How to get started with Amigurumi

So you want to crochet something cure, but don’t know how to get started with amigurumi? This post is for you!

First: some basics. Amigurumi is the art of creating cute little creatures out of yarn. They’re usually crocheted (but not always!). You use a smaller hook than usual, to get a tighter fabric, so no stuffing will peek through.

Tools you need to Get Started with Amigurumi

One of the great things about amigurumi is if you have crocheted before, you probably have everything you need in your stash!

You need:

• Yarn. Try DK or worsted weight yarn, although bulky is sometimes appropriate. See also this post, What is the best yarn for amigurumi?
• A crochet hook. Size way down to get a good firm fabric. I like a 3.5mm hook with DK yarn.
• Stuffing (optional – some amigurumi are worked flat!)
• A darning needle and contrasting thread or yarn to work the face

Even if you had to buy everything new, you can get started with amigurumi for under $20.

How to Get Started with Amigurumi Patterns

Assuming you’re crocheting in the round, there are two main ways of starting your amigurumi.

You can either chain three or four stitches, join, and crochet into the centre hole. Or, you can use the magic ring method. That’s tricky to explain in writing, so I’ve rounded up a few posts explaining how to do it here.

Crochet stitches for Amigurumi

As well as the magic ring, the main stitch used in amigurumi is the single crochet. This creates a firm tight fabric which no stuffing will peak through. Double crochets would just be too lose!

Note that all the stitches and patterns published on this blog use the American terminology. This is different from UK terminology. Why? Just to confuse you!

A single crochet in “American” is made like this:

Insert hook, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch (two loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through both loops.

This is the same as a UK “double” crochet. I’ve rounded up more stitches on my techniques page.

There’s no right or wrong terminology to use. Even though I live in the UK, I use American terms… just because the book I learned to crochet from used it! That’s the whole reason.

When to Stuff an Amigurumi

It can be tricky to know when to stuff an amigurumi. Too soon, and you’re fighting wads of stuffing. Too late, and you’re using chopsticks and tweezers to try and force wads of stuffing into a too-small gap!

Here’s a basic rule of thumb to help you figure out when to stuff amigurumi: when the shape changes significantly, or when you’ve got an inch to go.

How simple is that?

Amigurumi Patterns for Beginners

So now you know how to get started with amigurumi, all you need are some patterns! Here’s some I’ve collected for you.

• Original Pattern: Golden Snitch
• Fox Amigurumi Patterns
• Want to crochet an owl? Free pattern roundup
• Free Crochet Pattern: Happy Pill-ows
• Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns for Beginners

Happy hooking!