Crocheted Animal Rugs by Vanessa Mooncie

I’m excited to share a book review and a giveaway for your chance to win my review copy of a delightful crochet pattern book. The excerpted crochet Bear rug pattern was available through September 30, 2025.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. GMC Publications Ltd provided me with a free review copy of Crocheted Animal Rugs (available on Amazon or from independent booksellers) by Vanessa Mooncie. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Book Review: Crocheted Animal Rugs

Crocheted Animal Rugs (available on Amazon or from independent booksellers) is a collection of patterns by Vanessa Mooncie. (I have previously reviewed Vanessa’s Animal Heads: Trophy Heads to Crochet and Monster Hats: 15 Scary Head Warmers to Knit.) The book opens with an introduction from Vanessa and then moves on to a 10-page gallery including full color, full page photos of each crocheted animal rug styled in a home setting.

The book then moves on to Projects, of which there are ten. Each project includes a short introduction, a materials list that includes yarn brand but also weight and fiber content so you can make substitutions, the finished size, the tension (gauge), and method, which outlines the construction process. The patterns include a key for crochet symbol charts as well as written instructions using UK pattern abbreviations. The end of each pattern includes detailed making up instructions for assembly. Each pattern starts with a full page, color flat lay photograph of the rug on a wooden floor. Each pattern also includes multiple, smaller photos of details of the project, such as a close up of eyes, mouth, or face.

The next section is the 9-page Getting Started, which includes information about selecting hooks, yarn needles, and yarns; reading pattern charts; tips for measuring and adjusting tension (gauge); written and illustrated instructions for basic crochet stitches and the special stitches (such as bobbles, decreases, and loop stitches) used in the patterns; tips for identifying the front and back loop; and recommendations for changing and working with multiple color yarns.

Finishing Touches is a 5-page section that provides written instructions with illustrations for stuffing the animal heads, seaming methods, embroidery stitches for embellishment, and making tassels. It also includes a pattern abbreviation list and a conversion guide to clarify differences between UK and US crochet terminology and hook sizes. The book closes with a supplier list with more information about purchasing yarns and hooks in various countries and a short index.

While the book does include instructions on basic stitches, the illustrations are limited so I would not recommend it for a complete beginner crocheter. Although the book is a paperback, it does have front and back flaps to make it easier to keep your place so you can read the pattern and crochet at the same time. The patterns and the layout are whimsical and inspiring. As each pattern includes both written and charted instructions, this book gives you the option to choose your preferred approach, and it can also ease you into learning the other pattern method since you have both to refer to throughout. Overall, this is a great book for confident beginner crocheters, or more advanced crocheters looking for fun home decor projects.

Read on for your chance to win a copy of Crocheted Animal Rugs (available on Amazon or from independent booksellers).

Giveaway

After reading my review of Crocheted Animal Rugs by Vanessa Mooncie and trying out the Black Bear crochet rug pattern, you are probably ready to get your hands on this book! You can buy it now on Amazon or from independent booksellers, or enter the giveaway below by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 for your chance to win my review copy. While my copy of the book was provided by GMC Publications Ltd, the giveaway is organized by Underground Crafter. Enter using any of the options on the Rafflecopter widget below. One winner will be chosen from the entries at random to win my review copy of the book. Winner will be contacted approximately 1 week after the entries close. Winner will have 3 days to claim the prize. If winner does not respond within 3 days, prize will be awarded to an alternate. By entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to share your contact information with Rafflecopter and/or Underground Crafter. You can read the Rafflecopter Privacy Policy and the Underground Crafter Privacy Policy here to understand how this information is used. This giveaway is open worldwide, except where prohibited by law. Good luck!