Amigurumi
Amigurumi for beginners: how to start your first amigurumi
Amigurumi is small, stuffed crochet toys worked mostly in single crochet, and most of what trips up beginners isn't the stitch itself — it's the hook size, the stitch count and the stuffing.
Use a smaller hook than the yarn calls for
Amigurumi is worked tighter than a normal garment on purpose, so the stuffing doesn't peek through the stitches. Going down one or two hook sizes from what the yarn label suggests is the usual fix if your fabric looks loose or gappy.
Keep your stitch count exact
Most amigurumi pieces are built from a starting ring and grow in rounds with precise increases, so the shape depends on hitting the stitch count on every round. A stitch marker on the first stitch of each round makes it much easier to catch a miscount before it snowballs.
Stuff a little at a time
Add stuffing gradually as you go, rather than all at once at the end — it's easier to get an even, firm shape without stretching the stitches, and much easier to fix a lumpy spot early than after the piece is closed.
Frequently asked questions
What stitch is used most in amigurumi?
Single crochet (US terms) is the main stitch, because it makes a dense, tight fabric that holds stuffing in and doesn't show gaps.
What size hook should I use for amigurumi?
A hook one to two sizes smaller than the yarn label recommends is a common starting point — the goal is a tight, gap-free fabric, not the drape you'd want in a sweater.
Do I need special yarn for amigurumi?
No, worsted or DK weight cotton or acrylic yarn both work well; cotton tends to give crisper stitch definition, while acrylic is easier to find in bright colors.