Aug 112 min read

Amigurumi is a Japanese Art

Amigurumi is a Japanese art form that involves crocheting or knitting small, stuffed yarn creatures, usually animals, characters, or even inanimate objects with a cute, whimsical style. The term "amigurumi" is derived from two Japanese words: "ami," meaning "crocheted or knitted," and "nuigurumi," meaning "stuffed doll."

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Origin of Amigurumi Japanese Art

Amigurumi originated in Japan, with its roots going back to the post-World War II era when Western popular culture started influencing Japanese society. However, it gained significant popularity in the early 2000s as part of the kawaii (cute) culture that emphasizes the adorably childlike and whimsical aesthetic.

What Amigurumi is Mainly Used to Make

Amigurumi is primarily used to create:

Cute Animals: Cats, dogs, bears, rabbits, and other animals are very popular in amigurumi.
Fantasy Creatures: Dragons, unicorns, and other mythical beings are commonly made in this style.
Humanoid Figures: Dolls resembling people or cartoon characters.
Miniature Objects: Food items, plants, and other small objects, all rendered in a cute, cartoonish style.

How Amigurumi is Made

Materials Needed:
- Yarn: Typically, amigurumi uses worsted weight yarn, but other types can be used depending on the desired size and texture.
- Crochet Hook: The size of the hook depends on the yarn used. A smaller hook is often preferred to create a tight stitch, which prevents the stuffing from showing.
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill is commonly used to stuff the amigurumi.
- Safety Eyes or Embroidery Floss: These are used to create the facial features of the amigurumi.
- Stitch Marker: Helpful in marking the beginning of each round.
Basic Technique:
- Start with a Magic Ring: This technique creates a tightly closed center for your piece.
- Single Crochet in the Round: Most amigurumi are worked in a continuous spiral without joining rounds. Increases and decreases are used to shape the piece.
- Increases and Decreases: Increasing (adding stitches) and decreasing (reducing stitches) help shape the amigurumi. For example, increasing is used to make a sphere, while decreasing is used to taper off the sphere.
- Stuffing: As you near the end of each piece, you stuff it with fiberfill to give it shape.
- Assembly: Pieces like arms, legs, and other parts are made separately and sewn together to complete the figure.
- Finishing Touches: Embroidery or attaching eyes, noses, and other details to give personality to the creation.

Amigurumi is beloved for its versatility and the joy it brings both in the making and in the finished products, which often serve as toys, decorations, or gifts.

Here are some crochet patterns for Amigurumi toys

11 Zoo Animals Crochet Doll Keychain, 11 animals pet crochet pattern.

PDF amigurumi pattern. XVA Formats. English

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