Tools & Materials Needed For Making Amigurumi - Little Yarn Friends

Its slightly more than a year since I’ve started my amazing crochet journey. I thought it would be fun to share my trusty army of crochet tools that I carry around with me that help transform ball of yarn to adorable squishy yarn plushies. I wouldn’t be able to make so many cute amigurumis without these tools and materials. Many of you who have been crocheting for months/years would probably have a set of favorite tools and materials that you prefer to use. Well, these crochet tools have been with me since the start of my crochet journey and has been really useful.

*PS: Do you like my cute little black and white (bow tie and buttons) crochet case? This case is a special gift from Sabrina, a very dear friend of mine. Having a cute portable crochet case to carry around definitely increase my motivation in getting my hooks out to complete my crochet projects. :)

Let’s dive straight into my crochet case shall we? :)

These are the tools that are in my crochet case. Believe it or not, all the items you see above do not cost more than S$2(each). In fact, I got most of these tools from Daiso (Singapore) - It’s a store originated from Japan that sells practically anything and everything for just S$2 per item. They have a wide range of products from household items, stationary, gift items, bags, socks, kitchen ware, pet items, even craft supplies! You name it they have it. I’m surprised they have in a wide variety of craft supplies that are durable and fairly comfortable to use.

1. Crochet Hooks

Crochet hook comes in various sizes - as small as 0.6mm and as big as 19mm. I bought 8 aluminum crochet hooks from size 2.0mm to 5.5mm. It’s a comfortable range to have since I do not crochet really small items nor really big ones. I usually use a 3.0mm crochet hook if I’m using 8ply acrylic yarn. It provides the right gauge and tension for my amigurumis. It’s always good to be equip with a range of hooks just in case you need them for different projects.

2. Scissors

It’s good to invest in a good pair of scissors since you will be using it often to snip off yarn and thread. You do not want your yarn to fray from a lousy pair of scissors. I’m glad my $2 scissors is doing a great job so far. Who says cheap is not good? Haha.

3. Measuring Tape

I bought this cute bear measuring tape few years ago when I first saw it at Daiso. Back then, I bought it because it was too irresistible not to have. I’m glad I’ve finally put it into good use. It helps me in measuring the stitches, gauge as well as the size of my amigurumis. It’s not a must have, but carrying a cute measuring tape around makes me happy. :)

4. Safety Pins (Stitch Markers)

This is a must have if you are making amigurumis or crocheting in rounds. I use safety pins as stitch markers to mark the end of every round of my amigurumis. I bring along a few sizes of safety pins and use them according to the size of my amigurumis. Its not as fancy as those colorful stitch markers, but it still works the same.

5. Yarn Needles

You will need a yarn needle if you are weaving in the ends or sewing your amigurumis parts together.

6. Tapestry Needle

Tapestry needle is needed to sew some part of your amigurumis as well as to embroider a nose or mouth to your amigurumis.

7. Tapestry Threads (in White and Black)

I bring these 2 general colors with me because it suits most of my amigurumis. These tapestry threads are in my crochet case for quick fixes and emergency cases.

On the top left of the picture is my craft box that I leave at home (which cost only S$2). It contains all the other materials I used for making my yarn plushies. Everything in the picture is also S$2 or cheaper (except for the fabric glue). Call me Bargain or Discount Queen! Haha. :D

8. Craft Glue (Fabric Glue)

I purchased this fabric glue from Spotlight to secure felt or ribbons for my amigurumis. I’ve tried other brands of glue and this works best for me. It’s my personal favorite.

9. Polyester Fiberfill (Stuffing)

This is to make your yarn plushies fluffy! I always get excited whenever I get to stuff fiberfill into my amigurumis. One packet will last for quite awhile. However, there’s no harm to stock up a few more packages of fiberfill if you’re planning to make a whole army of fluffy toys. Stuff stuff stuff! Fluff fluff fluff!

10. Safety Eyes/ Goggly Eyes/ Tiny Black Beads

You’ll also need to stock up some safety eyes (preferably with rubber stoppers at the back). I have mini beaded ones for smaller projects such as my Lil’ Bunny Bookmark. And 8mm, 10mm, 11mm and 13mm safety eyes all stock up for my future creations.

11. Pins & Pin Cushion

It’s good to get a box of pins to pin the amigurumis parts together before sewing. I admit I do not have this habit, but pinning the parts together before sewing will make sure that your amigurumis look proportionate, neat and are sewn at the right place. Its not necessary to get a pin cushion. But having one is good as well, so that your pins will not be all over the place.

12. MoreTapestry Threads

I got all that colourful threads for just S$2 (again). It’s a nice addition to the materials I have. I use them to make matching coloured embroideries for my amigurumis.

13. Felt/Ribbons & Other accessories

Spice up your yarn plushies with ribbons, jewels, felt (usually cut out in an oval shape for the nose area or lining for ears, arms and feet), etc.

14. Fabric Markers

I added number 14 because Marianne brought up a good question when I posted a sneak peek of this post the night before. She asked what do I use for painting cheeks, ears and shades on my amigurumis. I usually use normal markers that can be purchased from any stationary shops. A better alternative would be to get proper Fabric Markers from craft shops. But since I do not usually do shading for my amigurumis, it’s not in my list of items in the picture.

15. Glorious YARN!!!!

Lastly, the most important of all is to stock up loads of Yarn!!!! I usually buy acrylic yarn because of the wide variety of pretty colours and it’s one of the cheaper ones I can find in craft stores. I usually get my yarns from Spotlight at Dhoby Ghaut Plaza Singapura. Acrylic yarn is good for making amigurumis since its durable and does not fuzz up so easily.

These are the 15 items that you’ll need for making your cute and cuddly amigurumis. I hope you find this post useful. If you have any questions or anything to add to this list, feel free to leave your comments below. After getting all the materials, you are now ready to get your hands started. I’ll be sharing some basic techniques and other tips which is useful for making amigurumis. I’ll leave that for my future post. Till next time!

Loads of Love, Rachel H

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