Amigurumi Free Pattern Design Ideas

Amigurumi (編みぐるみ, lit. crocheted or knitted stuffed toy) is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. The word is a portmanteau of the Japanese words ami, meaning crocheted or knitted, and nuigurumi, meaning stuffed doll. In the West they are called amigurumi, which are the original phonetics of 編みぐるみ in Japanese language.

Amigurumi vary in size and there are no restrictions about size or look. While the art of amigurumi has been known in Japan for several decades, the craft first started appealing to the masses in other countries, especially in the West, in 2003. By 2006, amigurumi were reported to be some of the most popular items on Etsy, an online craft marketplace, where they typically sold for $10 to $100. Since then, popularity has continued to increase.

Amigurumi bear. Example of a large size amigurumi. Self made. Colors used are red, blue, and green. It has a flower decoration on the head.

Amigurumi bear. Example of a large size amigurumi.

Even though amigurumi seem popular online due to their presence on sites such as Etsy, Pinterest and Ravelry, amigurumi is still a developing craft permeated and directly depending on emerging trends and popular culture.