Amigurumi

Learning how to make and make different things by hand can bring us great joy and pleasure. Especially when we see the results. Such is, for example, crochet, where we have the opportunity to show our creativity, but also to develop it constantly. Due to the endless possibilities for creativity, crochet can stop some people from trying. But don't stop - it's very easy to get started and there are only a few tools and basic techniques you need to have and learn. Then there is just fun and constantly trying new and new opportunities.

Scarves are usually used as a starting point in crochet training. But immediately after that come all sorts of knits and figures. One very interesting crochet technique is amigurumi.

What is Amigurumi?

Amigurumi is a Japanese art of making crocheted stuffed toys. They are as cute as they are fun to make. The word amigurumi is a combination of two Japanese phrases: ami, which means "crocheted" or simply "knitted"; and nuigurumi, which means "stuffed doll." It is often in the form of an animal or some fantastic creature, which can best be described as kawaii, which means "sweet". All this makes the amigurumi technique ideal for children or for anyone who loves buttons with buttons and rosy cheeks.

Amigurumi quickly became a very popular knitting technique, mostly because it spread and prevailed in the West. This type of dolls are becoming more popular and interesting for people of all ages. They are available both ready-made and in the form of templates for self-production.

What do you need for Amigurumi?

Amigurumi is an affordable crochet technique that can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced craftsmen. It uses basic techniques that include single stitch, double stitch and invisible reduction. Before you start crocheting, make sure you have:

Yarn - There are many yarns available on the market, but not all of them are good for crocheting in the amigurumi technique. Working with too fluffy yarn can be a challenge for you (especially if you use a small hook), and fuzzy fibers can make the details of your doll invisible. It is best for your amigurumi to use one of the following yarns:

100% cotton and mercerized cotton yarn. It is tightly spun so that no fibers can be seen.



Semi-cotton mixture (50% cotton, 50% acrylic). It is lighter and can be washed in the washing machine. Depending on your design, a semi-cotton blend may be the best choice. It is not as heavy, such as 100% cotton yarn, which means that the stitches will not be so easy to remove, even if the doll you knit is bigger
 

Acrylic yarn. If you have a smaller budget, this will give you the best possible effect and result. However, there are some drawbacks - it can be fibrous and difficult to see details, easy to get out of shape if not sewn tightly enough.

Small crochet hook - Preferably if you do not want the stuffing of the doll to be visible.



Bunny from Stanley Velvet Baby, Maria Todorova

Suede yarn (micropolyester) - if you are looking for a fluffy effect on your toy.

Filling - silicone down or granules will give shape to your doll and will breathe life into it.

Doll Propulsion Elements - Some amigurumi dolls can move. You can use different means such as wires to build into the dolls and make them even more interesting.

You are ready!