we're delighted tointroduce you to

toby bear

20 letsgetcrafting.com

LGC kit, two beads, toy stuffing

With his smart Union Jack jumper and sweet smile, Tobybear by Irene Strange is a must-make. You only need toknow double crochet so even if you're a beginner, you'llhave a completed friend in no time.

Stitches used:double crochet(dc) double crochettwo together(dc2tog)

hot tipTo work dc2tog, insert hook intonext st, yoh, draw through, inserthook in foll st, yoh, draw through,yoh, draw through all three loops

DOUBLE CROCHET (dc)This is one of the main stitches in crochet. Once you've mastered it, the world really is your (crochet) oyster!

1Insert hook through both strands ofthe next stitch. 2Yarn over the hook and draw back

through the work, there will be twoloops of yarn on the hook.

3 Yarn over the hook again and drawthrough both loops.

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crochet

letsgetcrafting.com 21

Knit&CrochetBest British

toby bear headUsing 5mm hook andpurple yarn make amagic ring and work6dc into ring. Six stsRnd 1: 2dc into eachst. 12 stsRnd 2: (1dc in firstst, 2dc in next st) sixtimes. 18 stsRnd 3: (1dc in firsttwo sts, 2dc in nextst) six times. 24 stsRnd 4: (1dc in firstthree sts, 2dc in nextst) six times. 30 stsRnd 5: (1dc in firstfour sts, 2dc in nextst) six times. 36 stsRnds 6-8: 1dc ineach st to endRnd 9: (1dc in firstfour sts, dc2tog) sixtimes. 30 stsRnd 10: (1dc in firstthree sts, dc2tog) sixtimes. 24 stsRnd 11: (1dc in firsttwo sts, dc2tog) sixtimes. 18 stsRnd 12: (1dc in firstst, dc2tog) six times.12 stsStuffRnd 13: (dc2tog) sixtimes. Six stsFasten off, sew up opening

earsmake twoUsing 5mm hook andpurple yarn, usingmagic ring methodform a loop andwork 6dc into ring.Six stsRnds 1-2: 1dc ineach st to endFasten off, fold inhalf and sew to topof head

noseUsing 5mm hook andwhite yarn, usingmagic ring methodform a loop and

work 6dc into ring.Six stsRnd 1: 1dc in each stto endFasten off, sew tomiddle of head

bodyUsing 5mm hook andpurple yarn, usingmagic ring methodform a loop and work6dc into ring. Six stsRnd 1: 2dc in each stto end. 12 stsRnd 2: (1dc in firstst, 2dc in next st) sixtimes. 18 stsRnds 3-6: 1dc ineach st to end Change to white yarnRnds 7-14: dc2tog,1dc in each st to end.ten stsFasten off, stuff, sewto head

tailUsing 5mm hook andpurple yarn, usingmagic ring methodform a loop and work6dc into ring. Six stsRnds 1-2: 1dc ineach st to endFasten off, fold inhalf, sew to base of body

armsUsing 5mm hook andpurple yarn, usingmagic ring methodform a loop and work6dc into ring. Six sts

Rnds 1-3: 1dc ineach to end Change to white yarnRnds 4-7: 1dc ineach to end Fasten off, stuff, sewto body

legsUsing 5mm hook andpurple yarn, usingmagic ring methodform a loop and work6dc into ring. Six stsRnd 1: 2dc in each stto end. 12 stsRnd 2: (dc2tog)twice, 1dc in each stto end. Ten stsRnds 3-4: dc2tog,1dc in each st to end.Eight stsRnds 5-7: 1dc ineach st to endFasten off, stuff, sewto body

to make upEmbroider nose andmouth as inphotograph. StitchUnion Jack to front oft-shirt as shown inphoto. Cover twobeads in blackembroidery threadand sew on for eyes

did you know?

This bear is worked in theamigurumi style. This word

stems from the Japaneseami, meaning 'crocheted'

and nuigurumi meaning'stuffed toy'. The style

typically incorporates alarge spherical head

and small limbs

MEET OUR DESIGNER

“Making this bear as a gift? Why notembroider the front ofthe t-shirt with therecipient's initials!”Irene Strange is a graphic designerand crochet expert. Her favouritetechnique is amigurumi which shehappened upon accidentally. Visit her website atirenestrange.co.uk

book shelfEnhance your crochet

prowess with newbook Granny Squares

by Stephanie Göhrand Melanie Sturm

(£9.99, Search Press)

of

We have five to give away, tickGRANNY on page 8 for your

chance to win. UK readers canget free p&p by calling

01892 510850 and quotingLet's Get Crafting

WIN

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