Amigurumi: how to get started
Amigurumi -- little crocheted (or knitted) dolls, such as the one pictured here, made by Kim Werker -- are very popular these days, and many people are taking up crochet for the sole purpose of making them. But where to start? I'm frequently asked this question, and so have compiled some basic information and resources here.
The dolls are usually crocheted in the round, in a spiral pattern. Some people make a separate head and body and later sew them together; I prefer the method of working the head and body as one piece. Limbs, ears, tails and other features are made separately -- and generally worked in the round too -- and sewn on.
Follow the jump for a list of suggestions and resources to get you started with making your very own amigurumi.
As you're learning, make the process as simple as possible by using a light coloured worsted weight yarn and a hook size that feels comfortable in your hand. The pale yarn will allow you to see the stitches more easily. The hook size is an individual choice, but I suggest you start with a 5 mm hook (H hook in the U.S.). Use a wool or acrylic yarn that is not too hairy, fuzzy or slippery, and that doesn't split easily.
To start, you must learn the basics of crochet: how to chain and make single crochet stitches. If you don't have a helpful friend nearby to teach you, then I highly recommend the book Teach Yourself Visually Crocheting, which was reviewed here a few months ago. If you can't buy the book, or your local library doesn't have it, there are certainly many other books out there. Online, you can learn the basics at About.com.
The next step is to learn to crochet in the round. There's an excellent tutorial on how to do this over on Crochet Me. Amigurumi are generally constructed by crocheting around in a spiral: when you get to the end of one round, you simply carry on into the next round without adding any chains. Here's a tutorial: scroll down to the section called Working in a Spiral.
More resources:
• overview of how amigurumi are put together
• how to assemble amigurumi
• YouTube video on crocheting in a circle
• a list of amigurumi patterns
• Crochet Me's Amigurumi Dude pattern. Crochet Me is an excellent resource for all sorts of information and patterns.
• LiveJournal community We Love Amigurumi for discussion and inspiration
And, if you're a knitter who wants to make amigurumi without learning to crochet, here are some good tutorials by Geckogrrl: part 1, and part 2.
The most important part of learning to make amigurumi: experiment. Don't be afraid to try new things, and have fun!
