The Origin And Popularity Of Amigurumi Crochet
The word itself, amigurumi, sounds difficult and complicated and something that would take a multitude of time to complete. This is not so. Amigurumi crochet is a method to make tiny stuffed animals that are made by crocheting yarn and, as you would surmise, the technique comes from Japan. The word itself is taken from two Japanese words, ami meaning knitted and nuigurumi, a popular doll in Japan. These little animals are stuffed with soft material and are extremely easy to make.
Crocheting is not a craft that is native to Japan. Samurai learned how to knit in order to make socks with toes that allowed them a better freedom of movement. Because the Japanese people did not have patterns for knitting or crocheting that came down from generation to generation they began to make their own thing. Charts to make the cute little animals where developed using Japanese calligraphy. Some of these charts are works of art themselves.
The first time the crochet animals were made was during the fifties when Japanese culture began to have a obsession with cuteness. This is when the famous large headed white cat with a pink bow named Hello Kitty, came into being. Things changed drastically for the Japanese during the sixties when many families moved from rural areas to be in the city and work in offices. The cute characters that they loved were suddenly mass produced in order to keep the public that was turning into a work driven population happy. These small animals made people smile and gave the cuteness back to the many working themselves to death in offices. They were given as gifts so that people would smile.
To make some of these cute little animals you use a smaller crochet hook than you would normally use for the size of yarn. The whole pattern is made in a spiral that never connects which entails marking the first stitch of each row so you do not get lost in the pattern. The Japanese charts are very hard for some to read because of the characters. It should be noted that the charts are merely a suggestion of how to make the animals. It is expected that once you understand how they are made you deviate from the pattern to make your own creation.
Today you can find patterns that are written out just like regular patterns for crochet sweaters or other items. It is very easy to make because you only use a few stitches. One is a single crochet and the other is a chain. The only thing you do is either increase or decrease the amount of stitches in a row that make the animal take shape.
You only use a few yards of yarn to make one animal or doll so you can use up any yarn that is just sitting around gathering dust. Place some sequins or beads on your animal to make it special. Stuff it with poly fiberfill or use old stockings. Some animals are made with pellets or beads to give them a bean bag quality. Just do a search online and you will find patterns for all kinds of things. Make cats, bunnies, birds, lions, and all kinds of other animals. There are patterns for food items and flowers so you can make cupcakes and roses out of yarn. There is an explosion of product and patterns that come from virtually ever country of the world. With this said, be aware that making amigurumi is totally addictive and once you start they will multiply fast. Everyone you know will have one and enjoy them as fun additions to cute stuff they collect.
Want to find out more about Amigurumi Crochet, then visit our site on how to choose the best crochet patterns for your needs.