If you have any questions that are not addressed in this or the linked tutorials, please feel free to e-mail me.

Basics

• Amigurumi are single crocheted in a continuous spiral. Don't join your work at the ends of rounds; just continue working in a spiral. Having said that, rules are made to be broken.. If I'm changing colours I will always finish off the round as that prevents the colour change looking uneven.

• Stitch markers are your friends - you absolutely cannot live without them. I like to use earrings with a closeable clasp as they don't snag my work (like safety pins) nor do they fall out.
  
  My favourite stitchmarkers

• The basic formula works as such - if you begin with 4 sc you will then increase 4 sc on each round. Here is a basic example.
  • Round 1. 4 sc (4)
  • Round 2. inc 1 in each sc around (8)
  • Round 3. *inc 1 (2 sc in 1 sc), sc in next sc* (12)
  • Round 4. *inc 1, 2 sc * (16)
  • Round 5. *inc 1, 3 sc* (20)
  • Round 6. *inc 1, 4 sc* (24)

• When it comes to decreasing the principle works the same. You may want to use a smaller hook when making decreases to prevent any little holes in your work.

• My example may not make too much sense if you're new to amigurumi, but after a while it will become so familiar you could do it in your sleep, you'll also soon be able to carry out entire conversations while silently counting in your head!

• Always begin working with the 'magic ring', even if you're following a pattern and it doesn't tell you to do this e.g. if your pattern says ch4 4sc in first ch, ignore this and make your 4 sc in a 'magic ring' rather. All other methods will inevitably leave a small hole at the beginning.

• Glass animal safety eyes are by far the best things to use for your creatures, the effect is amazing; once you've attached them then suddenly your creature seems alive and even has a personality!! There are other options for eyes of course. If I'm making a toy for a young baby I would definitely choose to embroider the eyes on. You can get moveable google eyes, sew-on button eyes, some of my creatures have even had their eyes 'bedazzled' on! If making a toy for a young child or baby I will always embroider the eyes on. My faovurite method for this is that used by Jean Greenhowe.

• My favorite part about Amigurumi is that there is hardly ever any need to weave ends in (my least favorite thing to do on the planet!). Most ends can be stuffed back inside their respective body parts, for example, with arms or legs I just stuff the ends of the yarn back inside the part and thus eliminating the needs to stuff this part! When changing colours or adding new yarn tie the two loose ends together using a double knot.

• When finishing off a piece leave the final tail piece quite long as this will be used to attach it to the body or head.

• When the time comes to sew your creature together the golden rule is to take your time. This is the most important part of the creation process, the make or break if you like.

• Always pin everything in place before you start sewing, this way you'll be confident that everything is proportionate and lined up before you begin and it will stop you from 'moving' the piece around as you sew, or squashing it together. Make double sure to remove all pins once pieces are attached. Give your amigurumi a bit of a squeeze to check for any pins that may have been 'swallowed up' in the process.

• This is the order I like to piece my creatures together.
  • Face
  • Ears
  • Join head to body
  • Feet
  • Arms

Steel pins are my weapon of choice when piecing together amigurmi

• If like me you prefer not to follow a pattern and rather just 'design' your creatures as you go, do yourself a favor and write down everything you do! You'll never know when you'll discover the formula for the perfect head/body etc. and it is so frustrating not being able to re-create it in the future!!

• If you're designing your own creatures don't be afraid to take inspiration from other patterns you've previously followed, even if they have nothing to do with amigurumi creatures. For example, the ears for my monkeys and bunnies were made using the same technique I learnt following a toes-up sock pattern (they're tiny little toes if you like!).

• Come to terms with the fact that no matter how careful you are your creature will never look exactly the way you originally envisioned him. It's almost like they have a will of their own and decide how they want to look. You can create two creatures following the exact same pattern, but each creature will have it's own entirely unique personality. Sometimes their heads seem to be at a jaunty angle even though you pieced them together with utmost care. Some appear to be smiling when this wasn't your intention etc. etc. Just give in to their will; it's less stressful on the whole and all just part of the process!

These are tutorials on the net which really helped me when I was first learning.

• Planet June's tutorial on crocheting with Fuzzy Yarn - a feat I have yet to accomplish without throwing my work across the room in a fit of rage. However, this tutorial gives me the inspiration to persevere!

• CrochetMe's Tutorial on how to join the head and body together.

• Planet June's tutorial on how to join part such as arms and legs to the body.

• CrochetMe's tutorial on the Magic Adjustable Loop.

• Planet June's discussion on the different types of eyes and noses available.

• CrochetMe's basic overview of Amigurumi.