Knitting Amigurumis
Share
Knitting Amigurumis: The Art of Bringing Yarn Characters to Life
Amigurumi have conquered hearts all over the world. These small, hand-knitted figures are not only adorable, but they also offer a creative, relaxing activity full of possibilities. If you are attracted by the idea of knitting your own characters, toys or decorations, in this article we explain everything you need to know to get started in the world of amigurumi.
🌿 What is an amigurumi?
The word amigurumi comes from Japanese:
- Ami (編み) : woven or knitted.
- Nuigurumi (ぬいぐるみ) : stuffed toy.
Thus, an amigurumi is a hand-knitted doll, usually crocheted or knitted, which can represent animals, characters, inanimate objects with cute faces ( kawaii ) or any figure you can imagine.
This technique, which is part of the Japanese kawaii movement, has gained worldwide popularity, becoming one of the favorite activities in the world of knitting.
Materials needed to knit amigurumis
Although knitting amigurumis is simple, you need some basic materials:
- Cotton balls : Cotton is recommended for its strength, softness and definition in the stitches.
- Crochet or knitting needle : A smaller crochet hook than usual is usually used to achieve firm stitches.
- Filling (wadding or synthetic fiber) : To give volume and shape to your amigurumi.
- Scissors : To cut the strands of thread.
- Wool needle : To sew the pieces and hide the threads.
- Stitch markers : They help you not to get lost when knitting in a spiral.
- Safety or embroidered eyes : They give life to your creation.
💡 Idealium Tip : Use our " Amigurumi " cotton ball , ideal for achieving a soft and defined finish, perfect for small figures.
Basic techniques for knitting amigurumis
Amigurumi is mainly crocheted, but can also be knitted with knitting needles. These are the basic techniques:
🔹 1. Magic ring
It is the starting point for most amigurumis, as it allows you to start with an adjustable circle, avoiding holes in the fabric.
🔹 2. Increases and decreases
- Increase: Knit two stitches in the same base stitch to give shape and volume.
- Decrease: Knit two stitches together to reduce the diameter.
🔹 3. Spiral weave
Amigurumis are usually knitted in a continuous spiral, without closing the rows, to avoid visible seams.
🔹 4. Invisible closure
It is used to finish the fabric in a discreet and professional manner.
🐻 How to crochet a basic amigurumi: a sphere step by step
Crocheting a ball is the first step for many amigurumis, as it serves as a head or body. Here is a simple guide:
- Magic ring with 6 low stitches.
- Round 1: Increase in all stitches (12 stitches).
- Round 2: 1 sc, 1 inc (18 sts).
- Rounds 3-5: Knit without increases.
- Round 6: 1 sc, 1 decrease (12 sts).
- Fill with wadding before closing.
- Round 7: Decrease until you close the circle.
And that's it! You now have a perfect sphere for an amigurumi head.
🎨 What can be created with the amigurumi technique?
Imagination is the limit. Some ideas are:
- Animals (teddy bears, cats, rabbits, octopuses).
- Personalized dolls and characters.
- Miniature food (cupcakes, fruit, ice cream).
- Decorative plants, such as cacti or succulents.
💡 Fun fact : Amigurumi octopuses are used in hospitals to calm premature babies, since their tentacles simulate the umbilical cord.
🌱 Benefits of knitting amigurumis
Knitting amigurumis is not only fun, but also offers multiple benefits:
✨ Stimulates creativity : Designing unique characters sparks your imagination.
🧠 Improves concentration : Following patterns and counting dots exercises the mind.
😌 Reduces stress : The repetitive movement of the fabric helps us relax.
🎁 It is a unique and personalized gift : Handmade and made with love!
Why use cotton for your amigurumis?
Cotton is the star material in the world of amigurumi. Here are some reasons:
✔️ Well-defined points : The texture of the cotton allows every detail and expression of the doll to stand out.
✔️ Strength and durability : Withstands frequent use, ideal for children's toys.
✔️ Hypoallergenic and soft : Perfect for children and babies.
✔️ Wide range of colors : It can be easily dyed, allowing you to create vibrant characters.
💛 Idealium recommendation: our "Amigurumi" yarn
At Idealium , we know how important it is to choose a quality yarn for your projects. That's why we recommend our "Amigurumi" yarn , specially designed to create knitted figures with:
🧶 100% cotton : soft, durable and easy to handle.
🌿 Hypoallergenic : Safe for all ages.
🎨 Vibrant, long-lasting colors - perfect for bringing your characters to life.
♻️ Sustainable and environmentally friendly .
👉 Discover our " Amigurumi " yarn in our online store and start your adventure in the wonderful world of amigurumis today.
🎯 Ready to knit your first amigurumi?
Explore our collection of cotton balls and bring your ideas to life with thread, needle and lots of creativity.
✨ Knit with love, create with your soul. ✨