For the last few weeks, Nana has been making her first Amigurumi project and found it easier than I thought.
Don’t let the words Amigurumi scare you. If you can crochet in a spiral, you can crochet Amigurumi.
What’s Nana Making utilizes affiliate programs for monetization, which means when you click on links to various products that I recommend and make a purchase, this can result in a commission that is credited to this site. Please be sure to read our Privacy Policy
What is Amigurumi?
Amigurumi is a craft that originated in Japan that uses crochet stitches to create cute, small, stuffed items such as animals and other characters. Make anything from simple Easter eggs, to unicorns and llamas; from trains to gnomes even cacti!!.
The word AMIGURUMI is a combination of the Japanese words ami, meaning “crocheted or knit”, and nuigurumi, meaning “stuffed doll”.
Most amigurumi patterns use simple stitches such as chain, slip stitch and single crochet. The only difference is that when crocheting Amigurumis you will use a much smaller hook size than recommended for the yarn so that no holes are created during the stuffing.
Recommended supplies for Amigurumi
Most amigurumi patterns call for cotton yarns in either a DK (Size 3) or smaller yarn. If you are making a toy for a child, choose something washable.
When you first crochet your favorite amigurumi characters, it helps if you have a few different colored yarns in your stash! Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK has 60 fabulous shades, DMC Natura Just Cotton is a fingering weight cotton with 74 shades and Schachenmayr Catania offers 82 shades. As you build up stocks of color, you’ll have all the shades you need for your favorite little ami friends!
When crocheting Amigurumis you should use a much smaller hook size than recommended for the yarn so that no holes are created during the stuffing. A selection of hooks is essential. Most amigurumi patterns call for small sized hooks: 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm and 4mm to create dense fabrics.
Stitch markers are also super helpful for color changes and keeping track of where you are. Marking the beginning of the round, whether you’re working in continuous rounds or rounds that are joined by a slip stitch, can help you know where you are in the pattern. It can also help you keep your stitch count on track.
You may also need felt, embroidery floss, buttons, or safety eyes for facial features. NOTE: Safety eyes are not recommended for children under three.
Where to get patterns
Simply Google Amigurumi patterns and you will be overwhelmed by the amount of patterns that come up. HINT: Be more specific!
ETSY offers tons of patterns. One of my favorite designers is Lovely Baby Gift. She has the cutest characters at reasonable prices. Paid patterns are also available at Annies, Bluprint or Ravelry. You can also find some FREE from yarn suppliers such as Lion Brand and Yarnspirations
Want books?? Amazon offers a large range of books containing tons of ideas.
Pinterest is another great way to search. For ideas, you can check out Nana’s Amigurumi Pinterest Board!
Amigurumi Tips
STAY SIMPLE – Amigurumi patterns can get complicated if your project has limbs and embellishments. For your first project, start with something basic that doesn’t have a lot of assembly or fancy extras.
GAUGE – In most cases, gauge is not important, however, you do not want your stitches so loose that stuffing can escape. You do not need to worry about stitches per inch, but you should look at your work. Are you leaving large gaps? If so, you might want to try a hook that’s one size smaller.
STUFF AS YOU GO – This keeps your stuffing even and less lumpy. It is hard to get the stuffing into a long arm or leg when you are finished.
NANA’s PROJECT
For my first project, Nana made the Crafter Granny featured in Nana’s Favorites. I have to admit that she took a little longer than expected, but I think she is gorgeous.
NEXT? My grandson wants a baby Yoda.
Do you Amigurumi? I would love to see your creations. Post your photos on my Instagram #whatsnanamaking @whatsnanamaking2019. Or join our Facebook group and promote your pattern or tutorial. I would also love to hear your comments. And don’t forget to share!!