Amigurumi Hints and Tips

The most valuable lesson i ever learned by starting to crochet amigurumi, was that no matter how good your concentration level is you will always at least once, forget which stitch you are up to.

Now i have been in super concentration mode before and then all of a sudden i wouldl hear something outside or the phone will ring or someone would start talking to me and before i knew it i had lost count of my stitches and had myself completely lost as to where i was.

No doubt this happens to everyone and even the most skilled have not mastered blocking out every single sound and distraction (or not that i have ever heard of!) So for this reason when starting out amigurumi you should buy or make a stitch marker.

A stitch marker is something you hook onto the first stitch in each step. Or, you can hook it onto the last stitch or wherever you wish. Its usually only small but big enough that it wont get lost in your work. The best idea when buying or making stitch markers is to vary the sizes for your projects. So, when your making something large, you could use a bigger and brighter stitch marker, and when your stitching something teeny-tiny you would want to use a smaller stitch marker.

Believe me, there is nothing more annoying then getting up to steps that consist of 30+ stitches and then realising you arent sure if you counted the last stitch or not! Or worse, your stitch comes undone due to a knot or cut in the yarn.

Stitch marker can be bought in most craft stores and also on etsy. You can make your own stitch marker by using small rings and adding beads and other charms to it. Just make sure you dont use a charm that will catch on your work.

Another fantastic tip to remember when your following an amigurumi pattern, its always good to have a copy of it infront of you on your computer or a photocopy on your desk infront of you. I prefer to have the pattern infront of me so i can make marks and scribble notes all over it. Sometimes i like to change the patterns so i will make marks on the pattern to remind myself what i did for next time, or for when i want to change it again.

I also like to have it infront of me so i can cross off each step as i do it. Sometimes i will have repeated similar steps so many times that i actually forget which step im up to (even after i just did it!). We all have mental blanks some times and it can be frustrating to finish the project and realise you made a mistake.

If you arent able to print a copy of the pattern your using, its always a good idea to drag your mouse over the step your on, and highlight the words with your mouse. This way, you know that once you complete a step, the next step to do will be the one under the highlighted words.

Makes it easy right?

Another useful step to remember is that sometimes we look at our projects differently to someone else.

If you are making up your own pattern and crocheting as you go, its a great idea to stop and walk away from your project every so often. Don't try and finish it in one sitting. The reason for this is, you may notice that the shape is slightly off, something doesnt measure up or you may have added something to the wrong place without knowing. I know this probably seems strange but when your creating your own masterpieces your spending so much time on them that its hard to see the project as a whole with a fresh mind.

So, make yourself a cup of coffee, watch tv, read a magazine or go for a walk. Even if just for 20 minutes, and when you come back look at your project. You will notice straight away if there is something odd about it and hopefully you would have caught it in time to fix it without too must hastle. If you dont see anything strange then fantastic-keep stitching!

One last tip for those who sell their lovely works of art on places like Etsy, Ebay, or other online marketplaces. Always make sure you take photos in natural light. Its so important to get the correct colours to show up, and to make the amigurumi come to life.

I find that i generally make my amigurumis of an evening or night, and when i finish there is minimal to no natural light. I have tried taking photos of them in desk lamp light-but everything just looks so dull and lifeless.

If your photos look like they have come alive, and vibrant then they will surely attract many people to view your gorgeous works of art. Even if your not selling them and you wish to post them on a website or blog this tip is still for you! Afterall, your amigurumi works of art deserve the attention they will get from a beautiful photo!