CUDDLY CROCHET CRITTERS is a collection of amazing, smooshy, cuddly animals to crochet for that special child in your life. Any one of the twenty six – yes, that is 26 – animals would be such a fabulous gift for any kid. When checking out the cover I thought these would be hand size huggable animals. But then I checked out the back cover and realized – much to my delight – that these animals are pillow-like and made with bulky or chenille type yarns. You know what that means to crafters. Yep – pillow animals that take only hours to make. A winner in my book.

Each animal’s body shape is similar with the emphasis on faces and details to differentiate the various critter species. The first several pages give suggestions for yarn and follows with color photo illustrations of all the crochet stitches needed for these critters – basically a how to crochet guide. Then Megan Kreiner includes instructions on how to achieve the many finishing details with surface stitches and crocheted eyes, ears, and noses.

And don’t think you can’t make these critters in a smaller size – Megan Kreiner also include in CUDDLY CROCHET CRITTERS tips on how to create these same wondrous stuffed animals out of worsted, DK or sport yarns.

Now on to my favorites – which is really hard to choose but here I go. Well Penny Pig stands out since my granddaughter is a Peppa Pig fan. FYI Penny measures a whopping 13 inches long by 9 inches wide by 7 inches tall after 31 rounds of crochet. The next favorite is Lucas Lion beautifully done with a crocheted mane. Lily Lovebug is too cute for words. And last but definitely not least is Beatrice Bunny. Of course, this is just my short list which doesn’t include the requisite puppy and kitten.

CUDDLY CROCHET CRITTERS by Megan Kreiner is a very well instruction manual on how to make some of the cutest animals. Price per pattern is less than one dollar, and these patterns come in a sturdy colorful well-constructed book. Definitely a treasure for anyone’s craft library.