Learn Crochet: Make a Cute Mushroom Bag Charm

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Making the Magic Circle
4. Increasing Rows
5. Changing Colors
6. Decreasing Rows
7. Building the Body
8. Adding Stuffing
9. Closing the Mushroom
10. Creating a Loop for the Back Charm
11. Finishing Touches

Article

Introduction

Are you looking for a fun and adorable craft project? In this tutorial, I will show you how to make a cute mushroom back charm that is perfect for kids going back to school or anyone who loves cute little things attached to their backpacks. This project is easy and fun to make, and it only requires a few materials. So let's dive in and create this super adorable mushroom back charm together!

Materials Needed

Before we get started, let's gather all the materials we'll need for this project. Here's a list of what you'll need:

1. Two different colors of yarn (blue for the top and white for the body)
2. A 4.5-millimeter crochet hook
3. A stitch marker
4. Scissors
5. Stuffing for the mushroom

Now that we have all our materials ready, let's move on to the first step of making our mushroom back charm.

Making the Magic Circle

To start our mushroom back charm, we will create a magic circle. The magic circle will act as the top of our mushroom. Here's how you can create a magic circle:

1. Take your blue yarn and make a slip knot, but don't pull it tight.
2. Insert the crochet hook into the top loop of the slip knot and the bottom loop, forming two circles.
3. Make six single crochet stitches in the magic circle.
4. Pull the tail tight to close the circle. This loop doesn't count as a stitch.

Now that we have our magic circle, we can move on to the next step.

Increasing Rows

In the first row, we will increase in every stitch to give our mushroom back charm a wider shape. Here's how you can do it:

1. Insert the crochet hook into the first stitch. (Look for the two V's formed by the loops of the stitch.)
2. Yarn over and pull through the stitch.
3. Yarn over and make another single crochet in the same stitch. (You will have two stitches in the same loop.)
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the remaining stitches. (You should have 12 stitches in total after this row.)

Now that we have completed the first row of increases, let's continue to the next step.

Changing Colors

To add some visual interest to our mushroom back charm, we will change colors. We will use the white yarn for the body of the mushroom. Here's how you can change colors:

1. Start by using the back loop only for this row. (The back loop is the loop that is farthest from you.)
2. Insert the hook into the back loop and pull the white yarn through.
3. Cut the blue yarn and tie a knot to secure it.
4. Continue making single crochet stitches using the back loop only until the end of the row.

Now that we have changed colors, let's move on to the next step.

Decreasing Rows

To shape the body of our mushroom back charm, we will now decrease the number of stitches. Here's how you can do it:

1. Start by using both loops of the stitches.
2. Insert the hook into the next stitch and yarn over. Insert the hook into the following stitch, yarn over, and pull through all three loops on the hook. (This is a decrease stitch.)
3. Repeat step 2 for every other stitch. (You will have one regular single crochet and one decrease single crochet in a pattern.)

Continue decreasing every other stitch until you have a small opening at the top of the mushroom.

Building the Body

With the small opening at the top, we can now start building the body of our mushroom back charm. Here's how you can do it:

1. Begin by increasing in every other stitch. This means making two single crochet stitches in one stitch, followed by one regular single crochet stitch.
2. Continue this pattern for two rows.

After completing the increase rows, we will make several rows of single crochet stitches to give the body a nice tube shape.

Adding Stuffing

Before closing the mushroom completely, it's time to add stuffing to give our back charm a plump and soft appearance. Here are some tips for adding stuffing:

1. Pull apart the stuffing to create a looser and bouncier effect.
2. Avoid stuffing the top of the mushroom too much. Instead, focus on stuffing the sides and leave the center part slightly empty.
3. Add small amounts of stuffing at a time to prevent it from clumping together.
4. Rub the mushroom with your fingers to distribute the stuffing evenly and create a soft texture.

Once you are satisfied with the stuffing, we can proceed to the next step.

Closing the Mushroom

To close the mushroom, we will continue decreasing the number of stitches. Here's how you can do it:

1. Decrease in every stitch, inserting the hook through both loops.
2. Add more stuffing to make the body fuller before closing it completely.
3. When you have approximately six stitches left, pull the yarn tight and cut it.
4. Thread the tail through a darning needle and sew the remaining stitches closed.

To secure the yarn and prevent it from unraveling, make a knot and thread the tail through a few stitches. Finally, cut off any excess yarn.

Creating a Loop for the Back Charm

Now that our mushroom is complete, we can turn it into a back charm by adding a loop at the top. Here's how you can create a loop:

1. Make a slip knot using the blue yarn.
2. Insert the slip knot through a space at the top of the mushroom.
3. Chain a desired length for the loop. Approximately 23 chains should be enough to attach the back charm to a backpack.
4. Insert the hook back into the space and make a slip knot to close the loop.

Tie a knot with the two yarn tails from the slip knot to secure the loop. Trim any excess yarn and thread the tails through the mushroom to hide them.

Finishing Touches

With the loop in place, our mushroom back charm is complete! You can personalize it further by adding embellishments like beads or buttons, or leave it as it is for a cute and simple look. Attach it to your backpack or gift it to someone special who will appreciate its charm.

Highlights

• Learn how to make a cute mushroom back charm
• Perfect for kids going back to school or anyone who loves cute accessories
• Use different colors of yarn for an eye-catching look
• Step-by-step instructions and tips for stuffing and closing the mushroom
• Create a loop for easy attachment to a backpack or bag

FAQ

Q: Can I use different colors for my mushroom back charm?

A: Absolutely! You can choose any colors you like to personalize your back charm.

Q: Is this project suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, this project is suitable for beginners. The instructions are easy to follow, and you only need basic crochet skills.

Q: Can I add embellishments to my mushroom back charm?

A: Yes, feel free to add beads, buttons, or other embellishments to make your back charm even more unique.

Q: How do I attach the mushroom back charm to my backpack?

A: Use the loop at the top of the mushroom to attach it to a keychain ring or a small carabiner. Then, simply clip it onto your backpack.

Q: Can I make the mushroom back charm larger or smaller?

A: Yes, you can adjust the size of the back charm by using a larger or smaller hook and changing the number of stitches accordingly.