Check out these adorable and easy amigurumi patterns (and learn just how to get started)!
You've likely heard of the crochet style of amigurumi (or seen it in your interweb travels) -- it's the crafty equivalent of those adorable photos of puppies and kittens that make you go "aww." Traditionally, amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures.
If you knit or crochet, it is very easy to get started with amigurumi, even for beginners. There are thousands of amigurumi patterns out there that range from easy to advanced, and come in every shape and size. To make it a easier to pick up those crochet hooks for the first time, we compiled these resources to get you started with crochet amigurumi!
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Step One: Learn the Basics
This amigurumi crochet course, offered by Craftsy and instructor Stacey Trock, teaches you all the basics you need to know. Later lessons even teach you how to design your own patterns, bringing your creations to fruition!Tutorials for Further Learning:
Tips for Reading Japanese Crochet Patterns

Ravelry.com
Crafters, meet Ella: a teeny amigurumi hippopotamus! This free and easy amigurumi pattern is great to give as a gift (or to just make for yourself).

Amigurumifood.blogspot.com
Bracing yourself for the winter chill? This cute and cuddly amigurumi mug of hot chocolate pattern will help get you in the winter spirit. Just make sure to make the smiling marshmallows, too.

Crochet Giraffe Buddies
Another easy pattern to try is this one for cuddly crochet amigurumi giraffes.
Ravelry.com
Around six inches in length, this crochet amigurumi kitten from Stephanie Law is a plush toy sure to win over crafters' hearts.

Craftsy.com
Another project great for beginners that's part of a Stacey Trock class is this Amigurumi Bunny!

Adorably Kawaii
Ready for more of a challenge? This intermediate pattern for a sleepy amigurumi fox is knitted, not crochet. So if you're more comfortable with needles rather than hooks, this is your pattern!

Top Crochet Patterns

mybackyardmonsters.tumblr.com
Indulge your fond memories of childhood fairytales and make an amigurumi Little Red Riding Hood and Big Bad Wolf. An intermediate to advanced pattern, this project is great for crocheters that want to hone their skills.

blog.mohumohu.com
Crochet kawaii stars are a beginner-friendly amigurumi project that can be made into a garland, festive decorations, or stocking stuffers!

blog.mohumohu.com
There's a lot of buzz around this beginner-friendly amigurumi crochet bee pattern from blog MohuMohu! Perfect for your first project, this cute little bee is crochet in the round and comes out to about 2 inches long.

Adorably Kawaii
The scope of amigurumi is far from limited to animals found in the wild. Embrace mythical animals, too, by making one of these crochet amigurumi baby dragons! This pattern is suited for beginners and intermediates, and comes out to about 5 inches.

Have a fruit bowl that needs a new friend? This delicious pear project comes free from My Amigurumi Farm.