Crochet Basics

  • Yarn Weight Comparison Chart

    There are many ways to represent the yarn weight, so here is a chart that will help you find the right yarn for any project.

    See chart 

  • Crochet Terms Comparison Chart

    I put together a small comparison chart with most common US and UK / Europe / AU crochet terms in English and Estonian.

    See chart 

  • Crochet Hook Comparison Chart

    I put together a little comparison chart based on the sizing of the most common crochet hook brands.

    See chart 

  • Parts of a Crochet Stitch

    In this post I will talk a little about the parts of a crochet stitch and different ways you can insert your hook through a stitch.

    Tutorial 

  • Crocheting into Base Chain

    Crocheting into the loops or "bumps" on the back of a starting chain. Doing this will leave a nice even row of loops along the bottom edge.

    Tutorial 

  • Basic Crochet Stitches

    A little video showing you how to do the basic crochet stitches and what they look like.

    Tutorial 

Amigurumi Essentials

  • Magic Ring

    Start crocheting in round with an adjustable loop and then pull the loop tightly closed.

    Tutorial 

  • Crocheting in Spiral

    Crocheting in spiral is the basis of amigurumi making - unlike crocheting in rounds, this creates a nice even fabric without a seam where the round ends.

    Tutorial 

  • Increasing

    Amigurumi is usually crocheted with just one stitch - single crochet stitch and increasing and decreasing are used to give shape to your toys.

    Tutorial 

  • Decreasing

    In this post I will show two of my favorite methods for decreasing when working with single crochet stitches.

    Tutorial 

  • Crocheting a Round Detail

    If want your amigurumi to be nice and round, like a teddy bears head for example, arrange the increases evenly around the piece.

    Tutorial 

  • Changing Yarns

    A quick and easy but neat way to change the yarn when working in single crochet stitch.

    Tutorial 

  • Finishing an Open Piece

    A quick and easy way to finish open amigurumi pieces.

    Tutorial 

  • Finishing a Closed Piece

    In this post I will show how to finish a closed piece nice and neatly.

    Tutorial 

  • Seamless Finish

    A great way to finish pieces crocheted in spiral or in rounds.

    Tutorial 

  • Joining Two Open Pieces

    In this post I will show two ways to join two open pieces - whip stitch and mattress stitch.

    Tutorial 

  • Sewing an Open Piece to a Closed Piece

    In this post I will show you two different ways to sew an open piece to a closed piece.

    Tutorial 

Advanced Techniques

  • Crocheting Amigurumi Pieces Together

    In this post, I will show you how to join two or more open amigurumi pieces as you crochet.

    Tutorial 

  • Using Yarn to Shape the Head

    Using yarn to make little indentations around the eyes to give your toys a cuter, softer expression.

    Tutorial 

  • Crocheting and Finishing Flat Details

    Just like the rest of your toy, the flat pieces start with a magic ring and are crocheted in spiral. Except, after you finish them, you push them flat and don't add any stuffing.

    Tutorial 

  • Sewing a Flat Piece to a Closed Piece

    How to sew flat pieces to closed pieces, depending on whether you want them to stand up or lay flat against the closed piece.

    Tutorial 

  • Start crocheting an Oval Piece With a Chain

    In this tutorial I will show how to use a chain as a base for an oval piece by crocheting the first row around the starting chain.

    Tutorial 

  • Leaving Holes for Safety Eyes

    If you are using tougher yarns like cotton, linen or hemp or plan to use oversized eyes, it may be worth thinking ahead and leave little holes in the fabric for your eyes, nose or joints.

    Tutorial 

  • Joining Rounds for Perfect Stripes

    In this post I will show you a way to join rounds to make the seam completely invisible.

    Tutorial 

  • Attaching Jointed Limbs

    In this post I will show three different ways to attach the limbs to make them movable.

    Tutorial 

  • One Pattern, Different Yarns

    One great thing about crocheting toys is that the exact size is rarely important, which gives you the opportunity to experiment with all kinds of different yarns.

    Tutorial 

  • Crocheting With Fuzzy Yarn

    A few tips for choosing and crocheting with fuzzy eyelash yarn.

    Tutorial 

Embellishments

  • Simple Embroidered Nose

    In this post I will show you how I usually embroider noses on my teddy bears, cats and bunnies.

    Tutorial 

  • Embroidering a Smile

    In this post I will show you how I like to embroider a smiling mouth (or any other curved line) on my crocheted toys.

    Tutorial 

  • Embroidered Bootlaces

    Embroidering laces on your crocheted boots is such a great and easy way to add a little detail and make them look more realistic.

    Tutorial