Dollar Tree Crochet Kits are NOT for Beginners! Here's Why
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- Here's a review of a few Dollar Tree crochet kits and I'm warning you to stay clear of these kits if you're a beginner......and everyone else too lol! I'm showing you what'd included in the kit, what the instructions were like and how far I got making them.
Here's the video by @SpookyHousewifeChronicles : • “Dollar tree” crochet ...
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Thank you! The pink bunny is what I tried to teach myself on, and I was completely lost. Thankfully, I'm a knitter, so I jumped on line and found much better projects to learn with.
Oh man, I wish I would have gotten this video out sooner!!!! Well if you had any doubts, it’s 100% the pattern and supplies with the problem and 0% you! 😃 I’m really glad to hear that you didn’t give up on crochet and found a better option! 🫶🏻
I'm pretty new to crochet and not really attracted to doing amigurumi for the exact reasons you stated! But i really just wanted to comment and say, your hat is GORGEOUS
Well you’re smart to stay away from them lol!!! And thank you! I really like the hat I’m glad I got around to using up some random yarns! 😃
Hi Shannon! The charts of these kits were so tiny! I made 2 kits, my brother made one. I think the results were amazing, but I had to come up with my own pattern and guess along the way. 😊 It worked though! I think the materials are amazing, and the price is unbeatable! ❤ But, the chart is most definitively not for beginners.
Yep, I agree! I think seasoned crocheters can figure out how to make it work, but it’s definitely not for beginners! I’m glad you and your brother had good results!!! 😃
@@ShannonTalksYarn You answered! I cannot believe it! God Bless! 😊🥰😁
@fluffy_psalms_23 of course! I appreciate you watching and commenting 🥰
@@ShannonTalksYarnYour Welcome! :)
Thanks so much for your very honest review. I’ve been crocheting for decades and have just learned how to do a magic circle.
Don’t be hard on yourself, that’s a hard concept to get! I watched soooo many tutorials and always got confused! Then I heard someone say that they are just slip knots that you don’t complete and I finally understood it! And thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it!
Such a great review, Shannon (new sub here, loving your channel). I have crocheted a ton of ami's that are all basically gifted, which gives me more joy than I can explain. Love doing custom pieces (like dogs...). A little story! Hubby was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last fall and had surgery around Christmas time. We met with the surgeon and his PA (who ended up stitching hubby back together after an 11 hour surgery). The PA is a dog lover and we connected immediately... she grew up with Irish Setters. So I crocheted her one and sent it to her before the surgery took place. After a long, long day in surgery, she showed up in hubby's hospital room to check on him after he got out of recovery, and had with her that little dog in a plastic bag. She had brought it into surgery as a mascot. My heart just basically burst! So much joy to spread in giving our handmade items as unexpected gifts! Thanks for your great videos... looking forward to watching them all.
That’s such an amazing experience to go through! First I hope you two are doing well. And second, thank you for sharing such a personal story, I love how the surgeon responded. And I think this will be inspiring for others who read your comment too! ❤️❤️❤️
Great review. I've been crocheting since 2010, and I want to say I picked up the Unicorn one of these. It was wonky, but mine came out. I found frustration with the printed instruction, but given my years of experience, I just re-wrote it all by hand before starting. Like your bunny it's just graphs instead of what I'll call a "traditional" pattern. More frustrating though was it was such a small sheet of paper, and it was black font on a dark grey background, making the whole thing near impossible to read.
As frustrating as my unicorn was to make, I decided to go buy the rest of the kits in this line as I feel they are basically "so bad they are good." Haha. I haven't made another yet, but I'm hoping to do the bunny next.
I agree these are NOT beginner friendly. However, I'm having my own fun and entertainment out of these kits.
I’m glad you were able to make lemonade out of the lemons!!! Thanks for adding your experience to the conversation, I think it’s super helpful!
Thank You!! I've never crocheted a day in my life but if I had seen these I would have bought them all and probably went to multiple stores. I know me, I would have been so excited. You saved me from certain heartache.
And you are so charming. New sub 😘💕
Hello & welcome! You have no idea how much you just cracked me up….Im the same way, I did that once trying to find some DT velvet pumpkins 😂😂😂
It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of cute cheap stuff lol.
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, I appreciate it! ❤️
Hi Shannon 🤗 you look beautiful in your beanie! From experience, I totally 💯 agree…kits like these are definitely not for beginners! The cheap yarn, hook & pattern can put someone off crocheting forever! I have found the more expensive kits are sooo much better…I guess 🤔 you really do get what you pay for! But I have to say…the temptation to buy these kits is real! 😳🥴🤣🥰🧶🤩
I believe you, I’m sure the better kits are better! I saw you haul your adorable doll kits! 😃
Thorough and informative as always!! Your hat is really pretty and looks so cute on you.❤😊🧶
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! ❤️ ❤️❤️
Bless you and your amigurumi- averse heart! I love that you're making lemonade by putting out this video. Imagine if they tried these kits with knitting - starting people off on circular needles or dpns! I don't think it would fly.
Hahahaha!!! That is a very accurate way to describe me 😂😂😂
It’s crazy but in the end, they still “won” because they got my money 🤪
Hi Shannon! I love your beanie! ♥️ I’ve never made amigurumi but would like to try one day. Now I know to stay away from the Dollar Tree kits 😁
lol, yep STAY AWAY! Here’s the thing, you are definitely an experienced enough crocheter to make it through, but I guarantee you would be annoyed lol. So yeah, if you ever get that urge, try a different pattern!
@@ShannonTalksYarn Lol yes I’ll definitely try a different pattern when I get the urge 🙂
I recently picked up the pink bunny, thought it looked interesting, and figured it could be fun to try. But as soon as I opened up the directions, all I could think is "what is this actual rubbish?!" I'm going to try to watch a youtube video to see if i can make heads or tales of it. (Side note - I am not new to crocheting whatsoever.)
I hear ya! It was definitely not what I was hoping for either!!! I hope you have better luck than I did, I would love it if you’d update me!
Thank you for the review! At this point in my life, I want my hobby to be relaxing. If a project drives me nuts (short trip, I know), I’ll pass on it.
Hahaha it would be a short trip for me too! 😂 Yep, better pass on these even tho they seem tempting!
Thanks for the tag! The kits you have look way different than mine! The one I got came with a metal or aluminum hook, no safety eyes either. Thats crazy. Even the patten looks totally different! If you’re not “into” amigurumi then I’m sure it may not be the “easiest”. The pattern the whale came with wasn’t that bad to follow. I can’t say the same for the other kits. I personally, don’t like to make wearables or blankets so those are daunting for me and I avoid them. I’m going to do another video soon on the other kits I bought.
We should definitely do a swap on them! I wish mine sold them so I could give it a try but I will definitely make a video of me making them dollar tree ones vs how I would make them! 😊
When you get time will you email me (it’s in the description box) or DM me on IG? We should definitely work something out!
Thanks for watching and commenting! I appreciate it 😃
@@ShannonTalksYarn I dmed you on instagram!
Haaahaa! This was fantabulous! I have often wondered, you know? Ironically, working on amigurumi right now, lol. It’s so funny really…the Dollar Tree can be an absolute TREASURE TROVE at times. Other times, it’s like garage sale-ish, you know? Regardless! I’m ALWAYS so glad to see a video by you! Hugs from snowy-land - AGAIN 😑. Xx 🥶🫶🏻🧶🧡
Hi Lisa! What, you got snow again!?!?!? It’s chilly here but thankfully no snow! That’s a very accurate description of the DT 😂 I hope your amigurumi goes much better than these silly ones did for me!
My daughter and I also crocheted two of these kits. The supplies are very lacking especially the Crochet hook and sewing needle. These kits are not for beginners! But they turned out cute
I’m glad you had good results in the end but I agree, you have to know what you’re doing with these! Definitely not a “teach yourself crochet” project 🤦🏻♀️😂
I bought them too. I ended up using the yarn for other amigurumi that I have made in the past. I didn't care for the instructions they have.
Right!?!?!?!? Who wrote those instructions? 😂 That’s good that you could salvage the yarn!
I was wondering if you had plans for the kits you didn't want to finish. I would like them if you don't have any one else to give them to. I could finish the ones you almost finished.😊l think what you did was well done.
Thanks for the video idea! Lol I'm very adept at amigurumi and ive made them for years, including translating the patterns from Japanese diagrams, so this is an interesting challenge idea. Now I just have to see if my dollar tree has any of these kits!
Also I agree about the materials - the glory of those tiny amigurumi projects is that you can use all scraps and stuff you already have in your stash (except maybe the eyes, but you can make those out of felt if you want too), so buying a kit with crappy tools would not make the process more enjoyable for sure. Hopefully this didnt turn you completely off other amigurumi if you ever do want to make any :)
TBH, when I bought these I was still holding on to the idea that I would get into amigurumi…… but I’ve come to terms with the fact that I just don’t enjoy them. And it’s not because of the crappy ones ruining it! I love seeing ones other people make! And I know the pattern and yarn are key to it turning out. But I guess I just don’t really have any purpose for them, so I struggle with being motivated to make them 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ Keep me posted if you make that video!!! 😃
OMG!! Thank you! I am charmed by amigurumi but I don't really want to make a bunch of ami projects.
I love the look of them! And they seem so fun but I just don’t enjoy them lol!
Excellent review. Thank you 🧶🧡
Thank you so much! 😊
I saw these the other days and i could see the hook and my first thought was "well thats going to snap a few stitches in"
At least the pictures are accurate 😂
Your first impression was right!! It’s funny how accurate they are! 😂😂😂 So goofy!
I picked up the avocado kit from my Dollar Tree. It had regular crochet instructions(only slightly confusing), and I was surprised it came with a metal hook.
That’s definitely an improvement!!! I’m glad the instructions were better too! In your opinion, would you say that kit was beginner friendly or not? I’m assuming you’re more of an experienced crocheter? 😃
@ShannonTalksYarn it's not beginner friendly. I wouldn't try this if I was just starting, maybe after I got the hang of the basics. I did run into one issue of not enough yarn. I had enough for everything except the last row and the yarn to sew the two parts together.
@ashley82713 it’s such a bummer these aren’t better! Thank you for sharing!
I saw these Sat at my Dollar Tree. Looked at them and left them there. 😂
That was smart my friend! 😅
Thank you for the review.
You’re welcome! 😃
Your hats are all so adorable! Do you link the patterns and yarn for any of them?
Hi Kelly! I feel like I pretty much do the same 3 hat patterns all the time lol! 😂 here’s a link to a recent video where all three should be linked: Work Though Your Yarn Stash With This Tool!
ruclips.net/video/FfFkpH-6iHU/видео.html
I always keep it pretty simple! The yarns in this hat are Herrschner’s Afghan yarn in deep teal and (probably discontinued) yarn bee I love this wool in Navajo. 😃
First, Shannon, that hat is beautiful! What yarn/color is that???
You did an exceptional job on the little dollar tree kits! I’m…ok-ish at reading diagrams, but those did not look good! As always, love your channel, content and all you do!
Hey Lisbeth! I hope you’re having a great night! Yeah, I definitely won’t be doing any more of them lol 😂
The hat is Herrschner’s Afghan yarn in deep teal held together with yarn bee I love this wool in Navajo. I don’t know if they still make that one or not tho, mine was thrifted!
what would your suggestion be for someone who just got given one of these and has never touched crochet, has no other materials, has generally no idea where to start, but really wants to give this a good shot? i have their little succulent one, and i really do want to at least try to do it, but i honestly dont even know *how* to follow the instructions, they are complete gibberish to me
or are they really so bad that my answer should basically just be "don't do it"
I haven’t seen the succulent so I’m not sure exactly what’s involved with that one but I don’t think you should give up, especially if you’re interested in learning!! Just keep in perspective that even experienced crocheters have struggled so don’t get down on yourself! Before starting, I’d try to find any YT review or tutorial on the succulent. I would look for videos that explain the stitches you’ll be using (I’m assuming single crochet and the magic ring. My friend Sweet Moments by Jessie has some good ones) and I would invest in some practice yarn and a metal hook if the kit came with a plastic hook. I would go to Walmart and get 1 skein of Red Heart Super Saver(should be under $5) in a succulent color, that way if you want to make multiples, you’ll have the yarn. But practice the stitches until you feel comfortable doing them. Once you feel more comfortable with that, start doing the whole thing with the practice yarn. Then move on to the kit. I know that’s not as fun as diving in……but I think in the long run, it will be easier and you’ll be much happier with the process and the project.
@ShannonTalksYarn alright, thank you so much for responding! my kit does have a metal hook at least. time to get myself some yarn and start practicing lol :)
@kayden8093 you’re welcome, hopefully it’s helpful!! Yep, I really think you’ll set yourself up for more success by practicing stitches before jumping into the kit! It’s not as fun lol but I think it will be much less frustrating! 😃
Wobbles has the magic ring all started for you... rest up to you to follow the rest of the toys...
I have heard those are MUCH better! I know to my are a bit pricey, but the quality is light years better than these lol 😂
great video
Thank you Sherry! 🫶🏻
i like amigurumi cuz i'm a "plushies on bed" kinda gal, but yeah these kinds of sets arent the best way to make one, and definitely not for small kids, tho my experience is mostly with cross-stitch sets
Do the DT cross stitch kits work out pretty well? I haven’t done cross stitch in years! And I agree, these animals are so tiny, they’d get lost in the bed! 😂
@@ShannonTalksYarn they are quite bad too - last time i researched those they didnt even have the pattern in them, and the needle is just.... No.
@SorarikoMotone oh nooooo. Ok, I’ll stay away from them! 😂
I will never understand why “beginner” amigurumi kits aren’t better. I mean for the dollar tree this is about wat u expect but i have seen reviews from other youtubers who have gotten kits from amazon and they are abt the same. Misleading pics and shoddy materials. Also why do they all seem to have the smallest yarn w the smallest hook? It makes no sense. Lol. Set me up for success not a questionable experience. Also as an amigurumi crocheter I think u did great given wat u had to work with. 😊
Thanks Cindy! I really did try, but the biggest problem was the extremely small amount of yarn to work with. There wasn’t any margin for a larger tension there!!! I kinda knew there was a good chance it would turn out like this, but you’re right, it would be soooo disheartening if you’re were brand new and tried to start off with this!!!!
@@ShannonTalksYarn i have a very loose tension naturally as well - great for scarfs but not so much for amigurumi. Lol.
@cindynalieka ain’t that the truth!?! 😂
Weird. I did the bunny and had yarn left over.
My tension was definitely too loose on the body. I tightened it way up on the head but I just used too much yarn on the body 🫤
Oh, wow, those look ridiculous. I'm pretty sure if you wanted to gift something to a newbie crocheter you'd be better off buying them some quality yard, the hook size they need, the smallest packet of stuffing, and a pair of safety eyes and then point them to a video tutorial for beginners. More expensive? Surely, but you wouldn't risk frustrating them to death and making them quit crochet over a silly little toy that looks like it has seen some things...
Honestly, if I ever started with such a kit, I would have never gotten into making amigurumi and I would have been a lot less happy because of that.
I couldn’t agree more! And I don’t believe I beginner could make it through the diagram either!!! You’re right, it would definitely be worth the money to put together your own little kit. 💯
Understand not crocheting the toys. I do not know what to crochet, I dislike wearing sweaters, I'm in Florida so no need for warm hats, scarfs and gloves. No grandbabies yet, so no cute toys, outfits, blankets all sorts of cute baby things. Do not like 99% of home goods crocheted and do not need any more blankets made.
Maybe crochet stuffed animals for local charities or foster kids!
Hi Cindy, I can definitely see why you could get stuck! I have a friend in Florida and she says the same thing about winter wear, you guys have no need for it!!! I know she has gotten into making different types of totes/bags/purses, even a backpack. And I know she’s made herself several cotton tank tops and crop tops. Just an idea! Because I’m with you, no grandkids to make stuff for.
Maybe try crochet washcloths? I’ve made some with the premier twist colored yarn from dollar tree and I really love using them. They’re also a great gift for the holidays if you make them through the year. Also, I usually use tunesian crochet for them and that’s definitely my favorite method!
Oh, also coasters, scrunchies, and little chain bookmarks with a figure at the end (like a coffee cup, leaf sprout, mushroom, etc) are cute things to make for yourself or friends
I made a crochet head bandana scarf thing. And a pouch for pencils, and a farmers market bag. All with cotton. Cotton and linen yarns would be your best bet to make clothing out of.