Amigurumi

Amigurumi - the Japanese for crochet stuffed dolls - has a long history. Some have traced its origin as far back as the Shang dynasty in Ancient China. The more modern style of Amigurumi though was popularised in Japan in the 1970s with the kawaii movement.

Kawaii celebrated all things cute and embraced fictional characters as the embodiment of positivity (Hello Kitty being its leading lady). The joyful nature of the movement spread quickly across the globe, accelerating with the arrival of the internet as crocheters shared patterns and photos of their makes.
Learn More About Amigurumi
Amigurumi is limited only by imagination - there are very few creatures, real, mythical, or fictional, that crocheters have not created.

Be warned! Adding a touch of whimsy to the everyday can be addictive 😂 Many find themselves replicating food, office supplies and more once they get the hang of the technique!

To Start Hooking

• Skill Level

  The skill required for amigurumi varies depending on the shapes you are aiming to create. At its heart, though, all you need to know is how to chain, how to work double crochet (single crochet for US makers) and how to increase and decrease.

• Yarn

  Over time most amigurumi makers develop a preference for different types of yarn. Some (like me) prefer a crisp cotton for a smooth and defined finish, others prefer chenille for its soft and squishy feel, and some just like to stick with a basic Acrylic DK. There is no right or wrong; experiment and see what you fall in love with.

• Top Tip! Stitch Markers

  One of the trickier aspects of amigurumi is keeping count, and knowing where each round starts and finishes, as you work in a continuous spiral. Stitch markers, however, come to the rescue and quickly become your best friend. Simply place a marker in the final stitch of your round and move it at the end of each subsequent round.