Should you follow a crochet pattern to the letter, or is there room for creative interpretation? That’s the question I found myself pondering while testing Crochet by Genna’s newest Dog Snuggler pattern – and the answer led me on an adorable journey to recreate my own beloved corgi, His Majesty, Roland.

The Spark of Inspiration

When I saw that Genna’s original four-dog pattern included a corgi, I immediately signed up to be a tester. But as I looked at the sweet tangerine and white design, I couldn’t help but wonder: What if I made this look like Roland instead?

My tri-colored redheaded corgi (affectionately known as “the beast”) has been my loyal companion for 14 years, always sitting right beside me during filming. Despite making corgi-themed items before – including a felted miniature Roland years ago – I’d never actually tried to crochet something that truly captured his specific markings and personality.

Making Do With What You Have

The original pattern called for Premier Brand’s Parfait Chunky in tangerine and white – yarn I’d never worked with and didn’t own. Instead, I turned to my stash from what ended up being my final Jo-Ann’s trip: Big Twist Plush in sunflower, coconut (off-white), and black. Perfect for Roland’s tri-color coat!

Pro tip: Sometimes the best projects come from working with what you have rather than shopping for exact pattern matches.

The Challenges of Customization

Color Work Complications

Working with multiple colors while decreasing proved trickier than expected. The yarn started puckering during color changes, and I didn’t achieve quite the right distribution I wanted. Roland’s distinctive markings – including his “mermaid tail” white patch on his back and black facial spots – required some creative problem-solving.

The Toe Bean Dilemma

The pattern called for pink toe beans, but I didn’t have matching pink yarn in the right weight. The Dollar Tree chenille was much lighter (weight 5 vs. 6), so I simplified by making solid coconut-colored feet instead.

Tail Tales

Here’s where I really went off-script: Roland still has his natural tail (unlike many US corgis with docked tails), complete with the Shepherd’s Lantern white tip found on herding breeds. I created my own tail design, starting with four stitches in a magic ring, increasing to eight, then switching to black – though I skipped the brown underside detailing for simplicity’s sake.

What Worked Beautifully

The Big Twist Plush yarn was a delightful discovery. Much thicker and sturdier than velvet yarns, with real heft that made it perfect for this project. I’d compare it to Bernat Blanket – substantial enough that you can really feel the quality.

The sinker eyes I’d purchased the week before (my first time using them instead of safety eyes) were significantly larger than expected, but they gave Roland such personality that I’m completely sold on them.

Pattern Review: Crochet by Genna’s Dog Snuggler

Skill Level: Experienced beginner to intermediate

• Requires comfort with increases/decreases
• Involves shaping techniques
• Back loop only sections
• Guided/selective decreases

What I Loved:

• Clear, well-written instructions
• Minimal sewing (just tail, ears, and head attachment)
• No-sew snout design
• Now available in 8 different dog variations!

Perfect For: Crocheters who’ve moved beyond basic projects and are comfortable with shaping techniques.

The Big Reveal

Watch the full video to see Roland himself and his adorable mini-me!

The finished snuggler captures Roland’s essence beautifully – from his satellite ears (which came out more oblong than the pattern’s triangular design, but perfectly matched Roland’s actual ears) to his distinctive facial markings. Even his “fairy kiss” – that little black spot of corgi lore – made it onto the design.

Snugglers 101

For those unfamiliar, a snuggler is essentially an unstuffed plushie – only the head and feet contain stuffing, making it perfect for babies and toddlers. This was my first snuggler, and I can absolutely see the appeal. There’s something irresistibly huggable about the design!

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best test of a pattern isn’t following it exactly – it’s seeing how well it adapts to your creative vision. Genna’s Dog Snuggler pattern proved flexible enough to accommodate my Roland-inspired modifications while maintaining its structural integrity and adorable factor.

Would I recommend this pattern? Absolutely! Whether you stick to the original designs or venture into customization territory like I did, it’s a rewarding project that results in something truly special.

Want to try this pattern yourself? Check out Crochet by Genna’s Dog Snuggler pattern on Etsy (Note: This is not a sponsored recommendation – just genuine enthusiasm for a great pattern!)

What’s your take on pattern modification? Do you prefer following patterns exactly, or do you love adding your own creative touches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!