A word about requests for help
My interests in fibre and textiles has evolved beyond amigurumi, to the point where I don’t make much any more, and when I do I have very little if any interest in writing out the pattern, taking photos and dealing with 75 bzillion questions about stitch count. I do plan to continue maintaining the website as a resource for people to access and use, however there will likely be few if any new patterns in the future and I will continue to dedicate less and less time to helping people with pattern instructions. I’m growing weary of the ongoing requests for assistance, many of which ask questions already answered in previous comments, are based on misunderstood instructions for which there are tutorials, or are people obsessing about tiny details that are not important rather than trying to figure it out on their own with trial and error. In addition many of these requests can be a bit rude, assigning blame for confusing directions or stating things like “this makes no sense, it’s not explained at all!” or my favorite “I can’t understand the pattern, can you make a video?” which translates to This is hard so I don’t want to try to figure it out, can you spend about 5 hours doing a bunch of work making a video so I don’t have to bother trying to read instructions?
In short, those kind of comments really frustrate me and tempt me to turn comments off entirely. Please remember, any assistance you receive in trying to figure out one of my free patterns comes at no cost to you and a cost of time from my life to me. You are not owed or entitled to this. Please be respectful and try to find the answers yourself, apply your own common sense and trouble shoot wherever you can before you ask. I will be deleting rude comments without addressing the queries and for the time being, continue to try to help the people who make polite requests, but responses will not be fast. Depending on how that goes, I’ll decide my long term plan.
Thank you for your patterns and tutorials and I think it is sad that people have not appreciated your assistance. I’m very glad to have discovered your site.
My first ever amigurumi made as a beginner (totally zero knowledge on crocheting) was made from your free pattern, Kirby. Two years ago, I had no idea of these short forms, so it took me about 1 month to read how-to guides from bloggers, and watch numerous youtube videos while trying your pattern, one step at a time. And reading your tutorials, they’re as easy as ABC. I learn a lot, thanks to your site. Big THANK YOU. 😀
OMG. Someone with the balls to be honest! KUDDOS TO YOU!!!
I belong to a crochet group where I see this kind of thing all the time, and while I realize that levels of computer knowledge vary, my feeling is that if you are capable of getting online, you should be capable of using a search engine.
Your stuff is awesome. Blessings to you for what you are willing to share.
Hi, I’ve only just discovered amirugumi and crochet (20 years of knitting since I was a child). Without people like you and your patterns (which are fantastic by the way……AND FREE!!) I would never have begun to discover this craft that is all too easily becoming a forgotten art. The funky designs have encouraged both my children to start to crochet (albeit granny squares at the moment). My daughter loves anything pink so it was easy for her to start crocheting from the many patterns available but my son who is 10 needed something very specific to spark his interest…..THAT WAS YOUR ANGRY BIRD/PIG PATTERN!!! He’s practising stitches at the minute but his goal is to complete it. Please don’t stop creating these beautiful patterns for the few lazy people who don’t deserve these patterns for free. (The cheek of it!) You are inspiring a whole new generation of crocheters 🙂 xx
I’m relatively new to the whole crocheting thing, and VERY new to making arigurumi. I’ve spent this evening watching a bunch of your tutorials and they have cleared up a whole mess of things I was doing wrong, but didn’t know *where* I was going wrong. I can’t thank you enough for the time and effort you have put in here. Plus, the whole cat butt thing…. I too suck at magic circles, so was pretty much jumping for joy at an alternative to cat butt 🙂 Once again… heartfelt thanks. I can’t wait to put what I have learned here this evening into practice!! All the best in whatever creative outlet you are now expressing yourself in x
You are very welcome. Together we shall assure the global extermination of crochet cat butts one crocheter at a time!
would you let someone else make videos based on your patterns? creds to you obviously.
I don’t think I would like that no. I like to maintain control of the instructions and don’t permit translations, it seems like the same sort of thing. If someone is just making the thing and not reading out the pattern or posting it with the video it might be okay but still kind of weird.
My Amigurumi Meetup.com group told me about your site. Thank you for sharing so many wonderful patterns. Several gals in the group design and sell patterns and they tell me how hard it is to make a pattern. Again, much thanks to you.
I think the same thing about my neighbors who park in front of the sidewalk and make it so you cannot even bring in the groceries – how nice for them that parking there is so convenient for them. Parking half a block away would be much too taxing for a healthy young adult to walk, oh, my – I mean, I get it. Tee hee!
Thank you for your website and your generosity in offering the free adorable patterns. I’m a new Amigurumi-er and greatly appreciate what you do. You are one of the designers who is inspiring me to create my own patterns. Thanks again!!
HALLELUJAH!!! I’m so glad that you wrote this post, and I hope that all the lazy “I want to make your advanced crochet pattern but I don’t know what an increase is” read this post.
FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE people, google it!!! If you need your hand held to do everything, then find another hobby… like puzzles… with less than 50 pieces.
The majority of people who do crochet/amigurumi or anything else crafty taught themselves by reading and PRACTICE and TRIAL AND ERROR.
There is nothing wrong with asking for help after you’ve tried to find an answer elsewhere and work out the problem yourself. It IS wrong to expect someone, who has given away their time and effort to publish a free pattern they easily could have charged money for, to walk you thorugh the basics you could easily google and learn.
And THANK YOU for your awesome patterns that you give away for away for free. So many friends and family have been delighted with the gifts I’ve made for them, not to mention the ones I love too much to give away. Thank You!!!
Thank you for your patterns, they are inspiring.
Please do not pay attention to the people that can not appreciate your efforts. Too bad they also have the ability to make you unhappy. Do not let hem, just delete. That’s what that button is for!
Greetings from a Dutch mum, you’re Link patterns were just amazing! I have received many compliments. Thank you!
I ant thank you for your time and effort, I have very much enjoyed your very helpful amigurumi a will miss them. Thank you for maintaining the ones already hear. Good luck in your other projects. My Nana couldn’t stick with just one, had to try them all.
Thanks for posting all these amazing patterns, they are really well constructed and easy to follow. Your video tutorials are also great for sussing out what’s not working and how to create those details unique to each character/amigurumi to make it extra special.
As a pop culture fan, it’s been great to find patterns which both myself and my nephew can easily relate to and enjoy. Most of all, I thank you for making your patterns community-friendly (i.e. free) lol XD
Anyway, once again – thank you! And all the best for wherever the future may take you 🙂
Just like the many others above, i’d like to take a moment to say thanks. Big big thanks! It’s silly that it takes a post like this to do it and i’m ashamed i did not do this earlier. Your site and your tutorials made it all so awesome! At the moment i’m surrounded by several sized Kirby’s since i really love them.
As they say: Better late than never, so thank you so much for all your time and energy you have put in to this! And i hope we’ll hear from you in the future 🙂
Oh noooo!!! Now that I found you, u gon leave?? haha Thanks for leaving this amazing source of patterns, but I do hope someday you come back to updating this blog. I’m very glad I found you just when I was getting bored of making afghans and baskets =S… lots of love…
I’m really glad you shared all your patterns with us. You’re pretty much the reason I got into amigurumi and actually started designing my own. I thought your patterns were very easy to understand and the ones I didn’t get I just sort of adjusted to make the pattern work. Or I just kept trying and trying until I had that moment of “OMG I get it!” Oh and your video on embroidering faces was SO helpful. I still have a lot to learn but you’ve already taught me so much, so thank you 🙂
You do what you feel like you have to do girlie. But thank you for making this site. I got my first start on amigurumi from your site and have made some people very happy with Christmas presents made from your patterns. It’s been awesome using your patterns and I appreciate all the hard work you put into them. But maybe now I’ll start making my own xD
Hello, I just wanted to say thank you for providing your patterns. I am impressed at your talent & patience. I know that while I can follow a pattern (& your patterns are easy to follow), to actually CREATE one from scratch is something I don’t have the talent nor the patience. 🙂 You are amazing.
Thank you very much for sharing!
I just want to thank you like many above. I have followed you for a little over two years now and absolutely owe you many thanks. When I foundyour site I was frustrated and about to give up on learning how to crochet. I thought all I’d be able to do was blankets and cup cozies lol. You opened a whole new world for me and i guess I really can’t thank you enough. My two year old loves everything I have made from your patterns.
Like everyone else, I am here to express thanks. When I first starting making amigurumi in 2011, I found your videos, and they made the process so easy that I had no problem continuing. I still refer to your website for terms and stitches that I’ve forgotten or need reminding about, and have even told several of my friends about your website who also crochet.
We will all understand if you choose not to continue, but you are so very awesome to have created this website in the first place! Keep on keepin’ on! 😀
Hello,
I am also someone who does not often comment, as to me the “figuring junk out” process is the only way that I can eventually learn to make my own patterns, instead of nicking them from everyone, and as always the students think that the master must understand innately how wonderful they are, and thus never express their praise.
Thus! Thank you. I only speak for myself, that it is a shame that I don’t write a thank you for every doll that I make from your patterns, keeping only the first for myself and spreading the joy and fun to others with every other creation. In lieu of my missing thank you’s let me provide them now! Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you. 🙂 and these come from just the last year in which I have found your site. Thank you for maintaining it, in spite of frustrations, and I will make it a special point to thank you with every new creation.
🙂 Hope all is well, and best of luck with your other work! Know that we down here in ami-land will always appreciate your presence and insight.
First off, i absolutely love you’re website! You’re patterns are clear and so easy to understand (i don’t get why some people have trouble reading your patterns, i just believe some people don’t know how to read, period.) You do great work! I even used one of your Domo patterns to make a hello kitty/domo hybrid (which she loved!) In any case, i truly appreciate your site, and even if you don’t post any more patterns, never stop playing with yarn! Much love!
I only stumbled across your website in December and must admit was quite sad when I read about the above. I am a complete newbie to crochet and I love your patterns and your video tutorials have helped me in many ways! In fact, that’s how I found your website, by googeling for “how to” videos. 🙂 Right now I’m working on Sackboy, he’s such a wee cutie! Anyway, a big thank you for putting so much time and effort in your patterns and videos, it’s much appreciated. And re the negative comments, well I guess some people take things for granted when they shouldn’t. During my short ‘crochet life’ I came across a few patterns that I didn’t quite understand right away (none of yours btw) and I just live with the fact that I have to go through some trial and error to get to the result. I think that’s part of the learning curve. Searching the web solves most of the things anyway and the few other times I was even more happy when I finally figured everything out myself 🙂
And thanks so much for keeping this website alive!!! 🙂
Thank you so much for your website and videos. I am sorry to hear people were making it not so fun. I know how it can be. People say mean things when they don’t have to look at someone and say it. I’m happy to hear that you’re moving on to even more stuff. I just found your site a few days ago, and as a beginner, I’ve found your tutorials very useful. You’ve pointed out little nuances that I thought were issues that I had personally (like that darn too-tight stitch in the beginning of a round!), and it made me feel better to see I wasn’t the only one experiencing it. Your tips have proven helpful and everything you’ve displayed is adorable. I hope you’re not completely turned off and occasionally come back to post an occasional update now and then. I think some of us would still be interested in at least seeing pics of what you do (even in your new journey)! You’ve really inspired me to do a good job, and I am sure there are many more people at there that feel the same way. It’s crummy that people tend to post negative remarks more than taking the time to post positive ones. Thank you for all that you do! 🙂
I have always loved your patterns and videos! I wouldn’t be able to crochet the way I do without you! Thank you so much for all the time you have taken out to share your patterns and knowledge with the world! You are amazing!
Just wanted to say that I’ve made many of your free patterns and I think they have all been great! I’ve made a few mistakes and was frustrated a few times but that was typically my own fault. I say typically since I often get frustrated with myself for having lost my place and then ripping out oh about half the work and restarting again.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your time & projects with us.
I’m a long time knitter & crocheter and now that I have a child I am trying my hand at amigurumi. I just found your site yesterday, and I have to say thanks. This is the largest free resource I’ve found and I’m looking forward to exploring it more. I whole heartedly agree with you. People never realize just how much work it is to create a site like this, to create all the work, and the tutorials and maintain it all. It’s like a full time job and you don’t owe it to anyone. That being said. I am really happy that you are keeping it up. I look forward to using it as a resource going forward.
I, too, was concerned about your comments! I love your site! And I love your patterns! You are extremely talented and have a flare for making patterns of figures we all love! Especially in an easy to understand pattern. None of your patterns were beyond understanding, by the way. I love your Domo patterns and Yoda.
If you don’t continue, I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your site and your instructions. I am sorry that you feel frustrated, I can only imagine! I would like you to just know how appreciated you are. 🙂
I don’t have a Yoda pattern but thanks 🙂
I just wanted to say that I sincerely appreciate all of the patterns you have shared. I know that it takes lots of time and patience. So, thank you so much for the time you put into creating and sharing the patterns. I am sorry to hear of people being rude and such to you. Ive been crocheting and knitting for 5ish years and have not had a single problem understanding your patterns. Just remember that for every rude person, there is a nice person who truely appreciates you sharing your patterns.
Hey there,
I seldom comment on anything on the internet but I just want to express my thanks and gratitude for your efforts on providing free patterns and tutorials. I made the Sackboy for a christmas gift and it made someone’s day:) it’s all thanks to you!
You are an inspiration for me and I learnt how to crochet because I stumbled on this website. While there are difficult people out there, I just want to tell you that many of us are appreciative and thankful as well:) Thank you so much!
please don´t pay attention to rude people
people that make patterns for free are my favourite kind or websiters and that includes you… please, have that in mind and don´t get frustrated!
cheers!
Nadia, from argentina
I also wanted to chime in with everyone else with a thanks for all that you have done with this site. I decided I would teach myself to crochet just about a year ago, and your site was THE resource I referred to time and time again. I’m not sure where I would be without the time you put into your patterns and videos.
Thank you, and good luck on your future endeavors!
THANK YOU for the massive amount of time and energy you have put into your website! 🙂 It’s a real shame that someone so unselfish and generous and creative can ‘gift’ so much to an invisible online community, only to burn-out over the ingrates with their lazy questions. >:p
I just wanted to let you know that your efforts are sincerely appreciated, and that you’ll probably never know just how much joy you’ve given to people with your patterns. 🙂
Can I add something to your post?
IF YOU DON’T LIKE HAVING TO INNOVATE OR PROBLEM-SOLVE, THEN DON’T DIY!
The whole point of making something yourself is that sense of pride and achievement when you’ve faced adversity and triumphed over it. 🙂 If you can’t handle adversity, don’t make it someone else’s problem…. especially if that someone else has already done all the hard work for you, for free.
And as Bug points out – it feels really good to learn a new skill and be challenged! If you don’t like that feeling, then don’t torture yourself! 🙂
I’ve also had a further thought – if you can’t figure out the pattern for yourself, but you really MUST own one of the above creations, then why not buy it? 🙂 You can become a ‘patron of the yarn arts’ by supporting someone else’s efforts and still get what you want.
I think it’s just as admirable to be a patron of the arts as it is to be a creator or maker. 😉
I’ve only done one of your patterns so far and really the spot I got stuck was because of me not your instructions. I love reading through things here by the way. And one of these days I will make the Big Daddy. He intimidates me I will master him!
*Hugs* I’m thankful that you keep these free for us to play with I know how much time it goes into these creations.
No request for clarification, just a short but sweet expression of true appreciation for your patterns. You do adorable work and your instructions were crystal clear for me when I made my boyfriend a SackBoy … even as a beginner! Enjoy your new endeavors and I appreciate you keeping your videos and patterns live. 🙂
I was very sad to read the above from you. I just wanted to let you know that I have only tried your no sew hamburger pattern that I made for my coworkers cat (he loves it, BTW!) and I didn’t have any problems with your pattern. Also, your joined rounds video helped me soooo much when I was working on someone else’s pattern who did not explain it and I was very frustrated and almost gave up on the pattern, but then found your video and have had no problems joining rounds ever since.
I understand how frustrating it is when you only get contacted with bad news or negative comments so I just wanted to let you know that this is one fairly new amigurumist (I’ve been doing this a little over a year) that appreciates all the patterns and tutorials that you have provided.
Thank you so much and I hope you have a Happy New Year!
I love your site and your patterns and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Anyone who can’t figure them out needs to read before asking you for a video. I am a beginner and have managed to make pretty good looking claptraps and companion cubes. No, they’re not perfect, but I’m still learning thanks to your site! (First time I ever used a triple crochet was on the companion cube…I can’t tell you how excited I was that I actually made a square!!!) I hope you have a happy new year and hope you post where you have taken your crocheting “after amigurumi”!
Hi! Thank you for the wonderful patterns you have provided! Free! You are an inspiration and I tried out your sack boy amigurumi as my second project and followed along no problem. My son loves it.I am very appreciative that you do offer this for free.