Common Amigurumi Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Getting started with amigurumi is an exciting journey, but like any new skill, it comes with its challenges. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated with uneven stitches, gaps in your plushies, or wobbly parts, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Here are some of the most common mistakes beginners make when crocheting amigurumi and how to fix them.

1. Uneven or Loose Stitches

The Problem: Your stitches look too loose, and the stuffing is peeking through, making your amigurumi look messy. The Fix: Use a smaller hook size than recommended for your yarn. Amigurumi requires tight, uniform stitches to hold the shape properly. If your stitches are too loose, try adjusting your tension by pulling the yarn a little tighter as you crochet.

2. Visible Gaps Between Stitches

The Problem: There are noticeable holes between your stitches, especially when increasing or decreasing stitches. The Fix: Work with consistent tension and make sure you're using the Invisible Decrease (invdec) technique instead of regular decreases. The invisible decrease helps close gaps by crocheting through the front loops only, creating a tighter stitch.

3. Stuffing That Shows Through the Fabric

The Problem: Your amigurumi looks bumpy or lumpy because the stuffing is uneven or pushing through the stitches. The Fix: Use small amounts of stuffing at a time and distribute it evenly. Press down and shape the piece as you go. Avoid overstuffing, as this can stretch the stitches and create gaps.

4. Crocheting Inside Out

The Problem: The ‘wrong’ side of your crochet fabric is facing outward, making the stitches look different from the pattern. The Fix: Amigurumi is usually worked in a continuous spiral. The correct side is the one with neat ‘V’-shaped stitches. If your piece looks inside out, simply flip it before continuing or check that you're working with the right tension.

5. Misshapen or Uneven Pieces

The Problem: Your amigurumi looks lopsided or asymmetrical, and parts don’t line up correctly. The Fix: Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds and count stitches carefully. If you're shaping an oval or sphere, follow the pattern exactly—skipping or adding stitches unintentionally can alter the shape.

6. Poorly Attached Parts (Arms, Legs, Ears, etc.)

The Problem: The parts of your amigurumi (arms, ears, legs) are loose, uneven, or not securely attached. The Fix: Sew the pieces on firmly and symmetrically using a yarn needle and the same yarn as your project. Pin the parts in place before sewing to check positioning. Use a backstitch technique to ensure durability.

7. Inconsistent Stitch Count

The Problem: Your stitch count keeps changing unintentionally, causing your amigurumi to look uneven. The Fix: Always count your stitches at the end of each round. Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to track where your round starts and avoid adding or missing stitches.

8. Choosing the Wrong Yarn

The Problem: Your amigurumi feels too floppy, fuzzy, or doesn’t hold its shape well. The Fix: Choose a non-stretchy yarn like cotton or acrylic for well-defined stitches and firm shapes. Avoid fluffy yarns when starting out, as they make it harder to see stitches.

9. Not Using a Magic Ring (Magic Circle)

The Problem: Your starting hole is too large and leaves a noticeable gap at the center of your amigurumi. The Fix: Always use the magic ring technique to start your amigurumi. This allows you to pull the stitches tightly closed, preventing holes at the center.

10. Skipping the Finishing Touches

The Problem: Your amigurumi looks incomplete or lacks personality. The Fix: Small details like embroidered features, blushed cheeks, or tiny accessories can make a huge difference! Take your time with the finishing touches to bring your creation to life.

Final Thoughts

Making mistakes is part of learning, and every crocheter goes through these challenges at some point! The key is to practice, stay patient, and enjoy the process. By recognizing and fixing these common mistakes, your amigurumi projects will look neater, more professional, and even more adorable. Happy crocheting!