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What are amigurumis?
The so-called amigurumis represent a popular and extraordinary crochet trend, which originally comes from Japan. The term amigurumi is composed of the words "ami" and "niugurumi" - "ami" can be translated as crochet or knitting, while "niugurumi" means stuffed doll or bundle.
Visually, amigurumis are reminiscent of the well-known mangas and anime - typically Japanese. Quite classically, the crocheted dolls have a large and usually round head, big eyes and cute faces. In contrast to this are the bodies, which are kept particularly small and give the figures their typical, cute appearance. Meanwhile, the Amigurumi trend is already well known among crochet and handicraft fans, in Germany it first appeared around the year 2006.
Typically, Amigurumi are crocheted with single (US: double) crochet stitches and in spiral rounds. This means that the crochet is consistently done in spirals and the individual rounds are not finished with slip stitches. Regarding the materials, basically every yarn is suitable, but cotton yarn is used most often. For crocheting, a smaller crochet hook is most suitable, so that the work is really firm. This is important because the figure will later be filled with filling cotton or wool and this should not be seen through the individual stitches. Beside normal filling cotton also so-called filling granulate is suitable - depending on whether the figure should stand firmly.
Amigurumi patterns
At Crazypatterns you will find numerous crochet patterns which are all about Amigurumi. We have something suitable for every level of difficulty. But don't worry: Even as a complete beginner, amigurumis are an ideal starting project, because you don't need more than basic crochet knowledge for the project and you mainly have to master single (US: double) crochet stitches.
Amigurumi tutorials for beginners
You would like to crochet a small cuddly toy in Japanese style? Then you should definitely browse through our selection of crocheting manuals for beginners! Whether turtle, teddy bear, owl or Christmas elf - our amigurumis are easy to crochet and our crochet patterns will explain everything to you step by step. If you want to crochet a particularly simple and quick Amigurumi, then make sure that as few different colours as possible are used and that the Amigurumi does not have too many individual parts.
Amigurumi patterns for advanced crocheters
If you are already experienced in crocheting or have already crocheted many different Amigurumis, then we also have a wide range of advanced crocheting tutorials for you. These have more complicated patterns and more unusual figures for you. If you are looking for particularly elaborate and unusual amigurumis, then it is definitely worth taking a look at our fee-based instructions!
Crochet basics with Amigurumi - which stitches do I have to know?
The good news: Amigurumi are one of the easiest and very beginner-friendly crochet projects. That's why you don't have to be afraid of too many initial difficulties even with more demanding variations. Really important for the successful crocheting of the small figures are the following stitches and techniques:
- Slip stitches for amigurumis: Slip stitches are needed for finishing rounds or projects. This way you avoid unsightly edges at the end of a round.
- Magic Ring for Amigurumis: To crochet in spirals instead of rows, the Magic Ring or thread ring is used.
- Single (US: double) crochet stitches for Amigurumis: Single (US: double) crochet stitches are especially important; they are the basis of your Amigurumi. Usually single (US: double) crochet stitches for amigurumis are crocheted through both loops of a stitch.
- Increasing stitches in amigurumis: If two single (US: double) crochet stitches are crocheted out of one stitch, this is called increasing.
- Sewing thread in amigurumis: A little skill in sewing should also be present when crocheting amigurumis. Because this is the only way to attach the individual parts to each other.
- Chain stitches in amigurumis: Not often, but sometimes chain stitches are used in amigurumis. They are needed if you want to crochet oval shapes.
- Double (US: treble) crochet stitches for amigurumis: Double (US: treble) crochet stitches are hardly ever used with amigurumis. Using them can lead to gaps in the small figurines where the filling material can fall out.
- Half double (US: treble) crochet stitches for amigurumis: Half double (US: treble) crochet stitches are also rarely used, but they can be helpful for some shapes.
Crocheting Amigurumi animals
Amigurumis in animal form are particularly popular; they are ideal for switching between many different shapes and ensure that you won’t get bored. On our page for amigurumi animals you can have a look at our complete product range, but we would also like to introduce you to some classics:
- Crochet Amigurumi rabbit
Be it as a playmate for small children or as a cute decorative idea for Easter: A small Amigurumi bunny is quickly made and thanks to its extraordinary shape with the long ears it is guaranteed to be an eye-catcher. - Crochet Amigurumi sheep
How about a little lamb in the shape of an amigurumi? This is an ideal entry-level project, which has no fancy components. - Crochet Amigurumi elephant
Or would you prefer something more exotic? Then try an Amigurumi elephant. Besides the broad body, it is mainly the trunk and the ears that are a bit more demanding to implement.
Crochet Manga and Anime Amigurumi
Amigurumis originate from Japan, so it is obvious that many of the small figures are based on Japanese comics and cartoons. Mangas and anime are also very popular in this country, so you have a wide range of possibilities.
- Crochet Pokémon Amigurumi
Who does not know the little monsters that are strongly represented on television as well as on game consoles? They come in hundreds of shapes and forms - so if you want to let your creativity flow here, you're guaranteed to find inspiration. - Crochet Totoro Amigurumi
Another classic of the anime world is Totoro, the friendly monster with the big grin and umbrella. The movie is popular with young and old, so a crocheted Totoro makes a good gift for many fans.
Crochet Amigurumi Pendant
Amigurumis are not only cute cuddly toys or decorative elements but are also perfect for your key ring. In principle, you can turn any amigurumi into a key ring, be it a little lucky pig, a heart or a snail. In any case, besides yarn and a crochet hook, you will need a blank key ring which you can attach the finished Amigurumi to.
The material for Amigurumi - which accessories and which wool do I need?
Fortunately, amigurumi are also very beginner-friendly when it comes to the materials required. Because apart from a crochet hook, some wool, a darning needle and filling material you don't need much. Even with this basic equipment you can get started - not absolutely necessary, but very practical are additional materials such as beads, buttons, eyes for sticking on and the like.
- Suitable crochet hooks for Amigurumi
When choosing your crochet hooks, make sure that they are thin but still sturdy. The needles should not be too heavy in your hand, because especially as a beginner you will quickly tense up in concentration. You can buy crochet hooks in different materials, especially suitable are models made of metal and plastic. Also pay attention to the tip of the needle, it should be as smooth as possible and should not have any sharp edges or barbs in the material which mainly happens with plastic needles.
The size of your crochet hook is also important. It should always match the yarn - larger needles produce larger stitches, thin needles produce more delicate work. It's best to test beforehand which needle fits your desired stitch pattern. Your ideas don't always have to match those in instructions or on the yarn label, so feel free to try it out for yourself.
Thinner needles are best for amigurumis, thicknesses from 2.0 to 3.5 mm work well. - Wools and yarns for amigurumi
Pure cotton yarn works really well for amigurumis, often yarn with a length of 125 metres and 50 grams is used. When choosing the yarn, you should also make sure that the wool is delicate, smooth and shiny.
When buying wool and yarn, you should stick to proven quality. Such a quality yarn from a specialist is usually easier to work with and does not fray during crocheting. This also makes your crochet piece last longer.
Other than that, there is no specific wool for amigurumis, theoretically you can use any yarn. On the labels you will find further recommendations for needle sizes, which can serve as a reference point. - Filling amigurumi
Once you have crocheted all the parts of your Amigurumi, you will have to stuff them with some kind of filling material. Which filling you choose will affect the shape and texture of the finished figurine. Simple wool and yarn leftovers are of course suitable, but in this case your Amigurumi should have a very firm structure. This way you can be sure that no yarn will show or that the crochet animal does not lose its shape at some point. For more stability other fillings are better suited.
On the one hand, synthetic filling wool is a good choice because it is easy to stuff in, is pleasantly soft and offers firmness. The synthetic material is washable and still remains lump-free. In addition, synthetic filling is available in different colours, so that in some projects it can adapt better to the basic colour of the project. Filling material is also available in the form of flakes or tufts, which is particularly suitable for smaller amigurumis, as it is easier to divide and process.
In addition, you should always have a tool for stuffing at hand. You can use the back of a pen, for example, though an actual stuffing tool would work a bit better especially with very delicate structures. - Other supplies for Amigurumi
Once you have stuffed your Amigurumi, it is in most cases already almost finished - now all you have to do is sew the individual parts together. You can also decorate it afterwards, for instance with embroidered faces or many other accessories. For example, the following accessories are suitable:- For the face: beads, buttons, plastic eyes, sequins, embroidery thread
- For the body: Felt, leather, fabrics and generally any leftovers you have left
- For fur and hair: fur, fleece band, plush
- Decoration for amigurumis: Christmas cap, top hats, bells, bows, collars, small clothes
Sell crochet tutorials for amigurumis
Are you already practiced in crocheting amigurumis or have you even thought of your own designs? Then we would like to invite you to share them with our community. You can decide whether you want to provide them for free or for a small fee - in the latter case you will have some casual income on the side. In order to be able to sell your manuals, they have to be as detailed and understandable as possible. Ideally, you should even include pictures so that your readers can easily follow every single step. You would like to learn more about selling crochet patterns? Then just take a look at our guide.
Tips and tricks for Amigurumis: Here you will find help!
If you have any questions about a specific crochet project, want to learn more about Amigurumis or just want to exchange ideas with like-minded people, then you are exactly right in the community area of Crazypatterns! For example, we provide you with a free forum where you can create your own discussions or join other conversations. Or would you rather follow us via social media? Then visit us on Facebook, where we keep you up to date with regular posts. We are also represented on YouTube, where you can find numerous tutorials about crocheting, knitting or sewing.
Or do you have a general question about our site, our patterns or the download process? Then take a look at our help section. There we have answered all frequently asked questions comprehensively and with many pictures for you.
Crafts for every taste at Crazypatterns
You would like some change from crocheting and are interested in other handicraft techniques? Then have a look at our other categories. We provide you with many more instructions, for example for knitting, handicrafts or sewing.