Crochet Forms with Needle Felting Skills Investigation

Intention

I wanted to experiment with crocheting 3D forms by using a technique called crocheting in the round, and try to simulate a popular video game character, Eevee. I also wanted to incorporate needle felting to make more realistic details. My goals were to try out different techniques and learn skills that I can use in the future to create different objects with crochet.

Process

I started by finding a pattern for the character that I liked. I ended up selecting this one: https://www.deviantart.com/aphid777/art/Baby-Eevee-with-pattern-443660084, because it looked the most realistic and I liked that it incorporated needle felting.

Next I chose the colors for the yarn and felting wool, trying to make them as close to the original colors as possible. I also had to decide which size crochet hook to use. I ended up using a size 3.75mm, as suggested, for most of the body and head. But I used a size 4mm hook for the tail, to make it puffier.

Product

I started out by using the magic ring technique. It seems that this technique allows you to avoid the hole in the beginning and make prettier round objects. Then I crocheted in the round, using single crochet, increases and invisible decreases to shape the object.

I stuffed the crocheted body parts with polyfil stuffing to create better form and have a soft body.

I left long tails for sewing, then used a tapestry needle to sew together my stuffed parts. 

To do the details, I used wool roving and needle felted the colors on. I experimented with layering different colors to create a more realistic look for the eyes. I needle felted the basic shape of the eyes in black, then added brown, more black and then a bit of white for the gleam.

I had some trouble when first figuring out how to make the mane. The pattern didn't have many specific instructions, so I experimented with different methods. I ended up knotting a bunch of pieces of yarn onto one long strand, and then brushing out the yarn to make it the fuzzy wool-like texture. It turned out well, although I had trouble in the beginning tying the mane on.

Reflection

I really enjoyed making this project. I learned a lot of cool techniques, and I know I'll definitely be incorporating the needle felting and shaping techniques I learned into my future projects. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to create something that looks relatively similar to the original, and I think I might take this further in the future by designing my own patterns instead of using ones made by other people. Possible other applications could be for designing characters, creating gifts or decorations, or bringing animations to life in a unique form.

Sample Book