There’s something magical about turning a ball of yarn into an adorable, fluffy creature. If you’ve been bitten by the amigurumi bug (and honestly, how could you not be?), having the right amigurumi book for beginners can make all the difference between a frustrating first project and a hobby you’ll be obsessed with for life!
I’ve rounded up some of the best amigurumi books out there. From complete beginner guides that walk you through every single stitch, to a bit more advanced but still simple projects. If you or your kids want to try this addictive hobby, these books are a great starting point.
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It’s been way too many years since I’ve crocheted. I loved it as a kid, but as years passed, I completely forgot about it. Until recently, when seeing all the cute crocheted stuffed toys people were making made me want to start again. That said, most of my knowledge was lost, so I am a beginner. And will see myself as one for the longest time.
Disclaimer: I am a craft book hoarder. I buy them, I admire them, I fully intend to make everything in them before buying the next one… But… If you know, you know.
The Big Book of Beginner Amigurumi: 60 Easy Projects for Charming Crochet Creations
If you’re just getting started with amigurumi, The Big Book of Beginner Amigurumi by Maggy and Pippa Woodley of Red Ted Art is a fantastic place to begin. Maggy is a well-known name in the crafting world, so you know you’re in good hands. Their instructions are clear and approachable! The book walks you through the basics so you’re not just thrown into the deep end. With 60 projects to work through, you’ll have plenty of adorable creations to keep you busy for a long time. If you want a little taste before you commit, they has a free sample project (this is one of the more advanced projects from the book) over on her website so you can see her teaching style for yourself.
Amigurumi Made Easy: 16 Straightforward Animal Crochet Patterns
Amigurumi Made Easy by Mariska Vos-Bolman of DIY Fluffies is one of those books that just makes you feel like you can actually do this. Mariska has a pretty fun background. She spent years as a 3D modeler before swapping digital designs for yarn and crochet hooks (now that’s a career change!). Crocheting is a lot like programming, though. Both need focus, and there can be a lot of problem-solving with both. The book covers all your stitches and techniques upfront before sending you off into 16 animal patterns, from a flamingo and a puffin to a gorilla and a snail. Honestly, your biggest problem will be deciding which one to make first. What makes it stand out for beginners is that the trickier parts come with step-by-step photos. Plus there are video tutorials to lean on when you’re stuck. Simple patterns that still have loads of personality, what more could you want?
Amigurumi for Beginners: Learn to Crochet Creative Figures with 20 Easy Patterns
Another great option for anyone just starting out is Amigurumi for Beginners by Julia Simpson of Wayward Pineapple Creations. Julia is a crochet designer with years of amigurumi experience, and it really shows in how she’s put this book together. She kicks things off with a thorough basics section, we’re talking tools, stitches, techniques… All of it before easing you into 20 animal patterns that gradually build on each other as you go. So you’re not just making cute things (though you absolutely are), you’re actually getting better with every project. From pudgy penguins to a sleepy sloth, the patterns are the kind that make you want to work through the whole book.
Crochet Amigurumi for Every Occasion: 21 Easy Projects to Celebrate Life’s Happy Moments (The Woobles Crochet)
If you’ve spent any time in the crochet corner of the internet, you’ve probably come across The Woobles, and for good reason. They were even featured on Shark Tank with their oh-so-cute crochet kits, and within their first year, they taught tens of thousands of people how to crochet, which is pretty incredible. Crochet Amigurumi for Every Occasion by Justine Tiu brings that same beginner-friendly magic to book form, with 21 adorable patterns. The patterns are ordered from easiest to most complex, so you’re building your skills in bite-sized chunks the whole way through, and if you get stuck, tricky stitches and techniques come with video tutorials on The Woobles website. My favorite? Clint the Cactus as nothing beats a plant that you can’t kill ;).
Bookies: Bookmarks to Crochet (Dover Crafts: Crochet)
Okay, this one is a little different but I couldn’t leave it out! Bookies: Bookmarks to Crochet by Jonas Matthies of Supergurumi is pure joy in book form. Instead of stuffed animals, you’re making crocheted bookmarks for all of your crochet books :). These are little bug-eyed animal characters with stuffed heads and flat bodies that peek out of your book while holding your place. Honestly, how cute is that? There are 17 patterns to work through, so just enough to have fun with. Now, full transparency, not all of them are super beginner friendly, and a few sadly come a bit off (still cool though). That said, the patterns are quick to make, so when you are ready, you won’t be waiting forever to see results and that little dopamine hit of a finished project is very much worth it. The bookmarks are more than perfect for gifting too, a handmade bookmark is such a sweet little gift that nobody expects!
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