Written by: Kristen Moore

Published on 09/21/23

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission with any purchase through one of these links. Every bit goes to helping my small business grow, and I couldn't be more grateful for your support!

Amka Snow Doll Crochet Pattern

Pattern design by Junebug & James

Are you a beginner amigurumi maker, or someone who’s interested in making amigurumi? These 5 tips are for YOU!

If I could go back and give myself these 5 tips when I first started making amigurumi, I would have probably fallen in love with it MUCH sooner! These tips will not only help you become a better amigurumi maker, but it’ll also make it much easier on you while you’re working your next project, gaining you the CONFIDENCE you need to keep going.

If you’ve never stepped into the world of amigurumi before, this is my time to highly encourage you to try it! It is magical and the sky really is the limits with what you can create. Whether you're a fantasy lover, animal lover, or even a foodie! Amigurumi can be for YOU. After reading these tips, I hope you gain some extra confidence in yourself to get started!

Tip #1: Don't be afraid to change your hook size!

When I first started making amigurumi, I was using a 5.00mm crochet hook with worsted weight yarn (IYKYK). I was making a sweet little teddy bear, and I struggled horribly with those pesky holes in my work making the fluffy stuffing inside annoyingly visible. I would see pictures of other maker’s projects and wonder why mine wasn’t working out like theirs. I honestly don’t even remember what specific pattern I was following, or if I even fully followed the pattern’s instructions. Most amigurumi patterns will have the exact hook type & yarn to use that typically work best for that pattern. In this case, I had no idea that the hook size mattered that much.

All of this to say, if you’re working on an amigurumi project (whether it’s your first or one of many) and you’re still struggling with seeing your stuffing through the stitches, switch your hook to a smaller size. The smaller your hook, the smaller and tighter together your stitches will be. Especially if you typically hold a loose tension when you crochet. Don't be afraid to step out of the box and experiment (I'm talking to you, rule followers!). I'm a rule follower myself, so it took some time for me to feel like I could branch off from the typical ways of doing things, and create something I was satisfied with even if it wasn't the "norm." If the hook size listed in a pattern isn't working for you, don't stop until you try one that does work!

I had NO idea I could be using a hook as small as 3.50mm with worsted weight yarn back when I first started making that teddy bear. It would have made a world of difference when it was finished.

Even so, some makers prefer using bulky or super bulky yarn so they don't have to deal with the tediousness of using a small hook, which I’ll admit, can be really hard on your hands at times. If you've tried amigurumi before and weren't a fan, maybe try switching up your yarn and hook sizes to find something you enjoy better before setting it down completely! If you've tried it all and still aren't that into it, that's okay too! The beauty of crochet is all the different styles each person enjoys using and creating.

With that in mind, if you've been looking for some really comfy and ergonomically correct hooks, check out Crochic Styles! Patty & Paul's hooks are not only beautiful, but they are so strong and comfortable to use. You're also supporting a business run by a wonderful family! I have one of their 4.00mm and 6.50mm hooks and I already have my eye on another one! And, be sure to use my code JUNEBUG10 for an extra special discount on your purchase! I'll earn a small commission on any order which goes towards the growth of my business!

Crochic Styles Blue Topaz hook.

You can find all their amazing products at my *affiliate link here!* Don’t forget to use my code JUNEBUG10 for a discount!

Tip #2: Yarn Under vs Yarn Over

This tip is something I actually just learned over the last few years of making amigurumi, and I had NO idea how much change it could give to my makes!

With amigurumi, the main stitch used in majority of projects is the single crochet stitch (sc). The single crochet is worked by inserting your hook into the next stitch and wrapping your yarn either OVER or UNDER your hook before pulling up your first loop of the stitch.

With the standard single crochet stitch in any crochet project, you typically always wrap your yarn OVER your hook. Yarning over creates a “V” shape to the front of your single crochet. However, if you wrap your yarn UNDER your hook before pulling up your first loop, it creates more of an “X” shape to the front of your single crochet. That “X” shape creates a tighter woven looking material, compared to the “V” shape with your standard single crochet.

One of the main things you don’t want with amigurumi is for the stuffing to show through your stitches. By using the yarn UNDER method, you’re creating a tighter woven material for your project, making it even easier to hide your stuffing inside.

Isn’t that crazy?! One simple change can create SUCH a difference in the look of your project. If you want to see a video with more info, check my “Yarn Under” YouTube tutorial here!

Tip #3: Continuous Rounds

My third tip for you, is to start using continuous rounds with your projects if you haven’t already. This means, every round works together in one long spiral. You mark the beginning of your rounds with a stitch marker so you can keep track of where you are. I prefer stitch markers that lock, like these WeCrochet locking stitch markers!

Most amigurumi patterns have instructions for continuous rounds, but some use an alternate method. The alternate method is, when you get to the end of your round you slip stitch (sl st) into the first stitch and then chain 1. Then, you work the first stitch of the next round in the same stitch where you placed your slip stitch. This method isn’t bad, but it does create a slight seam up the side of your work. By working in continuous rounds, you eliminate that seam and create a smooth and even looking material on all sides of your project! I'd say that's a win!

Tip #4: Mastering the main stitches/techniques

If you can practice these few stitches and techniques, then you're well on your way to increasing confidence in your amigurumi work! Most amigurumi is mainly worked with the single crochet (sc) stitch. Depending on the pattern, some also use the half double crochet stitch (hdc) and double crochet stitch (dc), but they are less common. When you combine the single crochet stitch with increases and decreases, you create a magical form that turns into a fun stuffed creation!

A single crochet increase is a pretty simple concept - it's made by placing 2 single crochet stitches in one stitch. Most patterns simply say "sc inc" (single crochet increase), or just "inc." Increasing your stitches creates the shaping of your amigurumi, while also adding more stitches in the round you're working on. When you begin increasing or decreasing, you'll really want to stay on top of counting your stitches and making sure they match the stitch count in the pattern you're following. If you're ever unsure if you have the right amount or not, take that extra minute or so to recount! Trust me, it'll save you a lot of confusion!

The next technique I actually didn't learn myself until a few years ago, is the invisible decrease. In addition to increasing in your pattern, you'll also be adding decreases to create shaping and close up your project at the end! A decrease is when you single crochet 2 stitches together. Oftentimes, a pattern will describe it as just that, "sc2tog" or they'll simply say "dec." However, there is a huge difference between a typical decrease and an invisible decrease! Here are the two stitch definitions:

Decrease (dec): Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all loops on your hook.

Invisible decrease (inv dec): Insert your hook under the front loop only of your next stitch, insert your hook under the front loop only of the next stitch after that, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all loops on your hook.

With typical decreases, you can usually see where they are worked in your project. It's not horrible at times, but with an invisible decrease you can eliminate the look of your decreases from your finished work! Just as we eliminate the seam by working in continuous rounds, you can eliminate even more by using this type of decrease. Nowadays, most patterns will instruct you on which type of decrease to use, so be sure to practice this technique because it is SO helpful! I wish I knew about this when I started working with amigurumi!

The last technique I want to chat with you about is the called the Magic Ring (or Magic Circle as some say). Most amigurumi patterns today use the Magic Ring method, but there are a few out there who prefer to chain (ch) 2 and then work your beginning stitches into the 2nd chain from your hook. Either way, the goal with whichever method you use, is to begin forming the very first round of your amigurumi project. When you begin with a magic ring, it helps keep the beginning center of your first round closed tightly, helping even more to keep your stuffing from being visible. Feel free to check out my Magic Ring Tutorial on YouTube here!

Tip #5: Right and Wrong Sides

Finally, I don’t love to say something is “right” or “wrong” when it comes to what we create. Oftentimes, that mindset can put our minds in a box and keep us from designing truly beautiful things.

However, there are some ways of doing things that work better or look a little more professional than others. In this case, the “right” side of your crochet work when working in the round is the side of the stitch you’re working that is facing YOU. It can be confusing at first, but with practice you’ll soon be able to tell the difference in the way your stitches look between the right and wrong sides. I typically prefer to work in the round with my right side facing out the whole time. For some makers, they prefer working with their wrong side facing out and then turning it right side out when they’re ready to stuff. Either way, you have to find the process that’s most enjoyable for you!

I could seriously talk about amigurumi ALL day. My BEST advice to you though, is to find what you love to make and the process that satisfies you and continue on your own creative amigurumi journey. My tips are here to help you in the process, but you are your own person bringing your own unique qualities to the table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your hook sizes and yarn choices - you NEVER know what will come of it!

Thank you for reading, friends! It brings me so much joy to pass on my love for this craft and the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. Please let me know if this was helpful for you! Send me a DM on Instagram, or an email and I’d love to chat more! You can NEVER have too many crochet friends!

Happy crocheting!

Let’s connect!