I know who designed this because I was on the team that did it. It was an absolute shit show as beaurocratic nonsense tends to be. The original product idea started so very differently versus what wound up in box. The short of it a corporate merger mid development, beurocracy, and a company that wanted a toy and not a craft destroyed the fun idea of tufting on plastic canvas (not that rigid plastic). I made dozens of these bastards. And fun fact: the design image of the koala doesn't show you the same holes because the CAD was changed so many times. The snap together never worked because the engineers involved didn't figure out a solution to yarn tension effecting the plastic's snappability due to the rush from idea to shelf (which is hilarious b/c it was in development for 2 years, including my entire maternity leave in 2021 where nothing changed). The form isn't painted because painting tests chipped paint off, costs for a better process were too high, and they switched factories back and forth during production runs trying to find the cheaper price (toys are fun to deaign...right?). Anyway, it's been out of production for over a year, so any left on the market are the remnants of the bureaucratic hell that is the corporate toy industry. You can, tho, do the same technique on plastic canvas. It's really fun and way easier b/c it isn't as rigid. You can also use good yarn (do not get me started on this factory's yarn -- I can't even), a larger hook, and assorted plastic canvas shapes. Thanks for giving me a laugh and a flashback. Truly one of the wildest projects I worked on. Now that you've seen this Shutterstock model, go around craft stores, toy stores, and Amazon and see where else you can spot her. It's a fun game. She's everywhere. And no, we designers don't think you should want to hug this thing either...maybe burn it after you fill it with love (I might have written that line >_>;;).
@@acrylicana Out of sheer curiosity. Why opt for this way of doing latch hook over the traditional one with scraps of yarn and a latch hook? I was so surprised watching this because when I read "latch kit" I assumed it would be a latch hook like I did as a kid.
@@jessirarara It was an inventor item brought in to Kahootz Toys before PM acquired them. I think it just looked neat and new with the tufting technique versus latch hook technique. It also had alleged potential for being more toyetic, which was wanted by non-creatives in both companies. I forever struggled with toy companies making craft activity items and working up concepts that were "too craft". There IS a cute strawberry pillow Latchkit out now that I designed before I left PlayMonster (it's on their website, idk what retailers picked it up, if any). It's a much better soluetion to 3D Latchkits. Honestly that's what this should have been, or at least not a stiff plastic form like we have here. Too many cooks. It is interesting to see so many comments question the branding (Latchkits = latch hook only). The marketing goal was to have Latchkits be an umbrella brand for textile crafts, but there is clearly a huge disconnect with it as-is (even after I've left, it hasn't really changed). I can't speak on concepts that never made it to shelf, but other crafts were pitched under the Latchkits brand since it was already a known thing and it can be hard to get buyers and consumers to go for something without a known brand attached. Clearly this did not work as intended lol
@@WildWavermy thoughts exactly, though if you need to hide it a smell proof container is the way to go, so maybe inside a smaller container then that smaller container in the yarnimal
i think this would work a LOT better with an actual latch hook instead of a crochet hook. as to whether this has been tested - i suspect that the difference between cheap and more expensive craft kits is that the expensive ones actually paid for multiple rounds of testing, rather than having one person make it for the box and then writing the instructions based on what they did
Yeah, it's weird the word latch is on the title of the box, but it's not a latch hook, and the 'stitch' used isn't typical to latch hooking, that uses single pieces
The company found the worst way to do this craft and rolled with it Edit: and they don’t even tell you to glue the inside?? It would be so easy to snag that and then pull out your entire length of yarn tbh
My stepmom bought it for her 10 yr old granddaughter and was quickly the one doing it instead of her and was frustrated the whole time. Idk if she ever actually finished it
really? i'm surprised, i did way more complicated kniting, sawing and bead related crafts as a kid. made my own plushies from scratch, did 3d bead animals, did embroidery, you name it. is the bar really that low for some? i know i've always loved art and crafts but i don't think it's me being that special but rather some people understimating kids or justifying their own lack of fine motricity either as kids or adults lol, i would have felt absolutely frustrated if someone gifted me a brainded easy to finish craft project as a kid, since i (and many kids) was able to do much much more (which is why i turned to actual books eventually instead of craft kits) just because they think it would bore me or it would be too hard (plus, it will always be a better idea to let your kid try and figure it out that to baby them. If for some reason the kit wins then look at ways to help with their motricity skills and their patience or frustration, or just look into other areas of interest. some kids just aren't as artsy crafty, let's not blame it on the age lol). i dunno
@@magical571you might have autism, i have autism and I'd only be happy if my parents gave me increasingly hard stuff to do. But that doesn't mean neurotypical children are less than us, they just develop in a different way and order...
@@magical571 most kids aren't interested in that stuff, when I was in school, the only art I've seen from my peers was drawings, origami and sometimes some simple bracelets from beads or from small rubber bands (when that was a trend)
@@magical571 i was the same way especially with seeing, but something like this definitely would frustrate me at 8. its not about being artsy, its about kids not having the skill level. this grown adult was struggling with it, how do you think an 8 year old would get through it
I feel like there's kind of a long history--like I can remember this being true as a kid and I'm over 40--of children's craft kits that the manufacturer *must* know will never be finished, but parents (teachers, Girl Scout leaders, day care workers) are just looking for an Activity and don't really think about it. I'm not sure the age rating is wrong, though, because let's be real, would an 18-year-old have a higher chance of finishing it? You're a real trooper!
I think it's a clever idea that needs some more workshopping. It's not easy, but it's achievable, which is what matters. Kids can have a surprising amount of patience for difficult tasks as long as it's fun (see: all the hours I spent teaching myself yo-yo tricks when I was 9), but the problem is that this doesn't look very fun. With clearer instructions, better designs and materials, this could be a fun way to let a kid make their own toy. And maybe a beginner version where most of it is already done and they leave blank areas for kids to add in the details, which gives them the option of customization and makes it less of a slog.
When I was around 8, I had a plastic canvas kit where you made little kitties that could either be tied to shoes or made into magnets. That was in the early ‘90s. One of my great aunts was into plastic canvas yarn crafts and a couple of years ago my mom and I went through all the magazines we had gotten that were my great aunt’s. I tore out the crafts that interested me most in case I ever decide to make them.
Agreed, i got into way more complex and "tedious" crafts as a kid, did my own plushies from scratch, 3d beaded animals, embroidery, etc, my only issue here is the design of the instructions not matching any coding on the mesh itself (it's fine if a kid doesn't want to follow it, i can totally see them improvising once they get the hang of it. but it should be there as an option and for clarity sake as it is the animal presented in the box)
Oh god I remember when I got these at my store years ago when I was working in a small craft store. We actually had people come in and try to return it after opening because they didn’t realize they had to make the thing 😂
@@wintersprite lol right!? I used to work for a theme park and I’m not joking, people would literally ask us “what time is the 3 o’clock parade?” completely serious… 😅
I think you did a dam good job, considering BUT honestly if I were 8 that would have got shoved into the deepest darkest corner of my room as I would have been so frustrated with it. And yes, I woyld have glued it on the inside. Well done you 👍
This seems a lot like something my daughter (8-years) came up with. She did latch hooks on small aida cloth plastic (the stuff you use when learning to cross-stitch and want a stronger base than cloth - I don't know what it's actually called). She made six of these miniature rug-looking things and called them coasters. I'm now curious how she would do with a kit like this, but she likes coming up with her own things, and I kind of like the stuff she comes up with.
Omg he turned out super cute!!! I probably would have wanted to give up. It’s funny that you posted this today. I just bought a crochet set for beginners. I thought it would help with my hands and wrists - having RA - so I wanted to give it a go. ❤
Ooh! Let me know how that goes. I got a couple of crochet kits in my Christmas stash, but the one time I tried to learn crochet in high school I got super frustrated and gave up, so I'm a little intimidated.
As someone who tried to learn multiple times and only succeeded last May, start with the bare basics. Making little squares of stitches may be boring, but it will teach you how to gauge your tension and make your stitches consistent. Plus the more you practice, the easier it is to read patterns and try new techniques. Plushies, such as the kits you have, are typically worked in the round, which is a bit confusing to explain on paper. I recommend watching a video on the "magic circle" technique if your kits are not prestarted like the woobles
@@RoseRequinCraftsI got frustrated the first time I tried to learn crochet too, as a kid. For me, however, it was that I think I tried to do it left-handed because I write left-handed. When I tried again as an adult, I learned that I actually crochet right-handed. This also has happened with some other activities growing up (I think archery being one-no wonder I didn’t do well at it in gym class). As a kid, I thought I was “left-handed” because it’s my writing hand. I didn’t realize until my 20s that I’m actually more cross dominant or possibly ambidextrous. I think I might do more things right-handed as well. Luckily I feel more comfortable playing instruments right-handed so I don’t have to learn backward or get a special left-handed version.
For a minute i thought it was a latch hook kit. Eep. You have an amazing amount of patience. I would have given up, pulled all of the yarn out and then treated it like plastic canvas. 😅
This looks like Rug Hooking but without a rug, there is definitely a technique to it but man if I did this kit I would end up just working with it like those plastic canvas crafts lol!
@@RoseRequinCrafts When I saw the thumbnail I thought "Oh latch hook" but nope. It is kind of the reverse of punch needle but not quite the same as rug hooking (I've done punch needle and looked into rug hooking but never got to do that one)
I was really excited to see that you made a new video. I'm really interested in your Christmas present kits if you wanna do more & film it. So about this kit. I think it's ridiculous that they misrepresent the age factor. You do have long trem patience. And the Koala is so so so so cute! You did a beautiful job!
The heart thing comes from the build a bear stores when you put the heart in they say you are filling it with love then they sew it shut for you to take them home now lots of other brands copy it
I know a few people who 3D print things, but I don't print or design things. I do think this would be an interesting thing to try to make a plastic mesh form in the shape of something maybe a cat. I have a moss rug on my brain so I'm thinking about some kind of wooly world landscape with hills maybe a train comes out of the side in a mountain. A train with wooly critters aboard.
I just found your channel, and I just wanted to say that I truly appreciate your style of videos. Your voice is pleasant to listen to, the pacing is good, and it's relaxing to see you work on your projects. Thank you!
i agree with the other comments, this should have just used an actual latch hook and yarn bits for constructing. its like someone confused it and punch needle (i dont do either, and i still know the difference!) latch hooking makes a larks head or cow hitch knot, which would be much better than little loops that could pull out with the gentlest play. its also much easier with a latch hook to pull yarn through the base material, as the latch grips the yarn in the hook. i cant imagine it would cost much more to get/make latch hooks and cut the yarn to small pieces. it would still be tricky for the 8+ range due to the stiff plastic and lack of print on pattern, but doable for most
If you would want a customizable thing like that you could look for just the mesh second hand? Or get the set but use different yarn colors you could buy yourself (and either use the yarn from the set on something else or sell it/give it away)
I think you might be able to make your own forms for this by soaking some latch hook rug fabric in diluted school glue and laying it over a layer of saran wrap on a figurine and pressing it into all of the details of the figure and leaving that to dry before unmoulding it and doing the same for the opposite side of the figurine, maybe in more than two pieces if the fabric wants to bunch up and close up the holes when you’re pressing the fabric into the details so you probably need another piece for the bottom of the figure too, just trim and bind the edges once they’re dry so they match up together well and don’t unravel while you’re working on them then mark out where you want your colours to go and start latchhooking I would recommend doing one of the techniques that secures every loop separately so it doesn’t worry you that it could start unraveling at any time and when you’re done you can sew it together along the bindings just loosely so you can see both edges while lacing it like a shoe and only when you have the whole perimeter laced up do you then take up the slack to tighten everything together with the lacing and tie it off. I have not tried this myself so I don’t know for sure which fabric stiffening agent would work best for this purpose, I think some type of glue or starch or fabric sizing or gel, but thinking it through it should work in theory as long as whatever glue or starch is used soaks into the fabric well enough and it’s strong enough to survive the rest of the process. If you try this let me know how it turned out and if the idea worked in practice.
This video was recced to me and I gotta say, I already love your channel! RIP this kit though, those unsecured yarn pieces make me so concerned. At least it looks cute
That's interesting, it's like punch needle but done with a crochet hook on a hard mesh instead of a punch needle on fabric. My best bet on how to make a rudimentary custom form (outside of 3D modeling one and then 3D printing it) would be using latchhook mesh and something like starch or a glue to form it into shape before letting it dry, then at the end you'd sew it together instead. Honestly though likely not worth the effort.
Hey. I'm forty something and got several latch hook kits going. Besides the point. It is believable that it wouldn't be preprinted because of that I'm working on a lion now and have one other I'm working on that aren't preprinted only I have several others that do have the design, like a racoon I got going, that do have the image printed on. I even have one of my kits, a wolf, that is almost like your koala where some of the colors don't match
I would have pulled out a knitting needle (specifically the ones used for making socks,) to use on the yarn that was pulled through the holes like this: pull the yarn through the hole, insert the knitting needle into the new loop, pull the yarn to tighten it around it and then pull the yarn through the next hole. Once you have 5-6 stitches on the knitting needle, release the stitches as you keep on making new stitches keeping the same number of stitches on throughout. That way you would be sure that the stitches have a consistent size and you don't risk accidentally pulling out the previous ones.
I agree this not easy and frustrating. I bought it for my granddaughter . How did you get the loops from pull out . I feel like I am missing something.
I used to do latch hook as an 8 yo. I made a rug and a pillow and cute fun things. This is NOT latch hook, that's just a crochet hook making loops. If this actually came with the yarn pre cut into strands and a latch hook this would be a great kit.
There is no latch in this kit? Why did they they call themselves "Latchkits" when they can't even tell the difference between a latch hook and a crochet hook?????
i mean, much like a coloring book, nothing is actually stopping you from using different colors than intended. hell, considering it's just vaguely teddy bear shaped, it doesn't even have to be a koala
I had one of these yarn a whatever things and I was doing just what you did struggle I was so angry and I also got mine for Christmas a couple years ago
i'd think a punch needle would be simpler than a crochet hook, or a latch hook at the least. It reminds me of the rug making and i'd add glue on the inside
The technique is rug hooking, not latch hook or punch needle. It uses a regular hook. Patterns for canvas work (like needlepoint) often dont line up with the grid, but not good for a kids kit. (Also rug hooking often isnt on a gridded fabric at all, its usually more freehand)
I showed that to my mom she said that this kind of thing existed a long time ago and were quite expensive, she never used this and throwed it away in the end. I also asked her if it was better with a latch hook but she told me that it would be probably more difficult because latch hooks have bigger hooks, thinner metal but bigger itself. I can see what she meant, I tried such a thing one time before and needed to get threw some holes 2 times, and it was very difficult and hard for me.
I do these often myself, but i dint leave loops because lf its tricky self haha, i weave into the squares and then brush the yarn with a pet brush. I guess it could be easier if it was a weaving and not "crocheting"
Wow that looked annoying at the beginning. I like the idea of this and you did a great job but the texture would infuriate me. Glad i found your channel!❤
You have so much patience 😭 also why would they give you a crochet hook? It's the wrong tool for the kit, and it's wayyyy too small for the yarn given. Thb I would rather free style a crochet patern for a koala than do this kit 😭
How is that for kids?? Looks pretty challenging and even when you finish it, you can't really play with it because it might break open or the yarn will come off 🫤 (And, like you said, not even soft and cuddly.)
This looks like an unholy hybrid of latch hook and punch needle embroidery, concocted by someone who has never actually tried either craft, but has maybe vaguely seen some of the finished products of the two. The concept of hook + yarn + plastic canvas is clearly latch hook inspired, but the concept of loops on the 'right side' formed from continuous lengths poked through from the back is all punch needle embroidery. It's like they knew what they wanted the end result to look like, but had no idea how to actually get there.
@@RoseRequinCrafts sorry! i have no idea, it was a Christmas gift! but instead of having to use that metal crochet hook (thing), i was given a needle and some string and was told to sew it, its a fox plushie that you had to sew together. i would give more details but i'm in school and typing as you walk is hard on a computer-
It's really hard for me to think that an 8 year would be able to do that, I got so angry when I saw that the model on the instructions wasn't even a picture of that done, ma'am you are patient
Oooh! Do it! Not gonna lie, I seriously considered making a picture on flat plastic canvas using this technique, but I haven't figured out how to make a shape yet.
Something confused me in the outro. You said you wished they sold plain mesh forms but isnt thr koala already plain mesh? Wouldnt you just use a different colored yarn?
I think if you really wanted to make a completely custom plush like this you would need to buy the canvas for the latch hook, have/make a pattern for the plush and I'm not sure witch would be easier but either make all the loops before sewing anything together or sew some parts and then loops and sew the rest, of course ill the inside if there is a need also I've never used latch hook in any way but wouldn't it be better if instead of using technique in this video use something similar people sewing hair on barbie dolls use? at least in the plush, I understand it if different with flat piece but a 3d piece could use some inside support
I know who designed this because I was on the team that did it. It was an absolute shit show as beaurocratic nonsense tends to be. The original product idea started so very differently versus what wound up in box.
The short of it a corporate merger mid development, beurocracy, and a company that wanted a toy and not a craft destroyed the fun idea of tufting on plastic canvas (not that rigid plastic).
I made dozens of these bastards. And fun fact: the design image of the koala doesn't show you the same holes because the CAD was changed so many times. The snap together never worked because the engineers involved didn't figure out a solution to yarn tension effecting the plastic's snappability due to the rush from idea to shelf (which is hilarious b/c it was in development for 2 years, including my entire maternity leave in 2021 where nothing changed). The form isn't painted because painting tests chipped paint off, costs for a better process were too high, and they switched factories back and forth during production runs trying to find the cheaper price (toys are fun to deaign...right?).
Anyway, it's been out of production for over a year, so any left on the market are the remnants of the bureaucratic hell that is the corporate toy industry.
You can, tho, do the same technique on plastic canvas. It's really fun and way easier b/c it isn't as rigid. You can also use good yarn (do not get me started on this factory's yarn -- I can't even), a larger hook, and assorted plastic canvas shapes.
Thanks for giving me a laugh and a flashback. Truly one of the wildest projects I worked on. Now that you've seen this Shutterstock model, go around craft stores, toy stores, and Amazon and see where else you can spot her. It's a fun game. She's everywhere. And no, we designers don't think you should want to hug this thing either...maybe burn it after you fill it with love (I might have written that line >_>;;).
This is actually legit fascinating. Best comment ever.
Seeing your video pop up in my feed was such a "Omfg" moment.
You did a great job persevering through this kit. Also I'm sorry. Lol
dear god, we had a whole slew of these and a couple other animals at my last job on clearance they finally sent them back like a month ago
@@acrylicana Out of sheer curiosity. Why opt for this way of doing latch hook over the traditional one with scraps of yarn and a latch hook? I was so surprised watching this because when I read "latch kit" I assumed it would be a latch hook like I did as a kid.
@@jessirarara It was an inventor item brought in to Kahootz Toys before PM acquired them. I think it just looked neat and new with the tufting technique versus latch hook technique. It also had alleged potential for being more toyetic, which was wanted by non-creatives in both companies. I forever struggled with toy companies making craft activity items and working up concepts that were "too craft".
There IS a cute strawberry pillow Latchkit out now that I designed before I left PlayMonster (it's on their website, idk what retailers picked it up, if any). It's a much better soluetion to 3D Latchkits. Honestly that's what this should have been, or at least not a stiff plastic form like we have here. Too many cooks.
It is interesting to see so many comments question the branding (Latchkits = latch hook only). The marketing goal was to have Latchkits be an umbrella brand for textile crafts, but there is clearly a huge disconnect with it as-is (even after I've left, it hasn't really changed). I can't speak on concepts that never made it to shelf, but other crafts were pitched under the Latchkits brand since it was already a known thing and it can be hard to get buyers and consumers to go for something without a known brand attached. Clearly this did not work as intended lol
If it was easier to put together, this would be a super cute secret- storage item.
Ooh! I didn't even think about that!
Yes 100 percent
you could put your weed in there
@@WildWavermy thoughts exactly, though if you need to hide it a smell proof container is the way to go, so maybe inside a smaller container then that smaller container in the yarnimal
I was thinking it would make an adorable purse or backpack if that could be figured out. 😂❤❤
i think this would work a LOT better with an actual latch hook instead of a crochet hook. as to whether this has been tested - i suspect that the difference between cheap and more expensive craft kits is that the expensive ones actually paid for multiple rounds of testing, rather than having one person make it for the box and then writing the instructions based on what they did
That was the first thing I thought of as well!!! Like a 1000%!!
Also I'm used to latch hook kits coming with the yarn cut into strands
Yes!
It would, but sadly the rigidity of the holes wouldn't fit your standard latch hook).
Yeah, it's weird the word latch is on the title of the box, but it's not a latch hook, and the 'stitch' used isn't typical to latch hooking, that uses single pieces
This is like taking the worst parts of counted cross-stitch and latch hooking and making a seperate craft out of them
😂
…I think the biggest problem with this kit is that it isn’t even latch hook, it’s more like difficult punch needle 😂
🤣
Came here to say that. Punch needle is an awful idea on plastic canvas.
It’s a crochet hook thats too small for the threads
The company found the worst way to do this craft and rolled with it
Edit: and they don’t even tell you to glue the inside?? It would be so easy to snag that and then pull out your entire length of yarn tbh
the inside needs some of that glue that those people who make rugs with pokemon on them use. I'd be too anxious about the yarn coming undone
8+?? I would have had a fit over this damn koala at 8 lmao
Same. I would've thrown it in the trash
My stepmom bought it for her 10 yr old granddaughter and was quickly the one doing it instead of her and was frustrated the whole time. Idk if she ever actually finished it
You have the patience of a Saint. There is absolutely no way a child could do this. She came out so cute though! ❤
really? i'm surprised, i did way more complicated kniting, sawing and bead related crafts as a kid. made my own plushies from scratch, did 3d bead animals, did embroidery, you name it. is the bar really that low for some? i know i've always loved art and crafts but i don't think it's me being that special but rather some people understimating kids or justifying their own lack of fine motricity either as kids or adults lol, i would have felt absolutely frustrated if someone gifted me a brainded easy to finish craft project as a kid, since i (and many kids) was able to do much much more (which is why i turned to actual books eventually instead of craft kits) just because they think it would bore me or it would be too hard (plus, it will always be a better idea to let your kid try and figure it out that to baby them. If for some reason the kit wins then look at ways to help with their motricity skills and their patience or frustration, or just look into other areas of interest. some kids just aren't as artsy crafty, let's not blame it on the age lol). i dunno
Thanks for your feedback
@@magical571you might have autism, i have autism and I'd only be happy if my parents gave me increasingly hard stuff to do. But that doesn't mean neurotypical children are less than us, they just develop in a different way and order...
@@magical571 most kids aren't interested in that stuff, when I was in school, the only art I've seen from my peers was drawings, origami and sometimes some simple bracelets from beads or from small rubber bands (when that was a trend)
@@magical571 i was the same way especially with seeing, but something like this definitely would frustrate me at 8. its not about being artsy, its about kids not having the skill level. this grown adult was struggling with it, how do you think an 8 year old would get through it
I feel like there's kind of a long history--like I can remember this being true as a kid and I'm over 40--of children's craft kits that the manufacturer *must* know will never be finished, but parents (teachers, Girl Scout leaders, day care workers) are just looking for an Activity and don't really think about it. I'm not sure the age rating is wrong, though, because let's be real, would an 18-year-old have a higher chance of finishing it? You're a real trooper!
I think it's a clever idea that needs some more workshopping. It's not easy, but it's achievable, which is what matters. Kids can have a surprising amount of patience for difficult tasks as long as it's fun (see: all the hours I spent teaching myself yo-yo tricks when I was 9), but the problem is that this doesn't look very fun. With clearer instructions, better designs and materials, this could be a fun way to let a kid make their own toy. And maybe a beginner version where most of it is already done and they leave blank areas for kids to add in the details, which gives them the option of customization and makes it less of a slog.
When I was around 8, I had a plastic canvas kit where you made little kitties that could either be tied to shoes or made into magnets. That was in the early ‘90s. One of my great aunts was into plastic canvas yarn crafts and a couple of years ago my mom and I went through all the magazines we had gotten that were my great aunt’s. I tore out the crafts that interested me most in case I ever decide to make them.
Agreed, i got into way more complex and "tedious" crafts as a kid, did my own plushies from scratch, 3d beaded animals, embroidery, etc, my only issue here is the design of the instructions not matching any coding on the mesh itself (it's fine if a kid doesn't want to follow it, i can totally see them improvising once they get the hang of it. but it should be there as an option and for clarity sake as it is the animal presented in the box)
I feel like getting them a beginners amigarumi crochet kit might just be a better version of this unfortunately
I like how he turned out but I can see it's not a kit for kids. You definitely have more patience than I do. 😃
Even my mom tried it and noped out after an hour
Well the answer was right there on the box "Play Monster", that's who made this stress center of chaos for kids, a monster.
🤣
Latch hooking with a regular crochet needle is a nightmare I would love to do this but with my mini latch hooks.
There's mini latch hooks?!?
Oh god I remember when I got these at my store years ago when I was working in a small craft store. We actually had people come in and try to return it after opening because they didn’t realize they had to make the thing 😂
🤣🤣🤣 OMG
As someone who works in a store (grocery for me), I can confirm some customers aren’t very bright, lol.
@@wintersprite lol right!? I used to work for a theme park and I’m not joking, people would literally ask us “what time is the 3 o’clock parade?” completely serious… 😅
The end result was pretty cute. I'm surprised it used loops instead of yarn pieces like those latchkit rugs
I was surprised too
It looks really cute! I'm surprised they don't have you glue the back, though. I'd be so worried with the yarn being unsecured.
I thought about going back and doing that, but I'm afraid I'll never get it put back together again.
That's very valid! Just put it somewhere high up and never ever touch it again instead. Should be fine. :P@@RoseRequinCrafts
Same, I wouldn't feel comfortable touching it at all until it was secured, let alone play with it or anything a child might do
@@setheus I just know my cats would get to it and rip it apart in seconds. I love them, but... they can be real menaces.
I think you did a dam good job, considering BUT honestly if I were 8 that would have got shoved into the deepest darkest corner of my room as I would have been so frustrated with it.
And yes, I woyld have glued it on the inside.
Well done you 👍
😂
your matching purple glitter nails are too cute
Thank you! 🤗
This seems a lot like something my daughter (8-years) came up with. She did latch hooks on small aida cloth plastic (the stuff you use when learning to cross-stitch and want a stronger base than cloth - I don't know what it's actually called). She made six of these miniature rug-looking things and called them coasters. I'm now curious how she would do with a kit like this, but she likes coming up with her own things, and I kind of like the stuff she comes up with.
Omg he turned out super cute!!! I probably would have wanted to give up. It’s funny that you posted this today. I just bought a crochet set for beginners. I thought it would help with my hands and wrists - having RA - so I wanted to give it a go. ❤
Ooh! Let me know how that goes. I got a couple of crochet kits in my Christmas stash, but the one time I tried to learn crochet in high school I got super frustrated and gave up, so I'm a little intimidated.
@@RoseRequinCrafts I will let ya know. I tried back then too but it’s been a LONG time so I thought I would give it another shot.
As someone who tried to learn multiple times and only succeeded last May, start with the bare basics.
Making little squares of stitches may be boring, but it will teach you how to gauge your tension and make your stitches consistent. Plus the more you practice, the easier it is to read patterns and try new techniques.
Plushies, such as the kits you have, are typically worked in the round, which is a bit confusing to explain on paper. I recommend watching a video on the "magic circle" technique if your kits are not prestarted like the woobles
@@RoseRequinCraftsI got frustrated the first time I tried to learn crochet too, as a kid. For me, however, it was that I think I tried to do it left-handed because I write left-handed. When I tried again as an adult, I learned that I actually crochet right-handed. This also has happened with some other activities growing up (I think archery being one-no wonder I didn’t do well at it in gym class). As a kid, I thought I was “left-handed” because it’s my writing hand. I didn’t realize until my 20s that I’m actually more cross dominant or possibly ambidextrous.
I think I might do more things right-handed as well. Luckily I feel more comfortable playing instruments right-handed so I don’t have to learn backward or get a special left-handed version.
For a minute i thought it was a latch hook kit. Eep. You have an amazing amount of patience. I would have given up, pulled all of the yarn out and then treated it like plastic canvas. 😅
🤣
This looks like Rug Hooking but without a rug, there is definitely a technique to it but man if I did this kit I would end up just working with it like those plastic canvas crafts lol!
I thought it might be similar to punch needle or rug tufting but I've never done either
@@RoseRequinCrafts When I saw the thumbnail I thought "Oh latch hook" but nope. It is kind of the reverse of punch needle but not quite the same as rug hooking (I've done punch needle and looked into rug hooking but never got to do that one)
That cactus/succulent kit looks so cute!
I was really excited to see that you made a new video. I'm really interested in your Christmas present kits if you wanna do more & film it. So about this kit. I think it's ridiculous that they misrepresent the age factor. You do have long trem patience. And the Koala is so so so so cute! You did a beautiful job!
I mean maybe an 8 year old could do it.....a super talented 8 year old with an adult nearby to console them.
I had a kit like this as a kid! I got frustrated with it and ended up playing with the blank mesh frame instead lol
🤣
Those loops are gonna pull right out the first time one gets even slightly snagged on something
The heart thing comes from the build a bear stores when you put the heart in they say you are filling it with love then they sew it shut for you to take them home now lots of other brands copy it
I knew this was gonna be rough as soon as you opened the box. Lol. Cute though.
It definitely should have came with a latch hook
I know a few people who 3D print things, but I don't print or design things. I do think this would be an interesting thing to try to make a plastic mesh form in the shape of something maybe a cat. I have a moss rug on my brain so I'm thinking about some kind of wooly world landscape with hills maybe a train comes out of the side in a mountain. A train with wooly critters aboard.
That sounds so cool!
I'd say the limitation would be in the size. The one out of the box looks much bigger than the print volume of typical hobby printers.
I crochet and see how this could be a great introduction for tiny hands
Reminds me of Latch hook kits my mom would make when i was little
He's really cute! 🤗😍 Bravo on sticking to it!! 👏👏
Thank you. This one was rough. Lol
@@RoseRequinCrafts You're quite welcome!! 🤗😍
I just found your channel, and I just wanted to say that I truly appreciate your style of videos. Your voice is pleasant to listen to, the pacing is good, and it's relaxing to see you work on your projects. Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Girl you have so much more patience than I do. You have my respect for finishing this!!
i agree with the other comments, this should have just used an actual latch hook and yarn bits for constructing. its like someone confused it and punch needle (i dont do either, and i still know the difference!) latch hooking makes a larks head or cow hitch knot, which would be much better than little loops that could pull out with the gentlest play. its also much easier with a latch hook to pull yarn through the base material, as the latch grips the yarn in the hook. i cant imagine it would cost much more to get/make latch hooks and cut the yarn to small pieces. it would still be tricky for the 8+ range due to the stiff plastic and lack of print on pattern, but doable for most
If you would want a customizable thing like that you could look for just the mesh second hand?
Or get the set but use different yarn colors you could buy yourself (and either use the yarn from the set on something else or sell it/give it away)
I just got this video recommended, you seem super fun! Glad to have stumbled upon this ❤
Yay! Thank you!
I love how the finished product looks nothing like what it does on the box
okay but you did such a good job and it's adorable. Also can't imagine 8 year old me doing it. 24 year old me definitley couldn't.
kudos for actually finishing this, i sure would not have.
I think you might be able to make your own forms for this by soaking some latch hook rug fabric in diluted school glue and laying it over a layer of saran wrap on a figurine and pressing it into all of the details of the figure and leaving that to dry before unmoulding it and doing the same for the opposite side of the figurine, maybe in more than two pieces if the fabric wants to bunch up and close up the holes when you’re pressing the fabric into the details so you probably need another piece for the bottom of the figure too, just trim and bind the edges once they’re dry so they match up together well and don’t unravel while you’re working on them then mark out where you want your colours to go and start latchhooking I would recommend doing one of the techniques that secures every loop separately so it doesn’t worry you that it could start unraveling at any time and when you’re done you can sew it together along the bindings just loosely so you can see both edges while lacing it like a shoe and only when you have the whole perimeter laced up do you then take up the slack to tighten everything together with the lacing and tie it off. I have not tried this myself so I don’t know for sure which fabric stiffening agent would work best for this purpose, I think some type of glue or starch or fabric sizing or gel, but thinking it through it should work in theory as long as whatever glue or starch is used soaks into the fabric well enough and it’s strong enough to survive the rest of the process. If you try this let me know how it turned out and if the idea worked in practice.
That's a lot of detail.
Thanks for making content like this. Never woulda known otherwise
This video was recced to me and I gotta say, I already love your channel! RIP this kit though, those unsecured yarn pieces make me so concerned. At least it looks cute
Lol, I'm gonna have to lock it in a glass case so nothing can ever happen to it
That's interesting, it's like punch needle but done with a crochet hook on a hard mesh instead of a punch needle on fabric. My best bet on how to make a rudimentary custom form (outside of 3D modeling one and then 3D printing it) would be using latchhook mesh and something like starch or a glue to form it into shape before letting it dry, then at the end you'd sew it together instead. Honestly though likely not worth the effort.
I've thought about it too, but I already make simple things more difficult than they need to be, I can't even imagine what I'd do in that case.
The nails matching the mesh form is so cute 🤩❤️
Hey. I'm forty something and got several latch hook kits going. Besides the point. It is believable that it wouldn't be preprinted because of that I'm working on a lion now and have one other I'm working on that aren't preprinted only I have several others that do have the design, like a racoon I got going, that do have the image printed on. I even have one of my kits, a wolf, that is almost like your koala where some of the colors don't match
I would have pulled out a knitting needle (specifically the ones used for making socks,) to use on the yarn that was pulled through the holes like this: pull the yarn through the hole, insert the knitting needle into the new loop, pull the yarn to tighten it around it and then pull the yarn through the next hole. Once you have 5-6 stitches on the knitting needle, release the stitches as you keep on making new stitches keeping the same number of stitches on throughout. That way you would be sure that the stitches have a consistent size and you don't risk accidentally pulling out the previous ones.
I'd have definitely chopped the yarn up and done it as a latch hook project in frustration
This goes into the reinvention of making rugs
I agree this not easy and frustrating. I bought it for my granddaughter . How did you get the loops from pull out . I feel like I am missing something.
Why the end result is just precious! Too bad it wasn't thought out all the way through.
I used to do latch hook as an 8 yo. I made a rug and a pillow and cute fun things. This is NOT latch hook, that's just a crochet hook making loops. If this actually came with the yarn pre cut into strands and a latch hook this would be a great kit.
This looks like crochet 😂 Kudos for you doing this 👍 new to your channel and subbed
There is no latch in this kit? Why did they they call themselves "Latchkits" when they can't even tell the difference between a latch hook and a crochet hook?????
I thought that was a little confusing too
i mean, much like a coloring book, nothing is actually stopping you from using different colors than intended. hell, considering it's just vaguely teddy bear shaped, it doesn't even have to be a koala
I had one of these yarn a whatever things and I was doing just what you did struggle I was so angry and I also got mine for Christmas a couple years ago
Maybe I'm weird because I like this kit and want to try it now. 😂
i'd think a punch needle would be simpler than a crochet hook, or a latch hook at the least. It reminds me of the rug making and i'd add glue on the inside
"To fill the koala with love... gross" instantly made me sub
The technique is rug hooking, not latch hook or punch needle. It uses a regular hook. Patterns for canvas work (like needlepoint) often dont line up with the grid, but not good for a kids kit. (Also rug hooking often isnt on a gridded fabric at all, its usually more freehand)
I showed that to my mom she said that this kind of thing existed a long time ago and were quite expensive, she never used this and throwed it away in the end. I also asked her if it was better with a latch hook but she told me that it would be probably more difficult because latch hooks have bigger hooks, thinner metal but bigger itself.
I can see what she meant, I tried such a thing one time before and needed to get threw some holes 2 times, and it was very difficult and hard for me.
I really love the idea but the actual practice was just too much
That looks so difficult!!
I do these often myself, but i dint leave loops because lf its tricky self haha, i weave into the squares and then brush the yarn with a pet brush. I guess it could be easier if it was a weaving and not "crocheting"
Hey I just found your channel. Subbed. I love craft kits and your voice is nice. Good work ❤
Thank you so much. That's so kind. 🥰
Wow that looked annoying at the beginning. I like the idea of this and you did a great job but the texture would infuriate me. Glad i found your channel!❤
I am in Nebraska as well! this would give me a headache lol.!
It didn't NOT give me one, lol
You have so much patience 😭 also why would they give you a crochet hook? It's the wrong tool for the kit, and it's wayyyy too small for the yarn given. Thb I would rather free style a crochet patern for a koala than do this kit 😭
How is that for kids?? Looks pretty challenging and even when you finish it, you can't really play with it because it might break open or the yarn will come off 🫤 (And, like you said, not even soft and cuddly.)
He’s super cute!
Thank you!
It turned out cute!!
Thank you!
“Gross.”
Took me out. 🤣💀
Great video
This looks like an unholy hybrid of latch hook and punch needle embroidery, concocted by someone who has never actually tried either craft, but has maybe vaguely seen some of the finished products of the two. The concept of hook + yarn + plastic canvas is clearly latch hook inspired, but the concept of loops on the 'right side' formed from continuous lengths poked through from the back is all punch needle embroidery. It's like they knew what they wanted the end result to look like, but had no idea how to actually get there.
i had a similar fox version that i didn't even bother trying to do when i saw how hard it was going to be lol
and i was 13-14 when i got it
Where did you find a fox version?
@@RoseRequinCrafts sorry!
i have no idea, it was a Christmas gift! but instead of having to use that metal crochet hook (thing), i was given a needle and some string and was told to sew it, its a fox plushie that you had to sew together. i would give more details but i'm in school and typing as you walk is hard on a computer-
DANG THIS CHANNIES UNDERRATED
Maybe you can also use it as a baking mold 😁
😂
lol i couldn't stop giggling when it hit me that this was NOT latchhooking despite looking like so
when I was little I loved their latch-hooks, shame that the quality went down :(
It's like you are trying to get the punch needle texture but with a crochet hook that would be annoying and frustrating
I hate when people make shoddy kid products. There are some disappointed kids out there 😢
It's really hard for me to think that an 8 year would be able to do that, I got so angry when I saw that the model on the instructions wasn't even a picture of that done, ma'am you are patient
Lady, your nails look so pretty! Are they real? They look so good 😁
Thank you! They are real, I just put a clear hard gel under the nail polish to keep it from coming off in a day
latch hooking is the way this craft shouldve gone. who made this!
Cute Koala 👍
Thank you!
....is it weird that i really, really want to make myself one of these kits? I have yarn. I have ctrochet hooks. I can get plastic canvas.
Oooh! Do it! Not gonna lie, I seriously considered making a picture on flat plastic canvas using this technique, but I haven't figured out how to make a shape yet.
what if you can 3d print a mesh like this out :0
Yeah, this has Hack Me written all over it…
Once I get the idea, I just want to do all sorts of Other Things with the pieces! 🤓
Seems it would be much easier to use a yarn needle than that hooking tool.
Oh my goodness. This kit is a whole hot mess, that craft kit was missing a lot of things. You did your thing. It came out beautifully.
I wonder how many takes it took for the AD for this thing
It’s very fluffy
Interested to see where your channel goes from here
Something confused me in the outro. You said you wished they sold plain mesh forms but isnt thr koala already plain mesh? Wouldnt you just use a different colored yarn?
Yes, I meant I wish they had more different animals that were just plain mesh. Like a plain bear or a plain cat or something.
just watching this is giving me so much stress and anxiety 😭
The fact that it's a crochet-like hook is killing me
Screw that. Two seconds in I would have stopped and went to find my actual latch hook. If I couldn’t find it off to Joanns I would have went!
Oh know that must be soooooo frustrating
This kit is the equivalent of 5 min crafts. "Look how cute! You can do this!" Hours later ...
😂
I would have gotten thinner yarn
I think if you really wanted to make a completely custom plush like this you would need to buy the canvas for the latch hook, have/make a pattern for the plush and I'm not sure witch would be easier but either make all the loops before sewing anything together or sew some parts and then loops and sew the rest, of course ill the inside if there is a need
also I've never used latch hook in any way but wouldn't it be better if instead of using technique in this video use something similar people sewing hair on barbie dolls use? at least in the plush, I understand it if different with flat piece but a 3d piece could use some inside support