Getting started with amigurumi: the five techniques that matter

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed creatures. The stitches are basic; the skill is in the details. These five techniques account for nearly all the difference between a lumpy blob and a shop-quality toy.

1. The magic ring

Instead of chaining a ring, wrap the yarn twice around two fingers, hook through the wraps, and work your first round of dc into the loop. Then pull the tail to close the hole completely. No gap at the top of the head, ever.

2. Go down a hook size (or two)

Stuffing shows through loose fabric. Whatever hook the yarn recommends, use one at least 0.5mm smaller. Your fabric should be stiff enough that you can't see daylight through it.

3. Work in a spiral and use a marker

Most amigurumi is worked in continuous rounds with no joining. Put a stitch marker (a scrap of contrast yarn works) in the first stitch of every round and move it up. Count every round until it's second nature.

4. Invisible decrease

A normal dc2tog leaves a visible bump. Instead insert the hook under the front loops only of the next two stitches, yarn over and pull through both, then complete the dc. Shaping becomes nearly invisible.

5. Stuff firmly, in small pieces

Tear stuffing into walnut-sized pieces and push them in with the blunt end of your hook, one at a time. Stuff more than feels reasonable; it settles. Put safety eyes in before stuffing but after you've got enough of the head to judge placement (usually between rounds 8 and 9 on a 6-stitch-start head).

Finishing touches

• Close the final hole by weaving through the front loops of the last round and pulling tight like a drawstring.
• Sew limbs on with the tail yarn, pinning first. Take photos from the front to check symmetry before you commit.
• Embroider a small V nose and mouth with black or brown yarn for instant personality.

Where to begin

Start with a ball, then a ball with ears (a bear), then a ball with a body (a bear that stands up). Your third creature will be dramatically better than your first. Post them here anyway; everyone loves a wonky first bear.

#amigurumi #guide #magic-ring #safety-eyes #toys