Great idea. When I was teaching, I used to do this for attendance, notations for things students needed, etc. I used Vis A Vis pens. I tried white board markers, but I'd brush against them and wipe it off.
Great tip. I did this last night because I wanted to keep all my patterns in the sheets & found it convenient to mark as I go. I always have several sheet protectors that my current projects stay in. The rest until they are being used stay in one sleeve protector. When I move to another project I slip the one one out. I also like to write on the back of the design the name of the person I made it for. That way if they ask me for another- I just go into my patterns to locate which one I made them previously.
If it erases easily I use sharpie and when I want to wipe it off I use a dry erase marker to draw or write over it and it wipes away as easily as if it was dry erase itself. Hope this helps! I know it's late but I seen this and wanted to comment this trick
Great tips! My recent favorite tip is actually to switch to a bit of string instead of locking stitch markers! Hear me out: You shift the string over the first stitch of each new round, the same string, and then as you go through your piece you have the first round marked all the way through (or at least through the last 6-8 rounds depending on how long your string is). It won't fall out after a round or two, and if you ever need to frog more than one row you know for certain where the round started. It ends up looking like a simple running stitch up the side of your piece, and you just tug it out when you're done. Game changer for me. That being said, I still keep the locking ones around for various uses! I use one in the loop to hold it when I set a project down, and sometimes when I need to mark a certain place in a row itself I stick a marker there to remember. For example, if a row says (sc 18, inc, sc 9) I will sometimes count out 18 ahead of time, put a marker in that spot, then crochet freely without needing to count as I go. I find it faster and simpler and removes that stress of 'oh did I count wrong?' if I am watching a show or something as I work. (Plus going back and counting if it is a dec row with invisible decreases is a pain!)
@@EliseRoseCrochet Hopefully it works for you! I drape it over the working yarn (and under the hook) before working the stitch, and it snugs right in there.
I've seen others do that and while I agree it's a great idea, I've yet to try it! For some reason it seems less apparent where the first stitch is. Though my markers fall out all the time! Should be a no-brainer, huh?
One tip that has helped me is to make appliques ahead of time, especially with scrap yarn. Those little pink cheek circles, little hearts or leaves or flowers, even crochet eyes (instead of safety eyes) - if you already have a supply of them that you've made in your spare time or with scrap yarn, then you can just grab them and add them quickly to your project.
Elise, I am old friends with crocheting (let's not talk about HOW old 😂) but new to amigurumi. I use all of your tips right down to weaving ends right away. I use a cute lanyard as a scissor fob, always have! My kids bought me cute yarn bags over the years with sections for yarn and holes in the top, which I simply cannot live without! My tip is to ALWAYS put your beverage (aka wine) in a cup with a closing lid. Don't ask me how I know that. Love your videos and your enthusiasm!! I am learning so much from you!
My wife and I just found your channel and I just wanted to share that we love it and are about to get into making things together! But you’re channel is so wholesome and well done, so I just thought I’d share
You will LOVE THIS CHANNEL. She is amazing. I wish she would put out more videos but I know how much time it takes to run a RUclips channel. She does alot of editing. For my channel I don't edit much but I try to put out more videos. I look forward to when she puts out a new video. One because Amigrumi is my main crochet passion. And two she gives great info and advise.
@@EliseRoseCrochet I agree about how great it is to be able to craft as a family. I would love to have someone to craft with. I have several friends that I'm close to that crafts but it's hard to even video chat because of how different our schedules are.
You hit the nail on the head....stay focused on one project! I always have multiple projects going, mainly because I love finding a fun pattern, picking the yarns, starting the project and then getting bored and putting it down to start or work on a different project. What I started this year is allowing myself to use "old yarn" to make small samples when I see a project I might be interested in doing. I label it with date, author and stitch details and put it into a basket I label as "future project ideas". This satisfies my need for creativity without actually starting a new project! Then I happily go back to my project without guilt. I've finished 3 projects this year already and have a 4th almost completed! And I have lots of "ideas" in my basket when I finally finish all my WIPs!
That's a great idea!! Do you mind if I use that? I have ADHD and get easily distracted (🐔 did you see the size of that chicken!?! 🤣), and I need all the help I can get.
I just use a strand of crochet cotton in a contrasting color as my stich marker when crocheting. I just flip it over my first stich at the beginning of each new round as I go and pull it out when finished. I find this also helpful if I realize I messed up several rounds earlier and I have to unravel several rounds, I always know where all my rounds begin.
I have heard of using the yarn as a marker, but I never thought about how helpful that would be if you have to unravel!! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🌻
Excellent tips. Taking a picture of your pattern, if it's not already in digital form, is brilliant. Not only have i forgotten my pattern when traveling but one time while on vacation i spilled coffee on my only copy of a paper pattern from a book that i borrowed. Lesson learned. Also your tip about keeping basic colors on hand is so helpful. If you make a lot of animals, having those basic fur type colors on hand can save tons of time. My girlfriend makes mostly bears so she has a stockpile of browns, black, greys, and whites. A tip i'd like to add is this. I've wasted so much time trying to make cheap yarn into cute toys. For me it's just not worth my time. Using better quality yarn yields a better finished project which in turn boosts my morale and motivates me to make more. I have just found through the years that better quality yarn is worth it.
That's an excellent point about the coffee!!! Yikes!! And thank you for that suggestion, I couldn't agree more. Great amigurumi yarn doesn't have to be super expensive, but the cheapest yarn available typically isn't the best. People are always surprised how much better their toys look when they find a better quality yarn. Thanks for sharing! 💖
I LOVE this idea. There has been many times I want to take my project with me, but don't want to bring my book or printed pattern with me. This makes so much more since. Thank you so much for sharing this idea. It's AMAZING. ❤❤❤
I crocheted a basket that i keep my working yarns in, on the floor. My cat, Skittles, sleeps next to it by my feet on a small rug that i also crocheted. All of your tips are so helpful, thank you for sharing.
LOVE these tips!!!! I have one! I bought a tiny bin from the dollar store to keep all my cut end in. It helps eliminate messes and sometimes, there's your stuffing too! When I am done and I don't think I can use it I just dump the extras in the trash can.
Dear Elise, my tip is that I keep the very sharp point of the embroidery scissors pushed into a wine cork, it’s safer to keep the scissors in your work bag or handbag, and also I have carried an emergency sewing kit in a plastic soap box(the kind you would have in a wash bag)🙂💐🧶🧵🇬🇧
I love these tips, one thing I'd like to add, as a neurodivetgent knitter, is while it helps to have a single project to focus on, it's easy for the first week or so, and I find it helpful to pick up one other simmilar project that's smaller, such as a hat or mini plush, and use it as a "pallet cleanser" then finish the larger project. It really helps me work more efficiently, as long as I don't bog myself down with 5+ projects at once.
WOW!! I just found your channel and I am trying to binge-watch E-V-E-R-Y-THING You have to say!!! What a remarkable woman you are! I am 54 (well, 😊 I will be in August of 2022), and I started teaching myself to crochet via the world of RUclips in 2022. Prior to that, the only fiber art I knew anything about was counted Cross Stitch - - and I haven't touched that for years! Nevertheless, I have found my passion in crochet! One, it SERIOUSLY helps my depression and anxiety, but Two, I think I could be really good at it if I keep at it. And my TRUE calling is... AMIGURUMI!! I have ten grandchildren so I have lots of potential recipients!! After all that blabbing, I want to thank you for all of your insights and let me just say... I wish I had known not to save all my “end-weaving” for last 🤦🏽♀️ I spent the better part of six hours yesterday sewing in all my ends for the first Amigurumi project I'm working on as a gift. I'm so excited to get it done, but I don't want to hurry through it and do it wrong. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge with the world!! You are very valuable!
Awww! Thank you so very much!!! I'm so glad you have found your passion!! I totally understand it! And how wonderful to have 10 grandchildren!!!!!!! I can't wait to be a grandma!! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochet Being a Grandma will unlock a new level of love you can't understand until you feel it! 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕 My baby girl is still capable of having another baby, and I have my fingers crossed and my hands folded praying that He will Bless me with just one more (boy or girl - doesn't matter ❤️)
Great tips, my goal is to keep myself organized & finish the project. My oldest unfinished project is a knitted dress I started for my daughters 1st birthday. My goal now is to finish the dress & give it to her daughter on her 1st Bday, Ryleigh is 2 months old. This is a must finish, long overdue. Love your work & your enthusiasm.
If you have ALOT of patterns like I do (I've inherited sooooo many of them), and you have lots of different types of them it helps to buy one of those plastic hanging file folder boxes with an attached lid on a hinge to put all your patterns in. Separate them out into types: amigurumi, shawls, blankets, scarves, hats, etc. It helps so you don't have to carry around a giant binder everywhere or have multiple binders sitting around collecting dust while not in use. Instead of having to take a feather duster to binders on a shelf you can just take a wipe or rag and wipe off the outside of the box and they stack easy if you need more than one. Just pull out the pattern you need and put it in your yarn bag and go. Helps if you keep them all in plastic sheet protectors to. Then you can check off your rows with an expo marker without having to scribble all over your frequently used patterns.
Excellent tips, Elise. It's funny , I just recently got some new stitch markers that lock into place for the very reason you mentioned. I'm going to adopt your Fob tip asap ! hahahha
I never thought to use a bag to slip the yarn through. I may try that. Also, I agree about making all of the pieces before assembly... I don't always do that and then kick myself later. Thank you for all of your tips and help!
I put my yarn I am using for projects into cakes and I will crochet anything that needs two at once at the same time using both the center pull and outer pull. Example, if it needs two legs or two arms, I crochet them at the same time and alternate rounds. This helps me keep everything the same size and avoids getting mismatching legs or arm pairs!
Hi Elise, thank you so much for the tips! I also have a great one to keep track of row ends. Take a piece of string or yarn and every time you are done with a row, fold it over where you would normally place the stitch marker. Then when you complete the next row, take the yarn and do the same. When the project is done the yarn is woven though the project but you can still easily pull it out. Even faster to use than stitch markers :). Hope it's a useful tip!
OMG, the tracker sheet is genius! I spend so much time recounting my rounds, and I always miscount them and get frustrated. And making all of the pieces first, the assembling later makes the most sense to me. The locking stitch markers have been my best friends. As a new amigurumi crocheter, I love these tips!
For working balls (or skeins) of yarn and for working project, I use laundry nets. They are perfect; you can zip it close all around, leaving just the opening for yarn, I just hang it on anything when I start crocheting. They are usually cheap (I bought a set of 6 nets for about 3€), diferent sizes, depend on the project I'm working on... It is easy to take them with you anywhere to keep working. And at the same time they keep my yarn and crocheted items away from my two cats especially their fur 😊 And I always look for a way to work over the tails on the spot, saves at least half of weaving in. Mostly, wheter I'm crocheting a hat or an amigurumi, I end up with just one, the final tail to weave in
And for marking the first stitch of the round I use stainless steel shirt clips, (example: "Stainless Steel Shirt Clips, heavy duty metal X clip garment clothes socks trousers dress skirt pants packaging peg paper binder") I first found one laying around the house and I didn't even know what is it used for normaly, but I immediately taught how well would it work for a stitch marker. It is metal, doesn't brake, it is very thin, even for the tiniest crochet and it is twisted, so you just slide it in annd out but doesn't come off by anything 🤩
I bought a small duffel bag at Cabelas. It has a main area, two lateral side pockets , one top flap pocket on both sides, two small front pockets. It’s my project on the road trip bag for my crochet. I’ve also used a backpack . I like having pockets for the crochet hooks, and easy accessible area for the scissors and needlework supplies.
My tip is for marking the beginning of the round with an alligator clip. It stays in place because it is very strong. You can move it with one hand when you need to move it over. With the safety pin type markers you need two hands to move them. This is also a time saver. I still have the original one I used when I was a kid from like 50 years ago. It's my most valued craft notion.
Thanks, Elise. I love my locking stitch markers. Unfortunately, for me, the plastic ones don’t seem to last very long and typically break. I’ve gone to little metal locking markers, instead. They look like the outline shape of a lightbulb and work beautifully for me. Thanks for all your tips.
I use plastic tabs for the outside of folders as my place makers on my instructions. That way I can move them to the next row of work and they are see thru and make the print visible.
Great tips! I keep track of my projects in Evernote but any similar app would do. I take pictures of the yarn with banderole and the hook with its number readable. That's a good reference for future similar or identical projects. I also keep track of my stash and projects in Ravelry. When I know I have to make a number of the same animals, let's say for a mobile, I make a condensed copy of the pattern on one page which is easier to take everywhere. I use a thread in a contrasting colour as stitch marker, it works well for me because it tracks the rounds and I can see immediately when the line goes wonky because I lost a stitch. I keep my darning needles and scissors in a pretty little tin that I always keep on my work table because I usually have more than one project running... and I keep my projects in baskets that contain the pattern, my notes, yarn and hook. But the needles and scissors are nomads :-) and wander from basket to basket. I have a yarn winder and wind my yars before I start, then keep them in a mug that's heavy and stable. I used to hate it when my yarn balls jumped around. Now I have little cakes that come nicely out of the mug. Ohh, and there are so many lovely tips in the comments, too! Now I want a rolling cart!
I really enjoy using a little digital stitch counter. The one I have is from Susan Bates and it just goes over my finger. I use it to count rows or stitches
Great video and I Love these tips. Crocheting is such a relaxing craft for me, I've been doing it for 43 years. Last year I picked up the Amigurumi style of crocheting and absolutley love it. I've gone to the dollar stores to find some organizing totes and things for my projects and yarn. I use the ziploc storage bags for individual projects. I put all the yarn needed for it in the bag and a note with the pattern title on it. Also I keep small tapestry needles, folding scissors, and a small tape measure in an empty altoids mint tin.
You are absolutely the best channel on RUclips! Because of you I am now crocheting Friends of Pica Pau. I made the elephant, only I made her a prima ballerina. She is adorable. Thank you Elise!!!!! I love this new craft, it brings me pure joy.
All great ideas Elise! I actually already do many of them. Organizing my printed patterns and putting them into binders by projects types and styles took a whole week. I have seven binders but now it is SO easy to find what I want. Biggest time saver ever. I put the patterns in plastic sleeves to protect them. It took two big boxes of the page protectors but such an improvement! Thank you so much for all your tips and ideas. I really appreciate you!!
I also use the plastic protectors and an erasable marker to make notes and keep track of where I am in the pattern. This helps for marking patterns that I use frequently.
Great tips!! These certainly help making amigurumi more efficient and time saving. One other thing I would like to add to these tips is about the yarn tension. Most beginners find it difficult to have tight tension on the yarn, as did I. So I found it really useful to learn 2 different grasps to hold the crochet hook. The pencil grasp and the knife hold. Both of these require slightly different set of muscles to work. It’s really helpful when you are able to switch between the two and give rest to those particular muscles that are in constant motion. But of course, the best way to give rest to those wrists and fingers is to stretch and give a break as often as possible!
Thank you so much for the tips! I really needed that😊! I am not sure, if you have given tips on washing instructions on amigurumi, in the past🤔. I would really appreciate it; if you can give detailed advice; on how to properly wash the toys, without soaking them; especially when customers ask those questions. Thank you, for always giving great advice🤗
I'm so glad you liked the tips! I have never washed amigurumi before, but let me do some research and see what I can find! Thanks so much for the suggestion!! 💓
One of the best tips for number 8 is ribblr. There is so many great free and paid patterns and you can mark off to where you got which is really helpful.
I am starting my first Knitable Bear pattern. I have frogged and restarted several times, but that's OK, I know this is a learning experience. and I want to take my time and do it right. Thank you so much for you many hints and tips.
Every single project teaches me something! And I rarely have a project that I don't have to redo some part of it! I'm so glad you enjoy the tips! Good luck with your bear! 💗
All great tips! I’ve done most of them except the bag one and the scissor one. I’ll have to try those! Thank you!! Something I have learned the hard way is to make notations on the patterns of any changes I’ve made in the pattern, which have made the pattern turn out better for me, or I have found a mistake in the pattern that I made the correction for, and need to note that. And also if I’ve used a different size hook or needles, and note what yarn brand and weight I’ve used if different than what the pattern calls for. Sometimes I have forgotten to do all (or some) of these things, and talk about a time-waster in trying to backtrack if I want to use the pattern again! Thank you so much for all your USEFUL RECOMMENDATIONS!!
Another great video, always learn something new, I use a Bobby pin to mark my starting rows, it’s very quick and does stay where it’s suppose to. I use the lock markers for my rows, it’s helps me keep track when a patterns say crochet 15-21….etc. Have a great day to all….🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶
Thanks for sharing! I haven't tried bobby pins but that's a great suggestion! And I'll have to check out your row tracker! I could really use something like that! 💓
I use plastic shipping bags from craft supply and other purchases online for project bags lol. They work pretty well and some of them have cute designs on them so I especially like to use those for planned project storage and if I do have more than one project I can fit a few of them in my large project bags.
What a great video! Such great tips! I’m fairly new to amigurumi (in the last year) and find any extra help is a bonus 👍🏼 I have crocheted for 46 years but amigurumi was a whole different category for me lol but I love making cute things for my grandkids. They love them and it’s building a memory with them ♥️ Thank you for another great video. Blessings 💜💜
Awww! I can't wait to have grandbabies to make toys for!! And that's wonderful that you're creating those special memories with them. I know they will always treasure them! 💖
Thanks a lot for all these tips about saving time😊 Well, tip #3 is my favourite because I love making my yarn inventory bigger continously😍 I don't have a yarn bowl and I was thinking what to do instead of a bowl. The idea you gave is great👍I'll definitely use a paper bag for it😊
Thank you for the tips. You can put your patterns in plastic page protectors and you can write on them with dry erase markers so you can reuse them as needed.
Absolutely GREAT tips!!! I do several of those but picked up some that I’m going to try! Love the bag trick to keep the yarn from tangling up. I also need a NEW binder for my patterns. Mine is at least 10 years old and has a lot of patterns that I will probably never make again. I love your tips for organizing it too! I’m no way going to get all the Christmas knitting that I wanted to for this year but there’s always NEXT year!!
I'm so glad you liked the tips! And I need to go through my patterns as well and probably get rid of some that I will never make again too. I don't think I will have any handmade Christmas gifts this year. Just too much going on to get it all done! 🎄
I love these tips!! I can definitely see myself using a lot of these in the future! My favorite thing to do is to roll all my yarn into balls, it really saves a lot of time
Yes! I have a yarn swift and ball winder now, which makes that process super quick. It turns them into little cakes and I like that they don't roll around everywhere!! Thanks for sharing!! 💛
This one is confirmation that I am doing the right things to be quick! I love efficiency of movement and I love going fast. I think it’s great that you are sharing what has worked for you because I know these tips have worked for me. The only one I haven’t done is the scissor fob. I think I’ll make one soon.
Love these tips!! A couple tips and tricks I’ve picked up from crocheting is I bought a little tool box at Joans arts and crafts store and I like to store my scissors, safety eyes, scrap yarn in the little drawers it comes with, it also has little dividers! I keep my working project on the top drawer. So when I want to crochet I just pull out my little tool box and and everything is there and accessible when I need it! Traveling with it is a life savor 🥰🥰 I also crochet the extremities first and plan ahead so instead of spending hours re sewing and making sure my arms are symmetrical I just crochet them on! So much easier, saves a bunch of time and I like how it looks, my sewing skills are not the best 🤣😅
Elise, would you ever consider doing workshops? We could do knitted bunnies 🐰 all day or maybe a 2 day event? I’m from California and moving to Spain 🇪🇸 but if that ever happens I assure you I’ll be on the next plane from Malaga or LAX!!!!! Please sign me up!😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 Thanks to you and you lovely channel I am so obsessed with learning the craft! Honestly, thank your for igniting a passion of mine to create these precious knitted bunnies!!!
I have never thought of doing a workshop before! But thank you for the suggestion!! I did used to teach at a local yarn shop for a short time. But I found that I can reach so many more people through RUclips! ❤️ I'm so glad that you have found such a wonderful passion!! And good luck on your move to Spain! That is on my bucket list of places to visit!! 💖💖💖
Thank you for this! I have a friend approach me yesterday about a 25-piece bear commission for her daughter’s birthday next month. Still thinking of taking it on but if I do, these tips are useful. :)
Thank you for great tips!! Love the yarn bag idea☺ and the plastic Clover brand stitch markers are the best I've found. The hold tight and don't snap and break ❤
Wonderful content Elise! Scissor fob! And I totally understand "the flow". I think sometimes it helps your animals come out with the right stitch consistency for all of their different pieces. Especially if you are using a unique yarn. Thank you! Look forward to watching your videos.
That's an excellent point! Since you're in the same state of mind, your tension will likely be the same. I'm so glad you enjoy the videos! That means a lot to me! 💓
Once again a fantastic video with so many tips. I actually find using long pieces of spare yarn usually works for me, instead of stitch markers, though I do have the plastic lockable ones. I definitely agree about working on one project at a time, which is what I usually do because I’m alway excited to see the finished project 🥰.
Locking stitch counters are a must. 😂 I was starting my first amigurumi pattern, your Bubble Catster, and I had to restart TWICE because the stitch marker kept falling out.
Ugh!!! I totally get it!!! It's so frustrating to look down and realize you lost the stitch marker and you have no idea where your beginning of the round is!! 🧶🧶🧶
I put my project in a mesh laundry bag. I also have a bag that is ready packed at my front door. In it is a makeup zip bag with the basics I need and it stays packed at my door. I just put my mesh bag in and away I go. I then only need to unpack my mesh bag at home. Saves me soooo much time, and I don’t loose my embroidery scissors any more lol 🤪
Great tips! I am new to amigurumi and need all the tricks and tips! I think the most important one is be sure to use a stitch marker! I also took the time on my first project to make the doll with a larger hook and worsted weight yarn for 2 reasons.1: to see if I liked doing amigurumi and 2: to learn the process and understand the terminology before using my better yarn. It helped tremendously and I would recommend a newcomer to amigurumi try it.
Hi Elise. I'm a fan of your blog. You have some very useful tips. Regarding the stitch markers, have you tried using a thinner thread to weave back and forth your work every time you finish a row? I find this makes me work a lot faster and it doesn't come off at all unless I pull on it It's such a huge time saver.
Thank you for these great tips! As an ADHDer who picked up crocheting recently I did a few of these things intuitively anyway because I know, if I don't it spells desaster down the road. XD But there were also a lot of new ones that I'll try to implement over time. It's really difficult though to keep working on one project only. 😅 I prefer my patterns in a digital format so I found my row counter app to be very useful to me. It allows me to import a pattern and to have a global counter for the whole project and one for every body part. It even features voice control that allows me to increment the counter without laying down my hook.
Ok the yarn paper bag is just 🤯. I sometimes use a cereal bowl which works fine too but once I pick up projects that require more color changes I'll definitely try this!
Oh and one last thing that's really helpful to me is using a project bag with a several zipper compartments. There is a main pocket for the project but smaller ones too. One for my hooks, one for my stitch markers and safety eyes, one for my embroidery needles and one one for my pair of scissors. It makes finding everything so easy.
I crocheted a brightly colored cord for my scissors, long enough to wear my scissors as a necklace when I'm sewing stuff together and will do a lot of snipping.
Thank you Elise for the wonderful tips....I'm becoming more confident in making my amigurumi characters and they are actually starting to look like the pattern pictures 😂😂....have a nice weekend 💜
OMW!! My Granna would not let me have more than 1 project going at a time. I have been trying to have multiple projects going at once, but it is just not working for me!!! I heard my Granna in your Tip#4! Guess I needed to hear this!
I must be really weird, because I prefer to put amigurumi pieces together as I go as much as possible, similar to how you suggest to weave in ends as you go. I HATE having a million pieces to sew together, but having a partially finished ami kinda motivates me to keep going.
I'm a knitter and I want to make an amigurumi for a best friend of mine - the yarn bag and the stitch crosser page are two awesome tips! Great content, subscribed! :D
I know this may sound counter-intuitive, but when I make Amigurumi, I like to do the head and face first because if I wait until the end to do the face, the project will sit there, then I shift to the little pieces, and then crochet the body last. I like to assemble as I go, which is the opposite of one of the tips, but I always find that if I'm sitting with a bunch of pieces to sew at the end, I will put the project down and never pick it up again. But if I've only got one or two pieces to sew at the end, I will feel a lot more motivated to get those sewn on
I do what I call 'flat packs', I will make half a dozen of one pattern at a time (using the tails to tie the pieces from each one together) and then do a massive assembly later on. For stitch markers, I use gourd pins. They are small and metal, so they don't break like the plastic ones....and they are super cheap (100 for under $5).
Tip 5, read over the pattern first. I started a project the other day and was SO excited about it, but I was missing a safety nose so I embroidered it, but I don't have large enough safety eyes so I either have to wait for the mail or design the eyes 🤦♀️ all because I didn't carefully review the supplies list. I need to work on all of these tips, honestly, but that's the big one that got to me recently.
I use a clickable row/round counter. My scissors are always on a fob! I have all my patterns printed in binders as well. End weaved in immediately. Satin drawstring bags around the yarn balls (I have 5 cats, lots of fur) the paper bag would be shredded in seconds by the pride.😂 I however hate the sewing part so if I were to safe for the end there would only be pieces😂. If I sew as I go, then I have something to look forward to... the crocheting. I could never have ine project, I have severe adhd. 😂
I want to attempt to create my 1st amigurumi project however I bought LARGE skeins of yarn. 1 is a medium wt and 2 are a 5 wt w/3 crochet hooks # 4,5,6/ G-6, H-8, J-10. I understand the importance of the correct yarn & hook. This will probably be a practice project until I master the pattern. My question is it better to “practice” from the start w/ the correct yarn & hook? I do not want to be discouraged so I trust what you advise. Thanks so much ❤️🧶gayle. Oh yes these hacks will be quite beneficial. I do most of these when I create my cards. I need organization or I loose interest and become very discouraged. Thanks again 💜☺️
I think it's good to practice with a hook size that works best as a beginner. You can start to use smaller hooks as you feel comfortable. I typically use a worsted weight yarn and a 3.5 mm crochet hook for my toys now. Hope that helps!! 🧶🧶🧶
Well i use a DIY crochet basket to keep my current project in AND! For stitchmarkers i use blank earringsloops of a craftstore..they lock and if u want (like i did) u can hang a lil charm on them to pretty-them-up and it looks super adorable! + they probably wont break as fast as thos cheap plastic ones which has driven me nuts
So guilty of working on more than one pattern at a time. I usually underestimate how much yarn I need so the project gets put in the pause pile. Today I did go shopping and bought colors I normally use because I saw I was getting low. My problem is I see things online and decide I HAVE to start it right away. I will try to work on some of your tips : )
I totally understand!! Over the summer I ended up having so many WIPs and I was overwhelmed! I have a manageable amount now and I can breathe again!! 😂🧶💖
Another great tip: instead of using plastic stitch markers, you can use one strand of yarn or embroidery yarn, and ''fold'' that over the stitch where you will make your first stitch in the new round, so the new stitch will cover the strand. For the next round, do the same, so you kind of weave in the strand, which is súper easy to remove when you're done with your project (because its just zig-zagged between the rounds). Saves me a lot of time :)
@@EliseRoseCrochet thank you for responding! I just discovered your channel and am watching you almost non-stop in my free time! 😊 Thanks for all your work & devotion! ❤️
Quick and Easy Crochet Yarn Bowl // Make your own yarn bowl // Ophelia Talks Crochet This is a pattern that uses three strands of yarn at a time (which I'd never done) but it wasn't hard at all and worked up in a few hours. It also calls for three holes so you can put multiple balls of yarn in at a time and the pattern is adjustable so you can make it big enough to accomodate a ball of chunky yarn or small enough to fold up in your yarn basket. I gave mine to my daughter for her birthday and she loves it!
Thank you for these tips. I am gathering information so that I can begin to make amigurumi patterns. Your cat is identical to my cat. My boy’s name is Tito, what is your cat’s name? I love your videos! I’m fairly new to your channel and I enjoy you so much!❤
Some of these are great, especially crocheting all the pieces at once and then sewing them together. Not sure I agree with staying with one project, because I just had to make a whole bunch of dolls for a con I was a vendor for, and I'd crochet the head and body (one piece with color change,) and do that for however many dolls had that shirt color, let's say four. Then I would crochet up eight arms and eight legs in the color/s needed for that doll. Then move onto the next one. X number of head and body, and twice that for the arms and legs for that doll. Of course, I will admit, I freehand everything I make, so maybe that's why that method is easier for me.
Those are great tips! And I'm sure for selling you have to do what makes the most sense and gets things done as quickly and efficiently as possible! Thanks so much for sharing! ❤
For printed patterns, you can keep them in sheet protectors and with a dry erase marker mark what row you’re on.
Does the marker wipe off easily? I would be afraid I would accidentally erase all my marks! I'm clumsy and do really dumb things all the time! 😂
Great idea. When I was teaching, I used to do this for attendance, notations for things students needed, etc. I used Vis A Vis pens. I tried white board markers, but I'd brush against them and wipe it off.
Great tip. I did this last night because I wanted to keep all my patterns in the sheets & found it convenient to mark as I go. I always have several sheet protectors that my current projects stay in. The rest until they are being used stay in one sleeve protector. When I move to another project I slip the one one out. I also like to write on the back of the design the name of the person I made it for. That way if they ask me for another- I just go into my patterns to locate which one I made them previously.
Wow, that is a great idea. I often use youtube tutorials because I have a hard time keeping track p where i am on a pattern.
If it erases easily I use sharpie and when I want to wipe it off I use a dry erase marker to draw or write over it and it wipes away as easily as if it was dry erase itself. Hope this helps! I know it's late but I seen this and wanted to comment this trick
Great tips! My recent favorite tip is actually to switch to a bit of string instead of locking stitch markers! Hear me out: You shift the string over the first stitch of each new round, the same string, and then as you go through your piece you have the first round marked all the way through (or at least through the last 6-8 rounds depending on how long your string is). It won't fall out after a round or two, and if you ever need to frog more than one row you know for certain where the round started. It ends up looking like a simple running stitch up the side of your piece, and you just tug it out when you're done. Game changer for me.
That being said, I still keep the locking ones around for various uses! I use one in the loop to hold it when I set a project down, and sometimes when I need to mark a certain place in a row itself I stick a marker there to remember. For example, if a row says (sc 18, inc, sc 9) I will sometimes count out 18 ahead of time, put a marker in that spot, then crochet freely without needing to count as I go. I find it faster and simpler and removes that stress of 'oh did I count wrong?' if I am watching a show or something as I work. (Plus going back and counting if it is a dec row with invisible decreases is a pain!)
Thank you for that explanation!! I'm going to try this next time!! It would be so nice not to worry about losing a stitch marker! 💛💛💛
@@EliseRoseCrochet Hopefully it works for you! I drape it over the working yarn (and under the hook) before working the stitch, and it snugs right in there.
Great tips
I use strings from when I cut off my sewn in ends and they are great for stitch markers
I've seen others do that and while I agree it's a great idea, I've yet to try it! For some reason it seems less apparent where the first stitch is. Though my markers fall out all the time! Should be a no-brainer, huh?
One tip that has helped me is to make appliques ahead of time, especially with scrap yarn. Those little pink cheek circles, little hearts or leaves or flowers, even crochet eyes (instead of safety eyes) - if you already have a supply of them that you've made in your spare time or with scrap yarn, then you can just grab them and add them quickly to your project.
That's an amazing tip!! Thank you for sharing!! ❤️❤️❤️
Elise, I am old friends with crocheting (let's not talk about HOW old 😂) but new to amigurumi. I use all of your tips right down to weaving ends right away. I use a cute lanyard as a scissor fob, always have! My kids bought me cute yarn bags over the years with sections for yarn and holes in the top, which I simply cannot live without! My tip is to ALWAYS put your beverage (aka wine) in a cup with a closing lid. Don't ask me how I know that. Love your videos and your enthusiasm!! I am learning so much from you!
Oh no!!!!!!! Thank you for the tip!!!! 🧶🧶🧶
My wife and I just found your channel and I just wanted to share that we love it and are about to get into making things together! But you’re channel is so wholesome and well done, so I just thought I’d share
Awwww! Thank you so very much!! And that's wonderful that you all can craft together!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
You will LOVE THIS CHANNEL. She is amazing. I wish she would put out more videos but I know how much time it takes to run a RUclips channel. She does alot of editing. For my channel I don't edit much but I try to put out more videos. I look forward to when she puts out a new video. One because Amigrumi is my main crochet passion. And two she gives great info and advise.
@@EliseRoseCrochet I agree about how great it is to be able to craft as a family. I would love to have someone to craft with. I have several friends that I'm close to that crafts but it's hard to even video chat because of how different our schedules are.
Your really going to find lots of good patterns, and Elise is a wonderful person. I love this channel.
You hit the nail on the head....stay focused on one project! I always have multiple projects going, mainly because I love finding a fun pattern, picking the yarns, starting the project and then getting bored and putting it down to start or work on a different project. What I started this year is allowing myself to use "old yarn" to make small samples when I see a project I might be interested in doing. I label it with date, author and stitch details and put it into a basket I label as "future project ideas". This satisfies my need for creativity without actually starting a new project! Then I happily go back to my project without guilt. I've finished 3 projects this year already and have a 4th almost completed! And I have lots of "ideas" in my basket when I finally finish all my WIPs!
That is a fantastic tip! Thank you so much for sharing!!! I love this idea!! ❤️❤️❤️
That's how I am always have a ton of crochet projects going on!!!🤦☺️🥰
That's a great idea!! Do you mind if I use that? I have ADHD and get easily distracted (🐔 did you see the size of that chicken!?! 🤣), and I need all the help I can get.
I just use a strand of crochet cotton in a contrasting color as my stich marker when crocheting. I just flip it over my first stich at the beginning of each new round as I go and pull it out when finished. I find this also helpful if I realize I messed up several rounds earlier and I have to unravel several rounds, I always know where all my rounds begin.
I have heard of using the yarn as a marker, but I never thought about how helpful that would be if you have to unravel!! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🌻
Excellent tips. Taking a picture of your pattern, if it's not already in digital form, is brilliant. Not only have i forgotten my pattern when traveling but one time while on vacation i spilled coffee on my only copy of a paper pattern from a book that i borrowed. Lesson learned. Also your tip about keeping basic colors on hand is so helpful. If you make a lot of animals, having those basic fur type colors on hand can save tons of time. My girlfriend makes mostly bears so she has a stockpile of browns, black, greys, and whites. A tip i'd like to add is this. I've wasted so much time trying to make cheap yarn into cute toys. For me it's just not worth my time. Using better quality yarn yields a better finished project which in turn boosts my morale and motivates me to make more. I have just found through the years that better quality yarn is worth it.
That's an excellent point about the coffee!!! Yikes!! And thank you for that suggestion, I couldn't agree more. Great amigurumi yarn doesn't have to be super expensive, but the cheapest yarn available typically isn't the best. People are always surprised how much better their toys look when they find a better quality yarn. Thanks for sharing! 💖
I LOVE this idea. There has been many times I want to take my project with me, but don't want to bring my book or printed pattern with me. This makes so much more since. Thank you so much for sharing this idea. It's AMAZING. ❤❤❤
I crocheted a basket that i keep my working yarns in, on the floor. My cat, Skittles, sleeps next to it by my feet on a small rug that i also crocheted. All of your tips are so helpful, thank you for sharing.
LOVE these tips!!!! I have one! I bought a tiny bin from the dollar store to keep all my cut end in. It helps eliminate messes and sometimes, there's your stuffing too! When I am done and I don't think I can use it I just dump the extras in the trash can.
That's a fantastic tip! Thank you for sharing and I am going to do that! 💓
Dear Elise, my tip is that I keep the very sharp point of the embroidery scissors pushed into a wine cork, it’s safer to keep the scissors in your work bag or handbag, and also I have carried an emergency sewing kit in a plastic soap box(the kind you would have in a wash bag)🙂💐🧶🧵🇬🇧
Those are great tips and I've never heard of keeping the scissor points in a wine cork! Great idea! ❤️
I have been weaving in-the ends as I go. That's the way to do it. 🎊
That's how I do it too! 🧶🧶🧶
Great tips!!
Another tip for Amigurumis is to leave a more than enough tail to sew the pieces
Now that is one of the best tips that I also always do!!! Thanks for sharing!! 💓
Yes...the same for me with makramee..sometimes i need more Time to make these dang endknots on the short tails than for the piece itself....
I love these tips, one thing I'd like to add, as a neurodivetgent knitter, is while it helps to have a single project to focus on, it's easy for the first week or so, and I find it helpful to pick up one other simmilar project that's smaller, such as a hat or mini plush, and use it as a "pallet cleanser" then finish the larger project. It really helps me work more efficiently, as long as I don't bog myself down with 5+ projects at once.
I actually really like that idea! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I do this too, now I'll always think of it as my pallette cleanser
WOW!! I just found your channel and I am trying to binge-watch E-V-E-R-Y-THING You have to say!!! What a remarkable woman you are! I am 54 (well, 😊 I will be in August of 2022), and I started teaching myself to crochet via the world of RUclips in 2022. Prior to that, the only fiber art I knew anything about was counted Cross Stitch - - and I haven't touched that for years! Nevertheless, I have found my passion in crochet! One, it SERIOUSLY helps my depression and anxiety, but Two, I think I could be really good at it if I keep at it. And my TRUE calling is... AMIGURUMI!! I have ten grandchildren so I have lots of potential recipients!!
After all that blabbing, I want to thank you for all of your insights and let me just say... I wish I had known not to save all my “end-weaving” for last 🤦🏽♀️ I spent the better part of six hours yesterday sewing in all my ends for the first Amigurumi project I'm working on as a gift. I'm so excited to get it done, but I don't want to hurry through it and do it wrong.
Thank you again for sharing your knowledge with the world!! You are very valuable!
Awww! Thank you so very much!!! I'm so glad you have found your passion!! I totally understand it! And how wonderful to have 10 grandchildren!!!!!!! I can't wait to be a grandma!! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochet Being a Grandma will unlock a new level of love you can't understand until you feel it! 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕 My baby girl is still capable of having another baby, and I have my fingers crossed and my hands folded praying that He will Bless me with just one more (boy or girl - doesn't matter ❤️)
Great tips, my goal is to keep myself organized & finish the project. My oldest unfinished project is a knitted dress I started for my daughters 1st birthday. My goal now is to finish the dress & give it to her daughter on her 1st Bday, Ryleigh is 2 months old. This is a must finish, long overdue. Love your work & your enthusiasm.
That's wonderful! ❤
If you have ALOT of patterns like I do (I've inherited sooooo many of them), and you have lots of different types of them it helps to buy one of those plastic hanging file folder boxes with an attached lid on a hinge to put all your patterns in. Separate them out into types: amigurumi, shawls, blankets, scarves, hats, etc. It helps so you don't have to carry around a giant binder everywhere or have multiple binders sitting around collecting dust while not in use. Instead of having to take a feather duster to binders on a shelf you can just take a wipe or rag and wipe off the outside of the box and they stack easy if you need more than one. Just pull out the pattern you need and put it in your yarn bag and go. Helps if you keep them all in plastic sheet protectors to. Then you can check off your rows with an expo marker without having to scribble all over your frequently used patterns.
Thank you so much for sharing that!! Great tip!! 🍄
Excellent tips, Elise. It's funny , I just recently got some new stitch markers that lock into place for the very reason you mentioned. I'm going to adopt your Fob tip asap ! hahahha
There is nothing quite so frustrating as losing a stitch marker!! 🍄
I never thought to use a bag to slip the yarn through. I may try that. Also, I agree about making all of the pieces before assembly... I don't always do that and then kick myself later. Thank you for all of your tips and help!
I'm so glad you liked the tips! And I forget to do that sometimes too and then wonder why I didn't remember! 😂
I put my yarn I am using for projects into cakes and I will crochet anything that needs two at once at the same time using both the center pull and outer pull. Example, if it needs two legs or two arms, I crochet them at the same time and alternate rounds. This helps me keep everything the same size and avoids getting mismatching legs or arm pairs!
Oooh!!! That's a great tip!!! Thank you for sharing!!! 🧶🧶🧶
Hi Elise, thank you so much for the tips! I also have a great one to keep track of row ends. Take a piece of string or yarn and every time you are done with a row, fold it over where you would normally place the stitch marker. Then when you complete the next row, take the yarn and do the same. When the project is done the yarn is woven though the project but you can still easily pull it out. Even faster to use than stitch markers :). Hope it's a useful tip!
Thank you for sharing! Someone else mentioned doing that too and I like that it won't fall out! 💗
I do the same 😊
I do the same, it’s fast and I’ve never lost a row, as I also have bad arthritis the stitch markers are a little too fiddly and time consuming 🤪
I use 3 bbq skewers to align the head to the body. It helps hold it into place.
Thank you for that!! Great tip!! 🧶🧶🧶
Lol I had to laugh at the imagery but im totally going to do this!!
@@novaconetta1577 😂
OMG, the tracker sheet is genius! I spend so much time recounting my rounds, and I always miscount them and get frustrated. And making all of the pieces first, the assembling later makes the most sense to me. The locking stitch markers have been my best friends. As a new amigurumi crocheter, I love these tips!
I'm so glad they helped! ❤️❤️❤️
For working balls (or skeins) of yarn and for working project, I use laundry nets. They are perfect; you can zip it close all around, leaving just the opening for yarn, I just hang it on anything when I start crocheting. They are usually cheap (I bought a set of 6 nets for about 3€), diferent sizes, depend on the project I'm working on...
It is easy to take them with you anywhere to keep working.
And at the same time they keep my yarn and crocheted items away from my two cats especially their fur 😊
And I always look for a way to work over the tails on the spot, saves at least half of weaving in. Mostly, wheter I'm crocheting a hat or an amigurumi, I end up with just one, the final tail to weave in
And for marking the first stitch of the round I use stainless steel shirt clips, (example: "Stainless Steel Shirt Clips, heavy duty metal X clip garment clothes socks trousers dress skirt pants packaging peg paper binder")
I first found one laying around the house and I didn't even know what is it used for normaly, but I immediately taught how well would it work for a stitch marker. It is metal, doesn't brake, it is very thin, even for the tiniest crochet and it is twisted, so you just slide it in annd out but doesn't come off by anything 🤩
I bought a small duffel bag at Cabelas. It has a main area, two lateral side pockets , one top flap pocket on both sides, two small front pockets. It’s my project on the road trip bag for my crochet. I’ve also used a backpack . I like having pockets for the crochet hooks, and easy accessible area for the scissors and needlework supplies.
Fantastic idea!! Thanks so much for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Those pig noses are the cutest! I’ve never done amigurumi but I always think the animals are so darling! Maybe soon.
You definitely should try it soon! ❤
My tip is for marking the beginning of the round with an alligator clip. It stays in place because it is very strong. You can move it with one hand when you need to move it over. With the safety pin type markers you need two hands to move them. This is also a time saver. I still have the original one I used when I was a kid from like 50 years ago. It's my most valued craft notion.
Oh wow!! Thank you for sharing that!! Now I need to look up what an alligator clip is!! ❤️❤️
@@EliseRoseCrochet me, too. 😊
Thanks, Elise.
I love my locking stitch markers. Unfortunately, for me, the plastic ones don’t seem to last very long and typically break. I’ve gone to little metal locking markers, instead. They look like the outline shape of a lightbulb and work beautifully for me.
Thanks for all your tips.
Thanks for sharing that! So far I've had good luck with the plastic ones, but I've seen the metal ones too! 💓
I use plastic tabs for the outside of folders as my place makers on my instructions. That way I can move them to the next row of work and they are see thru and make the print visible.
That is such a good idea! Thank you so much for sharing! 💖
Great tips! I keep track of my projects in Evernote but any similar app would do. I take pictures of the yarn with banderole and the hook with its number readable. That's a good reference for future similar or identical projects. I also keep track of my stash and projects in Ravelry.
When I know I have to make a number of the same animals, let's say for a mobile, I make a condensed copy of the pattern on one page which is easier to take everywhere.
I use a thread in a contrasting colour as stitch marker, it works well for me because it tracks the rounds and I can see immediately when the line goes wonky because I lost a stitch.
I keep my darning needles and scissors in a pretty little tin that I always keep on my work table because I usually have more than one project running... and I keep my projects in baskets that contain the pattern, my notes, yarn and hook. But the needles and scissors are nomads :-) and wander from basket to basket.
I have a yarn winder and wind my yars before I start, then keep them in a mug that's heavy and stable. I used to hate it when my yarn balls jumped around. Now I have little cakes that come nicely out of the mug.
Ohh, and there are so many lovely tips in the comments, too! Now I want a rolling cart!
Oh my goodness!! These are fantastic!!! Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge!!!! 🙌🧶❤️
I really enjoy using a little digital stitch counter. The one I have is from Susan Bates and it just goes over my finger. I use it to count rows or stitches
I'm going to check that out! That would be very helpful! 💖
Great video and I Love these tips. Crocheting is such a relaxing craft for me, I've been doing it for 43 years. Last year I picked up the Amigurumi style of crocheting and absolutley love it. I've gone to the dollar stores to find some organizing totes and things for my projects and yarn. I use the ziploc storage bags for individual projects. I put all the yarn needed for it in the bag and a note with the pattern title on it. Also I keep small tapestry needles, folding scissors, and a small tape measure in an empty altoids mint tin.
Thank you so much for sharing your tips!! 🌷
I had to frog yesterday because I didn't keep tract of where I was on a difficult pattern. I like marking off each row! Great ideas.
Yes! I've done that too! 🧶🧶🧶
You are absolutely the best channel on RUclips! Because of you I am now crocheting Friends of Pica Pau. I made the elephant, only I made her a prima ballerina. She is adorable. Thank you Elise!!!!! I love this new craft, it brings me pure joy.
Congratulations to YOU!!! 👏👏👏 I'm so glad you are enjoying making amigurumi!!! 🧶❤️🧶❤️
All great ideas Elise! I actually already do many of them. Organizing my printed patterns and putting them into binders by projects types and styles took a whole week. I have seven binders but now it is SO easy to find what I want. Biggest time saver ever. I put the patterns in plastic sleeves to protect them. It took two big boxes of the page protectors but such an improvement! Thank you so much for all your tips and ideas. I really appreciate you!!
I need to add the page protectors!! Such a good idea!!! 💙💙💙
I also use the plastic protectors and an erasable marker to make notes and keep track of where I am in the pattern. This helps for marking patterns that I use frequently.
Great tips!! These certainly help making amigurumi more efficient and time saving. One other thing I would like to add to these tips is about the yarn tension. Most beginners find it difficult to have tight tension on the yarn, as did I. So I found it really useful to learn 2 different grasps to hold the crochet hook. The pencil grasp and the knife hold. Both of these require slightly different set of muscles to work. It’s really helpful when you are able to switch between the two and give rest to those particular muscles that are in constant motion. But of course, the best way to give rest to those wrists and fingers is to stretch and give a break as often as possible!
Thank you so much for sharing that! Great way to switch it up and give your muscles a break! 💗
Very helpful, thank you! As for stitch markers - I've always used a plain old bobby pin. They may not have fancy colors, etc, but they stay put!
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I LOVE how good you are at posting links. I find myself watching your posts over and over and looking up your suggestions. You inspire me.
Thank you so very much! 🧶🧶🧶
Thank you so much for the tips! I really needed that😊! I am not sure, if you have given tips on washing instructions on amigurumi, in the past🤔. I would really appreciate it; if you can give detailed advice; on how to properly wash the toys, without soaking them; especially when customers ask those questions. Thank you, for always giving great advice🤗
I'm so glad you liked the tips! I have never washed amigurumi before, but let me do some research and see what I can find! Thanks so much for the suggestion!! 💓
One of the best tips for number 8 is ribblr. There is so many great free and paid patterns and you can mark off to where you got which is really helpful.
Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Great tips thank you. I must admit I love crocheting but often dislike the sewing up. Thank you for a really informative video ❤️🇦🇺
Yes, the crocheting part is fun, the sewing up not so much! 💓
I wish I could pay someone to sew up my projects sometimes. Then I remember how much of a perfectionist I am in my work and smdh.
I am starting my first Knitable Bear pattern. I have frogged and restarted several times, but that's OK, I know this is a learning experience. and I want to take my time and do it right. Thank you so much for you many hints and tips.
Every single project teaches me something! And I rarely have a project that I don't have to redo some part of it! I'm so glad you enjoy the tips! Good luck with your bear! 💗
All great tips! I’ve done most of them except the bag one and the scissor one. I’ll have to try those! Thank you!!
Something I have learned the hard way is to make notations on the patterns of any changes I’ve made in the pattern, which have made the pattern turn out better for me, or I have found a mistake in the pattern that I made the correction for, and need to note that. And also if I’ve used a different size hook or needles, and note what yarn brand and weight I’ve used if different than what the pattern calls for.
Sometimes I have forgotten to do all (or some) of these things, and talk about a time-waster in trying to backtrack if I want to use the pattern again! Thank you so much for all your USEFUL RECOMMENDATIONS!!
Oh I've made that terrible mistake too many times to count!!!! It's so frustrating when that happens!! 🧶🧶🧶
Another great video, always learn something new,
I use a Bobby pin to mark my starting rows, it’s very quick and does stay where it’s suppose to. I use the lock markers for my rows, it’s helps me keep track when a patterns say crochet 15-21….etc.
Have a great day to all….🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶
Thanks for sharing! I haven't tried bobby pins but that's a great suggestion! And I'll have to check out your row tracker! I could really use something like that! 💓
@@EliseRoseCrochet I hope you will love the Bobby pin marker tip…. ❤️
I use plastic shipping bags from craft supply and other purchases online for project bags lol. They work pretty well and some of them have cute designs on them so I especially like to use those for planned project storage and if I do have more than one project I can fit a few of them in my large project bags.
That's a great tip! Love reusing things! Thanks for sharing! 💖
What a great video! Such great tips! I’m fairly new to amigurumi (in the last year) and find any extra help is a bonus 👍🏼
I have crocheted for 46 years but amigurumi was a whole different category for me lol but I love making cute things for my grandkids. They love them and it’s building a memory with them ♥️ Thank you for another great video. Blessings 💜💜
Awww! I can't wait to have grandbabies to make toys for!! And that's wonderful that you're creating those special memories with them. I know they will always treasure them! 💖
@@EliseRoseCrochet you will be the coolest Nana, grandma, Mimi, ever!! ♥️
Thanks a lot for all these tips about saving time😊 Well, tip #3 is my favourite because I love making my yarn inventory bigger continously😍 I don't have a yarn bowl and I was thinking what to do instead of a bowl. The idea you gave is great👍I'll definitely use a paper bag for it😊
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I love making so with what I already have! 🧶🧶🧶
Thank you for the tips. You can put your patterns in plastic page protectors and you can write on them with dry erase markers so you can reuse them as needed.
Thank you sharing that!! Great tip!!! 💙
You my dear are the most informative person ever, thank you so much
Awww, thank you so much! 🧶🧶🧶
Absolutely GREAT tips!!! I do several of those but picked up some that I’m going to try! Love the bag trick to keep the yarn from tangling up. I also need a NEW binder for my patterns. Mine is at least 10 years old and has a lot of patterns that I will probably never make again. I love your tips for organizing it too! I’m no way going to get all the Christmas knitting that I wanted to for this year but there’s always NEXT year!!
I'm so glad you liked the tips! And I need to go through my patterns as well and probably get rid of some that I will never make again too. I don't think I will have any handmade Christmas gifts this year. Just too much going on to get it all done! 🎄
Bobby pins are good for stitch markers!
Yes! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
My local grocery store has box bags that are perfect for all my projects it's always right there an when I take it with me it's all together
That's perfect!!! 🧶🧶🧶
I love these tips!! I can definitely see myself using a lot of these in the future!
My favorite thing to do is to roll all my yarn into balls, it really saves a lot of time
Yes! I have a yarn swift and ball winder now, which makes that process super quick. It turns them into little cakes and I like that they don't roll around everywhere!! Thanks for sharing!! 💛
Tip 4 is something i realized because i have 3 projects in progress now. I need to finish them! One at a time going forward. 😊
Since I made this video I have fallen into the multiple WIPs trap!! 😱
@@EliseRoseCrochet i finished one, so down to two. 😀
@@EliseRoseCrochet make that one left. Just finished the bunny. 😀
I'm with you on number 4, I like one project at a time now because then I avoid the body part graveyard!! 😂
The body part graveyard is always something to avoid!! Lol! 😂
This one is confirmation that I am doing the right things to be quick! I love efficiency of movement and I love going fast. I think it’s great that you are sharing what has worked for you because I know these tips have worked for me. The only one I haven’t done is the scissor fob. I think I’ll make one soon.
The scissor fob has saved me more time than I care to admit, lol!! They always just sunk to the bottom of my bag! ✂
Love these tips!!
A couple tips and tricks I’ve picked up from crocheting is I bought a little tool box at Joans arts and crafts store and I like to store my scissors, safety eyes, scrap yarn in the little drawers it comes with, it also has little dividers! I keep my working project on the top drawer. So when I want to crochet I just pull out my little tool box and and everything is there and accessible when I need it! Traveling with it is a life savor 🥰🥰
I also crochet the extremities first and plan ahead so instead of spending hours re sewing and making sure my arms are symmetrical I just crochet them on! So much easier, saves a bunch of time and I like how it looks, my sewing skills are not the best 🤣😅
I also like that technique of crocheting the arms on and you're so right, it keeps them perfectly symmetrical! Thanks so much for sharing! 💓
Elise, would you ever consider doing workshops?
We could do knitted bunnies 🐰 all day or maybe a 2 day event?
I’m from California and moving to Spain 🇪🇸 but if that ever happens I assure you I’ll be on the next plane from Malaga or LAX!!!!!
Please sign me up!😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
Thanks to you and you lovely channel I am so obsessed with learning the craft!
Honestly, thank your for igniting a passion of mine to create these precious knitted bunnies!!!
I have never thought of doing a workshop before! But thank you for the suggestion!! I did used to teach at a local yarn shop for a short time. But I found that I can reach so many more people through RUclips! ❤️ I'm so glad that you have found such a wonderful passion!! And good luck on your move to Spain! That is on my bucket list of places to visit!! 💖💖💖
Loved most important tips.Always waiting for new interesting projects.Keep updated new projects. Thank you so much👍
Glad you enjoyed the video! 💖
Thank you for this! I have a friend approach me yesterday about a 25-piece bear commission for her daughter’s birthday next month. Still thinking of taking it on but if I do, these tips are useful. :)
Oh boy! That sounds like a big project!! And I hope it goes well (that is if you take the commission)! 💖
Wonderful tips. I have used plastic gallon bags to store my yarn for years
What a great way to store yarn!! 💗
Thank you for great tips!! Love the yarn bag idea☺ and the plastic Clover brand stitch markers are the best I've found. The hold tight and don't snap and break ❤
So glad you enjoyed the tips! And I love the yarn bag too! Simple to make and nice to have on hand! 💛
Wonderful content Elise! Scissor fob! And I totally understand "the flow". I think sometimes it helps your animals come out with the right stitch consistency for all of their different pieces. Especially if you are using a unique yarn. Thank you! Look forward to watching your videos.
That's an excellent point! Since you're in the same state of mind, your tension will likely be the same. I'm so glad you enjoy the videos! That means a lot to me! 💓
Thanks for sharing . Excellent advice , love ❤️ the idea of getting baskets 🧺 to organize the yarn 🧶 must try Lord willing . Thanks again .
The baskets are my favorite (the cats like it too) 😂
Once again a fantastic video with so many tips. I actually find using long pieces of spare yarn usually works for me, instead of stitch markers, though I do have the plastic lockable ones. I definitely agree about working on one project at a time, which is what I usually do because I’m alway excited to see the finished project 🥰.
Thanks for sharing! And I bet it never falls out mid-project!! ❤
Locking stitch counters are a must. 😂 I was starting my first amigurumi pattern, your Bubble Catster, and I had to restart TWICE because the stitch marker kept falling out.
Ugh!!! I totally get it!!! It's so frustrating to look down and realize you lost the stitch marker and you have no idea where your beginning of the round is!! 🧶🧶🧶
I put my project in a mesh laundry bag. I also have a bag that is ready packed at my front door. In it is a makeup zip bag with the basics I need and it stays packed at my door. I just put my mesh bag in and away I go. I then only need to unpack my mesh bag at home. Saves me soooo much time, and I don’t loose my embroidery scissors any more lol 🤪
That is a fantastic idea!!! Thank you for sharing!! ❤️
Great tips! I am new to amigurumi and need all the tricks and tips! I think the most important one is be sure to use a stitch marker! I also took the time on my first project to make the doll with a larger hook and worsted weight yarn for 2 reasons.1: to see if I liked doing amigurumi and 2: to learn the process and understand the terminology before using my better yarn. It helped tremendously and I would recommend a newcomer to amigurumi try it.
Great tip!! Thank you for sharing!! 💛💛💛
Muchas gracias!!!!! por compartir sus conocimientos.
Eres muy bienvenida! 🍄💓🌻
I just found your channel. I can’t wait to see more videos.
Thank you! I've got a lot of them on my channel! ❤
Hi Elise. I'm a fan of your blog. You have some very useful tips. Regarding the stitch markers, have you tried using a thinner thread to weave back and forth your work every time you finish a row? I find this makes me work a lot faster and it doesn't come off at all unless I pull on it It's such a huge time saver.
I think that is a brilliant idea and also it's not likely to fall out mid project!! Thanks for sharing! 💛
Thank you for these great tips! As an ADHDer who picked up crocheting recently I did a few of these things intuitively anyway because I know, if I don't it spells desaster down the road. XD But there were also a lot of new ones that I'll try to implement over time.
It's really difficult though to keep working on one project only. 😅
I prefer my patterns in a digital format so I found my row counter app to be very useful to me. It allows me to import a pattern and to have a global counter for the whole project and one for every body part. It even features voice control that allows me to increment the counter without laying down my hook.
Ok the yarn paper bag is just 🤯.
I sometimes use a cereal bowl which works fine too but once I pick up projects that require more color changes I'll definitely try this!
Oh and one last thing that's really helpful to me is using a project bag with a several zipper compartments. There is a main pocket for the project but smaller ones too. One for my hooks, one for my stitch markers and safety eyes, one for my embroidery needles and one one for my pair of scissors. It makes finding everything so easy.
Thanks so much! That app sounds amazing!!! 🧶
I crocheted a brightly colored cord for my scissors, long enough to wear my scissors as a necklace when I'm sewing stuff together and will do a lot of snipping.
That is a fantastic idea!! Those scissors get lost so easily!! ❤
Thank you Elise for the wonderful tips....I'm becoming more confident in making my amigurumi characters and they are actually starting to look like the pattern pictures 😂😂....have a nice weekend 💜
That's wonderful! It really is true that practice makes perfect!! 💗
OMW!! My Granna would not let me have more than 1 project going at a time. I have been trying to have multiple projects going at once, but it is just not working for me!!! I heard my Granna in your Tip#4! Guess I needed to hear this!
Awww! That's wonderful!! ❤️❤️❤️
I must be really weird, because I prefer to put amigurumi pieces together as I go as much as possible, similar to how you suggest to weave in ends as you go. I HATE having a million pieces to sew together, but having a partially finished ami kinda motivates me to keep going.
Me too! It motivates me to see it come together! 🧶🧶🧶
I'm a knitter and I want to make an amigurumi for a best friend of mine - the yarn bag and the stitch crosser page are two awesome tips! Great content, subscribed! :D
Thanks so much for sharing!! Glad you enjoyed the video! ❤️❤️❤️
I know this may sound counter-intuitive, but when I make Amigurumi, I like to do the head and face first because if I wait until the end to do the face, the project will sit there, then I shift to the little pieces, and then crochet the body last. I like to assemble as I go, which is the opposite of one of the tips, but I always find that if I'm sitting with a bunch of pieces to sew at the end, I will put the project down and never pick it up again. But if I've only got one or two pieces to sew at the end, I will feel a lot more motivated to get those sewn on
I also feel like if I can get the head and face right I have the confidence to finish the toy! 🧸
I do what I call 'flat packs', I will make half a dozen of one pattern at a time (using the tails to tie the pieces from each one together) and then do a massive assembly later on.
For stitch markers, I use gourd pins. They are small and metal, so they don't break like the plastic ones....and they are super cheap (100 for under $5).
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I put my yarn ball in a sock. It keeps them from rolling and unraveling. It really protects my center pull.
Thank you for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Thanks so much for sharing your tips, I was surprised at how many I already do. I love your videos. 💓
You are so welcome! ❤️
Your videos are always so helpful and jam packed. I'm improving so much because of your tips. Thank you
I'm so happy to hear that!! You're improving because you're working at it!! 💖
I like to use a retractable ID badge holder clipped to my crochet bag and hooked to my small scissors!
Great idea!! 🧶🧶🧶
omg i just love your energy :D
Thank you! 💖
Tip 5, read over the pattern first. I started a project the other day and was SO excited about it, but I was missing a safety nose so I embroidered it, but I don't have large enough safety eyes so I either have to wait for the mail or design the eyes 🤦♀️ all because I didn't carefully review the supplies list. I need to work on all of these tips, honestly, but that's the big one that got to me recently.
Those situations are always the best teachers (and the most frustrating). Thanks so much for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH YOU
Awww, thank you! ❤️
I use a clickable row/round counter. My scissors are always on a fob! I have all my patterns printed in binders as well. End weaved in immediately. Satin drawstring bags around the yarn balls (I have 5 cats, lots of fur) the paper bag would be shredded in seconds by the pride.😂 I however hate the sewing part so if I were to safe for the end there would only be pieces😂. If I sew as I go, then I have something to look forward to... the crocheting. I could never have ine project, I have severe adhd. 😂
Thanks so much for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Impressive Tips! Well Done!
Thank you so much! 🎂
Good morning and thanks for all the great tips
You are so welcome! 💓💓💓
Great tips. Most of which I already do. I'd love to make you did but alas I don't knit. Do you have a crocheted clothes substitute pattern?
Not yet! ❤️
I want to attempt to create my 1st amigurumi project however I bought LARGE skeins of yarn. 1 is a medium wt and 2 are a 5 wt w/3 crochet hooks # 4,5,6/ G-6, H-8, J-10. I understand the importance of the correct yarn & hook. This will probably be a practice project until I master the pattern. My question is it better to “practice” from the start w/ the correct yarn & hook? I do not want to be discouraged so I trust what you advise. Thanks so much ❤️🧶gayle. Oh yes these hacks will be quite beneficial. I do most of these when I create my cards. I need organization or I loose interest and become very discouraged. Thanks again 💜☺️
I think it's good to practice with a hook size that works best as a beginner. You can start to use smaller hooks as you feel comfortable. I typically use a worsted weight yarn and a 3.5 mm crochet hook for my toys now. Hope that helps!! 🧶🧶🧶
Thank you so much. I just picked up some practice yarn. So I’m off to the race’s….
Well i use a DIY crochet basket to keep my current project in AND! For stitchmarkers i use blank earringsloops of a craftstore..they lock and if u want (like i did) u can hang a lil charm on them to pretty-them-up and it looks super adorable! + they probably wont break as fast as thos cheap plastic ones which has driven me nuts
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
So guilty of working on more than one pattern at a time. I usually underestimate how much yarn I need so the project gets put in the pause pile. Today I did go shopping and bought colors I normally use because I saw I was getting low. My problem is I see things online and decide I HAVE to start it right away. I will try to work on some of your tips : )
I totally understand!! Over the summer I ended up having so many WIPs and I was overwhelmed! I have a manageable amount now and I can breathe again!! 😂🧶💖
Another great tip: instead of using plastic stitch markers, you can use one strand of yarn or embroidery yarn, and ''fold'' that over the stitch where you will make your first stitch in the new round, so the new stitch will cover the strand. For the next round, do the same, so you kind of weave in the strand, which is súper easy to remove when you're done with your project (because its just zig-zagged between the rounds). Saves me a lot of time :)
Thanks so much for sharing that!! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochet thank you for responding! I just discovered your channel and am watching you almost non-stop in my free time! 😊 Thanks for all your work & devotion! ❤️
@@romybuwalda3519 Awww! Thank you so much!!! I'm so glad you are enjoying the channel!
Great tips. If doing multiples of an amigurumi I make them like an assembly line. Make each part multiple of each part then on to the next part.
That's a great idea! 💖
It really feels faster to me and you have it all fresh in your mind.
Quick and Easy Crochet Yarn Bowl // Make your own yarn bowl // Ophelia Talks Crochet
This is a pattern that uses three strands of yarn at a time (which I'd never done) but it wasn't hard at all and worked up in a few hours. It also calls for three holes so you can put multiple balls of yarn in at a time and the pattern is adjustable so you can make it big enough to accomodate a ball of chunky yarn or small enough to fold up in your yarn basket. I gave mine to my daughter for her birthday and she loves it!
Thanks so much for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Thank you for these tips. I am gathering information so that I can begin to make amigurumi patterns. Your cat is identical to my cat. My boy’s name is Tito, what is your cat’s name? I love your videos! I’m fairly new to your channel and I enjoy you so much!❤
Thank you! Her name is Olive! 🫒🫒🫒
Thank you this helped so much
I'm so glad!! Happy Stitching! 💖
I keep most of my patterns in my Drop Box that can be accessed anywhere. Much better than a photo.
That's a fantastic idea!! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Some of these are great, especially crocheting all the pieces at once and then sewing them together. Not sure I agree with staying with one project, because I just had to make a whole bunch of dolls for a con I was a vendor for, and I'd crochet the head and body (one piece with color change,) and do that for however many dolls had that shirt color, let's say four. Then I would crochet up eight arms and eight legs in the color/s needed for that doll. Then move onto the next one. X number of head and body, and twice that for the arms and legs for that doll.
Of course, I will admit, I freehand everything I make, so maybe that's why that method is easier for me.
Those are great tips! And I'm sure for selling you have to do what makes the most sense and gets things done as quickly and efficiently as possible! Thanks so much for sharing! ❤