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Crochet Taxidermy: 30 Quirky Animal Projects, from Mouse to Moose
Crochet Taxidermy puts a new twist on amigurumi, the popular Japanese method of creating considerably cute stuffed animals with oversized heads. In this delightful collection, heads of animals from farm and forest, sea and safari come to life with irresistible details like the drowsy eye (for the shy deer and sleepy octopus) and fuzzy yarn (for the skittery skunk’s stripe and lazy lion’s mane). Step-by-step instructions and adorable photos guide you through these 30 easy crochet patterns. Most require just one skein of yarn, so they’re affordable and quick to crochet!
208 pages, Paperback
Published August 23, 2016
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October 9, 2016Cute book! I'm not an experienced crochet-er and the patterns were simple enough for me to follow.
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January 30, 2020Know this: I don't crochet. Or knit. Or anything involving making complicated knotty art using string or yarn. In fact, I can barely sew on a button without getting all kinds of tangled.
But someone left this on my desk (we ARE having a crochet program next week...it's not mine tho) so I flipped through it. Because it was there.
And it's cute.
But... 😳😳😳😳😳
Is anyone else here kind of unnerved by the art of creating crochet taxidermied heads of animals, many of which are endangered or protected? Yeah, I know it's only yarn. But it's the IDEA of it. Little too creepy for me. I prefer my stuffy critters with heads and bodies, thankyouverymuch.
And of course NOT real...because real taxidermy is gross and wrong on a completely different level. But that's another rant for another day.
Anyway. Just my thoughts.
But someone left this on my desk (we ARE having a crochet program next week...it's not mine tho) so I flipped through it. Because it was there.
And it's cute.
But... 😳😳😳😳😳
Is anyone else here kind of unnerved by the art of creating crochet taxidermied heads of animals, many of which are endangered or protected? Yeah, I know it's only yarn. But it's the IDEA of it. Little too creepy for me. I prefer my stuffy critters with heads and bodies, thankyouverymuch.
And of course NOT real...because real taxidermy is gross and wrong on a completely different level. But that's another rant for another day.
Anyway. Just my thoughts.
August 21, 2016
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
If you are a crafter with a basic understanding of amigurumi techniques – crocheting in the round, completing a magic circle, attaching limbs etc – this would be a fantastic pick for extending those skills in a way that allows for guilt-free construction of what are, essentially, plushies. Being an avid maker of amigurumi, I know the internal conflict that arises from wanting desperately to make another cute little plushy, but feeling the guilt of not having an immediate purpose or recipient in mind for said toy. Attaching the completed product to your wall is a perfect solution!
The book provides a diverse range of cute critters to display around the interior of your abode (or work cubicle!), with projects ranging from the quick and adorable mouse, chicken, owl and cuttlefish designs, to the more substantial moose, cow and hippo. Animals are divided into habitat categories, so if you have a particular decorating theme in mind, you can draw on a whole wall-full of inspiration. Similarly, the patterns for related animals seem to use standard shapes, so once you have mastered one animal, completing others of its ilk should be a doddle.
I had two main issues of contention with this title though. The first is that, as a more experienced amigurumi maker, the animals didn’t quite have the quirky facial character I was hoping for. This is simply an issue of preference however, so I can’t really hold that against the designer. The second issue however, which can be noticed upon close inspection of the completed photographs of the projects, is one that poked at the frayed nerves of the perfectionist in me. One of the key features of amigurumi is the use of small, tightly woven stitches, but in the project photos the stuffing is clearly showing on a number of the animals, which means that the stitches are larger than they probably should be – or alternately, that the pieces are too tightly stuffed, stretching the fabric too widely. This could be related to the fact that some of the projects are quite large and designed to be completed quickly, but it seemed like something that should have been ironed out before the final patterns were made up, to give the finished product a more professional look.
If you are at the beginning of your amigurumi journey though, or someone who needs a watertight excuse to make more cute, quirky plushies, this book really does have everything you need to achieve a successful and jolly faux-taxidermy look for your home.
If you are a crafter with a basic understanding of amigurumi techniques – crocheting in the round, completing a magic circle, attaching limbs etc – this would be a fantastic pick for extending those skills in a way that allows for guilt-free construction of what are, essentially, plushies. Being an avid maker of amigurumi, I know the internal conflict that arises from wanting desperately to make another cute little plushy, but feeling the guilt of not having an immediate purpose or recipient in mind for said toy. Attaching the completed product to your wall is a perfect solution!
The book provides a diverse range of cute critters to display around the interior of your abode (or work cubicle!), with projects ranging from the quick and adorable mouse, chicken, owl and cuttlefish designs, to the more substantial moose, cow and hippo. Animals are divided into habitat categories, so if you have a particular decorating theme in mind, you can draw on a whole wall-full of inspiration. Similarly, the patterns for related animals seem to use standard shapes, so once you have mastered one animal, completing others of its ilk should be a doddle.
I had two main issues of contention with this title though. The first is that, as a more experienced amigurumi maker, the animals didn’t quite have the quirky facial character I was hoping for. This is simply an issue of preference however, so I can’t really hold that against the designer. The second issue however, which can be noticed upon close inspection of the completed photographs of the projects, is one that poked at the frayed nerves of the perfectionist in me. One of the key features of amigurumi is the use of small, tightly woven stitches, but in the project photos the stuffing is clearly showing on a number of the animals, which means that the stitches are larger than they probably should be – or alternately, that the pieces are too tightly stuffed, stretching the fabric too widely. This could be related to the fact that some of the projects are quite large and designed to be completed quickly, but it seemed like something that should have been ironed out before the final patterns were made up, to give the finished product a more professional look.
If you are at the beginning of your amigurumi journey though, or someone who needs a watertight excuse to make more cute, quirky plushies, this book really does have everything you need to achieve a successful and jolly faux-taxidermy look for your home.
April 6, 2016
Copy provided by Netgalley for review
Very cute idea! Small projects that were easy and quick to do. Did get a bit samey though--so many animal heads stuck on wood. But that is exactly what it says it will be.
Very cute idea! Small projects that were easy and quick to do. Did get a bit samey though--so many animal heads stuck on wood. But that is exactly what it says it will be.
January 16, 2023
Overall, a good book with clear instructions, diagrams, and multiple photos. There's also a broad range of projects here; most of them are on the smaller side and can be finished up in a day. There are also larger patterns that would take up a weekend. All projects are beginner friendly. So why only three stars? The designs are just not all that cute. There is something sort of off about them that I cannot put my finger on. Maybe because so many of the animals look sad? I know that sounds silly, but these are tounge-in-cheek crocheted trophy heads of mostly animals you would never have taxidermied as a trophy: a pig, an octopus, a chicken, a panda, a flamingo. These are supposed to be funny and absurd. But all of them look so unbelievably sad and traumatized. The deer head has the saddest, most resigned look on its face. The zebra looks traumatized. The Lion looks like he's being forced to perform circus tricks. The "Under-the-Sea" Creatures chapter is best part of the book, in my opinion. I made the sleepy octopus and played with the pattern to actually make it look cute and cuddly instead of like it was just waiting to die.
This is also somewhat picky of me, but I like making amigurumi and stuffies that are more tightly crocheted because I like the cleaner lines. These patterns make creatures that have a more loose crochet design and give the overall amigurumi a less defined and polished finish. A lot of people love this aesthetic and it does have its place for sure, but here it didn't work well for me. Since many of the patterns are for smaller projects, I didn't care for the way the pattern was designed. This is just personal preference though. If you prefer the more cohesive finish of amigurumi, then you will need to play around with yarn size, hook size, and tension when making these projects.
This is also somewhat picky of me, but I like making amigurumi and stuffies that are more tightly crocheted because I like the cleaner lines. These patterns make creatures that have a more loose crochet design and give the overall amigurumi a less defined and polished finish. A lot of people love this aesthetic and it does have its place for sure, but here it didn't work well for me. Since many of the patterns are for smaller projects, I didn't care for the way the pattern was designed. This is just personal preference though. If you prefer the more cohesive finish of amigurumi, then you will need to play around with yarn size, hook size, and tension when making these projects.
March 14, 2020
I liked it, but it's not really not my own taste for projects (just not sure what I'd actually make from it, where it would go in my home, you know?). Not surprised at all that the author lives in Austin - a perfect town for something cute, weird, and a little country/western influenced!
There were definitely things I'd change or just simply weren't as fond of. The set-up of the book was unusual. The pictures all grouped before the patterns - that I get. But then some of the instructions are before the patterns (joining in the round, assembling the mounted heads, et) and then some are after (the basic stitch instructions). I see that she's got it broken out so that the more basic stuff was in an Appendix, but still... Wasn't as orderly/logical a flow to my mind. As for things I wasn't as fond of - well, some of the animals were weird or not as cute. I'm not a fan of the Rowdy Raccoon or Cranky Croc especially, and the Hipster Hippo's ears were pretty weird (they were much more proportionate on the Renegade Rhino project).
I think my favorite projects were the Brown Bear/Panda, the Little Hooter, the Hen and Rooster, and the whole undersea chapter (the Jiggly Jellyfish are adorable and very kawaii). My absolute favorite was the Sleepy Octopus, in part because he looks like a mounted Cthulhu. Because who doesn't want a taxidermied Elder God in their home?
There were definitely things I'd change or just simply weren't as fond of. The set-up of the book was unusual. The pictures all grouped before the patterns - that I get. But then some of the instructions are before the patterns (joining in the round, assembling the mounted heads, et) and then some are after (the basic stitch instructions). I see that she's got it broken out so that the more basic stuff was in an Appendix, but still... Wasn't as orderly/logical a flow to my mind. As for things I wasn't as fond of - well, some of the animals were weird or not as cute. I'm not a fan of the Rowdy Raccoon or Cranky Croc especially, and the Hipster Hippo's ears were pretty weird (they were much more proportionate on the Renegade Rhino project).
I think my favorite projects were the Brown Bear/Panda, the Little Hooter, the Hen and Rooster, and the whole undersea chapter (the Jiggly Jellyfish are adorable and very kawaii). My absolute favorite was the Sleepy Octopus, in part because he looks like a mounted Cthulhu. Because who doesn't want a taxidermied Elder God in their home?
June 1, 2017
This is a very cute collection with a great diversity of animals to choose from. There are lots of photos of the finished projects and the directions seem clear and easy to follow. My biggest complaint is that some of the animals don't have the features to make them superb examples of the craft. I also thought it looked odd that the material was either over-stuffed (stretching stitches) or stitched too loosely. I would have liked for this to have been addressed before final photos of the projects were incorporated into the book's design.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 28, 2016
Crochet Taxidermy by Taylor Hart is adorable! I loved the designs. She breaks it down into different categories of critters. The photographs are clear and attractive. Sadly I my time got away from me and I was unable to actually try making one. However I expect the instructions are clear and easy-to-follow. This is a book I intend to purchase for myself.
I was given access to an advance reader copy via Netgally
I was given access to an advance reader copy via Netgally
January 12, 2018
Charming! Some of the patterns are quite similar to one another, but alterations wouldn't be too difficult to change things up. This would be a fun, quirky pattern book to have on hand. Definitely a craft book I could see myself coming back to!
December 6, 2016
I love all the patterns in this book, don't know which to try first. Very clear accurate instructions, lots of illustrations of techniques and finished products.
April 25, 2016
Copy provided by Netgalley for review
Crochet Taxidermy is a book of adorable crochet patterns with a twist. Instead of using the Japanese amigurumi crochet technique to make cuddly stuffed animals, Taylor Hart uses it to make what she calls "crochetidermy" or crocheted taxidermy heads.
You may think that sounds a little creepy until you take a look at the patterns in this book. Rather than taking a realistic approach, Hart maintains the cuteness typically associated with amigurumi creatures. The juxtaposition makes for a unique and attention-getting home decoration.
Where would you put such a work of art? I wondered that myself, until seeing some of the scenes in this book. Crocheted taxidermy works in childrens' rooms, as well as in living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. With the right design, these pieces can make a great focal point in any room.
One thing that really made Crochet Taxidermy stand apart from other amigurumi books is the photography and styling. I want to decorate every room in my house with crochet taxidermy after looking through the photos! In addition to the photography, the beginning of each section has wonderful, quirky illustrations that make me smile.
Taylor Hart really lets readers get to know her throughout this book. She gives her crochet background story, which is something I always enjoy reading, as well as how and why she started creating crochet taxidermy. The beginning of each section also features a little blurb talking about why she created certain creatures or used specific colors. Those personal touches are what make the book special.
The different sections or chapters are Woodland Creatures, Farm Friends, Zoo Buddies, Safari Friends, and Under the Sea Creatures. Hart uses things like fuzzy yarn and her sleepy eyes technique to make her patterns different from the many other amigurumi patterns to be found. Detailed instructions on how to perform these techniques, as well as thorough crochet instructions and a full supply list are provided for each creature. I was quite impressed with the supply list because it listed the usual supplies, like yarn and hook size, as well as other details like the plaque and dowel size, and size of eyes.
Speaking of the plaques and dowels, there are also extensive instructions and photo tutorials on preparing the plaque and mounting your creature once the crocheting has been done. There was a lot more information about this than I expected, and I was impressed!
Crochet Taxidermy is a book of adorable crochet patterns with a twist. Instead of using the Japanese amigurumi crochet technique to make cuddly stuffed animals, Taylor Hart uses it to make what she calls "crochetidermy" or crocheted taxidermy heads.
You may think that sounds a little creepy until you take a look at the patterns in this book. Rather than taking a realistic approach, Hart maintains the cuteness typically associated with amigurumi creatures. The juxtaposition makes for a unique and attention-getting home decoration.
Where would you put such a work of art? I wondered that myself, until seeing some of the scenes in this book. Crocheted taxidermy works in childrens' rooms, as well as in living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. With the right design, these pieces can make a great focal point in any room.
One thing that really made Crochet Taxidermy stand apart from other amigurumi books is the photography and styling. I want to decorate every room in my house with crochet taxidermy after looking through the photos! In addition to the photography, the beginning of each section has wonderful, quirky illustrations that make me smile.
Taylor Hart really lets readers get to know her throughout this book. She gives her crochet background story, which is something I always enjoy reading, as well as how and why she started creating crochet taxidermy. The beginning of each section also features a little blurb talking about why she created certain creatures or used specific colors. Those personal touches are what make the book special.
The different sections or chapters are Woodland Creatures, Farm Friends, Zoo Buddies, Safari Friends, and Under the Sea Creatures. Hart uses things like fuzzy yarn and her sleepy eyes technique to make her patterns different from the many other amigurumi patterns to be found. Detailed instructions on how to perform these techniques, as well as thorough crochet instructions and a full supply list are provided for each creature. I was quite impressed with the supply list because it listed the usual supplies, like yarn and hook size, as well as other details like the plaque and dowel size, and size of eyes.
Speaking of the plaques and dowels, there are also extensive instructions and photo tutorials on preparing the plaque and mounting your creature once the crocheting has been done. There was a lot more information about this than I expected, and I was impressed!
September 22, 2016
I grabbed this book from the library thinking it might have some useful techniques for making some figures, or some cute little animals. I didn't realize that this book was going to be entirely heads on a plaque. (I have not made anything in this book). I understand the author has an etsy store, so if you wanted to make one of these heads yourself, instead of buying, this is the way to do it. Some of the water creatures seem to be whole animals, but this is not what I was looking for.
August 18, 2016
This adorable book provides ideas for doing something a bit different with all those amigurumi you can’t stop crocheting other than stuffing and tossing them to the nearest kiddo or kitten. Mount them!
I know. It’s seems obvious right? I’ve framed things, but mounting wasn’t something that I’d thought of (and I now wish I had).
This title is formatted a little differently than many recent crochet and knitting titles – all the designs are displayed and featured at the start of the book and after the features you find the instructions.
Feel free to ooh and ahh your way through the woodland creatures such as sly fox (who started Hart on this journey) and lil stinker. Giggle about the nursery rhymes you could inscribe to farm friends how now, brown cow and the baaad sheep. Pretend you went on a safari with ellie elephant and renegade rhino. The sea creatures include a colossal squid and jiggly jellyfish. Overall there are 30 designs full of whimsy. The basics cover how to crochet the figures in general and include Hart’s tried and true tricks. Following all of this general information are the specific instructions which include all the standard parts of a well written pattern. Not sure how to affix your critter to the plaque? Don’t fret. There are clear instructions and you don’t need power tools (though if you know how to use them, that opens up many more design possibilities!)
This is a fun book that will likely make you smile. I see is as a great source of ideas for quick and easy unique gifts. Once you’ve crocheted your way through these amigurumi, what whimsy might you decide to mount? A few fun ideas popped into my brain while I was reading this book.
I received an eARCs of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know.
I know. It’s seems obvious right? I’ve framed things, but mounting wasn’t something that I’d thought of (and I now wish I had).
This title is formatted a little differently than many recent crochet and knitting titles – all the designs are displayed and featured at the start of the book and after the features you find the instructions.
Feel free to ooh and ahh your way through the woodland creatures such as sly fox (who started Hart on this journey) and lil stinker. Giggle about the nursery rhymes you could inscribe to farm friends how now, brown cow and the baaad sheep. Pretend you went on a safari with ellie elephant and renegade rhino. The sea creatures include a colossal squid and jiggly jellyfish. Overall there are 30 designs full of whimsy. The basics cover how to crochet the figures in general and include Hart’s tried and true tricks. Following all of this general information are the specific instructions which include all the standard parts of a well written pattern. Not sure how to affix your critter to the plaque? Don’t fret. There are clear instructions and you don’t need power tools (though if you know how to use them, that opens up many more design possibilities!)
This is a fun book that will likely make you smile. I see is as a great source of ideas for quick and easy unique gifts. Once you’ve crocheted your way through these amigurumi, what whimsy might you decide to mount? A few fun ideas popped into my brain while I was reading this book.
I received an eARCs of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know.
April 25, 2016
Cute idea! I haven't seen this before. :) I liked the intro explaining the designer's history.
Pros:
- The patterns in this book are solid and very easy to follow
- There is a good variety of animals to make.
- Instructions for mounting also included.
Cons:
- I feel that the hook size should be reduced on several of the designs, to avoid the stuffing from showing through (under-stuffing feels unlikely to be the issue).
- The first 100 pages being all images is a little off-putting. I started wondering where the patterns were. I realize the pages for the patterns are referenced, but maybe separating by section (i.e. "Barn Animals" with images AND patterns) would be better.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.
Pros:
- The patterns in this book are solid and very easy to follow
- There is a good variety of animals to make.
- Instructions for mounting also included.
Cons:
- I feel that the hook size should be reduced on several of the designs, to avoid the stuffing from showing through (under-stuffing feels unlikely to be the issue).
- The first 100 pages being all images is a little off-putting. I started wondering where the patterns were. I realize the pages for the patterns are referenced, but maybe separating by section (i.e. "Barn Animals" with images AND patterns) would be better.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.
March 31, 2016
What a cute idea, with no animals harmed in the process. The process is well explained, with the animals done in single crochet and slipstitch, and made up with simple stitches . There are sections on woodland animals, farm animals, zoo animals and even birds and sea creatures. The animals are really cute and their features are quite expressive. I think one could have a lot of fun with this book.
This book was provided to me in return for an honest and unbiased review
This book was provided to me in return for an honest and unbiased review
August 16, 2016
This is such a cute book, especially the sea creatures. The plaques look simple to put together, too. No heavy tools required beyond a cordless drill and a small saw. Most advanced beginners should be able to make the projects in the book. All of the stitches are simple and the instructions are straightforward.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
August 20, 2016
This was an ARC provided by NetGalley.
Good for beginning crocheters, but the finished products are slightly amateurish compared to "Animal Heads" by Vanessa Mooncie. The stitches should be done tighter than in the pictures to prevent the fiberfill from being seen, especially with dark-colored yarn. I would limit the displaying of the finished products to children's bedrooms.
Good for beginning crocheters, but the finished products are slightly amateurish compared to "Animal Heads" by Vanessa Mooncie. The stitches should be done tighter than in the pictures to prevent the fiberfill from being seen, especially with dark-colored yarn. I would limit the displaying of the finished products to children's bedrooms.
March 27, 2020
I gave this book as a gift, but it was so adorable I had to look through it when I got it. I don't crochet more than the basic stitch, and I can't follow a pattern, so I don't know how easy these were, but I know they were cute as can be and there were quite a few patterns to choose from. All of them were too cute and made me wish I COULD crochet.
December 20, 2016
This is going to be hilarious fun to make things out of. I'm thrilled that ALL the animals pictured have a pattern for them!
April 2, 2017
Taxidermy is a weird thing to begin with but the new idea of stuffed toys mounted on wood is sometimes cute and interesting. This book is neither of those things. The animals don't always look like what they are and the eyes are just freaky.
August 14, 2017
So many tiny cute taxidermy crochet projects. The elephant is likely to be the first one made for baby Payton.
December 6, 2017
What a cute idea, the process is well explained, with the animals done and made up with simple stitches. There are sections on woodland animals, farm animals, zoo animals and even birds and sea creatures. The animals are cute, and their features are quite expressive. I think one could have a lot of fun with this book.
May 10, 2018
This was an ARC provided by NetGalley.
Good for beginning crocheters, but the finished products are slightly amateurish compared to "Animal Heads" by Vanessa Mooncie. The stitches should be done tighter than in the pictures to prevent the fiberfill from being seen, especially with dark-colored yarn. I would limit the displaying of the finished products to children's bedrooms.
Good for beginning crocheters, but the finished products are slightly amateurish compared to "Animal Heads" by Vanessa Mooncie. The stitches should be done tighter than in the pictures to prevent the fiberfill from being seen, especially with dark-colored yarn. I would limit the displaying of the finished products to children's bedrooms.
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