Amigurumi Crochet Tools & Materials:
My Top 8 Essentials
Amigurumi Basics
Updated July 2024
A lot of people ask me how to get started in amigurumi and what they need. You can take a look at my Tips and Tutorials section for great tips and tutorials on individual construction elements of amigurumi, but the following list will help you out with which tools and materials you might like to gather first.
These are the 8 items that I have found most essential when making amigurumi projects:
1. Yarn
First and foremost is obviously your yarn. Buying yarn is undeniably an enjoyable, even addictive experience!
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Put your hands up if you have more yarn than time...yet you can't resist adding that new skein of silky soft, oh so squishy yarn to your collection! I unashamedly raise my right hand!
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There's nothing like that soft, squishy goodness to inspire you to start a new project!
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But, "which yarn should I choose?", I hear you ask! Yarns are made from many different fibres, some that work better for certain crochet projects than others. When it comes to amigurumi, I definitely have my personal preferences that I keep coming back to.
I have covered these preferences and the reasons why in my blog article "My Favourite Yarns To Use For Amigurumi". However, that doesn't stop me from indulging in the pleasure of experimenting with different fibers. I recommend you do the same. As a starting point, you can’t go wrong with 100% cotton or a cotton blend for your first amigurumi project.
2. Comfortable Crochet Hook
Next up is a comfortable hook.
Selecting the right crochet hook for amigurumi is all about finding a balance between comfort and control. This choice is very personal, and there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a hook.
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Start with a hook that feels good in your hand; many beginners find that an ergonomic hook helps reduce hand strain, especially when making the tight stitches required for amigurumi.
Look for hooks with a smooth surface to avoid snagging your yarn, and choose a size recommended in your pattern, often between 2.0 to 3.0 mm for amigurumi.
It's a good idea to try a few different styles. Some people prefer a simple stainless steel hook, others an ergonomically designed hook, or even a bamboo hook (though I do tend to find that the yarn tends to drag a little too much along these hooks). When I started off I used a very simple coated steel hook from my Mum. Thanks Mum!
My advice is to try out a single hook in the size you need, before investing in a whole set. After trying many different styles over the years, my preference these days is the ergonomically designed Tulip Etimo Soft Grip Ergonomic crochet hooks, which have actually replaced my beloved 2.25mm Clover Soft Touch hook, one I also found pleasurable to use. I use the pencil grip when crocheting and find them very comfortable on my hands and wrists to hold for long periods, with a lovely smooth shaft for making small, tight stitches.
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But, remember, the best hook is the one that makes your crocheting experience enjoyable and stress-free.​​
3. Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are absolutely essential when working an amigurumi project. As the name suggests, they are tools used to mark a stitch!​
Since amigurumi projects are worked in continuous spirals (rounds), it's crucial to use a marker of some kind. Without one, no matter how good you think you are at keeping count, one small distraction (and they happen ALL the time in my household...) can throw off your entire project. Always mark the first (or the last) stitch in the round and keep moving it up as you go.
My favourite stitch markers are the Clover Locking Stitch Markers. Once you lock them in place, they don't budge.
However, stitch markers certainly don't have to be fancy. You can use a safety pin, paper clip, or even a bobby pin. Anything that secures into place so it will not slip out will do the job nicely.
Tip
A little tip for using stitch markers in your finer amigurumi projects: insert your marker through the back loop only of your stitch to avoid creating any visible holes in your finished piece.
4. Sharp Scissors
Small, lightweight scissors with sharp points are perfect for amigurumi. They allow you to make precise cuts, essential for trimming yarn ends closely to your stitches without fraying or damaging the fibers.
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I use a pair of inexpensive embroidery scissors, and they do the job just fine.
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There are many beautiful pairs of ornate and wonderful scissors on the market, but you really don't have to spend a lot of money to get a reliable pair. Look for scissors with comfortable handles that fit well in your hand. Additionally, having a protective sheath or cover for the sharp points can be handy to prevent accidental pricks and keep the scissors in good condition.
5. Tapestry or Yarn Needle
Tapestry or yarn needles are essential tools for sewing in yarn tails, closing gaps, embroidering details, and joining amigurumi parts together.
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These needles have rounded, blunt tips to prevent splitting or snagging the individual fibers of the yarn when passing the needle through. They also have a large eye that allows thicker yarns to pass through easily.
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Tapestry needles come in various sizes and styles, including straight and bent ends. Bent-tip needles are excellent for joining parts in tight spaces, such as attaching a head to a body in amigurumi projects. When selecting a needle, choose one that is suitable for the thickness of the yarn you are using. For toy-making, I find that steel tapestry needles work better than plastic ones due to their durability and smoother finish.
When choosing your tapestry needles, consider purchasing a set with multiple sizes to accommodate different yarn weights and project needs. Having a variety of needles on hand ensures you are always prepared for any task, whether it's weaving in ends or adding intricate embroidered details to your amigurumi creations.​
6. Pins
T-pins and/or glass-headed pins are essential tools for amigurumi due to their versatility and effectiveness in holding pieces together during assembly.
T-pins, with their sturdy and easy-to-handle design, are perfect for securing larger parts, such as limbs and heads, in place while you sew them together. Their shape ensures they stay firmly in position, providing stability and precision. They are also great for larger weight yarn projects such as chenille plushies.
Glass-headed pins, on the other hand, are ideal for finer work, such as attaching smaller details like ears, eyes, or decorative elements. The glass heads are easy to see and handle and are unlikely to disappear into your work.
Both types of pins are indispensable for ensuring preferred positioning and alignment of parts, resulting in a more professional and polished finished product.
7. Toy Stuffing
I like to use polyester fibrefill for my amigurumi projects because it offers several benefits that make it ideal for filling crocheted toys.
Polyester fibrefill is easy to work with, lightweight, soft, and budget-friendly. This type of stuffing is made from a blend of synthetic polyester fibers that are loosely spun together, creating a light and airy texture.
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The fibrefill's softness and lightweight nature make it perfect for achieving the plush, cuddly feel that is often desirable for amigurumi. It is also washable, and hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for children’s toys.
Polyester fibrefill also holds its shape well means that your amigurumi will maintain its form even after extensive handling and play.
8. Safety Eyes
Toy safety eyes (and noses) come in a wide variety of colours, shapes, and sizes.
Personally, I prefer the classic black round safety eyes, although I have a collection of many different types. These eyes and noses consist of two parts: the 'eye' with a ribbed shaft, and the washer that secures onto the shaft.
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Once attached, high-quality washers are quite difficult to remove. In fact, some washers can be tricky to fix on in the first place. For some helpful tips and tricks on attaching eyes, check out my "Fitting Safety Eyes" tutorial.
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Despite never having had any issues with safety eyes coming off toys I have made myself, safety eyes are not recommended for toys that are intended for children under 3 years of age.​​
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Although I've never had issues with safety eyes coming off toys I've made, they are not recommended for toys intended for children under 3 years old. If you're making a toy for a child under 3, consider omitting safety eyes and embroidering the eyes instead.
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​​Regardless of who the finished toy is intended for, I recommend using good-quality safety eyes and noses.​​
That's it For My Amigurumi Tips Tutorial!
So, there you have it, my round-up of the 8 essential tools and materials I find essential to my amigurumi making process.
I hope you have found this guide helpful. Starting out in crochet can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to knowing which tools are necessary and which ones aren't. By focusing on these essentials, you'll be well-equipped to create your own beautiful amigurumi projects with confidence.
If you aren't ready to dive in just yet, perhaps take a look at the rest of my Tips and Tutorials to help you achieve the perfect finish for your amigurumi project every time!
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Thanks so much for stopping by and happy crocheting!
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