Today we step into the whimsical world of woodland animals that Sarah Zimmerman has created in her new book Crochet Cute Forest Friends. We’ll be taking a look at what patterns and resources are included, what materials are used as well as covering which skill levels these projects would be appropriate for.
Thanks to Page Street Publishing for providing me with this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I do not guarantee a positive review of any product reviewed on my site. All opinions shared here are my own.
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About the Author
Sarah Zimmerman is the talented crochet designer and creator of Repeat Crafter Me and author of Crochet Cute Critters and Corner to Corner Lap Throws.
Sarah is also a stitch ambassador for Yarnspirations alongside other talented makers like Jonah Larson (founder of Jonah’s Hands), Tiffany Brown (founder of Daisy Farm Crafts), and Michael Sellick (host of The Crochet Crowd YouTube channel).
Sarah’s amigurumi patterns are always incredibly cute so I couldn’t wait to check out these new cuddle companions that Sarah has crocheted.
Crochet Patterns in Crochet Cute Forest Friends
There are 26 different patterns for amigurumi animals in Sarah’s latest book. They are:
| Forest Floor Friends: | Riverside Animals & Insects: |
| Bunny | Otter |
| Hedgehog | Frog |
| Deer | Beaver |
| Wolf | Mallard Duck |
| Mouse | Butterfly |
| Bear | Caterpillar |
| Moose | Ladybug |
| Treetop Dwellers: | Nocturnal Critters: |
| Owl | Fox |
| Bird | Raccoon |
| Eagle | Bat |
| Squirrel | Porcupine |
| Chipmunk | Skunk |
| Bonus Patterns: | |
| Treehouse | |
| Mushroom |
See the Video Version of This Review Which Includes A Flip-Through of the Book
The toys are created using the simplest stitches to make them accessible to beginner crocheters. Patterns are written in US terms with a US to UK term conversion chart being found on pg 15.
The patterns have clear instructions that are simple to understand. The book reminds me of a colorful story book but instead of your friends staying in the story, you get to create your own adorable crochet friends from it.
My personal favorites include the Beaver, Moose and Deer. I also love that you can make a little crocheted abode for your new friends. This is something that I know will bring boundless joy to little ones who receive it.
Materials Used in Crochet Cute Forest Friends
The whole collection of crochet friends is crocheted with Red Heart Super Saver yarn. This is a widely-accessible yarn so whether you prefer to shop online or in-store, you’re likely to find this yarn with ease.
Patterns include the exact yarn colors so makers can get the exact yarn used in the projects which is always appreciated. There are no yardage amounts given but the amount used will vary depending on your personal tension if you’re not matching gauge.
Sarah uses a 5.0mm (H) crochet hook for all the patterns. Other materials include safety eyes, safety noses, polyfill stuffing, embroidery thread, tapestry needles and stitch markers.
Supports For Makers
In the beginning of the book on page 11 you’ll find the resource section. Pages 11 – 13 are a great beginner-friendly guide to the materials used in the book. Sarah covers everything from hook types, yarn selections, polyfill stuffing and more.
Starting on page 15, you’ll find the stitches and techniques section. Here you’ll find detailed instructions for each stitch and technique used as well as step-by-step helpful photos. This section is well thought-out, easy to understand and accessible for crocheters wanting to crochet their first amigurumi toy.
There is even a small section about gauge included so should you wish to match it to ensure your toys turn out to be the expected size, you can.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think this is a great book that is accessible for crocheters of any skill level. Sarah’s cuddly woodland animals are created using easy patterns and have accessible materials making this book a great gift for other crocheters (or yourself). Whether you need an easy-to-read amigurumi pattern book to make a friendly fox, darling deer or a smiling green frog, this is a collection of amigurumi toys that are just as much fun to make as they are to gift.
If you're interested in buying a copy of Crochet Cute Forest Friends, it is available on here on Amazon.
Some errata details for this title are available on Sarah’s crochet blog Repeat Crafter Me here.
Check out some of my other recent crochet product reviews:
I’m curious… did you actually make any of the patterns in Sarah’s book?
I am physically unable to create a project from every book that I review. I read every page of each book and thoroughly read the patterns to check for errors, clarity, etc. However, for this review, I did make most of the bat toy but was unable to finish it due to a wrist injury I sustained over the holidays.