February 28, 2024

Totoro Earflap Beanie (toddler-small adult)

By Janet Carrillo "damn it Janet, let's crochet!"
Totoro magic in every stitch - this handmade Totoro beanie is both cozy and cute!

SIZE/MEASUREMENTS
Toddler (12 months - 3yrs) [18" to 19.5" head circumference]
Child/Small Adult [20" to 21.5" head circumference]

MATERIALS
*Crochet hook size: 3.75mm (F) & 5.0mm (H)
*Worsted Weight Yarn: Light Gray, White & Black
*Stitch Markers to mark your rounds
*Tapestry needle
*Matching thread

GAUGE
3 hdc stitches x 2.5 rows = 1"
At the end of round 8, laying flat = 6.25" in diameter
Don’t forget to check your gauge.

PATTERN NOTES
 Numbers in ( ) at the end of each round/row indicate the total number of stitches.
 Always use stitch markers to mark your rounds.
 The chain 2 at the beginning of each round counts as 1 hdc.
 You slip stitch on the top of the chain 2.
 When a round or row mentions “around/across” you will be working that whole sequence from that round/row around the entire piece. (EX: sc in next st, 2sc in next st, around = sc, inc, sc, inc,…)

SPECIAL STITCHES
Invisible join - this VIDEO explains how to do this technique.
Single crochet 3 stitches together (sc3tog) – is a decrease over 3sts. Insert yarn thru 1st st, y/o pull thru, insert thru 2nd st, y/o pull thru, insert thru 3rd st, y/o pull thru, & y/o pull thru all 4 loops on hook.

** Toddler **

BEANIE with light gray; 5.0mm (H)
  Rnd 1: 8hdc in magic ring, sl st into 1st st (8)
  Rnd 2: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, *2hdc in next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (16)
  Rnd 3: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next st, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (24)
  Rnd 4: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 2 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (32)
  Rnd 5: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 3 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (40)
  Rnd 6: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 4 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (48)
  Rnd 7: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 5 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 5 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (56)
  Rnd 8: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 27 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 27 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (58)
  Rnd 9-16: ch2, hdc in each st around, sl st on top of ch 2 (58)
Do not F/O, continue on to making the first earflap.

1st EARFLAP with light gray
  Row 1: ch1, sc in next 10 sts, ch1, turn (10)
  Row 2-3: sc in each st across, ch1, turn (10)
  Row 4: sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog, ch1, turn (8)
  Row 5: sc in each st across, ch1, turn (8)
  Row 6: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog, ch1, turn (6)
  Row 7: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, ch1, turn (4)
  Row 8: sc2tog, sc2tog (2)
F/O, secure and weave in the ends.

2nd EARFLAP with light gray
Count to the left 18sts (not including the 10 sts from the first earflap). Attach on the 19th stitch.
Repeat rows 1-8 from the first earflap.
Do not F/O, ch1, turn
EDGING with light gray
sc in each st around; working evenly around each earflap. Remember to mark your round with a stitch marker. Do another round of sc around the entire beanie. Join with an invisible join to the 1st st.
F/O, secure and weave in the ends.

** Child / Small Adult **

BEANIE with light gray; 5.0mm (H)
  Rnd 1: 8hdc in magic ring, sl st into 1st st (8)
  Rnd 2: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, *2hdc in next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (16)
  Rnd 3: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next st, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (24)
  Rnd 4: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 2 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (32)
  Rnd 5: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 3 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (40)
  Rnd 6: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 4 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (48)
  Rnd 7: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 5 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 5 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (56)
  Rnd 8: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 6 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (64)
  Rnd 9: ch2, hdc in same st you sl st, hdc in next 15 sts, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 15 sts* repeat from * to * around, sl st on top of ch 2 (68)
  Rnd 10-19: ch2, hdc in each st around, sl st on top of ch 2 (68)
Don’t F/O, continue to make the first earflap.

1st EARFLAP with light gray
  Row 1: ch1, sc in next 12 sts, ch1, turn (12)
  Row 2-3: sc in each st across, ch1, turn (12)
  Row 4: sc2tog, sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog, ch1, turn (10)
  Row 5: sc in each st across, ch1, turn (10)
  Row 6: sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog, ch1, turn (8)
  Row 7: sc in each st across, ch 1, turn (8)
  Row 8: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog, ch1, turn (6)
  Row 9: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, ch1, turn (4)
  Row 10: sc2tog, sc2tog (2)
F/O, secure and weave in the ends.

2nd EARFLAP with light gray
Count to the left 23 sts (not including the 12 from the first earflap). Attach the yarn on 24th stitch.
Repeat rows 1-10 from the first earflap.
Do not F/O, ch1, turn

EDGING with light gray
sc in each st around; working evenly around each earflap. Remember to mark your round with a stitch marker. Do another round of sc around the entire beanie. Join with an invisible join to the 1st st.
F/O, secure and weave in the ends.


EARS with light gray; make 2, 3.75mm (F)
  Rnd 1: 4sc in magic ring (4)
  Rnd 2: sc in next st, 2sc in next st, around (6)
  Rnd 3: sc in next 2 sts, 2sc in next st, around (8)
  Rnd 4: sc in next 3 sts, 2sc in next st, around (10)
  Rnd 5: sc in next 4 sts, 2sc in next st, around (12)
  Rnd 6: sc in next 5 sts, 2sc in next st, around (14)
  Rnd 7: sc in next 6 sts, 2sc in next st, around (16)
  Rnd 8: sc in next 7 sts, 2sc in next st, around (18)
  Rnd 9-11: sc in each st around (18)
  Rnd 12: sc in next 6 sts, sc3tog, around (14)
  Rnd 13: sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog, around (12)
  Rnd 14-15: sc in each st around, at the end of rnd 15 join with an invisible join to the 1st st (12)
F/O, secure and weave in the ends.

EYES starting with black; make 2, 3.75mm (F) 
  Rnd 1: 6hdc in magic ring, join with an invisible join to the 1st st (6)
  Rnd 2: attach white yarn in any stitch, ch2, 2hdc in each st around, sl st into 1st st (12)
  Rnd 3: sc in next 2 sts, 2sc in next st, around, join with an invisible join to the 1st st (16)
F/O, secure and weave in the ends.

Note: when you see a + sign it means all those stitches are supposed to be done in that one particular stitch.
NOSE with black, 3.75mm (F) 
  Rnd 1: ch4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, 2sc in last ch, other side of the foundation chains hdc+dc+hdc in next ch, sc in last ch, join with an invisible join to the 1st st
F/O, secure and weave in the ends.

BRAIDS
Cut 18 pieces of yarn (9 for each earflap) about 36 inches long. Fold each bunch in half and push the folded end through an opening in the bottom of each earflap. Pull the unfolded ends through the loop and pull tight. Braid the strands and tie a knot to secure the braid. Complete the second braid the same way.


ASSEMBLE
     I recommend pinning the pieces before sewing them to make sure you have them in the position you like best before sewing. (Most people prefer to use the yarn at the end of the finished pieces to sew them in place, but I use matching thread).
     EARS...there’s no need to stuff them, simply flatten them out. Place them between rounds 4 and 6 for both sizes.
     NOSE...find the middle part of the beanie.
Toddler: place the nose between rounds 11 and 12.
Child/small adult: place the nose between rounds 14 and 15 for child/adult size beanie.
     EYES...
Toddler: place them between rounds 8 and 11; approx. 2.04" (5.2cm) apart.
Child/small adult: place them between rounds 11 and 14; approx. 2.75" (7cm) apart.
     WHISKERS...
Toddler: using black yarn embroider them between 12 and 14; 4 sts wide.
Child/small adult: using black yarn embroider them between 15 and 17; 5 sts wide.


Would you like to make a cute cuddly Totoro plushie to go with the beanie?😊
You can find the pattern --> HERE



GLOSSARY:
ch/s: chain/s || dc: double crochet || f/o: finish off || hdc: half double crochet || rnd: round || sc: single crochet
sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together || sc3tog: single crochet 3 stitches together || sl st: slip stitch
st/s: stitch/es || y/o: yarn over 


Don't forget to like this blog's Facebook page.
Or follow us on Instagram. :)

Have a nice crochet time!
- Janet

Totoro and My Neighbor Totoro are copyrighted by Studio Ghibl.
This pattern is an original pattern by Janet Carrillo "damn it Janet, let's crochet!" (February 2024). Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint/repost it on your site. You may print and keep a copy for your own personal use. Please do not resell or distribute it.

February 21, 2024

Totoro Beanie (knit)

By Janet Carrillo "damn it Janet, let's crochet!"
    Simple but yet very stylish; for boys and girls of all ages. You can comfortably wear it during any season depending on the yarn you used and the weather, of course. This is an easy-to-knit beanie if you know the basics knit, purl and k2tog.

SIZE/MEASUREMENTS
Child (6yrs - 10yrs) [19" to 20" head circumference]
Teen/Small Adult [20" to 21" head circumference]
Adult (men) [21" to 23" head circumference]

MATERIALS
*Worsted Weight Yarn: Main Color & small amounts of light gray, white, black, light pink, & 2 shades of green
*DPN's or Circular Needles: 4.5mm & 5.0mm
*Stitch Marker to mark your rounds
*Tapestry Needle

GAUGE
Using 5.0mm needles...  4.5 stitches x  6 rows = 1"
Don't forget to check your gauge.

PATTERN NOTES
  This pattern can either be knitted when making the hat or duplicate stitched on afterward; the choice is yours. Here's a great video on how to duplicate stitch; HERE.

STARTING the BEANIE
CO 80 (90, 90) sts on 4.5mm needles with main color yarn.
Place a marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Do ribbing (k1, p1) for 1 inch (approx. 6 rounds).
Change to larger needles and proceed knitting for 4 (4.5, 5) inches. This will give you approx. 27 (32, 37) rounds. Please follow the graph to know in which rows to do the color changes.

SHAPING the CROWN
  Row 1: k8, k2tog around
  Row 2 and all even rows: knit around
  Row 3: k7, k2tog around
  Row 5: k6, k2tog around
  Row 7: k5, k2tog around
  Row 9: k4, k2tog around
  Row 11: k3, k2tog around
  Row 13: k2, k2tog around
  Row 15: k1, k2tog around
  Row 17: k2tog around
Leave a tail (up to 8"). You will use a tapestry needle to thread the tail through the last remaining stitches on your needle. After removing the needles from the stitches, pull tightly to close the top hole. Lastly, hide the tail inside and weave it in.


Note: right-click on the image and open the image in a new tab to enlarge and print out.
The grid lines on the pattern graph may look uneven on your monitor but will print out evenly.
Child size is up to the red line.
Teen/Small Adult size is up to the green line.
Adult (men) size is the full graph.



GLOSSARY:
CO: cast on || k: knit || p: purl || k2tog: knit 2 stitches together


Don't forget to like this blog's Facebook page.
Or follow us on Instagram. :)

Have a nice knit time!
- Janet

Totoro and My Neighbor Totoro are copyrighted by Studio Ghibl.
This pattern is an original pattern by Janet Carrillo "damn it Janet, let's crochet!" (February 2024). Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint/repost it on your site. You may print and keep a copy for your own personal use. Please do not resell or distribute it.

February 1, 2024

Axolotl Plushie

By Janet Carrillo "damn it Janet, let's crochet!"
Axolotls are unique among amphibians because they remain in their aquatic larval form throughout
their entire lives, retaining juvenile characteristics like gills and the ability to regenerate body parts.

SIZE/MEASUREMENTS
approx. 8"height x 6.25"length
...but it can vary based on yarn and hook size.

MATERIALS
*Crochet hook size: 3.5mm (E)
*Worsted Weight Yarn: Light Pink (85yds) & Rose (20yds)
*Stitch Markers to mark your rounds
*Fiberfill
*Safety Eyes (12mm)
*Embroidery Floss: Brown
*Tapestry Needle
*Matching Thread

PATTERN NOTES - must-read...
 Numbers in ( ) at the end of each round/row indicate the total number of stitches.
 Always use stitch markers to mark your rounds.
 There's no need to sl st and/or ch when going to the next round unless stated to do so.
 When a round or row mentions “around/across” you will be working that whole sequence from that round/row around the entire piece. (EX: sc in next st, 2sc in next st, around = sc, inc, sc, inc,…)

SPECIAL STITCHES
Invisible join - this VIDEO explains how to do this technique.
Other side of the foundation chains - this VIDEO explains how to do this technique.
Single crochet 3 stitches together (sc3tog) – is a decrease over 3sts. Insert yarn thru 1st st, y/o pull thru, insert thru 2nd st, y/o pull thru, insert thru 3rd st, y/o pull thru, & y/o pull thru all 4 loops on hook.

Note: If you are using safety eyes, place them between rounds 13 and 14; approx 12 stitches apart. Or in the position you like best. When you have determined the placement of the eyes, embroider the eyelashes before securing the eyes since it makes it easier to add them.
HEAD with light pink
  Rnd 1: ch6, 2sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 4 chs, 3sc in last ch, other side of the foundation chains sc in next 5 chs (14)
  Rnd 2: 3sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts, around (18)
  Rnd 3: sc in next st, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 7 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 6 sts (22)
  Rnd 4: sc in next 2 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 9 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 7 sts (26)
  Rnd 5: sc in next 3 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 11 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 8 sts (30)
  Rnd 6: sc in next 4 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 13 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 9 sts (34)
  Rnd 7: sc in next 5 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 15 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 10 sts (38)
  Rnd 8: sc in next 6 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 17 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 11 sts (42)
  Rnd 9: sc in next 7 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 19 sts, 2sc in next 2 sts, sc in next 12 sts (46)
  Rnd 10-11: sc in each st around (46)
  Rnd 12: sc in next 11 sts, 2sc in next st, sc in next 22 sts, 2sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts (48)
  Rnd 13-15: sc in each st around (48)
  Rnd 16: sc in next 11 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 22 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 11 sts (46)
  Rnd 17: sc in next 11 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 20 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 11 sts (44)
Start stuffing the head moderately firm.
  Rnd 18: sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 20 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sts (42)
  Rnd 19: sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 18 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sts (40)
  Rnd 20: sc in next 9 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 18 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 9 sts (38)
  Rnd 21: *sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog* repeat from * to * 7 times, sc in next 3 sts (31)
  Rnd 22: *sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog* repeat from * to * 7 times, sc in next 3 sts (24)
  Rnd 23: *sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog* around (20)
F/O, secure and weave in the ends.

GILLS with rose, make 6 
ch7, dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch2, sl st into same st as previous st, sl st in next st, *ch2, dc in next st, ch2, sl st into same st as previous st,* ch2, 3dc in last st, ch2, sl st into same st as previous st, other side of the foundation chains ch2, repeat from * to * 2 times
F/O, leave a long tail for sewing.

SPOTS with rose, make 2
  Rnd 1: 4sc in magic ring, join with an invisible join to the 1st st (4)
F/O, leave a tail for sewing. 

Please note that we will be starting our work from the tail and moving upwards.
TAIL & BODY with light pink
  Rnd 1: 3sc in magic ring (3)
  Rnd 2: sc in next st, 2hdc in next st, sc in next st (4)
  Rnd 3: sc in next st, 2hdc in next st, sc in next 2 sts (5)
  Rnd 4: sc in next 2 sts, 2hdc in next st, sc in next 2 sts (6)
  Rnd 5: sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts (6)
  Rnd 6: sc in next 2 sts, 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next 2 sts (7)
  Rnd 7: sc in next 3 sts, 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next 2 sts (8)
  Rnd 8: sc in next 3 sts, 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next 3 sts (9)
  Rnd 9: sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next 3 sts (10)
  Rnd 10: sc in next 4 sts, hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next 3 sts (11)
  Rnd 11: sc in next 4 sts, hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next 4 sts (12)
  Rnd 12: sc in next 5 sts, hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next 4 sts (13)
  Rnd 13: sc in next 5 sts, hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next 5 sts (14)
  Rnd 14: 2sc in each st around (28)
  Rnd 15: sc in next 3 sts, 2sc in next st, around (35)
  Rnd 16-19: sc in each st around (35)
  Rnd 20: sc in next st, sc2tog, sc2tog, sc in next 13 sts, sc2tog. sc2tog, sc in next 13 sts (31)
  Rnd 21: sc in each st around (31)
Start stuffing the tail and body moderately firm.
  Rnd 22: sc2tog, sc2tog, sc in next 11 sts, sc2tog. sc2tog, sc in next 12 sts (27)
  Rnd 23: sc in next st, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog. sc2tog, sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog (23)
  Rnd 24: sc in each st around (23)
  Rnd 25: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog, sc in next 9 sts (20)
  Rnd 26: sc in each st around (20)
F/O, leave a long tail for sewing.

Note: when you see a + sign it means all those stitches are supposed to be done in that one particular stitch.
TAIL FIN with rose
ch22, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 8 chs, hdc in next 4 chs, hdc+dc+hdc in next ch, hdc in next 3 chs, sc in next 4 chs, ch1, sl st in same st as previous (23)
F/O, leave a long tail for sewing.

LEGS with light pink, make 4
  Rnd 1: 6sc in magic ring (6)
  Rnd 2-5: sc in each st around 
There is no need to stuff the legs.
  Row 1: flatten to match up the stitches sc in next 3 sts (3)
  Row 2: sc in each st across (3)
F/O, leave a tail for sewing.


ASSEMBLE
     I recommend pinning the pieces before sewing them to ensure you have them in the position you like best before sewing. (Most people prefer to use the yarn at the end of the finished pieces to sew them in place, but I use matching thread).
     HEAD...if you have not already embroidered the eyelashes, add the safety eyes and stuff the head moderately firm.
Safety eye placement: between rounds 13 and 14; approx 12 stitches apart. Or in the position you like best. Be sure to embroider the eyelashes before securing the safety eyes since it makes it easier. 
You can also use black felt and cut out circles for the eyes and glue them in place. 
     GILLS...place them along the side of the head where the increases were made between rounds 3 and 16.
     SPOTS...you can place the spots on either the left or the right side, in the position that you like best.
   MOUTH...using embroidery floss, embroider the mouth between rounds 15 and 16. Play around with it and see what you like best for your axolotl.
     TAIL/BODY...if you haven't already, stuff the tail/body moderately firm.
     TAIL FIN...place it along the tail. The increased part goes on the tip. 
     HEAD to the BODY...attach the head to the body. Add any bits of stuffing needed to finish shaping your axolotl.
     LEGS...place them on the side of the body between rounds 15 and 17 & 23 and 25.
     BLUSH...the possibilities are endless. You can use makeup blush, felt, or embroidery floss. I went with pink embroidery floss and embroidered lines on the bottom side of the eyes.


GLOSSARY:
ch/s: chain/s || dc: double crochet || f/o: finish off || hdc: half double crochet || rnd: round || sc: single crochet
sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together || sl st: slip stitch || st/s: stitch/es || y/o: yarn over 


Don't forget to like this blog's Facebook page.
Or follow us on Instagram. :)

Have a nice crochet time!
- Janet

This pattern is an original pattern by Janet Carrillo "damn it Janet, let's crochet!" (February 2024). Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint/repost it on your site. You may print and keep a copy for your own personal use. Please do not resell or distribute it.