This guide supports the Learn to Make Amigurumi workshops in the Library Makerspaces. In these workshops, you will learn basic crochet skills for amigurumi, which is the Japanese craft of creating small stuffed toys. Check the workshop schedule here.
These images serve as a guide or reminder, as we work through each stitch.
1. Slip Knot
2. Chain Stitch
3. Single Crochet
4. Increase Stitch
5. Decrease Stitch
6. French Knot
These patterns will help you learn and practise your new crochet skills.
1. Donut (PDF)
This pattern will teach you
2. Chick (PDF)
Most Japanese amigurumi patterns are charts with very little writing. Even if you cannot read Japanese, you can use the charts to make toys. This pattern will teach you
This written pattern is only 18 rounds, but requires counting and keeping track of each round. Try it as a fun challenge!
We would love to see your finished toys!
Send your photographs to crochet instructor Eva McDonald or to Makerspace Librarian Muyi Ogunleye, or tag us on Instagram at @centennialllc.
We may feature your creations in our promotional campaigns.
Ready to advance your crochet skills?
1. Sign up for a free Ravelry account and search for more free amigurumi patterns. You can also post your makes on Ravelry and get feedback from the online community.
2. Find crochet books that you can check out from Centennial Libraries.
3. Join a crochet club at a Toronto Public Library branch. They are free to join!
4. If you have mastered the basic skills, try designing your own crochet creature or toy!. Bring your ideas to the workshops and use the Advanced Amigurumi Crochet guide to get started.
If you need help, bring your projects and questions to the workshops.
If you are a Centennial employee running a class or event, and would like to include a mini beginner crochet workshop, contact Makerspace Librarian Muyi Ogunleye. This simple Coffee Sleeve project will take about 90 minutes for an absolute beginner to complete. You will provide the space, and worsted weight acrylic yarn, which should be wound into 20 gram balls. Centennial Libraries Makerspace will provide the instructor, a dozen 5.0 mm crochet hooks (UK 6, US H/8), a pair of scissors, and yarn needles which must be returned at the end of the session.
Participants will learn
Coffee Sleeve
1. Ch30, and join for working in the round.
2. Sc around until the piece is as tall as you like.
3. Cut the yarn and pull it out of the last loop. Weave in the end.