Crochet Amigurumi Kitten

I am making the black/grey cat for K's friend R for her bday.  We will see how quickly I can get it made since she asked me on Wed and the bday party is on Saturday.  I got the head and body done in one evening.

I found the following pattern on Crafty at http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/toy/kitten-crochet-amigurumi-pattern/2483?_ct=cucruh-xecu-sedjydkyjo-emd-sbysa&_ctp=1,PID%3A2483

Goto Crafty and get the pdf of the pattern because it has more pictures.


Amigurumi Kitten Patterns
patterns by Amy Gaines

Materials:
Size G crochet hook
Worsted Weight Yarn- Grey (Vanna’s Choice Yarn- Charcoal Grey #151), White (Vanna’s Choice Yarn- White #100), Medium Brown (Vanna’s Choice Yarn- Toffee #124), Off-White Yarn (Vanna’s Choice Yarn- Beige #123)
Tapestry Needle
Thread
Safety eyes- Two pair size 9.00mm Cat eyes, to purchase online: http://www.6060.etsy.com )
Poly-fill Stuffing
Abbreviations:
ch = Chain
sc = Single Crochet
2sctog = single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)
2scinc = single crochet twice in the same single crochet stitch (increase)
2HDCinc= Half Double Crochet twice in the same stitch (increase)

About this pattern: This pattern is worked in a spiral, so please mark the last stitch of each round to keep place, with a stitch marker or safety pin. When starting a piece, the pattern calls for a “ring” use what ever ring you would like: a slip knot, double ring, an adjustable loop, Chain 2- then start spiral in first chain, etc… The tail from the ring should be tightened and sewn into the piece and cut.
Copyright © 2009 text and design: Amy Gaines

Sitting Grey Kitten: 

Head: With Grey yarn, starting at the top of the head working to the neck.
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 8 times into ring (8) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on ring) *2scinc* in each of the 8 sc sts- 8 times (16)
Rnd 3: * 2scinc, 1 sc* repeat around (24)
Rnd 4: * 2scinc, 2 sc* repeat around (32)
Rnds 5 thru Rnd 11: Sc around (32)
Rnd12: *2sctog, 2 sc* repeat around (24)
Rnd13: *2sctog, 1 sc* repeat around (18)
End- sl st to nxt st. Cut yarn to leave a 12" tail to use to sew head onto body.
Secure on Safety Eyes and stuff head firmly. Set head aside.

Body: With Grey yarn, starting at the bottom of the body working up to the neck.
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 6 times into ring (6) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) *2scinc* in each of the 6 sc sts- 6 times (12)
Rnd 3: * 2scinc, 1 sc* repeat around (18)
Rnd 4: * 2scinc, 2 sc* repeat around (24)
Rnd 5: * 2scinc, 3 sc* repeat around (30)
Rnd 6: Sc around THRU THE BACK LOOPS (30)
Rnds 7 thru Rnd 9: Sc around (30)
Rnd 10: *2sctog, 3 sc* repeat 3 times total, sc the last 15 stitches once each (27)
The decreases will be the rear-end of the kitty.
Rnd 11: *2sctog, 2 sc* repeat 3 times total, sc the last 15 stitches once each (24)
Rnds 12 thru Rnd 13: Sc around (24)
Rnd14: *2sctog, 4 sc* repeat around (20)
Rnd15: Sc around (20)
Rnd16: *2sctog, 3 sc* repeat around (16)
Rnds 17 thru Rnd 20: Sc around (16)
End- slip stitch to next stitch and cut yarn and weave in tail.
Stuff body firmly!
Sew head to body at the neck, and weave in all yarn tails.

Ears:
Make 2- With Grey Yarn:
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 4 times into ring (4) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) -* 2scinc, 1 sc* repeat around (6)
Rnd 3: * 2scinc, 2 sc* repeat around (8)
Rnd 4: * 2scinc, 3 sc* repeat around (10) End- slip stitch to next stitch, and cut tail yarn 12 inches long to use to sew ears onto head.
Legs: Start with White yarn, and make 2.
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 5 times into ring (5) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) *2scinc* in each of the 5 sc stitches from round one- 5 times (10) Change to Grey Yarn.
Rnds 3 thru Rnd 5: Sc around (10) End- slip stitch to next stitch and cut yarn to leave a 12 inch tail to use to sew legs to bottom of body.
Lightly stuff feet, and with yarn tail, sew the feet to the bottom of the body at Round 6 of the body (the round you worked thru the back loops). Weave in yarn tails.

Tail:
With Grey Yarn:
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 6 times into ring (6) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) Sc around (6)
Rnd 3 thru Rnd 20: 2sctog, sc the next 2 stitches once each, 2scinc, sc the next stitch once (6)
Stuff as you work
Rnd 21 thru Rnd 24: Sc around (6) Stuff as you work.
End- cut about a 12 inch tail to use to sew Tail onto body.
With pink thread, embroider nose, and with white thread embroider whiskers.

Pouncing Siamese Kitten:

Face: With Medium Brown yarn.
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 8 times into ring (8) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) *2scinc* in each of the 8 sc stitches from round one- 8 times (16)
Rnd 3: * 2scinc, 1 sc* repeat around (24)
Rnd 4: 2scinc, sc the next 2 stitches once each, 2HDCinc, HDC in the next 2 stitches once each, 2scinc, sc the next 2 stitches once each, 2scinc, sc the next 2 stitches once each, 2HDCinc, HDC in the next 2 stitches once each, 2scinc, sc the next 2 stitches once each. End- slip stitch to next stitch and cut yarn to leave a 12 inch tail to use to sew face onto head.
Set face aside.
Head: With Off- White yarn, starting at the top of the head working to the neck.
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 8 times into ring (8) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) *2scinc* in each of the 8 sc stitches from round one- 8 times (16)
Rnd 3: * 2scinc, 1 sc* repeat around (24)
Rnd 4: * 2scinc, 2 sc* repeat around (32)
Rnds 5 thru Rnd 11: Sc around (32)
At this point, you are going to stop working, but don’t cut yarn, you will be putting the safety eyes thru the face part and head:
First arrange face, and head and safety eyes.
Next, put safety eyes thru the face part but don’t put on washers.
Arrange face part on top of head, aligning the first round of the face on top of the first round of the head. Push safety eyes thru the head along with the face.
Secure on washers inside of the head.
Continue working the head:
Rnd12: *2sctog, 2 sc* repeat around (24)
Rnd13: *2sctog, 1 sc* repeat around (18) End- slip stitch to next stitch and cut yarn to leave a 12 inch tail to use to sew head onto body.
Sew face to head:
Stuff Head firmly and set aside.

Body: With Off-White yarn, starting at the bottom of the body working up to the neck.
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 6 times into ring (6) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) *2scinc* in each of the 6 sc stitches from round one- 6 times (12)
Rnd 3: * 2scinc, 1 sc* repeat around (18)
Rnd 4: * 2scinc, 2 sc* repeat around (24)
Rnd 5: * 2scinc, 3 sc* repeat around (30)
Rnds 6 thru Rnd 9: Sc around (30)
Rnd 10: *2sctog, 3 sc* repeat 3 times total, sc the last 15 stitches once each (27) The decreases will be the rear-end of the kitty.
Rnd 11: *2sctog, 2 sc* repeat 3 times total, sc the last 15 stitches once each (24)
Rnds 12 thru Rnd 13: Sc around (24)
Rnd14: *2sctog, 4 sc* repeat around (20)
Rnd15: Sc around (20)
Rnd16: *2sctog, 3 sc* repeat around (16)
Rnds 17 thru Rnd 20: Sc around (16) End- slip stitch to next stitch and cut yarn and weave in tail.
Stuff body firmly!
The decreases on the body will be the kittens “rear-end”, align the decreases on the top of the kittens back. The black arrow if pointing to the decreases to help you see the alignment while sewing the head to the body.
Sew head to body at the neck, and weave in all yarn tails.

Back Legs: Start with Medium Brown yarn, and make 2.
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 5 times into ring (5) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) *2scinc* in each of the 5 sc stitches from round one- 5 times (10)
Rnds 3 thru Rnd 5: Sc around (10) Change to Off-White Yarn.
Rnds 6 thru Rnd 9: Sc around (10) End- slip stitch to next stitch and cut yarn to leave a 12 inch tail to use to sew legs to bottom back of body.
Stuff back legs firmly. Sew legs to underside of the back of the body. Weave in all yarn tails.
Front Legs: Start with Medium Brown yarn, and make 2.
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 5 times into ring (5) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) *2scinc* in each of the 5 sc stitches from round one- 5 times (10)
Rnds 3 thru Rnd 5: Sc around (10) Change to Off-White Yarn.
Rnds 6 thru Rnd 11: Sc around (10)
Rnd 12: *2sctog, sc the next stitch, 2sctog* repeat between the *’s twice.
End- slip stitch to next stitch and cut yarn to leave a 12 inch tail to use to sew legs to the body.
Lightly stuff front legs, and arrange them under the head and sew on below the neck.
Next anchor the legs to the head under the face
with a scrap of off-white yarn:

Ears:
Make 2- With Medium Brown Yarn:
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 4 times into ring (4) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) -* 2scinc, 1 sc* repeat around (6)
Rnd 3: * 2scinc, 2 sc* repeat around (8)
Rnd 4: * 2scinc, 3 sc* repeat around (10) End- slip stitch to next stitch, and cut tail yarn 12 inches long to use to sew ears onto head.

Tail:
With Medium Brown Yarn:
Rnd 1: Make a ring, sc 6 times into ring (6) (Remember to mark last stitch of each round)
Rnd 2: (starting in 1st sc on the ring) Sc around (6)
Rnd 3 thru Rnd 4: 2sctog, sc the next 2 stitches once each, 2scinc, sc the next stitch once (6) Stuff as you work, and Change yarn to Off-White.
Rnd 5 thru Rnd 20: 2sctog, sc the next 2 stitches once each, 2scinc, sc the next stitch once (6) Stuff as you work
Rnd 21 thru Rnd 24: Sc around (6) Stuff as you work. End- cut about a 12 inch tail to use to sew Tail onto body as in photo:
With Brown thread, embroider nose.

I hope you have enjoyed my pattern, if you have any questions along the way, please feel free to e-mail me at AmyGaines123@yahoo.com

Crochet Kitty Amineko

K asked me to crochet a cat for her friend as a bday present and in my search I found the following and thought it was pretty cute and wanted to save it for the future.

Making one for Emily. updated 7/16/24

I found the pics at here http://www.dappertoad.com/2013/01/crochet-kitty-free-pattern-link.html


This cat, let me tell you, is so adorably pose-able it's just nuts. I think he turned out a little smug looking, but he's still cute. And the pattern is free! How could you not make one? It's a great beginner pattern and hooks up pretty quickly. He's quite large as well: mine is 13 inches tall. 

And I found the pattern here https://mite-cafe.com/p/diagram/crochetedCat

Make sure to check out additional instructions for putting all the parts together below.  I found these additional instruction here http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/amineko-lovers/2689427/26-50#26

Materials:
Hook Size: C or 2.75-3mm
Yarn Weight: Light Fingering-Super Fine #1-Sock
Yardage: 118yds

To those who are not familiar with Japanese. I drew diagrams next to the worded instructions to make it clearer for everyone to understand. I hope you enjoy it!

symbol	US term	Japanese
	sc (single crochet)	こま編み
	2-sc inc (2-single crochet increase)	増目（こま編み2目編み入れ）
	2-sc dec (2-single crochet cluster/decrease)	減目（こま編み2目1度）

Easy method for the first step

The method which I usually use
Make a loop from the yarn.(Japanese page)
Tighten the loop.(Japanese page)

pattern of crocheted Cat (Amineko) / original Japanese page

Head

Head
Preparation : Make a loop from the yarn.

1. [ sc ] × 6 , and tighten the loop.
2. [ 2-sc inc ] × 6
3. [ sc × 1, 2-sc inc ] × 6
4. [ sc × 2, 2-sc inc ] × 6
5. [ sc × 3, 2-sc inc ] × 6
6. [ sc × 4, 2-sc inc ] × 6
7. [ sc × 5, 2-sc inc ] × 6
8. [ sc × 6, 2-sc inc ] × 6
9. sc repeat
10. sc repeat
11. sc repeat
12. sc repeat
13. sc repeat
14. sc repeat
15. sc repeat
16. [ sc × 6, 2-sc dec ] × 6
17. [ sc × 5, 2-sc dec ] × 6
18. [ sc × 4, 2-sc dec ] × 6
19. [ sc × 3, 2-sc dec ] × 6
20. [ sc × 2, 2-sc dec ] × 6

Finally, cut the yarn. Make sure you leave enough yarn to sew the head onto the torso.

Hand × 2

Hand × 2
Preparation : Make a loop from the yarn.

1. [ sc ] × 6 , and tighten the loop.
2. [ 2-sc inc ] × 6
3. sc repeat
4. sc repeat
5. sc repeat
6. sc repeat
7. [ sc × 1, 2-sc dec ] × 4
8. sc repeat
9. sc repeat
10. sc repeat
11. sc repeat
12. sc repeat
13. sc repeat
14. sc repeat
15. sc repeat
16. sc repeat
17. sc repeat
18. sc repeat
19. sc repeat
20. sc repeat
21. sc repeat
22. sc repeat
23. sc repeat
24. sc repeat
25. sc repeat
26. sc repeat
27. sc repeat
28. sc repeat

Finally, cut the yarn. Make sure you leave enough yarn to sew the hand onto the torso.

Foot × 2

Foot × 2
Preparation : Make a loop from the yarn.

1. [ sc ] × 6 , and tighten the loop.
2. [ 2-sc inc ] × 6
3. [ sc × 3, 2-sc inc ] × 3
4. sc repeat
5. sc repeat
6. sc repeat
7. sc repeat
8. [ sc × 1, 2-sc dec ] × 5
9. sc repeat
10. sc repeat
11. sc repeat
12. sc repeat
13. sc repeat
14. sc repeat
15. sc repeat
16. sc repeat
17. sc repeat
18. sc repeat
19. sc repeat
20. sc repeat
21. sc repeat
22. sc repeat
23. sc repeat
24. sc repeat

Finally, cut the yarn. Make sure you leave enough yarn to sew the foot onto the torso.

Tail

Tail
Preparation : Make a loop from the yarn.

1. [ sc ] × 6 , and tighten the loop.
2. [ sc × 2, 2-sc inc ] × 2
3. sc repeat
4. sc repeat
5. sc repeat
6. sc repeat
7. sc repeat
8. sc repeat
9. sc repeat
10. sc repeat
11. sc repeat
12. sc repeat
13. sc repeat
14. sc repeat
15. sc repeat
16. sc repeat
17. sc repeat
18. sc repeat
19. sc repeat
20. sc repeat
21. sc repeat
22. sc repeat

Finally, cut the yarn. Make sure you leave enough yarn to sew the tail onto the torso.

Ear × 2

Ear × 2
Preparation : Make a loop from the yarn.

1. [ sc ] × 4 , and tighten the loop.
2. [ 2-sc inc ] × 4
3. [ sc × 3, 2-sc inc ] × 2
4. [ sc × 4, 2-sc inc ] × 2
5. [ sc × 5, 2-sc inc ] × 2

Finally, cut the yarn. Make sure you leave enough yarn to sew the ear onto the head.

Mouth

Mouth
Preparation : Make a loop from the yarn.

1. [ sc ] × 7 , and tighten the loop.
2. [ 2-sc inc ] × 7
3. sc repeat
4. sc repeat
5. sc repeat
6. sc repeat
7. sc repeat
8. sc repeat
9. sc repeat
10. sc repeat, and stuffing.
11. [ 3-sc dec, 4-sc dec, 4-sc dec, 3-sc dec ]

Finally, cut the yarn. Make sure you leave enough yarn to sew the mouth onto the head.

Torso

Torso
Preparation : Make a loop from the yarn.

1. [ sc ] × 6 , and tighten the loop.
2. [ 2-sc inc ] × 6
3. [ sc × 1, 2-sc inc ] × 6
4. [ sc × 2, 2-sc inc ] × 6
5. [ sc × 3, 2-sc inc ] × 6
6. [ sc × 4, 2-sc inc ] × 6
7. (add legs & tail see below ) sc repeat
8. sc repeat
9. sc repeat
10. sc repeat
11. sc repeat
12. sc repeat
13. sc repeat
14. sc repeat
15. sc repeat
16. sc repeat
17. sc repeat
18. sc repeat
19. sc repeat
20. sc repeat
21. sc repeat
22. sc repeat
23. sc repeat
24. [ sc × 4, 2-sc dec ] × 6
25. sc repeat
26. sc repeat
27. [ sc × 3, 2-sc dec ] × 6
28. (add arms) sc repeat
29. sc repeat
30. [ sc × 2, 2-sc dec ] × 6
31. sc repeat
32. sc repeat

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a little picture tutorial for adding legs, and tails to the torso as you crochet the torso. Hope it’s helpful !
Here is the beginning of the torso, Round 6 completed. I like to put the legs on either side of one the little points.

Just put the leg on the front of your work to one side of the little point. You can see your leg just about fits on one of those sides. Crochet Round 7 till you get up to where you would start to attach the leg.

Crochet through both layers of the leg and into the next stitch on the torso. Continue across the leg going in the next set of stitches.

I like put one sc in between the legs and then start the second leg. Here is the back side of the work showing the stitches where the leg is secured.

Notice that there is another little point directly across from where the legs are crocheted on.

Place the tail directly over that point and crochet it in.

Now the legs and tail are crocheted on !!! I find I usually either add or subtract a couple stitches doing this, so increase or decrease stitches as you finish Round 7 so you are back to 36 stitches.

For Round 28 I lay the body on it’s side and place the arm about half way between the tail and legs.

DZKat's Crocheting legs, tail and arms to Amineko torso as you go

Sc through both layers of the arm and into the torso.

Ta-Da !!

Stuffing

A few plastic pellets in the hands and the feet. Plastic pellets and cotton wool in the torso. Cotton wool in the head. A little cotton wool in the mouth.

Assembling

Sew the ears and the mouth part onto the head.
Stitch the nose, the mouth and the eyes. Felt could be used for the nose if you wish. Then put the finishing touches on the face by stitching the eyebrows. Design the face as you like it.
Sew the head onto the torso. Sew the hands, the feet and the tail onto the torso.
Don't forget to name the cat! Done!

You can see a lot of more detailed images. (original Japanese page , more)

Artichoke Dip

A Freaking Mazing Artichoke Dip

I found this at http://www.joyfulabode.com/a-freaking-mazing-artichoke-dip/ when I was searching for an artichoke dip recipe.  This is the one we liked best.

A-Freaking-Mazing Artichoke Dip

Author: Emily Chapelle - Joyful Abode

Recipe type: Appetizer

Cuisine: Grain-free, Gluten-free, Primal, Low Carb

This is the best artichoke dip you'll ever make. It's quick and easy, and everyone loves it.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. Cream Cheese
• A dollop of sour cream - maybe ¼ - ⅓ cup
• A dollop of mayonnaise - about ¼ cup
• About a cup of chopped spinach (either fresh, cooked, or frozen, thawed). I use one box frozen.
• 2 ~15oz cans or jars of artichoke hearts (in water, not marinated), drained and roughly chopped
• Garlic salt to taste
• Chili powder
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• A handful of shredded mozzarella cheese for the top

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Warm the cream cheese in the microwave for 2 minutes on 50% heat to soften it. Pre-microwaving the cream cheese will help you mix it with the other ingredients, so I recommend not skipping this step.
3. Mix all ingredients in a baking dish.
4. Be generous with the chili powder! The cream cheese and sour cream will act to "cool" the dip, so you can sprinkle away with the chili!
5. Bake 30-45 minutes until heated through.
6. Sprinkle on a bit more mozzarella, then broil until the cheese is browned.

Now you can get down to the business of eating and enjoying your delicious dip. Try it with:

1. Zero-Carb Homemade Baked Cheese Crisps
2. Carrot sticks
3. Celery sticks
4. Strips of raw bell peppers
5. Pork rinds
6. A spoon
7. Homemade grain-free crackers (I’m thinking of a sesame-seed based one that I may try to make!)
8. Slices of turnips, jicama, or large radishes

I also think it would be great in hollowed-out Roma tomato halves or jalapeno pepper halves, possibly wrapped with bacon. Dear goodness…. *sigh*

Make it in a beautiful enameled baking dish, and this artichoke dip will be ready for entertaining everyone’s tastebuds at your party in style.

Crochet Star

I was looking for a star pattern to put in birthday gift bags.

I found it on this website with great directions. http://habitualhomebody.com/how-to-crochet-a-star/

I would like them to look like this and I think if I put a SC boarder on the pattern below that it would look like that.

Star pattern:

Start with a magic ring. 15 Dc into the ring.
Click here for my video tutorial on how to make a magic ring.

Slip stitch to join in top of first DC. Pull the tail to close the hole (or leave it open if you wish). Chain 6.

SC in third stitch from hook. HDC in next stitch. Dc in next two stitches.

Skip two stitches. Slip stitch in third stitch to anchor down star arm. Repeat these last three steps 4 more times.

When you get to the last arm of the star, you will slip stitch into the first stitch, then finish off. Weave in ends.

How to block your stars:

You may wish to block your star so the arms stay flat. It’s very simple to do this. All you need is a piece of cardboard, some pins, and a spray bottle of water. Flatten and stretch the star to the shape you want it to be in when dry. Pin them in that position to the cardboard. Spray liberally with water and let air dry.

(Psst, I cheated by using a hairdryer to dry them because I was impatient – my yarn was wool so I wasn’t worried about melting, but acrylic may melt this way- so be careful and maybe test one first).

When completely dry, remove the pins and you’re done!

Here’s a blocking before and after:

Beaded Friendship Bracelet

I found this on http://www.1dogwoof.com/2013/04/crochet-beaded-friendship-bracelet.html

I just happened along her website.


For an intro on this project, check out my previous post.

 Supplies:

2.5mm crochet hook
6 strand embroidery thread
30 size 6 glass beads
large sewing needle small enough to go through the beads

Abbreviations:

sl st: slip stitch
ch: chain
st: stitch

Thread 30 seed beads onto your embroidery floss.

Row 1: Leave a 7-8 inch tail.  Ch. 39. Turn

Row 2: Sl st in back ridge of the 2nd ch from hook.  Sl st in each chain across.  Turn.

Row 3: Ch. 1.  Sl st in each of next 4 st. Sl st a bead in each of next 30 st. Sl st next 4 st.  Turn.

The bead part isn’t as hard as it sounds.  Push each bead tightly to the work before inserting your hook into the stitch to complete the slip stitch.  The bead should now be on the right of your hook, while the unused beads continue to be on the left of the hook.  (for right handers)

Row 4: Ch 1. Sl st in each st across.  Leave a 7-8 inch tail and fasten off.

Now you have the body of the bracelet with a two tails on the same side of the bracelet.  Now cut 3 lengths of embroidery floss, each about 14-15 inches (twice the length of a tail).  Loop one of the strands on the end with the tails, and loop the other two strands on the other end,so you have 4 “tails” on each end of the bracelet.  You can use a lark’s knot or just tie it however you need to secure it to the body.  Now work a 4-way braid on each end.  The length of the braid is up to you – it’ll depend on whether you want to make the bracelet adjustable or just tie the ends together.  If you want to make the ends adjustable, you’ll have to create an adjustable knot macrame knot  [bad link] (or a series of square knots) to hold the two ends together.

For mine, I ended the braids with a knot, added a couple more beads and tied another knot to hold them in place.  The finishing touches are completely up to you!