Oh boy...
Crocheting with fluffy, furry yarn can be a really intimidating task, especially for those who haven't tried it.
Below are my tips and tricks for crocheting with fluffy yarn... WITHOUT tears! If you'd like to watch the video I've made with my tips, click here for the video or scroll down to the end of the tips and watch it from this page!
Tips and Tricks for Crocheting with Fluffy Yarn
Tip #1: Set yourself up for success by starting with an easy, beginner-level project DESIGNED for fluffy yarn!
What I mean by this is, the designer has used fluffy yarn in his or her project, and recommends it for that pattern. The most suitable projects to start off with here are not only beginner-friendly, meaning the stitches tend to be very simple and large (such as double crochets), but use a large hook.
For this reason, starting off on fluffy yarn projects with amigurumi can be a challenge. Amigurumi and stuffed toys in general require tight stitches with a small hook to avoid gaps between stitches. It also involves careful counting for rows, increases, and decreases. Instead of a project like that, it's best to go with something more straight-forward that uses large hooks and loose stitches. This way, you can get a good feel for the yarn first, and you'll be well-prepared and find it easier to work with for consequent projects that are more complex (like amigurumi, if that is your goal).
Another thing to note is that fluffy yarn won't show off any fancy or textured stitches at all, so there's no reason to pick a complex project that's meant to display stitch definition.
My recommendation for an easy, fluffy yarn STARTER project would be my Fluffy Hooded Bear Cowl (free pattern).
Another beginner-friendly option is the Hooded Timber Wolf Scarf (free pattern)!
Tip #2: Try to feel for your stitches, rather than seeing them.
It's impossible to see the stitches, so you'll have to develop a feel for them. It sounds intimidating at first since it can be very unfamiliar. The good news is, developing a feel for the stitches is very much achievable and learnable, and it'll be easier to do so if you start off with a beginner-friendly project specifically calling for fluffy yarn and uses a very large hook. (See Tip #1 for more information, and my pattern recommendation!)
Once you try a few rounds or rows, you should be able to get a feel for where your stitches are as you get accustomed to this fluffy yarn and the hook/tension of your project.
Tip #3: When unraveling or pulling apart the stitches, pull gently and count them to keep track of where you are at.
Pull gently to avoid ripping your yarn. If it gets a bit caught, don't panic! Just gently wiggle the stitch you are trying to undo in the opposite direction to help it free up.
Again, since it's impossible to see the stitches, so you'll have to count backwards when you pull out a stitch or two. Try and pull out stitches just one at a time while holding onto the previous stitch with your other hand so that it doesn't get yanked out too quickly.
Tip #4: Keep track of your stitches and row count by taking notes, using a stitch counter, or using a stitch marker.
Since you won't be able to go back to see the stitches and count them through sight, it's easiest to be keeping track of your stitches and row count by taking notes, using a stitch counter, using a stitch marker, or a combination of these methods.
I tend to keep track of higher stitch counts by using tally marks. For example, if a row calls for 50 stitches, I may make a little tally mark on a scratch sheet of paper every time I count out 10 stitches. Once I have 5 tally marks, I'll know that I have hit 50 stitches.
Tip #5: It's okay if you made a mistake! Take some deep breaths and carry on.
The double-edged sword of using fluffy yarn is that it may be impossible to see the stitches, making it tough to work with. But, that also means that if you find that your stitch count is a little off (maybe you added an extra stitch or you're missing one), it's very likely to go unnoticed because the fluffiness covers the occasional mistake!
Use your judgment -- if you're an absolute perfectionist and cannot rest knowing that there's an extra or missed stitch in that row, you can gently and slowly unravel the row to re-do it. However, I'd recommend to just leave it be and let it go, especially if you don't know and can't tell where the exact mistake occurred. If you're just a bit off, all you have to do is fix it by taking extra care to have the final stitch count correct in the following row, which might mean inserting an extra stitch (if you missed one in the last row) or crocheting two stitches together as one (if you have an extra in the last row).
Like to listen and watch? Here's a nifty video of my tips!
Thank you for reading (and watching)! Wishing you all a happy time crafting!
Warmly,
.jpg)
.jpg)
