Even if you already know how to crochet, getting started with Amigurumi may seem a little intimidating at first. But the truth is, this technique to crochet stuffed toys and dolls is easier than you think. Keep scrolling to find a list of 25 easy free Amigurumi patterns for you to start today.
With only a few basic crochet stitches and techniques to learn, you can create a range of adorable stuffed toys with Amigurumi.
And even the most elaborated toys, only take some practice to master. But before we dive into the list of free patterns, let’s learn a little more about Amigurumi.
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Amigurumi definition
Amigurumi is a Japanese term that means “crocheted or knitted”, which is a technique used to make stuffed toys with yarn. The craft was created in Japan many centuries ago, according to Wikipedia.
But it only became popular in the Western countries in the early 2000’s. To create toys with the Amigurumi technique, you need tight stitches to create a solid fabric. Usually, in a 3D shape, and then you stuff them with stuffing fiber, like Poly-Fil.
What are the easiest Amigurumi for beginners?
The easiest Amigurumi for beginners are the ones that don’t involve a lot of parts to sew on. Also, it’s best if you choose patterns with simple sphere or oval shapes.
However, even the patterns that are more elaborated, but with little to no sewing, are great ones to start with as well.
I’ve searched for the easiest free Amigurumi patterns for this list. Save it as a reference to start your Amigurumi making journey.
Are you supposed to flip amigurumi inside out?
Usually, you’re not supposed to flip amigurumi inside out. The reason why you don’t flip it is because there is a side intended to be the right side. Which is the one that touches your thumb while you crochet.
However, even though the right side should always be on the outside, while you crochet, some people keep it on the inside. A lot of times it is a matter of preference and convenience.
I would advise you to get familiar with the wrong and right sides tough. That way if you choose to crochet with the right side in, you won’t forget to flip it back out. And it is aesthetically correct as well, for Amigurumi making.
Tips to start with Amigurumi making
Now that you know a little about what Amigurumi is, here are a few technical tips to get you started. And this is what I usually mention to whomever asks me about how to start making Amigurumi.
It’s a world you enter that you never want to get out of, because it feels so empowering. Being able to create such cute toys with your own hands is the best feeling ever. These free Amigurumi patterns are great for you to start with.
So, with no further ado, here are my tips.
Tip #1 Invest in a few basic supplies and tools
To start your debut into the Amigurumi making journey, you will need to have a few supplies and tools. Usually, you don’t have to spend a lot, you will only need a few basic tools and materials.
- Yarn. I recommend worsted weight (#4). Cotton or cotton blend are the best because it’s a tightly spun kind of yarn that’s easy to crochet with. And it makes beautiful and durable toys as well.
- Crochet Hooks. Amigurumi needs to be crocheted with a tight tension, that way the fiber won’t show. To achieve that, the best hook size for worsted weight yarn should range between 3.5 mm (US E-4) and 4 mm (US G-6).
- Stitch markers. The simple plastic ones, with a locking clip, are great to start with.
- Stuffing fiber. I live Poly-Fil, it’s a great quality polyester fiber for stuffed animals.
The above are all you need to practice. Then, when you feel confident to make your first more elaborated stuffed animal or doll, you can order other Amigurumi essentials.
The free Amigurumi patterns in the list below are all great to start with.
Tip #2 Learn the basic stitches and techniques for Amigurumi
If you already know how to crochet, you will probably find it easier to learn Amigurumi. If not, no worries, there are tons of online tutorials you can watch/read to get started.
Here are the basic stitches and techniques to make Amigurumi. If you know these stitches, you will be able to crochet these free Amigurumi patterns.
- Single crochet stitch (sc): insert the hook in next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two.
- Single crochet increase (inc): two single crochets in next stitch. Increases help to shape the toy, making more stitches in a round.
- Single crochet invisible decrease (dec): insert the hook in front loop only of the next two single crochet stitches at the same time, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two. Decreases also help to shape the toy, making less stitches in a round.
- Crochet in continuous rounds (or in spiral rounds): What this means is that you don’t join the rounds with a slip stitch. When you get to the end of a round, you simply keep going, in a spiral.
Once you have mastered these basic stiches and techniques, you are ready to start with you first amigurumi. As for the rest, like Fasten Off and sewing, you can learn on the go.
Tip #3 Watch tutorials on YouTube or pay for an online class
The best way to learn Amigurumi is by watching videos. There are tons of videos with free Amigurumi patterns that you can follow on YouTube.
Once you feel comfortable with the basics, it will make sense and it will be so much easier for you to read patterns.
Here is a great Amigurumi video tutorial for beginners. Or, if you feel like investing in a paid online class, I recommend this Craftsy kawaii amigurumi class and this one on Skillshare.
Tip #4 Learn how to read patterns
In the crochet world, one of the most important things you need is to learn how to read patterns. Get yourself familiar with the crochet terminologies needed to get into Amigurumi making.
Here are a few abbreviations and symbols you should know for Amigurumi making (US terms).
- ch(s): chain(s)
- inc: increase
- dec: decrease
- FO: fasten off
- Rnd or R: Round
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sk: skip
- sc: single crochet
- ( ): usually means repeat instructions within parenthesis as many times as directed
- [ ]: usually used as a stitch count in a round
These terms will be the most common in the free Amigurumi patterns in this list. Many times, if there is a special stitch, the designer will add instructions on the patter as well.
One of the most complete online resources is the Craft Yarn Council website. With them, you can learn all the crochet stitch abbreviations and terminologies.
As a matter of fact, terminologies change depending where in the world you are. Check that out on the Craft Yarn Council website as well.
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Tip #5 Practice Amigurumi with a sphere
Spheres are the best way to practice Amigurumi for beginners. Why? Because they have all the basics that you need for an Amigurumi construction: single crochet stitches, increases and decreases, and crochet in spiral rounds.
Once you learn the basics of Amigurumi and learn how to read patterns, you will be ready to start your first crochet stuffed animal. And this list of free Amigurumi patterns, you will have the easiest options to get started.
Here is a pattern for a simple sphere.
- Ch 2
- Round1: sc 6 in second ch from hook (alternatively, you can start with a magic circle)
- Round2: (inc) 6 times [12]
- Round3: (inc, sc in next st) 6 times [18]
- Round4: (inc, sc in next 2 sts) 6 times [24]
- Round5: (inc, sc in next 3 sts) 6 times [30]
- Round6: (inc, sc in next 4 sts) 6 times [36]
- Round7-14: sc around [36]
- Round15: (dec, sc in next 4 sts) 6 times [30]
- Round16: (dec, sc in next 3 sts) 6 times [24]
- Round17: (dec, sc in next 2 sts) 6 times [18]
- Add stuffing fiber
- Round18: (dec, sc in next st) 6 times [12]
- Round19: (dec) 6 times [6]
Here is the list of free Amigurumi patterns
Gather your supplies and get started with your Amigurumi making journey. This list is perfect for beginners because they are all easy patterns. Pick your favorite and have fun.
Amigurumi Crochet Whale Pattern
First in the list of free Amigurumi patterns is this super cute flat belly and big domed head whale.
Here, you have the perfect pattern to get you started with minimal sewing and color change. And more, there is a video tutorial if that’s what you prefer.
Amigurumi Crochet Bear Pattern
Bears are probably one of the most loved animals in the Amigurumi world. This little fella will steal your heart.
Not to mention, it is small and easy enough to make you fall in love with Amigurumi making.
Cat with joined legs Amigurumi Pattern
With this pattern, you can make a male and a female version of this adorable kitty. Speaking of adorable, you will love all of Lilleliis’ patterns.
Go check the Free and Paid Patterns sections of her website for more.
Amigurumi Peep Bunny Pattern
This peep bunny was designed by me and can found here on the blog. By the way, it could not stay out of this list of free Amigurumi patterns because it’s very beginner friendly.
No sewing involved whatsoever.
Egg Amigurumi Pattern
Amigurumi eggs are great to get you started with oval shapes. And, with this one, you can play with color change as well. Also, you could add facial features, either embroidered or with safety eyes.
Potato Amigurumi Crochet Pattern
Next up in the list of free Amigurumi patterns is this great beginner friendly potato. This one is great for you to understand the transition from round to oval shapes in Amigurumi.
I love the kawaii safety eyes on this little guy.
Amigurumi Doll Pattern: My Dolly Molly
This pattern is a Part 1 of a CAL (Crochet Along) by The Loopy Land. The pattern was split in 3 parts. And she has all the details on her website, along with the links for parts 2 and 3.
This is a perfect pattern for a brave beginner wanting to expand their Amigurumi making skills into a more elaborated pattern.
Easy 3D Crochet Heart Free Pattern
Amigurumi hearts are super easy to crochet. This one was designed by me as well and it is available for free right here on the blog.
Along with all the instructions, check out all the step-by-step photos to guide you through this pattern.
Bruno the Bear Free Amigurumi Pattern
Next in the list of free Amigurumi patterns you have Bruno. Another adorable bear that is suitable for someone just trying to start with Amigurumi sewing skills.
As a side note, this bear would make a great handmade gift.
Beautiful Ducklings Amigurumi
Omg! How cute are those ducklings standing in line? Another super quick and beginner friendly pattern.
Use your imagination to customize these ducklings with your favorite colors and have fun.
Flippy the Amigurumi Frog Free Pattern
Flippy is a smiley little frog that will steal your heart. If you follow the recommended yarn and hook size, this fella will be about 8” tall.
Yet another great pattern for you to practice color change.
Zoya the Amigurumi Ballerina Doll
If you are a beginner trying to get your hands into a Amigurumi doll tutorial, this pattern is for you. Zoya is a simple pattern with minimal shaping and sewing, you will love making her.
Also, if you prefer a mini ballerina version, go check her blog post for the link.
Bijoux Butterfly Amigurumi Doll
The Bijoux Butterfly Amigurumi is a super colorful and fun project. Besides, it goes a little beyond the basic Amigurumi stitches, so it could make it even more interesting.
The wings are made with granny squares, which is very easy for beginners as well.
Tiny Bobble Amigurumi Christmas Tree
This tiny crochet tree is just so adorable. And the add on of colorful decorating bobbles makes it even more interesting.
It consists mainly of increases and could be a great starter project to practice that cone technique, that you crochet increasing from bottom up.
Amigurumi Strawberry Pattern - 2 Sizes
Crochet fruits fall into one of the cutest categories for Amigurumi. They are so easy to make because they are usually tiny. With this pattern, you can make two different strawberry sizes.
Also, you could use different yarn weight if you want to make many of them with a variety of sizes.
Amigurumi Raindrops Pattern - 3 sizes
Next up in the list of free Amigurumi patterns we have these unique raindrops. They will make a great addition to a cloud wall-hanging décor piece in a nursery.
The pattern is for 3 sizes.
Squishy Fishy Amigurumi pattern
Speaking of easy Amigurumi patterns, this one is just so simple to make. And it’s so adorable. This pattern is available as a free PDF download on Ravelry.
Prayer Buddy Amigurumi Pattern
I love the story behind the creation of this Amigurumi pattern. Head over to the Cro-Shake blog to read all the details and get the free pattern for this cute Prayer Buddy.
Dumpling Kitty Amigurumi pattern
I was so happy to find these cats and add them to this free Amigurumi patterns list. Aren’t they beautiful?
This would make great gifts for fans of cats. And it’s another great pattern to play with colors.
Amigurumi Dinosaur pattern
And here you have a tiny dinosaur that will be so fun to make. If you want to start with sewing practice for Amigurumi, this small project is the one for you.
The small parts will make it so easy to sew on.
Weebee Baby Doll Amigurumi
Here is another choice for a crochet doll. The Weebee doll is a very popular pattern on Ravelry because it’s very beginner friendly.
Not to mention, it’s a free PDF download. You can also check on her Ravelry shop all the clothing patterns she has for this doll.
Amigurumi Carrot Pattern
A carrot with a face couldn’t be cuter than this. A perfect pattern for beginners because it’s so easy and quick to make.
This designer has other cute Amigurumi patterns as well, go check her out.
Amigurumi Pencil Pattern
I love this pattern and how it looks so realistic. This is a great project for school gifts, for kids to play with, and it is small enough to be finished super quickly.
Amigurumi Chubby Bunny pattern
These chubby bunnies are seriously so cute. And what a great option for beginners wanting to get started with a little more elaborated pattern.
I love the simplicity of this pattern and how adorable they are.
Amigurumi Blueberry pattern
And the last one in the list of free Amigurumi patterns is this Blueberry. Make them, along with the strawberries above in the list, and your fruit basket will be ready to go.
The bottom line
There you have the list of 25 free Amigurumi patterns for you to try. As a heads up, Amigurumi will get you hooked, literally. It’s one of the most addictive crafts out there.
Not to mention, it feels so empowering to give shape to something with your own hands. Usually, I say that making Amigurumi is sculpting with yarn. Starting something and seeing it taking shape as you go is so satisfying.
Drop a comment below if you have any questions or if you just would like to say “hi”. Another way to reach out to me is by joining my community group on Facebook.
If you use any of my patterns or tutorials for a project, please tag me @zamiguz or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I would love to see what you make.
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