Print this page Beginners Amigurumi: The Japanese Art of Crocheting Toys

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!

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• 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)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course students should be able to:

1. Read and understand an amigurumi pattern, as well as differentiate between US and UK terminology
2. Employ the basic crochet stitches required to make an amigurumi toy
3. Demonstrate the techniques necessary to give their amigurumi a cleaner finish, including the magic circle, invisible increases and decreases, as well as seamless sewing
4. Crochet an amigurumi toy

MATERIALS LIST

• 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.

ART SUPPLY STOCKISTS

• 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.