Why buy a stuffed toy when you can make one? This past decade has seen a rise in popularity of Japanese amigurumi in the Western world, from cute animals to crochet-versions of literary characters. Fun and fast to create, they make an ideal gift or even a profitable hobby for those who love to crochet but have run out of space. Learn how to crochet your very own toy and join the fast-growing community of amigurumi-makers. As long as you have yarn, a crochet hook, stuffing and a darning needle, the world is your oyster!
- Brief history of amigurumi
- Personal and financial benefits of knowing the craft, including hand-making gifts and selling toys online
- Basic crochet stitches necessary to make amigurumi toys (chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, increase, decrease)
- Reading an amigurumi pattern and differentiating between US and UK terminology
- How different types of yarn (cotton, cotton-blend and acrylic), as well as the size of crochet hook used, can impact the quality and durability of an amigurumi toy
- Crocheting a toy
- Techniques for a more professional-looking toy, including the magic circle, invisible increases and decreases
- Assembling amigurumi, including stuffing and the different methods of sewing pieces together (e.g. two open pieces, two closed pieces or an open piece on-top of a closed piece)
- The basics of embroidering facial features, including the eyes, nose and mouth
- Caring for an amigurumi toy (machine-washing and hand-washing)
By the end of this course students should be able to:
- Read and understand an amigurumi pattern, as well as differentiate between US and UK terminology
- Employ the basic crochet stitches required to make an amigurumi toy
- Demonstrate the techniques necessary to give their amigurumi a cleaner finish, including the magic circle, invisible increases and decreases, as well as seamless sewing
- Crochet an amigurumi toy
- 3mm & 3.5mm crochet hooks
- 4 x 50g balls of DK (8ply) yarn in any colour
- Scrap yarn in black (less than 15g) for embroidering
- Crochet/Knitting markers (even a paperclip or safety pin will do)
- Darning needle, Scissors, Stuffing
IMPORTANT: Please arrive to the first class with all the relevant materials. A lack of materials is not just a handicap to you but to the ability to teach. Materials cost is not included in a course fee. In the event of a course being cancelled WEA cannot be held responsible for the purchase of any course materials. We therefore suggest you purchase your materials closer to the time of the course commencing.
- The Art Scene, UNSW Art & Design Campus, Greens Rd Paddington NSW. Ph: 8815 1569
- Eckersley’s Art and Craft Store 223-225 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Ph: 02 9331 2166.
- Eckersley’s Art and Craft Store 93 York Street Sydney, Ph: 02 9299 4151. Also at North Sydney, St Leonards, Chatswood, Caringbah, Parramatta & more.
Enquire at your art shop for a Student’s Discount with your WEA course receipt.