All Agog For Amigurumi! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Japan

Actually there are some sources like the Crochet Guild of America that claim the art originated in China; there are, however, very early examples of the craft that date to approximately 1185 in Japan. According to Mary Belton, who published "Craft, Volume 1: Transforming Traditional Crafts" in 2006, the art did not become popular in Western countries until 2003.

There really aren't very many rules that apply to making an amigurumi toy. It can be any size or shape and take on whatever appearance the crafter desires.

Answer: Making spirals

In a typical amigurumi toy, spirals are used to begin each part. It is very important to follow directions and keeping track of each row, as the stitches are not joined, the spiral simply continues. Why? Joining the stitches at the end of each row makes an obvious line that doesn't look very attractive on the toy. One of the most-used stitches used is the single crochet stitch, which is increased or decreased in order to create the desired form for each part.

The spiraling is especially evident in the outline of the white portion of the cat's nose, which is where the construction begins. Who would have thought that some increasing and decreasing of stitches could create the entire face?

Answer: String

Some type of yarn or string produces the best amigurumi toy, and the type and weight that is used determines its size. Mercerized cotton or 100% cotton, used with a smaller needle, will produce a toy with tightly woven fabric. The details will also stand out better and it will maintain its shape better as well. In addition, it allows for the toy to be easily cleaned, as does semi-cotton, which is 50% cotton and 50% acrylic.

Interestingly, yarn and string may also be used to stuff the toy, along with material or craft stuffing. There are project patterns that suggest the use of glass or plastic beads or even stones that are used to make the bottom of the figure more stable. Some patterns also suggest using old pantyhose while stuffing the toy. This involves putting the stuffing inside a piece of the panty hose, sealing it, and then putting the entire piece into the part of the toy that is being made. This only really works well on like-colored toys, but it does help keep glass or plastic beads where they belong if that is the stuffing you choose to use!

Answer: False

Finally! I have been dying to tell you that amigurumi is a portmanteau word, consisting of the Japanese words "ami" (crocheted or knitted) and "nuigurumi" (stuffed doll). Now you know that they may be either knitted or crocheted, however, I would recommend to crochet these toys. Knitted material is more flexible and can lose the desired shape when stuffed. There is the problem of the spacing between crocheted stitches showing the stuffing material, but that is a problem that is relatively easy to fix. It is easy to adjust the texture of crocheted pieces by using a smaller needle. All of this is good for me! While I have been crocheting for a long time, I have never learned to knit!

Did you know that a technique known as needle binding is what actually predated the crafts of knitting and crocheting? The earliest amigurumi toys are believed to have been made with this process. It is thought that learning how to knit was the result of trade with the Dutch in the 1600s. It became popular with the Samurai, who knitted many of the decorations for their clothing.

Answer: Magic Circle

Although the beginning round can be worked in a chain stitch, I would advise against it! The more beginning stitches worked in the chain, the more the thread can pull and create a hole which would then allow the stuffing to come through. A magic circle, also called a magic ring or magic loop, is made so that the circle in which the stitches are originally made is pulled tight and there is no hole. Don't know how to make a magic circle? There are numerous tutorials on the internet. An experienced crocheter will be able to learn the concept in no time!

Answer: True

It is not difficult to make your amigurumi toy posable, but it does require planning! A simple pipe cleaner or even coated electric wire inserted in the right place will do the trick as both materials are bendable. It is important, however, to make sure that there are no sharp points coming out of the toy. I have also found that it is relatively easy, again with planning, to use buttons to attach the legs in order to make them jointed. That way the toy can sit up! As always, it is important to consider the age of the recipient of the toy when using pipe cleaners, wire, or buttons in order to avoid any potential danger to the toy's owner.

Answer: Safety eyes

Don't get me wrong! I love safety eyes - although I am still on the fence as far as safety noses are concerned - but sometimes the eyes look better if they are made another way, whether they are crocheted, embroidered, or, if the toy is for older children, sewn on buttons.

For example, who can image George Pig, Peppa's brother, with safety eyes? He and Mr. Dinosaur are having a good time! Safety eyes are typically made of plastic and are inserted with a post that looks a bit like a screw. A back, kind of like a nut, is used to keep the eye in place. Believe me! I have tried! I have never been able to get a safety eye apart after it has been correctly installed.

It is, therefore, important to be sure your safety eyes are placed in the best location before applying the back. That makes the location of the safety eyes rather permanent!

Answer: Decrease

The patterns that I have used to date really do not require very many different stitches. "Sc" means single crochet, "dc" stands for double crochet, "inc" means to increase and "dec" to decrease. Experienced crocheters may like to try a technique that is called an invisible decrease stitch, which makes it very difficult for others to see decreased stitches.

While a few other stitches, such as "ch" (chain), "sl st" (slip stitch) may be required, a person does not have to be a crocheting expert to make a cute amigurumi toy. Most patterns that are available will also state the skill level necessary to complete each project.

Some even come with patterns for clothes for the toy!

Answer: True

Although one may find a pattern for an entire toy to be made out of one piece, it has been my experience that different toy parts are made separately and then sewed together to create a final piece. This is why it is important to leave a very long piece of yarn when tying off at the end of one of the pieces.

It will be used to thread the needle and then sew the part where it belongs. In the case of the unicorn, the arms and legs were made separately and then sewn to the body, as were the nose, horn, mane, head and tail. Sometimes the placement of other body parts requires some prior planning.

For example, contrary to the pattern I was using, I decided that I wanted to anchor the mane inside the head before I finished it. I think it will make it more sturdy than attaching at the end of the project at the top of the head. I did the same thing with the tail. Don't little kids usually put a lot of wear and tear on the tails of their stuffed toys?!

Answer: Stitch Marker

Because the toy is made using a spiral technique and there is no stopping at the end of each row, it is important to use some type of stitch marker. Stitch markers, of course, may be purchased at your local craft store; they look like huge safety pins for the most part. Wait! Before you spend your money, a safety pin or even a paper clip will work just a well.

The making of amigurumi toys requires close attention to details, so I cannot stress enough how important it is to count exact stitches and the beginning of rows in order to achieve the desired outcome.

This is not a craft that is done easily in the midst of distraction.