Amigurumi was already popular, but it seems to have been growing in popularity in recent years. But what exactly is Amigurumi? In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through the wonderful world of Amigurumi. Discover everything you need to know, what you’ll need to get started, which books are worth checking out, and more. In short, everything about Amigurumi!
What is Amigurumi?
The word “Amigurumi” comes from Japan and literally means “knit toys.” Amigurumi is incredibly popular in Japan, where these little cuddly toys are often crocheted and knitted. In Japan, they use the word “knitting” to refer to both crocheting and knitting. In the Netherlands, we mainly associate amigurumi with crocheted cuddly toys and figures, but knitting is certainly an option as well. These little cuddly toys usually have a cute appearance that appeals to children. Another trend you see a lot these days is that these knitted or crocheted creations are dressed in little outfits—so cute! Using various stitches, you can knit or crochet an adorable Amigurumi that can be used as a cuddly toy or looks great as a decoration. The selection of Amigurumi is enormous; almost every kind of animal has been crocheted as an Amigurumi, and many fantasy creatures have been created as well. Crocheted and knitted cuddly toys also fall under the term “Amigurumi.”
Amigurumi Tools & Supplies - What Do You Need to Crochet Amigurumi?
The Right Yarn for Crocheting Cuddly Toys
Most Amigurumi are small and crocheted or knitted tightly (so you can’t see the stuffing). A thin cotton yarn is perfect for crocheting and/or knitting with. The following yarns are perfect for Amigurumis crocheted and/or knitted with a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm Crochet Hook: Phildar Phil Coton 3, Lana Grossa Cotone, Katia Capri, Yarn and Colors Must-have, and SMC Catania. You’ll also need the following:
- Crochet Hook (2.5 mm to 3.5 mm)
- Stuffing
Accessories to add the finishing touches to your Cuddly Toy
In addition to these basic tools & supplies, you can also find a wide variety of Amigurumi accessories on Yarnplaza.com. Give your Amigurumi the perfect finishing touch with fun accessories such as (wooden and silicone) beads, Safety Eyes, Safety Noses, and Music Boxes, as well as rattle beads, crackling foil, and much more!
We also carry a wide selection of teethers, including both silicone and wooden ones. For example, we have a wooden teether shaped like an elephant. You can make a teether by stringing (crocheted) beads onto a cord and then threading it through the ring’s opening. We also have teether rings shaped like animal paws! Your Amigurumi will then have little feet that a baby can also chew on (great for teething).
Check out all the teething teethers!
Amigurumi Books Featuring the Most Beautiful Crochet Patterns for Cuddly Toys
You can find inspiration in one of the many amigurumi books. Most of these books feature Crochet Patterns for cute Amigurumi. The most popular crochet books right now are:
1. Pica Pau
Welcome to the exotic world of Pica Pau and her animal friends! They’re playful, energetic, and utterly adorable. In these beautiful crochet books by Yan Schenkel, you’ll find various Crochet Patterns for the cutest Amigurumi animals, such as Hector the rhino, Murray the energetic otter, Ramon the dreamy donkey, and many others. The patterns are clearly explained, complete with step-by-step photos and descriptions of the stitches used. These are true Must-have books for every crochet enthusiast.
2. Amigurumi by the Sea
With this book by Natasha Tishchenko, you'll dive right into the underwater world! You'll crochet all kinds of animals, such as an octopus and a walrus—and of course, the fisherman is a must-have, too.
3. The Best of Zoomigurumi
Ten Zoomigurumi books have rolled off the press in recent years. So it’s high time for a “Best of” book. The book “The Best of Zoomigurumi” brings together the 30 most popular Amigurumi from these wildly fun crochet books. Think of classics like Otto the turtle, Henry the hippo, Scraps the seagull, Hamish the hamster, Kai the koala, and many more favorites of crochet fans worldwide.
Check out more Amigurumi books here!Amigurumi Crochet Kits
Did you know that at Yarnplaza we offer complete kits for these crocheted cuddly toys? That way, you can get started right away! A complete crochet kit always includes enough yarn, the crochet pattern, and, if needed, eyes or other tools & supplies.
1. Fantasy Bird Crochet Kit
This adorable fantasy bird, designed by Annemarie Arts, is the perfect playmate for your little one. The activity bird, in primary colors, features all kinds of exciting details for your baby to feel and explore, such as teething rings, rattle beads, and wooden rings. This way, your baby learns to discover the world through play. With the complete Crochet Kit—including materials and the pattern—you can get started crocheting this adorable activity fantasy bird. Tip: Crochet this fantasy bird as a baby shower gift! In addition to this Crochet Kit, you can also find the pattern in this blog post.
2. Tony the Dachshund Crochet Kit
Have you always wanted to learn the ins and outs of Amigurumi crocheting? With Tony the Dachshund’s Techniques, you can! With this complete kit, you’ll be ready for Amigurumist Annemarie Arts’ techniques course. Through step-by-step videos, she highlights one technique each week. Will you join in? You can find more info about this kit on this blog.
3. Flamingo Crochet Kit
You can crochet this adorable flamingo using the beautiful Pink Label Mixed-up yarn. Will you go for the small size, or would you prefer to crochet it in a larger size? You can easily order the kit for this cheerful flamingo online.
4. Four Seasons Dolls Crochet Kit
Are you a fan of all the seasons? Then you’re sure to love this Crochet Kit featuring the cutest little figures designed by Lotte, winner of the Haakster 2021.
Check out all the Amigurumi Crochet Kits!
Free Amigurumi Patterns
Every week on our blog, we share free crochet and knitting patterns. Below, we’ve listed the 5 most popular Amigurumi patterns. But be sure to check out all the free Amigurumi patterns—you’re sure to find something you like: all Amigurumi patterns on the blog.
1. Kitty Meow - Free Crochet Pattern
Wow, with this crocheted cat, Annemarie has added yet another gem to her Amigurumi collection. It already makes us so happy—so you can imagine how delighted children will be when they see these beautiful cuddly toys! This cuddly toy is also available as a Crochet Kit!
2. Unicorn - Free Crochet Pattern
Unicorns—you see them everywhere these days, and with its fabulous looks, it’s become an indispensable part of our lives. With its curly mane in every color of the Rainbow, it’s the center of attention wherever it goes. The glittering hooves, horn, and star on its belly complete the picture. The unicorn is also available as a complete Crochet Kit.
3. Max the Cuddly Toy - Free Crochet Pattern
The great thing about this dog is that you don’t have to take it for a walk—you can just keep it nice and warm inside with you to cuddle. It’s perfect for little ones to play with or sleep with. A Crochet Kit is also available for this Amigurumi.
4. Farm Animals - Free Crochet Pattern
When you think of a farm, you think of these cute animals! Crochet all 5 farm animals for endless fun. With the complete Crochet Kit, you’ll have all the tools & supplies you need to crochet all the farm animals.
5. Kootje the Cuddly Bunny - Free Knitting Pattern
Have you always wanted to knit a cuddly toy? Then spark your little one’s imagination with Kootje the rabbit! This cuddly toy looks adorable with her sweet little face, yellow bow, striped dress, and one sock that’s slipped down.
Looking for more Amigurumi inspiration?
Be sure to check out our blog post on crocheting the cutest mini stuffed animals, our Tips for stuffing Amigurumi, or take a look at our favorite Amigurumi for Christmas!
We hope you're inspired to give this Japanese technique a try and make an Amigurumi. We can't wait to see your Amigurumi! Share a photo of your creation here on our Facebook page or on Instagram using #Yarnplaza.
