Work by feel rather than sight: run a finger along the edge to find the firm core of each stitch, then insert the hook there. Use simple stitches such as single crochet, count every round and mark the start with a contrasting stitch marker. Good light behind the work helps, and holding a thin smooth yarn alongside makes stitches easier to find. Long-pile yarns like Lanoso Single and YarnArt Samba need this most.

Yes, fur yarn gives toys a realistic coat and hides uneven stitches, but it needs a few tricks. Start the magic ring with a strand of smooth yarn so it pulls tight, count every round, and brush the finished toy to lift the pile. Trim the fur around the eyes and nose so the face stays visible. Rico Ricorumi Furry Furry Print comes in 25 g balls for small animals, and YarnArt Fable Fur (100 g / 100 m) suits larger ones.

Short-pile fur gives an even, teddy-like surface where you can still make out the stitches, which makes it easier for garments and first projects. Long-pile fur gives a shaggy, rabbit-like look that hides everything. YarnArt Piuma (100% polyester, 50 g / 100 m) has a short, dense pile, while YarnArt Samba and Lanoso Single have a long pile that is popular for doll hair, trims and fluffy animals.

Synthetic fur yarns are polyester or polyamide, so finished items can usually be washed gently, but check the care symbols on the ball band first. Hand wash or use a cool delicate cycle in a laundry bag, press the water out in a towel, and dry flat away from radiators, because heat can mat or flatten the pile. Brush the fur once it is dry. Lanoso Dominanti Colorful and Wolans Fox are both 100% polyester.

Knit the collar or cuffs separately in fur yarn and sew them onto a plain sweater or coat, or pick up stitches along the edge and knit them on directly. Garter stitch looks more natural than stockinette in fur, because the fibres lie more evenly. YarnArt Mink (100% polyamide, 50 g / 75 m, 6–7 mm needles) is a classic choice for collars and cuffs, and its fur hides the seam where it joins the garment.

Yes, Alize Puffy Fur Love is a loop yarn with a faux-fur look, so you finger knit it by pulling each ready-made loop through the one before. It is 100% polyester, 100 g / 6.3 m per ball, in 10 colours, and works up into blankets and simple garments very quickly. When you have finished, fluff the surface lightly with your fingers or a soft brush to hide the loops at the seams.