Tips and Tricks to Master Amigurumi

The fluffy world of amigurumi opens doors to a world of cuddles and cuteness. And once you enter this world, the possibilities of creation are endless. From snuggle buddies to lively bouquets, from special gifts to trendy charms, from cutie dolls to lovely bassinets, amigurumi is everywhere. It adorns every part of your life in the most adorable way possible! But like every other craft in the world, amigurumi too takes practice, maybe slightly more than other yarn-ish crafts. The process of becoming an amigurumi pro may be slow, but trust us, the results are so worth it. 

It’s completely natural for your first amigurumi project to turn out as a disastrous celestial creature. You may be aiming for an octo plushie, but there’s a big chance that it may turn out to look like something straight out of a horror film. Dehsaped head, uneven eyes, irregular stuffing - these all are completely normal for beginner amigurumi projects. But the good news is, these abnormalities are only temporary, and we’re here to help! In this blog, we’ll share some tips and tricks that are bound to give your amigurumi the glow-up that it desperately needs. So let’s dive right in!

Amigurumi Essential Tips and Tricks

Becoming a master in amigurumi is not something impossible. All it requires is a little practice and just a few tips to be mindful of. Below are a few helpful tricks that work like magic to transform your amigurumi craft.

1. Always Use Stitch Markers:

In crochet, specifically in amigurumi, counting is the key. You need to keep an exact track of your stitches to begin the next round. A slight miscount can cause the death of your project. And let’s face it, our ADHDs won't allow us to glue our brains 24/7 to the project to remember the count. This is where stitch markers come in handy. Stitch markers are used to mark the beginning or the end of the round so you’ll know where to begin the next round. It also helps you to easily count your stitches. You can either use plastic stitch markers or even hoop earrings. Ditch everything, keep things simple with a strand of yarn, and use it as a stitch marker. Trust us, using this tiny tool is gonna make all the difference you need in your project!

2. Right Hook or No Hook:

You heard us right, right hook or no hook! Either pick the right hook for your project or kiss it goodbye. The major reason for deformation in amigurumi projects is not using the right hook size. If you’re using a worsted yarn then going for a 7mm hook is definitely gonna produce an amigurumi nightmare. Similarly, if you’re using chunky yarn, then a 2mm hook is a suicide for your project. Always use the recommended hook size mentioned in the yarn tag. The general classification of hook to yarn size is that if you’re using thin yarn, or yarn weight below 3, then go for a 2mm crochet hook. If you’re going for a worsted, yarn weight of 4 to 5, a hook size somewhere between 4 to 5mm is ideal. And if chunky yarn is your groove, then go for a hook size above 6mm. The right hook size is gonna take care of 99 of your amigurumi problems. We’ve got some great crochet hooks here at KnitPal so make sure to check them out!

3. Look Alive with Safety Eyes:

If you’re crocheting a plushie then it obviously will have eyes, you don’t want blind snuggle buddies. When it comes to creating eyes on amigurumi, each crocheter has a different approach. Some prefer to use buttons, some prefer to sew them in with black yarn. Although using a darning needle and some black yarn can get the job done for your amigurumi, there’s no guarantee it’ll turn out looking cutesy. The eyes might not be even, you might get loose threads, and the list goes on. Make things simple and go for safety eyes. They’re super easy to insert in your project, you can just click them in! And they’re gonna make your plushie look extremely lively and cuddly.

4. Makeover with Blush:

Wondering how to give your amigurumi that Pinterest look? The secret lies in using a little makeup! Once you’re done with the project, go to your vanity and grab some blush. Take a paintbrush, or any other brush, and slightly dab it on the cheeks of your amigurumi. The brush will not create yarn fuzz and will get the job done in just a few seconds. Some crocheters prefer to use crayons to give the blush effect. The only downside of crayons is the risk of creating yarn pills while darkening the color. The makeup blush tip may sound a bit silly but it is going to take your amigurumi to a whole other level!

5. Go Easy with the Stuffing:

Stuffing is the element that’s gonna set aside your amigurumi from the rest of the yarn crafts. It’s the soul of your project. Without stuffing, your amigurumi cannot come to life. There are different options available for stuffing. Some use polyester, some use pillow stuffing, and some even use scrap yarn, but the rule applies to all. You need to be very careful while stuffing. Overstuff and understuff only in the right parts. For example, the head and ears of your project may require some tight stuffing, but for the arms and legs, it’s best to keep things light. If you overstuff, the stuffing will start to come out of the stitches, and if you understuff, your amigurumi will not get the right shape.

6. Invisible Decrease:

When working on an amigurumi project, of course you’re gonna make some decreases. But the thing about these decreases is, they stand out. They might not exactly give your project the neat and sleek look of professionals. The cure for these bumps is an invisible decrease. Both types of decreases do the same purpose and have similar techniques but the difference they have is massive! For an invisible decrease, work only in the front loops. Take a front loop from each of the next 2 corresponding stitches. Yarn over and pull the yarn through, and you’re all done! In regular decrease, we work through both the loops, whereas in invisible decrease, we only work through the front loops. This tutorial by BerceauKnits can help you here.

7. Start with a Magic Ring:

If you want to create something magical then you need to add some magic at the very root of your amigurumi. And what best way to add magic other than the magic ring? It literally has the word ‘magic’ in it! Starting your projects with a magic ring can give your project the nice round look that is in plushies. It also ensures even circles in your project. The magic ring method will keep you safe from the curse of deformation. We’ve talked in our previous blogs about how to create a magic ring and how to master this stitch so make sure to check them!

With these 7 extremely helpful amigurumi tricks, you can become an amigurumi pro overnight. Just remember, with some practice, and a dash of magical tricks, you too can become a master in amigurumi!

We hope you found this blog helpful! Stay tuned for more <3