You can make all kinds of stuffed toys in crochet – animals, reptiles, birds, balls, mobiles for babies … there is a whole range to choose from. Finger puppets, and hand puppets are fun to make and own.
Crocheted toys make wonderful gifts. They don’t cost much- only the time it takes to make them – and giving someone you love a few minutes of your time is the most wonderful gift you can give.
With Christmas just round the corner, now is the right time to get your hooks out and start toying with ideas.
A few things to bear in mind while making toys for kids.
ü Only use materials that have passed safety standards.
ü Use washable, lightweight, non-inflammable filling.
ü If the toy is for a very small child, embroidering the eyes, nose and mouth is an ideal alternative to using the plastic stuff.
ü If you do decide to use plastic eyes, nose and mouth, make sure they are sewed on very firmly. Children tend to chew on things that stick out. There is a very real danger of choking.
ü A large toy is ideal for smaller kids. Reserve small toys for bigger kids, adults and for yourself.
ü Make sure all the pattern pieces are sewn together properly. There should be no gaps through which a child can pull out the filling. The first thing small children do when they find something interesting is – put it into their mouth.
Tip:
Ø Most toys only need scraps of yarn left over from other projects.
Ø The eyes, nose and mouth should be embroidered before the stuffing is done.
Ø Expression is what gives a toy its personality. Have fun experimenting with embroidered expressions.
Here are some links to get you started.
- Free patterns
http://members.optusnet.com.au/we2/basketmobile.html - mobile
http://www.sarahanns.com/crochetworks/rainbow.html - mobile
http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=1471 – a square ball
http://www.joyfultoys.bravepages.com/crochet.html - a snake and a cat.
- If you are looking to buy a Pattern book, here is the link for you.
http://www.amazon.com/Toys-Crochet-Patterns-Animals-Accessories/dp/
0307383067
- If you want to buy ready-made crochet toys- look no further than