Basic Amigurumi Stitches and Patterns for Beginners

Hey there you! Yes, YOU! If you’ve landed on this page then chances are that you’ve been swayed by crochet. And if you’re reading this blog, then amigurumi already has your heart. The cutesy craft of amigurumi has been around since the 1950s but just recently, it has become a sensational trend. From amigurumi bouquets to cuddly plushies, from welcoming decor to snuggle buddies, from bag charms to bedside toys, amigurumi truly spreads the crafty joy. Amigurumi creations sure seem adorable but the question is where to begin? How to start? Is it possible to create a plushie as a beginner? (Spoiler alert: Yes, it is!) This blog answers it all.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the basic stitches that are required in amigurumi. By just practicing these few basic stitches, you can become an amigurumi pro. Before moving on to the stitches, we’ll talk a little bit about hand and yarn placement. We’ll also share some super easy patterns that you can follow as a beginner to create your first-ever plushie. So let’s get crafting!

Hand and Yarn Placement

When we say this blog is for beginners, we actually mean from the very start - which means holding the yarn. For amigurumi, you need to apply the same hand and yarn placement technique that you do for crochet. Simply hold your crochet hook in your dominant hand and utilize the left one for holding the yarn. 

In your left hand, take the loose end of the yarn and pass it below your fingers. Pinch this strand of yarn between your middle finger and your thumb. Give it a slight wrap around your index finger and keep it erect to maintain tension as shown in the image below.

Tension is the key to amigurumi. You don’t want your stitches too tight or too loose. If they’re too tight, you’ll find it difficult to insert the hook, and if it's the latter, then your amigurumi will lose its shape. Maintain the right balance of tension by positioning your index finger. And that’s how you hold the yarn for amigurumi!

Basic Stitches of Amigurumi

In the realm of amigurumi, you only need to master a few stitches to become a pro. These stitches set the foundation for amigurumi. All amigurumi patterns utilize these basic stitches. Whether you’re making a complicated doll figurine or a simple keyring squishy, the basic stitches are all the same, irrespective of the complexity. These stitches are listed below:

1. Slip Knot

Slip knot is the first stitch that you need to start your project. It sets the tone for your project and all other stitches originate from the slip knot. To make a slip knot, simply follow the steps given below:

• Take the tail end of the yarn and place it on top of your first 2 fingers
• Grab the strand attached to the skein
• Pull this strand below your fingers and bring it on top, making an X
• Pinch this X with your thumb
• Now grab your hook and insert it behind your fingers in the loop
• Grab the yarn strand and pull it through the loop
• Remove your fingers and tighten the two strands 

And there you have it! Your very first slip knot is all done, it’ll look something like the one shown below:

2. Chain Stitch

Chain stitch is the next fundamental stitch in amigurumi. It’s the foundational chain on which you work all your stitches. You can either make them at the beginning of your project or even during the project. To make a chain stitch, follow the steps listed below:

• Make a slip-knot
• Maintain the yarn tension in your other hand
• Take your hook and grab the yarn strand
• Pull it through the slip-knot loop

And your first chain is all done! Repeat this process a couple of times to make as many chain stitches as required by the pattern. They’ll look like tiny V’s.

Still confused about the chain stitch? Check out this tutorial by Fibre Flux

3. Single Crochet

In the crochet family, a single crochet is the mother stitch. No project is complete without a single crochet, especially in amigurumi. The double and triple crochet follow the same technique as the single crochet. To make a single crochet, follow the below steps:

• First make a few chain stitches (5, 10, as many as required)
• Insert your hook in the V of the chain stitch 
• Grab the yarn strand with the crochet hook
• Pull it through the V. Now you have 2 loops on the hook
• Again grab the yarn strand with the hook
• Pull this yarn through both the 2 loops

And your single crochet is all done! Repeat this for all the chain stitches to fully master the single crochet.

4. Increase Stitch