Advanced Amigurumi
General Shaping
Amigurumi or crocheted toys is a slightly different artwork from other types of crochet. Mostly because it involves 3D rather than 2D projects, which means that the crocheting techniques often involve rounds rather than rows.
2D Shaping
Crocheting rectangles is the next step after learning how to crochet a basic square. It is relative easy to follow up with and serves as the building block for an array of projects, from cozy blankets to charming amigurumi and stylish accessories. They offer a different shape compared to squares and can create interesting design possibilities when combined with other shapes or motifs in larger crochet pieces.
Crochet squares serve as a fundamental crochet shape in various patterns and are often used as components to create larger projects by joining multiple squares together. They can be worked in continuous rounds or joined afterward to form intricate designs or patterns, offering endless possibilities for crafting unique and visually appealing crochet pieces. It is a great way to start learning crochet as it is easier to pick up as opposed to say crocheting a circle.
Crocheting a triangle may seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. Whether you're looking to make a shawl, a bikini top, or a decorative piece, crocheting a triangle is a versatile skill that can be used in a variety of projects including amigurumi. So, let’s dive right in – there are 6 ways to crochet a triangle to check out below!
Crochet semicircles are versatile and can be used in projects like shawls, hats, motifs for blankets, or decorative elements in larger crochet designs. They allow for interesting shapes and designs in crochet projects and can be customized in size and curvature based on the intended use or pattern requirements. I have even used them occasionally for amigurumi as well!
The most basic crochet shape to create and also the base unit of an amigurumi - the crochet circle! Now this post is sort of a combination of other posts put together because I will be discussing a bit about crocheting a magic ring and also larger circles which might overlap with my tutorial blog post on increasing stitches. Along the way where it makes sense, I will reference these other posts as well.
Thinking about crocheting more than just basic circles? Add variations by trying out oval crochet patterns, and in this blog post I have 9 different suggestions on how to do it!
Each part will include a crochet oval written pattern, some step by step pictorial instructions, perhaps a video and finally how I apply it in my amigurumi!
Learn how to create a toy for your child with your own hands in 5 simple steps.
3D Shaping
Are you looking for a fun and easy way to create your own crochet balls? Look no further! In this post, I will not only be talking about the step-by-step instructions for how to crochet the different parts of the ball, I will also be touching on variations in the crochet pattern to create larger or smaller sized spheres! For each part, I also include suggested short patterns and accompanying pictures so they are easier to visualize!
If you have never experimented with curls in crochet then you have come to the right place. Crocheting a curl down a foundation chain is simple and quick but did you know you can add all kinds of variations to make the curls different?
Crochet cubes are often used in various projects, including amigurumi, children's toys, home décor, or even as building blocks for larger crochet constructions. They offer a fun and versatile way to explore geometric shapes in crochet and can be customized in numerous ways to suit different designs and preferences.
Crochet cones are often used in various craft projects, including amigurumi, decorative items, or as components in larger crochet pieces. They can serve as the basis for creating hats, tree toppers, miniature trees, party decorations, and more. Apart from spheres and cylinders, cones are the next most important shape in amigurumi.
When crocheting amigurumis, they are actually made up of various 3D shapes - of which the most commonly used ones include the sphere and the cylinder. By mixing and matching those two shapes, you could create a lot of different appearances for your amigurumi projects. To learn more about crocheting flat circles and round spheres for a start, remember to check out this blog post on '14 useful things you need to know about How to Crochet a Circle'.
Special Crochet Stitches
The picot stitch is a decorative crochet technique that adds a small, pointed, or looped element to the fabric. This stitch is versatile and can be adjusted in size by varying the number of chains made in the loop. It's commonly used as an edging or as part of intricate designs in crochet projects. It can add texture and delicate accents in crocheted items such as borders, lacework, motifs, and more.
The cluster stitch in crochet is a technique where multiple incomplete stitches are worked together to form a cluster, creating a textured and raised effect. These stitches are often grouped together in the same stitch or space, producing a decorative element that adds depth and visual interest to crochet projects.
Puff stitches are a popular form of textured crochet stitches that crocheters like to use to create a dense rounded shape on their fabric. Puff stitches can be used individually as decorative elements or combined in patterns to create intricate designs, textures, and raised motifs in blankets, hats, scarves, and various other crocheted items.
Ever wondered about popcorn stitches, how they are different from puff, bobble and cluster stitches and ever thought of using them in your amigurumis, not just your textured blankets? They are wonderful for making your crochet project more distinctive, likewise I love to use them in my amigurumis! Here I will talk about all the different ways to experiment with your popcorn stitch, ranging from length-wise to width-wise, and also at the end, get some ideas for how to incorporate them into your amigurumis.
Special textured stitches anyone? They are wonderful for making your crochet project more distinctive, likewise I love to use them in my amigurumis! In this post, we will be talking about what a bobble stitch is, how to change them into mini or large sizes, length-wise and width-wise. Then we will clear up the confusion with puff, popcorn and cluster stitches, see how they look in rows versus rounds. And finally, how I use that simple stitch in many different ways in my amigurumis!
Crocheting involves creating various shapes to achieve different outcomes, 2D shapes like circles can be made into doilies or rectangles made into blankets. As for amigurumi, it often involves creating various 3D shapes, for instance spheres and cylinders instead.