Amigurumi: Cute, Cuddly, Crochet
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Ami-wha?
Amigurumi (a-me-goo-roo-me), the Japaneese word for "knitted or crochet stuffed animal", is the hottest craze in crochet right now. And why not? They're easy to make, quick to do, are are as cute as a button! A hand crafted fimo button in the shape of a wittle flower, even.
Many ami's are animal in nature, though little people are popular, as well as food. Yup, you too can crochet happy little cupcakes or ice cream cones...or sushi. What ever tickles your pickle.
(photo by Brenda Janish. some rights reserved.)
Many ami's are animal in nature, though little people are popular, as well as food. Yup, you too can crochet happy little cupcakes or ice cream cones...or sushi. What ever tickles your pickle.
(photo by Brenda Janish. some rights reserved.)
Getting Started
The very basics
Amigurumi are pretty easy to make. They are made in the round using the single crochet, with a very tight gauge so that the stuffing doesn't peak out. (Because that's very embarrassing, let me tell ya.) Ami components are fairly simple in shape. All you need to know are the common increase and decrease techniques.
Are you giving your computer screen the "ok, that was all gobble-dee-goop" look? Check out these videos. The first is a silent video (not even a saloon piano soundtrack) that clearly shows how to chain and single crochet. The other two are fantastic amigurumi primers that cover working in the round, increasing, and decreasing.
Are you giving your computer screen the "ok, that was all gobble-dee-goop" look? Check out these videos. The first is a silent video (not even a saloon piano soundtrack) that clearly shows how to chain and single crochet. The other two are fantastic amigurumi primers that cover working in the round, increasing, and decreasing.
curated content from YouTube
Beyond The Basics
Making something other than a hacky sack
Ok, so now that you've got the basics down, I'm sure you'll eventually want to make an ami with things like arms and legs. Or tentacles. Or antennae.
Here are some great tutorials on creating and attaching limbs, including the head. (Why does that sound so gruesome?)
Here are some great tutorials on creating and attaching limbs, including the head. (Why does that sound so gruesome?)
- Hook & Needles' Amigurumi Tutorial
- Quick, go visit this link! Now! Really, this is the bestest tutorial on amigurumi on the net. Seriously. In three parts it covers all you need to know...with tons of video tutorials. A must read for ami makers the world over.
- Amigurumi | Crochet Me
- Some tips & tricks, along with a free simple pattern.
- Pattern: Amigurumi tutorial, crochet animals, free pattern
- A free pattern/tutorial for a baby octopus. (See, I told you that you could make tentacles.)
Free Patterns!
Proof that ami makers are generous people...
There are a ton of free amigurumi patterns out there. So, instead of lising each individually (an almost impossible task) I'll give you some of my favorite directories. You can then browse through them 'til your heart's content. Or you gotta get up to go pee...which ever comes first.
- Crochet Pattern Central - Free Animal Crochet Pattern Links
- A ton o' links here. My favorite is the Snow Dragon. He's pretty. And snuggly. And won't breathe fire on your upholstery.
- Lion Brand Yarn Company
- Ok, so you have to register to view their actual patterns, but it's free. And they have some very simple amigurumi patterns that are great for beginners.
Further Instruction
Ami video tutorials on common features.
Want to know how to make more than just a ball? Check out these videos for instruction on how to add detail to your amigurumi.
curated content from YouTube
Ami on Amazon
Books full of fiber-y cuteness. What more could you want?
Internet tutorials are great, but sometimes you just need a book. You can thumb through them for inspiriation, take them to read on a plane, or use them to prop up wobbly tables.
On second thought, the wobbly table thing might not be such a good idea. Maybe just stick to gaining inspiration from them. Ya.
On second thought, the wobbly table thing might not be such a good idea. Maybe just stick to gaining inspiration from them. Ya.
Blogs
What other people think about cute crochet
- Children's book about knitting will appeal to parents, too
- Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting toys, often in the shape of tiny animals. ?Ami Ami Dogs 2? by Mitsuki Hoshi introduces crocheters to amigurumi by providing step-by-step photographs from start to finish. Each dog is made in a similar way, ...
- Arts grant funds nine new projects
- A Japanese Amigurumi exhibition is the focus for one successful group, rounding off a very diverse and exciting collection of applications. "The arts and cultural sector of our community provides opportunities for shared cultural experiences, ...
- World of WarCrafts is taking your submissions!
- Amigurumi creations, custom action figures, knitted Warcraft wearables, sculpture, cosplay, and even taxidermy. Basically, if you've created something Warcraft-inspired or -themed and you'd like to share it with the rest of the world, we'd love to hear ...
- El universo de los amigurumi
- ¿Conoces a los amigurumi? Quizá el nombre te suena raro?¡pero seguro que los has visto muchas veces! Queremos explicarte de dónde viene esta moda y cómo puedes hacerte uno tu misma. Los amigurumi son esos muñequitos tan graciosos hechos a ganchillo.
Yarn!
Because you can't make amigurumi without it.
ebay can be a great place to find cut rate supplies for making ami's. Fun patterns, neat yarns, and crochet hooks are all available. Sometimes, at the end of a long day, I like to just go and drool over some pretty yarn. *sigh*
Amigurumi & Crochet Accessories
Show off your love of the hook with these fun items...
A Crocheted Fortune Cookie
Every good meal..er...lens should end with a fortune cookie!
curated content from YouTube
My Fiber Art Lenses
If you enjoyed this lens, and would like to learn more about the fiber arts, please consider visiting some of my other lenses on the subject. Thanks!
Whatcha think?
All feed back welcome...
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Craftybegonia
Dec 22, 2011 @ 8:35 pm | delete
- Hi there, another Ami-maker here. Love that little octopus!
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TheTravelGal
Sep 19, 2011 @ 4:54 pm | delete
- Great lens, you just reminded me of this. I love amiguri, nice way to use up all yarn. Thanks!
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lbrummer
Sep 18, 2011 @ 7:16 am | delete
- Cute, cute,cute. All of your little amigu-----what's it, animals. Nice ideas for gifts.
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SheWritesaLot
Sep 17, 2011 @ 5:57 pm | delete
- What a fun lens! Makes me want to break out the yarn and get busy. I love the little black and white one that says cutest amugurumi BT ever! I just hope you don't have to be able to pronounce it to DO it LOL
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Wednesday_Elf
Sep 15, 2011 @ 9:23 am | delete
- Oh, cool -- another Amigurumi and fiber arts fan! Saw this story posted over at SquidooHQ and so delighted to meet another Amigurumi crochet crafter.
One of my favorite subjects to write about is the field of fiber arts and handmade artistry, especially in crochet. I feel I've found a 'kindred soul' here. Wonderful to meet you.
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by MerryM
MerryM
Hi, I'm Merry. I've been knitting for about eight years now, ever since the needlepoint store where I was working opened a knitting section. I now tea... more »
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![Creepy Cute Crochet: Zombies, Ninjas, Robots, and More! [Hardcover]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31dU1VrnqsL._SL160_.jpg)
Creepy Cute Crochet: Zombies, Ninjas, Robots, and More! [Hardcover]
Amazon Price: $16.05 (as of 02/13/2012)
Want your amigurumi to make people squeal while they squee? Check out the insanely adorable monsters in this book. Detailed instructions allow you to drop cutely crafted ninjas, Vikings, zombies, and vampires off your hook like a pro.
