Inside: Review of Wallace & Gromit: Cracking Crochet, a playful amigurumi book featuring unique crochet projects for fans and hobbyists.
Wallace & Gromit: Cracking Crochet is a fresh, playful addition to the world of licensed craft books. Aardman Animation’s clay duo are legends, and now they get a yarnie makeover courtesy of crochet designer Sarah-Jane Hicks. I’ve taken a deep dive into this book, and now I’m going to let you know what you’ll find in the book, why it stands out among character crochet guides, and tips on getting the most from your Cracking Crochet experience. Whether you’re a diehard fan, a hobbyist crocheter, or just chasing quirky new projects, I’ve pulled together everything you need to know into this handy guide.
The book reviewed in this article was provided by Search Press, all opinions are my own.
I’ll kick things off with a quick snapshot of the book’s details, then I’ll explore what you actually get with this title, how beginner-friendly it is, who’ll enjoy these patterns the most, and even some tips. If you want more yarnie goodness, let’s get stuck in!
Book Title: Wallace & Gromit: Cracking Crochet
Author: Sarah-Jane Hicks
Publisher: Search Press
Price: US $23.95 / CAN $28.95 / UK £14.99
Pages: 128
Skill Level: Beginner to Confident Crocheter
Characters & Projects: Wallace, Gromit (2), Wendolene Ramsbottom, Shaun the Sheep, Fluffles, Piella Bakewell, Preston, Preston Cyberdog, Feathers McGraw, Cooker, Rocket, Techno-Trousers, and various clothing and accessories
Photo/Film Stills: Yes! Includes stills from Aardman’s films
Getting to Know the Author: Sarah-Jane Hicks
Amigurumi fans may already be since she’s well known in the amigurumi scene (that’s the Japanese-inspired art of crocheting stuffed toys, for those who aren’t already deep into yarn talk). Sarah-Jane’s designs have cropped up in various craft magazines, and on her social media channels and other craft sites. Her patterns are notably beginner friendly—when she says you can start as a newbie, she means it; every step is spelled out, even those techniques other designers might skip. She’s also a true Wallace & Gromit fan (dropping references from A Close Shave and beyond). That love for the source material shows in the book.
Having Sarah-Jane at the helm adds trust, especially if you’re tackling your first crocheted toys or dipping your toes in character projects.
Find Sarah-Jane Hicks online:
What’s Inside: Book Contents and First Impressions
Opening the book, I got exactly what I wanted: a stacked serving of Wallace & Gromit goodness, filled with vivid photos, clear instructions, and loads of personality. Everything’s designed with step-by-step shots, and you get that quirky Aardman energy.
You’ll stumble upon:
- 8 core character patterns: Wallace, Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Feathers McGraw, Wendolene Ramsbottom, Piella Bakewell, Preston, and Fluffles.
- Accessory projects: Gromit’s sou’wester and yellow raingear, Wallace’s tie, Shaun’s woolly jumper, Feathers’ famous red glove, and lots of little extras.
- Crochet technique section: Sarah-Jane goes over basics like working in continuous rounds, invisible decrease, and simple ways to craft facial details—a plus for newbies tackling amigurumi for the first time.
- Movie stills and fun sketches: Iconic scenes and reference shots, plus sketches peppered throughout the book.
I especially love that there are photos showing the color jogs that happen when you change colors while crocheting in continuous rounds. It’s very common for crocheters new to amigurumi to think that they made a mistake when they get the jogs, so it’s lovely that Sarah-Jane shows them it’s good.
The presentation is light and warm, designed to welcome yarn fans no matter their skill level. Folks with more experience will appreciate the pattern options and customization tips, too. The translation from film to yarn feels spot on—no awkward “almost but not quite” clones here.
Crochet Skills: How Beginner-friendly Is This Book?
I’d put Cracking Crochet among the most approachable character books out there. Amigurumi can seem overwhelming, with its tiny parts and hidden tricks, but Sarah-Jane focuses on breaking each step down in a way that builds confidence.
Right at the start, the book features a basics section that covers:
- Foundation skills: Getting started with a ring, working in ongoing rounds, switching colors
- Shaping: Learning increases, invisible decreases, plus sculpting faces and paws
- Finishing details: Simple embroidery, how to attach pieces, and tips to stuff evenly
- Helpful hints: Best hook sizes, stuffing picks, favorite yarn types, and how to mix it up with colors
The author’s vibe is relaxed and encouraging—it’s absolutely fine if your Wallace ends up more charmingly “unique” than exact. If your Penguin comes out looking like The Wrong Trousers covered him, troubleshooting tips show you what to tweak. Instructions, both in photos and text, get you through tricky bits so you won’t get lost partway. That practical, stepwise approach is a huge plus—amigurumi can feel confusing otherwise.
Fan Service: For Wallace & Gromit Enthusiasts
If you love the films, this guide feels like a love letter to the dedicated. There aren’t just patterns for main characters; Sarah-Jane sneaks in a bunch of Easter eggs, like Feathers McGraw’s rubber glove, and nods to Wallace’s greatest and goofiest inventions. You’ll even find tributes to side characters and fun props like the ExNASA Cooker or the quirky BreadOMatic.
It’s the level of humor and faithfulness that makes these projects click for fans.
Tips and Tricks: Making Your Crochet Wallace & Gromit Shine
I’ve pulled together some smart tips, both from personal experience and the advice sprinkled in the book:
- Pick safety eyes or beads for speed, embroidery for little kids: Safety eyes or beads are easy and add polish, but if you’re making these for a young child, consider embroidered or crocheted eyes for safety.
- Stuff generously, but don’t stretch the seams: Under-stuffed figures flop, but over-stuffed figures split at the seams; follow Sarah-Jane’s guide for best results.
- Embrace imperfections: The Aardman style has a purposely handmade feel. Your lumpy, quirky sheep is right in style!
- Try bold color swaps: There’s no reason you have to use the same colors as the book, customize to your heart’s content.
- Save yarn ends for small props: Quick extras like bread, yarn balls, and rolling pins use up even the smallest leftovers.
Yarn and Materials: What You’ll Need
The materials list is refreshingly simple. Most patterns use DK-weight yarn (that’s a size 3 yarn). Every pattern lists both UK-standard yarn and easy alternatives. Don’t worry if you can’t get every color—just get close. The following covers the basics:
- DK or light worsted weight yarn in the main colors
- Accent yarn (for details like the red glove or bread)
- 3mm to 3.5mm hook (go up to 4mm if you crochet tightly)
- Black beads for some eyes or yarn for hand-embroidered versions
- Polyester stuffing
- Chenille sticks (optional, for poseable limbs)
- Yarn needle for assembly
- Small stick for stuffing
Props and supporting characters make excellent use of leftovers—even budget yarns will look great, so there’s no need to splurge unless you want to.
Who Should Grab This Book?
Cracking Crochet is a great pick for lots of folks:
- Wallace & Gromit lovers: The book packs in movie references, inside jokes, and spot-on details fans will appreciate.
- New and seasoned crocheters: If you know single crochet and can read a pattern, you’ll do great. Complete newcomers can pick it up with a little extra help.
- Crafters making gifts: Sturdy designs make for great handmade toys for kids, students, or for display. Want a fun birthday gift? Grab Shaun or Feathers!
- Anybody after fun, quick projects: Smaller makes are fast and satisfying; bigger projects add up to an awesome collection.
- Collectors: Anyone growing a shelf of amigurumi characters will love the variety and quality here.
Stuff You Might Want to Know Before Buying
Consider these handy points before you buy:
- Printed on hardy, glossy paper for repeated use at the craft table.
- UK stitch terms, but there’s a conversion chart at the front for US crafters.
- Yarn brands listed are mainly UK, though easy substitutes are given.
- Some facial details, such as Wallace and Wendolene’s lips, require patience and care, but are well explained and illustrated.
- Completed figures are shelf-size (6” to 11”), ideal for display.
Main takeaway: as long as you’re flexible and enjoy trial and error (and a few do-overs), you’ll end up with a fun batch of iconic characters.
Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Wallace & Gromit: Cracking Crochet is a winner for fans and crafters alike. Whether you’re just picking up a hook or a longtime amigurumi fan, you’ll find clear, playful, creative projects inside. The unique Aardman tone comes through in every pattern, and the focus on distinctive, recognizable characters means you’re building more than generic toys—these are display pieces everyone will spot.
Right from page one, you’re brought in by an encouraging, welcoming tone. Sarah-Jane Hicks helps you tackle the patterns with humor and clarity. Even if your Gromit looks slightly more “worried” than intended, the book helps you make him your own (and that’s half the fun!).
If you’re hunting for a project that kicks off conversation, or want to relive clay-animation classics in a cuddly, handmade way, Cracking Crochet is a great pick.
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