“WHAT IS AMIGURUMI?”
When I first came across this word, I had the hardest time pronouncing and remembering it. Of course this was quite a number of years ago, before the term became as well known as it is today! Anyways, Amigurumi is defined as “the trend of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic (human-like) creatures.” It is a Japanese word that is a combination of ami, meaning crochet or knitted, and nuigurumi, meaning stuffed doll. In other words, it’s a fancy term for crocheting stuffed animals/dolls.
Take a look at some of the things you can make with a crochet hook and some yarn!!
In fact, if you google “Amigurumi images”, you will be bombarded by countless adorable dolls made by people just like you and me from all around the world!! Recently, a fellow designer “All About Ami” decided to catalogue as many Amigurumi blogs as she could find. Her list contains over 180 bloggers from pretty much every inhabited continent in the world. (You weren’t expecting anyone to be crocheting down in Antarctica, right? 🙂 Her Amigurumi Blog directory can be found here) Amigurumi is truly an art form – just looking at the imagination and creativity floating around out there, how can you not be inspired to pick up a crochet hook and start a project?
Although it may look difficult, Amigurumi is an amazingly simple hobby to learn! Usually, the technique for making amigurumi dolls requires making single crochet stitches in spiral rounds. Individual pieces of the body are made, then stuffed, and then sewn together. Each stitch is made quite tightly, so that the stuffing that is eventually put in does not show through. (Or leak through, if you’re using polyester pellets as stuffing!) With only the most basic of crochet skills, even a beginner can produce adorable Amigurumi creations! For example, most of my patterns are quite suitable for those who are just starting out!
Ok, now that you are familiar with what Amigurumi is, let’s see what you need to get started!
Hi. I’ve recently started doing amigurumi. Got bored with blankets etc, to be honest first project I’ve made so far is your baby owl! Looked at your other free patterns and have instantly fallen inlove with your designs. Other patterns I’ve googled ( and I’ve googled a lot!) yours and lilleliis are honestly the only ones I will make!! I’m hoping to order your peanut elephant design as it looks so cute!! Your amazing at this and I hope one day I will be as good as you are!!
Greetings, Laine! You are too kind! I’m happy that you enjoyed the baby owl pattern! Keep on crocheting! 🙂
Your WHIMSICAL and MARVELOUS!!! I can’t imagine being able to do this but you’ve inspired me to purchase my first my first hook! I want to spread this joy through SEND-A-HUG!!!
Thanks you for sharing!!!
DAisy
Hello,
I’m wondering where/what book I can find Pepika’s lamb in???It’s so adorable….Grand-Daughters would love her….
Thanks so much,
Sandra Melendez
Hi Sandra,
Pepika’s creations are super cute! You can find her designs here in her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/pepika
Hope that helps you!
Warm regards,
Amy
I have made Sheldon the Turtle. I must say he is sooooo cute. I have ordered 4 more “Little Muggles” patterns. I would like to know how to make the “magic circle” before continuing. Thank you, Donna
HI Donna! Sorry for the late reply! A magic ring is a common starting technique for amigurumi. Here is a link a tutorial that you might find useful! http://www.planetjune.com/blog/tutorials/magic-ring-right-handed/ There are also numerous youtube videos that you might want to check out. Google “magic ring” and a number of them will pop up. Good luck!
Hi Amy, I really love your work! Was wondering how long it took you to make one? On the other hand, how long do you think it would take for a beginner to make one?
Thank you for your kind words! It depends on which character, but one doll can take me 8-10 hours to complete. That would probably be a more complicated one. An easier design would be much less, esp if there aren’t a lot of color changes. I spend quite a lot of time in the assembly stage in addition to the actual crocheting. The time mentioned is how long it takes for me to make a prototype..meaning I am writing the instructions down along the way. This gives you an idea of the time. Depending on how fast you are, the time it takes for you can vary greatly!
I am fast approaching 70 and have been doing crochet since before I was in school. I find that it takes me a few days to crochet most of the small items like this now as the hands hurt from doing the tight work with my arthritis. What does help though is to work on a simpler items when the hands start to hurt. Not to stop completely, as then the muscles do not get to relax if you stop and they will cramp up. Just keep working on something until the hands are comfortable again before stopping.
You have some great patterns. I can’t afford to buy any as I am on a very tight budget but thank you for the free ones.
Hi Amy– I love your work! I’m a complete newbie to crochet and just taught myself to make a crochet ball through a great video on Youtube. Your work is fantastic, and I’d love to try one of your designs. Any recommendations on which design would be a great one to start off with for someone with very little experience?
Thanks so much!
Hi There! So sorry for the late reply! How is your crocheting going?? It’s such a fun hobby! Most of my designs are perfect for beginners! Wasabi the bunny is pretty popular for early crocheters… it’s very simple and there are no color changes. Stanley the Giraffe is a simple one too! I also like Haribo Bear for beginners.
Hey there! I just found your website and I love it so so much! Ive been crocheting since I was 14 and the Panda caught my eye! I was just wondering where I could find the pattern for it? Do you sell it? If so where can I find it?
Please reply I really would love to make the Panda! Thank you 🙂
Hi Patricia! Thank you so much for your interest! You can find my Panda pattern in any of my shops! ie. Click on the Craftsy link on the right side of the page! Have a great day!
Tendrás un patrón de una ovejita!
Gracias
Hi
What is the best yarn for crocheting your patterns?
I usually work with acrylic worsted weight yarn. My favorite brand is Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice. My sincere apologies for the LATE reply!!
I love these patterns. Can you tell me about the hook sizes – are you using Europian/American or English sizes
I am using American hook sizes, to my knowledge! Thanks for your question and my apologies for the delayed reply!
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful patterns. I am interested in making the Panda. I am having a difficult time finding all the colors in size 2. Would I be able to use the same pattern with size 4? I assume it will end up bigger, but wondering if it will work.
Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for your interest in this panda pattern! Yes, you can use a cat4 yarn and indeed it will turn out bigger. You’d have to adjust your hook size as well. It will definitely work- hope you have fun making your bigger panda!:)