hits I usually think of candy corn. I actually don't like the taste of them oddly enough, but I do enjoy their colors! Makes me think of falling leaves and the cozy warmth indoors!

These little amigurumi candy corn stuffies work up extremely fast, can fit in your hand and the best part? No sewing involved! I made some with cute little expressions but they are also super cute just as is!

You could even add a cute little bow (like this one in my mini pig pattern!) or use it to be a bow tie!

If you are new to amigurumi, this is a great pattern to practice your increases and invisible decreases! Head over to my Tips to Learning Amigurumi page for more tips and helpful photos, you'll be 'hooked'!

As I mentioned above, these can also be made without the facial features! This would make a safer version for a little one under 3. If you prefer crochet eyes I have a fun tutorial for you here!

Most amigurumi patterns start with a magic circle but I really wanted to keep the oval shape that candy corn has. The start of this candy corn is very similar to the snout on the amigurumi cow pattern! We will work both sides of the chain to create an oval shape and that will be our base!

With the oval shape it made the color changes occur at the side, which I really enjoyed! They were less noticeable and if using the invisible color change method it makes it even more seamless. I have a picture tutorial for you below if you haven't used this method before!

Be sure to also join the Grace and Yarn Crochet Group on Facebook if you haven't already! You can share your work and ask any questions you have along the way!

Pattern

- PIN this pattern to your favorite board to save for later!

- Get an ad-free printable version in my Etsy or Ravelry store!

You may make and sell items made from this pattern but please do not sell, share or reproduce the actual pattern. If you sell finished items online (Etsy, etc) please provide a link to the pattern and credit to me as the designer, thank you. I hope you enjoy this pattern!

This post contains affiliate links, please click here for more info. Thank you for supporting Grace and Yarn!

Materials

• Size 4 worsted weight yarn in yellow, orange, and white (approx. 25g total)
• Pink yarn for the cheeks (optional)
• 3.5 mm crochet hook 9mm safety eyes
• Black crochet/embroidery thread for eyelashes, mouth, and eyebrows (optional)
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle Stuffing
• Stitch markers (scrap yarn or a paper clip works well too)

Abbreviations: US terminology

SC- Single crochet

INV DEC- Invisible decrease

St(s)- Stitch(es)

Each candy corn measures about 4 inches tall.

*Slowly stuff as you go, you want it to be firm but not stretched. You will be working in the round, I like using a stitch marker at the beginning of each round.

How to Make An Invisible Color Change

1. When completing the last stitch before your color change, insert your hook into your stitch, yarn over with the first color and pull through.

2. Drop your first color and use your new color to yarn over and finish the stitch by pulling through all loops on your hook.
You now have your new color on your hook. I like to tie off my old color here as we won’t need to carry it.

3. When starting your next round, complete your first stitch as a slip stitch instead of a SC. When you come back around to start your next round be sure to SC into your slip stitch just as if it were a regular stitch.



Let's get started!

With yellow, chain 10

Round 1: SC in the 2nd chain from hook, SC in the next 7 chains, 3SC in the last chain; working down the other side of the foundation chain (see picture), SC in the next 7 chains, complete 2SC in the last chain (which is also the first chain we started with) (20)



Round 2: 2SC in the first st, SC in the next 7 sts, 2SC in each of the next 3 sts, SC in the next 7 sts, 2 SC in each of the last 2 sts (26)

Round 3: 2SC in the first st, SC in the next 10 sts, 2SC in each of the next 3 sts, SC in the next 10 sts, 2SC in the last 2 sts (32)

Round 4: 2SC in the first st, SC in the next 12 sts, 2SC in each of the next 4 sts, SC in the next 12 sts, 2SC in the last 3 sts (40)

Rounds 5-6: SC around (40)

Round 7: SC in the first 8 sts, INV DEC in the next, rep around (36)

Round 8: SC around (36) Change to orange

Rounds 9-11: SC around (36)

Round 12: SC in the first 4 sts, INV DEC in the next, rep around (30)

Round 13: SC around (30)

Round 14: SC in the first 3 sts, INV DEC in the next, rep around (24) Change to white

Rounds 15-16: SC around (24)

Here we will add our facial features: (optional)

Insert the eyes 4 stitches apart between rounds 12-13. Add cheeks, eyelashes, eyebrows and smile to your liking.



Round 17: SC in the first 2 sts, INV DEC in the next, rep around (18)

Rounds 18-19: SC around (18)

Round 20: SC in the first st, INV DEC in the next, rep around (12)

Round 21: SC around (12)

*Be sure to finish stuffing to your liking before closing*

Round 22: INV DEC in each st around (6)

Fasten off and sew remaining hole closed.

Your candy corn is now completed! I hope you have enjoyed making this pattern, please let me know if you have any questions!

Happy crocheting,

Stephanie