What is Amigurumi? History, Tips, & Free Amigurumi Patterns

How do you pronounce amigurumi? Ah-mee-guh-roo-mee. It takes a few tries but once you start pronouncing it, you will be able to speak it with ease. The same goes for writing it.

Making dolls is nothing new. Many cultures have created dolls and toys from various materials. As mentioned above, nuigurumi is a stuffed doll in Japanese. Though, nuigurumi usually involves sewing which is why they altered the work to include yarn crafting.

Although amigurumi has only been trending in the United States for the past ten years or so, the true origins of amigurumi aren't well known. It has been a popular craft in Japan for decades longer than in The U.S. and other areas of the world, it is somewhat unknown where it originated.

In the early 1900s, western women helped teach needlecraft to the Japanese, including crochet. So, it may very well be that amigurumi is a combination of both Western and Asian cultures.

Jennifer Ramirez of The Sun and the Turtle and author of the book Amigurumi, has researched the origins of amigurumi extensively. She says, 

"During the last three years I have been researching the origins of Amigurumi and wrote a book called "Amigurumi" where I documented the origins of Amigurumi during my visit to Japan where I had the chance to Interview some Amigurumi Artists and associations as well as gather data regarding the origins of it.

As I wrote in the book the first records of crocheted motifs in Japan are dated 1920 in Japan (found by Dai Watanabe). Even though the word Amigurumi was not used until the middle of the century the art of creating dolls in crochet might have arrived in Japan during the cultural exchanges during the Meiji Era. Even though all these are speculations there are some evidences that place the origins of the word"Amigurumi" in circa 1951."

There is no set crochet hook size, yarn type, or stitch for amigurumi which is one of the reasons it elicits such creativity and freedom for crocheters.

Amigurumi are usually crocheted in the round because they are three-dimensional but patterns vary. Most patterns use simple stitches. Single crochet is the most common in amigurumi because it is easy and uniform. Double crochet is also found in amigurumi patterns as well. The clean and simple appearance of amigurumi pieces is one of their draws.
 

The definition might as well be "crocheted cuteness overload." There is no way to look at amigurumi and not smile. These dolls are usually teeny tiny or small but they can big enough to hug. No matter what size, every amigurumi pattern is adorable and fun.

Ready to crochet amigurumi? Try this darling Crochet Amigurumi Dragon pattern. AllFreeCrochet offers a full tutorial with written instructions and step-out pictures.
 

We asked some of the crocheters who have created the patterns featured below why they love amigurumi and what tips they have for those wanting to learn.

Jennifer from The Sun and the Turtle says it's all about keeping with it.

"I feel that the biggest tip that one could give to someone who wants to start making Amigurumis is to be resilient. Perhaps in the beginning, you might see that your stitches are not as tight or that your Amigurumis will not look as you envision them in your brain. Don't worry about that as they will improve with time.

We tend to be very self-critical and diminish our efforts quite often but learning a new skill takes time and concentration. When I started I could not crochet at all and sometimes felt that my Amigurumis were not as pretty as the ones I saw online but hey! That's part of the process and if you persevere and keep making your dolls, in no time you will be able to crochet Amazing creatures and experiment giving them your very own style and even write and design your own patterns."

Ophelie from Ahooka'migurumi makes a ton of amigurumi, including the fun Amigurumi Lightsabers shown above. She says,

"My love from amigurumis mainly comes from the fact that I'm a very impatient person. When I learned to crochet, I immediately loved it, however making scarves, hats, and blankets quickly fed me up because they are so repetitive to make.

I have a bunch of tips and tricks on my blog, but if I had to choose one, I'd say to be careful and stay on the right side of the work, as the "wrong" side (well, there's nothing wrong with the wrong side but...) tends to show all the little imperfections of the work, like increases and decreases."

Jane from Jenny and Teddy makes some of the cutest amigurumi patterns, such as Bella the Ballerina, which can be found in our History section above. She knows that mastering your crochet skills will help you master this technique. She says,

"I love ami because they are so cute and very easy to make and after you make one, you can't stop to make more!

The tip is crochet tightly because you do not want to see the hole between the crochet stitch and I normally use a small crochet hook to crochet amigurumi. I have written some tips about the beginner guide to start to make your own ami here."

Sabrina from Sabrina's Crochet says,

"I love amigurumi because you can make every plush you want. With this technique, you can make the cutest and most unique gifts for people of all ages. Of course, you can keep them for yourself too!

The best tip I can give is to be patient when you working on an amigurumi. If you're not completely satisfied with the plush you need to keep doing some parts over and over until you get the perfect amigurumi."

Kali from The Friendly Red Fox has a whole page of tips and tricks here. She provided us with a few important pieces of advice, too. She says,
"I love that you can make so many amazing projects with something as simple as yarn. Adding extra, simple details creates so much character! I think my favorite thing about amigurumi is gifting. A handmade softy made with love and personalized with them in mind? No greater gift!

The biggest advice I give to people who are just starting out is to take your time. A lot of the time people aren't happy with their project because they rushed sewing on limbs or didn't take the time to stuff enough!"
Her Friendly Giraffe Amigurumi is shown above.
 

Now that we've answered the question, what is amigurumi? and more, it's time to get to the free amigurumi patterns! On the surface, making amigurumi seems like it's only applicable when making gifts for children, but there is so much more to this crochet technique.

Yes, they make fantastic gifts for children, but adults love amigurumi patterns just as much. Amigurumi crochet can range from stress balls to holiday decorations. You can also make a cute desk decoration for your coworkers.

Take a look at these too-cute amigurumi patterns and see for yourself how irresistible they are. You will have to make at least one! There's a range of skill-level and style, which means there is something for every crocheter.

1. Dexter the Dinosaur Amigurumi: Shown above! The cutest dinosaur amigurumi you have ever seen! This amigurumi pattern is perfect for any little or big paleontologist, whether it's in real life or only in their dreams.
    
2. How to Crochet a Lemon Stress Ball: Don't stress out about all these cute patterns. Instead, start with this one. It's cute, useful, and makes a fabulous gift for those who need something to help calm them down. Or those who just love citrus!
    
3. Friendly Jellyfish: Make this sweet little jellyfish to decorate your baby or child's room. This crocheted jellyfish can also be used to decorate for nautical-themed parties or events for kids or adults. This amigurumi crochet pattern can even be used as a hand towel!


4. Christmas Crochet Ball Ornament Pattern: For a beautiful and unique Christmas crochet project, this ball ornament pattern will do the trick. Plus our video tutorial (right below) will walk you through each step. Click to play and learn.

5. Vive le Minion: Shown below! We all know at least one Minion-lover. Make them this creative crochet creature. It's a Minion who is dressed as a French soldier, so it's an incredibly unique design that they will have never seen. 
    
6. Happy Holiday Bulbs: A festive pattern for the holidays, these adorable little lights can be set up on tables or strung like a garland around the home. Because they are small and simple, you can make as many as you want in any colors you want.
    
7. Baby Crochet Sloth Amigurumi: This sloth toy is incredibly realistic. Sloths are one of the most beloved creatures. Their slow and interesting behavior make them fun to watch. Your new crocheted slow friend can be hung on your work desk or home bookshelf. 
    
8. Amigurumi Lightsaber: This amigurumi pattern is for the Star Wars fans. If you're looking for a gift for a fan of this franchise, make these simple little lightsabers. Make them in the most popular green or red or choose other fan-favorite colors like blue and purple. Anyone who wants to learn the Jedi ways will love these.
    
9. Crochet Elephant Bookends: You will never forget this crochet home decor idea. Make the best bookends ever by combining a crocheted structure with half an elephant on one end and the other half on the second. It's a charming crochet piece that every book lover needs! 
    
10. Bella Ballerina Amigurumi Doll: Make your little ballerina her own amigurumi version. This amigurumi girl is named Bella but she can be made to resemble your little dancer by adjusting the skin color, hair length or color, and choosing her favorite color tutu and slippers.