Knit a Square, Create a Cuddly Creature: From Flat to Fabulous - A Step-by-Step Guide

The big caveat is that I haven't actually knitting any of these projects, yet. But the majority of the animals look very cute and well put together, other than the strange looking teddy bear and zebra, that is, and I don't even know where to begin with the extremely clever but don't ever let a child within 10 feet of it unless you want to make a trip to hospital Drake the Dragon. There is a helpful photo at the beginning of the project with all of the knitted pieces and attachments, such as beads or eyes, laid out, and then another page with how-to-sew-it-together graphs. It would be wonderful if every knitting pattern of every kind did this! There are some issues:1. The index is by name of project, only, not the animal. So you will not find Grayson the Squirrel under S for Squirrel, but only under G for Grayson. However, there is a great index in the front of the book, done by photos, without names, a picture of the finished animal with the page number larger printed in the corner. So the index issue is quite forgivable.2. You do indeed begin each project by making a large square, but there are other small pieces to make to attach which are most definitely not squares. For a real square-only book, check out Knit a Square, Make a Toy book. There is nothing but squares knit in that one.3. This book is definitely not for beginners. There are much more advanced stitches such as honeycomb, butterfly and mitered, and hard to work with yarn, such as fake fur.After I've made some of them, I will adjust my review and stars accordingly.

The only reason that I am giving this a 4 and not a 5-star review is that to complete the dragon, you need to buy a set of "dragon scales" from a very nice website given in the supplies' list. I visited the beautiful website and clicked on the dragon scales link. They are very aesthetically pleasing. I was very suprised when I saw the price tag. One (1) set of scales is $77.00. I am not someone afraid to pay for quality, but I am on a fixed income and $77 for scales for a stuffed animal is just way too much for my budget.

This was an impulse buy and I have enjoyed what I've made so far. I know I will not make every project because some are just straight up hideous and too fiddly to appear enjoyable. The majority are sweet and unique though. I don't think I would recommend it to anyone, but I would say check it out at the library first to make sure you find something you like in it before committing.

Easy for a beginner knitter and/or a child.

OK - not every animal is just a square - but the base of each is a square or rectangle. My sisters and I all picked out one to knit an compare and are having fun with it. There are so many choices in the book, and even the little bits that need to be knit separately are generally simple to knit. Enjoying this one a lot. I have bought several books about knitting little animals, but this is the first one that I felt I could do without lots of fussiness.

It’s Nicky Epstein. What else do you need to know.Innovative, easy to follow instructions, I love her books!

Some patterns require some very special materials purchased elsewhere. I live in a very rural area so there is little chance of me finding these here locally. A lot of custom ideas but you would have to be creative to substitute the specialty items or send away for them at additional costs!

I have bought several of her books but this is the cutest and most ingenious I have. It is great for beginners as well as seasoned knitters. All you have to do is knit a square. It is a combination of knitting an simple origami and the results are precious. Thanks. Highly recommended from a seasoned knitter/crocheter

These knitted creatures are very clever and full of character; just looking through the illustrations made me smile. I did a bit of checking - as far as I can see most of the specified yarns are easily obtainable in the UK online. OK, some of them aren't the cheapest, but they are scrumptious. I think maybe the irresistible shaggy sheepdog will be first on my needles - but I'm awfully tempted by the splendid scaly dragon (try beadsisters for small scales in the UK.If you enjoy something a bit different, go on, indulge yourself. I guarantee the creatures will be joyfully received by any small person of your acquaintance.

I've bought the book because my husband has just started to learn to knit and I thought it would provide him with some easy projects to try. The patterns in the book are too complicated for a beginner and really not nice enough for me to want to spend any time knitting them. They just aren't very nice. If you're an experienced knitter there are much better books out there, with much nicer designs. Overall, very disappointing.

Bought this for a friend who can only knit squares! It’s too advanced for her really, but I think she will have a go!

Started knitting as soon as it cam......Love it ...so much fun..... Umm forgot to give the fish away so they are hanging up......lol... Now lets see those cats....lol.....

Knit a square and turn it into a toy, add the knitted extras, like flippers, beak or tail and it's complete.