Get started (Amigurumi)

Author: Crochetly · Last updated: May 16, 2026

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. It is an accessible craft that anyone can learn with basic crochet skills.

What supplies do I need for amigurumi?

Start with these basic tools and materials:

• Yarn: Smooth, medium-weight yarn (worsted weight)
• Crochet Hook: 2.5mm to 4mm
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill
• Tapestry Needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends
• Stitch Markers: To keep track of rounds
• Scissors

What amigurumi terms should I know?

See amigurumi terminology for common terms used in amigurumi.

What crochet stitches do I need for amigurumi?

You need six basic stitches to start making amigurumi:

• Magic Ring (Magic Circle) is a starting technique
• Chain ch are foundation stitches
• Single Crochet sc is the main body stitch
• Increase inc means 2 sc in one stitch
• Decrease dec means sc two stitches together
• Slip Stitch sl st is for joining rounds

YouTube crochet tutorials offer clear, helpful guidance for each stitch.

What does a beginner amigurumi project look like?

A simple amigurumi shape follows these steps:

Start with a Magic Ring
Create a magic ring and crochet 6 single crochets into it. This will be the base of your piece.

Increase rounds
Increase stitches evenly to form a flat circle. For example, round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 stitches total).

Work even rounds
Crochet one sc in each stitch around without increasing to build the height.

Decrease rounds
Start decreasing stitches evenly to close the shape.

Stuff your amigurumi
Before closing completely, stuff your toy firmly with fiberfill.

Close and finish
Use a tapestry needle to weave the yarn tail through the final stitches and pull tight. Weave in all loose ends.