Yarn Cake Amigurumi Book Review

I’m excited to share a review of an amigurumi pattern collection book along with a giveaway for your chance to win my review copy of the book. The excerpted Garrick the Dragon crochet 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 Yarn Cake Amigurumi: 15 Cute Creators to Crochet (available through independent booksellers or here on Amazon) by Jacki Donhou. 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: Yarn Cake Amigurumi

Yarn Cake Amigurumi: 15 Cute Creators to Crochet (available through independent booksellers or here on Amazon) by Jacki Donhou of DearJackiStitchery is an amigurumi pattern collection where each pattern is made using yarn cakes in self-striping yarns.

The book opens with a visual index and then moves on to a Welcome by Jacki and continues on to the Materials, Tools, and Techniques section. Materials and Tools include written information about necessary supplies for making the patterns for crochet creatures, including yarn cakes, crochet hooks, crochet thread, safety eyes, stuffing, embroidery needles, scissors, sewing pins, stitch markers, pet brush, and pompoms. Stitches and Techniques provides a written and illustrated overview of the skills needed to make these patterns, including hooking a hook and yarn; making a slip knot and the magic circle; basic crochet stitches (chain, slip stitch, UK double crochet/US single crochet, UK treble crochet/US double crochet, UK half treble crochet/US half double crochet, UK double treble/US treble crochet); crocheting in the front, back, or third loop; increasing (with 2 UK double crochet/US single crochet or 2 UK half treble crochet/US half double crochet stitches in the same stitch); decreasing (with UK dc2tog/US sc2tog); 3-dimensional stitches including the bobble and popcorn; the loop stitch; changing colors; the difference between yarn overs and yarn unders; methods for fastening off; and weaving in ends. Finishing Touches provides instructions for assembly and finishing including written instructions and illustrations for the whip stitch, mattress stitch, and adding hair, and written and photo instructions for adding safety eyes and adorning with outlines. This section also lists pattern abbreviations (which are in UK terms).

The next section, The Designs, includes the 15 patterns. Each pattern includes an introduction; the skill level; finished size; a list of supplies and materials; an explanation of how to use the yarn cake to get the same color patterning; instructions for making each piece; and detailed assembly instructions including multiple photos. In addition to the progress photos, each pattern has at least one full-page photo of the finished project. Each pattern is made with Lion Brand Mandala Ombré yarn, a medium (#4/aran/worsted) weight acrylic self-striping yarn available in tonal and multi-colored cakes. (You can buy Lion Brand Mandala Ombré yarn at Lion Brand and Amazon.) The creature patterns include an alpaca, an axolotl, a betta fish, a bull, a bunny, a cow, a donkey, a dragon, a duck, a kitten, a lamb, an otter, a puppy, a turtle, and a unicorn. In terms of difficulty ratings, there are 7 patterns at level 1, 6 patterns at level 2, and 2 patterns at level 3. The patterns range in size from 5″ (13 cm) to 9″ (23 cm). After the patterns, there is an about the author section, acknowledgements, and an index.

The book is softcover, but it includes flaps on the front and back so you can mark your place while crocheting. Yarn Cake Amigurumi: 15 Cute Creators to Crochet (available through independent booksellers or here on Amazon) by Jacki Donhou is ideal for crocheters who have the basic stitches down and who enjoy crocheting dolls and toys. The patterns are adorable and the book is filled with bright colors and whimsically styled projects, so it will inspire you to make your next project. Keep in mind that the patterns use UK crochet terms as you are working.

Giveaway

After reading my review of Yarn Cake Amigurumi: 15 Cute Creators to Crochet by Jacki Donhou and trying out the dragon crochet pattern for the Garrick the Dragon, you are probably ready to get your hands on this book! You can buy it now through independent booksellers or here on Amazon, or enter the giveaway below by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, March 3, 2024 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!