Bored of bunnies and had enough of elephants? It’s not that they’re not cute, but with the amazing biodiversity on our planet, isn’t it time we started celebrating – and crocheting – some of life’s more unusual creatures? In this extraordinary collection, we bring to life the wonders of nature with amigurumi patterns for odd and unexpected animals that you won’t find in other books. In this book you’ll meet 16 rather curious creatures. You’ll create furry tummies, spiky backs, scaly tails, and feathery necks. Some have long dangly legs, some have swirly tails, and some have features that baffle us all! But however strange, all the creatures included are surprisingly squishable when created in crochet.
Curious Crochet Creatures
INTRODUCTiON • For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by the natural world and all its inhabitants. The sheer diversity of life on our planet is mind-boggling, from the tiniest insect to the enormous ocean mammals. And since you, dear reader and maker, are holding this book full of crochet creatures, I bet you are an animal enthusiast, just like me!
HOw TO USe ThiS BOOK • The projects in this book are as varied as the critters that inspired them. It is my hope that you will try something new in each construction process and pick up a trick or two along the way to add to your crochet toolkit. The patterns range in complexity from quick beginner makes to more involved projects sure to impress the family.
TOOLS AnD MATeRiALS
RemARKaBLe MammaLS
AaRDVaRK • Aardvarks sit right at the start of the English dictionary, so it’s only fitting that we begin with one! These unusual mammals have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years, making them something of a living fossil. Their powerful feet dig out roomy burrows to hide in from the heat of the sun, long snouts help sniff out the next termite meal and large ears can hear any approaching predator. These nocturnal digging machines are built for keeping armies of ants and termites at bay; they can munch through 50,000 of the wriggly critters every night – quite the appetite!
EChiDnA • I have a bit of a soft spot for all spiky animals, and the echidna is no exception. These charming, slow-moving mammals walk with a delightful waddle, hibernate during the colder months (smart!) and spend their days rummaging around on the ground for ants and insects to eat. They have long, toothless snouts, tiny mouths and extra-long sticky tongues. Unusually, their body temperature is much lower than other mammals, only 32°C (89°F); and, to top it all off, they lay soft leathery eggs – what a unique mix!
WoMBAT • Square heads, square rumps and square paws; these fluffy marsupials may look built for cuddles, but don’t get too close – they are armed with sharp claws and can run quickly at any intruder when defending their territory! Wombats are grass-munching digging machines, building elaborate underground burrows to hide from the heat of the sun. Unlike other marsupials, their pouches are backwards facing; I bet that comes in handy for keeping dirt away from the little joeys. But weirdest of all – and most delightful for any toddler – even their poop is square-shaped!
ORaNgutAn • Bright orange fur, big quizzical eyes and awkwardly long limbs – orangutans are our adorable, scruffy cousins! These fascinating mammals spend most of their lives moving through the tree canopy (which is quite a feat considering their large size!) and feasting on fruit. Orangutans are known for their intelligence: just like us, baby orangutans learn many skills by copying their parents. And, just like us, they really are creatures of comfort; I especially love seeing them make leafy umbrellas when it rains and snuggling down in their treetop nests to sleep on leafy pillows. What could be cuter?
SLeNDER LoRiS • High up in the tree canopy the slender loris...