Hi everyone!

I’m so excited to finally share more details about my latest release — the crochet version of my Woodland Whimsy book!

If you’ve been following my work, you might remember that about a year ago I released a knitting pattern book featuring forest animals, and it quickly became popular among knitters.

Find the book "Knitted Creatures of the Forest:Woodland Whimsy" here

That original book included knitted toy patterns for a duck, a squirrel, a badger, a hedgehog, and an otter, along with a collection of cozy outfits and accessories for each one. Ever since then, so many of crocheters have asked me to create crochet animal patterns for the same lovable characters — and as someone who loves a good creative challenge, I couldn’t resist!

Creating Crochet Animal Toys

As I started working on the crochet patterns for woodland animals, I realized these characters were becoming more than just crocheted versions of their knitted counterparts. They each developed their own personalities, names, and stories, which made the creative process even more special.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to the five charming characters you’ll meet in the book:

🦆 Duck – Duke Dapperquil

🐿️ Squirrel – Sugar Whiskertail

🦡 Badger – Bruno Brushwood

🦔 Hedgehog – Lottie Prickle-Bush

🦦 Otter – Iris Ripplewood

Alongside them, you’ll find crochet patterns for their outfits and accessories — dresses, pants, jackets, vests, hats, socks, and more! All projects in the book are made using a 2.5 mm crochet hook, making them perfect for intermediate crocheters and confident beginners looking to level up their skills.

What’s Inside the Book

Besides the crochet animal patterns, the book is filled with helpful tips, photo guides, and video tutorials to walk you through every part of the process.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn:

• How to choose the right yarn for crochet toys (I worked with yarns from Scheepjes and Cascade 220, but I also include a list of great yarn alternatives 🧶)

• Techniques for attaching arms and legs securely so they stay movable

• How to create eye sockets with step-by-step instructions and video support

• The correct way to stuff amigurumi toys for a polished, cuddly result

• A foolproof method for making even stitch increases to achieve a perfect crochet round without seams and corners

• Tips for changing yarn colors seamlessly for clean, professional-looking toys

• Tips for color work to make nice patterns on your crocheted fabric

And as a little extra, there’s a bonus crochet pattern for a tiny fish and a bucket — the perfect accessory for Duke the duck! 🐟🪣✨

Get the FREE fish crochet pattern here

Mix and Match Crochet and Knitting Outfits

One of my favorite things about this project is how versatile it turned out. While each character’s outfit was carefully designed with their personality in mind — from color choices to little details — all the clothes are interchangeable between the different animals (except for the shoes, which don’t fit the duck due to his webbed feet).

Even better, the crochet outfits fit the knitted toys too — and vice versa! This means you can mix and match, invent new woodland friends, and personalize your characters however you like.

I absolutely love seeing how you take my patterns and make them your own, giving life to new characters with their own backstories and adventures. That’s what makes designing crochet animal toys so special.

If you’re passionate about amigurumi patterns, crocheted woodland creatures, and making heirloom-quality handmade toys, this book is for you.

Find the crochet pattern book " Woodland Whimsy: Amigurumi Animals & Toy Clothes" here

You can also purchase the patterns individually in digital format.

Right now, the Hedgehog and Badger crochet patterns are available on Etsy and Ravelry, and I’ll be adding the rest gradually.

Available now:

• Badger crochet pattern on Etsy

• Badger crochet pattern on Ravelry

• Hedgehog crochet pattern on Etsy

• Hedgehog crochet pattern on Ravelry

Enjoy getting to know these lovely characters, and happy crocheting! 😍

Warm regards, Mariia Ermolova

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