Crochet Stars and Soot Sprites | Free Pattern

 

When I finished crocheting my Soot Sprite Blanket inspired by the small, black, fuzzy creatures who scurry throughout Studio Ghibli's films, I realized how fun it would be to crochet tiny Soot Sprites and their accompanying bright star-shaped food (which they earn in exchange for carrying coal in Spirited Away!). Enjoy these free (and very quick!) patterns!

Part 1: Crochet Stars

Materials:

• Yarn in the weight and color of your choice (I used limited-edition yarn from Red Door Fibre Studio's Studio Ghibli collection in DK weight)
• Crochet hook in a size that matches your yarn
• Scissors

Instructions:

There are many, many ways to crochet a star! These instructions create a beautifully simple five-point star, and can be crocheted in many different sizes! To change the size of your star, you only need to adjust your yarn weight and crochet hook size.

• Round 1: 
• To begin your star, chain two. 
• In the second chain from your hook, crochet 10 half double crochet stitches. 
• Join to the first half double crochet stitch using a slip stitch.
• Round 2: 
• *Chain 4. You will now be working in the chain stitches you just created. Place a slip stitch in the second chain from your hook. Single crochet in the next chain. Then, place a half double crochet stitch in the next chain. Skip the next half double crochet stitch, which is on your Round 1. Slip stitch in the next half double crochet stitch. 
• Repeat from * around your entire Round 1. 
• Fasten off and cut any excess yarn. (I don't bother to weave in yarn ends with small stars!)

Part 2: Pom-Pom Soot Sprites

Materials:

• Yarn in the weight and color of your choice (I used limited-edition Soot Sprite yarn from Red Door Fibre Studio's Studio Ghibli collection in DK weight)
• Pom-pom maker (I love this set by Clover)
• Scissors

Instructions:
These Soot Sprites are an absolute breeze to create! It almost feels like a lie to call them crocheted - because you never touch a crochet hook! But, I love them so much (and so does my daughter!) - they're wonderfully squishy and so fun to roll around.

• If using a pom-pom maker, you will need to follow the instructions provided by on the pom-pom maker's box. This will typically involve winding the yarn around each arch before cutting the yarn. You'll then tie the pom-pom together using thread before opening each arm one at a time. Remove the pom-pom from the maker, and trim any loose ends to shape.

Tada - that's it! Seriously! :)