FAQ

What does mochimochi mean? 

In Japanese, mochimochi is a descriptive word meaning “squishy,” like the traditional sweet made of sticky rice called mochi. (It’s delicious!)

I spent some formative years as an exchange student in and around Nagoya, Japan, where I caught both the knitting bug and the CUTE bug. I still bring these passions into my Hello Kitty-influenced, squishy, somewhat weird, knitted toys.

I don’t knit, but I want one of your toys. Will you make me one? 

You can find a few tiny mochis in my shop. I wish I had time to sell the toys I design, but I’m usually too busy designing them! Sometimes my one-of-a-kind knits are available through galleries and stores. You can email me for more info.

Where do I find your gnome pattern?

You can find the pattern for my tiny gnome in my book Teeny-Tiny Mochimochi, and in this downloadable pattern collection, and in this Tiny Gnome Kit.

You can also find the gnome pattern in a simplified form in my Starter Gnome pattern (also available as a kit).

Do you do custom knitting or designing?

I don’t usually do custom orders, but if you have a really special/ interesting project, I would love to hear about it. Please contact Koko Art Agency for commercial inquiries.

Do you teach knitting classes? 

Yes I do! I post about any upcoming classes on Facebook and Instagram, and in my newsletter.

Can I sell toys made from your patterns for a charity? How about for my own profit? 

I ask that knitters get my permission before selling items made from my toys. That said, I love it when my designs can be used to raise money for a good cause, so please let me know about your plans and we can discuss it. For other sales, I grant permission on a case-by-case basis, so please get in touch with the details of how and where you would like to sell items made from my patterns.

What knitting skills do I need to use your patterns? 

If you know the knitting basics (casting on, knit stitch, basic increases and decreases), my Starter Patterns are perfect.

All patterns in my shop have their special techniques listed on the product page, so you can see if you know those techniques or are willing to learn them.

If you’re not sure about your skill level but want to give something a try, check out the free patterns I have on my blog.

I like your toy designs, but I don’t like double-pointed needles. Can I use a different technique?

You sure can! If you are more comfortable using a circular needle, then I recommend looking into the magic loop method of using one long circular needle to knit a small number of stitches in the round. You can find a video on magic loop at the knitting help website. http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/advanced-techniques

If you are a committed flat knitter, all of my patterns can be converted into flat knitting with a little math. All of my Starter Mochi Patterns come with instructions for both flat and circular knitting.

If I get stuck/confused in a pattern, can I ask you for help?

You definitely can!

First please check my How-to page, which includes tutorials on techniques that are special to my designs.

You can also contact me for help at info@mochimochiland.com.

Do you have a mailing list? 

Yes! Sign up here for twice-monthly updates on new patterns, special deals, contests, and other fun stuff.

How do I support both Mochimochi Land AND my local yarn store? 

Please check my list of vendors to see if there is one near you.

If your local yarn store doesn’t carry Mochimochi Land kits, please encourage them to contact me to start an order!

How can I become a pattern tester? 

I have all the testers that I need right now, but whenever I am in need of more, I’ll put an announcement in my newsletter.