Everything You Need.
Beginner Tools
All the tools you’ll need to create the amigurumi projects of your dreams! All linked items have been tried and tested, 10/10, used in every project!
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These are the only crochet hooks you’ll ever need.
Obviously, you get your array of sizes. I’m pretty set on using my 4.5mm & 5.0mm for my plush yarns, but I use all the other sizes for various different projects such as blankets, sweaters, or tops. It’s good to have options, especially when dealing with those pesky gauge swatches…
Furthermore, these crochet hooks are tapered, not in-line, this means that the “hook” part is actually rounded instead of flat-cut, making it so much easier to glide through your yarn and prevent splitting and catching. Believe it or not, most expensive and fancy looking hooks are cut in-line, and in my opinion, they’re a pain to use.
These hooks also have a longer working shaft (exCUSE my language). In simpler terms: that metal part? That’s longer, meaning it can hold more stitches, which is extremely useful when doing bobble stitches and clusters. The shaft also stays the same width, which means it won’t mess up your tension if you need to push a chain or two down.
Lastly, they’re color-coded and unique. I store my hooks all in one pencil cup, hook side up. Reaching for color instead of lifting each one up to check the engraving saves you so much effort, especially when these hook sizes differ by 0.5mm! The clay handles are cute and haven’t hurt my hands yet :)
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After you start crocheting for awhile, you just kind of crave a center pull. The yarn sits still and it glides easier when you’re on your way! Caking your yarn is just the easiest way to prevent yarn barf, to store half-used skeins without tangles, and to keep your skeins all neat and tidy.
I think I tried three different cake winders before settling on this one. It’s inexpensive, it works, and it’s “portable” in the sense that I used to carry this thing with me from apartment to apartment and couldn’t complain.
The biggest plus is that it can hold up to 10oz of yarn, most (if not, all) of the other cuter ones you see can only hold up to 4oz. Run and check all your yarn labels! I guarantee that if you’re shopping at Joann’s/Michaels, your skeins are larger than that. I’m not always winding full skeins, but sometimes I am! And the last thing I want to do is cut up my skein into smaller cakes- nonono
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Unless you’re ready to take up the challenge of perfectly-cut felt or alarmingly symmetrical embroidery, safety eyes are the way to go.
This starter collection features an assortment of 5mm - 14mm eyes and 8mm - 12mm noses, a perfect set if you’re planning on creating smaller projects!
Starting off with an assortment will definitely come in handy so you can get a feel of which sizes are most-used for you!
(Would definitely recommend getting a sturdier compartment case though, these ones are prone to breaking and (speaking from experience) organizing safety eyes by look is a tedious tedious task)
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Actually, do yourself a favor and buy your polyfill at a brick & mortar, I bet it’ll be cheaper! Just check out the link above to see the brand I absolutely recommend.
It may seem like the standard, but I’ve actually tried a couple different kinds of stuffing, and this is my favorite. The polyfill puffs up great while still having a squish. And (importantly for amigurumi) you’re able to run your darning needle through this stuffing and have it come out the other end cleanly. I’ve gone through pounds and pounds of this stuffing…
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The kit linked above comes with some cute & colorful plastic yarn needles, but these darning needles are the way to go. I’ve been using my same red needle for a year now, no complaints!
Having a metal needle is just sturdier, and if you’re sewing pieces together in every project you have, whether it be a patchwork cardigan or a complex amigurumi plush, you need a needle you can rely on.
Furthermore, the angle is extremely helpful when you need your needle to peak-out of the mass of stitches you’re working with. I’ve grown so accustomed to this needle that I can never, ever go back to using a straight one again!
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You’re going to lose them. They might snap. You’re going to lose them.
If you’re following a pattern you’ve never done before, sewing together pieces that need to be aligned, or need to mark an important place, ya need your stitch markers. These are the gold standards. They’re easier to clip on and off, big enough to use with plush yarns, and the assortment of colors gives you the options you know you deserve.
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This starter collection features an assortment of 14mm - 30mm eyes, a perfect set if you’re planning on creating larger projects!
Starting off with an assortment will definitely come in handy so you can get a feel of which sizes are most-used for you!
**Would definitely recommend getting a sturdier compartment case though, (speaking from experience) organizing safety eyes by look is a tedious tedious task**
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This is the storage container I use! If you’re purchasing two complete assortments (as linked above), you’re definitely going to need a place to organize them. This little storage bin fits all my safety eyes and noses when categorized by size and has never broken or popped open. Joann’s stopped carrying this item, so now of course, Amazon is my go-to for this brand :)