Amigurumi Fun
To start off, I guess I'll define what amigurumi is for those who aren't familiar with the term. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures or dolls. Amigurumi vary in size, and appearance.
I am an avid crafter, I enjoy all sorts of different mediums and outlets, one that I've spent a lot of my time on recently has been crocheting various amigurumi. I often take requests for different forms people want to see, currently on my hook and not quite ready for it's photographic debut is a little red dragon. Some days I will make 2 or 3 of these projects in a day, other times it will take me a few days to finish all the pieces for one.
What I love about this form of crochet is that it's nearly all worked in spiral rounds, so there is less struggle working into a foundation chain. Not to mention somehow no matter what you make, they almost always end up cute which boosts my mood. Further, they can work up quickly so it's easier to stay motivated and have the satisfaction that comes from completing something.
I regularly find cute patterns for free online, or even just use my own knowledge of basic shapes and forms after all those patterns to create my own. For example I recently made up my own pattern for a tiny little "Noni" and used the basics design from another pattern to create my own pattern for a sloth.
When I first started making amigurumi, I used the recommended hook sizes from patterns, often a 3.25mm or D hook but found that I wanted a denser fabric where you couldn't see any of the stuffing inside and now use a 1.3mm(US10) hook regardless of the weight of the yarn I'm using. I also finally invested in safety eyes instead of sewing on beads or buttons which may have been my best decision yet! Overall what I've learned is that the patterns are a good guide especially when you are starting out, but it's okay to find what works best for you as you pick up new tips and tricks along the way.
Complicated as they may look, amigurumi can actually be a great crochet project for beginners!
Questions to ponder:
- Do you knit/crochet? What project(s) are you currently working on?
- Have you ever made an amigurumi?
- If you have, what did you find most challenging/rewarding? (I'd also love to see pictures!)
- If not, is there anything you feel would stop you from trying?
- If you were going to pick your own amigurumi pattern to try, what would you want to make?
@EmotionsListener
1. I knit and crochet but I would say that I've done a bit more crocheting. I have a couple of unfinished projects right now. One is a dinosaur and one is a small dragon. I was really into crocheting this spring/summer but I've taken a break.
2. I have made amigurumi! That is what I do most of the time when crocheting. One thing I do find challenging is reading instructions. If I find something that I don't understand I improvise instead of looking up how to actually do the stitch/thing. That means that I improve slowly since I improve by trial and error and not taking help from all the resources there are lol.
3. Hm... I don't know... something cute and something themed. Maybe zodiac signs, something from a show or movie I like. Not sure!
@gentleemperor
I will admit i have a few unfinished crochet creations waiting for me to stitch them together or make a few more pieces of them. But with any creative hobby I find it's very important to be in the mood when we are creating, otherwise what is the point?
I know, I tend to knit more as the weather gets warmer and crochet more in the summer, but lately both have been sitting a bit idle.
Amigurumi are definitely hard to resist once we start making them it seems. Reading instructions can sometimes be a bit complicated as you say, sometimes I also don't like the way that a certain pattern has done something so I will change it. I also improvise when I'm making up my own new patterns using the basic shaping I've learned from all the other amigurumi I've made. But I like improvisation, then you always get something that is even more your own!
Those sound like some fun ideas. I know I've been asked if I can make a baby Yoda.
Good luck on all your yarn adventures, and thank you for taking some time to share your experiences!
@EmotionsListener ahhh somehow I can see the appeal in knitting in the winter and crocheting in the summer. I would like to be better at knitting one day. I really like knitted clothes, sweaters, socks, beanies etc.
Ohhh a baby Yoda sounds adorable 😍 My most recent amigurumi was of Nezuko, a character from the anime Demon Slayer.
Here is one I crocheted a while (years) ago:
@EmotionsListener aww, that looks so cute! 🍵♡~
@georgiagalaxy2
@EmotionsListener 😊😊~~~
@EmotionsListener I LOVE AMIGURUMI!!! I'm so glad someone else on here is into it :-)
I like making animals the most, so far I've made mice and fish and I'm working on a little bird right now!
@EmotionsListener
Oh my goooodness. These are to die for. ☺️
@blitheSun94
Now that you've picked up crochet you're well on your way to creating your own amigurumi bundles of cuteness! 🥰
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
My kids would love that!
Oh yes! I love crochet! I've been struggling to get back into it lately but I love it!