Wondering what to do to keep your favorite amigurumi plushies looking great on your bed or shelf for years? We've got you covered! If that's your next big question, brace yourselves—the answer is just around the corner. In this blog, we will solve all your amigurumi care problems. We have for you some handy dandy easy tips to enhance the life of your favorite handmade amigurumi toys. 

Amigurumi hand-crafted charms have our hearts and what hurts the most is when it falls prey to the curse of time. We know that these adorable charms are only enjoyable when they stay intact for a very long time. And to keep these squishies huggable, you have to take care of them. Whether your favorite amigurumi is a stuffed animal, a cute bedside plushie, a whimsical creature, or any decorative piece, the amount of time invested and craftsmanship involved can turn it into a cherished keepsake. So, without further ado, let’s explore what makes these lovely pieces withstand the test of time. Here are a few tips for the different stages of amigurumi to make it live a longer life.

Amigurumi Creation Care Tips

Let’s first address the root of all amigurumi care problems - the amigurumi creation process. If some care steps are taken during the crocheting of the amigurmi, then it is bound to have a huge impact on its lifetime. Let’s see what these creation tips are:

1. High Quality Yarn:

Always start with a good quality yarn. Trust us, you will be very happy later! The secret to a long-lasting amigurumi lies in the yarn you select. Choose a yarn that’s durable, lint-resistant, and won’t fray easily. This is especially important for amigurumi toys for kids, as they’re bound to be handled roughly and need to withstand play. Investing in reliable, high-quality yarn may cost a bit more, but it’ll save you the trouble of repairs or replacements later. So, skip the cheap stuff and opt for yarn built for longevity - it’s worth it in the long run.

The selection of the yarn heavily depends on your project’s type. For instance, if you’re making a plushie for a baby, Tweed Twinkles Bulky yarn by KnitPal may be a good choice. Similarly, if you’re going for something chunkier to adorn your bed, KnitPal’s Chenillique yarn is the ideal one. Another important tip that will help you, in the long run, is going for the tightly spun yarn instead of something loose as the loose ones are bound to pill. The high-twist yarns are more durable and are very suitable for amigurumi toys as they help to timelessly hold the stitches. Luckily for our users, all KnitPal’s yarns are high-twist - perfect for amigurumi! 

2. Quality Stuffing:

The right choice of stuffing for your amigurumi is the backbone of longevity. Stuffing is the most crucial element that keeps your amigurumi soft and fluffy. Again depending upon the type of project and how you are going to use it be very particular about the selection of the stuffing material. Polyester fiberfill is the recommended choice as it retains the shape for longer even after multiple washes. It is often advised not to use rice or beans for stuffing your plushie as it can be problematic while washing. Many people often use it as an easily accessible material at home but that can be accounted as a temporary solution. In the long run, it’s not a good choice for stuffing. 

Also, you must keep in mind that you have to avoid both over-stuffing and under-stuffing as both of them are injurious to your precious project. The right balance is the key to every successful project and the same is the case with your amigurumi. So, if you want it to retain its shape and stay soft yet firm, be careful with the stuffing!

3. Tight Stitches:

Keep those stitches tight! Tight stitches are the secret to well-structured amigurumi toys. Loose stitches can create gaps and holes, giving the toy an uneven and flimsy look. Single crochet stitches are highly recommended for their firm hold, keeping your amigurumi in shape. Also, maintain consistent tension as you crochet - uneven tension can lead to a fragile and misshapen toy which is something you want to avoid. Our most-selling Ombre Encore by KnitPal naturally renders tight stitches, but make sure to keep the tension strong when working with different yarns. Loose threads, weak knots, or poor craftsmanship, often signs of rushed work, can make an amigurumi wear out faster than expected. So, if you want your creation to stick around for years, put in your best effort from the start!

Amigurumi Maintenance Tips

Now that your amigurumi is all ready, the next question is how to maintain its cleanliness despite the endless cuddles so it lives long. Let’s take a look at the following tips for extending its life span. These tips are especially useful if you’re working with Chenillique yarn. 

1. Regular Cleaning:

Cleaning the amigurumi stuffed toys regularly is essential as it saves them from being ruined forever. It’s always suggested to hand wash your amigurumi plushies with mild soap gently. Washing too much is not advised. If you feel your cleaning OCD is taking over, you can do the spot cleaning as it protects the yarn from being ruined. Too much exposure to detergent or soap can also be harmful to the yarn. Therefore, be very particular about the washing schedule of your stuffed toys. Never wash Chenille yarn in a washing machine as it can instantly turn your amigurumi into a horror story. All the yarns available at KnitPal are machine-friendly. But, if you want to be extra cautious, put them in a mesh bag before throwing them in the machine - it’s a game changer! 

2. Drying Your Amigurumi:

After the washing, come the drying, and trust us it’s as simple as it sounds. Machine dryers are not recommended for drying your amigurumi as they have the tendency to make the yarn pill. Your amigurumi will end up looking all fuzzy and deshaped. A heat dryer is also not the best choice. The heat from the dryer is the enemy of amigurmi plushies, especially Chenille yarn. It can make the yarn fibers shrink, spoiling the look of your amigurumi. Be careful with sun drying as well. Too much sunlight or direct sunlight can cause the color of the yarn to fade. So, instead of sun drying try to air dry it. Air drying is your bestie in this case!

Amigurumi Storage Tips

If you wish to make your amigurumi a generational piece, you gotta store it right. The following tips can help you in protecting the integrity of your amigurumi:

1. Air Tight Storage:

Take out your air-tight containers and bags, they are finally going to come in handy! You need to protect your amigurumi from foreign agents such as dust and dirt. For this purpose, take your amigurumi and store them in clean air-tight containers. Make sure to thoroughly clean the container before putting in your amigurumi. You can also use air-tight bags. Take your storage items and store them in a cool place free from moisture. You don't want any moisture near your amigurumi so make sure everything is squeaky dry. 

2. Use Moth Repellents:

Imagine opening the storage box and being welcomed by critters feasting on your amigurumi. That’s a surprise you want to avoid. Moths and other small pests that are attracted to yarn can destroy your amigurumi in seconds. You can use moth-repellent sachets to put in your storage boxes. They don’t occupy much space and will shield your amigurumi against all critters! 

Amigurumi is often considered delicate and fragile but depends on how you start. Starting with the right materials, paying attention to the details, and taking care of the amigurumi over time can bring you joy for as long as you want. Especially when it’s a handmade gift or something you’ve crafted yourself, the thought of it getting damaged can be heartbreaking. So, keep these tips in mind, and stay tuned for more insights like these!

Remember, nothing is impossible - keep crafting, and we’re here to help with all your amigurumi needs!

Want to take your amigurumi creations to the next level? Discover the perfect yarn for your projects in our blog: What is The Best Type of Yarn for Amigurumi?