Ever walk into the yarn aisle and become paralyzed by all the options? Which yarn is best for amigurumi?
Yarn choice matters when it comes to amigurumi. You want your amigurumi to stand the test of time, withstand the play of children, and to look amazing! If you ask the Internet you’ll get a billion different answers and hear, “Whatever’s in your stash! You can use any yarn!”
And it’s true. You COULD use any yarn. But I’m going to make myself unpopular and say that you might not want to.
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No, we’re not eating penguin! We’re looking at two different iterations of the same pattern. YES, these amigurumi penguins were both made from the SAME pattern. A bit shocking, right? This is the difference a year of experience makes.
Let’s dive in.
My first attempt at Pippin was about a year ago. He was my second or third attempt at amigurumi and I hardly knew what I was doing! Let’s go through everything I learned between these two penguins.
I go for a certain kind of aesthetic when it comes to amigurumi. I like whimsical and cute pieces that can fit into a nursery, a child’s arms, or on a shelf in your living room. My favorite pattern book by far is Animal Friends of Pica Pau by Yan Schenkel. I found this book early in my amigurumi life and it fits my aesthetic exactly. Of the 20 patterns included, I’ve made six and have plans for more!
And good news for us! Schenkel’s new book, Animal Friends of Pica Pau 2, just pre-released! If you order it now, you get the PDF copy immediately! Pre-sale ends May 11! You can find it on Amazon too but only the physical copy, which releases July 1, 2020.
Now that I’ve grown comfortable with crocheting amigurumi and freehanding designs, I’m starting to customize her patterns with some of my own flair. My most recent creation started with the pattern of Hans the bear but I added flared sleeves and a skater dress. I kept the hat of the pattern but didn’t include the cowl or vest. And voila!
This post may contain affiliate links to products I recommend to you all. If you click on one of these links and decide youβd like to make a purchase, I will make a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
Last week I wrote an introduction to amigurumi and this week is a free and easy pattern to get you started on your very own amigurumi, and just in time for Easter!
Speaking of Easter, check out my amigurumi crochet pattern for Sophie the Sheep – she’s just the right size for Easter baskets!
You can make these eggs in a solid color or any pattern you choose. I’ve demonstrated simple stripes in the photo tutorial below. If you’re new to amigurumi, try working the pattern in a solid color first and then make another one where you change colors. I’ll have an easily printable low-cost pattern available on Etsy and Ravelry soon and I’ll update this post when those uploads are live. Update: the Etsy link is live!
Many of us are staying at home due to governmental restrictions concerning the spread of COVID-19. This is the perfect time to learn new skills and practice your technique. You’re already home – may as well have something to show for it!
Working with your hands requires focus and discipline, especially when learning a new stitch or technique. Crochet has been my breath of fresh air during this endless cycle of business and school closings. Stop the endless scrolling through bad news, jumbling your thought process and raising your heart rate, and use your hands for something productive! I guarantee you that focusing your mind on a physical project will increase your mental clarity.
So if you’re looking for a new craft to learn, I highly recommend amigurumi! Amigurumi is the craft of crocheting or knitting small, stuffed creatures. The monetary barrier is low, requiring only yarn and a hook to start learning.
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