Start here · a little extra help
Count your way into a shape
Amigurumi means crocheted or knitted stuffed shapes and characters. Many crochet toys begin with short stitches worked in a spiral. Increasing adds width, working even keeps the same stitch count, and decreasing narrows the shape. Stuffing gives the shell its volume.
A sphere is not produced by increasing forever: it needs a wider middle and a narrowing end. Follow a tested shape recipe, use a marker and count every round. Avoid loose parts on items intended for small children, and follow applicable toy-safety requirements before selling toys.
Your small practice goal
Use a small practice shape to spot the increasing, even and decreasing stages. This is shape practice, not a safety-tested toy pattern.
Picture it
Select the diagram to open it at full size. Use the written steps for the actual hook movements.
Words you’ll meet
No need to memorise these. Keep them nearby and look up a word whenever you need it. This guide uses UK names, with US equivalents explained.
Open the plain-English word guide · 10 terms
UK dc / US sc
UK double crochet is called single crochet in US patterns. They are the same short stitch.
Yarn tail
A loose end left at the start, finish or colour change. It needs to be secured inside the fabric.
Aran
A yarn thickness name, generally thicker than DK. Check the label and your gauge rather than relying only on the name.
Increase · inc
Add stitches. A common increase makes two new stitches in one existing stitch.
Decrease · dec / 2tog
Reduce the count. ‘2tog’ means two together: two existing stitches are joined into one finished top.
Magic ring / magic circle
An adjustable loop around which the first round is worked, then gently drawn closed.
Round · rnd
A complete trip around a shape. It may be joined at the end or continue in a spiral.
FLO · front loop only
Work under only the nearer strand of the stitch’s top V as you hold the work.
Amigurumi
Crocheted or knitted stuffed shapes and characters; many crochet versions use short stitches in rounds.
Repeat · rep
Do the stated group of instructions again, as many times as the pattern says.
Quick note: this guide uses UK crochet names. UK double crochet is US single crochet.
Practise a decorative shape first
Amigurumi often uses UK dc (US sc) in a continuous spiral. Use a marker, count each round and choose fabric firm enough that filling does not show. This practice shape is a learning sample, not a tested toy pattern.
A tiny shaping exercise
- Make 6 dc in a magic ring. Close the ring and mark the first stitch; do not join the rounds.
- Round 2: increase in every stitch — 12. Round 3: repeat ‘1 dc, increase’ six times — 18.
- Rounds 4–6: one dc in every stitch — 18 in each round.
- Round 7: repeat ‘1 dc, dc2tog’ six times — 12. Add a small amount of suitable filling if wanted. Round 8: dc2tog six times — 6.
- Fasten off with a long tail. Thread it through the front loops of the final six stitches, draw closed and secure inside the fabric.
Before making something for someone else
A decorative sample is not automatically suitable as a child's toy. Small parts, seams, filling and intended use all need proper consideration. The name ‘safety eyes’ is not a guarantee. For a real toy, use an appropriate tested design and guidance for its intended recipient; do not add loose decorations just because they look cute.
Sources & further learning
Original Crochet By Micky practice notes. See the linked lessons for the underlying techniques.
Checked 24 October 2026. Written in UK terms, with US equivalents where useful. Follow a project's own stitch key if it differs. These are original explanations and practice exercises, not copies of the linked publishers' patterns.