Amigurumi - Crochet and Knit Toys for One of a Kind Gifts

Create an Amigurumi Squid, Octopus, Hedgehog or Fortune Cookies

Amigurumi toys (knitted and crochet toys) are an easy way for crochet and knit crafters to create a handcrafted gift for unique gift giving.

Amigurumi (ah-mee-goo-roo-mee) have been a popular Internet craft topic for the last few years. These cute, expressive toys are relatively easy to make with some basic crocheting or knitting skills.

Crochet Amigurumi are created in a spiral, without joining rounds using mostly single crochet stitches. While there are also Amigurumi patterns for knitting, many of the patterns are made to be crochet.

There are lots of patterns and tutorials available to get you started.

Like Amigurumi's, but you aren't terribly crafty? Follow many of the Flickr photos to crafty people who will sell the patterns or the Amigurumi's to you.

Image Source: Brenda J. Amigurumi Octo. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved. Public Photo.

Amigurumi from Wikipedia

Amigurumi (Knitting a stuffed toy) is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. Amigurumi are typically cute animals (such as bears, rabbits, cats, dogs, etc.), but can include inanimate objects endowed with anthropomorphic features. Amigurumi can be knitted, but the vast majority of amigurumi are crocheted.

Amigurumi are usually crocheted out of yarn. The simplest designs are worked in spirals. In contrast to typical Western crochet the rounds are not usually joined. They are also worked with a smaller size hook in proportion to the weight of the yarn in order to create a very tight-looking fabric without any gaps through which the stuffing might escape.

Amigurumi are usually worked in sections and then joined, except for some amigurumi which have no limbs, only a head and torso which are worked as one piece. The extremities are often stuffed with plastic pellets to give them a life-like weight, while the rest of the body is stuffed with fiber stuffing.

Source: Amigurumi on Wikipedia.
Image Source:
Anita. Amigurumi Snail. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved. Public Photo.

Supplies Needed to Make Amigurumi Toys

Everything you need to get started on your Amigurumi Project.

Crochet hooks or Knitting Needles (double points or circular needles)
Pattern or Pattern Book
Yarn - various colors and types depending on the project
Embellishments - small pieces of felt, embroidery floss
Embroidery needle for adding final touches
Large needle for sewing seams or weaving in ends
Stuffing materials - dry beans, rock (for paperweight), plastic beads, fiberfill, cotton balls, recycled fabric
Scenting materials - If you decide to scent your Amigurumi you can use a bit of scented oil on a cotton ball (in the center of the toy) or fill part with potpourri or lavender

Amigurumi Basics on YouTube

Some simple video instructions for getting started with Amigurumi crocheting. The first video demonstrating how to make a Magic Circle is in Japanese, but you can still see the technique; the others are in English.

Amigurumi basic

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Crochet Circle Worked into a Chain Loop

How to Crochet a Circle

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curated content from YouTube

Crochet Hook Kits

Available from Amazon

I love working with the bamboo hooks. They are much easier (and warmer) to hold in the hands.

Amigurumi - Crochet and Knit Toys for One of a Kind Gifts

Create an Amigurumi Squid, Octopus, Hedgehog or Fortune Cookies

Amigurumi from Wikipedia

Supplies Needed to Make Amigurumi Toys

Amigurumi Basics on YouTube

Crochet Hook Kits

Available from Amazon

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Information for Getting Started with Amigurumi

Bamboo Knitting Needles Available on Amazon

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Amigurumi Books Available on Amazon

What is Your Favorite Crochet Amigurumi Toy?

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Amigurumi Patterns

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Articles on Amigurumi

What is Your Favorite Knit Amigurumi Toy?

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Crochet and Knit Squid Patterns

Yarns for Creating an Amigurumi Squid

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