Reviewing Crochetta's octopus family… First of all, my previous crochet experience was decades ago and consisted of a scarce handful of unfinished granny squares and some hats. I knew three stitches: chain, single crochet, and double crochet. Level: Beginner.
Five stars, and here's why:
1. What you get. You get two small skeins of each color except for the light blue and yellow, for which you get one medium skein each. The weight/gauge isn't marked, nor is any other product information. You also get a package of stuffing (looks to be polyfill), a 2.5mm ergonomic hook, a 4mm ergonomic hook, one set of large safety eyes, two sets of small safety eyes, one plastic yarn needle, one metal yarn needle, five locking stitch markers (I lost one), and a pair of capped scissors. If you look at the attached pictures, you'll see that I made one large octopus and eleven smaller octopuses - plus three not pictured because I gave them away - and still have a pile of yarn to make more. NOTE: in order to make all of the extra octopuses, I had to buy additional polyfill and safety eyes. The ergonomic hooks were surprisingly comfortable to work with.
2. Instructions. The kit came with two pamphlets. One contains an easy introduction to crochet terminology and shorthand, demonstrates several stitches, and includes QR links to instructional videos. Not only do they have the videos, they included an additional bundle of white yarn - otherwise not necessary to complete the kit as pictured in the box - specifically for practicing. This includes directions on how to easily start rows and spirals depending on what your pattern calls for. The second pamphlet is specific to the kit with instructions and QR codes unique to the rainbow octopus and the two babies.
What's not included. Nothing in this kit is pre-started. You can follow the directions as written, or use the videos, or both, to learn how to start and finish each section of each octopus.
3. Learning curve. Start on the small octopuses. You will not run out of yarn. The ball of the small octopus is extremely easy and, after some fussing with the legs, those wound up going pretty fast, too. The first small octopus (the larger of the two yellows) took me three days to make with maybe an hour spent each day. After practicing and getting creative with the pattern (which I could afford to do with all that extra yarn), the smaller octopuses now only take me about an hour to make.
4. Dual crochet! Two hooks means that two people can crochet at the same time. This would be a fantastic activity for friends or family, especially if one has slightly more experience than the other.
5. ADHD much? I tend to quit projects without finishing them because many are "learn this one trick and do it 9000 times." With these toys, though, each round or row is unique and it's easy to go back and fix mistakes, so there was never really a sense of all-consuming repetition or disaster if I missed a stitch - so I didn't get bored or discouraged. I started a project to make three octopuses and wound up finishing all three *and* an additional nine for myself and another three for friends who wanted them because they're so cute.
There were a couple things that didn't make sense at first that *could* have driven down a star, but were insignificant in the long run.
A. You use the 2.5mm hook for the small octopuses, so I couldn't figure out what the use of the 4mm hook was until I saw a "pro tip" in the margins of the large octopus's pattern and checked out the video - to find out that the reason for having two skeins of each color was to make it easier to crochet with double yarn using the 4mm hook, making the larger octopus more plush and not requiring an exponentially larger number of stitches.
B. There were two of every color except the light blue, yellow, and white. The white doesn't count because it's the bonus practice/learning yarn. The instructions don't mention it, but you have to partition out half of the light blue and yellow into separate skeins or balls in order to make the double yarn crocheting work. It was a bit obnoxious, but seriously, there's *so* much yarn.
C. Closing up the big octopus body was VERY confusing, because at first it's kind of like you're making a mushroom and then it has you push the stem inside and make a hollow in the bottom of it and I had no idea why until a friend asked if I was "making one of those sets where the babies fit inside the mommy" and yes, that is this pattern. I can fit two small octopuses comfortably inside the larger one.
D. Attaching the legs to the big octopus body was annoying because I tried to go all in without blocking out the spacing and I almost wound up only fitting seven legs. I had to completely remove and relocate one leg and several of them are quite squished together - but it looks good in the end and I know better now that if I had to do it again, I'd get it right.
E. Could definitely have used more stuffing. There is no good guide included on how much stuffing to use for each piece and I was constantly afraid I would run out before finishing. I did not run out of stuffing for making the first two little ones and the big one, but I wish I'd used more stuffing in the body of the big one. I eventually bought more stuffing to make all of the extras and I've since decided to measure out stuffing the same way I do garlic - eyeball it with your heart and then test it to see if it makes you happy. If not, add more.
Conclusion and aftermath: This kit is fantastic and I have been recommending it ever since I finished my first couple octopuses. I learned enough to start getting creative and now have my own no-sew tiny octopus pattern. I've been hounding the internet for free patterns and have now finished a pair of toddler mittens and a baby dragon amigurumi and am working on another. If you are looking for a creative activity that is easy to pick up and put down and is forgiving of mistakes - then this is an excellent investment. New Level: Beginner-Intermediate. Skill high enough to take risks.
Crochetta Crochet Kit for Beginners, Crochet Kit Step-by-Step Video Tutorials, Crochet Starter Kit Learn to Crochet Kits for
4.2 | 696 ratings
Price: 25.89
Last update: 12-20-2024
About this item
All-In-One Crochet Starter Kit: CROCHETTA beginner crochet kit includes everything you need to start: 8 different colored yarns, ample stuffing, 2 yarn needles, 6 eyes, 5 stitch markers, 2 ergonomic crochet hooks, 1 pair of scissors, 1 crochet octopus pattern, and a beginner's basic crochet manual.
Extra 40% of Yarn in Every Color : We've gone the extra mile by providing an additional 40% of yarn in every color, so beginners can experiment and correct any mistakes they may make without worrying about running out of yarn.
Step-By-Step Video Tutorials : CROCHETTA easy-to-follow video tutorials are tailored for complete beginners, guiding them from start to finish. With clear instructions and demonstrations, even those who have never crocheted before can dive into their first project.
Unlimited Help and Support : We offer unlimited help and support through email and text. If you have any questions or run into any problems, don't hesitate to contact us. With our guidance and your independent learning, even beginners can quickly develop new skills and abilities.
Great Gift Crochet Set : Packaged in a gift box, our crochet kit makes the perfect present for anyone who loves to crochet or wants to learn a new skill. Suitable for all ages, it's a great gift for birthdays, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion.
Extra 40% of Yarn in Every Color : We've gone the extra mile by providing an additional 40% of yarn in every color, so beginners can experiment and correct any mistakes they may make without worrying about running out of yarn.
Step-By-Step Video Tutorials : CROCHETTA easy-to-follow video tutorials are tailored for complete beginners, guiding them from start to finish. With clear instructions and demonstrations, even those who have never crocheted before can dive into their first project.
Unlimited Help and Support : We offer unlimited help and support through email and text. If you have any questions or run into any problems, don't hesitate to contact us. With our guidance and your independent learning, even beginners can quickly develop new skills and abilities.
Great Gift Crochet Set : Packaged in a gift box, our crochet kit makes the perfect present for anyone who loves to crochet or wants to learn a new skill. Suitable for all ages, it's a great gift for birthdays, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion.
Product information
| Brand | Crochetta |
|---|---|
| Age Range (Description) | Kid,Adult |
| Color | Colorful Octopus Family |
| Theme | Colorful Octopus |
| Cartoon Character | Animals |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 9.84 x 7.08 x 4.33 inches |
| Material | Yarn, Stuffing, Metal, Plastic |
| Seasons | All Seasons |
| Included Components | Threads |
| Size | Small |
| Number of Pieces | 3 |
| Style | Box |
| Model Name | Crochetta |
| Special Feature | Lightweight |
| Art Craft Kit Type | crochet |
| UPC | 755502122254 |
| Manufacturer | Crochetta |
| Product Dimensions | 9.84 x 7.08 x 4.33 inches |
| Item model number | CT001 |
| ASIN | B0C2YM5JLW |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
601 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,334 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing (See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing) #15 in Crochet Kits |
| Item Weight | 1.36 pounds |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Date First Available | April 19, 2023 |
Top reviews from the United States
TJ
Probably the BEST kit for the cost! Highly Recommend!
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2023
TJ
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2023
Five stars, and here's why:
1. What you get. You get two small skeins of each color except for the light blue and yellow, for which you get one medium skein each. The weight/gauge isn't marked, nor is any other product information. You also get a package of stuffing (looks to be polyfill), a 2.5mm ergonomic hook, a 4mm ergonomic hook, one set of large safety eyes, two sets of small safety eyes, one plastic yarn needle, one metal yarn needle, five locking stitch markers (I lost one), and a pair of capped scissors. If you look at the attached pictures, you'll see that I made one large octopus and eleven smaller octopuses - plus three not pictured because I gave them away - and still have a pile of yarn to make more. NOTE: in order to make all of the extra octopuses, I had to buy additional polyfill and safety eyes. The ergonomic hooks were surprisingly comfortable to work with.
2. Instructions. The kit came with two pamphlets. One contains an easy introduction to crochet terminology and shorthand, demonstrates several stitches, and includes QR links to instructional videos. Not only do they have the videos, they included an additional bundle of white yarn - otherwise not necessary to complete the kit as pictured in the box - specifically for practicing. This includes directions on how to easily start rows and spirals depending on what your pattern calls for. The second pamphlet is specific to the kit with instructions and QR codes unique to the rainbow octopus and the two babies.
What's not included. Nothing in this kit is pre-started. You can follow the directions as written, or use the videos, or both, to learn how to start and finish each section of each octopus.
3. Learning curve. Start on the small octopuses. You will not run out of yarn. The ball of the small octopus is extremely easy and, after some fussing with the legs, those wound up going pretty fast, too. The first small octopus (the larger of the two yellows) took me three days to make with maybe an hour spent each day. After practicing and getting creative with the pattern (which I could afford to do with all that extra yarn), the smaller octopuses now only take me about an hour to make.
4. Dual crochet! Two hooks means that two people can crochet at the same time. This would be a fantastic activity for friends or family, especially if one has slightly more experience than the other.
5. ADHD much? I tend to quit projects without finishing them because many are "learn this one trick and do it 9000 times." With these toys, though, each round or row is unique and it's easy to go back and fix mistakes, so there was never really a sense of all-consuming repetition or disaster if I missed a stitch - so I didn't get bored or discouraged. I started a project to make three octopuses and wound up finishing all three *and* an additional nine for myself and another three for friends who wanted them because they're so cute.
There were a couple things that didn't make sense at first that *could* have driven down a star, but were insignificant in the long run.
A. You use the 2.5mm hook for the small octopuses, so I couldn't figure out what the use of the 4mm hook was until I saw a "pro tip" in the margins of the large octopus's pattern and checked out the video - to find out that the reason for having two skeins of each color was to make it easier to crochet with double yarn using the 4mm hook, making the larger octopus more plush and not requiring an exponentially larger number of stitches.
B. There were two of every color except the light blue, yellow, and white. The white doesn't count because it's the bonus practice/learning yarn. The instructions don't mention it, but you have to partition out half of the light blue and yellow into separate skeins or balls in order to make the double yarn crocheting work. It was a bit obnoxious, but seriously, there's *so* much yarn.
C. Closing up the big octopus body was VERY confusing, because at first it's kind of like you're making a mushroom and then it has you push the stem inside and make a hollow in the bottom of it and I had no idea why until a friend asked if I was "making one of those sets where the babies fit inside the mommy" and yes, that is this pattern. I can fit two small octopuses comfortably inside the larger one.
D. Attaching the legs to the big octopus body was annoying because I tried to go all in without blocking out the spacing and I almost wound up only fitting seven legs. I had to completely remove and relocate one leg and several of them are quite squished together - but it looks good in the end and I know better now that if I had to do it again, I'd get it right.
E. Could definitely have used more stuffing. There is no good guide included on how much stuffing to use for each piece and I was constantly afraid I would run out before finishing. I did not run out of stuffing for making the first two little ones and the big one, but I wish I'd used more stuffing in the body of the big one. I eventually bought more stuffing to make all of the extras and I've since decided to measure out stuffing the same way I do garlic - eyeball it with your heart and then test it to see if it makes you happy. If not, add more.
Conclusion and aftermath: This kit is fantastic and I have been recommending it ever since I finished my first couple octopuses. I learned enough to start getting creative and now have my own no-sew tiny octopus pattern. I've been hounding the internet for free patterns and have now finished a pair of toddler mittens and a baby dragon amigurumi and am working on another. If you are looking for a creative activity that is easy to pick up and put down and is forgiving of mistakes - then this is an excellent investment. New Level: Beginner-Intermediate. Skill high enough to take risks.
Images in this review
Shabby
Awesome Crochet Kit for Crafting Fun!
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024Annie
I wouldn’t say it is for beginners
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2024
Annie
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2024
Images in this review
Hanna
Cute and Fairly Easy
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2024
Hanna
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2024
It is smaller than I anticipated, but my string tension is probably inconsistent. I never ran out of material and actually had enough yarn to redo the head.
The instruction video was helpful, but the accent of the instructor was difficult to understand sometimes. I had to use other how-to videos for clarification on increases and decreases, for example. She also occasionally just shows you how to do things with no verbal or written instruction. Like embroidering the nose, for example.
Images in this review
Jeanette
Very cute
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2024Hannah Whitworth
BEGINNERS READ
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024JP
I love my Franny!
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
JP
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
Images in this review
