Crocheting with Fuzzy Yarn Tips + Crochet Llama

Sharing is caring!

Love the look of fuzzy yarn? Me too! I adore this crochet llama pattern and I was just so excited to work one up for a friend’s birthday. Llamas have been en vogue for a little while now and there are just so many cute and cuddly versions out there.

I simply love this rag doll style crochet llama. With her fuzzy body, long lashes, custom blanket, plus all the fun baubles how could you not swoon over her?

Now while I was stoked about crocheting this llama, I have to confess that I did not feel equally as giddy about crocheting with fuzzy yarn! It was a first for me y’all and I was definitely intimidated.

However, a friend requested this llama, and I knew that one reason was the super cuddly (enter fuzzy yarn!) nature of her. So I didn’t want to sub out regular yarn without at least giving it a go. And if I can do it, you can too! Promise.

Pin It

fuzzy llama tips

This post contains affiliate links, I may earn a fee. Read more disclosure policy.

Tips for Crocheting with Fuzzy Yarn

The first thing I wanted to do was get my hands on said fuzzy yarn. So I went to my local yarn shop and was able to get some Bernat Pipsqueak* in whitey white.

I took a close look at the way it was constructed and saw quite easily that it had a center core strand(s) with all the fluffy fibers coming off of it. Already I began to feel better about the challenge ahead, because I could feel the taut distinction of the center with my fingers and knew then I would work by feel with this yarn, more than by look.

picture of fuzzy llama complete with blanket

When crocheting stuffed amigurumi, or in this case rag doll style you want to keep your stitches even and tight. I already have a looser tension than many, so I didn’t really loosen my tension further, as that would compromise the pattern too much.

However, if you crochet tightly then loosening your tension is a viable option. Sizing up your crochet hook is also a way to make working with fuzzy yarn a bit easier. You’ll have to be aware of yarn usage and sizing differences in your finished item, but it may be worth it.

[the_ad id=”10235″]

The Tools

Having the right tools, makes a huge difference. Before I got started I tried out my Bates*, Boye* and Clover hooks. If you haven’t looked into different crochet hooks, it’s definitely worth trying some out. My Clover Amour hook* won hands down. The smooth glide and ergonomic handle are hard to beat.

picture of hook in white fuzzy yarn tips

Once I selected a hook, I loosely worked up a little swatch just to get the feel of the yarn. I was surprised at how easily I could find the stitches both with my hook and my fingers. Which was such a relief because my eyes didn’t know what was going on! At least, not at first, it took a little while to realize I could see rows and stitches.

Set yourself up with excellent lighting. If you normally crochet in a room with good natural light-great, but add even more. Relocate a lamp if you don’t use a work light* already. I found it was easier to see the rows (& keep count) when I held my work up to the light.

Counting stitches and rows was the trickiest bit for me. One reason this is extra challenging is the four kids I have who don’t wait for me to finish counting before interrupting. Actually they may wait for me to start counting before interrupting…

Anyway, using your stitch markers* for the rows will help you keep track if, like me, you aren’t able to sit down and work through one entire piece in one sitting. That’s kind of like crochet heaven isn’t it? Or like being a mom and going to the grocery store alone?

Back to stitch markers, you can mark every 5 or 10 rows and that will help speed up the pace. Also marking tricky spots where you’ll need to shape or change colors is useful too.

picture of white fuzzy yarn swatch held up to light tips

I was able to crochet most of my llama up while en route on our family vacation. My husband was a dear to drive, so I could crochet away on this little llama.

By the time we left I had worked up one entire half, so I was comfortable with the fuzzy yarn and the pattern. Not to mention the kids were confined to their seats, so there were fewer interruptions.

picture of fuzzy llama driving

I think that covers the tips I have for you when working with fuzzy yarn. It was easier than I expected, but it did require a little figuring out.

One more thing worth mentioning is that it was very forgiving yarn. If I missed a stitch or only worked into one loop, these type of mistakes were not apparent.

That fuzz does work in your favor for hiding little mistakes. Obviously too many skipped stitches will effect your pattern, but usually one here or there are easy to correct.

And it was totally worth it! I love how she turned out and more importantly the birthday girl loved her too.

Get the Pattern

If you would like to make your own crochet llama you can get the ad-free pdf pattern here,* or the free version is available on her blog Spin A Yarn Crochet. The pattern is well written and explained. She gives you all the details you need. I find having a printed version is helpful to keep with my work, especially if you’re crocheting on the go!

Looking for more amigurumi? Check out my review of Little Green Bear’s Jeremy the Jack Russell crochet puppy pattern.

Pattern Customization

I made a few changes to accommodate the yarns I had available. If you don’t have access to the recommended yarns, try the Yarn Substitution site.

picture of fuzzy white crochet llama with orange red striped blanket

For all the accessories I used Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton*, which is a #4 worsted weight cotton yarn. So I also sized up my hook to a D/3.25mm for the blanket, tassels and baubles.

My llama recipient is a Giants fan so I created the blanket pattern using those colors. For the blanket I chained 17 to start, then crocheted:

1 row red

2 black

1 red

1 orange

2 red

1 black

1 red

2 orange

3 red

picture of fuzzy llama with orange and black baubles

I added the fringe in orange by folding the lengths of yarn in half and pulling the fold through the stitch on the front side, hooked the two ends and pulled them through to secure it.

Since the yarn I used was thicker, I left out row 3 of the bauble pattern, and I made only 6 baubles for the necklace. For the tassel band I only made a chain and ss to the first to make a circle, then threaded the end down through the tassel.

So not many changes, just a few for sizing due to the yarn. I couldn’t easily find #3 cotton.

Her face turned out so pretty using the black crochet thread*. I’m so glad I invested in it for this project because now I have it ready for more little faces. I had to keep this llama well away from my kiddos who wanted to claim her as their own!

Before sewing her together, I embroidered her face on both sides so she’s reversible!

picture of fuzzy llama with orange blanket and baubles

I hope these tips for crocheting with fuzzy yarn were helpful and give you the confidence to try it! Be sure to share this with a yarn loving friend!

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

13 Comments

  1. Thanks! I was really pleased with how it turned out! I bet you can, I hope you give it a go!

  2. I can’t wait to make this! I have a friend who will absolutely love this. Thanks for the helpful tips!