10 Tips for Crocheting with Faux Fur Yarn
Faux fur yarn really is amazing to work with once you get use to it. Have you tried it yet? There is a little bit of a learning curve. Working with faux fur yarn requires a bit of patience and a whole lot of trusting the process. It can be quite forgiving though, so if you miss a stitch or two, it’s not too noticeable. Just take care to add those stitches back in the next round. It took me a minute to get in a groove and feel confident crocheting amigurumi with furry yarn. I’m going to share a few tips that helped me and will be helpful for you too!
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There are so many different brands of faux fur yarn. Here are some that I have used and recommend.
• Yarn Bee Fur the Moment
• Lion Brand Go For Faux
• Lion Brand Go For Fleece Sherpa Yarn
• Premier Bunny
• Knit Picks Fable Fur
A few things to consider:
As with other yarn types, grab enough skeins in the same dye lot needed to complete your project. The color difference can be very noticeable with this yarn. Don’t rush it. Go slow, breathe and trust the process. Most importantly, have fun!
10 TIPS FOR CROCHETING WITH FAUX FUR YARN
1. Choose a faux fur yarn with a fabric backing.
Some faux fur yarn is a thick tube of fur. However, there are some that have a fabric backing. The backing helps define the stitch a little more, in my opinion, making it easier to feel your stitches. If this is still too tricky, you could crochet the fur with a strand of sport weight or worsted weight yarn in a coordinating color.
2. Start with the recommended hook size and use loose tension.
This may change with the project you are working on. With amigurumi, you want to use the smallest hook that allows you to crochet most comfortably while keeping consistent tension. When you are practicing, I would recommend maybe even going up a hook size. This will create larger holes for you to feel as you go.
3. Make sure you are not distracted, and be prepared to count…a lot.
Since you are not able to see the stitches, it is best to count each stitch as you go. Use a locking stitch marker to keep track of your first stitch or each row/round. If you have repeat rounds, it’s easy to keep track of what round you are on by placing an additional stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and leaving them there. It will be easier to count the stitch markers than the rounds.
4. Move the stitches around, wiggle and pull gently to close the magic circle.
Faux fur yarn is delicate. It can tangle, as well as break, easily. When pulling this yarn, gently tug. If it seems like it doesn’t want to close, move the previous stitches around, then try to pull closed again. Sometimes wiggling the yarn back and forth as your pulling helps too. Typically with a magic circle, you crochet over the tail. You could try to leave the tail out, just take care to tie an extra secure knot and weave in the end.
5. Use basic crochet stitches.
I would suggest to stick with single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet. Since the yarn itself is textured, other stitches aren’t really needed. Stitches that usually add texture will only add bulk and weight to your project with this type of yarn. It can also create tangles.
6. Feel the stitches.
As I have mentioned, the individual stitches can’t be seen. If you are an experienced crocheter, you should be able to identify each stitch as you glide your hand across your project. Once you get the rythym, this will flow more naturally. The good thing is since the stitches can’t be seen, mistakes will generally be hidden as well. If you get to the end of the round and realize you missed a stitch or two, that can easily be made up in the next round.
7. Show the fluffiest side of your work.
There isn’t really a right or wrong side when working with furry yarn. The inside is usually fluffier. So, I like to turn my work inside out. Another option is to use a wire brush to fluff the fur (gently). This is personal preference. It will still look cute any way that you choose.
8. Use a regular decrease with amigurumi.
When crocheting plush animals, it’s recommended to use the invisible decrease. When using faux fur yarn, trying to find the front loops can be difficult. A regular decrease works great and it’s easier.
9. Leave a longer tail than usual.
For extra security, tie a few extra knots in the tails. Try to tie different tails together. Another option is to use a needle and thread to stitch the ends together.
10. Use a small crochet hook to weave in tails.
It is helpful to use a small crochet hook to weave in the ends. Again, tie knots in the tails to secure or use needle and thread.
When you’re ready to test out a new project, try my Rug Bug Huggie or Tilly the Rug Bug! Get all the details in this post or on Etsy and Ravelry.
Did I miss any? Let me know what works best for you. I can’t wait to share some of the new projects I’ve been working on! If you have any questions or any more tips to add, please let me know in the comments. I would love to hear your opinion.
Looking for more tips and techniques? Check out my tips on: How to Crochet Amigurumi with Plush Yarn.
Did you know I have FREE crochet patterns available? Here are a few of the most recent.
• Chirps the Cricket
• Elio Bear
• Rug Bug Huggie
• Maribel the Swan
• Winslet the Piglet
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