20 Easiest Crochet Amigurumi Patterns [Beginners Start Here!] (2024)

When you are a beginner, picking an easy crochet amigurumi pattern can make the difference between building your crochet confidence and feeling defeated.

This collection of easy amigurumi patterns for beginners is filled with ideas that will allow you to practice 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. Crocheting yarn creatures is a joy and this guide will get you well on your way to making 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!

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What makes these the easiest amigurumi patterns?

Easiest, Basic Stitches and Skills

The most basic stitches and skills you’ll need for beginner amigurumi patterns are very similar to what you would need 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.

Here are some skills you will likely come across in beginner amigurumi crochet patterns:

It is also helpful to know things like a double crochet stitch and how to change yarn color but not every free amigurumi pattern will call for them.

Adding Limbs And Joining Pieces

Sewing your project pieces togetheris also surprisingly simple. There are many different methods for joining pieces in amigurumi.

Easiest Joining Techniques

When you are first starting out, it is best to choose patterns that let you single crochet or whip stitch pieces together. You want to join amigurumi pieces with those methods because they are easy to learn and very beginner-friendly. Once you are a little more confident you can use advanced patterns that call for more advanced methods, like the mattress stitch.

What Do You Need For Amigurumi?

The basic supplies you need for most beginner amigurumi patterns are the same as what you need to get started with crochet in general. For most crochet projects, the necessities are:

• Yarn
• Crochet hook
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Yarn needles
• Straight pins (optional for joining pieces)

Additional Supplies

For your first amigurumi project, you might need a few more things, like safety eyes and stuffing. Some patterns will also call for things like embroidery yarn, beads or makeup to add extra details.

PRO TIP: Many smaller projects lend themselves well to being turned into keychains, so keeping some key rings with chains in your craft supplies will keep you ever-ready to whip up a quick gift.

Before you start working on a beginner crochet amigurumi pattern, read it all the way through. Then, gather all your crochet supplies to make sure you're not missing anything. Most patterns will 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 your first easy amigurumi project:

• 24/7 Cotton - a sturdy option that is ideal for getting well-defined stitches
• Basic Stitch Anti Pilling - great for making stuffed toys that will be well-loved
• Heartland - slight halo but still easy to work with

PRO TIP: when you are unsure of what yarn to use, refer to your pattern. The designerusually lists weight or even a 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 the easiest amigurumi projects, you should avoid those that use fur or overly fluffy yarn. This is because it can be difficult for beginners to see and count your stitches in furry yarn. It can be tempting to want to use yarn that looks very fluffy or fuzzy to make the cutest amigurumi animals possible.

Once you are a little more advanced and 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.

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
• Simple 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

Below you'll find some of the truly easiest patterns to start with though, so you should be able to choose whatever catches your eye.

Beginner Crochet Amigurumi Patterns

Alright, it's time to pick an easy amigurumi pattern! This list is curated with beginners in mind, so any of these free patterns should be a good fit. Even if you are just learning how to crochet, these patterns will bring a little more cuteness and joy to your life. Enjoy!

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.

Related: Modern Cat Bed Free Crochet Pattern

Easy, Adorable Objects

Easy 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.

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.

Amigurumi 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 beginner amigurumi projects. So, if you like having a video to accompany your pattern, take a look at these helpful tutorials.

Beginner 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 amigurumi project.

Just because a crochet kit is marked beginner-friendly, it 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 beginner amigurumi kits that are good for getting started making toys:

• The Woobles Bunny Crochet Kit
• Beginner Red Panda Crochet Kit
• Little Penguin Crochet Kit

What is the easiest amigurumi to crochet?

Which projects are easiest to make depends on the specific pattern and how they are put together. Look for things like whales and chibi-style animals that are made out of simple shapes and don't have a lot of detail.

What should I buy to start amigurumi?

The main things you need to start making crochet amigurumi are a hook, yarn, scissors, stuffing, and a beginner-friendly pattern with detailed instructions. Depending on the pattern you choose, you may also need stitch markers, safety eyes, a yarn needle, and other accessories.

What are the eyes on amigurumi called?

The most popular option for crochet amigurumi eyes are 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?

Can Beginners Do Amigurumi?

More Free Patterns + Tutorials

Can't get enough free crochet patterns!? Me either. You'll definitely want to breeze through these collections to find your next project.

• 55+ Free Crochet Sweater and Cardigan Patterns - our most popular garments
• 40+ Free Crochet Blanket Patterns - baby blankets, throws + c2c graphgans
• 36+ Granny Square Patterns + tips for the perfect square
• 30+ Crochet Animal Patterns - adorable amigurumi stuffed animals
• Crochet Gift Ideas - easy patterns to make for others
• Fast Crochet Projects - start to finish in less than a day

Learn a New Skill

And when you're ready to master a new skill, check out our detailed guides that include everything you need to know to level up your crochet game.

• How to Corner to Corner (C2C) Crochet for Beginners - with video tutorials to get you started
• How to Crochet a Beginner Hat - make an entire beanie in 1.5 hours!
• How to Crochet Amigurumi for Beginners - the ultimate guide to making your own toys and plushies
• How to Tunisian Crochet - learn with this video and a standard hook

Apply Your New Amigurumi Tricks

Amigurumi crochet skills translate really well to other types of small crochet projects and home decor. Now that you’ve crocheted your first stuffed animal, you might enjoy applying those skills to these free crochet patterns. Each of these projects also uses single crochet and is worked in the round.

• 30+ Crochet Christmas Ornaments - lots of festive amigurumi-type patterns here
• Rustic Basket Pattern - made with dollar store twine + thrifted leather belt
• Scrappy Bucket Hat - sizes children through adult

That was so fun! Now what?

Invitation to our Facebook group

Come chat about the easiest amigurumi patterns and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.