Tutorial 1: How to Start Crocheting

I started learning crocheting from youtube and tjw1963 is a very good teacher. She's got very clear instructions and great demonstrations so I'm recommending that you subscribe to her youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/tjw1963

Just to give a better idea of how to start, it all basically starts with chain stitches. Here's what it is:


After which, you should learn how to do the Single Crochet:


Combining what you've learnt above, you can basically crochet 1 row! :) To continue to the next row, you will need to flip your work over, do 1 chain stich, and start doing single crochets across the row as per the first row. Keep repeating the procedure and soon you'll end up with a square / rectangular crocheted work!

Basic Abbreviations and Symbols in Amigurumi

If you're new to amigurumi, you'll probably be overwhelmed by all the different abbreviations used in the patterns.

Here's a quick list of some of the basics few abbreviations that are used in many patterns you can find online or in books:
ch (o) : chain
sc (X) : single crochet
hdc (T) : half double crochet
dc () : double crochet
tc () : triple crochet
sl st (●) : slip stitch
dec () : decrease (1 sc in two stitches)
inc () : increase (2 sc in one stitch)
st - stitch

There are also many others that you will encounter when you're more pro in crochet, but these are the most basic ones. Abbreviations are used in the "wordy" patterns and the symbols (in brackets above) are used in pictorial patterns.

Here's a sample of a "wordy" pattern:
Rnd 1: Ch 2. 6 sc in second ch. from hook.
2 sc in each st. around (12 sts)
Rnd 2: [sc, 2sc in next st.] repeat around (18 sts)
Rnd 3: [2sc, 2sc in next st.] repeat around (24 sts)

...

And here's a sample of a "pictorial" pattern which you'll usually find in Japanese crochet books.

I would suggest that it'll be good to learn both methods of interpreting patterns in case a crocheted item you love a lot is only available in the pattern instructions that you don't understand.

Welcome to my amigurumi site! :)

I've only started doing amigurumi i.e. crocheted stuffed creatures/items last February (2008). Previously I'd done basic knitting and it was when I was searching online to find out how to knit soft toys that I chanced upon this different knitting technique called crochet.

And I fell in love with it ever since! =D

Crocheting cute little creatures makes me feel somewhat like God (lol) because I'm their creator! ;) I've no idea what I'm going to do with this site, but hopefully there's something for you to pick up from here!

Amigurumi rules! :) :) :)


(An Amigurumi I made for my mum. It's named Sushi! :))