Amigurumi Crochet Animals

With low slung eyes, and sly smiles, there’s no denying that Amigurumi achieve the kind of cuteness that only the Japanese could bring to crochet stuffed animals. However, not just any small, cute crocheted (or knitted) toy can be classified as an Amigurumi. Instead, the animal* must possess certain key characteristics if they want to join that club. (*The term animal is used loosely, as technically Amigurumi includes stuffed creatures, inanimate objects, and more.)

Facial Features

There are several key facial characteristics that are typically associated with Amigurumi, which include squished together features, and either very small or very large eyes, exaggerated purposefully either way.

The eyes are often set low, equal with the nose and mouth. Often, the ears frame these features, creating a cutesy childlike effect.

Body Features

Exaggeration is the key with Amigurumi, as it is common to find a large head on a small body. Likewise, costumes and accessories are encouraged, upping the cuteness factor of these crochet animals.

Technique

Amigurumi are very easy to make. They are crocheted in the round, using the single crochet stitch. It is recommended that you use a smaller hook than you normally would, creating a tighter stitch. Tight stitches help hide holes, and hide the stuffing which is often bright white.

As you single crochet in the round, increase and decrease stitches to make different shapes. Then stuff and sew the shapes together to create an adorable crochet animal.

Items Needed

If you would like to attempt making your own Amigurumi, you will need:

• Crochet hook
• Yarn
• Polyfil or Stuffing of some kind
• Safety eyes or buttons
• Felt
• Plastic needle (large enough for the yarn to go through)
• Scissors

Amigurumi are fun to make, and they whip up fairly quickly. Not only are they adorable, but people love receiving them as gifts. Which is good, because Amigurumi quickly becomes an obsession – once you start, it’s hard to stop making them.