Amigurumi — the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed toys — is having a real moment, and it is easy to see why. The projects are small, portable, quick to finish, and endlessly giftable.
Here is how to get started, and where to find free patterns.
How to start
Amigurumi is worked in a spiral round rather than flat rows, almost entirely in single crochet. The key skills are the magic circle, single crochet, and simple increases and decreases to shape the toy. If you are brand new, start with our how to start crocheting guide to get comfortable with the basic stitches first.
Choosing your yarn
The best amigurumi yarn is smooth, firm and holds its shape. Our full comparison is here: the best yarn for amigurumi in Kenya (YarnArt Jeans Plus vs Himalaya Dolphin Baby). Browse our amigurumi yarns, including YarnArt and Himalaya.
Free patterns to try
Clover — whose Amour hooks are a favourite for amigurumi — publishes free patterns, like this four-leaf clover amigurumi. For more, see our roundup of free Clover tutorials.
What else you need
A good hook (slightly smaller than the yarn suggests, for a tight fabric that hides the stuffing), stitch markers to track your rounds, stuffing, and safety eyes. Browse our crochet hooks and amigurumi kits, which bundle everything to start.
Starting your first amigurumi?
Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you pick the right yarn, hook size and eyes — ready to collect or ship across Kenya and East Africa.
Chat with us on WhatsAppOr message us on 0798 316 860
From the In Stitches team, Nairobi — at Muthaiga Mini Market.
