How To Crochet With Fun Fur

Crocheting with Fun Fur, a novelty yarn from Lion Brand Yarn, can be a difficult task, even for intermediate crocheters. The problem with Fun Fur is that the actual strand is very thin, but the strands or "fur" around the yarn makes the stitches difficult to see. As a result, a crocheter generally has to feel for the stitches rather than look for them, which makes it easy to miss stitches. The simplest way to crochet with Fun Fur is to pair it with another, plain yarn.

Things You'll Need

• Fun Fur yarn
• Plain worsted-weight yarn
• Size J hook

Instructions

1. Select a plain-texture, solid-color yarn that coordinates with the Fun Fur yarn that will be used. Using a plain yarn gives the stitches more definition, making it easier to crochet with the fur.

2. Wind both the Fun Fur and the plain yarn into center pull balls. This prevents them from rolling around and getting tangled together while you work. If a ball-winder is unavailable, place each ball in a separate container or bag to keep it from rolling around.

3. Hold the ends of both yarns together and make a slip knot around the crochet hook. Yarn over and draw through the loop to make a chain stitch. Repeat this until the chain is as long as desired.

4. Work in single crochet for best results, as the tighter fabric will hold the fur in place better than a looser stitch. Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, then yarn over and draw the hook back through the chain. Yarn over again and draw the yarn through both loops on the hook. Repeat for each remaining chain until you reach the end of the row, then chain one by yarning over and drawing through the one loop on the hook.

5. Turn the work by rotating the piece counterclockwise so that the hook is at the right end of the work. Make sure to turn the piece counterclockwise at the end of every row. This ensures that the last stitch in each row will be open enough to crochet into. At the end of the last row, fasten off by cutting the yarn, yarning over, and drawing the yarn end through the loop on the hook.

6. Trim the fur on both sides of the piece to the level desired. Trimming down to a very short layer will give the piece a fuzzy appearance, while leaving the fur longer gives the piece a silkier appearance. To achieve the silkiness, though, the fur needs to be brushed in one direction, possibly wet. Otherwise, the fur will stick out in several directions.

References

• Mary Jane's Crochet: Tips on Crochet

Resources

• Lion Brand Yarn: Fun Fur