What is Amigurumi?

What is amigurumi? Why, it’s your new crochet obsession, of course. 

Amigurumi is the art of crocheting or knitting toys. Like so many good things, it’s imported from Japan. Ami means crocheted or knitted, while nuigurumi means stuffed toy. Put them together, and you have amigurumi!

That’s the word. But what does it mean? Amigurumi tend to share some characteristics. They’re usually super-cute. Like, really, really cute.

Amigurumi tend to have oversized heads, and exaggerated features. On the technical side, they’re mostly crocheted in spirals (this avoids ‘jogs’ or seams), and tend to be made in bits and sewn up later.

That’s the word, and what it means. But why make amigurumi?

Let’s loop back to the beginning: when you say ‘what is amigurumi,’ I say, ‘they’re super-cute.’ That should be (almost!) enough reason for anyone.

Amigurumi can celebrate a fandom, make concrete an inside joke or favourite hobby, or they can simply be made for the joy of making. Playing with pretty colours, soft textures, to make a simple thing designed to bring joy. It’s wonderful.

Oh, and they make great gifts too.

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A post shared by Rachel Loves Yarn (@amiguru.me)

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A post shared by Rachel Loves Yarn (@amiguru.me)

Best of all, amigurumi (can be) really cheap to make. Sure, you can buy a whole load of new yarn, and speciality, hand-painted eyes, but you can also use scraps of yarn and create the cutest little thing for (almost) nothing!

What’s this website?

Amiguru.me is my personal knitting and crochet website… and more. I have rounded up lots of free Amigurumi patterns, if you’re looking for somewhere to start. But the idea behind this site is more than just free patterns.

The idea behind Amiguru.me is you shouldn’t need a pattern. It’s easy to crochet a circle. Once you’ve done that, pop some eyes on and embroider a mouth to make an adorable character. The same theory applies to all crochet shapes.

Check out the pics on this how to crochet a bowl shape post if you don’t believe me.

If you can imagine it, you can make it.