Amigurumi: the Japanese art of making crochet toys

Amigurumi is a Japanese technique that allows you to crochet small stuffed puppets. For those who handle crochet with dexterity it is not very difficult, you just need to follow the patterns. It is clear that after making various objects, you improve yourself

THEAmigurumi is a Japanese technique that allows you to crochet small stuffed puppets. For those who handle crochet with dexterity it is not very difficult, you just need to follow the patterns. It is clear that after making various objects, you improve yourself.

Even if it doesn't seem easy at first, the amugurumi technique requires only a little practice. Baby elephants, teddy bears, treats, but also Christmas-themed items such as reindeer, Christmas trees and much more are very popular.

Index

How do you work with amigurumi

Even if the shapes are different, at the base there is always a circular processing, which allows the created object to have a three-dimensional shape. Since they are padded, you have to pay particular attention to tighten the points very tightly to prevent the padding from coming out.

Materials

The recommended and most used materials are wool or a synthetic yarn, more elastic than cotton. Then you need a crochet number 3, a wool needle and small scissors.

The points

Those who crochet will find it pretty simple. Just know the main stitches, especially the crochet, the single crochet and the chain stitch.

Although there are many ways to start an amigurumi work, for those who are beginners, it is recommended to start with two chains, taking both stitches each time. This is how cylindrical machining is achieved. In this case it is necessary to make chains and close them in a circle making a very low stitch. In this way, a small ring is formed within which you can work.

However, for those who are already skilled, it is recommended to use the magic circle technique, essential for learning to work in the round. In fact, unlike the double chain, this type of processing allows for narrower and closer points.

The main difference between the two processes is that with the magic circle you can easily adjust the diameter of the central ring, until it almost disappears, unlike the chain closed in a circle.

Amigurumi: the Japanese art of making crochet toys

Instructions for Making the Magic Circle

To explain this technique well is the blog Creative Month:

Roll the thread twice on the index finger of the left hand, passing the second thread behind the first: we will call 1st thread the one closest to the nail and 2nd thread the one closest to the palm of the hand. Then you have to pass the hook under the 1st thread and pull out the 2nd. Thus + a buttonhole was created. At this point the thread is picked up and passed through the buttonhole. The result is the first single crochet.
Remove your finger from the circle and work single crochet inside the ring, making as many stitches as you need.
Finally, by pulling the starting thread of the work, you can tighten the initial ring until it disappears!

Below the videotutorial:

The schemes to follow

Ready to try your hand at this new creative adventure? Here is a series of tutorials and patterns, in order of difficulty.

Monkey: simple level

We start from the monkey which is the simplest object to make since it has more linear shapes.

Click here for the free scheme. Below is the videotutorial:

Koala: intermediate level

We then move on to the koala. Slightly more complex, this little animal is of sure effect.

Click here for the free scheme. Below is the videotutorial:

Leo: advanced level

After getting carried away with this technique, the lion can be made, which requires greater practicality.

Click here for the free scheme. Below is the videotutorial:

In addition to these, there are many animals and objects to be made. There are many on Pinterest free schemes made available. For the teddy bear scheme click here

Gallery

THU the scheme for this pretty little snail, the leg and the ladybird.

Here you can find many paid patterns to make amigurumi, you can also find many books to inspire them dedicated to amiguri with free patterns and tutorials.

Amigurumi: the Japanese art of making crochet toys