When you’re a beginner, picking a crochet amigurumi pattern can make the difference between building your confidence and feeling defeated.
This collection of easy amigurumi patterns for beginners is filled with ideas for practicing your skills while making super cute toys, stuffies, and animals.
The Easiest Beginner Amigurumi Patterns
Just learning how to crochet amigurumi? These easy patterns have been chosen just for you. I have so much fun making yarn creatures that I wanted to create this guide to show you how to make your own handmade gifts and toys!
From simple crochet stitches to the best yarn to use, we’ll go over everything you need to get started. Plus, building these skills will help you make all kinds of amigurumi creations, like delightful dolls and plush plants!
What makes these the easiest amigurumi patterns?
Beginner Crochet Amigurumi Patterns
Alright, it’s time to pick your amigurumi pattern! This list is curated with beginners in mind. Even if you’re just learning how to crochet, these patterns will bring a little more cuteness and joy to your life!
Easy Animals + Critters
Crochet stuffed animals can be some of the most charming types of amigurumi. Perhaps coming across a cute critter is what inspired you to learn how to crochet plushies in the first place.
The following patterns are really good starter projects because they involve minimal seaming and joining and are quite small and quick.
Rectangle Bunny for Absolute Beginners
Chubby, Squishy Manatee
Mini Crochet Kittens for Beginners
Related: Modern Crochet Pet Bed Bed Pattern
Cleo the Crochet Clam
Itty Bitty Penguin
Beginner Friendly Crochet Cat Ami
No-Sew Whale
Related: 30+ Cute Crochet Keychains
Bear Lovey Blanket
Easy, Adorable Objects
Amigurumi doesn’t have to include only animals. Part of the joy of crocheting plushies is that the style of amigurumi can make almost any object look cute.
Squishy Kawaii Raindrop
Beginner Friendly Crochet Tooth
Huggable Happy Pill Plushie
Jumbo Pencil Amigurumi
Rocket Crochet Pattern
Easy Food Amigurumi
Fruits, veggies, and other food can be some of the easiest amigurumi patterns because they tend to be made of simple shapes and require minimal joining.
Carrot Rattle Baby Toy
Birthday Cupcake with Candle
Hot Dog with Mustard
Crochet Wine Glass
Cute Fluffy Pumpkin Pie Plushie
Patterns With Beginner Video Tutorials
A video is not only great for visual learners, but it also lets you compare your progress and feel more confident in your projects. If you enjoy having a video to accompany your pattern (like me!), take a look at these helpful tutorials.
Calming Scrap Yarn Octopus
Amigurumi Mango Video Tutorial
Crochet Skills for Amigurumi
The skills you’ll need for beginner amigurumi patterns are very similar to those used for other kinds of small crochet projects. For example, magic loops are the basis of amigurumi dolls, but they are also used in things like crochet hats or granny squares.
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Here are some skills and stitches you will likely come across in amigurumi patterns:
| Amigurumi Stitch | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| magic circle / magic ring | mc / mr |
| Single crochet stitch | sc |
| Single stitch increase | inc |
| Invisible decrease | inv dec |
| Slip stitch | slst |
It is also helpful to know things like a double crochet stitch and how to change yarn color, but not every pattern will call for them.
If you’re nervous about not knowing how to do something for your project, read through the entire pattern before you begin. When you see a technique you’re unfamiliar with, find a video tutorial or other guide that will help you practice.
Adding Limbs And Joining Pieces
Sewing your project pieces together is surprisingly simple. There are many different methods to choose from.
Easiest Joining Techniques
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to choose patterns that let you single crochet or whip stitch pieces together. I personally love those methods because they are easy to learn and very beginner-friendly. Once you are a little more confident, you can try more advanced methods, like the mattress stitch.
Placement
You’ll probably feel the need to place your limbs juuuusssst right. But this can get stressful to simply eyeball. I suggest using stitch markers, pins, or an erasable fabric pen to help you mark the spot where you want to attach the body part.
Supplies Needed
Most beginner amigurumi patterns use the same basic supplies needed for crochet in general. For most projects, you’ll need:
- Yarn
- Crochet hook
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Yarn needles
- Straight pins (optional for joining pieces)
Additional Supplies
For your first project, you might need a few more things, like safety eyes and stuffing. Some patterns also call for embroidery yarn, beads, or makeup to add extra details.
PRO TIP: Many smaller projects lend themselves well to being turned into keychains, so I like to keep some key rings with chains in my craft supplies, which will have you ever-ready to whip up a quick gift.
Before you start working on an amigurumi pattern, read it all the way through. Then, gather all your crochet supplies to make sure you’re not missing anything. Most patterns have a supplies list that makes it easy to double-check that you’re good to go.
Best Yarn for Beginner Amigurumi Projects
When you are first starting out, stick with easy-to-use yarn and follow your pattern diligently. The best types of yarn for beginners are acrylic, cotton, and cotton blends.
Amigurumi can be made with any yarn weight. While sport weight is most common, you can also use worsted weight yarn or even larger options like Lion Brand’s Vel-Luxe Jumbo Yarn.
Suggested Brands
Here are some great Lion Brand yarn options for crocheting amigurumi:
- 24/7 Cotton – a sturdy yarn that’s ideal for getting defined stitches
- Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling – great for making stuffed toys that will be well-loved
- Heartland – has a slight halo but still easy to work with
PRO TIP: When unsure of what yarn to use, refer to your pattern. The designer usually lists weight or even the specific yarn they used. Even if you don’t use the exact yarn, seeing what they used can help you choose something similar.
Avoid Fuzzy Yarn At First
When you’re looking for a new amigurumi project, it can be tempting to use the fluffiest and fuzziest yarn to make the cutest animals possible! However, I would avoid patterns that use fur or overly fluffy yarn. It can be difficult for beginners to see and count their stitches in furry yarn.
Once you’re a little more confident in your skill level, you can venture out and use more varied yarns and techniques. In the meantime, be patient with yourself and focus on mastering the beginner skills.
Related: How to Shop Your Stash: The Best Patterns for Using the Yarn You Have
What to Look for in Beginner Amigurumi Patterns
A general word of warning – not all patterns that are marked as beginner-friendly are ideal for people just starting on their ami journey. Some patterns are intended for slightly more advanced beginners or, quite honestly, are just marked inaccurately.
Thankfully, there are some things you can look for that will help you identify the easiest amigurumi patterns:
- Simple shapes
- Not a lot of limbs or attachments
- Easy embroidered faces or safety eyes
- Single crochet stitches make up the majority of the project
- Step-by-step photos or a video tutorial
- Just one or two colors
- Something you will enjoy making
This will ensure you find the simplest patterns to start with!
Crochet Amigurumi Kits
It can be really tempting to pick up any stuffed animal crochet kit and attempt to get started. But it’s worth taking a minute to determine if your kit is easy enough for a first-timer.
Just because a kit is marked beginner-friendly doesn’t mean it necessarily is. You should look for similar characteristics as a beginner pattern – simple shapes, not a lot of detail, and something you would enjoy making.
When buying a kit, it’s also a good idea to check out the reviews. Pay close attention to comments that mention the project being too difficult or very time-consuming.
If you just want something that will get you started quickly, then a kit can be a great option.
Here are some good amigurumi kits for beginners:
What Are the Eyes on Amigurumi Called?
The most popular option for amigurumi eyes is called “safety eyes.” Despite the name, they are not recommended for kids under age three in case they come loose.
Safety eyes come in many styles and sizes, so they can add a lot of character to your toy. They are also easy to attach but are fairly difficult to pull out – perfect for well-loved stuffed animals!
What’s The Easiest Crochet Doll to Make?
There is not one specific crochet doll or toy that is the easiest for beginners to make. Common beginner amigurumi projects range from kitties to turtles. A whale is also a popular option since it doesn’t need a lot of detail.
Surprisingly, octopi and jellyfish are also enjoyable and easy projects for beginners because they have a simple shape, despite having multiple tentacles.
That was so fun! Now what?
More Amigurumi Patterns You Might Like
Once you’ve learned the basics of crocheting amigurumi, you’re ready to tackle these fun and creative plushie patterns.
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come chat about your favorite amigurumi patterns and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here, thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other’s questions and share their stitches.
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