If you’re new to the art of amigurumi, you might wonder what exactly it is. In this post, I’ll answer all the questions about this adorable Japanese art form and maybe inspire you to try it, too!
What Is Amigurumi?
An amigurumi is a crocheted stuffed animal or doll. Amigurumi is usually crocheted, but you might occasionally see knitted amigurumi, too.
What Does It Mean?
Amigurumi is a Japanese word, and simply translated it means “knitted or crocheted stuffed animal”.
Why Japanese? Well, Japan originated the adorable art of making stuffed toys by using yarn and a hook (or needles).
The word “amigurumi” is often shortened to “ami”. That’s why the ami in my blog name, “Storyland Amis,” is shortened!
What’s The Difference Between Amigurumi And Crochet?
Simply put, Amigurumi is specifically stuffed toys like animals or dolls. Conversely, crochet encompasses anything crocheted (i.e., blankets, hats, scarves) AND amigurumi.
What Does Amigurumi Look Like?
The original Japanese style of amigurumi is an animal with a large, oversized head and a small body. The arms and legs are also usually small and short, and the face is distinctive because the eyes are far apart, with the mouth/muzzle directly between the eyes. This creates a cute or “kawaii” look. (“Kawaii” is the Japanese word for cute.) You’ll see these characteristics all over Japanese culture. As amigurumi has spread worldwide and become increasingly popular, many people don’t make their amigurumi with these distinctive characteristics. Even so, they are still considered amigurumi because they are crocheted toys.
How Do You Pronounce Amigurumi?
How you pronounce this word is quite a heated debate! I personally say “Ah-me-guh-roo-me,” but I’ve mostly heard others say “Ah-muh-guh-roo-me.” These are the two most common ways of pronouncing it.
Is Amigurumi Beginner-Friendly?
It depends! Some patterns are easy and beginner-friendly, while others are amazingly complex and detailed. If you’re new to making amigurumi, hundreds of easy, beginner-friendly patterns are out there for you! Below, you can see my Cuddle-Sized Robot pattern, which is more complex due to the large size, the amount of assembly required, and the small details. On the right, you can see my Mochi the Jellyfish pattern, which is great for beginners. She’s not too big or too small and requires minimal sewing, which can be intimidating for a beginner. If you’re just starting out, try to find a free pattern first that you can practice with before spending money on premium patterns.
Go to the end of this post for a list of FREE beginner-friendly patterns you can start with!
What Can You Do With Amigurumi?
Just like any other form of art, the possibilities are endless! You’ll be unstoppable once you learn how to make your own stuffed animals!
How Can I Get Started Making Amigurumi?
You only need to learn a few basic stitches before making your own stuffed toys. If you’d like to learn how to get started, check out my post on 8 Materials You Need to Start Crocheting Amigurumi. In that post, I explain everything you’ll need to learn and all the materials you’ll need to start making amigurumi.
FREE Beginner-Friendly Patterns:
Zippy the Sloth by Storyland Amis
Burt the Baby Honey Bee by Storyland Amis (includes step-by-step video tutorial)
Cleo the Clam by Theresa’s Crochet Shop
Hoya Heart Crochet Pattern by A Menagerie of Stitches
Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions you might have about amigurumi or crochet. Until next time – stay crafty!
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