Tutorials and Help
These tutorials and help files are the resources I have created to help folks figure things out. They are not prescriptive in that there are many different ways of doing things, all of which have value and are right in their own way.
Tools and Terminology
Cotton Yarn for Amigurumi – Why I recommend cotton yarn for Amigurumi, my yarn stash and reviews of the various brands I have tried and where to find them.
Crochet Hook Guide – An in-depth look at what makes crochet hooks different and information to help you choose the one that will be right for you.
Crochet Hook Size Conversion – Crochet hooks are sized differently depending on where they are manufactured. This table helps you convert sizes and identify appropriate yarn weights.
Crochet Terminology – A glossary index of common crochet terms to help you make sense of patterns.
Amigurumi Pattern Video Tutorials (start to finish video tutorial patterns)
Beginner Peanut Critter Pattern with Video Tutorial – Make a bear, cat, bunny or dog with this versatile beginner pattern. The amigurumi is shaped like a peanut and quite simple from start to finish.
Beginner Chibi Amigurumi Pattern with Video Tutorial – Make a bear, cat, dog, rabbit, duck, strawberry, eggplant or mushroom with this versatile beginner pattern. The amigurumi is a perfect size for a keychain.
Crochet Techniques
Alternative to Magic Ring – This technique can minimize the look of a starting hole in amigurumi.
Color Changes – How to change yarn colours in amigurumi projects.
Difference Between Right and Wrong Side – Whether the right or wrong side of your fabric is facing out will make a big difference in the appearance and shape of your finished amigurumi project.
Invisible Decrease – How to create a decrease in your amigurumi that is less visible than the bump created when you single crochet two stitches together.
Joining Rounds in Amgurumi – This is the technique that needs to be used for any pattern that calls for joined rounds instead of working in a spiral.
Slip Stitch Edge Technique – This technique is used to create a solid edge like in a cylinder shape like in the pattern for Sackboy’s head.
Slip Stitch Surface Crochet for Details – How to create details on Amigurumi using slip stitches. This technique is used in several of my patterns.
Working Both Sides of a Chain – This is a technique I use in patterns that need a starting base that is not circular but rectangular or oval in shape.
Amigurumi Construction and Finishing
Applying Cheek Blush – How to paint on blushy cheeks for that adorably embarassed look. This technique creates permanent blushing that is not subject to smearing or staining on other surfaces.
Embroidering Mouths and Details – An easy method to embroider mouths and other details on amigurumi.
Wiring Limbs in Amigurumi – How to wire the limbs on dolls to create finished amirugumi that can be posed and positioned.
Hey. I am trying to make your deadmau5 lil key chain. its proving to be more challenging. is there any way that i could access videos or something to help me along while making it? I am a visual learner. so far i have been trying to learn how to do things through videos online, but its getting confusing and not really working. help please? thank you!
Did you hold your work this way so that it was always visible to tbe student?I was taught to crochet about 65years ago by my grandmother. I am right handed so I actually hold my hook and work in my right hand and feed the yarn with my left hand between the small and 3rd finger, then over my index finger. It makes for a much smoother and faster action than demonstrated in your video.
I am now going to learn how to crochet! You are inspiring! Your website is awesome! thank you 🙂
Hi,
I love your website and this is where I started my first amigurumi with your bear!
Anyway I am having troubles with any patterns that I tried in your website/other people patterns.
The problem:
Every time when I try a body part/sphere/balls, ect …the end side do not look like a straight line like this: ___________
Mine is more like a slope that slowly goes up.
*end side* I am referring to the side that I am making new stitches…For example: Rnd 5-9 from your beginner’s body pattern.
(I put a lot of tension/no tension…it doesn’t seem to matter and it still show a slope…)
I would love to upload the pictures to show you.
My question is: Is it normal? If it’s not, any suggestions to improve it?
A slope is always normal when working in a spiral. It’s a result of how each row isn’t stacked neatly one on top of the other.
Hello, this is my first attempt at crocheting, and of course I started with an afghan…I purchased the “I taught myself to crochet” set-up. It’s going well so far – but how do you take the end off the afghan hook? Surely, it comes off since I’m out of room on the hook and have so much more to crochet. Does it just pop off? Just so you know, I’m on the first afghan row. (I’m sure this is the silliest question posted, so stop laughing….) 🙂
Thanks for your help!!
Christy.
I don’t provide support to other people’s patterns. Please contact the author or consult my FAQ for places where general assistance can be requested.
I just wanted to say thank you. You are so talented and as I have just picked this craft up again, I was looking for a sackboy pattern that wouldn’t cost much to do for my 10 y.o son for Christmas…then I saw the pattern for the creeper from Minecraft. Not only are your patterns free, but they are very easy to read and I know I can ask questions if I get stuck and you will answer. I am looking for some Zombie amigurumis as I am an amputee and I named my “leg” ZombieLeg…LOL! Long story… I am so excited…thank you for taking the time to work these out and publish not only the patterns, but to answer questions for everyone in addition to publishing facts about crocheting. I love your site and cannot wait to see what you put up next!!! Thank you.
Hey there! My buddy showed this to mw knowing I love to make this kind of stuff and I fell in love with your companion cube and many of your other patterns. Anyway, to cut to the chase, I was just wondering, is the 3.5 needle you mention using for the claptrap project your standard? If not then what size do you recommend for the companion cube? Maybe I’m just blind (and i wouldn’t put it past me) but I couldn’t find it. Thanks in advance!
3.5 mm hook is my standard for amigurumi if using worsted weight yarn as it makes for a rigid fabric that holds shape well as is capable of standing without flopping about. 🙂
Hi Emjay,
I’m making my first amigurumi animal. It’s called a Kawaii Amigurumi dragon and there’s a part that I’m struggling with. I’m making a wing and row 1 says: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, sc in each stitch after until the end [6hdc], on the last st, slst in the same stitch, ch 2 turn.
I’m not sure what the 6hdc in brackets means and was wondering if you could help me. Does it mean to repeat the whole step six times or just do 6hdc in the last stitch? I’m
confused… Help me please?? Thanks so much.
I love your site. It’s really helped me a lot.
Melissa
I don’t know either. You would probably be best off asking the pattern author.
Hey! I’m a fan, question though, I’m making my own amigurumis and I’m a total beginner. I’ve been trying to make a crochet ball but it doesn’t form as a ball, it just goes like a circle with wrinkled sides and I don’t know what’s up, am I stitching it tightly or I don’t know. Help me! Thank you in advance!
Have a look at the differences between right side and wrong side and also, don’t be afraid to keep going. Sometimes it looks weird but as subsequent rounds get worked in, it evens out, or when stuffed, it looks correct. The first part of your ball, where you are increasing, will always look like a flat circle. Then when you start working some rounds that are even (no increases) it will start to pull in and make a cup shape.
I’m searching everywhere for a pattern for a giant egg… made in amigarumi style that is really a BOX. *to tie shut with Easter goodies inside, and my amigarumi eggs…. * Do you by chance know where I could get one free?
No sorry.
How much useful!
Many thanks!
Thanks for all your work here! i learn so much about crochet and amigurumi thanks to you =)
Your explains is so clear.
I appreciate you explains how sew two pieces together , like in your Angry Birds Red Cardinal
please please please could you send me a alien hominid as a bithday present for my baby sister her birthday is in a week so i think she would really like it thank you xx
No sorry.
I love your blog!!!! So beaultiful!!!!! Gongratulations!!!