STAR WARS: YODA   (Crochet)

I purchased a Star Wars Crochet Kit when I was in Florida a month or so ago.  The kit comes with the patterns, a crochet hook, enough yarn to complete two projects (Yoda and a Storm Trooper), and a small pouch of fiber fill.  I’ve been anxious to try some of the patterns in it.  When one of my grandsons requested Yoda for his birthday I decided it was time to get serious about it and get busy! 

While I am happy as can be to have the kit I will say that I really wish the option to purchase just the patterns was available.  I say this for several reasons:     

• The entire kit is packaged in a 10” x 10” box and the pattern book itself is only 5” x 7.”  Due to the size of the book and the binding that was used you are not really able to open the book and refer to the pattern as you go…because you can’t keep the book open!  That being said – I have used the first pattern in the book and the binding is already showing wear.  I suspect by the time I get to the last pattern the pages will no longer be bound. L
• I paid for an F crochet hook that I do not need as I already have one (or two).  And as it was…I decided I prefer using a G hook for the pattern! (more on that in a bit)
• The yarn that comes with the kit is not the best – I tossed it and used my own.
• The “safety” eyes they include are anything but safe! L  The backs do not fit the posts (at least in my kit). They are too large and fall right off, so…I tossed those also and had to go in search of safety eyes that are actually safe and will stay in place.  Unfortunately, I was unable to find the size the pattern calls for in our area, so…I made do with what I could find.

       Back to the yarn…the yarn that comes with the kit is very fine. (If you complete the pattern with the yarn included you will end up with a 2.5” doll.)  I prefer to work with something a little heavier, so as I said, I tossed the yarn and used Red Heart Super Saver instead.  I was pleased with the results and am happy I made the change.  There was also the issue of never finding yarn even close to what came in the kit to complete the remaining patterns, so I would not be able to complete the set to match.

I made two Yoda’s so far. The first was for my grandson’s birthday party yesterday and of course I forgot to take pictures! So I made up another one today. The first one I made using a size F hook and it was decent but still only measured a little over 3 inches. I used a size G hook on the one I made today; it measures almost 4.5 inches.  I’ll be using a G hook for the remainder of the patterns since I like the dolls to be a bit larger.

(back view of finished doll)

Changes I made to the pattern:

I used a magic ring instead of the “ch 2, 6 sc in second chain from the hook.”  I can never get that little hole in the middle to close up all the way unless I use the magic ring!  Okay, so that’s just me but that’s how I do it.  Either way will work, it’s just a matter of preference.

Another change I made was in working the sleeves on the robe.  Instead of crocheting the piece, sewing the seam and then sewing the sleeve onto the body of the robe I worked the sleeve right on the armhole.  I know - I’m lazy! I figure this saved me 2 whole steps!! It is not necessary but it saves time and energy.    I basically just reversed the pattern. I started in the center of the underarm of the body.

I joined in the center space with a sc, sc in the same space as joining, sc in the next sp, pull up a loop in the 3^rd space and in the side of row 2 (this prevents holes), yo and pull through 3 loops on hook, sc in next 4 sc, draw up a loop in the side of row 2 and the next space under the arm, yo and pull through all 3 loops on hook, sc in next sp, join in first sc. (10 sc)

Rnd 2: ch 1,sc in first sc, sc in each sc around. Join in first sc.

Rnd 3: ch 1, work 2 sc in same st as joining, sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in last sc   (12 sc)

Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join in first sc, finish off.

Repeat for other sleeve.

I made one ear following the pattern and then I reversed the instructions to make the second ear.  I did not do this on the first Yoda and it looked like one ear was upside down! 

The last change I made was the belt.  Because I ended up with a larger Yoda then the pattern is written for I had to add to the 30 stitches in the pattern, 45 sts worked well for me.

Coming soon…Storm Troopers

May the force be with you!