COLORFUL YARN
With every pattern in this book we list the materials used to create that design.
The yarn thickness is specified with every pattern. Don’t feel tied to the choices of yarn thickness though, any type of cotton, acrylic or wool can be used as a substitute, provided you use the right crochet hook accordingly.
The patterns don’t give the yarn quantity. The amounts are rather small and will vary according to how loosely or tightly you crochet. You could use some of the remnants from other projects or start with a new ball of yarn. One ball of a color is usually enough.
CROCHET HOOKS
Not only yarn, but hooks as well come in different sorts and sizes. Bigger hooks make bigger stitches than smaller ones. It is important to match the right hook with the right type of yarn. The crochet fabric should be quite tight, without any gaps through which the stuffing can escape. It is better to use a smaller hook than stated on the yarn label to achieve this.
Hooks are usually made from aluminum or steel. Metal hooks tend to slip between the stitches more easily. Preferably choose a crochet hook with a rubber or ergonomic handle.
STITCH MARKER
A stitch marker is a small clip made of metal or plastic. It’s a simple tool to mark your starting point and give you the assurance that you’ve made the right number of stitches in each round. With my stitch marker I always mark the last stitch of the previous round.
STUFFING AND FACIAL FEATURES
For the filling polyester fiberfill is advised. You can purchase this at any craft shop. It is inexpensive, wash- able and non-allergenic. Be careful not to overstuff your amigurumi as the stuffing might stretch the fabric and show through.
For some patterns safety eyes are used. These are wide- ly available. Be alert when you apply safety eyes: once you put the washer on you won’t be able to pull it off again. So be very careful that the post is where you want it to be before attaching the washer. Alternatively, the features can be embroidered, which is recommended if you’re crocheting for children under the age of three. For embroidery a tapestry needle with a rounded tip is used.
