Basic Amigurumi Stitches: Complete Guide for Beginners

Creating perfect amigurumi starts with mastering the basic stitches. While amigurumi may seem complex, they are actually based on a few essential techniques executed correctly.

In this guide, you will learn:

  • The fundamental stitches for amigurumi

  • Step-by-step instructions for each stitch

  • Practical tips for compact, professional results

1. Magic Ring (MR)

The magic ring is the best way to start working in the round without leaving a visible hole in the center.

How to make a magic ring:

  1. Wrap the yarn around your fingers to form a loop.

  2. Insert the hook into the loop and pull the yarn through.

  3. Chain 1 to secure it.

  4. Work the required single crochets into the ring.

  5. Pull the short tail to close the circle.

Tip: Pull tightly to prevent the opening from widening over time.

2. Single Crochet (sc)

Single crochet is the most important stitch in amigurumi.
It creates a tight fabric, perfect for holding stuffing.

How to do it:

  1. Insert the hook into the next stitch.

  2. Pull the yarn through (two loops on the hook).

  3. Pull the yarn through both loops.

  4. Maintain even tension for a neat, consistent result.

3. Increase (inc)

Increase adds width and volume to your work.

How to make an increase:

  • Work 2 single crochets in the same stitch from the previous round.

Classic example:

  • Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6)

  • Round 2: 1 sc in each stitch (12)

  • Round 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat around (18)

Tip: Slightly alternate the placement of increases in later rounds to avoid a hexagonal shape.

4. Invisible Decrease (inv dec)

Invisible decrease is essential for keeping amigurumi tight and without holes.

How to do it:

  1. Insert the hook only into the front loops of two consecutive stitches.

  2. Pull yarn through both loops.

  3. Pull yarn through the remaining loops on the hook.

Preferred over a regular decrease because it avoids visible gaps.

5. Slip Stitch (sl st)

Used to close rounds or finish edges.

How to do it:

  • Insert hook into the indicated stitch.

  • Pull yarn through both the stitch and the loop on the hook.

Tip: Don’t make it too tight to avoid stiff edges.

6. Double Crochet (dc)

Less common in amigurumi, useful for decorative details like hair, ruffles, or accessories.

How to do it:

  1. Yarn over.

  2. Insert hook into stitch.

  3. Pull yarn through.

  4. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops.

  5. Yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops.

7. Working in the Round: Spiral vs Closed Round

Spiral (most common for amigurumi):

  • Do not join rounds

  • Use a stitch marker

  • Produces a smooth, uniform result

Closed Round:

  • Join with a slip stitch

  • Start with a chain

  • Leaves a visible seam

  • For amigurumi, spiral work is preferred.

8. Color Change Technique

To change colors cleanly:

  1. Complete the last stitch of the old color, stopping before the final yarn-over.

  2. Insert new color and finish the stitch.

  3. Optionally, slip stitch before the new color for a cleaner transition.

9. Closing Amigurumi Without Holes

For a perfect closure:

  1. When 5–6 stitches remain, cut the yarn leaving a long tail.

  2. Thread a yarn needle and pass it through the front loops of remaining stitches.

  3. Pull tight to close the circle.

  4. Secure and hide the tail inside.

This ensures a professional finish.

Conclusion

Mastering the basic amigurumi stitches is the first step to creating tight, durable, and well-shaped amigurumi.

Magic ring, single crochet, increases, and invisible decreases are the foundation of every project. With practice, these techniques will become second nature.

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