Amigurumi and Crocheted Dolls

Let's discover the secret of these trendy gadgets together

What are amigurumi?

We could call them crocheted dolls, but nowadays everyone calls them amigurumi, and the reason, although not widely known, is easily explained. The meaning of the word amigurumi comes from the combination of the words Ami, which means knitting, and Nuigurumi, which refers to plush toys. So we could translate them as knitted dolls, and it was the Japanese who first popularized them. But isn't the word "amigurumi" for crochet more fascinating? It encompasses a world of shapes and accessories that truly captivate many creatives!

What do you need to make amigurumi?

The necessary tools for creating perfect and wow-effect amigurumi are quality yarns and a range of accessories such as amigurumi eyes, amigurumi noses, stuffing, a needle, a crochet hook, and a bit of creativity. But let's take a closer look at what you need to learn to make amigurumi.

Yarn for amigurumi

There isn't a specific yarn, but certainly a recommended yarn! If you prefer a soft amigurumi, for example, the most commonly used yarn is a good acrylic microfiber, preferably with many colors to create various shades, and Bravissimo is perfectly suited for this purpose. If you want a less "fuzzy" and smoother effect, of high quality but with the same range of colors, then you should go for 100% cotton, like Iggy from Tessiland. To emphasize the importance that Tessiland places on the amigurumi project, just look at the shades of rose skin for amigurumi, which are available in 4 or 5 different shades of pink to offer maximum choice in the perfect color. Among the skin tones, you'll also find the beautiful cream for the Caucasian complexion.

Eyes for amigurumi

They are a very important accessory for creating the perfect amigurumi! There are glass eyes with loops for sewing or eyes with movable pupils and safety screws, a detail that is highly appreciated when making amigurumi for young children, who tend to chew on these details, as is well known. There are also fixed eyes for amigurumi with a safety system, of course, in various sizes, which are made of durable plastic with an easy-to-apply but impossible-to-remove safety loop, so you can be confident that the dolls are safe for the little ones. Naturally, there are also colored crystal eyes for amigurumi in different colors and sizes. For thinner fabrics, it is recommended to use sew-on eyes for amigurumi. For special creations, not intended for the very young, you can also find adhesive eyes for amigurumi. Finally, for surfaces that allow it, there are glue-on eyes for amigurumi. Convenience for those who want to start making amigurumi lies in amigurumi kits. The amigurumi kit is a good way to have all the sizes of amigurumi eyes in a practical container with compartments.

How to start crocheting amigurumi?

A good way is certainly to find the best source for your skills. You can start by watching some tutorials on YouTube, but the most precise and easy-to-follow method is a good amigurumi pattern. You can find patterns in English and other languages that are easy to follow, and when you're ready, you can also venture to buy a book like Amigurumi 2.0, Amigurumi Kawaii, Amigurumi Magical, Amigurumi Zoo, Zoomigurumi.

Is it possible to knit amigurumi?

Let's put an end to the misconception that amigurumi can only be crocheted. Knitted amigurumi are indeed a reality! In fact, they create special creations that truly shine with knitting needles, such as knitted amigurumi dolls! Crochet allows for very tight stitches and, therefore, the creation of very compact objects, even small ones, that are best achieved with crochet. However, if you want to enter the romantic world of DIY dolls, then knitting needles are the way to go. It's true that there aren't many knitting patterns and tutorials available, and these creations are quite rare, but perhaps that's precisely what makes them exclusive and the right path to climb the rankings among creators. And then... Tessiland has the perfect source even for this very special passion, offering the book Knitted Dolls with Needles, a collection of 12 knitted dolls designed to be ideal playmates for the little ones. Each doll has its own style and personality, and the instructions detail how to make each doll and vary their outfits.

Let's also watch some videos together with Tessiland products?