Amigurumi World : Seriously Cute Crochet

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Reported by Melissa Norris

I've always been quite intrigued by crochet, but I never thought I would be able to do it. I sort of knew how to knit, and thought that crochet was much more difficult. Boy was I wrong.

A friend got me a copy of the book she was using to make crochet animals and I was hooked. Amigurumi World : Seriously Cute Crochet by Ana Paula Rimoli is all about using crochet to make Japanese style Amigurumi animals and toys. The directions are easy to follow, even for a beginner like me, and the results are great!

I didn't know how to crochet a bit before starting with the book. The instructions in the book along with a few tutorials I looked up online were enough for me to be able to make any of the projects in the book. Most of the projects only use 3 or 4 basic stitches, and a few other more difficult ones are used but the directions help you figure it out.

I chose to start just by practicing and not trying to make an animal. Did I ever need that?! My first attempt at an egg looks more like a marshmallow. But my daughter enjoys it so that's really all that matters. But that practice really helped me figure out my stitches and tension on the yarn. And you don't really need much to get started. Just a few crochet hooks (E and F are used mostly) and some yarn. You can even use scraps that you may have left over from making something else. Just be sure that it is worsted weight.

Amigurumi is all crocheted in the round, so you start with a few chain stitches then form those into a circle. You increase your stitches and then do several rows that are all the same, then begin decreasing. At one point before decreasing you make faces for your animal. Some involve embroidering mouths and noses. Other patterns you sew on felt for cheeks and muzzles. All are quite simple. All of the projects have safety eyes. However none of the stores in my tiny town have any, so I sewed on some buttons. In the back of the book on the resource page, the author includes links to websites where you can find supplies online. So next time my animals will have pretty, shiney, safety eyes.

When you get toward the end of your pattern, it's time to stuff. These projects can hold some stuffing! I had to make multiple trips to my closet because I kept needing more. I just used regular polyfil but you can also add poly pellets (similar to what is in beanie dolls) to add some weight.

The final step of my octopus project was to make the 8 arms. These are all crocheted separately then sewn on to the project. They are also done in the round and stuffed.

TaDa! A happy little octopus. This is only my second project and I really liked how it turned out. My daughter really likes it too! With over 30 different projects, from animals, to cupcakes, mommies and babies, there's something for everyone.

Pros:

• Colorful pictures
• Different sizes of projects
• Patterns and instructions for faces
• Great list of resources
• Patterns are easy to understand and follow
• An abbreviations reference page to refer back to
• A good variety of projects that can be modified in to other animals
• Pages are large and easy to read

Cons:

• The crochet instructions were difficult for me to understand at first. I had to look for other resources online then come back to them. However experienced crocheters shouldn't have a problem.
• I would have liked a bit more detailed instruction for sewing on the extremities. Or at least a photo to see how it is done.
• I would love to see the book in some type of spiral binding. Especially when working off of a pattern you need the book in front of you at all times, and mine kept flipping closed when I wasn't looking.

Amigurumi World retails for $18.95 US and can be found through Martingale, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. It may also be found at local book stores, but I haven't looked.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to try crocheting toys for their children or gifts for friends and family. They are too cute and easy and fun to make! And I hope she comes out with a sequel...I want more!!

Do you have this book, or have you tried making amigurumi? Let us know!