Getting the hang of amigurumi for complete beginners is definitely a little tricky, but after teaching myself to crochet amigurumi a year ago, Iām here to tell you about the easiest amigurumi patterns for beginners!
These projects are the ones that I used in the very beginning to learn to make amigurumi, and all include clear, step by step photos, and sometimes videos, which are the most beneficial to beginners. If you follow them all consecutively, then you will have achieved amigurumi enlightenment! (Just kidding, kind of.)
I’ve also taken all the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a list of all my most used crochet supplies, and ones that I would personally recommend! Check it out here!
Table of Contents
1. Amigurumi whale
Amigurumi whales are the classic beginner project, because they are made of simple balls with a few extra parts worked in the round to create the fins and tail. This whale was my first beginner project, and it was incredibly helpful to me because it boosted my confidence and gave me a quick win so that I felt motivated to continue crocheting!
This video tutorial includes step by step instructions for complete beginners, so although itās recommended to know the basics (magic ring, single crochet, increase/decrease), the tutorial will show all the steps on screen without fast forwarding so that you can review them.
For a list of the complete basic skills of amigurumi along with video tutorials for each, read my blog post here.
This tutorial is also accompanied by a written pattern, so if you want to practice reading a written pattern so that you can follow those later on, itās a great video for that as well.
Stuck on what kind of yarn to get? Check out my blog post on my nine favorite yarns for amigurumi — with tons of examples for each yarn!
If you canāt see the video below, try turning off ad-block for my website and then refresh the page.
2. Amigurumi cactus
This amigurumi cactus pattern is perfect for those who are familiar with crocheting flat, but want to try out an amigurumi project.
This cactus is made from a rectangle, and uses a simple BLO technique that gives it a cute ribbing detail.
If youāre nervous about attempting this project, the written pattern is chock-full of beginner crochet resources and thereās a video to walk you through any elements that you find confusing.
The video is also geared towards complete beginners, with minimal fast forwarding — a huge win!
I love how adorable this mini cactus is and the video also includes written instructions in captions so that you can get used to crochet abbreviations that are commonly used in patterns.
3. Baby octopus
These adorable baby octopi are super cute and insanely easy. If you can make a ball, you can make these octopi! Jade at Sweet Softies includes detailed step by step instructions to make the bottom part of these little sea critters, so itās an extremely beginner friendly pattern (thereās even a video!)
The best part is that you can make them in rainbow colors or even make them in white to transform them into āOcto-Ghostsā!
4. Plush Donut
This super cute plush donut is insanely adorable and uses the same techniques that you use to make a ball. However, youāll use a special seaming technique to form this donut shape. The best part is, if you use velvet yarn, this project ends up being slightly bigger than a real life donut!
These are completely adorable and and amazing beginner friendly project to build your confidence. You can whip up a dozen of these in no time at all!
5. Bubble tea
Amigurumi foods are some of the most fun projects to make out there, and this tiny bubble tea drink is no exception. Each piece is worked in the round, so if youāve made any kind of ball shaped amigurumi, then you can make this! The boba pearls are created with small rounds of felt, but you can also customize this drink to be your favorite Starbucks order. Mocha latte, anyone?
6. Mini succulent
I love house plants as much as the next person, but I canāt keep them alive to save my life. The solution is simple — crochet an adorable tiny houseplant that will always keep you company!
This beginner friendly pattern uses a few techniques for confident beginners like changing colors and the crab stitch, but apart from that, this pattern is a breeze.
7. Easy peasy mini turtles
These adorable mini turtles from Pink Mouse Boutique are so cute! The intricate pattern on their shells is just made through variegated yarn, but it makes this pattern look way harder than it actually is.
A bit more sewing is required for this project (four legs, a head, and the shell to the bottom), but overall itās a super quick make and you wonāt be able to resist making a whole family of them.
8. Mini Ice Cream Cones
This super adorable set of ice cream cones is a super fun and beginner friendly amigurumi to make!
Although it has a lot of extra parts, theyāre all worked in the round and arenāt functionally different to make than a ball. This pattern requires a little extra patience, but itāll be so worth it in the end when you can cuddle your chubby ice cream cones. The sprinkles on top are such a cute touch!
9. Ellie the bunny
Everyone, this was my first amigurumi doll that had full on limbs. Ellie the bunny is so precious and her tiny dress makes her look so cute and innocent!
The basic bunny shape is fairly straightforward but is a great option for a first amigurumi with legs and arms, and the dress is an optional add on if you want an extra challenge. You can make this bunny in a whole range of colors, from natural whites and grays to pinks and blues! A timeless, heirloom pattern that you and your children will cherish.
More teddy bear free patterns:
- Waffle the Chubby Bear
- Fluffle the Crochet Bear
- Bear Basket
- Teddy Pocket Shawl
- Strawbeary the Strawberry Bear
- Shirokuma the Mini Polar Bear
- Ice Cream Bear
10. Waffle the Bear
Teddy bears are the absolute classic stuffed toy, and this adorable pattern is one of my most popular designs. This is a great opportunity to continue practicing making limbs and sewing parts together.
This pattern uses a neat technique called a foundation chain to get the oval shape, so itās also a great opportunity to pick up that skill as well.
I hope you enjoyed that round up of the easiest amigurumi patterns for beginners! If you enjoyed this, check out another round up I made recently of the best amigurumi teddy bear patterns, as well as the best amigurumi doll patterns!
More like this:
- 20 Cutest FREE Crochet Baby Toy Patterns (for beginners!)
- 14 Quick and Easy Crochet Keychains for Bags (Stashbuster!)
- 12 Cutest Free Crochet Gnome Patterns (beginner friendly!)
- 9 Cutest Totoro Crochet Patterns (from Studio Ghibli!)
- 9 Fun Crochet Jellyfish Patterns!
Thank you, Julia! Your newsletter is exciting as well as instructive. I enjoy it and delight in it and it motivates me to try new patterns.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and patterns. I am a senior and crochet is my delight.
Hi Karen,
Iām so glad youāre finding it helpful and inspiring! That really made my day š Feel free to contact me anytime with more questions or ideas!
Julia
Julia, I finally am biting the bullet and trying to make the whale. It doesn’t look that hard, but I will tell you that I am impressed with the way you teach. You make it look so easy. Have you ever tried those crochet hooks that light up? Keep up the good work!!!!
Hi Debra, Iām so happy to hear that youāre going to take a crack at the whale! I hope I can make it less intimidating for you and I wish you all the luck!! Iāve never tried those light up crochet hooks but they definitely seem intriguing š Thanks for the kind comment!
Julia, you put a LOT of time into helping beginners and I and I am sure many thank you! You have set it up nicely for all and made it so easy to learn and you thought of everything! Thank you for everything you have done! <3
Hi Linda! Iām so happy youāve been finding my site a helpful resource — youāre right, I put a lot of effort in helping beginners get off the ground! I hope youāre enjoying this wonderful hobby and have a great day <3