Discover everything you need to know about amigurumi.
Welcome to Create With Crochet SOFT TOYS
Create With Crochet: Soft Toys
Getting started
Yarns • From chunky wool to 4-ply acrylic, there is a wide variety of yarns with which you can crochet
Amigurumi kit bag • Although just a hook and a ball of yarn will get you pretty far in crochet, many other helpful tools are available
How to read a pattern • Most crochet projects are made by following a pattern. Although they may look daunting at first, they’re easy to read once you understand the terms
Foundation chain • When working in rows or starting certain patterns in the round, you will need to create a foundation chain to work your first row of stitches into
Working into subsequent rows • When you’ve completed your first row, the only way is up. The next step is to build on the row you’ve just worked
Yarn over • This is the single most basic step in creating crochet stitches, and a technique that’s important to master before moving on
Slip stitch • While rarely used on its own to create a pattern, this versatile stitch is really handy for joining stitches and moving the position of the hook and yarn without adding height
Double crochet • The easiest crochet stitch creates short and compact stitches
Treble crochet • This stitch is twice the size of the single crochet, and worked in a very similar way
Half treble crochet • A less common stitch that is taller than double crochet but not quite as tall as treble crochet
Double treble crochet • This common stitch is much taller than the treble crochet, and this size allows it to be worked into a piece of fabric fairly quickly
Starting in the round • There are two options when working in the round, both of which you can apply to all of your amigurumi projects
Increasing • To increase the number of stitches in a row, simply crochet two or more into the same stitch
Decreasing • Often worked in conjunction with increases when shaping crochet, decrease stitches reduce the number of stitches in a row
Working in the round • Following on from your chain start or magic ring, start working in the round
Amigurumi tension • To ensure you get the best results from your amigurumi creations it’s important to understand a little about tension (gauge)
Fixing mistakes • A benefit of crochet is how easy it is to undo mistakes – all you have to do is unravel to the point where you messed up, then make it right!
Fastening off • When you’ve finished a project, prevent it from unravelling by fastening off
Join a new yarn • If you’re making a project that will use more than one ball of yarn, you’ll need to join the new yarn to your fabric as seamlessly as possible
Joining amigurumi • Make sure that all your pieces are firmly joined together in the final shape
Reading charted stitch diagrams • Some crocheters find these visual representations of crochet patterns easier to follow than a written-out pattern
Project gallery
Cute turtle • Take your time with this turtle’s big shell and little smile, and he’s bound to win the race for cuteness!
Teddy bear • Create a sweet companion in the form of a teddy bear with this quick and easy project that would make a perfect baby gift!
Little dress-up doll • Little dress-up doll’s head, body and legs are crocheted as one piece so there are fewer pieces to assemble
Baby sloth • This darling critter loves hanging around! With tiny magnets in its paws, your baby sloth can hang just about anywhere!
Prairie bunny • Have fun crocheting a collection of prairie bunnies with brightly coloured bonnets and coordinating fabrics...
