How to Design Your Own Amigurumi

This is a basic step by step guide on how to create your own amigurumi. I have plans to make amigurumi design progress videos soon since some people learn better from those.

1. Crochet Basics

Practice getting your tension/gauge just right. Use different yarn weight and hook sizes to find what is best for you. You need to make sure your stitches are even and tight enough that stuffing isn't showing through.

Being familiar with your gauge can also help you decide what yarn weight and hook size to use to create an amigurumi of a certain size.

Practice single crochet, working in front loops only, working in the back loops only, increasing, decreasing, working in rows, working in spiral rounds, and working in joined rounds.

2. Basic Shapes

Look up how to create basic shapes. Following an exact pattern isn't necessary, you just need to understand the construction.

For example to make a sphere or circle: You need to increase evenly around until it's about as wide as you want it to be. Then you crochet even (just single crochet rounds, no more increases) until it's a few rounds from the height you want it, and then you decrease evenly around.

3. Sketch Your Ideas

Now it's time to get your ideas on paper. Your sketch will need to be simplified to basic shapes that you can crochet. Keep note of how big you want it to be, colors, materials/techniques you'd like to use, and such. I recommend drawing it out on another piece of paper in the size you'd like to make it so you can use it as a reference as you crochet along.

4. Advanced Techniques

After you figure out what you want to make, you might want to add in a special feature that may require using a more fancy stitch. Look up more complex stitches and advanced techniques such as tall stitches (double crochet, treble crochet), decorative stitches (popcorn stitch, surface crochet), color changes, and embroidery.

5. Crocheting Your Prototype

Start crocheting up your idea. This is just a test so it's okay if it's not 100% perfect or you're not exactly sure what you want. You can redo it later and make modifications to your pattern. Experiment, do deviate from the norm, and you'll be designing your own amigurumi in no time.

Made in June 2013.