How to Amigurumi Crochet: Easy Steps And Patterns

Crocheting is a fun and creative hobby that allows you to create beautiful and unique items, including the popular amigurumi toys. Amigurumi is a Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed animals or creatures, often with exaggerated features and adorable designs. If you want to learn how to amigurumi crochet, you’ve come to the right place.

To start, you will need some basic crocheting skills, such as how to make a chain, single crochet, and increase and decrease stitches.

You will also need some yarn, a crochet hook, and stuffing material. Once you have these supplies, you can begin creating your own amigurumi creatures.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of amigurumi crochet, from selecting the right materials to finishing your project.

With our step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create your own cute and cuddly amigurumi toys in no time. So, grab your crochet hook and let’s get started!

How To Amigurumi Crochet

Download Tutorial: Basic Crochet Stitches

Before you start, you should have a basic knowledge of crochet. You should know how to make a slip knot, chain stitch, and single crochet stitch. If you’re new to crochet, don’t worry! We have an entire article on the basic crochet stitches.

Once you have the basic knowledge of crochet, you’ll need to choose a pattern for your first amigurumi project. There are many free patterns available online that are perfect for beginners. Choose a pattern that is simple and easy to follow.

When selecting the yarn for your project, make sure to choose a yarn that is suitable for the pattern. The pattern will usually specify the type of yarn and the hook size needed.

You can also experiment with different colors and textures to make your amigurumi unique.

As you start working on your project, make sure to keep track of your stitches. You can use stitch markers or a piece of scrap yarn to mark the beginning of each round.

This will help you keep track of where you are in the pattern and prevent mistakes. So important when learning How to Amigurumi Crochet

Remember to take your time and enjoy the process. Crocheting amigurumi can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby.

Don’t worry if your first project doesn’t turn out perfectly. With practice, you’ll improve your skills and create beautiful amigurumi creations.

Great job on learning How to Amigurumi Crochet. You have taken the first step.

Basic Crochet Stitches

Learning how to Amigurumi crochet can seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the basics, it’s a fun and relaxing hobby that anyone can enjoy. Here are some basic concepts to get you started.

Basic Stitches

The foundation of amigurumi is the single crochet stitch. This stitch creates a tight, dense fabric that is perfect for creating stuffed animals and other small toys. So important to know when learning How to Amigurumi Crochet

To make a single crochet stitch, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook. Repeat this process for each stitch in your row.

Another important stitch is the double crochet stitch. This stitch creates a looser, more open fabric that is great for creating shawls, blankets, and other larger items. Another important skill when learning How to Amigurumi Crochet.

To make a double crochet stitch, yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. 

Yarn over again and pull through two loops on your hook. Yarn over once more and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook. Great job learning How to Amigurumi Crochet.

Continuous Rounds

When crocheting amigurumi, you will often work in continuous rounds instead of rows. This means that you will not turn your work at the end of each row, but instead work in a spiral.

To start a new round, simply make your first stitch in the next stitch of the previous round. It’s an important skill when learning How to Amigurumi Crochet.

Magic Ring Crochet

The magic circle, also known as the magic circle, is a technique used to start crocheting in the round. It creates a tight, seamless center that is perfect for amigurumi.

To make a magic circle, hold your yarn in your hand and wrap it around your fingers twice.  Get great at learning How to Amigurumi Crochet.

Insert your hook into the circle, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through the loop on your hook. This creates your first stitch, and you can continue to work your stitches into the circle.

These are just a few of the basic concepts you will need to understand to get started with amigurumi crochet. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be creating adorable stuffed animals and other cute toys in no time!

Yarn Weights

Download: Yarn Weight Chart

When it comes to amigurumi crochet, choosing the right materials is crucial to ensure that your project turns out the way you want it to. Here are some things to consider when selecting your materials:

The type and weight of yarn you choose can make a big difference in the final product. For amigurumi, it’s best to use a worsted weight or DK weight yarn, as these are sturdy and will hold their shape well. 

Acrylic yarn is a popular choice for amigurumi as it is affordable, comes in a wide range of colors, and is easy to care for. Cotton yarn is also a great option, especially if you prefer a more natural fiber.

How To Read A Yarn Label

When selecting your yarn, be sure to read the label carefully. This will give you important information such as the recommended hook size, washing instructions, and the weight and length of the skein.

It’s important to choose a yarn that is appropriate for your project and that you understand how to care for it. Learn how to read a yarn label.

Yarn Needles

In addition to yarn, you’ll need a set of yarn needles to weave in the ends of your project. Look for needles with a large eye that will accommodate the thickness of your yarn.

A set of different sizes can be helpful, as you may need a smaller needle for more delicate work.

Overall, choosing the right materials for your amigurumi project can make all the difference in the final product. Take the time to consider your options and select high-quality materials that will help you create something you’ll be proud of.

Amigurumi Techniques

Now that you have learned the basics of crocheting, it’s time to master some advanced techniques to take your amigurumi to the next level. Here are some tips to help you perfect your skills:

Invisible Decrease Crochet

The invisible decrease is a technique used to create a decrease in your amigurumi without leaving a visible gap. To make an invisible decrease, insert your hook into the front loop of the next stitch, then insert your hook into the front loop of the following stitch. 

Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook, then complete the stitch as usual. This technique will create a decrease that is virtually invisible.

Invisible Increase Crochet

The invisible increase is a technique used to create an increase in your amigurumi without leaving a visible bump. To make an invisible increase, insert your hook under the front loop of the next stitch, then under the back loop of the same stitch. 

Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook, then complete the stitch as usual. This technique will create an increase that blends in seamlessly with the rest of your work.

Invisible Join Crochet

The invisible join is a technique used to seamlessly join your work without leaving a visible seam. To make an invisible join, cut your yarn and pull it through the last stitch.

Thread your yarn needle and insert it under both loops of the next stitch. Then, insert your needle under the back loop of the last stitch you made. Pull your needle through and weave in the ends.

Color Changes

Color changes can add depth and personality to your amigurumi. To change colors, complete the last stitch of your current color, then drop the yarn and pick up your new color.

Pull the new color through the last stitch and continue crocheting as usual. When you’re done with the new color, simply drop it and pick up the old colour again.

Front Loop Crochet

The front loop is the loop of the stitch that is closest to you. Using only the front loop can create a ridged effect in your amigurumi. To crochet in the front loop, insert your hook under the front loop of the stitch, then complete the stitch as usual.

Crochet Spiral Rounds

Spiral rounds are a technique used to create amigurumi without joining rounds. To crochet in spiral rounds, simply continue crocheting in a spiral without joining each round. Mark the first stitch of each round with a stitch marker to keep track of your progress.

By mastering these advanced techniques, you’ll be able to create amigurumi that are even more impressive and unique. Keep practicing and experimenting to discover even more ways to take your amigurumi to the next level.

Amigurumi Supplies

​All of our Amigurmi projects have a list of supplies to complete the crochet amigurumi, but there are some general supplies you will want to keep on hand. 

Safety Eyes: if you are giving this as a gift or have a little one at home, you will want to make sure and use safety eyes to prevent choking. 

Yarn: The pattern will let you know the specific yarn to use for the crochet project. The most common types are worsted weight yarn and dk yarn.  These yarns will help when you are creating your single crochet stitches for your amigurumi projects. 

Tapestry Needle: Some patterns will have separate pieces, and then you will learn how to combine your pieces using a tapestry needle.

Toy Stuffing: Each of your little projects needs some stuffing to keep it’s form. Keeping some on hand always helps when you are working on your projects. 

Amigurumi Patterns

​Our team has taken a ton of time finding the perfect project for Amigurumi beginners. You will see in our notes if you need to be more of an advanced beginner, meaning this isn’t your first crochet project.

Make sure and check out crochet skills levels for the easiest way to pick the right pattern for you.

Here is a list of Amigurumi patterns to check out:

Amigurumi dolls: These are so precious and any little girl would love to have one of these dolls. Check out this blog post. 

Amigurumi bee: these 11 bees are such fun patterns. Each Amigurumi piece is perfect for the bee lover in your life. They also sell well at craft shows if you ever decide to sell your goods.

Free Amigurumi Patterns

We have 2 posts with over 30 free Amigurumi patterns. Several have a video tutorial to help you make these fun projects. Some of the patterns do offer a written PDF for a small fee. 

21 Free Amigurumi Patterns: 21 of the most adorable patterns you will find anywhere.

Free crochet animal patterns– check out the cute teddy bears and yarn creatures you will fall in love with.

If you consider yourself in the camp of beginner crocheters, make sure you find a simple amigurumi pattern to start with.

If you get stuck check out a Facebook group or ask the designer to give you some tips. 

We can’t wait to see your finished products on social media. Make sure and tag us on Facebook or Instagram. You can also simply send us an email. We love seeing your creations. 

We can’t wait to see your crochet toys on your crochet journey. these Amigurumi crochet patterns will not disappoint.