Posted on Leave a comment

May Crochet Goals + Free Project Planner

A new month means a fresh start—and a fresh skein of possibilities. Whether April flew by or left you with a pile of WIPs, May is your chance to reset, refocus, and get those hooks moving again.

Let’s make this month intentional, creative, and (most importantly) fun.

Download this free May planner PDF

May Crochet Planner – free download

✨ Step 1: Reflect Before You Plan

Before jumping into new projects, take a quick look back:

  • What did you finish in April?
  • What’s still a work in progress?
  • Which projects brought you the most joy?

Not everything needs to be carried into May. Give yourself permission to frog, finish, or forget.

🧺 Step 2: Choose Your May Projects

Instead of starting all the things, pick 2–5 projects max. This keeps you focused and helps you actually finish.

Try a mix like:

  • 🧸 1 quick project (amigurumi, baby rattle, small gift)
  • 🧣 1 relaxing project (blanket, scarf, repetitive stitches)
  • 🎁 1 purpose project (gift, market prep, or seasonal item)

🌸 Step 3: Think Seasonal

May is the perfect time for:

Now’s the time to swap heavy yarns for breathable, quick-to-make pieces.

🗓️ Step 4: Create a Simple Plan

Break your projects into small, doable goals:

Week 1: Start + set up projects
Week 2: Make steady progress
Week 3: Finish at least one item
Week 4: Wrap up + photograph + share

Keep it flexible—this is a guide, not a rulebook.

💡 Step 5: Set a Crochet Routine

Even 15–30 minutes a day adds up.

  • Morning coffee + a few rows ☕
  • Evening wind-down stitching 🌙
  • Weekend crochet sessions

Consistency beats marathon sessions.

💛 Step 6: Make It Fun, Not Pressure

You don’t have to finish everything.
You don’t have to follow trends.
You don’t have to be perfect.

Crochet is your creative escape—let it stay that way.

Download this free May planner PDF

May Crochet Planner – free download

NOTE: Downloading this worksheet adds you to my email list where I share new patterns, exclusive discounts, and crochet inspiration. You can unsubscribe anytime—no hard feelings!

Pet Appreciation Blog Hop

Welcome to the 2026 Pet Appreciation Blog Hop where you will find adorable crochet patterns just for your Fur Babies!

 

 

May is National Pet Appreciation Month, and boy do I have something exciting for you!  From May 1-14 there will be daily free and a couple of discounted crochet patterns designed specifically for your lovable pets.

www.joscraftyhook.com/2026-pet-appreciation-blog-hop

 

 

 

  1. Visit the 2026 Blog Hop daily, starting at 9a EST until 8:59a EST for the day’s Featured Crochet Pattern. www.joscraftyhook.com/2026-pet-appreciation-blog-hop
  2. Look for the day’s featured designer.
  3. Click on the “Get Coupon Code” Button where you will be directed to the featured designer’s website.
  4. Click on their “Click here for PDF” or their “Direct Download” Button.
  5. Use their Coupon Code at Checkout or download their crochet pattern.

 

 

 

Day 1 features the Pet Star Blanket from Jo’s Crafty Hook

Your pet is your Star, so celebrate them by making them their very own Star Blanket. The pattern can be customized for any size fur baby!

Visit the hop to get your 50% off coupon.

www.joscraftyhook.com/2026-pet-appreciation-blog-hop

 

 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Design Your Own Amigurumi Worksheet
Bear Mobile Pet
Zoo Animals Gift Tag

 

 

 

 

 

On this day in 2025

 

On this day in 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliate Links

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission. Thanks for helping support my crochet blog. 

Lion Brand Yarn

Posted on 1 Comment

Mobile Menagerie: Tiny Amigurumi Teddy Bear for Your Phone

Who says crochet has to stay at home? 🧶✨

With the Mobile Menagerie Teddy Bear Pattern, you can take your handmade creations everywhere you go! These tiny crochet pets are designed to add personality, charm, and a whole lot of cuteness to your everyday essentials 📱💛


📱 Crochet Meets Everyday Life

We all love amigurumi—but sometimes we want something small, quick, and practical. That’s where these mini creations come in!

With instructions for attaching a suction cup, these tiny pets are perfect for:

  • Phone charms 📱
  • Laptop buddies🔑
  • Bag accessories 👜
  • Little gifts 🎁

They’re small enough to go anywhere—but cute enough to steal the spotlight 🐾✨


Why You’ll Love These Mini Amigurumi

Quick & Satisfying Projects

Short on time? These patterns are fast, fun, and perfect for those “just one more project” moments 😅 It took me less than an hour to crochet each one.


Perfect for Scrap Yarn

Got leftover yarn? This is your chance to use it! Mix and match colors to create unique little pets 🌈


🐾 Endless Customization

From playful pals to tiny critters, you can personalize each one with:

  • Different colors
  • Cute accessories
  • Unique facial expressions

No two will ever be the same 💛


Perfect for Gifts & Selling

These mini amigurumi make amazing:

  • Classmate gifts
  • Party favors
  • Market bestsellers
  • “Just because” gifts

They’re small, affordable to make, and absolutely irresistible 🧶✨


A Fun Way to Grow Your Crochet Business

If you sell finished items, this collection is a game-changer:

✔ Quick turnaround time
✔ Low material cost
✔ High appeal

Tiny products like these are perfect for impulse buys—especially when displayed as colorful collections 🐾📱


✨ Take Your Crochet Anywhere

There’s something special about carrying a handmade piece with you. It’s a little reminder of creativity, comfort, and joy—right in your pocket 🧶💛

With the Mobile Menagerie, your crochet doesn’t just sit on a shelf… it becomes part of your everyday life.


Get the Pattern Collection

Ready to create your own tiny crochet companions? 🐾✨ Get the full pattern collection of 10 different animals

👉Mobile Menagerie Amigurumi Crochet Pattern Collection


Let’s Get Creative!

What would YOU turn into a mini amigurumi? 👀

A pet? A favorite animal? Something totally unexpected?

Tell me in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas 💛

 

 

Teddy Bear

 

 

 

 

Materials:

15 yards brown yarn

Size E (3.5 mm) crochet hook

Fiberfill

Two 5-mm black plastic eyes

10-mm black safety nose

1.18-inch suction cup with metal hook

Pliers

 

Directions:

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (or magic circle), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout unless otherwise specified.

Rnd 2: *Sc in next st, inc in next st,* repeat around (9 sc).

Rnd 3: *Sc in each of next 3 sts, inc in next sc,* repeat around (15 sc).

Rnds 4-5: Sc in each st.

Rnd 6: *Inv dec, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat around (12 sc).

Insert eyes in Rnd 3 approximately 3 sts apart. Stuff head.

Rnd 7: Inv dec 6 times (6 sc).

Rnd 8: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).

Rnd 9: Sc in each st.

Rnd 10: Inv dec 6 times (6 sc). Join with sl st. Fasten off yarn leaving 9” length for sewing.

EARS:

Attach yarn at top of head at Rnd 3. Sc in Rnd 3, sc in Rnd 2, ch 1, turn, sk 1 sc, sc in next st. Fasten off yarn. Sk both sides of Rnd 1 on top of head and attach yarn at Rnd 2. Sc in Rnd 2, sc in Rnd 3, ch 1, turn, sk 1 sc, sc in next st. Fasten off yarn. Weave in ends.

SNOUT:

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (or magic circle), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join.

Rnd 2: Sc in each st. Join with sl st. Fasten off yarn leaving 6” length for sewing. Insert safety nose in center of Rnd 1. Sew snout to front of face at Rnds 3-5.

Metal hook on suction cup faces front, but it needs to be sideways.

Use pliers to turn hook sideways, then crimp ends of metal.

Insert hook into bottom opening of animal. Use hanging thread to firmly close opening and sew bottom closed. Sew a few stitches through the center catching the hook to give added stability.

Stick to back of phone with animal facing forward.

 

PDF includes all 10 animals

Mobile Menagerie Amigurumi Crochet Pattern Collection

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Design Your Own Amigurumi Worksheet
Zoo Animals Gift Tag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliate Links

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission. Thanks for helping support my crochet blog. 

Lion Brand Yarn

Posted on 1 Comment

Design Your Own Amigurumi: Free Printable Worksheet for Crochet Creators

Have you ever had the perfect amigurumi idea in your head… but didn’t know where to start? 🧶✨

Whether it’s a cute animal, a quirky mashup, or something totally unique, turning your idea into a finished creation can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why I created this free Amigurumi Design Worksheet—to help you bring your ideas to life, one stitch at a time 💛


✏️ Why Use an Amigurumi Design Worksheet?

Designing your own crochet pieces doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning, you can go from “just an idea” to a finished project you’re proud of.

This worksheet helps you:

  • Organize your thoughts before you start
  • Plan colors and materials
  • Visualize your finished design
  • Keep track of all the little details

Think of it as your creative roadmap 🧶✨


🧶 What’s Inside the Free Worksheet?

This printable is designed to be simple, fun, and super helpful for crocheters of all skill levels.

🎨 Design Sketch Area

Use the back of the page to draw your idea—no artistic skills required! Just sketch out shapes, features, and proportions. I keep a box of crayons on hand to draw out my designs.


🌈 Color Planning Section

Choose your main color, accents, and details so your project looks exactly how you imagine it.


🧵 Yarn & Tools Tracker

Keep track of:

  • Yarn type and weight
  • Hook size
  • Extras like safety eyes, stuffing, and embellishments

🐾 Feature Checklist

Plan out your design step-by-step:

  • Head shape
  • Ears, arms, and legs
  • Facial details and expressions

✨ Special Details Section

This is where your creativity shines! Add:

  • Accessories (bows, hats, scarves 🎀)
  • Unique mashups (animal + food is always fun 🍓🐻)
  • Seasonal twists

📝 Construction Notes

Map out how you’ll build your piece:

  • Where to start
  • How many pieces you’ll need
  • Sewing vs. no-sew ideas

💛 Name Your Creation

Because every cute creation deserves a name!


🌟 Who Is This For?

This worksheet is perfect if you:

  • Want to start designing your own amigurumi
  • Love customizing patterns
  • Have lots of ideas but need structure
  • Enjoy planning before you crochet

📥 Download Your Free Worksheet

Ready to start designing? 🧶✨

👉 Download your free Amigurumi Design Worksheet here:
Free Printable Amigurumi Worksheet for Crochet Creators

Print it out, grab your yarn, and start creating something amazing 💛

Post your worksheet in the Facebook group, and let’s see how many people make it!

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cbrto9RgP/


💡 Pro Tip

Once you design your own piece, you can:

  • Turn it into a full pattern
  • Sell finished items
  • Or build your own collection of original creations

Your ideas are more powerful than you think 🧶✨


🧶 Want More Crochet Inspiration?

If you don’t want to design and just want something ready to make, check out my patterns here:
👉 www.myfingersfly.com 

Zoo Animals Amigurumi Crochet Pattern Ebook

This great ebook is on sale for only $10.00 through April 12, 2026. No coupon code required.

 

20 amigurumi patterns with detailed instructions and color photos

 

animal pattern roundup
Free Animal Crochet Patterns

Affiliate Links:

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission. Thanks for helping support my crochet blog. 

Lion Brand Yarn

Posted on 2 Comments

National Zoo Lovers Day – Zoo Animals Amigurumi Ebook

Create your own crochet zoo with this fun and adorable collection of amigurumi patterns 🐾✨
Filled with 20 cute animals you would find in the zoo and easy-to-follow designs, this ebook is perfect for making playful gifts, nursery decor, and lovable handmade friends 🧶💛

A wild crochet adventure awaits—one stitch at a time!

Zoo Animals Amigurumi Crochet Pattern Ebook

This great ebook is on sale for only $10.00 through April 12, 2026. No coupon code required.

20 amigurumi patterns with detailed instructions and color photos

There’s also a free sheet of gift tags to download for all those animal gifts you will be making.

Zoo Animals Gift Tag – free download

Zoo & Aquarium Month Blog Hop 

National zoo month crochet

 

Thanks to all these talented designers for joining me this month.

https://youtu.be/gEhfBrIQQm4

Fish crochet patterns

 

June 1 – Reef Awareness Day

 

 

June 2 – Zoo Blog Hop Day 2 – Owl Crochet Patterns                           June 3 – Zoo Blog Hop Day 3 – Bat Crochet Patterns

June 4 – Zoo Blog Hop Day 4 – National Hug Your Cat Day                June 5 – Bear Crochet Patterns

June 6 – Butterfly Crochet Patterns                                                             June 7 – Axolotl Crochet Patterns

June 8 – World Oceans Day – 4 Whales and 4 Turtles                            June 9 – Koala Crochet Patterns

June 10 – Lions                                                                                                     June 11 – 4 Cuddly Penguins

June 12 – Jack the Sloth                                                                                   June 13 – Mystical, Magical Unicorns!

June 14 – Alligators                                                                                             June 15 – Bunnies!

June 16 – Deer and Moose                                                                                Zoo Blog Hop Day 17 – Seahorse

Zoo Blog Hop Day 18 – Beaver                                                                         Zoo Blog Hop Day 19 – Monkeys

Zoo Blog Hop Day 20 – Eagles                                                                         Zoo Blog Hop Day 21 – Giraffes

Zoo Blog Hop Day 22 – Zebra                                                                          Zoo Blog Hop Day 23 – Sheep

Zoo Blog Hop Day 24 – Elephants                                                                 Zoo Blog Hop Day 25 – Dogs

Zoo Blog Hop Day 26 – Cows                                                                           Zoo Blog Hop Day 27 – Platypus

Zoo Blog Hop Day 28 – Mouse                                                                        Zoo Blog Hop Day 29 – Fox

Final Day of Zoo Blog Hop – Birds

 

Affiliate Links:

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission. Thanks for helping support my crochet blog. 

Lion Brand Yarn

Posted on Leave a comment

Easter Advent – Miscellaneous Patterns – Easter Pinata Gift Bag

A Fun & Festive Way to Gift This Easter 🧺✨

If you’re looking for a creative and adorable way to package your Easter goodies this year, this Easter Piñata Gift Bag Crochet Pattern is exactly what you need! 🐣💛

Forget plain baskets—this playful design adds a unique, handmade touch that makes every gift feel extra special.


🌸 Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This isn’t just a gift bag—it’s part of the gift itself! 🎁

With its fun piñata-inspired texture and festive Easter vibes, this crochet pattern is perfect for:

  • Filling with candy, toys, or small surprises 🍬
  • Creating memorable Easter morning gifts 🐰
  • Adding a handmade touch to your holiday traditions

Plus, it’s reusable—so it can be enjoyed year after year!


Pattern Features

✨ Beginner-friendly instructions
✨ Step-by-step guidance
✨ Customizable colors for any theme
✨ Perfect for stash-busting yarn

Gift bag measures approximately 4” tall.

Make it bright and colorful like a classic piñata or go soft pastels for a sweet spring look 🌷


🐣 Perfect for Easter Gifting

Whether you’re making gifts for kids, grandkids, or even friends, this crochet gift bag is a fun alternative to traditional baskets.

Imagine their faces when they receive a handmade piñata-style bag filled with surprises—it’s guaranteed to bring smiles! 😍

 

PDF download includes both files – Easter Pinata Gift Bag and Easter Pinata Amigurumi crochet patterns – for only $2.99

Pinata Gift Bag Crochet Pattern

 

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn:

20 yards green

15 yards pink

15 yards aqua

15 yards teal

15 yards purple

Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook

 

Gift bag measures approximately 4” tall.

Gauge: 8 sc = 2”, 8 rows = 2”

 STITCHES:

Loop stitch: Insert hook into first stitch. Make sure working yarn is looped around 1 finger (2 fingers for a longer loop). Hook both strands of yarn. Pull both strands through stitch. Yarn over and pull through all three loops.

DIRECTIONS:

Rnd 1: With green yarn, ch 2 (or magic circle), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sc).

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st (12 sc).

Rnd 3: Ch 1, *sc in sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (18 sc).

Rnd 4: Ch 1, *sc in sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (24 sc).

Rnd 5: Ch 1, *sc in 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc,* repeat around (30 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 6: Ch 1, turn, *lp st in next 4 sc, 2 lp st in next sc,* repeat around (36 lp sts). Join with sl st. Fasten off green.

Rnd 7: Join pink yarn, ch 1, turn, *sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st,* repeat around (42 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 8: Ch 1, turn, lp st in each sc. Join with sl st. Fasten off pink.

Rnd 9: Join teal yarn, ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Join with sl st.

Rnd 10: Ch 1, turn, lp st in each sc. Join with sl st. Fasten off teal.

Rnd 11: Join yellow yarn, ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Join with sl st.

Rnd 12: Ch 1, turn, lp st in each sc. Join with sl st. Fasten off yellow.

Rnd 13: Join purple yarn, ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Join with sl st.

Rnd 14: Ch 1, turn, lp st in each sc. Join with sl st. Fasten off purple.

Rnd 15: Join green yarn, ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Join with sl st.

Rnd 16: Ch 1, turn, lp st in each sc. Join with sl st. Fasten off green.

Rnd 17: Join pink yarn, ch 1, turn, *inv dec, sc in 4 sts,* repeat around (30 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 18: Ch 1, turn, lp st in each sc. Join with sl st. Fasten off pink.

Rnd 19: Join teal yarn, ch 1, turn, *inv dec, sc in 3 sts,* repeat around (24 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 20: Ch 1, turn, lp st in each sc. Join with sl st. Fasten off teal.

Rnd 21: Join yellow yarn, ch 1, turn, sc in each st, join with sl st.

Rnd 22: Ch 1, *sc in next st, ch 1, sk 8 st,* repeat around. Join with sl st. Fasten off yellow.

Drawstring:

With yellow yarn, ch 70. Fasten off. With yarn needle, thread drawstring through skipped sts of Rnd 22. Tie in a bow. Knot ends of drawstring and trim close to knot.

 

Purchase the PDF download for $2.99 and get the Easter Pinata Amigurumi crochet pattern free ($4.99 value)

Pinata Gift Bag Crochet Pattern

 

 

Or you can purchase the entire book of Easter amigurumi patterns for only $10.00 with code EASTERAMI through April 4, 2026.

Ravelry: Easter Around the World Amigurumi Crochet ebook

More Gift Bags

 

Easter Chick Gift Bag
Bunny Goody Bag Crochet Pattern
Bunny Goody Bag Crochet Pattern
Donkey Pinata Gift Bag

 

 

 

 

 

Duck Bath Mitt

 

Flower Lace Plant Cover from Jo’s Crafty Hook

The plant pot cover creates a beautiful lacy design that will cover just about any size flower pot.

Flower Lace Planter Cover Crochet Pattern

fashion doll bonnet

Fashion Doll Easter Bonnet from My Fingers Fly

Crochet a few Easter bonnets for Barbie.

chicken hat
Add an elastic strap, and you have a Chicken Bonnet!

 

Today’s free download is the Joyful Easter Greeting Card.


free easter crochet pattern

More Easter Patterns 

Spring Splash Blog Hop

So many beautiful patterns for spring, and they’re all half off!

Check out the list of participating designers at Spring Splash 2026 Crochet Hop

or see each day’s featured design at Crochet Designer Community on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/CrochetDesignerCommunity

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Day 1 – Bunnies

Day 2 – Chicks

Day 3 – Ducks

Day 4 – Lambs and Goats

 

Day 5 – Donkey

Day 6 – Baskets 

Day 7 – Easter Eggs

Day 8 – Clothing

 

Day 9 – Accessories

 

Day 10 – Crochet for Children

Day 11 – Crochet for Baby

Day 12 – Home Decor

Day 13 – Flowers

 

Affiliate Links

This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

 

Amazon affiliate: https://amzn.to/4hkS5Zd
Easter Eggs prefilled with Colorful Wind-Up Jumping Bunnies and Chicks

 

Happy Easter Mouse! book (from the author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie)