12 Unique and Playful Little Crocheted Monster Patterns
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Are you tired of crocheting the same old patterns? If so, it’s time to add some excitement to your crochet-time. What better way to do so than by crafting bizarre and delightful Japanese-inspired monsters? Check out my full book review of Little Crocheted Monsters, complete with the BONUS free crochet MONSTER pattern for Jinkou!
I received a copy of this book to review from GMC Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. If you purchase this book after you click on one of my affiliate links in the post, I will receive a small commission for referring you, at no additional cost to you.
Little Crocheted Monsters + BONUS Jinkou Pattern Extract
Discover the craze for crocheting the cutest characters from the far reaches of Japan! Little Crochet Monsters includes 12 bizarre and delightful creatures inspired by traditional legends of animals and humans transforming into something unexpected. Instructions are simply written in UK Crochet terms and accompanied by intuitive, easy-to-follow charts. Perfect for crocheters of all skill levels!
What is amigurumi?
The Japanese art of amigurumi is the crocheting or knitting of cute stuffed creatures. The word derives from the Japanese words ‘ami’ meaning crocheted or knitted, and ‘nuigurumi’ which means stuffed doll.
Lan-Anh Bui and Josephine Wan (Little Crocheted Monsters)
Luckily, creating these delightful creatures doesn’t have to be difficult. With easy-to-follow instructions and intuitive charts, even beginners can jump right in and start crocheting. The patterns involve simple stitches and techniques, making them approachable for anyone to try.
Crochet Techniques and Stitches
All of the projects are written in UK crochet terms.
If you are used to following US crochet patterns, don’t let the fact that these are written in UK terms hold you back!
Since these patterns are for amigurumi, all you really need to know is that when the book indicates dc or dc2tog in US terms that is sc or sc2tog.
If you forget though, each stitch is explained in the Crochet Techniques section (pages 41 -47), with helpful diagrams, so it is easy to double check what stitch is being made.
Crochet Techniques
Step-by-step written instructions and diagrams are provided for the following stitches:
Chain Stitch (ch)
Double Crochet (dc)
Increasing and Decreasing
Magic Circle Technique
Working in the Ring
Changing Colors
Sewing and Finishing Techniques
Finishing your amigurumi monsters is just as important as crocheting its parts. The sewing and finishing techniques section includes tips to making your project ‘picture perfect’.
Hiding yarn tails
Making hair
Closing a hole
Running stitch
Blanket stitch
Sewing up
The Abbreviations chart and conversions chart are located on page 48.
The Yarn
The yarn used for the Little Crocheted Monsters was:
Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere (98yd/90 m per 50 g)
Which Little Crocheted Monster is your favorite?
My favorite Little Crocheted Monster is:
Mono-mono ( I love how one head is happy and one head is sad).
Hulahulamon (This one makes me smile with it’s twirly skirt).
Hogaraga (I love the long rainbow legs and long arms).
I personally love how different fibers and textures are being used together for these projects. Sometimes it is rather nice to have a toy that is not completely crochet.
Small pieces of white felt (for eye shapes and nails)
Embroidery thread (black for nose, white for sewing on button eyes)
Polyester stuffing
Head
Start with purple
Round 1: Using magic circle technique (see page 42), work 5 dc. (5 sts).
Round 2: (2dc) into each st. (10 sts).
Round 3: (2dc in next dc, dc in next dc) to end. (15 sts).
Round 4: (2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc) to end. (20 sts).
Round 5: (2dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc) to end. (25 sts).
Round 6: (2dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc) to end. (30 sts).
Round 7: (2dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc) to end. (35 sts).
Rounds 8–13: Dc to end. (35 sts).
Change to pink
Rounds 14–16: Dc to end. (35 sts).
Change to purple
Rounds 17–23: Dc to end. (35 sts).
Sew one eye onto the head on top of the felt eye shape with white embroidery thread.
Round 24: (Dc in next 5 dc, dc2tog) to end. (30 sts).
Round 25: (Dc in next 4 dc, dc2tog) to end. (25 sts).
Embroider the nose with black embroidery thread using running stitch (see page 47).
Round 26: (Dc in next 3 dc, dc2tog) to end. (20 sts).
Sew the second eye onto the head on top of the felt eye shape. Partially stuff, then continue stuffing as hole closes.
Round 27: (Dc in next 2 dc, dc2tog) to end. (15 sts).
Round 28: (Dc in next dc, dc2tog) to end. (10 sts).
Round 29: (Dc2tog) to end. (5 sts).
Close the hole and hide the tail of the yarn (see page 47).
Arms
(make 2 alike)
Start with purple
Round 1: Using magic circle technique, work 7 dc. (7 sts).
Round 2: 2 dc into each st. (14 sts).
Rounds 3–6: Dc to end. (14 sts).
Sew the felt shaped claws onto the arms with white embroidery thread using back stitch.
Change to pink
Round 7: (Dc2tog, then dc in next 5 dc) to end. (12 sts).
Round 8: (Dc2tog, then dc in next 4 dc) to end. (10 sts).
Rounds 9–13: Dc to end. (10 sts).
Secure the tail of yarn and leave.
Making up
Sew the arms to the head using the tail of yarn. Weave in any loose ends.
HEAD
Round Stitches Colour
1 MC 5 Purple
2 10 (inc 5) Purple
3 15 (inc 5) Purple
4 20 (inc 5) Purple
5 25 (inc 5) Purple
6 30 (inc 5) Purple
7 35 (inc 5) Purple
8–13 35 Purple
14–16 35 Pink
17–23 35 Purple
Sew one eye on top of felt eye shape
24 30 (dec 5) Purple
25 25 (dec 5) Purple
26 20 (dec 5) Purple
Sew on second eye on top of felt eye shape. Embroider nose. Partially stuff; then cont stuffing as hole closes
27 15 (dec 5) Purple
28 10 (dec 5) Purple
29 5 (dec 5) Purple
Close hole, hide yarn
ARMS
Round Stitches Colour
1 MC 7 Purple
2 14 (inc 7) Purple
3–6 14 Purple
Sew on felt shaped claws
7 12 (dec 2) Pink
8 10 (dec 2) Pink
9–13 10 Pink
Extracts supplied with permission from GMC Publications, Little Crocheted Monsters by Lan-Anh Bui and Josephine Wan, RRP £5.99, available online and from all good bookshops.
Crocheting doesn’t have to be boring, and these Japanese-inspired monster patterns prove that. Little Crochet Monsters includes easy-to-follow instructions and you have endless possibilities for customization, just by changing the colors, felt shapes and buttons you use! Have fun making these little amigurumis and don’t forget to share your creations with other monster-loving crocheters!
If you were not the winner of the giveaway and you would still like to have your own copy of Little Crocheted Monsters, you can purchase your book at Amazon:
I would like to thank GMC Books for the review and giveaway copies of Little Crocheted Monsters.
For more information about GMC Books and to browse all their fantastic books, visit their Website, Instagram, or Twitter.
Little Crocheted Monsters – Patterns for 12 Playful Monsters. @gmcbooks @gmcpublications
Discover the joy of crocheting with these unique and playful monster patterns. Inspired by Japanese legends, these creatures are unlike anything you’ve seen before. With easy-to-follow instructions and intuitive charts, this crochet book is perfect for anyone looking to add some fun to their projects.
This crochet book contains unique and playful patterns inspired by Japanese legends. Through easy-to-follow instructions and intuitive charts, it is the perfect opportunity for crocheters to add some personalities to their projects. With this crochet book, you can discover the joy of crocheting with these fun and creative monster patterns. What’s more, these creatures are unlike anything you’ve seen before – so get ready to embark on a creative journey!
“Unlock a world of mythical creatures with these unique monster crochet patterns! Inspired by Japanese legends, these whimsical designs are perfect for adding a playful touch to your projects. Get creative with our easy-to-follow instructions and charts! #CrochetMonster #CrochetLove”
Let’s get creative! 🐉Blast off into the world of crochet with these monster-inspired patterns! 🤩🧶
I like the Monsters book! Be fun to crochet for my grandson! I especially like that they are tied to Japanese legends.
These little Monsters are so cute!
These are the cutest creatures! Any kid would be happy to play with them!