Clicked on the article, so welcome. Ready to read, I assume? Great. Then we’re probably in the same boat. It’s old news that cotton, linen and natural fibers make your home feel cosier. Also cleaner, more natural, and they let the room breathe in a sense, right? Now, those natural fibers are useful beyond home furnishings. It might not be on your radar, but let’s talk amigurumi!
No, that’s not a weird Japanese fetish, hon. It’s the art of crocheting toys. You’ve probably seen those videos online made with Clideo, that detail every stitch. It’s not an old-lady thing, either. When you’re past the point of feeling like an old lady holding the crochet hook, it’s a lot of fun. Well, fun might not be the right word, but it’s very calming for sure. Let’s get into it and discuss the logistics of yarn selection.
Why Is Amigurumi Special?
Have you ever tried knitting or held a crochet hook? Then you most definitely know that keeping the right count is important. Not to say that everyone should be knitting (they totally should), but this is a hobby that keeps your brain young and your psyche sane.
Repetitive hand movements and stitch count work like a charm. They calm anxious minds and help you channel stress into action. Plus, at the end of all this, you have a cute result and loads of added skill to be proud of (not to mention possible Christmas gifts yes, we all have tight budgets).
Amigurumi allows you to scale, too. Once you get skilled on chunky thick yarn, you can move on to more detailed and smaller figures. This is where things get tough, and yarn selection becomes more important than you might think much like choosing a linen tablecloth or cotton napkins, where material quality directly affects the final result.
Yarn Is Everything. Don't Screw It Up
Let’s discuss this whole process step by step. Don’t be discouraged by my tendency to organize, it might be offputting, but it’s for your own good! (read in your mom’s voice). And now carefully look at this list, and thou shalt be rewarded with a better outcome.
Step #1 Design Selection
The yarn should be fitting for your design, not the other way around. So, the first thing you have to do is select a toy or figurine design that suits your wants.
Be aware of your level, and do not be too ambitious when you are beginning. Even a single form shape will suffice. You simply need to choose something that is slightly more than your present level of competence. Since, after all, doing something that, in any case, does not challenge you, what sort of creature animated by anxiety are you?
Step #2 Yarn Selection
Nooow we’re talking. Yarn selection. There are several main materials for yarn making. Most conspicuous natural fibers to use in amigurumi are cotton, bamboo, linen and wool (as well as wool blends) and polyester and acrylic yarn with potential natural and synthetic blends. Why is it important? Since various yarn makes you have diversity in elasticity, structure, raw or, on plush looks and maintenance at large. One at a time (it is not going to take us long to get there, you see) and I will tell you what to expect.
Cotton
Hands down the best option in every thickness possible, cotton yarn is ideal if you’re making an amigurumi toy for a small child with the intent of daytime use.
These yarns tend to keep their shape, giving you the opportunity to plan ahead.
Plus, the stitches look more defined and you can showcase your mastery without the toy getting lots of pilling.
Let’s not forget: everything given to a child to hold might and will end up in their mouth. Make sure they don’t swallow any pilling balls.
Last but not least, cotton is highly washable. And believe me, you will have to wash those toys more times than you would expect much like a cotton tablecloth, which is designed to handle frequent washing while maintaining its quality.
Bamboo
It is also a natural yarn which is very soft as compared to cotton. And remember it will not maintain its structure very well either, and the toy will soon become more plush, stitches will become a little looser. All in all I would only suggest it to you provided you intend to use a small hook, and to make the stitches very tight.
Wool
Not the best option for amigurumi, if you intend for the knitting to be used as a toy, and not as a decoration. It poses a few problems, as it would be allergenic, and it’s harder to maintain and keep clean. Yes it is cozy, but to live on the shelf. Exclusively. And wool is not very good at shape keeping. It will expand and even contract in case the water is over heated.
It is natural, but problematic when it comes to maintenance. Don’t make it hard on yourself. If you want to knit or crochet with wool yarn, make it a sweater or a vest. Or a hat if you’re not feeling it much.
Polyester/Acrylic
Now this is tricky. Polyester and acrylic yarn is not inherently bad. Don’t get me wrong. However, it’s perfect for some situations, and completely wrong for others.
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If you are choosing a plushy chunky yarn, it can be perfect for knitting/crocheting a bedtime pal, a toy that your baby can hold and fall asleep. It provides a level of softness that no other yarn can match, and you can use a big hook, further giving your toy that chunky feel.
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You can work faster, as it provides a high level or elasticity.
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Polyester and acrylic yarn is easy to maintain.
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Caution! It will pill. A lot. With every wash. So consider yourself warned.
Step #3 Get to work!
Now that you’ve selected the design and the yarn, you have to actually stick to it and DO what you’ve set out to do. It’s going to be challenging, if you’re a beginner. But stick to it, and you’ll be rewarded with something beautiful! When you feel confident, get yourself some video editing software on Apple and share your wisdom with others! You won’t regret it.
In any case, whether you wish to share videos or not, keep in mind, that you’re developing a skill that will be more beneficial for your brain than scrolling. Get your hooks, people, and let’s make the world more beautiful than we found it!
