Frequently Asked Questions
… and some not so frequent, for your viewing pleasure.
Your crochet technique is weird. Why do you mainly use one hand?
I have crippling repetitive stress injuries (carpal tunnel) in both hands. The more severe nerve damage and pain in on my left side. My left hand does not have as much dexterity or control and develops severe cramps and pain if I engage it too much in my work. As I learned crocheting I held the hook, yarn and work in a way that was manageable and functional for me. What looks weird to some is intuitive and normal to me. There is no single right way to crochet, it’s a results driven process. The finished product (individual stitches) look the same, so in my mind this is not a big deal. However you hold your hook, yarn and work, the actions to make a stitch (yarn over, pull through etc.) are the same.
Where do you get your plastic safety eyes and noses?
I mainly buy my eyes online from 6060 on etsy, who has a decent selection of eyes, a small selection of noses and great prices, or at GlassEyesonline.com where there is more selection (especially for noses and wacky eye colours) and better prices. The bulk pricing at GEO works out to around half the price of the 6060 eyes, although the manufacturing is less clean. Once applied you really can’t see much of a difference between the two, but the GEO eyes tend to have bigger or more awkward looking backings (invisible once applied though) and the occasional little plastic nardlets here or there from the manufacturing process (I pick them off).
Do you sell your amigurumis or your patterns?
No, for four main reasons. The unfortunate reality of my work is that time is money. A piece like the Bouncer Big Daddy took over 11 hours to make and cost probably $10 in supply purchases required to make him. If I charged around $20/hr for my labour, which is what I would honestly need for it to be worth my time, the cost would be over $200, and that is without shipping factored in, which is within the realms of the silly. Not only do I not think he is worth that but I would feel like an ass trying to sell him for that kind of money. Secondly, I enjoy not being sued for infringing on the intellectual property of companies by profiting from the image of trademarked characters. Thirdly, I have been, since the beginning of my amigurumi odyssey, disappointed with some of the money grubbing ways apparent in the amigurumi community. Between the free patterns being stolen and resold, patterns for trademarked characters being sold with no regard to licensing the use of the character from the rightful owners of said intellectual property and virtual reproductions of other people’s work being sold left, right and centre, I figure there are enough folks out there making money off this stuff without me needing to cash in. And fourthly, open source has been a staple of the nerd community since the dawn of the internets and I believe in it entirely and contribute to this ethos in my own way.
You are super, how can I repay you?
I am now accepting tips or donations via paypal, but there are so many ways to show appreciation that don’t cost money! I am tickled pink by facebook likes, subscriptions to my youtube channel, twitter follows, links to my website and friends on ravelry. I get gooey inside when I see finished projects based on my patterns and kind words or five star ratings on my patterns.
I think there is a mistake in your pattern.
Although not a question, yes, possibly. My patterns are transcribed as chicken scratches in a notepad while I crochet a piece from scratch. My focus at the time is on crocheting, not notes. I crochet by doing, I count like a drunk octopus. Stitch counts and I don’t get along… seriously, I took out a restraining order. I do my best to get it right, but I don’t have this hobby so I can do math, so you’ll have to forgive me if things don’t seem to add up sometimes. A polite comment on the pattern post is the best way to clear up confusion, request investigation and possibly prompt me to fix something if indeed something is wrong (8 times out of 10 it’s misunderstood instructions vice actual pattern errors). Douchey comments however are a good way to piss me off. Just sayin’.
I am confused by _______ in this pattern. Help?
Please leave your question in the comments for that post then check back, I will answer you there. Chances are if you are wondering about something, other folks will be perplexed in a similar way, and they will have the opportunity to see your question and my response providing clarification. I am a benevolent nerd thrilled with the concept that folks are actually making my patterns, so I will happily lend a hand where I can.
If I make something from any of your patterns, can I sell my work?
Yes, you can. The way I see it, my patterns are the instructions, you aren’t selling that, you are selling the blood, sweat and tears as well as the supplies you poured into your piece, so I have no problem with that, so long as you are a normal person who is selling handmade crafts. If you are a commercial establishment with a sweat shop full of 5 year olds, not so much. Let’s be clear however, any consequences, issues or problems that might result in the sale of items made from my patterns are your issue not mine. You may not however, under any circumstances, sell or reproduce the patterns (the instructions) themselves.
I used your pattern to make something and made some changes/tweaks here and there. Can I publish this as my own pattern now?
Typically, no, you shouldn’t. Crochet patterns often require minor changes here and there to suit personal preference, gauge and skill. Modifying portions of a pattern is not unusual and is in no way the same kind of process as designing a pattern from scratch. If a pattern or construction technique influences or inspires a unique and original pattern of your own, then credit given to the author along with publication is certainly appropriate, but if the pattern used was modified as you went, it would be cheesy and somewhat dishonest to represent it as your own work.
If I translate your pattern can I publish it or provide you with the translated version for you to publish?
No. I have a Google translate button for every post and encourage individuals translating for their own use, but redistribution or publication is not permitted.
I saw someone selling/auctioning your amigurumi patterns, did you authorize that?
Why no, I didn’t. I am a staunch believer in the value of free, and when it comes to my patterns, I keep them all that way. If you ever see a pattern of mine up for sale or auction, please take a moment to let me know the URL so I can follow up on it. In previous instances, a polite email to the auction host site resulted in immediate removal of the listing. Please don’t ever send hateful mail or post nasty comments on my behalf though.
I don’t understand or need help with the instructions in another author’s pattern. Can you explain it to me?
I recommend that requests for pattern support or assistance be directed to pattern authors for two main reasons. First, if the pattern contains an error or is explained poorly, it would be helpful for the author to know this. Directing your question to them will assist them in better appealing to their intended audience and refining their pattern writing skills. Secondly, should there actually be an error or an opportunity to enhance/clarify the pattern, by directing the question directly to the author, or whenever possible to comment areas for the pattern, other users will benefit from the question and resulting clarification or correction, should they be experiencing the same issue. I prefer not to get involved in helping people with other patterns because in all honesty, I barely have the time or desire to support my own.
I need help with another author’s pattern and they do not provide support or cannot be located. Can you explain it to me?
There are many crochet groups online that are welcoming and supportive communities of generous users who are happy to help folks with questions and issues they experience. Check out Crochet on Ravelry, reddit.com/r/crochet/ or crochetville community forums to request assistance.
I am looking for a pattern you don’t have for some other random thing, can you tell me where to find it?
Have a look at the Ravelry pattern database to see if you can find it or use a search engine.
A friend sent me a link to your site. Just made the Angry Birds Cardinal. I still have to assemble the pieces but, I’m quite happy with how it turned out. I must confess, I had a lot of trouble with the tail but, after reading through some of the comments and Googling images of the bird from a different angle, it came together quite nicely.
Thank you for sharing your patterns.
i stumbled across your site using another pattern site i thinks it called sharepattern or something of that nature. i saw the angry bird and the pig head i was like oh my goodness!!!! bean bags!!! my boys can bird/pig bomb each other. lol. made with an a E hook (3.5) filled with beans shouldn’t be an issue. BIG thanks to you and your crochet skills. you are a crochet warrior!!!! and your right pig is not round by any means lol
Hellos!!!
Well first of all i want to say that i love your patterns, they’re really really cute and its awsome to see that you also love crocheting hehehe
I want to aske your permission, if i can seel the dolls that i make from your patterns on my facebook online shop, giving you full credit from the patterns.
I really love crocheting and since im unemployed it makes me pass time and helps a little more.
Really love your work andif i can i will send you pictures when i finish the dolls.
Kisses
Luisa
You are awesome. I learned several things after stumbling across your site, and now I want to figure out if I can make a Creeper in time for Chrissstmas!
So cute!! Is there a knitted version of this cute little guy???
All my stuff is amigurumi crochet so not here. As for elsewhere I don’t know.
Sorry to ask but can you still remember the little sister pattern or make notes because I’m a big fan of Bioshock but I don’t wanna force something I just wanna ask, sorry if I feel pushy in any way, Thanks
No sorry. She’s been given away.
It’s really okay and btw my mom is trying to make your little sister by eyeballing it and I think she’s almost done, not yet sure though
Are you going to post the little sister pattern? I would love to make it for my friend for her birthday. I’ve already made both big daddys for her.
Probably not no, I lost the pattern notes. Sorry.
May I know what did you normally do with your finished projects?
9 times out of 10 they were gifts for people I care about 🙂
Just want to say a big THANK YOU to you, for your selfless and generosity in sharing with us your wealth of knowledge. Truly awesome person!
Best comment I’ve seen all day. Thank you for the appreciation. 🙂
Yes, thank you so much for you sharing your extremely gifted talent. Your patterns are very easy to read and do. I have made a handful of family and friends very, very happy with your talent. Thank you, thank you so much for your selflessness and your generosity for all to share!!!
Hey I just found your site. Awesome patterns! I love free. Someone created the most awesome Star Wars characters and is selling just the patterns for around $40. Now I love Star Wars but no way can I afford that plus the yarn too. So anyway I just wanted to say thanks for feeding the nerd world with your awesomeness. Ps I love your Link play set. I really want to make that.
I’ve been looking for an answer to this everywhere, but I just can’t seem to find it. Sometimes when I start off an amigurumi instead of the shape being pretty round it turns out really wavy (almost looks like a hair scrunchy). This only happens sometimes, so I don’t know what I’m doing to cause this. Just to clarify right now I’m using a size F hook and baby yarn. I’ve really looked everywhere for this and I thought that the person who taught me how to actually read a pattern (thank GOD for you) could help me out with this.
This is usually because you have either added extra increases which is creating too much fabric surface to fit in the circumference of the size of the circle, or because the pattern calls for more increases per round than perhaps it should. Sometimes however the appearance is only temporary as you are increasing out, and the extra tension is released down into the rest of the fabric or smoothed out when the piece is stuffed. It may not be visible when the piece is completed. That said, baby weight yarn is rather fine for an F hook. If your hook is too large to make tight stitches, your stitches will look sort of ruffled and lacy. For the purposes of amigurumi, you should be using a worsted weight yarn with an F hook. http://nerdigurumi.com/crochet-hook-size-conversions.html
Hi,
when you patterns say for example sc 2, or dc 2 is this american or english as i know there are differences.
thank you
I use North American style instructions.
You rock. I appreciate your time and efforts. And yeah, it’s practically impossible to recoup the value of the time and effort crocheting some things… but I figured a little bit would help support my wicked yarn habit. I am really grateful you provide patterns for those of us who are inspired and will do the work, but cannot come up with this stuff on our own! 😉 That being said, I am totally psyched about the creeper. My 11 year old daughter is a minecraft NUT and I will be putting that bad boy under the tree this year, provided of course, I can do it. 😉 Thanks Nerdigurumi! You are amazingly talented! 🙂
Hey,
I’m just a beginner, and I like to start whith one of your patterns, but when I saw the pattern I became a bit confused! Al that letters and numbers, I didn’t know what to do! Can you please make a tutorial, how to read that patterns, cuz I don’t really understand it…
Some girl from Europe
(ps don’t mind my horrible english, it sucks)
This might help http://nerdigurumi.com/crochet-terminology-and-glossary.html
I just discovered your patterns today, and I have to say, they are adorable!!! I can’t wait to try them out. I have been doing amigurumi for about a year, and am loving every minute of it. I recently started creating some of my own designs on ravelry, and agree wholeheartedly with your philosophy about making the patterns free. More people to enjoy them! I am looking forward to trying out some of your patterns.
Hi, just found you today and I think you are awesome!!! I especially love your stance on offering your knowledge for free. As you say time is money yet you have invested so much time for no money all for our benefit. What a wealth of information here. I have learned so much in the past hour. Again, you are awesome! Thank you so much.
Hi,
I have seen the keroro gunsou doll but i would like to learn to make kururu for a friend, how do i get started?
If you look at the parts that are the same and then plan out what colours need to be switched and how you can do the different parts, it’ll get you started in the right direction in terms of planning. I think kururu is faily close you could just not do the ear flaps on the hat and add the headphones.
thanks, i will try it out=)
i it the same for all charecters?
More or less similar.
Thank you so much for the pattern. I’ve completed the Domo Kun although I ended up sewing the border around the mouth.. 😛 Long Live Nerdigurumi! 🙂