Introduction: How to Crochet: Amigurumi Basics
Amigurumi projects are cute and fun to make, but if you don't know how to crochet, you need to learn the basics.
In this instructable, I will show you How To:
- read a pattern,
- select yarn and understand the labels
- select the right crochet hook (conversion chart included) and,
- complete many of the basic stitches required to make your own project.
- and more.
All stitches shown, have been broken down into easy to follow steps; with both written instructions and photos.
And when you're ready to make your first Amigurumi project, please check out my Pin Cushion 'ible, which will help you learn to make a simple head, body, arms and legs!
If you like this instructable, and would like to see something added, let me know!
Step 1: Crochet: Tools & Materials
100% Polyester Fiber Fill
Yarn Needle
Step 2: Crochet: Slip Knot, Chain Stitch, Terms & Abbreviations
Most crochet projects will either begin with a slip knot and chain stitching, or will use an adjustable "Magic Ring" (click text link for instructions on how to make a Magic Ring).
How to Make a Slip Knot (refer to photo 1):
Step 1: Arrange the yarn like shown (so that it resembles a pretzel). :)
Step 2: Pick up the yarn like shown.
Step 3: Pull tight to complete the Slip knot (like shown).
How to Make a Chain Stitch (refer to photo 2):
Step 1: Begin with a Slip Knot
Step 2: Pick up the yarn (from the ball), like shown.
Step 3: Pull the yarn through the loop on the crochet hook.
That's all there is to creating a chain stitch. Repeat Steps 2 - 3 for the number of chain stitches your pattern indicates.
Crochet Terms & Abbreviations:
Refer to image 3 for the Basic Terms and Abbreviations used in Crochet Patterns (in alphabetical order).
Step 3: Crochet Stitches: Single, Increase, Decrease
Unless otherwise stated (in your pattern), when you put your crochet hook into a stitch, you are doing so under BOTH loops.
How to Single Crochet, sc (refer to image 1)
Step 1: Put the hook into first stitch, like shown.
Step 2: Draw the yarn (from the long end to the ball), like shown.
Step 3: Pull the yarn through the first stitch, like shown (2 stitches remain on hook).
Step 4: Yarn over (pull a loop of yarn from above), like shown.
Step 5: Pull the yarn through both loops on the crochet hook, like shown.
You have created ONE single crochet.
How to Single Crochet Increase, sc inc
To single crochet increase, create 2 single crochets (one after another), in the same stitch.
How to Single Crochet Decrease, sc dec (refer to image 2)
Step 1: Beginning just like a single crochet, put the hook into the first stitch, like shown.
Step 2: Pull a loop of yarn through the hole, like shown (2 loops remain on hook).
Step 3: Put hook into next stitch, like shown.
Step 4: Pull a loop of yarn through the hole, like shown (3 loops remain on hook).
Step 5: Pull a loop of yarn (yarn over), through the 3 loops on the hook, like shown.
This creates a decrease, as you've used up 2 stitches and are left with one.
Step 4: Crochet Stitches: Double Crochet
Unless otherwise stated (in your pattern), when you put your hook into a stitch, you are doing so under BOTH loops.
How to Double Crochet, dc (refer to image)
Step 1: Draw the yarn (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 2: Put the hook into stitch (indicated in your pattern), like shown.
Step 3: Draw the yarn (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 4: Pull yarn through the first stitch (3 stitches remain on the hook), like shown.
Step 5: Draw the yarn (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 6: Pull the yarn through 2 loops on the hook, like shown (2 stitches will remain on hook).
Step 7: Draw the yarn again, (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 8: Pull the yarn through the 2 loops on the hook, like shown. One loop will remain on the hook.
You have now completed ONE, Double Crochet stitch.
Step 5: Crochet Stitches: Half Double Crochet
Unless otherwise stated (in your pattern), when you put your hook into a stitch, you are doing so under BOTH loops.
How to Half Double Crochet, hdc (refer to image)
Step 1: Draw the yarn (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 2: Put the hook into stitch (indicated in your pattern), like shown.
Step 3: Draw the yarn (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 4: Pull yarn through the first stitch (3 stitches remain on the hook), like shown.
Step 5: Draw the yarn (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 6: Pull the yarn through all 3 loops on the hook, like shown (1 stitch will remain on hook).
You have now completed ONE, Half Double Crochet stitch.
Step 6: Crochet Stitches: Triple Crochet
Unless otherwise stated (in your pattern), when you put your hook into a stitch, you are doing so under BOTH loops.
How to Triple Crochet, tr (refer to image)
Step 1: Draw the yarn, twice (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 2: Put the hook into the stitch (indicated in your pattern), like shown.
Step 3: Draw the yarn (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 4: Pull the yarn through the first stitch (4 loops remain on the hook), like shown.
Step 5: Draw the yarn again, (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 6: Pull the yarn through 2 loops on your hook, like shown (3 loops remain on hook).
Step 7: Draw the yarn again, (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 8: Pull the yarn through 2 loops on your hook, like shown (2 loops remain on hook).
Step 9: Draw the yarn one last time, (from the long end leading to the ball), like shown.
Step 10: Pull the yarn through the remaining 2 loops on your hook, like shown. One loop remains on the hook.
You have now completed ONE, Triple Crochet stitch.
If you like this instructable and/or want to see a tutorial for other crochet stitches, let me know in the comments.