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The origin of knitted clothes dates back to the 11th century, the History of Crochet shows that this artwork, in its current form, developed in the 16th century. Whether its lace-like taps from Europe and India or 11th-century stuffed dolls from China, Crochet artwork holds historical and cultural heritage worldwide.
One of the cutest adaptations of knitted or crocheted artwork is Amigurumi. Ami means “to knit,” and “nuigurumi” translates into “stuffed animals” in Japanese. As the name indicates, amigurumi crochet is the ark of making stuffed toys using threads of yarn. Contemporary amigurumi artists take this art beyond aesthetics and craft amazing products such as cushions, stuffed toys, keychains, charms, and much more.
Here you will find amigurumi crochet patterns that are free and easy to do for beginners. Whether you are looking to start small toys or no sew amigurumi. We’ve got you covered with cute animals like cat, bunny, frog, octopus, and even farm animals like cow. More cool ideas like a dinosaur, dragon, turtle, magical creatures, and even foods.
Let’s get started with first learning about the materials, instructions, and important things about amigurumi and then get right into amigurumi kits and free patterns.
What is the difference between crochet and amigurumi?
While there are various similarities between crochet and amigurumi handicrafts, they are both different, de facto.
Crochet is a diverse handicraft that embeds a variety of techniques and materials for creative possibilities. It mostly helps in weaving flat fabrics ranging from intricate laces to large blankets and throws.
Amigurumi, on the other hand, is a type of crochet that focuses on crafting unique three-dimensional stuffed animals and toys. The uniqueness of amigurumi is reflected in its filling technique, which makes them puffy, softer, and enjoyable.
Books for learning to crochet Amigurumi patterns:
1) Mini Creature Amigurumi Crochet Patterns basic to advanced levels.
2) Whimsical Stitches is a remarkable compilation of beginner-friendly Amigurumi crochet patterns.
3) Crochet cute critters has clear instructions for amigurumi animals.
4) Crochet Magical Creatures with Japanese art of making stuffed toys.
5) Crochet food items and ingredients with Amigurumi Cafe
6) Make creepy creatures and mythical monsters with A Crochet World.
Amigurumi Kits I recommend:
1. Easy peasy kiki the chick kit
2. Nightmare before Christmas amigurumi kit
5. Disney Princesses and Villains Finger Puppets kit
Supplies needed for Amigurumi artwork:
Amigurumi crochet is a delicate artwork that requires substantial input, dedication, and precision. One wrong loop can lead to serious mistakes in the pattern, requiring one to start all over. However, the selection of the right tools and kits can help minimize the chances of mistakes during the process. Here is a list of trusted tools and supplies that can help you commence these projects in no time.
–Crochet hooks: A diverse range of crochet hooks ranging from 2mm-10mm with storage case.
–Yarn:Gather the necessary color and type of yarn.
–Tapestry thread: Use fine embroidery floss for detailing on amigurumi dolls.
–Polyester fiber filling is hypoallergenic, do not attract bugs or mites, and are super easy to wash and dry!
–Pellet beads are ideal for adding the right amount of weight to the dolls and preventing them from falling over.
–Yarn or tapestry needles to secure and sew the design firmly.
–Scissors to snip off threads and yarns.
–Safety pins for stitch marking the patterns.
–Pin cushion
–Measuring tape
–Fabric Adhesive for securing felt, ribbons, and eyes or for no sew amigurumi.
–Glue dots for detachable details.
–Googly Eyes
–Accessories like felt, ribbons, jewelry to accessorize your dolls.
–Fabric markers to draw and mark limbs and facial features of the amigurumi.
How to crochet Amigurumi dolls?
Learning amigurumi art is fun and less complicated that crochet. One only needs to master a number of stitches to craft these projects. Here are five easy, beginner-friendly steps for making amigurumi crochet projects.
First: Find an easy and free crochet pattern from the lost below.
You can level up with more difficult patterns that require focus and detailing as you get comfortable with simple patterns.
Second: Gather the supplies listed below or the ones listed with the tutorial you selected.
Third: Use video tutorials to learn basic crochet stitches such as chain, magic ring, single crochet, double increase, invisible decrease, and slip stitch.
Fourth: Read the instructions and follow the video instructions as you crochet. Pause wherever necessary. It is best to practice stitches before starting on a project. Learn common amigurumi abbreviations as you go.
Fifth: Secure all ends of your pattern before stuffing your amigurumi.
Sixth: Embroidery design or add accessories to complete your project.
Which yarn is best for Amigurumi dolls?
With so many options available in the market, choosing the right type of yarn for amigurumi dolls becomes challenging. However, one can narrow down their choices by conducting a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.
Acrylic yarn vs cotton yarn:
For instance, if you are a beginner or have a low budget, acrylic yarns are the best options. They are cheaper, affordable, easy to maintain, and come in a variety of quality grades, textures, and colors. However, they catch dirt and spills over time.
On the other hand, cotton yarn is the best option for making amigurumi dolls. It is softer than acrylic yarn, offers amazing stitch definition, is highly durable, and may not catch spills.
However, each wash exposes cotton yarn amigurumi dolls to becoming softer and may lose their original shape; hence, their exposure to water should be limited. In addition, it is vital to select the right type of stitch to retain its original form.
What is the best filling for Amigurumi dolls?
Stuffing amigurumi with a suitable material is important as it helps to determine the final shape and form. Understuffing can collapse the structure while overstuffing might make it bulge from different corners and become harder or more difficult to play with. Before moving to the best stuffing for amigurumi dolls, let’s have a look at the different types of stuffing that contemporary artists use.
Pellet beads: Pellet beads are small plastic beads available in different sizes. They are ideal for adding weight to the base of amigurumi projects. However, they might escape due to gaps in the stitches. Therefore, it’s always better to stuff them into a fabric before placing them inside the amigurumi.
Rice or beans: Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic pellet beads for adding weight to the doll’s base. Using them with other types of fillings can help attain the perfect weight and shape for the crafts.
Polyester fiber filling: Polyester filling is the most popular stuffing due to its low weight, durability, and non-toxic nature. This makes it the most suitable choice for amigurumi for children. Most importantly, it retains its shape once put inside the toy.
Yarn and fabric scraps: Artists looking for Eco-friendly alternatives for stuffing use leftover yarn and fabric scraps.
Others: People also stuff amigurumi dolls with cotton balls, feathers, old plastic bags, cotton, wool, and old stuffed toys. While choice lies on the people, polyester fiber filling remains the best amigurumi stuffing due to low cost and high-end finish.
Five Essential Kits for Amigurumi Crochet Crafts
1) If you are new to this hobby, then the Hearth and Harbor Crochet Kit is the right one for you. This cost-effective crafting kit for beginners comes with 1500 yards of crochet yarn, hooks, and all necessary supplies to complete your first amigurumi crochet pattern in no time.
2) You can also choose an all-inclusive crochet kit that comes with different sized hooks, multi-colored yarns, safety pins, accessory pouch, scissors, stitch holders, measuring tape, seeing needles, thimble, needle point protectors, counting crochet hook, and a detailed manual for mastering the art of crochet.
3) Colors are the core essence of amigurumi projects. Therefore, get acrylic yarn skeins and thread in a variety of colors for seamless project completion.
4) Safety eyes, washers, and noses for amigurumi dolls in this complete mini items set.
5) Crochet needles and hooks set with storage case to keep things organized.
Get going on your Amigurumi crochet journey with these free tutorials and amazing ideas:
Easy Amigurumi Crochet Patterns Free for Beginners
1. Hedgehog amigurumi pincushion by Chai Coffee Crochet.
2. Simple doll base by Little World of Whimsy.
3. Harry Potter amigurumi by Lanas y Ovillos in English.
4. Make an amigurumi bear by keep calm and crochet.
5. Amigurumi ball by yarn at play.
Amigurumi Small Free Patterns
6. Sunflower amigurumi pattern by Gratia Project.
7. Handmade Toy Pou by Red Bunny Crochet.
8. Mini toast charm by Chiqui Pork World.
9. An adorable amigurumi cactus by Kim Crafts.
10. Avocado amigurumi by Happy Crochet.
11. Heart Melting Mini fruit mushrooms amigurumi by A Design Crafts.
12. Delightful little crochet lemon amigurumi by Jinga Rajut.
13. Bewitching crochet unicorn amigurumi by Little Crochet Farm.
14. Not so scary friendly dragon amigurumi by Jess Huff.
15. Crochet strawberry amigurumi by Octopus Crochet.
16. Fantastic heart amigurumi by Okie Girl Bling n Things.
Animal Amigurumi Doll Ideas
17. Panda Amigurumi by Caiu Na Teia.
18. Loops and Love Crochet has a splendid idea to crochet an ideal-sized elephant for cuddling and playing with children.
19. Easy amigurumi penguin crochet idea by Rose and Lily Crochet.
20. Crochet beginner-friendly chunky amigurumi frog by Meow Amigurumi.
21. Fish by Critter Stitch.
22. Brachiosaurus amigurumi dinosaur by Vivir Vintage.
23. Free ladybug amigurumi design and pattern by Lim Lenn.
24. Unique starfish amigurumi by Club Crochet.
25. Crochet seahorse amigurumi for aquarium by Double Dutch Crochet.
26. Free Octopus pattern by Acky Plushies.
27. Baby shark amigurumi by Spring Day DIY.
28. Poco the Parrot Amigurumi doll by Crochet Tutorials and Patterns.
29. Fun Loving Dinosaur in shorts by Crochet Calls.
30. Giraffe amigurumi by DIY Fluffies.
31. Raccoon amigurumi by Crochet by Sandra.
Farm Animal Amigurumi Patterns:
32. Amigurumi chicken by crochet with Vlama vee.
33. Sweet amigurumi baby cow by Natalia Kosinsqa.
34. Donkey amigurumi by Artesa Natielle.
35. Clovis the Duck Free Pattern by Shirley Free Patterns.
36. Sheep amigurumi by Danielle L Designs.
No Sew Amigurumi
37. No-sew bunny within minutes by Sweet Softies.
38. Have endless fun by crafting no-sew chubby kittens amigurumi cat by Khuc Cay.
39. Crochet an adorable no-sew axolotl salamander by Loop & Billie.
40. No-sew crochet sleeping bee pattern by Emily Lopez.
41. Baby Whale Amigurumi Keychains by Cute Crochet.
42. Relieve your stress by making a darling no-sew turtle amigurumi by One Cent Crochet.
43. Easy no-sew mamma octopus with its babies amigurumi by All by Jade.
44. No-sew mochi bunnies by Chubbies by Ash.
Cartoon Amigurumi Ideas
45. Fionna Dolls shares the secret of using one pattern for crafting multiple crochet amigurumi toys for the holiday season to gift on Christmas.
46. Free pattern for a reindeer by Rin Meow 21.
47. Valentine’s Day special a snail with a heart by Little Bean Crochet.
48. Amigurumi monster crochet idea by Lemon Crochet.
49. Love Pokemon? Try this tiny squirtle amigurumi tutorial by Happy Gurumi.
50. Add a Snorlax amigurumi to your crochet Pokemon collection by Loops by Kat.
51. Amigurumi Winnie the Pooh by Ami Saigon.
52. Handmade by Lacey shares animal amigurumi keychains.
53. Amigurumi Disney Pluto by Cat Knit.
54. Tiny bumble bee amigurumi by 365 Days of Dana.
Written by: Nageen Sohail