The Amigurumi is the new trend in world crafts. The little animals, usually made of crochet, are so cute and can have such a wide variation of models that it is impossible not to fall in love with one of them. Regardless of your age, these crochet friends will end up winning your heart.
In this post, we made a great selection of ready-to-order Amigurumis, all from the website Elo7. But the idea is also to inspire you with amazing models so you can make your own or order one from your favorite artisan.
What is Amigurumi?
“Amigoo-what?!” Many people have been asking what Amigurumi is after all.
The word Amigurumi, as well as the technique of making Amigurumi, originates from Japan. The expression is a mixture of the Japanese words ami, meaning crochet or knit, and nuigurumi, meaning stuffed doll.
But what matters is that this technique allows artisans to have endless possibilities to use colors and creativity to create beautiful and above all, very, very cute and friendly crochet or knitted plush animal models.
Amigurumi is therefore the art of making toy friends, the cutest ones you’ve ever seen. Doubt it? Just take a look at our selection.
Amigurumi Ideas
Here are some of the cutest crochet animals from the internet!
amigurumi
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Amigurumi
Choosing Your First Pattern
When starting with amigurumi, selecting a beginner-friendly pattern is crucial. Look for patterns that clearly explain each step and include visual aids. Popular choices for beginners include simple animals like a whale, teddy bear, or a basic ball.
Creating the Magic Ring
The magic ring, or adjustable loop, is the foundation for many amigurumi patterns. Here’s how you create one:
- Wrap the yarn around your fingers to create a loop.
- Insert your hook into the loop and pull up a loop of yarn.
- Chain one to secure, then crochet the required number of stitches into the ring.
- Pull the tail to tighten the ring.
Mastering Basic Shapes
Most amigurumi patterns are built from basic shapes like spheres and tubes. Practice these shapes to gain confidence:
- Spheres: Used for heads, bodies, and limbs.
- Tubes: Perfect for arms, legs, and tails.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Amigurumi
Choosing the Right Yarn and Hook
The combination of yarn and hook size affects the tightness of your stitches and the overall look of your amigurumi. For beginners, a medium-weight cotton yarn with a corresponding hook size can make the learning process easier and produce neat results.
Keeping Track of Your Rounds
Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round. This practice ensures that you don’t lose your place and helps maintain the correct stitch count.
Finishing Touches
Adding details like embroidered eyes, blush spots, or tiny accessories can bring your amigurumi to life. Take your time with these finishing touches to give your creation personality.
Common Amigurumi Variations
Animals and Creatures
From cats and dogs to mythical dragons and unicorns, animal amigurumi are a favorite among crafters. These patterns often include intricate details that give each creature its unique character.
Food and Plants
Amigurumi isn’t limited to animals. Crocheting food items like fruits, vegetables, and desserts or plants like cacti and flowers can be a fun twist. These make great decorative pieces or toys for kids.
Characters and Dolls
Creating amigurumi dolls or beloved characters from books, movies, or TV shows can be a delightful challenge. These patterns might involve more complex shaping and color changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amigurumi
What is amigurumi?
Amigurumi is a Japanese technique of crocheting or knitting small stuffed dolls. They can range from cute animals to inanimate objects with adorable faces.
What materials are needed to start with amigurumi?
You will need yarn (usually cotton), a crochet hook, stuffing (such as polyester fiberfill), stitch markers, and a tapestry needle.
Do I need to know how to crochet to make amigurumi?
Yes, it’s helpful to know basic crochet stitches like single crochet, increase, and decrease. However, many beginners learn these stitches while making amigurumi.
Where can I find amigurumi patterns?
Amigurumi patterns can be found on various websites, such as Ravelry, Etsy, and Pinterest. Many designers also offer free patterns on their blogs.
How do I stuff my amigurumi properly?
Use polyester fiberfill to stuff your amigurumi. Make sure to stuff firmly but evenly to avoid lumps. Use a tapestry needle to push the stuffing into small parts.
Product Suggestions
- Cotton Yarn – Ideal for beginners due to its softness and ease of use.
- Crochet Hook Set – A set with various sizes to match different yarn weights.
- Polyester Fiberfill – Common stuffing material for amigurumi.
- Safety Eyes – Plastic eyes that can be securely fastened to your creations.
- Stitch Markers – Essential for keeping track of your rounds.
- Tapestry Needles – Useful for sewing parts together and weaving in ends.
- Amigurumi Pattern Books – Collections of patterns to get you started.
- Yarn Needles – Helpful for detailed embroidery work on your amigurumi.
- Yarn Scissors – Small, sharp scissors for cutting yarn cleanly.
- Storage Bag – To keep all your amigurumi supplies organized.
Conclusion
Amigurumi offers a delightful way to combine creativity and crafting. Whether you’re making a gift for a loved one or adding a new decoration to your home, these charming crochet creations are sure to bring joy. Ready to get started? Share your first amigurumi project in the comments or let us know if you have any more tips to share!