What is Amigurumi Crochet?
Amigurumi crochet is where yarn meets character. Whether it’s a tiny frog, a sleepy cat or a pocket-sized astronaut, these handmade creatures are stitched with charm and intention.
The word amigurumi comes from Japan and loosely translates to “crocheted stuffed doll.” Though it may look intricate, the technique is surprisingly simple and beginner-friendly. With just one basic stitch and a few shaping tricks, anyone can start making soft toys full of personality.
The Basics of Amigurumi
At its core, amigurumi is made using just one stitch. In UK terms, it’s the double crochet. If you’re following a US pattern, that’s the single crochet. That’s really it. No complicated techniques or endless stitch variations - at least for basic patterns :-)
Unlike traditional crochet which often works in rows, amigurumi is stitched in the round. This creates a smooth, seamless shape perfect for stuffed animals, dolls or anything that needs a bit of squish.
What Does “Working in the Round” Mean?
Working in the round means you’re not turning your work at the end of each row. Instead, you build up your shape in a spiral, one round at a time.
There are no joins or visible seams. The fabric grows upwards like a tube. But because you’re not joining the rounds with a slip stitch, it’s easy to lose track of where each round begins. That’s where a stitch marker or a bit of scrap yarn comes in. Place it at the start of your round and move it up as you go.
This continuous spiral is one of the reasons amigurumi crochet has such a clean, polished look.
Building Shapes with Simple Stitches
Once you’ve mastered the basic stitch, everything else comes down to increasing and decreasing. Adding a few extra stitches makes your work grow wider. Skipping stitches brings it back in. By controlling that shape, you can create anything from a round bear belly to floppy bunny ears.
Most amigurumi toys start with a magic ring, a tight loop that you crochet into to form the centre of your piece. From there, it’s just a matter of building up the body and the limbs.
Why Try Amigurumi?
If you’ve ever looked at crochet and felt a bit intimidated, amigurumi might be the gentle entry point you’ve been looking for. It’s simple to learn, incredibly portable, and just plain fun.
There’s also something deeply satisfying about turning yarn into characters that seem to have their own personality. Whether you gift them or keep them, amigurumi creations are small, joyful things that leave a big impression.
Ready to Start a Amigurumi Project?
Looking for an easy way in? We run regular beginners, improvers, and advance classes with award-winning amigurmi crochet designer Kate McCully. Kate is known worldwide for her Make Me Roar range of amigurmi crochet kits, patterns and books. She even won Channel 4's Kirstie's Handmade Christmas" with an amigurumi crocheted reindeer called Ruben. We stock the full range of Make Me Roar Kits & Patterns in the shop, and you can talk to Kate about them too as Maker Studio is her shop!
Whether you're making your first crochet toy or adding to a growing collection of handmade creatures, amigurumi is all about creativity, curiosity and a little bit of cute.