Amigurumi animal fun.
The Japanese knit or crochet art of amigurumi has been one of the major trends in our community in recent years – and for good reason. The little creatures are of course a hit with animal lovers, but alongside kittens, owls and bees, you can also produce objects and fantasy figures. In Japan, “nuigurumi” are extremely popular.
We also love the amigurumi of real people – celebrities, friends or family members, the response is always amazing.
Read on for exclusive interviews with real amigurumi pros who tell us more about their passion, show us their masterpieces and share great patterns and tips.
One of our staff members has been well and truly bitten by the amigurumi bug, and has put together her top figures – to cuddle, display, and most importantly give to others.
Take a look at the following pages for inspiring patterns, tips, examples and stories from the amigurumi world. We also set out the most common crochet mistakes and how to avoid them. Nothing can stop you now! Get started on your next – or first – amigurumi figure.
We also love the amigurumi of real people – celebrities, friends or family members, the response is always amazing.
Read on for exclusive interviews with real amigurumi pros who tell us more about their passion, show us their masterpieces and share great patterns and tips.
One of our staff members has been well and truly bitten by the amigurumi bug, and has put together her top figures – to cuddle, display, and most importantly give to others.
Take a look at the following pages for inspiring patterns, tips, examples and stories from the amigurumi world. We also set out the most common crochet mistakes and how to avoid them. Nothing can stop you now! Get started on your next – or first – amigurumi figure.
Discover the colourful world of amigurumi.
Our first stop is with Elke Hahn aka Gassenmaschen. She has been crocheting since school, but it was her daughter who introduced her to crochet animals in 2010.
Discover the colourful world of amigurumi.
Our first stop is with Elke Hahn aka Gassenmaschen. She has been crocheting since school, but it was her daughter who introduced her to crochet animals in 2010.
“I’ve been crocheting hats, scarves and shawls for years. Then one day, my daughter asked me if I could crochet the SWR TV station mascots, “s’Äffle” and “s’Pferdle”. One of her friends was a big fan of the mascots and she wanted to give them to him for his birthday. The challenge appealed to me, and I attempted my first crochet figure. I drew inspiration from many other figures and discovered that you really can crochet almost anything. It’s something that stills fascinates me today and I really enjoy it.
“I’ve been crocheting hats, scarves and shawls for years. Then one day, my daughter asked me if I could crochet the SWR TV station mascots, “s’Äffle” and “s’Pferdle”. One of her friends was a big fan of the mascots and she wanted to give them to him for his birthday. The challenge appealed to me, and I attempted my first crochet figure. I drew inspiration from many other figures and discovered that you really can crochet almost anything. It’s something that stills fascinates me today and I really enjoy it.
“When crocheting amigurumi, it is a good idea to use hooks one or two sizes smaller than recommended on the yarn label. This keeps the stitches nice and tight and ensures the amigurumi holds its shape.”
For Ute Krugmann. it was addi that sparked her enthusiasm for amigurumi.
“Addi had asked me if I could crochet a small champagne bottle for a marketing concept. I took on the challenge – without a pattern or a model. That was the start. I found I really enjoyed creating three-dimensional crochet. It’s like sculpting with a hook and yarn. You can also find plenty of sources of inspiration on the Internet on sites such as Pinterest, some of the handicraft portals, and at handicraft fairs – and of course from addi.”
For Ute Krugmann. it was addi that sparked her enthusiasm for amigurumi.
“Addi had asked me if I could crochet a small champagne bottle for a marketing concept. I took on the challenge – without a pattern or a model. That was the start. I found I really enjoyed creating three-dimensional crochet. It’s like sculpting with a hook and yarn. You can also find plenty of sources of inspiration on the Internet on sites such as Pinterest, some of the handicraft portals, and at handicraft fairs – and of course from addi.”
Wondering if you can do it too? According to our experts, it only takes a little experience to start crocheting your first amigurumi. Just don’t forget that constant practice is important.
Patterns at all levels of difficulty are readily available on the Internet, in handicraft magazines, books and blogs and from amigurumi designers directly. The blogger Caros Fummeley, for example, has a number of free patterns on her website. Why not take a look?
Or perhaps you’ve heard of the addi2go app? It has a great range of patterns, not just amigurumis. You can download addi2go quickly and easily from the App Store or Play Store.
Wondering if you can do it too? According to our experts, it only takes a little experience to start crocheting your first amigurumi. Just don’t forget that constant practice is important.
Patterns at all levels of difficulty are readily available on the Internet, in handicraft magazines, books and blogs and from amigurumi designers directly. The blogger Caros Fummeley, for example, has a number of free patterns on her website. Why not take a look?
Or perhaps you’ve heard of the addi2go app? It has a great range of patterns, not just amigurumis. You can download addi2go quickly and easily from the App Store or Play Store.
Favorite addi needles
As for what tools you need, simply explore for yourself which addi hook you prefer.
Elke Hahn uses our addiSwing hook – it’s her absolute favourite. The addiSwing is one of our ergonomic crochet hooks. It sits comfortably in the hand, even when you crochet for hours. - it’s her absolute favourite. The addiSwing Crochet Hooks is one of our ergonomic crochet hooks. It sits comfortably in the hand, even after hours of crocheting.
Ute Krugmann, on the other hand, prefers the addiNature olivewood crochet hook, switching between 1, 1.5 and 2 mm in line with the thickness of the yarn.
You will find these and other addi crochet hooks on our website and in the addi2go app.
Favorite addi needles
As for what tools you need, simply explore for yourself which addi hook you prefer.
Elke Hahn uses our addiSwing hook – it’s her absolute favourite. The addiSwing is one of our ergonomic crochet hooks. It sits comfortably in the hand, even when you crochet for hours. - it’s her absolute favourite. The addiSwing Crochet Hooks is one of our ergonomic crochet hooks. It sits comfortably in the hand, even after hours of crocheting.
Ute Krugmann, on the other hand, prefers the addiNature olivewood crochet hook, switching between 1, 1.5 and 2 mm in line with the thickness of the yarn.
You will find these and other addi crochet hooks on our website and in the addi2go app.
Have we got you interested in cute little crochet figures? As you have read, even beginners can try amigurumi. All you need is a little bit of experience, time to practise and – of course – good hooks.
To help you get started, we have put together a list of the most common crochet mistakes and how to avoid them.
Have we got you interested in cute little crochet figures? As you have read, even beginners can try amigurumi. All you need is a little bit of experience, time to practise and – of course – good hooks.
To help you get started, we have put together a list of the most common crochet mistakes and how to avoid them.
