Techniques, Tips, Materials & Patterns

Most likely, the reason you are reading this article is that you want to begin your first amigurumi project. Whether you are brand new to this technique or want a review of the basics you have come to the right place!

Is amigurumi simple enough for newcomers? Yes! Amigurumi is ideal for beginners since it is simple to produce and only requires a basic understanding of a few stitches and methods.

In this post you will find: 

• Techniques and materials needed to create amigurumi patterns 
• Tips on how to best execute this style are sprinkled throughout the article 
• Patterns to help you get started 

What is Amigurumi? 

The name Amigurumi is a combination of two Japanese words: ami, which means knitted or crocheted, and nuigurumi, meaning a stuffed doll. It frequently takes the shape of an animal or mystical creature with a kawaii or cute appearance.

Techniques 

Magic circle The majority of an amigurumi's components, such as the head, arms, legs, and body, are created by crocheting in a circle. The Magic circle is a great technique to use because it delivers a fresh start with no gaps or spaces. Video link for magic circle

Single Crochet Can be abbreviated as sc. A single crochet is one of the most basic and versatile crochet stitches to learn. It can be done in two easy steps. 1) insert the hook into the subsequent stitch, yarn over, and draw up through the loop 2) Yarn over once more and then draw up through the 2 loops on the hook. Video link for single crochet

Increasing Can be abbreviated as inc. Increasing allows for the project to grow outward into a ball by making more stitches. For this to work more than one single crochet must be worked into each stitch to increase the number of stitches in a circle. For example, going from 5 stitches in the Magic Circle to 10 stitches in the next round two single crochets must be worked into each stitch. Video link for increasing a single crochet

Decreasing Can be abbreviated as dec or sc2tog. This takes your stitches from larger numbers back to smaller numbers to give your pattern a rounded look and help to form the finished shape. This happens when two stitches are crocheted together. For example, when going from 10 stitches in a Magic Circle to 5 stitches two single crochet stitches will have to be crocheted together all the way around. Video link for decreasing a single crochet

Materials

Crochet Hook: The hook size needed will generally be listed on the pattern. In amigurumi, smaller hook sizes are generally used to achieve a tighter more uniform stitch. Hook size can be adjusted to obtain a larger or smaller size finished product.

Yarn: Most people prefer to use worsted weight acrylic yarn to make their stuffed animals more resilient and less fluffy. Always look for the yarn size to be listed on the pattern. Some great yarn choices to use are from the Knitpal storefront.

Fillers: The majority of the time, after finishing your amigurumi crochet product, you will need to fill it. The ideal material to use is 100% polyester fiber fill since it does not retain water when washed and dried. Keep in mind that one bag goes a long way! Make sure to stuff your amigurumi properly; if you stuff it too much, the stuffing may burst through. Otherwise, it will be limp.

Yarn Needles: The body pieces of your amigurumi are put together with these needles. They will also assist in keeping your product from unraveling once you have finished crocheting it, you will need to weave (hide) any loose yarn ends into your stitches. So, a yarn needle is required. Instead of being sharp and pointed like a regular sewing needle, it often has a rounded end and a wider eye (where the yarn is put through).

Safety Eyes: Not all but many amigurumi patterns call for safety eyes. When you are nearly finished crocheting the head, you add the safety eyes using plastic washer backings. Alternatives to safety eyes can include beads or embroidered eyes with yarn.

Patterns 

Working through a pattern is, in my opinion, the greatest method to learn how to crochet amigurumi. 

There are a few things you should check for in your first pattern if you are a newbie. First, start with a simplistic pattern. Second, search for a design with a minimal number of components and basic shapes.

There are many free amigurumi patterns online but some great ones to get started with are listed below!

Crochet Octopus Pattern is a simple and quick pattern that is a perfect place to start when trying amigurumi. Pattern by Abigail from KKAME. Uses a size 3.5mm hook. Crochet Octopus Pattern