Review Summary:
The Woobles Sandworm is an engaging project for intermediate crocheters. Tutorial videos provide detailed instruction, breaking down the pattern into manageable segments, while a printable PDF pattern is also available. The kit emphasizes three basic stitches: single crochet, increase, and decrease. However, the challenge lies with the pattern.
While the pattern presents some hurdles—such as correctly shaping the worm's body—the clear and concise video guidance aids learning.
The Sandworm - My Experience:
I recently selected the Woobles Sandworm crochet kit from the Beetlejuice collection because I thought it would be a fun and challenging project. It is advertised as suitable for intermediate crocheters. Although I have been crocheting for four years, I still consider myself an intermediate beginner, focusing primarily on amigurumi.
The kit includes a worsted weight medium #4 yarn called "easy-peasy," which is perfect for beginners. This thicker yarn does not unravel or fray easily, making it pliable and easy to work with. Additionally, the magic circle and the first round of the Sandworm's head are already completed, allowing me to start quickly.
All the materials needed to complete the project are included in the kit, except for scissors. The kit also features tutorial videos and an option to print a PDF pattern, which can benefit more advanced crocheters who may not require additional guidance. (see photo). The printed pattern includes all the same parts of the Sandworm that the videos provide.
If you are relatively new to crocheting, I highly recommend using the beginner-friendly instructional videos. They will give you a fundamental understanding of the basic stitches for amigurumi. None of the stitches in this kit are too advanced for beginners; the challenge lies with the pattern. For novice beginners, I suggest starting with an amigurumi from the beginner Woobles section, such as the frog or bunny, before tackling an intermediate-level amigurumi like the Sandworm.
The pattern does present some challenges. I had to rely on the videos to learn how to correctly create the mouth so my chain wasn't twisted. I also learned how to crochet my yarn back toward my base when making the tongue and how to execute an invisible fasten-off to connect the start of the larger head's lips to the end. However, the biggest challenge was shaping the body to create the worm's form.
The accompanying videos are easy to follow, and you can pause them. They are divided into short segments based on which part of the Sandworm you are working on. The pattern line is displayed on the screen before the instructor demonstrates the stitches, which allows you to match the stitches you are working on with the corresponding part of the pattern, helping you learn to read it. (see photo).
The project focuses on three basic stitches: the foundational single crochet stitch, the increase stitch, and the decrease stitch. The instructor speaks English, and her instructions are clear and understandable. If you have trouble hearing or understanding her, closed captions are available for everything she says in the videos. She does an excellent job of slowly explaining the stitches and pattern parts. I also appreciated her careful demonstration of the sewing portion of the project, particularly how to arrange the pieces symmetrically, which can be one of the more challenging aspects of assembly. Additionally, I like that the video tutorials are available for left-handed crocheters. (see photo).
However, there were a couple of instances where a heads-up on certain steps would have been helpful. For example, a reminder on where to place my dropped yarn could have saved me from undoing some rows, as I accidentally left the dropped yarn on the outside of the worm instead of inside.
I value the simplicity and straightforwardness of the pattern for an intermediate project. I also appreciate the tutorial support offered through the videos and the additional assistance provided by Woobles customer support. I have no reservations about recommending this kit to anyone, from intermediate beginners to the most experienced crocheters.
If you are a beginner attempting this project despite the more challenging pattern parts, remember that your amigurumi will be unique, just like mine. (see photo). It's important to understand that your finished piece may not look exactly like the one shown by the instructor or on the packaging, so don't be too hard on yourself if it differs. Most importantly, have fun!