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If you love making amigurumi or are just getting started, you know that small tweaks can make a big difference in how polished and professional your plushies look. Over the years, I’ve picked up several game-changing tricks that have transformed my amigurumi-making process. Whether you're crafting for fun, gifting, or selling your creations, these nine hacks will take your crochet game to the next level!
1. Use Soft, Chunky Yarn
For years, I stuck to worsted-weight yarn for amigurumi because that’s all I knew. Then, I discovered chunky chenille yarn, and it changed everything! Chunky yarn makes plushies softer, cozier, and faster to make—perfect for gifts or stocking up for craft markets. Some of my favorites include:
- Bernat Blanket Yarn
- Premier Parfait Chunky
- Hobbii Honey Bunny Shine (it has glitter!)
- Yarn Bee Baby Snugs & Kisses
- Big Twist Posh Yarn (available at Joann’s, though I haven’t tried it yet)
Try different brands to see what feels best in your hands and gives the look you want!
2. Choose the Right Hook Size
A common beginner mistake is using the hook size recommended on the yarn label. For amigurumi, go 1-2 sizes smaller to tighten your stitches and prevent stuffing from showing through. For example, if your worsted-weight yarn recommends a 5mm hook, try a 4mm hook instead. This keeps your stitches snug, helps your plushie hold its shape, and gives it a cleaner, more professional look.
3. Use Slip Stitches for Seamless Color Changes
Color transitions can make or break an amigurumi design. If you’re attaching a snout, for example, switch to the head’s color on the last round of the snout and do a round of slip stitches. This trick ensures that when you sew it on, the transition is seamless—no awkward stitch marks between colors!
4. Enhance Faces with Embroidery Details
Small facial details can bring amigurumi to life! Instead of relying solely on safety eyes, try these:
- Indented eyes – Use a long strand of yarn to pull safety eyes slightly inward.
- Eyebrows & blush – Embroider small angled eyebrows and blush circles with cotton yarn.
- Lined eyes – Add black and white embroidery around safety eyes to make them pop.
- Embroidered noses – Instead of plastic safety noses, use embroidery for a softer, handmade look.
Adding these small details after the head is fully stuffed allows for better placement and balance.
5. Use a Sharp Needle for Embroidered Features
When embroidering, a sharp-pointed needle is a game-changer! Unlike blunt plastic yarn needles, a sharp needle can go through stitches rather than just in between them, giving you precise control over facial features. This is especially helpful for adding tiny white highlights to eyes.
6. Secure Safety Eyes with Aida Cloth
If you use plastic safety eyes, take an extra step for safety. Cut a 1-inch square of Aida cloth, punch a hole in the center, and place it behind the eye inside the head before snapping the back piece on. This helps keep the eye secure and reduces the risk of it falling out, which is especially important for plushies given to children.
7. Use a Bag of Rice for Weighted Plushies
If your plushie has trouble standing upright (like a snowman or a potted plant design), add a small bag of rice at the bottom before stuffing with Poly-fil. This gives it weight and stability, preventing it from tipping over. Double-bag the rice in Ziplocs for extra protection!
8. Add Doll Accessories for Extra Cuteness
Searching “doll accessories” on Amazon will unlock a world of tiny hats, glasses, and other cute add-ons for amigurumi. A customer once told me that plushies with glasses helped their child feel better about wearing their own. How sweet is that? Don’t be afraid to add store-bought accessories to your handmade creations—your customers will love them!
9. Sew Through the Back Loop for Flat Pieces
When sewing flat pieces (like cow spots or submarine windows), go through the back loop only and angle your needle inward. This creates a clean, nearly invisible attachment with no visible sewing marks, giving your plushies a more polished finish.
Try These Hacks on Your Next Project!
I hope these nine tips inspire you to refine your amigurumi technique and have even more fun with your creations. Whether you’re making plushies for gifts, personal enjoyment, or selling them, every stitch reflects your unique craftsmanship—and that’s what makes handmade amigurumi so special!
Happy crocheting!
