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Amigurumi for beginners. Crochet toys with diagrams and job descriptions

Needlework fans are always happy to learn some new technique, with the help of which beautiful and cozy household items or just souvenirs are obtained. The amigurumi technique has become an interesting and popular trend in recent times. Read more about how to master amigurumi for beginners in this article.

What it is

The style of needlework, whose name in Japanese means “tied and wrapped”, appeared in Russia quite recently, but quickly became popular among lovers of making cute things with their own hands. The special charm of such toys is their miniature size, the average height is only ten centimeters.

Amigurumi for beginners is very simple. It is based on ordinary knitting (most often crocheted, sometimes knitting), with which you can create completely unusual and good crafts. Funny little men, cartoon characters, cute little animals, and just any fruit of the author's imagination - everything can be embodied in amigurumi toys. For novice fans of this technique, there are many schemes with step-by-step instructions and full-fledged master classes.

Interestingly, classic Japanese crafts consist of simple shapes: balls, cylinders, etc. And more complex figures were later invented by Western needlewomen, so they can be called amigurumi with a big stretch, since their origin is not Japanese.

Why is this technique so attractive?

First of all, it gives a vast scope for imagination and creativity. There are no rules, as long as the result is pleasing to the eye. It is the freedom of the creative process that makes amigurumi so attractive for beginners. You can even crochet, even knitting, use any kind of yarn and arbitrarily combine it in color, texture, thickness, etc.

The second significant advantage of this technique is the relative ease of implementation and the ability to combine with other activities. For example, you can spend the evening watching a movie and at the same time crochet a cute amigurumi craft. Patterns for beginners will help orient those who are not confident in their knitting skills.

Well and the third, important aspect - financial. The hook is inexpensive, and the yarn can be bought once and used for a long time, so this hobby is not too expensive.

For those who already know how to crochet, the process will go much faster. But even beginners will be able to master this interesting technique after some practice. The main thing is to start from simple to complex. If you have never knitted before, then first master a few basic types of loops. When their implementation reaches automatism, you can master new ones.

Knitting begins most often with the so-called "amigurumi ring". How to do it, you can easily understand from any selected scheme. The ring becomes the first row, and when tightened, it does not form a hole. This is very convenient, but you can get by with just a row of single crochets. Try knitting in different ways and decide for yourself which is more convenient for you.

And to make the process of mastering Japanese needlework easier, use the recommendations of experienced craftswomen.

Step 1 - scheme selection

If you know how to knit, then you will understand everything yourself. But if you have never done amigurumi before, for beginners, schemes are easy to find on the Internet or thematic magazines. In the description of the progress of work, it will be indicated how many loops need to be made, where to knit with and without a crochet, how many times to repeat this or that combination, etc.

Decide what you want to knit. It is desirable that it be a simple amigurumi model consisting of large parts. For beginners, diagrams are usually a detailed verbal description of a process. Choose the ones that make sense to you. And when you master the technique to perfection, you can take on complex models, including those from Japanese magazines.

Step 2 - thread selection

Here you are not limited by anything: Iris yarn, cotton, wool, acrylic, angora, mohair and even bamboo thread. Remember that the yarn should be of medium thickness - optimal so that the loops lie flat and there are no gaps between them. Smooth acrylic threads are considered the easiest to knit.

Step 3 - Choosing a Hook

Crocheting amigurumi for beginners is much easier than knitting. It makes sense to purchase several different ones and then pick the one that works best. The most important thing is that the hook is thin and small in size - with this loops are adjacent to each other. This is exactly what you need when making miniature figurines. Do not despair if you are just starting to knit and cannot immediately choose the right hook. All skills come with experience.

Step 4 - Filler selection

The toy can be stuffed with cotton wool, foam rubber or any other suitable material. To do this, at the end of knitting, you need to leave a hole, which then closes. Remember that for complex projects, you will need to complete individual parts first and then sew them together. For this purpose, a long thread is left, then sewn onto it. If the parts of the toy are supposed to bend, then a wire must be placed inside.

Step 5 - design

The most common plot in this technique is funny little animals. In order to decorate the muzzle, use beads, small buttons and similar accessories. Individual elements can be simply embroidered.

Step 6 - save leftovers

Even small pieces of yarn left over from large crafts can be gathered together and then knitted from them into a new toy. The Japanese are very economical in materials and prefer not to throw anything away. It will be good if you also follow this example.

In general, the amigurumi technique for beginner needlewomen is a fairly simple and exciting activity. A few evenings of careful study, and then you will have the freedom of creativity, the opportunity to occupy your hands and relieve stress, and, of course, a charming result in the form of funny animals, cartoons, accessories and everything your imagination is capable of.

A knitted toy consists not only of air loops and single crochets. The round and oval shape is given to it with the help of increases and decreases. How do we knit an increase? We simply knit two sc in one loop, thereby increasing the number of loops. How do we knit a decrease? We start like a regular sc - we grab the thread and pull through the next loop, and now we grab the thread in the same way in the second loop. Those. there are three threads on the hook. Through all three at once and stretch the main one. Those. we immediately knitted two loops (see photo!).

There are a few simple rules for knitting amigurumi that will help you make the toy as neat and harmonious as possible.
1. It is worth choosing a smaller hook for threads so that the fabric is dense. Any holes (especially if the yarn is dark and the filler is white) spoil the appearance of any toy.
2. According to the rules, amigurumi is knitted in a spiral and for two loops. Occasionally, the pattern indicates that one or another row should be knitted for the back or front loops (this is done for greater stability of the toy or bulge of individual parts of the body). But often needlewomen fundamentally knit toys in one loop. Oddly enough, this helps to make the toy more miniature.
3. It is necessary to knit tight enough, but not so much that later it would be impossible to stick the needle when stitching the individual parts.
4. It is better to fill toys with silicone, sintepuh, synthetic winterizer or holofiber, but not with cotton wool (and even worse - with the remnants of threads and shreds).
5. Most often, all parts of the body are knitted separately, and then sewn together. There are rare exceptions when the head and torso or torso and legs are knitted together.
6. It is better to sew parts of the body with the same thread that was used for knitting. If it is too thick, you can divide it into several parts. This will make the seam as invisible and neat as possible. You can also use strong denim or dental floss. It is important to remember that the stronger, the better.
7. The ends of the threads must be hidden in the middle of the toy. They should not be short, as over time they can break out, which will spoil the appearance and dissolve the canvas. Therefore, amigurumi.com.ua advises you to pay special attention to this!
8. Often, a variety of fillers and weighting agents are used for limbs - hemispheres, balls, beads, plastic ovals or circles (for stability). For the eyes - beads of different sizes, purchased eyes for toys, the remains of felt, leather, fabric. The eyes can also be knitted or embroidered. For spouts, you can take buttons, pieces of leather, fabrics. You can also knit or embroider. For the antennae - fishing line, wire or thread rubbed with wax.
9. You can tint muzzles and other parts of the body with ordinary cosmetics or acrylic paints. However, this must be done very carefully so as not to spoil the appearance of the toy.
10. Assembling a toy is a rather complicated process. This requires patience and experience. If the amigurumi can initially stand or sit, it is very important to find the center of gravity and balance the toy before assembly so that it can stand steadily or sit well (or both). To do this, use pins: pin the legs, handles and check whether the bear or the bunny is standing confidently enough. Only then sew on the body parts!
11. Usually the body of the toy is stuffed quite tightly, but the head should spring well and not be heavy so that the amigurumi does not fall (they already have a disproportionately large head).
12. It is better to knit clothes for amigurumi from yarn that will be thinner than the one from which the toy itself is knitted. If your doll or bear is up to 10 cm tall, then it is ideal to use iris for light clothes.

We all learn from mistakes. And in 90% of cases - on their own. Those who start knitting amigurumi also rarely manage to avoid blots. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Moreover, this does not mean that toys that are not connected according to the rules are less beautiful, cute and desirable. But you must always strive for excellence.
We have described the mistakes that occur most often when knitting amigurumi. We hope they will help you make tiny animals and dolls even more perfect and perfect.

Attention! The headlines contain errors, not advice.

1. From complex to simple
Beginners are often drawn to complex toys because they are more lively and cute. It is not right. Always start simple! From a small amigurumi, which has a minimum of details. This will help to understand the principle of knitting, try decreases and increases, adapt to the threads, the hook. If it doesn’t work out, it’s not so pitiful to dissolve and start over. Of course, you may have a natural talent (or you are already an experienced knitter) and it is quite possible to knit a complex toy the first time, but the rule "from simple to complex" is very good.

2. We knit for one wall of the loop
Amigurumi are knitted on both sides of the loop. It is clear that if you knit only for the front or back wall, the toy will also work, but a not very aesthetic scar will appear on the canvas, which spoils the appearance of the product. It should not be (unless otherwise specified in the diagram). Toys connected by only one wall of the loop are more elongated and thin, i.e. the original will be somewhat similar.

Look at photo 1: these bears are connected according to the same pattern. However, the right one is behind the back wall of the loop, and the left one is behind both. The scar is clearly visible on the right. Moreover, it is thinner and longer, which is more of a disadvantage than an advantage for a toy.

3. Knit counterclockwise
Yes, at first we really knit counterclockwise, but after a couple of rows, the product must be turned out and continue to knit clockwise. This is exactly the front side of the amigurumi (i.e., the starting thread should remain inside). You can easily recognize the wrong side by such dashes in each row ------. Why is it bad to confuse the wrong side and the right side of knitting? Imagine that you have to sew a ball out of fabric. And you accidentally sewed it inside out. What will happen? Ball with seams at the top. Not very pretty, is it? Increases and decreases also form a kind of seam - they are slightly more convex on the wrong side than regular single crochets. Therefore, on the head and other parts of the body of bears, bunnies and dolls, these same "seams" - stripes will be visible. Therefore, it is better to knit clockwise, turning the fabric inside out at the very beginning.

Look at photo 2. This is the front side of the amigurumi. This is how the body parts of the toy should look. Look at photo 3. This is the wrong side. There is a starting thread and dashes, which were described above.

4. On the decrease, skip one loop
Somewhere on the Internet there is such advice. But this is wrong. If you are knitting a decrease, then you need not just skip the loop, knitting only the next one, but thread the thread through both loops and knit together. This way you can avoid holes through which the stuffing will show through.

5. Holes in the canvas do not spoil the appearance
They spoil and even very much! A brown bear does not look very aesthetically pleasing, in which a white synthetic winterizer shines through its paws, torso and head. And even if you are knitting a completely white toy, it is better that the toy is as dense as possible. So that none of your friends guess what's inside. To do this, it is important to take a hook that would be thinner than the yarn. Those. if you usually knit acrylic with hook number 3 and more, then hooks that are smaller than number 2 are best suited for amigurumi. For "iris" - No. 0.6-1. If in the process of knitting you see solid holes in the fabric, urgently change the hook to a smaller size and try to knit more tightly.

6. We do not correct mistakes in the knitting process
It is always a pity to dissolve the canvas if there is a lot connected, and the mistake is noticed only now. But believe me, if you continue to knit, then you may have to unravel even more. If you leave it as it is, the toy may turn out to be "author's" (that is, not similar to the original). Or you will always remember this mistake when looking at the toy. Therefore, it is better to fix everything at once.

7. Even cotton wool is suitable for stuffing
No, cotton wool will not work. It cakes, so the toy will lose its appearance very quickly. In addition, cotton wool absorbs moisture very well, but the worst thing is that it does not spring back, and the toy will be oak and heavy. Believe me, you probably have a synthetic winterizer or silicone at home. It can be stuffing from an old jacket or an unwanted small decorative pillow. You can also use the stuffing of a cheap Chinese toy.

Look at photo 4: this is the filler most often used by needlewomen (silicone). It can be bought at a furniture store.

Knitting amigurumi according to the patterns is very easy. It is much more difficult to understand the scheme itself. Let's consider three options - a verbal description in Russian, diagrams in tables and numbers, and Japanese diagrams in pictures. Let's start from the simple to the complex.

Descriptions in Russian

These are the simplest and most accurate descriptions. For beginners, it is best to start with them. Fortunately, there are not only sensible descriptions of beautiful toys on the Internet, but also detailed master classes with photos and explanations.

1. amigurumi ring (it can be knitted in several ways, but amigurumi.com.ua suggests you start with 2 ch and knit 6 sc from the hook in the second, after which you can pull up the starting thread to close the hole if it suddenly appears)

2. a row of air loops, which is converted into an oval by knitting circular rows. Therefore, if it says: "2 ch and 6 sb in the second from the hook" - this is a regular circle, and if it says: "Dial 6 ch, knit 4 sb, starting from the second loop from the hook ..." - this is an oval (it is obtained from circular knitting on top and bottom of a chain of air loops). The second method is most often used for legs and less often for handles (but the head, body, and other details can be connected in the same way).

When the amigurumi ring is ready (this is most often the 1st row, although sometimes needlewomen consider the first two loops to be the 1st row, and 6 sbn to the 2nd), we move on. It is very important to pay attention to the numbers that are indicated at the end of the row in brackets. This is the total number of loops that should work. For example:

Row 1: Cast on 2 ch and knit 6 sbn in the second loop from the hook.

2 row: *increase*. Repeat * 6 times.

Those. 1 row is an amigurumi ring. 2 row - six increases (6 sbn, which we already had + 6 increases = 12 sbn). Those. in the second row you should get 12 loops, as indicated by the number in brackets.

The third row we knit increases in every second loop (i.e. again 6 increases: 12 + 6 = 18).

However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that in some descriptions the first row may not be taken into account.

Most of the problems for beginners arise when it comes to knitting in a circle without increases and decreases. Often these rows of needlewomen are referred to as "no change." This means that there should be as many loops in the row as in the previous one (which is additionally indicated by the number in brackets). But many understand this as "we knit in the same way as the previous row", i.e. with additions. As a result, instead of a rounded part, it turns out ... a wave or a flower. To avoid confusion, recently on the site we began to indicate in the diagram instead of "no change" - "sc in each loop in a circle." Those. a row without increases and decreases.

Be sure to use a marker when knitting (it can be a pin or a colored thread that will mark the beginning of the row). Thanks to her, you will never lose the beginning and end of the series, do not get confused in the numbers, and, accordingly, save yourself time.

There are also difficulties with the designation of repetitions. It can be brackets or asterisks. For example:

3 row: * 1 sc, increase *. Repeat * 6 times.

3 row: (1 sc, increase) 6 times.

These are two spellings of the same thing, which means that the combination of one single crochet and one increase must be knitted 6 times.

Schemes in tables and numbers

Such tables are also not uncommon. Reading them is more difficult, but quite real. True, a little experience in knitting amigurumi will not hurt here. The table consists of several columns - the number of the row and the number of loops that should be obtained in the end (see photo 1). Those. if the part starts with the classic 6 sbn, then further (most often) the number of loops in each subsequent row will increase by 6 loops: 12, 18, 24, 30 ... If knitting starts with 7 loops, then - 14, 21, 28 , 35 respectively (i.e. 7 increments in a row). However, check all the details with the photo, since the leg will most likely begin with a chain of air loops.

Complex details, such as legs or a muzzle, are knitted in a slightly different way. Those. in these cases, most often there cannot be uniform increases and decreases. Decreases are knitted on one side only to help shape the toe. If this is the face of a cat or a hare, then the increase will only go along the top of the spout to give it the correct shape. If you knitted similar details, then cope with this task. But if suddenly it didn’t work out, you can ask for advice here.

Japanese schemes in pictures

These are the most complex patterns. But they can also be learned to read and understand. Of course, you are unlikely to be able to learn hieroglyphs, but knitting a toy is easy.

Japanese schemes are very similar to the schemes in the tables that we reviewed above. Those. the Japanese give the diagram itself in symbols and a plate next to it: the first column is the number of rows (read from bottom to top), the second is the total number of loops in a row. It is important to use both a table and a symbolic diagram here. Most often, Japanese toys are quite simple and their increments and decreases go evenly. However, to avoid errors, it is better to check this according to the scheme. The cross in the diagram is sbn, the cross in the checkmark is an increase, the cross in the house is a decrease.

Schemes can also be multi-colored (when a part of the body is knitted in two or even three colors). This is marked on the diagram in symbols.

How to recognize which part of the body is which? Check with the picture of the toy itself. Most often, the toy is knitted from the head - this is the biggest detail. The legs and tails are the smallest and thinnest. If you connect all the details according to the diagrams, then in the process it will not be so difficult to figure out what and where. But if you are not confident in your abilities, try to search the Internet for the translation of Japanese schemes - most of them are already in Russian.

Look at photo 2. The number 1 marks the diagram in symbols. Here are the rows with increments (6 rows). The number 2 marks the part that goes without increments (sc in a circle - 3 rows) and then with decreases (4 rows). The number 3 marks the numbers of the rows in the table, they must be counted from the bottom up. Number 4 - the number of loops in each row. Those. based on this scheme, we conclude: you need to start with an amigurumi ring, in which there are 7 sc, then we make uniform increases (7 in a row). From the 7th to the 9th row we knit sc in a circle, starting from the 10th - we make 7 decreases in a row.

Do you want to please your baby with a unique gift? And what if you crochet toys, spending quite a bit of time and materials on it. Let's create exclusive things together that will bring you and your loved ones an incredible amount of warm and tender emotions. We will show you simple and affordable do-it-yourself knitting patterns for toys, we will talk about the unique umigurumi technique and reveal the secrets of a wonderful art called hand-made.

You probably know that handmade toys are much better than consumer goods. When you create something, you fill it with love and positive energy, which is very important when creating children's toys. Children are very fond of touching, smelling and tasting all the surrounding objects, so it is better to give them toys that are soft, natural, and most importantly - completely safe for the baby's health. So caring mothers and grandmothers are happy to get down to business, creating crocheted crocheted toys.

We have prepared this wonderful master class, during which we will tell you in detail, how to tie a little funny chicken using the Japanese amigurumi technique. This beginner knitting is the easiest as the chicken is so tiny. But he is so charming - let's start knitting as soon as possible.

The first stage: we knit the head

First row: we knit 6 single crochets into an amigurumi ring.
Second row: add 6 more tbsp. without a crochet.
Third row: add 6 more tbsp. without a crochet.
Fourth row: add 2 tbsp. single crochet in one loop x 6 times.
Fifth row: + 3 tbsp. single crochet in one loop x 6 times.
Sixth row: + 4 tbsp. without a crochet in 1 loop x 6 times.
Seventh row: + 5 tbsp. without a crochet in 1 loop x 6 times.
From the eighth to the fifteenth row we knit 42 single crochets.
From the sixteenth to the nineteenth row of the row, we decrease the loops in the same order in which we added.
We fill the ends of the threads and fill the product with synthetic winterizer.

The second stage: we knit the torso

For the first row, we make an amigurumi ring of 6 single crochets.
From the third to the fifth row, we make an addition, as when knitting a head.
From the sixth to the eleventh row we knit 30 single crochets.
We knit the twelfth and thirteenth row with a decrease.

We finish knitting with a connecting column, leaving a long edge of the thread, with which we will connect the head and torso. We fill the head with synthetic winterizer and tie the details together.

The third stage: we knit wings

We knit an amigurumi ring from 6 columns without a crochet.
We add 6 columns without a crochet.
Let's make one more addition.

At the end of the connecting column. Leave a long thread and fold the circle in half.

Fourth stage: we knit a beak

The first row is a standard ring of 6 columns.
The second row is an addition of 3 columns.
Third row - we knit 9 columns without a crochet.
Fifth stage: knit paws
1. Ring.
2. Addition of 6 columns.
We knit 2 parts. Sew the legs and beak to the body. We make eyes.

The sixth stage: we knit a flower

First row: we knit a chain of 39 air loops and close the ring with a connecting post.
Second row: knit 39 single crochet.
Third row: single crochet, skip 1 single crochet from the previous row and knit 5 double crochets from one loop and again skip the single crochet of the previous row. We do 10 such repetitions.

Seventh stage: we knit a pot

From the first to the sixth row we knit in the same way as we did the torso and head.
Seventh row - we make 36 single crochets behind the back wall of the loop.
Eighth row: we add 11 single crochets in one loop 3 times.
From the ninth to the twelfth row we knit 39 single crochets.
Row 13: Knit 39 single crochets behind the front wall of the loop.
We knit 39 columns without a crochet.

We finish knitting with a connecting column. The bottom of the pot can be strengthened by gluing a circle of cardboard.

Eighth stage: we knit grass

We will tie the green threads to the pot, behind the back walls of the thirteenth row.

We make 5 air loops.
In the second loop from the hook we make a connecting column.
We make a single crochet, and then a half-column with 1 crochet.
We knit a double crochet.
To the end of the triangle, we make a connecting column in 3 half loops.
We knit the next 5 air loops and repeat the whole process.
We knit 13 triangles around the entire pot.

All the elements of our amazing toy are ready.

In order to better practice and make crochet toys on your own, we suggest you watch a few video instructions with a detailed step-by-step description.

Crocheted toys with diagrams and descriptions

Handmade products always look elegant and exclusive. That is why both kids and parents love them so much. We have already talked a little about the preferences of kids, it remains to add that adults are also not averse to receiving a unique toy created by their own hands as a gift. A small item can be worn as a keychain or talisman, but it is better to seat a soft cat or a medium-sized hare in front of a computer monitor or on a shelf near books. Let the heart, eyes and soul please. And so that your hands also rejoice, we have collected crocheted crocheted toys for you with diagrams and descriptions, with detailed photo and video instructions. You will receive all this knowledge completely free of charge on our page, and you will be able to translate it into reality very quickly. Learn to make unique things and delight your loved ones with unique gifts!

For example, such small pumpkins can become a unique decor or serve as symbolic gifts for Halloween. Please read the instructions and start creating right now.

If in life you do not have enough bright colors, a rainbow baby elephant will come to the rescue. Try knitting a unique gift with your own hands.

And with the help of this detailed master class, you will learn how to knit a cute raccoon.

And for all cat lovers - an exclusive knitting class for soft playful kittens.

Crochet toys for beginners: the simplest patterns

And we want to present you the simplest crochet toys: you will also find diagrams and descriptions for them in this section. Enjoy the process and the result.

If you still can’t get large and complex products with many elements, try making these cute emoticons. They will definitely lift your spirits.

This cute little penguin with big eyes is easy to knit and looks great.

Do cartoon characters often visit you? Try to knit a funny character named Krosh, and your child will have a new wonderful friend.

Crochet toys: ideas for needlewomen

Crocheting toys is such an exciting activity that can “pull” the whole family into its nets. After all, looking at these wonderful pictures you just want to make everything at once. We are sure that your baby will be very happy when they begin to be born in mother's skillful hands. charming dolls, funny trolls and good fairies, fluffy cats and cats will purr and exclusive dolls will appear, which you will not find in any store. We present you an exclusive collection of crochet toys with diagrams and descriptions. Learn, create, play with your kids!

Knitting amigurumi toys is a real art. These cute creatures managed to conquer the whole world: someone likes to receive them as a gift, and someone likes to knit. The fashion for amigurumi does not pass for a long time, and it is unlikely to pass.

Crocheted amigurumi toys

The art of amigurumi originated in Japan. This is a method of crocheting or knitting miniature toys, men, animals, etc.

Initially, amigurumi toys differed from others in appearance and miniature size. They had an exaggeratedly large head or limbs compared to the rest of the body.

Subsequently, the term "amigurumi" began to be used simply for the name. Only the knitting technique remains common to them - in a spiral, without lifting loops, which helps to provide an almost invisible seam.

Amigurumi ring

Knitting any knitted toy, if it is voluminous and not flat, begins with an amigurumi ring.

So what is an amigurumi ring and how to crochet it correctly?

Since amigurmi are miniature toys, their size started from 3-5 centimeters, a special knitting technique was invented so that the ugly seam that forms when crossing the rows was not visible and there was no large hole at the beginning of the knitting of the part.

The question of how to crochet an amigurumi ring is very relevant for beginners. In our article, we have selected the best options, more on that later.

First you need to take any threads and a slightly thinner hook than indicated on the yarn label. This is done in order to increase the density of knitting.

How to crochet an amigurumi ring: a step-by-step master class

The whole secret of the “magic ring” is that the columns should not be knitted into a connected chain of air loops or into the first loop of the chain, but into a thread wound around the finger (sliding loop). Having knitted the required number of columns, you just need to pull the end of the thread - and the ring will tighten.

When knitting in the first loop of the chain, the result was a rather large hole, which is very inconvenient for toys, since the filler is knocked out. Therefore, we came up with this simple and ingenious method.

Material selection

Talking about how to crochet amigurumi, it is impossible to get past this topic. The choice of materials in our time is huge, just a paradise for needlewomen, there would be time for your favorite pastime.

So yarn. For knitting toys, almost any thread is used: acrylic, cotton, wool, wool mixture, interesting toys are obtained from (grass, chenille, pom-pom yarn, etc.). But you need to start with simple yarn, leaving fantasy for later, when experience appears.

It must be borne in mind that the quality of the toy will also depend on the quality of the thread: cute little animals can turn out from very cheap acrylic, but in just a few days they will become covered with spools, lose their appearance and shape, or share their color with the owner, leaving colored spots on the baby’s hands, on his clothes and bed.

And vice versa, more expensive threads, such as mercerized cotton, make pleasant to the touch and beautiful toys (unless, of course, the quality of knitting is at the level).

The main knitting tool, with which toys are created, is a hook. You need to choose it very carefully, as it will be a shame if the tool breaks during operation.

You need to start with the manufacturer, choosing the optimal price category: from cheap Chinese (30-50 rubles apiece) to Japanese ones with a price of 300-500 rubles. and above the hook.

The materials from which the hooks are made are also different: metal, plastic, wood, etc.

It is important to pay attention to the fact that the hook does not have notches, chips, cracks and in no case bends, since when knitting toys, a high density of the fabric is needed, respectively, the hook has a strong pressure from the hands of the craftswoman. And if he does not resist this pressure, he will simply break. Based on the experience of craftswomen, the most convenient and durable hooks for knitting toys are steel hooks without handles.

Basics of knitting amigurumi

Amigurumi toys are mostly crocheted, but you can also knit - it's a matter of taste.

Any novice craftswoman who has learned to crochet at least a little can cope with knitting, you just need to master reading patterns, they are usually simple.

When knitting amigurumi, the simplest techniques are used, that is, basic knowledge and skills are quite enough: how to knit single crochets, how to make decreases and increases, how to change the thread.

The toy consists of separately connected parts, which are then sewn together, each part is stuffed separately.

Knitting begins with an amigurumi ring ("magic" ring). All parts are knitted in a spiral, without lifting loops, single crochet, for both halves of the loop (unless otherwise indicated in the diagram).

The parts are sewn together with the same thread that was used when knitting the toy. If for some reason it does not fit (it breaks quickly, cannot withstand tension, or is too thick, etc.), you can use a thin fishing line or dental floss, or divide the thread from which the toy was knitted into several separate strands.

First amigurumi

At the sight of these cute creatures, the question necessarily arises: "How to crochet amigurumi?" For beginners, it is better to choose a simpler toy, without small details. For example, a mouse, a hedgehog, Kolobok. When the first skills appear and it becomes clear how to crochet amigurumi, you can take on more difficult toys.

Instructions for knitting a duckling

Let's start our acquaintance with this technique with a duckling figurine. A bright cute toy will please the baby, and it is not very difficult to do the job.

How to crochet amigurumi? A step-by-step master class is presented in the photo below.

Assembling the toy

Having figured out the basic principles of how to crochet an amigurumi and tying all the details of the toy, you can start assembling. This is the most crucial stage, since the parts must be fixed firmly, preferably with an invisible seam. They need to be arranged symmetrically, previously pinned with safety pins in the intended places. By changing the location of the eyes, ears, nose, you can change the expression on the face of the doll or the face of the little animal.

Legs, handles, tail are attached in the same way.

You need to attach the details first with pins, see if the eyes and ears are in place or if they need to be moved a little, and only then sew on. This will save the novice craftswoman from having to redo the finished work.

It is necessary to sew on details carefully, first having studied how experienced craftsmen do it, because there are many secrets:

how to sew on separate parts (head, arms, legs);
how to hide the thread at the beginning and at the end of the work;
what to do so that the filler of the toy does not get out, and how to distribute it evenly.

Toy decor

Having finished knitting and assembling the toy, you can start decorating it without limiting your imagination.

Anything can be used as materials: pieces of fabric, leather, braid, beads, beads - there are a lot of options.

When decorating a toy or preparing clothes for it, you need to remember for whom the product is intended.

If for a small child, then special attention should be paid to fastening parts, the filler should allow you to wash the toy often without harming the appearance. Do not use cotton wool, cardboard and similar materials.

When knitting parts in a circle, be sure to use markers indicating the beginning or end of the row. It can be a thread of a different color, a pin, or special markers that you can buy at the store.
Starting work on knitting a circle, the remaining end of the thread must be knitted into the fabric, simply by laying it on top of the columns of the previous row.
At the end of the work, the remaining ends of the thread are hidden in this way: they take a needle, thread the rest of the thread into it and stitch the details through. This is done several times, but you need to make sure that there are no dented places left, this spoils the look of the toy. When a small tail remains, the needle and thread are slightly pulled and cut, the thread should hide inside the part in the filler.
Only a special synthetic filler is suitable: several varieties of holofiber (comforel, sintepuh, etc.) have now been developed. The synthetic winterizer is inconvenient to distribute inside the toy.
Do not use remnants of threads, pieces of fabric, cotton wool and similar materials for stuffing.
You need to stuff it quite tightly, but so that the knitted fabric does not stretch and the filler does not show through.
When filling small parts, it is very convenient to use tweezers.
In order not to abandon knitting after the very first toy, you need to choose the easiest pattern for the first product. When it will already turn out well, then you can take on more complex models.

Knitting amigurumi originated in distant Japan. We can say that amigurumi is a whole art that contributes to the creation of original small products. Knitting amigurumi leads to peace of mind and the development of creative abilities. In our article you will find everything you need to create amigurumi, which is easy for beginners, if you disassemble everything with diagrams!

In order to learn how to knit amigurumi toys, you need to learn a few principles:

Firstly, novice knitters should not aim at creating complex products. For the first time, it is enough to opt for simple toys, preferably without small details.
No need to use many varieties of loops at once. The first amigurumi is recommended to be knitted with simple patterns, consisting of single crochet stitches, as well as connecting stitches.
The hook should be an order of magnitude thinner in size than the yarn from which it is planned to knit a toy.
For small amigurumi, it is recommended to take iris, acrylic, for large ones - wool or the same acrylic wool. You can also use grass, mohair, angora to give more splendor to individual parts of the body of the toy.
To make amigurumi, you will need not only a hook or knitting needles, but also buttons, beads, multi-colored pieces of dense fabrics - felt, felt, velvet, sequins, ready-made elements of eyes and spouts.
You can fill ready-made amigurumi with synthetic winterizer, synthetic fluff, foam rubber, holofiber, cotton wool. To give weight to the limbs, small plastic pieces, glass or plastic peas, or simple cereals - millet, rice, buckwheat are suitable.
To tint the toy, you can use markers, wax crayons, ordinary decorative cosmetics - shadows, blush, lipstick, eyeliner.

As a rule, all amigurumi toys are crocheted. They mainly consist of round or oval parts connected into a single whole. Therefore, it is customary to knit the body of an amigurumi toy in the round. Circles in the course of execution are divided into segments, in which, depending on the model of the toy, loops are added or decreased.

To knit a circle, first you need to wrap the thread around your finger twice, then knit six single crochets into the resulting ring. Next, gently pulling the thread, close the hole, tightening the ring. We continue to knit the product in a spiral.

A detailed knitting pattern for the initial circle can be seen in the following photo:

We knit amusing cups in the style of amigurumi for beginners with patterns

Amigurumi creation patterns can be considered using the example of knitting funny cups for beginners, which are suitable as an element of interior decoration, as well as a Christmas tree toy or a keychain. At the end of the article, you can watch video tutorials on knitting products using the amigurumi technique for beginners.

To knit mugs, you will need a hook, threads of four colors, beads for an eyelet, filler, as well as a needle and scissors.

We collect a chain of two air loops. Next, in the first loop we knit seven columns without a crochet (sc). Close the circle with a connecting loop.

Second row. In each loop, knit two sc. The row ends with two sc. The result should be 14 sc.

Third row. In the first loop we knit one sc, in the second - two, in the third - one, in the fourth - two, and so on until the end of the row. The result should be 21 sc. We end the row with two sc.

Fourth row. The increase in sc goes through two loops to the third. We knit the row to the end, ending it with two sc, and we get 28 loops.

Fifth row. We knit an increase in the order of three through one. The result should be 35 sc. We end the row with two sc.

Sixth row. We knit all the loops in the “behind the back wall” method. We knit in the first three loops in sbn, then we decrease one loop. To do this, we knit one loop in two adjacent loops so that three loops are obtained on the hook. Then knit one loop through all three loops. We continue to knit, alternating three loops and one decrease. As a result, 28 sc should remain.

Rows seven to fifteen, we knit sc in each loop. We knit the loops in the usual way, in both walls. The result should be a cylinder with a bottom.

We knit the inside of the mug in a different color, in accordance with what kind of “drink” you will have “poured” there. To do this, we take a thread, we knit two air loops and in the first we knit five sc. We finish the row with a connecting loop.

Second row. Knit two sc in each loop. The result should be 10 sc.

Third row. In the first loop we knit one sc, in the second - two, in the third - one, in the fourth - two. So we continue to the end of the row. As a result, we get 15 sc.

Fourth row. Alternate two sc through two loops: in the first and second loop we knit one sc, in the third - two, etc. to the end of the row. It should turn out 20 sc.

Fifth row. Alternate addition through three loops to the fourth. In the first three loops we knit one sc, in the fourth - two, etc. to the end of the row. The result should be 25 sc.

We knit the handle from the cup as follows: we collect 14 air loops, and we make 12 half-columns with a crochet, starting from the third loop from the hook. It turned out a narrow planochka, which will serve as a handle for the mug.

Then we connect all the parts of the mug. First we attach the handle, then the eyes and mouth of a thin thread, fill the mug with cotton wool and sew on the “foam” lid at the end. We use a needle and thread to connect the parts.