Pattern Review – Crochet Mannequin Heads by 5 Little Monsters

Shane, my new mannequin headMeet Shane (yes, I name my mannequin heads). He’s about a 6 month old baby hat model, and I made him using the free pattern Crochet Mannequin Heads by 5 Little Monsters. The pattern is easier than I expected and very well written – a beginner would have no trouble following it.

Those of you who know me though, know that I can never make a pattern exactly the way it’s written. There’s always something I want to tweak or change to make it my own, and this one was no exception. Unfortunately this time, I wish I had just followed the pattern, and I didn’t realize my mistake until after it was all finished.

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I used Red Heart Super Saver in Buff, just as recommended in the pattern, except I did it with 2 strands held together. This made my gauge larger than the pattern, but one strand just felt too thin. I think my head would have come out just a little small using just one strand. In hindsight, I wish I had stuck with one strand and added rows if needed. The stitches would have been smaller, which in the end would have looked nicer for displaying hats. I was able to cut a couple of rounds out of the pattern though, so it did go a bit faster.

My next change was more significant. I decided I did not want the tall, sloped neckline shown on the pattern, but rather wanted a simple, flat, round base. So I worked only the increase rows and got a nice circular base. I was very happy with the way it looked, so I went ahead and finished it off. As I said, I didn’t realize my mistake till I was all done.

I stuffed the head with old yarn ends, but I didn’t want them to poke through. To achieve this, I first put a plastic grocery bag inside the head, with the opening at the neck. Then I filled the bag as tightly as I could with yarn bits, and tied it closed.  I finished off the base as described in the pattern, then gently shaped the head, pushing some of the stuffing down into the neck so it was nice and full. And that is when I realized it.

Bottom is lifting

Shane is top heavy. By eliminating the stuffed neck shown in the pattern, I made him all head! The base is so much lighter that he has trouble standing up. You can see here how the bottom is lifting, even without a hat on. With a hat, he just falls over.

Fixed with magnets

I fixed this to some extent by adding heavy magnet strips to the base, and he became a little more stable. I think he will work for now. Soon though, I need to make another one. The pattern is easy, well written, and well thought out, so this time, I will follow the pattern as it is written. (No really, I will!)

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