Day 2 :: Choosing Your Yarn

This is Day 2 of the 31 Days of Amigurumi. This 31 day series is full of how-to's for designing and creating your very own amigurumi. Whether you're a beginner at ami's or just need help on a certain technique, there's something here for everyone.

Today we're going to be talking all about choosing the right yarns for your stuffed creations. Amigurumi have tons of stuffing inside and they need to hold their shape. They also need to last and wear slowly against all the love and attention they tend to get. Some yarns are better suited for these two things than others.

The type and weight of yarn isn't so much important as is what they do for your work. I've used all different sorts of yarns and they all have their own purpose. Lets talk about the different types now!

Yarn Types

Synthetic Yarns

When it comes to what kind of yarn you should use, it's mostly up to you. Because of the synthetic make up, synthetic yarns are made from long strands of man made fibers. That means they won't stretch out and are very hard to rip, making them super durable for amigurumi toys. Their long strands mean they won't pill as easily, which makes them look new for longer. They come in a large number of colors and the price is great, and with softer acrylics on the market it's the perfect yarn for amigurumi creations.

Natural Yarns

When cotton and wool are harvested they come in short fibers that are then spun into the yarn. Those short fibers can pill when over handled or washed excessively. It gets "fluffy" real quick! I don't use wool for many reason, but mainly because it's just not cost effective for me when I'm making ami's. Cotton works well for creations that won't be handled too much, so I generally only use it for toys meant for babies. Cotton can be a little more expensive than acrylic, so I'm always picky when I use it.

So what does this mean? In my opinion, acrylic yarn is better!

Yarn Weights

The weight doesn't matter so much if you're making your own designs unless you are trying to match up different weights. You want a consistent look for your creations, so if you want to mix weights I suggest you are very strategic about it. For instance, make the body out of the same weight and only use other weights for accents like hair, clothes, wings, things like that. Of course this is my personal preference, so you can do what feels right for you and what you're creating.

If you want to make smaller amigurumi then I suggest using a smaller weight like sport weight yarn or even a cotton thread. The smaller the yarn and hook then the tighter the stitches and the less your stuffing will show through.

So what does this mean? Yarn weights are up to you and what you're making. If you're a beginner then stick to worsted weight yarn.


I like to use worsted weight yarn for my creations because it's easier to come by, and even so, all those tiny hooks and tiny stitches from smaller ami just hurt my hands. LOL Stay tuned for tomorrow when we'll be talking about the importance of tight stitches and how you can make your stitches tighter if you're a lose crocheter.


Happy crocheting,
~ Chassity O.