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© One’s Creative Mind 2023
Happy October!
This month’s Mini tier pattern is Benson the ventriloquist doll from Toy Story. I think Benson turned out creepily cute and I am quite pleased with the level of detail that I managed to achieve.
Because Benson was always going to be wearing a suit, I chose not to focus too much on the contouring of the body. So, the body pattern is very basic with minimal contouring. When it came to the face I tried to focus more on the contouring and even tried a new technique for the nose. I am happy with Benson from the nose down, but the rest of the head I will tweak when I remake him. I think that the top of the head needs to be squarer, he needs a bigger forehead and I want to move the nose and cheekbones down a row or two. I think these changes will increase the likeness to the original character a lot more. Despite these needed alterations, I am still happy with the outcome.
I always wanted to try embroidery for Benson’s hair. Especially because the style is short and slicked back making embroidery the perfect method to give the finishing look that I want. However, I soon realised that achieving the quiff on top the head would be problematic without something on top the head to give it volume.
In this pattern I use the bobble stitch to create Benson’s nose. If you do not already know to do a bobble stitch, then I suggest you look it before attempting this pattern.
I really wanted to have the pinstriped suit but wanted to use felt. So, I use a white paint pen and a ruler to draw vertical lines down the suit pieces that I cut out using the template. This step is optional because I am sure your Benson’s will still look great without this additional step.
Lastly, I only wired the neck for this project, but you can also wire the arms and legs if you want the freedom to manoeuvre.
Benson’s overall measurements are 11 Inches/28cm tall and 3 inches/7.5cm wide shoulder to shoulder.
MATERIALS
- DK yarn (in black and nude/flesh colour)
- 2.5mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Fire retardant Fibrefill
- 3mm craft wire
- Pliers
- Navy, red, white, black and green felt
- dark brown yarn (for the hair)
- Blue paint pen or eyeshadow
- White paint pen (optional)
- Ruler (optional)
- Navy and white sewing thread
- sewing needle or sewing machine
- Navy Button
- Felt glue
- Scissors
- Pins
- Stitch marker
ABBREVIATIONS
A full list of the abbreviations that I use in my patterns:
- MR# – magic ring with the specified number of single crochets
- SC – single crochet (double crochet English)
- HDC – half double crochet (half treble English)
- DC – double crochet (treble English)
- TR – treble crochet (double treble English)
- INC – single crochet increase
- #in1 – the specified number of SC in the same stitch (i.e. 3in1)
- #DCin1 – the specified number of DC in the same stitch (i.e. 3DCin1)
- #HDCin1 – the specified number of HDC in the same stitch (i.e. 3HDCin1)
- hdcINC – half double crochet increase
- dcINC – double crochet increase
- DEC – invisible decrease (if it is a DEC in BLO I tend to use the 2TOG decrease method)
- 2TOG – two stitches together decrease (non-invisible) method
- *_______* X# – repeat sequence within the asterisks the specified number of times e.g. *SC, INC* x6)
- FLO – front loop only
- BLO – back loop only
- CH – chain stitches
- CC – colour change
- CH1T – chain a stitch then turn your work
- SS – slip stitch
- ST/STS – stitch/stitches
- OFFSET – a term I use when adding or taking away additional stitches in order to line up or get the right placement
- = # ROWS – repeat the stitch sequence for the row the specified number of times e.g. 32SC (32) = 5 ROWS
- FO – fasten off
To access and view this post you will need to subscribe to my Patreon Mini tier which is £4 per month (the VAT is dependent on your country of residence). With a subscription you will instantly gain access to ALL the crochet patterns available in this tier (such as Super Mario and Toy Story). A new pattern post is released each month. This subscription can be cancelled at any time. Want to sign up or learn more? Then please head over to my Patreon page using the link below:
CLICK TO VIEW THE BENSON CROCHET PATTERN POST
Please also check out the other patterns available from my Toy Story series HERE.
November’s Mini and Midi tier patterns are Bunny from Toy story and Hayabusa the Falcon from Mulan.
Until the next post, happy crocheting!
Chantelle X
