The art of amigurumi originated in Japan. Although the creation of knitted characters was practiced in many countries, it was the Japanese technique that became widespread, and the name integrated into other languages. The work is most often done with a crochet hook (though there are variations using knitting needles). The pattern is characterized by high density, and the final sizes depend on the thickness of the yarn. Mastering the skills of creating cute soft toys is within anyone’s power – you just need to learn the basic crochet techniques and practice them until they become automatic.
A selection of free step-by-step amigurumi video tutorials from FreeHandmade.com will help beginners learn and practice basic techniques at home, as well as try their hand at making simple DIY models.
Introduction to Amigurumi
Victoria, using her own workshop as an example, will explain and show what materials are absolutely necessary and what you might want to get as additional supplies. The latter category includes decorative elements used to adorn the finished product – ribbons, beads, buttons, rhinestones, and fabric scraps. Victoria believes that a wide variety of options allows your imagination to run wild, helping you create bright and original characters.
Initial Stage: The Magic Ring
https://youtube.com/watch?v=5McRnb8ejmM
The foundation of almost any amigurumi piece is the magic (adjustable) ring. The sequence of steps to create it must become automatic. You will start by forming a central circle, into which 6 single crochet stitches are usually worked. The host of the “Our Free Time” channel offers detailed instructions on creating a magic loop using two methods: a simple one and a slightly more complex one. The intricacies of the work are clearly visible on the screen, and the detailed comments and slow replays of particularly difficult moments will allow even absolute beginners to master the technique.
Amigurumi Basics from Scratch
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0td3z-xDpVU
A video lesson from “Sparrow’s Workshop” dedicated to the basic techniques of the craft. The crafter provides all the necessary information for the initial stage of learning. Viewers will find out where to start, when to make a magic ring of nine stitches instead of six, what types of stitches exist (slip stitches, half double crochets, double crochets, single crochets), why tall stitches are rarely used in making toys, and where they can be applied. The blogger will explain the advantages of spiral crocheting and the disadvantages of joined rounds, show two methods for decreasing, and explain which one is better and why. Guided by these tips, novices can confidently start practicing from scratch.
Rounding Out a Hexagon
A key element of amigurumi – the round sphere – often takes on a hexagonal shape due to evenly distributed increases. Emily Freeman, a talented crafter and creator of a creative video blog, will show different ways to expand the circle, explain the principle using diagrams, and talk about two methods for rounding off the corners. The first is achieved through tight crocheting and correctly selected yarn, while the second involves changing the sequence of the increase steps. By practicing with the diagrams provided in the video, needleworkers will understand the nuances, learn to distinguish between the techniques, and successfully apply them in practice.
Crochet Apple
A juicy green apple is the perfect practice project for mastering basic crochet techniques. It is a great base for learning how to make a magic ring, crochet in rounds, practice increasing and decreasing the fabric, close off the last round with a yarn needle, and attach small elements (the stem and leaf). The process is very simple, and the step-by-step master class will allow you to follow the host, practicing on an easy item with a minimal number of additional details.
Knitted Lemon (Using Needles)
An option for those who prefer knitting needles. An online master class on working with double-pointed needles from the creator of the “I Love to KNIT” channel. A bright lemon made of yellow yarn is knitted quickly and easily. It is suitable for inexperienced knitters who have just begun to master knitting in the round, and for those who want to learn how to make small knitted figures. Along with the demonstration of the process, a text description of the rows is provided – you can pause and follow the instructions or write the sequence down on a piece of paper.
Crochet Eggplant
Anna shares a step-by-step guide that both beginners and experienced crafters can follow to make an eggplant. Dark purple yarn guarantees a rich color, and the use of half double crochets will help give it a natural curved shape. Anna comments on her every action, sequentially explaining the stages and nuances. The size can be varied at your discretion by choosing the thickness of the yarn and crochet hook. The result is a vegetable that looks incredibly realistic. For beginners, this simple piece will be excellent training to get the hang of shaping.
Yo-Yo Baby Doll
The Yo-Yo Baby Doll is a popular toy among both crafters and children. Its advantage lies in its simplicity of creation and attractive appearance. Using this video as a guide, beginner crafters will be able to make a wonderful baby doll wearing a hat and scarf. Decorations can be chosen individually. Based on these instructions, you can start experimenting with colors, clothes, and accessories, creating completely original gifts and toys for children.
Plush Bunny
Tatiana Medintseva will show and tell you how to make a soft, long-eared bunny that is so pleasant to the touch you won’t want to let it go. The secret is the use of plush (chenille) yarn. It is quite thick, which makes the crocheting process easy, fast, and pleasant—a highly important factor at the initial stage of learning. The finished toy turns out quite large, making it a great gift for a child. Tatiana’s step-by-step master class will allow anyone familiar with basic crochet skills to make their own little bunny.
Crochet Mouse
An accessible and clear instruction for making a funny little mouse in a red sweater for those who have mastered the basics and want to try crocheting slightly more detailed models. To save time, the author explains the sequence of obvious steps on ready-made parts while demonstrating the most important key moments. People familiar with basic crochet principles will have no trouble replicating it. The result is an adorable mouse. You can dress it up similarly to the one shown or come up with your own unique outfit.
Crochet Kitten
One of the most interesting parts of amigurumi is the decorating process. Based on a single pattern, you can create a multitude of different characters just by experimenting with clothes, accessories, and combining several crafting techniques.
Little Whale
As auxiliary materials, you can use almost anything: buttons, safety eyes, beads, old jewelry, fabric scraps, satin ribbons, or delicate lace borders.
Little Owl
Sometimes it is much more convenient to glue decorative elements rather than sew them on, so it is highly recommended to keep a hot glue gun or fabric craft glue handy. Sharp scissors and tweezers for rhinestones will simplify the task of distributing small details on the toy, and a lighter will be very useful for sealing the cut edges of synthetic ribbons.
