Blog - Page 2 of 7 - Sueños Blanditos

Posted on 5 May, 20215 May, 2021 by Gretel Crespo — Leave a comment

Right side and wrong side in amigurumis

The two sides of the fabric

Amigurumis are my passion and unsurprisingly, I love seeing the creations of other designers. There are true works of art worthy of admiration. However, on some occasions the appearance of the fabric, the stitches, has caught my attention. At first I didn’t know what it was until crocheting one of my amigurumis I realized: those amigurumis were with the inside out.

Crocheting the amigurumis, shaping the pieces with stitches, increases, decreases, came about in such a natural way for me that I had never considered using the wrong side of the fabric. It just wasn’t aesthetic to me.

The truth is that, when crocheting an amigurumi in rounds, in continuous spiral, the fabric curves to the wrong side, so it is not difficult for inexperienced crocheters to get confused.

However, although we may think that this is not important, the fabric of an amigurumi is not reversible. There are details that can turn the wrong side into an aesthetically unwanted side, although many designers prefer it.

The appearance

At first sight, on the right side of the fabric you can perfectly see each of the rounds and even count them easily.

On the right you can see the rounds and count them easily

In the wrong side, the vertical lines between the stitches stand out, the increases or decreases are marked and there are crowded or displaced stitches that can affect the design.

On the wrong side the vertical lines between the stitches stand out

In practice

But not everything is negative and using the wrong side of the fabric can be interesting to give a different look to a certain piece and make it highlight from the rest.

Look at Sonic’s gloves and socks. When folding the piece, the stitch is reversed and distinguish against the cuffs and legs and feet, giving an original look to the whole.

Another example is found in the color change of this Christmas sock. When you turn it over, the drawing changes and in my opinion, it looks more beautiful.

How do we differentiate the sides of the fabric?

To differentiate the right side from the wrong side you must look at the stitches.

On the right you can see the V shape of the stitches, while on the wrong side the straight lines stand out.

Another way to differentiate the sides is by observing the way and direction in which you work.

The right side will be the one where you work from the outside rim to the left, moving the hook away from you as you go. You move from near to far.

On the right side we move to the left from near to far

The wrong side, on the other hand, is the one in which you crochet from the inside rim of the piece to the left, bringing the hook towards you as you go. You move from far to near.

On the wrong side we move to the left from far to near

It’s easy to differentiate them, right?

What about you, which side do you like the most? You can give me your opinion in the comments 😉

Posted on 19 December, 202019 December, 2020 by Gretel Crespo — Leave a comment

Santa Claus Star Amigurumi Pattern

We are about to celebrate a different Christmas but that is not a reason we should stop enjoying the little things that we like, as crocheting our beloved amigurumis. This time I bring you the Santa Claus Star amigurumi Pattern

Let’s crochet a nice Christmas ornament!

I hope you like it and enjoy crocheting this Santa Claus Star. (You can download the pattern below)

MATERIALS

Yarn of different colors: white, black, skin color, red, dark red.
Thickness of the yarn: 3 mm.
Hook according to the thickness of the yarn.
Yarn needle.
Fiberfill.

ABBREVIATIONS

sc: single crochet
st: stitch
ch: chain
inc: increase
dec: decrease
Fill the doll with fiberfill as you crochet.

STAR
Points (x3)

With red yarn

1. Work 6 sc in magic ring.

2. 1 sc in each st (6).

3. “1 sc, inc”, repeat (9).

4. 1 sc in each st (9).

5. “2 sc, inc”, repeat (12).

6. 1 sc in each st (12).
Fasten off.

Work and fasten off 2 points. Work and don’t fasten off the last point to start

Joining the Points:

1. Starting from the point that you didn’t fasten off, work 1 sc in the next point, but join on the inside. Then crochet 5 more sc.

Then work 1 sc in the last point, this time from the outside and continue around this point crocheting 11 more sc until completing the 12 sc that form it.

Continue working in the central point again on the inside another 6 sc and finish in the first point by crocheting 12 sc from the outside. In this way you will have joined the 3 points, but, to crochet the central one on the inside and the sides on the outside, you will gain space between them to shape the star.
You will have 36 sc in all (3 points x 12 sc)

2. Start crocheting the central part of the star, in rounds and from the outside, 1 sc in each st (36).

3. 1 sc in each st (36).

4. Change to white yarn and work “4 sc, dec”, repeat (30).

5. Work in back loops only 1 sc in each st (30). You will return to this round to complete the hat.

La imagen tiene un atributo ALT vacío; su nombre de archivo es punto-detras-300x262.jpg

6. 1 sc in each st (30).

7. Change to skin color yarn and work in back loops only 1 sc in each st (30). You will return to this round to complete the hat.

8. 1 sc in each st (30).

9. “4 sc, inc”, repeat (36).

10. and 11. 1 sc in each st (36).

12. Change to white yarn and work 1 sc in each st (36).

Let’s start crocheting the 2 lower points:

To do this you will divide the 36 sc into 2 halves of 18 sc that you will join in the central part. Place a mark (for example a piece of wool) so as not to get confused when you crochet.

Once you are clear on which stitches you should crochet, continue from where you left off, crocheting 1 sc in each st until you reach the first marked central st. Work 1 sc in the opposite side st and place the round marker to start crocheting the point.

1. 1 dec, 12 sc, 2 dec (15).

2. 1 dec, 9 sc, 2 dec (12).

3. 2 dec, 6 sc, 1 dec (9).

4. 1 dec, 3 sc, 2 dec (6).
Fasten off. Close the hole with the yarn needle.

Begin to stuff the star since you only have the last point to crochet.
With the point that you have just finished placed to the left, work 1 sc in the next stitch, then work another sc in the opposite stitch and place the round marker.
Follow the same pattern that you used to crochet the previous point.
Finish stuffing, fasten off and close the hole with the yarn needle.

COMPLETE THE HAT

With white yarn

1. Return to round 5 and holding the star with the red points pointing down, crochet in the free loops 1 sc in each st (30).

2. Inc in every st (60).

3. 1 sc in each st (60).

4. Dec in every st (30).

5. Work slip stitches joining the sc of this last round with the free loops of round 7. (30).

Fasten off.

POMPOM

With white yarn

1. Work 6 sc in magic ring.

2. Inc in every st (12).

3. and 4. 1 sc in each st (12).

5. Dec in every st (6).
Fasten off. Close the hole with the yarn needle. Sew on the side of one of the points.

FINAL DETAILS

Eyes
Embroider them with black yarn, leaving 1 sc o separation from the hat and 3 sc between them.
Mouth
Embroider it with dark red yarn between the white points, on the color change line.

You already have it! A cute Santa Claus Star amigurumi!

SANTA CLAUS STAR amigurumi pattern (English)

Download the Free Pattern

Descarga el patrón en Español aquí

If you have crocheted the Santa Claus Star amigurumi pattern and you liked it, you can send me the photo and I will post it in the gallery for everyone to see.

Posted on 28 October, 20203 November, 2020 by Gretel Crespo — Leave a comment

Ghost Amigurumi Pattern

Halloween is coming and what better way to celebrate this unusual year than with the ghost amigurumi pattern to get a cute little ghost that I’m sure you are going to love.

Let’s begin to crochet our little ghost (If you want to download the pattern you can do it below):

Size: 4″/10 cm
Difficulty: Low
Estimated time: 1 h
Hook size: 2 mm

MATERIALS

Yarn: white and black
Thickness of the yarn: 3 mm.
Hook according to the thickness of the yarn.
Yarn needle.
Fiberfill.

ABBREVIATIONS

sc: single crochet
st: stitch
ch: chain
inc: increase
dec: decrease
Fill the doll with fiberfill as you crochet.

HEAD/BODY

With white yarn

1. Work 4 sc in magic ring.

2. to 4. 1 sc in each st (4).

5. 2 inc, 1 dec (5).

6. 3 inc, 1 dec (7).

7. 1 dec, 3 inc, 1 dec (8).

8. “1 sc, inc”, repeat (12).

9. “1 sc, inc”, repeat (18).

10. “2 sc, inc”, repeat (24).

11. to 16. 1 sc in each st (24).

17. and 18. Dec in every st (12), (6).

19. Inc in every st (12).

20. “1 sc, inc”, repeat (18).

21. “1 sc, inc” 6 times, 3 dec (21).

22. 2 dec, “4 sc, inc” 3 times, 1 dec (21).

23. 4 sc, “4 sc, inc” 3 times, 2 sc (24).

24. and 25. 1 sc in each st (24).

26. “1 sc, inc” 4 times, “2 sc, dec” 3 times, “1 sc, inc” 2 times (27).

27. “1 sc, inc” 4 times, “3 sc, dec” 3 times, “1 sc, inc” 2 times (30).

28. and 29. 1 sc in each st (30).

30. 13 sc, “2 sc, dec” 3 times, 5 sc (27).

31. 11 sc, “2 sc, dec” 3 times, 4 sc (24).

32. 9 sc, “2 sc, dec” 3 times, 3 sc (21).

33. 7 sc, “2 sc, dec” 3 times, 2 sc (18).

34. “1 sc, dec”, repeat (12).

35. and 36. 1 sc in each st (12).

37. Dec in every st (6).

38. 1 sc in each st (6).
Fasten off. Sew the hole with the yarn needle.

ARMS (x2)

With white yarn

1. Work 6 sc in magic ring.

2. to 10. 1 sc in each st (6).
Fasten off.
Sew them leaving 3 sc of separation from the neck line.

EYES (x2)

With black yarn
Work 4 sc in magic ring.
With white yarn embroider the twinkle.

FACE

To find out where you have to place the ghost’s face, you must look at the tips of the head and the end of the body. Our ghost seen from the front will have the tip of the head to the left and back, while the tip of the body will go to the right and forward.

Once you are sure about where you should place the face, start placing its elements:
Sew the eyes from round 13 t o 15, embroidering around them with the black yarn to soften the rounded shape. Leave 3 sc of separation between them in their central part.

2 sc over the eyes, embroider with black yarn the eyebrows 2 sc long.
Centered under the eyes embroider the mouth. It will have a separation of 1 sc in relation to these in its upper part and 2 in the low part and a length of 3 sc.

You already have it! A cute little amigurumi ghost!

<< Ghost amigurumi pattern >>

Download the free pattern

Descarga el patrón en Español aqu í

If you have crochet the ghost amigurumi pattern and you liked it, you can send me the photo and I will post it in the gallery for everyone to see.

Posted on 30 September, 202030 September, 2020 by Gretel Crespo — Leave a comment

Straight edges: Importance of turning chains

Whether you are a beginner or if your level is more advanced, it is important that you have some basic crochet knowledge. This will help you easily follow a pattern or even adapt it to your needs. In today’s tutorial: Straight Edges: Importance of Turning Chains, I want to talk to you about one of the basic stitches: The chain, more specifically The Turning Chain and the importance of its correct use when making the pieces of our amigurumis straighter.

Many of you have asked me about this stitch that I use frequently in my patterns when crocheting in rows. Let’s see what it is:

A turning chain is just that, a chain that we crochet before turning and starting a new row. Its function is to provide us with a certain gap or height so that we can start crocheting at the first stitch in the row and thus keep the edge straight. Their presence does not count when determining the total count of stitches in the row, but their absence does mean the decrease of one of the points in the row: the first.

You will see it more clearly with an example:

We need to crochet a straight piece 12 sc long. For this we start with 12 chains?

If we work 12 chains, when we return crocheting sc over the chains, we will not be able to start in the first chain, there is no space to do it, so we must crochet over the second and when completing the row we will have 11 sc instead of 12.

To have the row of 12 sc, we must start with 13 chains and use the last of them to gain that space we need. This last chain will therefore be a Turning Chain.

When crochet consecutive rows, if we want to keep the edges of our piece straight, we must use the turning chain in the same way, that is, when we reach the end of the row, we make a chain that allows us to turn and start crocheting in the first sc.

Straight edges: Importance of turning chains — **Turn and start crocheting in the first single crochet**

In our example, we have used single crochets, but what if the rows we need have to be worked with other points? In these cases, we have to take into account the height of these stitches when using the turning chains to gain the necessary space and not fall short or excess.

We have already seen that 1 turning chain is used for a row crocheted with single crochets. The next stitch in height is the half double crochet. For it we will continue using 1 chain.

With the double crochet, on the other hand, it will be necessary to add a turning chain. Before turning and starting a new row, we will have to chain 2.

**Chain 2, turn and start crocheting in the third chain**

Following our example:

If we need to work a 12 double crochet piece, we will have to chain 14 and start crocheting in the third chain, using the last 2 chains as if they were the first double crochet in the row.

In the same way, when we continue crocheting rows, we must continue using 2 chains as a double crochet in the corners to keep the edges straight.

If with the double crochet we have to use 2 chains, with a treble crochet we will have to use 3 and crochet in the same way: Chain 15 to have a row of 12 treble crochet and 3 turning chains in the following rows.

**Chain 3, turn and begin in the fourth chain**

Recap:

As you can see, to get straight edges you need to take into account the importance of the turning chains.

Did you like it? It’s not difficult, is it?

Until next time! ?

Posted on 10 June, 202011 June, 2020 by Gretel Crespo — Leave a comment

The Importance of Details

The importance of details when crocheting amigurumis is something you should keep in mind because making an amigurumi goes far beyond crocheting pieces of yarn, stuff them and sewing them together.

Adding small embroideries, accessories, contrast in color, parts that adapt, sink… are some things you should consider if you want your amigurumi to have personality.

Today I want to talk to you about the importance of Details and give you some tips that I apply myself in my patterns so that you can make your amigurumi really special.

Let’s go!

Most of the details are incorporated into the design in a simple way, at the end, during assembly or even after the doll is finished, and serve to give your amigurumi more realism.

An example of this are Asterix’s water bottle and sword, the tie on the Beast’s mane or Elena’s of Avalor accessories (bracelet, earrings and flowers)

These are small objects that you can quickly crochet and add at the end. If you don’t like them and decide not to incorporate or replace them with others, the essence of the amigurumi will not be affected.

Although these examples are of characters, details are important in any type of amigurumi.

The contrast in the color change can turn a simple piece into a more attractive one.

Look at the dark gray edge of the UFO lights. Adding them to the main piece that is lighter color makes them highlight more in the set.

the importance of the details with the lights of an UFO amigurumi

Using several shades of the same color can also be interesting.

The color change from light yellow to darker yellow in those same lights gives them a more realistic effect.

the importance of the details with the Light of an UFO amigurumi

Incorporating details on the faces of our amigurumi is also something to keep in mind. They serve to add expressiveness and personality to designs.

For example, in Snow White’s eyes we can see several details: The use of a gradient brown color for the iris that gives liveliness to the gaze, the white twinkle on the pupil to fix it, a black border around it that gives it more strength and the top line with eyelashes framing the eye.

the importance of the details in the eyes of Snow white amigurumi

However, giving importance to the details does not mean adding the more, the better. Sometimes something simpler can reflect the expression we seek for our amigurumi. Some lines embroidered as eyes like those of the children of Communion give them the seriousness that the act implies.

the importance of the details in the Children Communion amigurumis

However, there are details that don’t consist of additions, but rather to modify and adapt the shape of a piece according to our needs. Don’t forget that after all, amigurumis are made of yarn and fiberfill. We can take advantage of the characteristics of the materials to get that detail that can make a difference.

Using yarn of the same color as that of your piece and with the help of the yarn needle you can alter its shape.

Popeye’s face, for example, would not be the same if we had not sunk the left side. That allows us to give it its characteristic expression with the pipe.

It’s something as simple as introducing the needle with the yarn in the area you want to sink. Then, hook on the fabric and remove it on the other side, pulling hard. Repeat the operation as many times as necessary until the piece and the stuff have the desired shape. Easy, right?

Sinking the area of the eyes, the mouth, accentuating the cheeks … these are details that can totally change the expression of our amigurumis.

We can not only modify the faces, but any part and thus give it a more beautiful appearance.

Look at this tie. By sinking the sides, we can improve its appearance, don’t you think?

These are just some examples of the importance of details when making our amigurumis.

I hope you have been inspired to add your own details to your creations.

If you want, you can tell me about it in the comments.

Happy and detailed crochet!

Posted on 17 March, 202011 June, 2020 by Gretel Crespo — 1 Comment

Female Doctor Amigurumi Pattern

Download this Female Doctor amigurumi pattern for free and crochet it #StayAtHome

We are going through difficult times around the world and now more than ever we must stay together.

The apparition of coronavirus (COVID-19) and its rapid expansion among the population is something that should concern all of us.

Spain is one of the most affected countries, but whether you live here or anywhere else, you cannot be indifferent to the problem.

After the declaration of the State of alarm by the Spanish Government, we are forced to stay at home in order to avoid infections. It is an exercise of responsibility that we all must carry out, not only for ourselves, but for the others.

We must put individualism aside and think of those around us, especially those most vulnerable to disease: elderly and children.

Together we can reduce the expansion of the virus.

#Stayathome and facilitate the commendable work that health personnel are doing to ensure our health, putting their own at risk.

That’s why I would like to contribute with my grain of sand by sharing this pattern of a Female Doctor Amigurumi.

I think that will alleviate the period of isolation.

It also serves as my humble personal thanks to all the professionals who take care of us every day.

THANK YOU!

#StayAtHome

<<FEMALE DOCTOR amigurumi pattern (English)>>

And if you prefer it in Spanish, click here

Download the Free Pattern

Posted on 23 January, 202023 January, 2020 by Gretel Crespo — 2 Comments

Alternative stuffing for amigurumis

Everyone who wants to make an amigurumi should be clear that he needs at least 3 things: yarn, hook and stuffing.

Today I want to talk about the last one and how we can use alternative stuffing for amigurumis when the right material is not within our reach or is something exceptional.

In my patterns you can read that we use synthetic fiberfill.

But what exactly is synthetic fiberfill?

It is a 100% polyester synthetic fiber also called Polyfill. It is a soft, washable and perfect material to fill your amigurumis because it adapts to the fabric without deforming it. But not only is it used for this, but you can use it as a filling in all kinds of work such as ragdolls, felt creations or cushions. You can find it more compact or lighter.

Sample of synthetic fiberfill — *Synthetic fiberfill*

Sample of synthetic fiber filling or Polyfill — *A more compact synthetic fiber filling*

Being clear that this is the ideal filling material, you should not despair if you do not find it or do not have it and want to continue with your work.

Let’s see different “homemade” options that will get you out of trouble:

Remains of wool or yarn:

What better option than filling your wool dolls with that same material.

When we crochet, when we finish off, many times we have a piece of yarn that we can’t use because it’s too small. Store all these leftover threads in a box and you can use them as fillers, for example, in small parts of your amigurumis.

Unfinished or unrecoverable projects:

We all make mistakes when crocheting and sometimes it’s not possible to reuse the material to start over with our project. Parts of our failed amigurumis impossible to undo can be used to fill in new ones. The concept is to continue with the idea of the previous point: fill wool with wool.

Sample of an unfinished fabric — *Unfinished Project*

Miscellaneous fabrics:

Recycling old clothes may be another alternative. Soft, fine fabrics such as a handkerchief or nylon stockings, or more rigid, such as tulle or even the foam of shoulder pads. Cut them to fill large pieces or to give consistency to certain parts.

Nylon stockings. Alternative stuffing for amigurumis. — *Nylon stockings*

Shoulder pad. Alternative stuffing for amigurumis. — *Foam of a shoulder pad*

Tulle. Alternative stuffing for amigurumis. — *Tulle*

Handkerchief. Alternative stuffing for amigurumis. — *Handkerchief*

As you can see, there are several the alternative stuffing for amigurumis you can go to, always taking into account that if you want a good result, you should consider them as something exceptional.

What about you? What is the rarest stuffing you’ve used for your amigurumis? Tell me in the comments.

Posted on 2 January, 20202 January, 2020 by Gretel Crespo — Leave a comment

2020 Planner Calendar (printable)

We start the year with energy, optimism and many projects ahead. So you can plan all your tasks and do not forget any important date I created this printable planner calendar.

This is a 2 page document: In the first one, you have the 2020 calendar and in the second one, the weekly planner, to plan your week and not miss anything.

The planner calendar is in PDF format ready to print. You just have to download it in the following link and print it:

SUENHOS BLANDITOS CALENDAR PLANNER Download

I hope you like it!

I can only wish you a happy and prosperous new year. May all your wishes come true 😉

Posted on 3 October, 20193 October, 2019 by Gretel Crespo — 1 Comment

Apple amigurumi pattern

Size: 1,1” / 3 cm
Difficulty: Low
Estimated Time: 1 h
Hook: 2 mm

MATERIALS

Yarn of different colors: red, brown, green.
Thickness of the yarn: 3 mm.
Hook according to the thickness of the yarn.
Fiberfill.

ABBREVIATIONS

sc: single crochet
st: stitch
ch: chain
inc: increase
dec: decrease

BODY

With red yarn

1. Work 6 sc in magic ring

2. Inc in every st (12).

3. “3 inc, 3 sc” 2 times (18).

4. “1 sc, inc” 3 times, 3 sc, “1 sc, inc” 3 times, 3 sc (24).

5. to 8. 1 sc in each st (24).

9. 2 sc, “1 sc, dec” 3 times, 3 sc, “1 sc, dec” 3 times, 1 sc (18).

10. to 13. 1 sc in each st (18).

14. “3 sc, 3 dec”, 2 times (12).

15. Dec in every st (6).

Fasten off. Sew the hole with the yarn needle. Shape the apple inserting the thread from the last round to the magic ring and returning several times.

STEM

With Brown yarn

Ch 5 and work 4 slip stitches on the chains.

Fasten off.

LEAF

With Green yarn

Ch 5 and work: 1 slip st, 2 double crochets, 1 sc.
Continue without turning, that is, in the beggining chains again, but in the other side: 1 sc, 2 double crochets, 1 slip st.

Fasten off.

Sew the stem and the leaf and Finished! You have a cute amigurumi apple!

Posted on 16 May, 201916 May, 2019 by Gretel Crespo — Leave a comment

Galician Octopus Amigurumi Pattern

I like to think in Suenhos Blanditos as a great family that despite the distance, meets to enjoy a common passion: The amigurumis.

From several places and backgrounds, speaking different languages, men, women, young, old, each and every one of us are connected by those little yarn dolls that we like so much and to which we add a little bit of us.

Today I want to show you a little bit of me and tell you about a celebration of my land, Galicia.

It’s about the Day of the Galician Letters (Día das Letras Galegas) that is celebrated every year on May 17th, to commemorate the edition of “Cantares Gallegos” by Rosalía de Castro that same day of 1863 and that marked the beginning of the “Rexurdimento” or the Galician cultural renaissance.

Every year, the Galician Royal Academy chooses an outstanding personality from the Galician literary and cultural field to pay tribute to him or her for the contribution and defense of our language.

This year, the day of the Galician Letters is dedicated to Antonio Fraguas, an intellectual born in Pontevedra whose cultural contribution included archeology, geography, history, art, ethnography and dissemination.

As a detail, to remind you of my beautiful land, Galicia, I want to give you the pattern of this cute octopus, which besides being a representative icon of our gastronomy, is crocheted with the colors of our flag: sky blue and white.

I hope you like it!

GALICIAN OCTOPUS PATTERN

Size: 4″ / 10 cm
Difficulty: Low
Estimated time: 8 h
Hook size: 2 mm

Continue reading Galician Octopus Amigurumi Pattern

The two sides of the fabric

The appearance

In practice

How do we differentiate the sides of the fabric?

MATERIALS

ABBREVIATIONS

STARPoints (x3)

Joining the Points:

Let’s start crocheting the 2 lower points:

COMPLETE THE HAT

POMPOM

FINAL DETAILS

Let’s begin to crochet our little ghost (If you want to download the pattern you can do it below):

MATERIALS

ABBREVIATIONS

HEAD/BODY

ARMS (x2)

EYES (x2)

FACE

You will see it more clearly with an example:

Following our example:

Recap:

But what exactly is synthetic fiberfill?

Let’s see different “homemade” options that will get you out of trouble:

Subscribe to my Newsletter and receive a Free Pattern and 5€ Discount!

STAR
Points (x3)