I think part of the issue is that things like this aren’t always tagged in patterns. By definition, you don’t get to see the pattern until you buy it. So as a knitter and crocheter myself, I have been disappointed a handful of times when I bought a pattern, and the construction wasn’t to my liking for some reason. Ugly parts that they hid iin the sample photos, more separate pieces than necessary where there could have been shaping, the stitch pattern wasn’t what I expected and I realized I wouldn’t like it, etc etc. But because patterns are digital goods, understandably, most of them are final sale and no returns. So I dunno. I see both sides. It’s frustrating to get a bad review that seems unjustified. But it’s also frustrating to be out money for a pattern you aren’t happy with, or even worse, wouldn’t have bought if you knew all the details. Sellers really should tag their patterns to make features like this clear. And most good patterns I see do that!
@ I find it’s usually that the buyer hasn’t read the description properly. I sell digital templates clearly marked several times as digital, but I still get people expecting me to make the finished items. I too crochet & I’ve never run into the problem before, I must have been lucky.
@@weirdrabbitgirl Word, I knit and crochet and won't buy a pattern if a ton of seaming is involved. It's why I stopped using WATG patterns. I found the three needle bind off and am seeing more patterns pick up and knit shoulder seams, and that's really nice! But I'm team top down or low sew all the way!
I agree completely. I don’t like sewing in parts because I can never get it just right. However, designers are not responsible for catering to my whims. It’s up to me as the crocheter to use my eyeballs and my brain. As for people shaming others for not being advanced enough to sew on all the pieces: grow up. Life isn’t a contest.
I feel exactly the same way. The only thing I'd like is for patterns to be a bit more descriptive if the project is going to include a ton of sewing or if it's no sew. Edited to add, I personally understand and expect a lot of sewing with amigurumi but beginners may not know to expect it. I think all pattern designers and customers would benefit from there being more descriptive information about what their paid patterns entail. For example if you bought a pattern advertised only as a crochet cardigan, but once you purchased it actually included knitting the ribbing without any crochet alternative, I think we can agree you'd be let down if you couldn't knit. Crochet, knitting, and sewing are all really different crafts so I think it's valid to include this information before you take someone's money.
I'm more of a knitter, so from a knitting perspective, no-sew knitting patterns are usually considered more difficult. The flat patterns that are sewn together are usually more people who can't finagle DPNs.
Exactly. I’ve been crocheting for 12 years and I hate patterns that you have to sew because it’s time consuming. It’s not because I can’t do it..I just simply don’t want to 😂
Why oh why are people criticizing each other about a hobby. Good golly, let people enjoy what they enjoy. Why turn everything into a competition. Stop it everyone. If someone does something another way from you, that’s all it is, just another way, not better or worse and it’s not a comment on you. Are some of you so insecure to put down someone or brag on your way. Let joy be joy and do what you want and allow it for others.
As someone who has been crocheting for over 50 years, I have only recently started getting into Amigurumi since the popularity of the NO SEW projects. I have rheumatoid arthritis and use customised hooks. There is no way I could 'pinch' a tiny needle between my fingers.
I've used a crochet hook instead of a needle when I can't find one -- it takes a little more creativity but it could be an option if you see something you really want to make that has sewing involved! I just put the hook through the same places I'd push a needle through, then pull the yarn all the way through. It does still take larger arm movements to get all the yarn through, though.
I've been crocheting for 8 years, and I've definitely seen a boom in no-sew popularity in the last 4-ish years. When I learned amigurumi, I immediately had to learn how to sew with yarn on top of learning to crochet. Being forced to do this has made a massive positive impact on the skills that I have today. I think sewing amigurumi pieces is an important skill that everyone who is able to should at least try before they knock it. If they don't like it, at least they can say they tried! I think no-sew amigurumi patterns are cool. There are a few patterns that I have purchased that are really fun to make and they work up quickly, and they are really great for markets. A lot of intricate details are nearly impossible without some sewing though, and I am in love with detail, so I'll always be sewing stuff together. I was working on making a cowboy hat and bandana accessories for a crochet raccoon that someone ordered. Right after this video I'm headed to the post office!
100% there were not even that many amigurumi patterns in general when I learned to crochet so I learned to freehand really early on and it really helped me. But I do think there is less barrier to entry now which is awesome. I suspect a lot of people start with no sew and end up branching out.
Speaking from the perspective of an outsider who only got into crochet about a year ago, this drama was (and still is) really off-putting to me. If you have a preference, that's completely fine. But I've seen people giving low ratings, bad reviews, or mean comments on patterns that, like you said, can be detrimental to the person's business. Like the animosity people have toward each other over this is ridiculous, and I can promise you that it is a turn-off to new crocheters and can really confuse or isolate beginners. I appreciate you bringing up the topic though. People really do need to just chill x'D
I feel you, I have been taking one step forward and one step backwards with my learning, because for every wonderful tutorial or a nice encoreging comment, there seemed to be random hostile discord and I just have no leg in the conversation because I literally just got here. It's definitely not a problem in the community itself in my opinion, it happens in every fandom or online community that booms in popularity overnight
Hopefully the pattern designers indicate what type of pattern they are selling. If they aren't, they should. And the designer shouldn't be upset or surprised at bad reviews if their descriptions are not forthcoming.
It sounds like Etsy is the real villain for creating a platform where 4 stars is considered a BAD review. Leaving a review should allow buyers to be honest without being called out on social media as trying to ruin someone's business. It is a genuinely ridiculous situation that etsy is responsible for creating.
*exactly* like i dont see anything wrong with the review the person left- they said it was a good pattern, just not 100% to their liking!! the exact same way i might leave a 4 star review on a restaurant saying 'it was a good meal, but i wasnt a fan of how they cooked my asparagus' for example. thats what a 4 star is *for*
I agree. But I blame the entire corporate super structure, not etsy alone. I worked at petco and if we got a 9 (out of 10) star review, we would get reprimanded. The ratings have been weaponised against workers for decades. And the consumers have never been taught about the consequences of their reviews in any significant numbers.
@@LennyLefebvre-qb6qx Yeah, they changed to that when I worked at Walgreens. It basically made ratings meaningless, and definitely didn't help the company when its reputation for customer service started dipping pretty sharply.
@@cryptidcorvidThis describes my feelings as well. The reviewer shouldnt be getting hate for leaving a 4star because there was a lot of sewing, its a valid dislike to the pattern lol
Lack of Nuance is a perfect way to put it. I like that super chubby kawaii style, which tends to be no sew, and I like that look. But then I made a cat the other day that had no sew ears, and I didn't like the way they were coming out, so I made my own ears and sewed them on. I actually think that in many cases sewing is easier and makes it more flexible to customize the item to how you like it. Take for example the Demogorgon you just made, the legs came out a little wonky. If they were sewed on, you could have just readjusted them.
@@Tfwcrochet personally I don't buy patterns on Etsy. I buy on Ravelry or Crazypatterns. I want to support small creators and I feel like you cannot do that on Etsy anymore.
I came to say the same thing. seems like the real bad guy here is Etsy. i don't buy patterns but I read a lot and rate books on Goodreads and telling some one you HAVE to give a good rating leaves a bad taste in my mouth when the purpose of rating is to tell other people how the other product worked for you and how you liked it. Etsy hiding non perfect rated objects is creating a less valuable rating system imo
It seems to be the culture of the internet. I don’t know why people can’t just appreciate the work of others and offer suggestions in a kind manner. Crocheting should be peaceful and not filled with stupid drama about nothing. Why everything has to turn into this sort of ugliness is simply beyond my understanding.
I learned to crochet when I was 7, to sew @ 14. I'm seventy-five. To me crocheting and sewing go together. I've seen people advertising their no sew patterns and couldn't figure out the importance of it. I never considered that some people may have physical difficulties sewing. My bad, but now I know something new! And have become a more sensitive human. ❤ In regards to fibers, I've say that is a matter of preference, budget, and allergies. When I crochet acrylic yarn the little puffs of yarn that go airborne, go into my nose making me sneeze over and over. So no more acrylic yarn. I use mostly cotton because I live in Puerto Rico. Cotton yarn/threads are cool. (As in temperature cool. 😅) To add to what has been said: we all share a wonderful creative outlet. Why create drama and division over petty things? Ler them crochet what they want with what they want!
A lot of this seems to come down to process vs project motivated people not understanding what the other side gets out of this hobby. A project motivated person might love no sew, it’s incredibly gratifying to have a finished and symmetrical object in a matter of a few hours. A process motivated person might love starting multiple pieces before they get to the grand finale of assembly, and seeing things come together. But no matter how you seek gratification, delayed or instant, crochet should be a hobby for everyone. There’s more than enough room, enough history, and enough creativity to go around.
Old school woman weighing in; It is not pattern makers' job to cater to your needs. It is your job to find patterns that suit your needs. We all have the right to make what we want & we all have the right to purchase what we want. If you like a pattern & wish to create that item, then you follow that pattern. (You could also request to purchase the finished item if you don't have the required skills, or wish to learn them.) If you wish to follow only certain types of patterns, then you find & purchase those patterns. It's really that simple.
I think having options for patterns is fantastic, some days I love no sew and some days I enjoy sewing because of being able to place things more precise and give a plushie a little more detail. I don't understand why some are so keen on bashing either style. The only time I give less than 5 on say etsy for a pattern is if it's poorly written (missing steps, counts are off, stolen, false advertisement, ect.) But definitely not for it having sewing. I was making sunflower keychains while watching 🙂
THIS!!!! I know some wonderfully creative people who love to crochet and use only low or no sew patterns. I began making amigurumi before this became a thing and knew how to sew prior to crocheting. I prefer sewing patterns but use both. The chunky yarn actually hurts my hands and wrists and so I love to be able to recommend customers to other crocheters if they are wanting items in the chunky yarn. Also I love your patterns, even heavy sewing!! 💖
I think threads is really bad for ragebait. I had that app for 4 days. Every post it suggests is to make you angry. I don't even think people find these issues to be such a big deal, that app is just toxic.
There is definitely a lot of rage bait and engagement bait on there. It takes some time for the algorithm to figure you out but it’s gotten better. I mostly get crochet and wicked posts now lol
I honestly don't have a preference one way or the other on no-sew vs. sew. I do prefer lower amounts of sewing, but if i want something that is more intricate, then of course im not going to complain (too much, haha) about the amount of sewing. It just seems silly to complain about it. Especially because some no-sew patterns that try to capture intricate details just end up more complicated to avoid the sewing. Its a catch-22. But, today i was working on my first wool project- a scarf! Though, in doing so, i have discovered i might have a mild allergy or irritation towards wool. Which sucks because its coming along so nicely!
I'm still working on the shawl for my mother-in-law. We're flying in two days, so although I probably only have an hour or so left on the project, I should probably get on that. Regarding sew/no-sew, I am a beginner who gets very intimidated by patterns that involve sewing. BUT in the past few weeks I've been practicing sewing a little more and it makes me wish I'd seen more guidance for sewing back when I first gave it a try. The fear of difficulty kept me away, much more than the actual difficulty.
Hell yeah you can do this!!! Remember its okay to have trouble at the beginning. It's literally good for our brains because they start to develop new neural pathways and it keeps us healthy. Keep practicing and looking for ways to develop that skill. I promise it gets easier.
@@angelgirl976Finished the shawl! Except weaving in ends, of course. 😅 Thankfully it’s a variegated yarn so there are only two ends I need to worry about.
I am a sewer in addition to being a crocheter. The hardest part for me is also sewing the parts on. This type of sewing is the hardest part of many amigurumi for me. It became a lot easier after I purchased some “Bamboo marking pins” (from Amazon) which hold the small parts in place when sewing them on. These work SO much better than regular pins. And I also learned how to use knitting needles hold large parts together while sewing. These two things make the sewing tasks much easier for me to do.
I use dave & buster burger toothpicks 😂 the ball on the end is easy to hold and the wood is thicker and longer than regular toothpicks. Especially since i do a lot of tiny crochet. I feel like there are tools out there, just gotta look and be open to learning.
I prefer to crochet everything as I go if possible, but there are so many features that don't make that possible on certain shapes. I'm also a little confused by the idea of people not wanting to "learn to sew" for most simple amigurumi patterns. Most of the time it is just looping thread around both pieces to attach, there are no complicated sewing methods needed. I will say it can be a bit hard to get needles in small areas sometimes, but the sewing itself doesn't require special skills, just patience.
When I was a kid I loved to sew, I went to sewing club at school and when I was in year six, we made dresses for ourselves and wore them to lunch together. After that though I have lost pretty much all of my sewing skill, at least with a machine as I don’t have one. My sister taught me to crochet at about 14 and I do prefer no sew patterns but I don’t usually seek out no sew patterns. Ive made a few loveys for my nephews from SarahDeeCrochet and those patterns have lots of sewing! But I loved it, and I think I actually do more sew patterns than no sew aha. As for what I’m currently working on, I’m trying to teach myself knitting at 17 and am making my first bolero! :) Great video, thank you!
Working on a Ballerina Kitty from Grace and Yarn (which requires sewing on ears, slipper ribbons, slipper bows, arms, legs, dress straps, headband and headbandbow). And it's made with acrylic worsted weight yarn that I got at a thrift store. Oh, I'm really being a yarn rebel! 😂
I don’t understand why something like crochet causes so much division. There is no right or wrong way to crochet. It’s very personable and can be tweaked to the individual. From the way you hold your yarn and hook to the mediums you use like acrylic or natural. Just do what you want to do and let others do the same thing. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. Don’t use it. Just keep moving. Working on granny squares for a blanket. Love your content. Keep doing what you’re doing in this space. I enjoy it here.
I like your take! I'm a new crocheter and haven't really got into all the drama but I recently saw 3 star (out of 5) rating on yarn because someone "was expecting a thicker yarn" when the listing clearly says it was light weight - 1 🤦♀You just can't trust reviews these days and it's annoying for both customers and creators.
I crochet for the joy of it, I love giving home made gifts to my family and friends, I made my first plushies this year for Christmas gifts for my grand nephews and nieces, its up to us to read the descriptions of the patterns we buy don't blame the artist (and write a bad review that's not fair to them) if it doesn't say NO/LOW Sew you need to assume it does require sewing because those arms and legs need to be attached somehow. I'm currently working on a baby blanket, I make them and put them away for possible future gifts and/or donate to charities for NICU babies and/or for those in need, I'm using up my stash.
Hello, I am new to your channel. It was your topic that caught my eye. I agree with you. I struggle some days with sewing. However, I do not gravitate to "no sew" patterns. I don't want to miss out on making awesome patterns just because of sewing.
So as someone who is disabled with hypermobility and does sometimes get pains while knitting and crocheting I so appreciate you bringing up disability and mobility issues. I'm not an amigurumi person myself, but with mobility issues there can be problems with any type of project. So thank you so much for taking this into account. Overall, I thought this was a very well thought out and articulated video. Good job!
Amigurumi is so much more than just another name for crochet plushies. Its origins are Japanese and Chinese, and is centuries old. Amigurumi is shared culture. It’s important for all of us to recognize, share, and appreciate these facts when we have the opportunity.
I've been crocheting for 14x yrs and this past Oct I made my 1st amigrumi, no sew cause I was intimidated. Since then I've only done 2x low sews (Toad frm Mario & Max frm The Grinch) and I was miserable trying to assemble them. I don't see myself doing another sew (low or otherwise) anytime in the future unless it's a project I'm absolutely 1000% in love with. That being said, I applaud to all of the fiber artists that knock out low sew/sew projects like they're nothing! Ya'll have way more patience than me. Keep doing you and let your work speak for itself.
My first time watching you and I enjoyed the video but I gotta say I looked up real quick at the end when you asked what we were working on, that was unexpected and I love it! I am in agreement with you, if it is mentioned low sew, no sew, high sew in the description then thats it and people can choose what they are most comfortable with. As for what I'm making, I am working on a ribbed beanie for my husband, it is my first beanie and its working up great!
Glad you enjoy my little outro. I started adding that because so many people were telling me anyway and I love reading what people have on their hook (or needles in some cases!)
I think this is a balanced take! I’m a new crocheter who was lucky enough to find your channel. Sewing is by far my least favorite part of projects but it feels like a necessary evil for more intricate end results. 😊
Thank you for this video, that really gave me a great perspective from all sides of the spectrum on this issue. Personally, I thought that the popularity of the no sew patterns started with the boom of crochet plushies at markets. People who are shopping at markets who happen to come across crochet plushies at a farmers market may not be as aware of prices of handmade things being more expensive than people shopping on Etsy who are fully aware and are looking for that specific value/time/effort that goes into handmade custom items. I think it’s just a business decision, of giving people what they are asking for - supply/demand. If there’s more demand for chenille plushies and people don’t necessarily care for details, then it makes sense for you to shorten the time to make items as much as possible so you can lower the cost/or make more profit. I hope this rambling makes sense lol
I love no-sew patterns but some of my best creations required quite a bit of sewing so I had to learn b/c I really sucked at sewing at first! On another note is there a pattern for the cute little cacti on your shelf! I love it!! ❤
I totally agree, there’s a place for all types of pattern, depending on your ability and whether or not you enjoy sewing. The same with yarn choices. I’m still new to crochet, I only started a few months ago, but have already made a ridiculous amount of things, including most of my family’s Christmas gifts. I don’t really enjoy sewing parts on, but to me it’s part of the process, like weaving in the ends, and I love seeing the project take shape once I start sewing parts on. I usually use cotton yarn and a smaller crochet hook for amigurumi, but I’ve literally just finished my first chenille amigurumi (whilst watching this), a bunny with big ears, and it looks adorable…and controversially I preferred sewing with the chenille yarn, as the stitching seemed to be hidden more, and it didn’t show so much if the sewing wasn’t the neatest, even though the yarn sheds a lot when sewing. Thanks for all your videos, you’ve really helped me on my crochet journey!
I don't have Threads, so I'm just finding out about this from you 😆 I know how to sew, but no-sew patterns are great for when I don't want to have to take out my sewing supplies alongside my crochet supplies. Sometimes, I just want to sit on the couch with my yarn and hook, nothing else. Also, sometimes my fingers hurt (arthritis), and I can't hold a needle that day, so completing a project with only crochet is great. There are some designs that look prettier (?) when you do it all in crochet, too. I'm making my mother an alien plushie, and it's basically mostly crochet. The only sewing you have to do is to attach the eyes, which can also be crocheted, or you can just use felt. The picture looks so cute because it's just one piece. Meawhile, I also made a little teddy bear that required more sewing because the arms and legs are designed to move.
Thank you for this. People are so easily offended by stupid things. At the end of the day, we are all crocheters/knitters/fiber artists, and we just need to appreciate each other's capabilities and be grateful that we are able to do this specific craft. Can we just all get along?! 😂❤.. crocheting ruffle socks while I was watching this by the way 😊
I was sewing up my Daisy dress as I watched this video. It got me thinking: I like sewing! But I also like the concept of no-sew, especially for those not so confident to start sewing ends or panels of work together. I started that way myself
This is the exact reason to read the pattern first. There are ways to sew or crochet-in pieces; if you read the pattern first you can deicide if it is easier to sew or crochet-in. Just my point of you. Yes I flip flop in between the two... thanks for sharing. Working on patternless (winging it) Bible cover. Have a blessed day.
As someone who has recently learned how to crochet. As with many skills it takes practice to get better. Like a muscle the more you do it the better you will get
So nice to hear a reasonable response. I like both style of patterns and don't really mind what people prefer, as long as they are happy. It is unfortunate though when people leave reviews like the one you mentioned. But i don't think it's as common knowledge as to how this affects the seller as alot of people think. I think it depends on what circles you move in, as to whether you have this knowledge. There are alot of people who buy patterns and aren't on social media, so they might not think their comment will have the impact it does.
Great video, I like seeing a little pile of parts ready to be assembled, though I often find it difficult to place them perfectly. But each of our pieces are unique, that's part of our craft. And I'm working on a cute amigurumi bat as I watch this.
Love this video! And omg YES to people turning their nose up to certain fibers. It’s snooty🫣 The stance putting down no sew patterns really gives gatekeeping vibes which is so not cool. Crochet is an amazing hobby and we SHOULD want more people to try it out❤
I started crocheting just about 10 months ago. I enjoy sewing other things. I found that sewing amigurumi it’s a bit of a learning curve and I’m just getting comfortable with them. I love the small cute “no-sew patterns” but I also love the regular dolls. I had zero clue this was a drama point online I’m glad you made this video
Ah this is such a good video. Thanks for having such a nuanced take it’s rare these days and it’s what we all need. My project I was working on while watching was the owl bag by sweet softies!
I haven't yet made an amigurumi but I have been sewing for 54 years so that wouldn't be an issue. :) While watching I was crocheting a "tipsy granny" afghan designed by Christa at The Secret Yarnery...holding one strand of Ice Yarn Picasso with a strand of acrylic.
I’m not really an amigurumi type crocheter but will make a few every now and then and I used to HATE sewing on pieces because I could never get them to look right. CrochetMeZaddy has a video illustrating how to sew on different types of pieces to amigurumi and it changed everything for me! Now I actually enjoy sewing on pieces and make more amigurumi than I used to.
Dude I'm adhd from the 90s....i sew...i will buy your sew patterns lol. You got a like and a new sub :) it's such a strange world where people are so mean to one another. I feel so bad for pattern writers, no sew seen so hard to wtite
As a new crochetter, I look forward to all the things! I haven't tried amagurumi yet, but that's the goal. I've done beanies, scrunchies, scarves (one with a hood), and am working on a long coat right now. Sewing was never a detourant for me, I looked at what's cute and would try it. Thanks to all the new tech of WATCHING someone on a screen do it and being able to pause and replay over and over makes it easy to learn and try everything. Writing a bad review because of sewing seems a bit too harsh. Unless it was "falsely advertised" as no sew and you had to sew all the limbs on.. know what you're getting into. As they said, amagurumi are sewn traditionally. So if there isn't a mention of 'no' or 'low' sewing, I would figure it's sewn. Everyone is different! 🎉
Ever since I got tendonitis, I really love tiny no-sew projects because I can complete them in a reasonable time frame with minimal pain. I'm not opposed to sew patterns (especially if they're really cool looking) but sometimes I'm just in the mood for a small-scale easy project I can complete in a few days :]
I’m looking for a tutorial to do my first crochet pattern. I was not sure what to look for and kept seeing “no-sew” and I wasn’t sure why there were so many. I don’t think I’m gonna go for that, I’ll just figure out the sewing like I’ll be learning stitches!
Actually knitting socks right now lol but I'm a crochet artist art heart. As a fellow pattern designer I think you hit the nail on the head; having no sewing can actually be MORE work for the designer. None of my "no sew/low sew" patterns fall below intermediate level. Because instead of say, pinning and sewing four legs to a body I'm having to figure out how to explain why leaving these four holes will make seamless legs, or how to turn two rows of clusters in an ear, or how a circle becomes an elbow. I really dislike this trend of using a disability as bludgeon when something doesn't cater specifically to you. There are things we can do as designers to help with some disabilities; such as using clear concise language, providing photos, using easy to read fonts, etc. But it's on the onus of the buyer to research if the pattern meets their skill level and needs. Sometimes my ADHD doesn't play nice or my carpal tunnel flares up and I have to set aside complex patterns for days (or weeks!) before I can finish. That's not the designer's fault.
Nice enlightning video, thank you for that ! That idea that no sew patterns could be more difficult (not only for the creator but also for the ones making said project) than sew patterns was eye-opening. About that comment on the review, I agree with most people, it was nothing but lame from the customer, could have read the description so that’s on them. As a side note though, as a beginner I once choose an amigurumi pattern, made every piece, was happy with the result... and then realised I had to sew all the pieces together (as I said, my mistake), wich I did but as my sewing skills were, by far, inferior to my crocheting skills, I ended up with my nice crocheted pieces all thorn by poor sewing... I perfectly recall the frustration I had (against myself) the moment I realised I would have to sew all together, and that -the fact I hadn’t realized I was going to have to sew it all- was only and absolutely on me for 1 not reading the pattern entirely at first, 2 not thinking it straight before starting the project and 3 well just not thinking and knowing enough at this point for having seen it coming... I guess my point is : the customer you were talking about (althought he did acted poorly of corse) may also have been a completly freaked-out-beginner worried like I’ve been that his sewing would ruin it all. I’m not saying that that is a perfectly good excuse, by any means no, it just makes the idea of what he did slightly more bearrable in my opinion as it could at least explain it a little bit. Also in the end of the day I’ll love any nicely made sew pattern as long as it gives the useful info about where to sew (doesn’t have to be always ultra on point but at least give me more than "sew on the sides of the body") or say something more like, I don’t know, "sew in between round 14 and round 17 on the sides of the body" or even better "sew -insert name of part- in between the 6th stitch of round 14 and the 4th of round 18"...honestly anything that doesn’t end with "nicely done so now sew it all together and voila !" where you’re on your own for figuring out the placement of every tiny piece of detail ... that one always gets me on my nerves, maybe it won’t when I’ll be further on my learning curv, hopefully... Anyways have a very pleasant day everybody, or a good night depending 😌 😊 !
I just recently got into amigurumi (I did clothing/ big granny square blankets before), and I've found no-sew patterns sometimes as complicated, if not more complicated, than patterns that involve sewing 😅 with sewing, you can just crochet all the little limbs and attach them later. With the no-sew patterns I've tried, it's been a lot more 'thinking as you go' rather than 'sewing later'. And I can so understand the ADHD perspective you mentioned in the video. Switching tasks can be a challenge, but also making yourself do the part of the task you don't enjoy (esp. if it is a hobby activity). With my big projects, I would just crochet everything, and then I'd be sitting on hundreds of pieces that needed the ends sewed in 😆 So I really appreciate the no-sew amigurumi patterns. But obviously, not every pattern needs to be no-sew. It's wonderful that there are so many patterns for many different people of different skills and abilities out there. There is no one-size-fits-all, that would be limiting to the craft.
To me, if the pattern is cute, I'll do it whether it has sewing or not. I don't even look to see if it has sewing or not but I can see where it can be frustrating if you buy a pattern before realizing it does have sewing. And as for the yarn-type debate, I fell into the "natural fibers are better" for a long while because someone who was teaching me fiber arts had that mentality but then I realized that was just detrimental and I should buy and use what yarns that were visually and texturally appealing to me and I am so much happier!
No sew patterns have really helped me get into plushies. I have a few disabilities, and it took me years of practice to be able to hold a crochet hook. I haven’t gotten to the point where I can hold something as thin as a needle
Great video. I agree, just let everyone crochet what they want, design what they want, etc. Everyone has their own preferences and opinions, and we are all entitled to that.
Every branch of crochet has its place. I do blankets and wearables. Amigurumi has never appealed to me, but I still respect the artistry and craftsmanship in what people make. A community should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other down.
I was working on the Cecelia Tapestry Bag. I am on the first row of the tapestry design and am counting and recounting to get it correct. Currently, I am off by two stitches which can be fixed.
I always appreciate your takes on different topics! I’ve definitely been on the receiving end of getting lower ratings bc my patterns required sewing. While I enjoy low-sew patterns, I can’t bring myself to sacrifice accuracy for blobs where it doesn’t make sense (to me personally) 😅. Sigh.
As someone who learned to crochet last year, I actually began with patterns that had to be sewn together. Because I already had some rudimentary sewing skills from childhood, I did not find these patterns difficult. For me, the key was to read the pattern in advance, understand what the construction order should be, then sew before stuffing. This makes for a much neater project and better looking, more secure stitches overall. Im able to do quite advanced patterns, including new sew patterns with difficult stitches, even though I've only been doing it for about a year now. I feel challenging myself to do patterns with multiple parts taught me more about crochet and how to read patterns than sticking to no sew. Thats just my personal experience, no bias towards the preferences of others.
A lack of nuance is so often at the heart of these kinds of arguments! Personally, when I crocheted regularly, I just hated the sewing part. It wasn't fun for me, I would get far too caught up worrying about it, trying to get it "just right". Whereas crochet was something I loved because I could just do it, and I didn't tend to worry. I do think it put me off making more amigurumi, though it's also interesting looking at some of the more complex no-sew patterns I find, which use lots of shaping and a range of stitches... that was fun :) I eventually moved on to spinning, and now I spin and weave... And all of my pieces are "shawls" because I don't feel ready to start cutting and sewing my fabric yet!
I just started crocheting a few months ago and actually cried when I did my first sew project (an owl). I use Bernat yarn and everything was so chunky I just couldn’t figure out how to get everything just right. Everyone else loved the owl, but I saw all the tiny inconsistencies and it made me feel so defeated bc that owl took 6+ hrs just for me to not like it. No sew helps me learn shapes and how things are done and it also lets me end a project HAPPY with my progress. I do want to learn to sew at some point , but like you said it’s a talent to sew. If I had to learn to sew on top of learning crochet I wouldn’t do it. I’m really bad at handling tiny things . I think if you can sew amigurumi you’re truly so talented and I’m in awe of their work - but that will take me a awhile to master and I think it’s a shame that some people expect a beginner to just know EVERYTHING at once. As a buyer of patterns, I just don’t buy a pattern if it doesn’t say no sew. I’ve also learned that if the pattern has more defined legs , wings , etc it’s probably sew and that’s for way down the line in my crochet journey lol.
I have to agree totally with you. It's depends on so many factors why someone choose a pattern or yarn. For me it depends on my health, energy and affordability to what I can manage. For me it can change day to day. I was trying to crochet rocks! And pebbles. Does anyone have any ideas how to crochet sand?
I agree, people just need to chill out. Sometimes I choose no sew patterns because I have arthritis and sewing in pieces is sometimes more difficult. Sometimes I so things in because I want the practice. So I just do things off and on depending on what my body and brain decide to do. Great video! Thank you.
Yeah like... I started crocheting 3 years ago. Put it down and only recently picked it back up and - forgive the pun - I've been hooked. I primarily make whole ass blankets and those sort of things where it's just one repetitive stitch, over and over again and could smash out a full queen sized blanket in under a month (side note, use a pillowcase to keep stuff like that contained so it's easier, it also doubles as a good ass pillow. You're welcome). But I picked up a pattern for an amigurumi that to be honest? Was WELL out of my depth as someone who'd only done blankets. My tension is good though, I know stitches and I know how to read patterns now so I figured why not? Holy shit this pattern was so well written I cannot overstate it. Made PERFECT sense, very easy to follow and was AWESOME just seeing this little creature come out as I was working on it. It also had sewing on it. My hands get a bit... Crunchy sometimes with pinching and fine movements, but I used stitch markers to pin things down where I wanted and looked up how to do the whip stitch that was mentioned in sewing the pieces together and honestly?? It came out AWESOME. It's so good if I had the extra yarn I'd make another one for my nephew because I know he loves the dinosaur that it was LOL. All this to say that, I knew going in that it was going to be sewing and made up in my mind that I was just gonna have to bite the bullet and learn it because I wanted to make that. It's not ableist to think that, and neither is the pattern creator for making it the way she did - it would be IMPOSSIBLE to no sew that pattern due to the sheer level of detail on it. Idk. I feel like if you wanna do something that badly - even with disabilities (hi like me) - you find out what works for you and go from there. At the end of the day, it's all for fun and enjoyment of the craft, yknow?
I learned sewing first, many many years ago, before I ever got into crochet, so it’s interesting to see so many people not enjoy sewing! I think it’s fun (and if you are able, it’s a great skill to learn!)
Great commentary. My gripe is that everyone is making the same patterns, saying it’s their original thought. Even if you add a heart or flower it is still the same. Ijs. 💕💕
I use any and all patterns if I like the project. If my pain is high, I make sure to choose a project that won't make it worse or take breaks as needed.
i learned to crochet back in october but ive been sewing on and off for about 20 years now. when i first had to sew something on a crocheted piece i didn't blink an eye, i just pulled out a needle and got to work. i also have adhd, and i understand how an adhd or autistic crocheter could have trouble switching tasks like that. all that being said, us new crocheters need to understand what the conventions of the crochet world are and why they're there before we start proposing changes. you very well could have a better idea than what exists now, but you can't know that unless you understand why what's currently here is the way it is
This is like wanting to make a blanket with many colors but not wanting to deal with all the ends. Really? This is all part of the craft. Find patterns that suit you and don't blame others for your choices. I'm currently working on 2 projects - a panda Amigurumi and a baby blanket
(admittedly, I think wanting lots of colors but not wanting to deal with the ends is why self striping and other multicolored yarns exist. You just have was more control when you do it yourself)
Hi Rachel! I love this video. I don’t make plushies, but I have in the past, long ago. I could not understand the obsession with “no sew” patterns as I sew as well as crochet. But you explained it well. Thank you. I am not familiar with Threads. I am going to Google it, but meanwhile would you provide a link please. I am working on a rectangular shawl as a wedding gift for a friend’s future granddaughter-in-law.
I started with no sew patterns despite having enough experience to hand sew a hoodie Bigger projects can scare people, bit those are always rewarding in the end I am making a keychain wristlet rn!
I just like no-sew patterns as someone who do not do plushies. I am awful at sewing when it comes to yarn apparently, and it always ends up falling out, which is weird, because my woven-in ends never do. It's why I tried to learn every way to put together things with a crochet hook verse a needle haha.
Honestly no sew is so much more hard for me because I do have adhd and comprehension of patterns Is hard because there’s usually not pictures to show how to crochet together vs sew together. Whereas I feel the picture on the front of the pattern is a lot better for people with adhd because it directly shows where each piece goes.
I like what I find personally pleasing to my eyes and sometimes that requires some sewing. There are tutorials out there that show techniques to sew parts together. I sew and had to learn how to sew plushies together.
Oh, wow. I think I hit on all your reasons for no sew. While I'm not a beginner (crocheting since 2019) I hadn't made a ton of plushies before last year. I'd definitely like to sell them, I hate working with Chenille yarn, and I have ehler-danlos syndrome (and ADHD, lol). No sew patterns are a lifesaver. I can do sewn as well but I reserve that for BIG projects that will sell higher since they require so much more work and cause a lot more pain.
Sadly some peoples don't ask or don't read the descriptions before buying (and not only crochet pattern) They only saw a beautiful picture and want to have it now. I don't like to sew the pieces and I have a lot of Amigurumi WIPs because of that but it's mostly because each time i have to check another ammigurumi to see where to sew 😅I have to update my pattern someday to add this crutial information. Crocheting a travel bag for my doll
I was winding yarn while watching today. In my area, low-sew or no-sew plushies are the style many people want to buy at markets, so the rise of these types of patterns may also be driven by consumer demand.
I totally agree with u... i like all patterns but do tend to lean towards lower sewing projects just because i have extremely bad arthritis and alot of sewing can sometimes cause a flare up. I dont understand why it matters to anyone what someone else's preference is..❤😊
My biggest gripe about rating systems and penalties for less than 5 stars is that we've polarized ratings. If you’re good, you get 5 and if you’re bad you get 1. Each rating has a different meaning! 1 is awful. 2 is bad. 3 is neutral. 4 is good. 5 is great. 3 stars shouldn’t be a death sentence to a product/location because it wasn’t bad, it was just neutral. 4 stars is an endorsement, so it’s especially frustrating when those reviews are penalized.
Couldn’t agree more! There are things to take a stand on, and this is just not one of them. Let’s all be kind. What another person chooses to do with their art is just that- their choice. The end ❤
Ha! Good morning Rachel, thanks for your video today, I am Canadian, "why can't we all get along"?? Never mind, I don't want to go there. I didn't know that your video would be about sewing today before it started, but I happened to be sewing, not any crochet, but my dogs toy that he got for Christmas, that he already chewed a hole in!!!!! I am now going to crochet a row in my temperature blanket and then I am going to do some embroidery today. I really hope all my American friends have a great day and as we say up here..."be kind, eh!"😊🇨🇦
I was working on the six day star blanket while watching, never really been a lover of amagurumi, but have done some plushies, so I do think it’s an interesting debate, but I think it also really comes down to how much time do you want to invest into a project, for markets no see patterns do tend to be better, but if you want a complicated human cartoon doll, then you will more than likely have to sew.
Currently I'm finishing a coat for my sister. After using using both kinds of patterns, I find that I really enjoy both the no sew and sew projects. We all have different ways to enjoy the art of crocheting. Seems that there are always some people who just like to complain.
I have been crocheting for 21 years. I have used all types of yarn (and some not yarns) to make all sorts of things. I love Pica Pau I love no sew patterns. I've done deep like thirty peice sew it all together and have moving parts. I've done the only thing you sew on is the ears. There are things I think both are good for. My two year old, he gets the no sew stuff. I make no sew cuddlies for baby showers and toddlers in my life cause there is no little strings that could possibly ever come undone (not that they ever have, but knock on wood) My thirteen year old. She gets the dolls with changeable outfits and arms and legs that move. Zombie bears with bits that can "fall off" and be reattached (I have to write that pattern up cause it's so cool, I'm so proud of myself.) Kids get acrylic stuff that can just be tossed in the wash. Adults get fancier, more care required yarn.
I once got a 3 star review on my Etsy because the mail system lost their package and I didn't notice until they contacted me months later. I prefer no-sew or low sew because that's the step that takes me the longest just because I keep putting it off. I have a cowl that needs two buttons sewn onto it, but it has sat for months just because I haven't done it yet. It's like why I won't make a sweater that requires sewing, I know I just won't get to it any time soon.
Hi Rachel! Great video today. I don’t do social media (except for TH-cam comments, obviously lol), so I wasn’t aware of this drama. I’m with you x it’s all about personal preference, and it’s unfair to leave a decreased-star review due to your error, not the designer’s. Love your Wicked headband! Do you have a pattern link? I’m working on an Elphaba keychain amigurumi while I watched today. I haven’t found any patterns for one, so I’m trying my hand at creating it as I go.🤞it turns out! The plan is to do a Galinda one too.
Omg I bet your keychains are so cuuuute! I got the idea for my headband from My Poppet Makes blog: mypoppet.com.au/makes/colour-blocked-granny-square-headband/ I made this one with Keche 100% cotton
I'm currently using a pattern for a little kraken with 18 pieces. I'm not the biggest fan of sewing with wool, but there is no helping it, if I want to make this exact plushi. If I don't want or can't sew at all, for whatever reason, it is my own responsability to check patterns for this criteria and if I can't tell by looking at it, I contact the seller for more info. I did purchase a pattern once, that totaly went over my head. I was sitting there, staring and didn't understand anything. But that was not the designers fault. When I bought the pattern, I was too confidant in my skills and didn't realize, that this pattern wasn't a beginner pattern at all. I saw it and bought it, without even thinking that it could be to complicated or include stiches, that I wasn't familiar with. After a while, I came back to the pattern with a bit more practice under my belt and on my second try it actually worked out fine. If I had given the seller a bad rating back then, I would feel pretty bad today because how could I blame them for my lack of understanding and practice on my first try?
3:48 OMG THANK YOU for taking the time to ask and educate others how these patterns are more disability friendly!! My roommates and I all crochet and have hypermobility disorders, so we prefer low sew and no sew patterns!!
I was blown away to see you even move your arm and shoulder to demonstrate the wider range of motion that sewing requires and how it can hurt us! Thank you for including our voice in this video
Sometimes detailed no sew patterns take me longer because of placement of parts, crochet in then rip back because a little out of alignment due to my tension. Sewing on parts you can place - sit back and look then sew😂.
I actually was getting ready in the morning while I was watching/listening this, but I’m currently working on a 6 day star blanket. I personally just find sewing kind of daunting, and it makes me anxious that my project is going to turn out wonky bc trust my crochet skills but not my sewing skills 😅😅. But I’m open to trying them more if ur sewing with the yarn, thread feels like a different beast 🤣
Personally, I think people need to chill out. If you don’t like something, don’t buy it.
Yes they do need to chill out more. I love sewing ones
@@launcestoncrocheter9394 same, but I see the attraction of no sew too
I think part of the issue is that things like this aren’t always tagged in patterns. By definition, you don’t get to see the pattern until you buy it. So as a knitter and crocheter myself, I have been disappointed a handful of times when I bought a pattern, and the construction wasn’t to my liking for some reason. Ugly parts that they hid iin the sample photos, more separate pieces than necessary where there could have been shaping, the stitch pattern wasn’t what I expected and I realized I wouldn’t like it, etc etc. But because patterns are digital goods, understandably, most of them are final sale and no returns.
So I dunno. I see both sides. It’s frustrating to get a bad review that seems unjustified. But it’s also frustrating to be out money for a pattern you aren’t happy with, or even worse, wouldn’t have bought if you knew all the details. Sellers really should tag their patterns to make features like this clear. And most good patterns I see do that!
@ I find it’s usually that the buyer hasn’t read the description properly. I sell digital templates clearly marked several times as digital, but I still get people expecting me to make the finished items.
I too crochet & I’ve never run into the problem before, I must have been lucky.
@@weirdrabbitgirl Word, I knit and crochet and won't buy a pattern if a ton of seaming is involved. It's why I stopped using WATG patterns. I found the three needle bind off and am seeing more patterns pick up and knit shoulder seams, and that's really nice! But I'm team top down or low sew all the way!
I agree completely. I don’t like sewing in parts because I can never get it just right. However, designers are not responsible for catering to my whims. It’s up to me as the crocheter to use my eyeballs and my brain. As for people shaming others for not being advanced enough to sew on all the pieces: grow up. Life isn’t a contest.
I couldn't have said it better myself
I feel exactly the same way. The only thing I'd like is for patterns to be a bit more descriptive if the project is going to include a ton of sewing or if it's no sew.
Edited to add, I personally understand and expect a lot of sewing with amigurumi but beginners may not know to expect it. I think all pattern designers and customers would benefit from there being more descriptive information about what their paid patterns entail. For example if you bought a pattern advertised only as a crochet cardigan, but once you purchased it actually included knitting the ribbing without any crochet alternative, I think we can agree you'd be let down if you couldn't knit. Crochet, knitting, and sewing are all really different crafts so I think it's valid to include this information before you take someone's money.
I'm more of a knitter, so from a knitting perspective, no-sew knitting patterns are usually considered more difficult. The flat patterns that are sewn together are usually more people who can't finagle DPNs.
Exactly. I’ve been crocheting for 12 years and I hate patterns that you have to sew because it’s time consuming. It’s not because I can’t do it..I just simply don’t want to 😂
Why oh why are people criticizing each other about a hobby. Good golly, let people enjoy what they enjoy. Why turn everything into a competition. Stop it everyone. If someone does something another way from you, that’s all it is, just another way, not better or worse and it’s not a comment on you. Are some of you so insecure to put down someone or brag on your way. Let joy be joy and do what you want and allow it for others.
As someone who has been crocheting for over 50 years, I have only recently started getting into Amigurumi since the popularity of the NO SEW projects. I have rheumatoid arthritis and use customised hooks. There is no way I could 'pinch' a tiny needle between my fingers.
I've used a crochet hook instead of a needle when I can't find one -- it takes a little more creativity but it could be an option if you see something you really want to make that has sewing involved! I just put the hook through the same places I'd push a needle through, then pull the yarn all the way through. It does still take larger arm movements to get all the yarn through, though.
I've been crocheting for 8 years, and I've definitely seen a boom in no-sew popularity in the last 4-ish years. When I learned amigurumi, I immediately had to learn how to sew with yarn on top of learning to crochet. Being forced to do this has made a massive positive impact on the skills that I have today. I think sewing amigurumi pieces is an important skill that everyone who is able to should at least try before they knock it. If they don't like it, at least they can say they tried! I think no-sew amigurumi patterns are cool. There are a few patterns that I have purchased that are really fun to make and they work up quickly, and they are really great for markets. A lot of intricate details are nearly impossible without some sewing though, and I am in love with detail, so I'll always be sewing stuff together.
I was working on making a cowboy hat and bandana accessories for a crochet raccoon that someone ordered. Right after this video I'm headed to the post office!
100% there were not even that many amigurumi patterns in general when I learned to crochet so I learned to freehand really early on and it really helped me. But I do think there is less barrier to entry now which is awesome. I suspect a lot of people start with no sew and end up branching out.
It’s the WillitRAT guy!!!
Speaking from the perspective of an outsider who only got into crochet about a year ago, this drama was (and still is) really off-putting to me. If you have a preference, that's completely fine. But I've seen people giving low ratings, bad reviews, or mean comments on patterns that, like you said, can be detrimental to the person's business. Like the animosity people have toward each other over this is ridiculous, and I can promise you that it is a turn-off to new crocheters and can really confuse or isolate beginners. I appreciate you bringing up the topic though. People really do need to just chill x'D
I feel you, I have been taking one step forward and one step backwards with my learning, because for every wonderful tutorial or a nice encoreging comment, there seemed to be random hostile discord and I just have no leg in the conversation because I literally just got here. It's definitely not a problem in the community itself in my opinion, it happens in every fandom or online community that booms in popularity overnight
Hopefully the pattern designers indicate what type of pattern they are selling. If they aren't, they should. And the designer shouldn't be upset or surprised at bad reviews if their descriptions are not forthcoming.
It sounds like Etsy is the real villain for creating a platform where 4 stars is considered a BAD review. Leaving a review should allow buyers to be honest without being called out on social media as trying to ruin someone's business. It is a genuinely ridiculous situation that etsy is responsible for creating.
*exactly* like i dont see anything wrong with the review the person left- they said it was a good pattern, just not 100% to their liking!! the exact same way i might leave a 4 star review on a restaurant saying 'it was a good meal, but i wasnt a fan of how they cooked my asparagus' for example. thats what a 4 star is *for*
I agree. But I blame the entire corporate super structure, not etsy alone. I worked at petco and if we got a 9 (out of 10) star review, we would get reprimanded. The ratings have been weaponised against workers for decades. And the consumers have never been taught about the consequences of their reviews in any significant numbers.
@@LennyLefebvre-qb6qx Yeah, they changed to that when I worked at Walgreens. It basically made ratings meaningless, and definitely didn't help the company when its reputation for customer service started dipping pretty sharply.
@@cryptidcorvidThis describes my feelings as well. The reviewer shouldnt be getting hate for leaving a 4star because there was a lot of sewing, its a valid dislike to the pattern lol
It's so weird! I would trust a shop with a four star rating a lot more than one with a fire star rating
Lack of Nuance is a perfect way to put it. I like that super chubby kawaii style, which tends to be no sew, and I like that look. But then I made a cat the other day that had no sew ears, and I didn't like the way they were coming out, so I made my own ears and sewed them on. I actually think that in many cases sewing is easier and makes it more flexible to customize the item to how you like it. Take for example the Demogorgon you just made, the legs came out a little wonky. If they were sewed on, you could have just readjusted them.
100% you’re right. If I don’t like a pattern I will usually just change it
That seems like the culture of Etsy. Which is a huge reason I created my own website. People are sometimes ridiculous. Thanks for sharing ❤
I have been thinking about it. I’m so tired of Etsy 😭
@@Tfwcrochet personally I don't buy patterns on Etsy. I buy on Ravelry or Crazypatterns. I want to support small creators and I feel like you cannot do that on Etsy anymore.
I came to say the same thing. seems like the real bad guy here is Etsy. i don't buy patterns but I read a lot and rate books on Goodreads and telling some one you HAVE to give a good rating leaves a bad taste in my mouth when the purpose of rating is to tell other people how the other product worked for you and how you liked it. Etsy hiding non perfect rated objects is creating a less valuable rating system imo
It seems to be the culture of the internet. I don’t know why people can’t just appreciate the work of others and offer suggestions in a kind manner. Crocheting should be peaceful and not filled with stupid drama about nothing. Why everything has to turn into this sort of ugliness is simply beyond my understanding.
@@barbaramay1866 yes totally agree
I learned to crochet when I was 7, to sew @ 14. I'm seventy-five. To me crocheting and sewing go together. I've seen people advertising their no sew patterns and couldn't figure out the importance of it. I never considered that some people may have physical difficulties sewing. My bad, but now I know something new! And have become a more sensitive human. ❤
In regards to fibers, I've say that is a matter of preference, budget, and allergies. When I crochet acrylic yarn the little puffs of yarn that go airborne, go into my nose making me sneeze over and over. So no more acrylic yarn. I use mostly cotton because I live in Puerto Rico. Cotton yarn/threads are cool. (As in temperature cool. 😅)
To add to what has been said: we all share a wonderful creative outlet. Why create drama and division over petty things?
Ler them crochet what they want with what they want!
I love your attitude :)
A lot of this seems to come down to process vs project motivated people not understanding what the other side gets out of this hobby. A project motivated person might love no sew, it’s incredibly gratifying to have a finished and symmetrical object in a matter of a few hours. A process motivated person might love starting multiple pieces before they get to the grand finale of assembly, and seeing things come together. But no matter how you seek gratification, delayed or instant, crochet should be a hobby for everyone. There’s more than enough room, enough history, and enough creativity to go around.
Old school woman weighing in; It is not pattern makers' job to cater to your needs. It is your job to find patterns that suit your needs. We all have the right to make what we want & we all have the right to purchase what we want. If you like a pattern & wish to create that item, then you follow that pattern. (You could also request to purchase the finished item if you don't have the required skills, or wish to learn them.) If you wish to follow only certain types of patterns, then you find & purchase those patterns. It's really that simple.
I think having options for patterns is fantastic, some days I love no sew and some days I enjoy sewing because of being able to place things more precise and give a plushie a little more detail. I don't understand why some are so keen on bashing either style. The only time I give less than 5 on say etsy for a pattern is if it's poorly written (missing steps, counts are off, stolen, false advertisement, ect.) But definitely not for it having sewing.
I was making sunflower keychains while watching 🙂
The fact that there’s any drama in craft spaces baffles me. Like let’s just all shut up and create cute things together pls
THIS!!!! I know some wonderfully creative people who love to crochet and use only low or no sew patterns. I began making amigurumi before this became a thing and knew how to sew prior to crocheting. I prefer sewing patterns but use both. The chunky yarn actually hurts my hands and wrists and so I love to be able to recommend customers to other crocheters if they are wanting items in the chunky yarn. Also I love your patterns, even heavy sewing!! 💖
I have such a variety of patterns and sew or not I’m grateful that there are patterns designers creating all of them.
Exactly! I cant come up with designs and am always grateful when something really catches my eye!
I think threads is really bad for ragebait. I had that app for 4 days. Every post it suggests is to make you angry. I don't even think people find these issues to be such a big deal, that app is just toxic.
Threads is Facebook owned, so I'm not shocked tbh
There is definitely a lot of rage bait and engagement bait on there. It takes some time for the algorithm to figure you out but it’s gotten better. I mostly get crochet and wicked posts now lol
I honestly don't have a preference one way or the other on no-sew vs. sew. I do prefer lower amounts of sewing, but if i want something that is more intricate, then of course im not going to complain (too much, haha) about the amount of sewing. It just seems silly to complain about it. Especially because some no-sew patterns that try to capture intricate details just end up more complicated to avoid the sewing. Its a catch-22. But, today i was working on my first wool project- a scarf! Though, in doing so, i have discovered i might have a mild allergy or irritation towards wool. Which sucks because its coming along so nicely!
I'm still working on the shawl for my mother-in-law. We're flying in two days, so although I probably only have an hour or so left on the project, I should probably get on that.
Regarding sew/no-sew, I am a beginner who gets very intimidated by patterns that involve sewing. BUT in the past few weeks I've been practicing sewing a little more and it makes me wish I'd seen more guidance for sewing back when I first gave it a try. The fear of difficulty kept me away, much more than the actual difficulty.
Hell yeah you can do this!!! Remember its okay to have trouble at the beginning. It's literally good for our brains because they start to develop new neural pathways and it keeps us healthy. Keep practicing and looking for ways to develop that skill. I promise it gets easier.
@@angelgirl976Finished the shawl! Except weaving in ends, of course. 😅 Thankfully it’s a variegated yarn so there are only two ends I need to worry about.
I love having the option of no sew, just because after spending quite a bit of time sewing a plushie together it's a refreshing break.
I am a sewer in addition to being a crocheter. The hardest part for me is also sewing the parts on. This type of sewing is the hardest part of many amigurumi for me.
It became a lot easier after I purchased some “Bamboo marking pins” (from Amazon) which hold the small parts in place when sewing them on. These work SO much better than regular pins. And I also learned how to use knitting needles hold large parts together while sewing. These two things make the sewing tasks much easier for me to do.
I use dave & buster burger toothpicks 😂 the ball on the end is easy to hold and the wood is thicker and longer than regular toothpicks. Especially since i do a lot of tiny crochet. I feel like there are tools out there, just gotta look and be open to learning.
I prefer to crochet everything as I go if possible, but there are so many features that don't make that possible on certain shapes. I'm also a little confused by the idea of people not wanting to "learn to sew" for most simple amigurumi patterns. Most of the time it is just looping thread around both pieces to attach, there are no complicated sewing methods needed. I will say it can be a bit hard to get needles in small areas sometimes, but the sewing itself doesn't require special skills, just patience.
When I was a kid I loved to sew, I went to sewing club at school and when I was in year six, we made dresses for ourselves and wore them to lunch together. After that though I have lost pretty much all of my sewing skill, at least with a machine as I don’t have one. My sister taught me to crochet at about 14 and I do prefer no sew patterns but I don’t usually seek out no sew patterns. Ive made a few loveys for my nephews from SarahDeeCrochet and those patterns have lots of sewing! But I loved it, and I think I actually do more sew patterns than no sew aha.
As for what I’m currently working on, I’m trying to teach myself knitting at 17 and am making my first bolero! :) Great video, thank you!
Working on a Ballerina Kitty from Grace and Yarn (which requires sewing on ears, slipper ribbons, slipper bows, arms, legs, dress straps, headband and headbandbow). And it's made with acrylic worsted weight yarn that I got at a thrift store. Oh, I'm really being a yarn rebel! 😂
I don’t understand why something like crochet causes so much division. There is no right or wrong way to crochet. It’s very personable and can be tweaked to the individual. From the way you hold your yarn and hook to the mediums you use like acrylic or natural. Just do what you want to do and let others do the same thing. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. Don’t use it. Just keep moving. Working on granny squares for a blanket. Love your content. Keep doing what you’re doing in this space. I enjoy it here.
I like your take! I'm a new crocheter and haven't really got into all the drama but I recently saw 3 star (out of 5) rating on yarn because someone "was expecting a thicker yarn" when the listing clearly says it was light weight - 1 🤦♀You just can't trust reviews these days and it's annoying for both customers and creators.
I crochet for the joy of it, I love giving home made gifts to my family and friends, I made my first plushies this year for Christmas gifts for my grand nephews and nieces, its up to us to read the descriptions of the patterns we buy don't blame the artist (and write a bad review that's not fair to them) if it doesn't say NO/LOW Sew you need to assume it does require sewing because those arms and legs need to be attached somehow. I'm currently working on a baby blanket, I make them and put them away for possible future gifts and/or donate to charities for NICU babies and/or for those in need, I'm using up my stash.
Hello, I am new to your channel. It was your topic that caught my eye. I agree with you. I struggle some days with sewing. However, I do not gravitate to "no sew" patterns. I don't want to miss out on making awesome patterns just because of sewing.
So as someone who is disabled with hypermobility and does sometimes get pains while knitting and crocheting I so appreciate you bringing up disability and mobility issues. I'm not an amigurumi person myself, but with mobility issues there can be problems with any type of project. So thank you so much for taking this into account. Overall, I thought this was a very well thought out and articulated video. Good job!
Amigurumi is so much more than just another name for crochet plushies. Its origins are Japanese and Chinese, and is centuries old. Amigurumi is shared culture. It’s important for all of us to recognize, share, and appreciate these facts when we have the opportunity.
I've been crocheting for 14x yrs and this past Oct I made my 1st amigrumi, no sew cause I was intimidated. Since then I've only done 2x low sews (Toad frm Mario & Max frm The Grinch) and I was miserable trying to assemble them. I don't see myself doing another sew (low or otherwise) anytime in the future unless it's a project I'm absolutely 1000% in love with. That being said, I applaud to all of the fiber artists that knock out low sew/sew projects like they're nothing! Ya'll have way more patience than me. Keep doing you and let your work speak for itself.
My first time watching you and I enjoyed the video but I gotta say I looked up real quick at the end when you asked what we were working on, that was unexpected and I love it! I am in agreement with you, if it is mentioned low sew, no sew, high sew in the description then thats it and people can choose what they are most comfortable with. As for what I'm making, I am working on a ribbed beanie for my husband, it is my first beanie and its working up great!
Glad you enjoy my little outro. I started adding that because so many people were telling me anyway and I love reading what people have on their hook (or needles in some cases!)
I think this is a balanced take! I’m a new crocheter who was lucky enough to find your channel. Sewing is by far my least favorite part of projects but it feels like a necessary evil for more intricate end results. 😊
Thank you for this video, that really gave me a great perspective from all sides of the spectrum on this issue. Personally, I thought that the popularity of the no sew patterns started with the boom of crochet plushies at markets. People who are shopping at markets who happen to come across crochet plushies at a farmers market may not be as aware of prices of handmade things being more expensive than people shopping on Etsy who are fully aware and are looking for that specific value/time/effort that goes into handmade custom items. I think it’s just a business decision, of giving people what they are asking for - supply/demand. If there’s more demand for chenille plushies and people don’t necessarily care for details, then it makes sense for you to shorten the time to make items as much as possible so you can lower the cost/or make more profit. I hope this rambling makes sense lol
I love no-sew patterns but some of my best creations required quite a bit of sewing so I had to learn b/c I really sucked at sewing at first!
On another note is there a pattern for the cute little cacti on your shelf! I love it!! ❤
It’s my own design! I have a video tutorial available on Patreon.
I don't care most the time. But the more dramatic and detailed items will be sewn, there are times when I want something quick and I go to no sew.
I totally agree, there’s a place for all types of pattern, depending on your ability and whether or not you enjoy sewing. The same with yarn choices.
I’m still new to crochet, I only started a few months ago, but have already made a ridiculous amount of things, including most of my family’s Christmas gifts. I don’t really enjoy sewing parts on, but to me it’s part of the process, like weaving in the ends, and I love seeing the project take shape once I start sewing parts on.
I usually use cotton yarn and a smaller crochet hook for amigurumi, but I’ve literally just finished my first chenille amigurumi (whilst watching this), a bunny with big ears, and it looks adorable…and controversially I preferred sewing with the chenille yarn, as the stitching seemed to be hidden more, and it didn’t show so much if the sewing wasn’t the neatest, even though the yarn sheds a lot when sewing.
Thanks for all your videos, you’ve really helped me on my crochet journey!
So glad you’re enjoying my videos! And yes chenille yarn and fluffy yarn are forgiving when it comes to seeing mistakes!
I don't have Threads, so I'm just finding out about this from you 😆
I know how to sew, but no-sew patterns are great for when I don't want to have to take out my sewing supplies alongside my crochet supplies. Sometimes, I just want to sit on the couch with my yarn and hook, nothing else. Also, sometimes my fingers hurt (arthritis), and I can't hold a needle that day, so completing a project with only crochet is great.
There are some designs that look prettier (?) when you do it all in crochet, too. I'm making my mother an alien plushie, and it's basically mostly crochet. The only sewing you have to do is to attach the eyes, which can also be crocheted, or you can just use felt. The picture looks so cute because it's just one piece.
Meawhile, I also made a little teddy bear that required more sewing because the arms and legs are designed to move.
Thank you for this. People are so easily offended by stupid things. At the end of the day, we are all crocheters/knitters/fiber artists, and we just need to appreciate each other's capabilities and be grateful that we are able to do this specific craft. Can we just all get along?! 😂❤.. crocheting ruffle socks while I was watching this by the way 😊
I was sewing up my Daisy dress as I watched this video. It got me thinking: I like sewing! But I also like the concept of no-sew, especially for those not so confident to start sewing ends or panels of work together. I started that way myself
This is the exact reason to read the pattern first. There are ways to sew or crochet-in pieces; if you read the pattern first you can deicide if it is easier to sew or crochet-in. Just my point of you. Yes I flip flop in between the two... thanks for sharing. Working on patternless (winging it) Bible cover. Have a blessed day.
As someone who has recently learned how to crochet. As with many skills it takes practice to get better. Like a muscle the more you do it the better you will get
So nice to hear a reasonable response. I like both style of patterns and don't really mind what people prefer, as long as they are happy. It is unfortunate though when people leave reviews like the one you mentioned. But i don't think it's as common knowledge as to how this affects the seller as alot of people think. I think it depends on what circles you move in, as to whether you have this knowledge. There are alot of people who buy patterns and aren't on social media, so they might not think their comment will have the impact it does.
Great video, I like seeing a little pile of parts ready to be assembled, though I often find it difficult to place them perfectly. But each of our pieces are unique, that's part of our craft. And I'm working on a cute amigurumi bat as I watch this.
Love this video! And omg YES to people turning their nose up to certain fibers. It’s snooty🫣
The stance putting down no sew patterns really gives gatekeeping vibes which is so not cool. Crochet is an amazing hobby and we SHOULD want more people to try it out❤
I started crocheting just about 10 months ago. I enjoy sewing other things. I found that sewing amigurumi it’s a bit of a learning curve and I’m just getting comfortable with them. I love the small cute “no-sew patterns” but I also love the regular dolls. I had zero clue this was a drama point online I’m glad you made this video
I agree with your take. I never assume that a pattern has little to no sewing unless it is advertised that way.
Ah this is such a good video. Thanks for having such a nuanced take it’s rare these days and it’s what we all need. My project I was working on while watching was the owl bag by sweet softies!
I haven't yet made an amigurumi but I have been sewing for 54 years so that wouldn't be an issue. :) While watching I was crocheting a "tipsy granny" afghan designed by Christa at The Secret Yarnery...holding one strand of Ice Yarn Picasso with a strand of acrylic.
I’m not really an amigurumi type crocheter but will make a few every now and then and I used to HATE sewing on pieces because I could never get them to look right. CrochetMeZaddy has a video illustrating how to sew on different types of pieces to amigurumi and it changed everything for me! Now I actually enjoy sewing on pieces and make more amigurumi than I used to.
Dude I'm adhd from the 90s....i sew...i will buy your sew patterns lol. You got a like and a new sub :) it's such a strange world where people are so mean to one another. I feel so bad for pattern writers, no sew seen so hard to wtite
As a new crochetter, I look forward to all the things! I haven't tried amagurumi yet, but that's the goal. I've done beanies, scrunchies, scarves (one with a hood), and am working on a long coat right now.
Sewing was never a detourant for me, I looked at what's cute and would try it. Thanks to all the new tech of WATCHING someone on a screen do it and being able to pause and replay over and over makes it easy to learn and try everything.
Writing a bad review because of sewing seems a bit too harsh. Unless it was "falsely advertised" as no sew and you had to sew all the limbs on.. know what you're getting into. As they said, amagurumi are sewn traditionally. So if there isn't a mention of 'no' or 'low' sewing, I would figure it's sewn.
Everyone is different! 🎉
Ever since I got tendonitis, I really love tiny no-sew projects because I can complete them in a reasonable time frame with minimal pain. I'm not opposed to sew patterns (especially if they're really cool looking) but sometimes I'm just in the mood for a small-scale easy project I can complete in a few days :]
Was working on a beanie with the Big Twist Twinkle yarn in light pink 🩷 first vid of yours I came across, subscribed!
Glad you’re here!!
I’m looking for a tutorial to do my first crochet pattern. I was not sure what to look for and kept seeing “no-sew” and I wasn’t sure why there were so many. I don’t think I’m gonna go for that, I’ll just figure out the sewing like I’ll be learning stitches!
Actually knitting socks right now lol but I'm a crochet artist art heart. As a fellow pattern designer I think you hit the nail on the head; having no sewing can actually be MORE work for the designer. None of my "no sew/low sew" patterns fall below intermediate level. Because instead of say, pinning and sewing four legs to a body I'm having to figure out how to explain why leaving these four holes will make seamless legs, or how to turn two rows of clusters in an ear, or how a circle becomes an elbow.
I really dislike this trend of using a disability as bludgeon when something doesn't cater specifically to you. There are things we can do as designers to help with some disabilities; such as using clear concise language, providing photos, using easy to read fonts, etc. But it's on the onus of the buyer to research if the pattern meets their skill level and needs. Sometimes my ADHD doesn't play nice or my carpal tunnel flares up and I have to set aside complex patterns for days (or weeks!) before I can finish. That's not the designer's fault.
Nice enlightning video, thank you for that ! That idea that no sew patterns could be more difficult (not only for the creator but also for the ones making said project) than sew patterns was eye-opening.
About that comment on the review, I agree with most people, it was nothing but lame from the customer, could have read the description so that’s on them. As a side note though, as a beginner I once choose an amigurumi pattern, made every piece, was happy with the result... and then realised I had to sew all the pieces together (as I said, my mistake), wich I did but as my sewing skills were, by far, inferior to my crocheting skills, I ended up with my nice crocheted pieces all thorn by poor sewing... I perfectly recall the frustration I had (against myself) the moment I realised I would have to sew all together, and that -the fact I hadn’t realized I was going to have to sew it all- was only and absolutely on me for
1 not reading the pattern entirely at first,
2 not thinking it straight before starting the project and
3 well just not thinking and knowing enough at this point for having seen it coming...
I guess my point is : the customer you were talking about (althought he did acted poorly of corse) may also have been a completly freaked-out-beginner worried like I’ve been that his sewing would ruin it all. I’m not saying that that is a perfectly good excuse, by any means no, it just makes the idea of what he did slightly more bearrable in my opinion as it could at least explain it a little bit.
Also in the end of the day I’ll love any nicely made sew pattern as long as it gives the useful info about where to sew (doesn’t have to be always ultra on point but at least give me more than "sew on the sides of the body") or say something more like, I don’t know, "sew in between round 14 and round 17 on the sides of the body" or even better "sew -insert name of part- in between the 6th stitch of round 14 and the 4th of round 18"...honestly anything that doesn’t end with "nicely done so now sew it all together and voila !" where you’re on your own for figuring out the placement of every tiny piece of detail ... that one always gets me on my nerves, maybe it won’t when I’ll be further on my learning curv, hopefully... Anyways have a very pleasant day everybody, or a good night depending 😌 😊 !
Love your perspective. Thank you for sharing all this information. I am working on hearts ❤plushy to give to my grandchildren.
I just recently got into amigurumi (I did clothing/ big granny square blankets before), and I've found no-sew patterns sometimes as complicated, if not more complicated, than patterns that involve sewing 😅 with sewing, you can just crochet all the little limbs and attach them later. With the no-sew patterns I've tried, it's been a lot more 'thinking as you go' rather than 'sewing later'.
And I can so understand the ADHD perspective you mentioned in the video. Switching tasks can be a challenge, but also making yourself do the part of the task you don't enjoy (esp. if it is a hobby activity). With my big projects, I would just crochet everything, and then I'd be sitting on hundreds of pieces that needed the ends sewed in 😆 So I really appreciate the no-sew amigurumi patterns.
But obviously, not every pattern needs to be no-sew. It's wonderful that there are so many patterns for many different people of different skills and abilities out there. There is no one-size-fits-all, that would be limiting to the craft.
To me, if the pattern is cute, I'll do it whether it has sewing or not. I don't even look to see if it has sewing or not but I can see where it can be frustrating if you buy a pattern before realizing it does have sewing. And as for the yarn-type debate, I fell into the "natural fibers are better" for a long while because someone who was teaching me fiber arts had that mentality but then I realized that was just detrimental and I should buy and use what yarns that were visually and texturally appealing to me and I am so much happier!
No sew patterns have really helped me get into plushies. I have a few disabilities, and it took me years of practice to be able to hold a crochet hook. I haven’t gotten to the point where I can hold something as thin as a needle
Great video. I agree, just let everyone crochet what they want, design what they want, etc. Everyone has their own preferences and opinions, and we are all entitled to that.
Every branch of crochet has its place. I do blankets and wearables. Amigurumi has never appealed to me, but I still respect the artistry and craftsmanship in what people make. A community should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other down.
I was working on the Cecelia Tapestry Bag. I am on the first row of the tapestry design and am counting and recounting to get it correct. Currently, I am off by two stitches which can be fixed.
I always just assumed that sewing is part of crocheting. it's great that people have more options now!
I always appreciate your takes on different topics! I’ve definitely been on the receiving end of getting lower ratings bc my patterns required sewing. While I enjoy low-sew patterns, I can’t bring myself to sacrifice accuracy for blobs where it doesn’t make sense (to me personally) 😅. Sigh.
Sorry that’s happened to you!
As someone who learned to crochet last year, I actually began with patterns that had to be sewn together. Because I already had some rudimentary sewing skills from childhood, I did not find these patterns difficult. For me, the key was to read the pattern in advance, understand what the construction order should be, then sew before stuffing. This makes for a much neater project and better looking, more secure stitches overall. Im able to do quite advanced patterns, including new sew patterns with difficult stitches, even though I've only been doing it for about a year now. I feel challenging myself to do patterns with multiple parts taught me more about crochet and how to read patterns than sticking to no sew. Thats just my personal experience, no bias towards the preferences of others.
A lack of nuance is so often at the heart of these kinds of arguments! Personally, when I crocheted regularly, I just hated the sewing part. It wasn't fun for me, I would get far too caught up worrying about it, trying to get it "just right". Whereas crochet was something I loved because I could just do it, and I didn't tend to worry. I do think it put me off making more amigurumi, though it's also interesting looking at some of the more complex no-sew patterns I find, which use lots of shaping and a range of stitches... that was fun :)
I eventually moved on to spinning, and now I spin and weave... And all of my pieces are "shawls" because I don't feel ready to start cutting and sewing my fabric yet!
I just started crocheting a few months ago and actually cried when I did my first sew project (an owl). I use Bernat yarn and everything was so chunky I just couldn’t figure out how to get everything just right. Everyone else loved the owl, but I saw all the tiny inconsistencies and it made me feel so defeated bc that owl took 6+ hrs just for me to not like it. No sew helps me learn shapes and how things are done and it also lets me end a project HAPPY with my progress. I do want to learn to sew at some point , but like you said it’s a talent to sew. If I had to learn to sew on top of learning crochet I wouldn’t do it. I’m really bad at handling tiny things . I think if you can sew amigurumi you’re truly so talented and I’m in awe of their work - but that will take me a awhile to master and I think it’s a shame that some people expect a beginner to just know EVERYTHING at once. As a buyer of patterns, I just don’t buy a pattern if it doesn’t say no sew. I’ve also learned that if the pattern has more defined legs , wings , etc it’s probably sew and that’s for way down the line in my crochet journey lol.
I have to agree totally with you. It's depends on so many factors why someone choose a pattern or yarn. For me it depends on my health, energy and affordability to what I can manage. For me it can change day to day.
I was trying to crochet rocks! And pebbles.
Does anyone have any ideas how to crochet sand?
I agree, people just need to chill out. Sometimes I choose no sew patterns because I have arthritis and sewing in pieces is sometimes more difficult. Sometimes I so things in because I want the practice. So I just do things off and on depending on what my body and brain decide to do. Great video! Thank you.
Yeah like... I started crocheting 3 years ago. Put it down and only recently picked it back up and - forgive the pun - I've been hooked. I primarily make whole ass blankets and those sort of things where it's just one repetitive stitch, over and over again and could smash out a full queen sized blanket in under a month (side note, use a pillowcase to keep stuff like that contained so it's easier, it also doubles as a good ass pillow. You're welcome). But I picked up a pattern for an amigurumi that to be honest? Was WELL out of my depth as someone who'd only done blankets. My tension is good though, I know stitches and I know how to read patterns now so I figured why not?
Holy shit this pattern was so well written I cannot overstate it. Made PERFECT sense, very easy to follow and was AWESOME just seeing this little creature come out as I was working on it. It also had sewing on it. My hands get a bit... Crunchy sometimes with pinching and fine movements, but I used stitch markers to pin things down where I wanted and looked up how to do the whip stitch that was mentioned in sewing the pieces together and honestly?? It came out AWESOME. It's so good if I had the extra yarn I'd make another one for my nephew because I know he loves the dinosaur that it was LOL.
All this to say that, I knew going in that it was going to be sewing and made up in my mind that I was just gonna have to bite the bullet and learn it because I wanted to make that. It's not ableist to think that, and neither is the pattern creator for making it the way she did - it would be IMPOSSIBLE to no sew that pattern due to the sheer level of detail on it. Idk. I feel like if you wanna do something that badly - even with disabilities (hi like me) - you find out what works for you and go from there. At the end of the day, it's all for fun and enjoyment of the craft, yknow?
I learned sewing first, many many years ago, before I ever got into crochet, so it’s interesting to see so many people not enjoy sewing! I think it’s fun (and if you are able, it’s a great skill to learn!)
I’m cutting out fabric shopping bags while I watch your video 😊
Great commentary. My gripe is that everyone is making the same patterns, saying it’s their original thought. Even if you add a heart or flower it is still the same. Ijs. 💕💕
I use any and all patterns if I like the project. If my pain is high, I make sure to choose a project that won't make it worse or take breaks as needed.
i learned to crochet back in october but ive been sewing on and off for about 20 years now. when i first had to sew something on a crocheted piece i didn't blink an eye, i just pulled out a needle and got to work. i also have adhd, and i understand how an adhd or autistic crocheter could have trouble switching tasks like that. all that being said, us new crocheters need to understand what the conventions of the crochet world are and why they're there before we start proposing changes. you very well could have a better idea than what exists now, but you can't know that unless you understand why what's currently here is the way it is
This is like wanting to make a blanket with many colors but not wanting to deal with all the ends. Really? This is all part of the craft. Find patterns that suit you and don't blame others for your choices. I'm currently working on 2 projects - a panda Amigurumi and a baby blanket
(admittedly, I think wanting lots of colors but not wanting to deal with the ends is why self striping and other multicolored yarns exist. You just have was more control when you do it yourself)
Hi Rachel! I love this video. I don’t make plushies, but I have in the past, long ago. I could not understand the obsession with “no sew” patterns as I sew as well as crochet. But you explained it well. Thank you.
I am not familiar with Threads. I am going to Google it, but meanwhile would you provide a link please.
I am working on a rectangular shawl as a wedding gift for a friend’s future granddaughter-in-law.
I started with no sew patterns despite having enough experience to hand sew a hoodie
Bigger projects can scare people, bit those are always rewarding in the end
I am making a keychain wristlet rn!
I just like no-sew patterns as someone who do not do plushies. I am awful at sewing when it comes to yarn apparently, and it always ends up falling out, which is weird, because my woven-in ends never do.
It's why I tried to learn every way to put together things with a crochet hook verse a needle haha.
Honestly no sew is so much more hard for me because I do have adhd and comprehension of patterns Is hard because there’s usually not pictures to show how to crochet together vs sew together. Whereas I feel the picture on the front of the pattern is a lot better for people with adhd because it directly shows where each piece goes.
I like what I find personally pleasing to my eyes and sometimes that requires some sewing. There are tutorials out there that show techniques to sew parts together. I sew and had to learn how to sew plushies together.
Oh, wow. I think I hit on all your reasons for no sew. While I'm not a beginner (crocheting since 2019) I hadn't made a ton of plushies before last year. I'd definitely like to sell them, I hate working with Chenille yarn, and I have ehler-danlos syndrome (and ADHD, lol). No sew patterns are a lifesaver. I can do sewn as well but I reserve that for BIG projects that will sell higher since they require so much more work and cause a lot more pain.
Sadly some peoples don't ask or don't read the descriptions before buying (and not only crochet pattern) They only saw a beautiful picture and want to have it now.
I don't like to sew the pieces and I have a lot of Amigurumi WIPs because of that but it's mostly because each time i have to check another ammigurumi to see where to sew 😅I have to update my pattern someday to add this crutial information.
Crocheting a travel bag for my doll
I was winding yarn while watching today. In my area, low-sew or no-sew plushies are the style many people want to buy at markets, so the rise of these types of patterns may also be driven by consumer demand.
I totally agree with u... i like all patterns but do tend to lean towards lower sewing projects just because i have extremely bad arthritis and alot of sewing can sometimes cause a flare up. I dont understand why it matters to anyone what someone else's preference is..❤😊
My biggest gripe about rating systems and penalties for less than 5 stars is that we've polarized ratings. If you’re good, you get 5 and if you’re bad you get 1. Each rating has a different meaning! 1 is awful. 2 is bad. 3 is neutral. 4 is good. 5 is great. 3 stars shouldn’t be a death sentence to a product/location because it wasn’t bad, it was just neutral. 4 stars is an endorsement, so it’s especially frustrating when those reviews are penalized.
Couldn’t agree more! There are things to take a stand on, and this is just not one of them. Let’s all be kind. What another person chooses to do with their art is just that- their choice. The end ❤
Ha! Good morning Rachel, thanks for your video today, I am Canadian, "why can't we all get along"?? Never mind, I don't want to go there. I didn't know that your video would be about sewing today before it started, but I happened to be sewing, not any crochet, but my dogs toy that he got for Christmas, that he already chewed a hole in!!!!! I am now going to crochet a row in my temperature blanket and then I am going to do some embroidery today. I really hope all my American friends have a great day and as we say up here..."be kind, eh!"😊🇨🇦
Thank you for your Canadian kindness 😁❤️
I've been working on my very first crocheted bandana while listening to this!
I was working on the six day star blanket while watching, never really been a lover of amagurumi, but have done some plushies, so I do think it’s an interesting debate, but I think it also really comes down to how much time do you want to invest into a project, for markets no see patterns do tend to be better, but if you want a complicated human cartoon doll, then you will more than likely have to sew.
I don’t crochet, but I was working on sewing a Torque Wrench (character from my little pony) plush while this played!
Sounds so cute!
Currently I'm finishing a coat for my sister. After using using both kinds of patterns, I find that I really enjoy both the no sew and sew projects. We all have different ways to enjoy the art of crocheting. Seems that there are always some people who just like to complain.
I have been crocheting for 21 years. I have used all types of yarn (and some not yarns) to make all sorts of things. I love Pica Pau I love no sew patterns. I've done deep like thirty peice sew it all together and have moving parts. I've done the only thing you sew on is the ears.
There are things I think both are good for. My two year old, he gets the no sew stuff. I make no sew cuddlies for baby showers and toddlers in my life cause there is no little strings that could possibly ever come undone (not that they ever have, but knock on wood)
My thirteen year old. She gets the dolls with changeable outfits and arms and legs that move. Zombie bears with bits that can "fall off" and be reattached (I have to write that pattern up cause it's so cool, I'm so proud of myself.)
Kids get acrylic stuff that can just be tossed in the wash. Adults get fancier, more care required yarn.
I once got a 3 star review on my Etsy because the mail system lost their package and I didn't notice until they contacted me months later. I prefer no-sew or low sew because that's the step that takes me the longest just because I keep putting it off. I have a cowl that needs two buttons sewn onto it, but it has sat for months just because I haven't done it yet. It's like why I won't make a sweater that requires sewing, I know I just won't get to it any time soon.
Hi Rachel! Great video today. I don’t do social media (except for TH-cam comments, obviously lol), so I wasn’t aware of this drama. I’m with you x it’s all about personal preference, and it’s unfair to leave a decreased-star review due to your error, not the designer’s.
Love your Wicked headband! Do you have a pattern link?
I’m working on an Elphaba keychain amigurumi while I watched today. I haven’t found any patterns for one, so I’m trying my hand at creating it as I go.🤞it turns out! The plan is to do a Galinda one too.
Omg I bet your keychains are so cuuuute!
I got the idea for my headband from My Poppet Makes blog: mypoppet.com.au/makes/colour-blocked-granny-square-headband/
I made this one with Keche 100% cotton
I'm currently using a pattern for a little kraken with 18 pieces. I'm not the biggest fan of sewing with wool, but there is no helping it, if I want to make this exact plushi. If I don't want or can't sew at all, for whatever reason, it is my own responsability to check patterns for this criteria and if I can't tell by looking at it, I contact the seller for more info.
I did purchase a pattern once, that totaly went over my head. I was sitting there, staring and didn't understand anything. But that was not the designers fault. When I bought the pattern, I was too confidant in my skills and didn't realize, that this pattern wasn't a beginner pattern at all. I saw it and bought it, without even thinking that it could be to complicated or include stiches, that I wasn't familiar with. After a while, I came back to the pattern with a bit more practice under my belt and on my second try it actually worked out fine. If I had given the seller a bad rating back then, I would feel pretty bad today because how could I blame them for my lack of understanding and practice on my first try?
3:48 OMG THANK YOU for taking the time to ask and educate others how these patterns are more disability friendly!! My roommates and I all crochet and have hypermobility disorders, so we prefer low sew and no sew patterns!!
I was blown away to see you even move your arm and shoulder to demonstrate the wider range of motion that sewing requires and how it can hurt us! Thank you for including our voice in this video
I’m so glad you felt seen. I always want to make sure I’m learning from other people’s perspectives instead of just assuming I know better.
Sometimes detailed no sew patterns take me longer because of placement of parts, crochet in then rip back because a little out of alignment due to my tension. Sewing on parts you can place - sit back and look then sew😂.
I actually was getting ready in the morning while I was watching/listening this, but I’m currently working on a 6 day star blanket.
I personally just find sewing kind of daunting, and it makes me anxious that my project is going to turn out wonky bc trust my crochet skills but not my sewing skills 😅😅.
But I’m open to trying them more if ur sewing with the yarn, thread feels like a different beast 🤣