Essential Amigurumi Stitches & Techniques

Technique Abbreviation Purpose
Magic Ring MR Creates a tight, closed circle to start projects.
Single Crochet sc The most common stitch used in amigurumi.
Increase inc Two single crochets in the same stitch to make parts wider.
Invisible Decrease dec Decreases a stitch count without leaving a noticeable gap.
Slip Stitch sl st Used to join rounds or finish off a piece.
Working in Rounds - Crocheting in a continuous spiral without joining rounds.

Yarn Weight Recommended Hook Size (mm) Best For
DK 2.5mm - 3.5mm Small to medium projects, good stitch definition.
Worsted 3.5mm - 4.5mm Medium to large projects, very common.
Aran 4.0mm - 5.0mm Larger, sturdy projects.
Chunky 5.0mm - 6.0mm Large, quick-to-make projects.

Tip: Use a hook size smaller than the yarn label suggests to create a dense fabric that stuffing won’t show through.


Reading an Amigurumi Pattern

Pattern Element Example Meaning
Round/Row R1, R2, etc. The current round you are working on.
Stitch Count (12) The total number of stitches you should have at the end of the round.
Repeats [sc, inc] x 6 Repeat the sequence inside the brackets 6 times.

Stuffing Techniques

Technique Description Tip
Firm Stuffing Pack stuffing tightly for a firm, solid shape. Use small bits of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
Adding Weight Place poly pellets in a small pouch inside the base. Helps the amigurumi sit upright.
Shaping Use the end of your hook or a chopstick to shape stuffing. Push stuffing into small areas like ears and limbs.

Assembly & Finishing

Task Tool Needed Technique
Closing the Hole Yarn needle Weave the yarn tail through the front loops of the final stitches and pull tight.
Attaching Parts Yarn needle, pins Pin pieces in place before sewing to ensure symmetry. Use the whip stitch.
Embroidering Faces Embroidery floss Use simple stitches like the back stitch for mouths and satin stitch for eyes.
Safety Eyes Safety eyes Insert before stuffing and closing the piece. Secure the washer on the back.

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Holes in Fabric Hook is too large for the yarn. Go down a hook size to create a tighter gauge.
Losing Stitch Count Forgetting increases/decreases, missed stitch marker. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round.
Lumpy Stuffing Stuffing with large clumps. Pull apart stuffing into smaller, fluffier pieces before using.
Parts are Floppy Not sewn on securely. Use more stitches and pull the yarn tight when sewing.