So, you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of adorable crocheted critters and decided to give amigurumi a go—congratulations! You’re about to embark on a journey of creativity, cuddly creations, and maybe the occasional tangled yarn mess (it’s all part of the journey). If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you!
Here’s everything you need to know to begin your amigurumi adventure.
What Is Amigurumi?
Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting (or sometimes knitting) small, stuffed toys, often animals, dolls, or other creatures. The word itself comes from two Japanese terms: ami (meaning “crocheted or knitted”) and nuigurumi (meaning “stuffed doll”).
It’s a craft that’s equal parts creative and therapeutic. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends with your ability to turn a ball of yarn into a tiny dinosaur, bunny, or even their favourite pet.
What You’ll Need to Start
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Yarn
Look for beginner-friendly yarn, such as a DK weight or worsted weight (around 8–10 ply) in acrylic or cotton. Plush yarns like chenille are also popular for creating soft, huggable toys but make sure you get a beginner friendly yarn that is magic circle friendly (more on this below), frog friendly and has low or zero shedding. Check out our beginner friendly velvet and chenilles! -
Crochet Hook
The size depends on your yarn, but for beginners, using a hook that is 0.5mm - 1mm smaller than what is recommended on your yarn label is a safe bet. Smaller hooks create tighter stitches, which is great for preventing stuffing from peeking out. -
Safety Eyes or Embroidery Floss
For creating adorable faces. Safety eyes are quick and easy and help take the frustration out of trying to perfect the eyes, but if your creation is for a child under 3, it's best to consider embroidering the eyes instead. -
Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing
This makes your toys soft and squishy. You can find it at your local craft store or repurpose old pillow stuffing. -
Stitch Markers
A lifesaver for keeping track of rounds, especially when working in a spiral - which most amigurumi works in this method. -
Scissors and Yarn Needle
Scissors are self-explanatory, but the needle helps sew parts together and weave in those pesky ends. Get yourself a bent tip needle to help turn the tight corners when sewing your body parts together (trust me - game changer).
Basic Techniques to Know
YouTube is your friend! You'll find many amazing tutorials on these techniques and I highly recommend watching a few of each technique to see which one works best for you.
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Magic Ring
This is the foundation for most amigurumi projects. It’s a way to start crocheting in the round without leaving a hole in the centre. And once you're super comfortable - learn the double magic circle to make your circles extra secure. -
Single Crochet (sc)
This stitch is your bread and butter in amigurumi. Learn it, love it, and get ready to repeat it… a lot. -
Increase and Decrease
Increases (adding stitches) and decreases (reducing stitches) shape your amigurumi and bring your creation to life.
Start Small
Begin with a simple project, like a ball or a basic animal. Many patterns labeled "beginner" are designed to help you practice the core techniques. Pro tip: Look for patterns with minimal parts to sew together.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
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Too Loose Stitches
If your stitches are too loose, the stuffing will poke through. Try using a smaller hook or tightening your tension. -
Losing Track of Rounds
Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round so you don’t accidentally add or skip stitches. -
Overstuffing
It’s tempting to make your creation extra plump, but too much stuffing can stretch the stitches and show the stuffing inside.
Resources to Help You Learn
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YouTube Tutorials
Visual learners, rejoice! There’s a treasure trove of amigurumi tutorials online. -
Free Patterns
Check out beginner-friendly patterns from designers who provide clear instructions and photos. -
Amigurumi Communities
Join Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags, or Reddit threads to connect with other crocheters, ask questions, and share your progress.
Why You’ll Love Amigurumi
Amigurumi isn’t just about the finished product—it’s about the joy of creating. Whether it’s a tiny cat for your shelf or a custom gift for a friend, each stitch is filled with love and care. Plus, it’s an excellent excuse to grow your yarn stash (you know you want to).
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your yarn, pick up a hook, and dive in! Your first amigurumi creation might not be perfect, but it’ll be uniquely yours—and that’s what makes it special. Happy crocheting! 🧶✨