What is amigurumi?

Amigurumi is a Japanese term that refers to the art of crocheting or knitting small, stuffed yarn creatures or toys. The word “amigurumi” is a combination of the Japanese words “ami,” meaning crocheted or knitted, and “nuigurumi,” meaning stuffed doll. Amigurumi are typically cute and stuffed with a soft filling to give them a plush, three-dimensional appearance. Amigurumi can include a wide range of characters, animals, and objects, and it has gained popularity as a craft form worldwide.

Many people find the process of creating amigurumi to be therapeutic and stress-relieving. The repetitive nature of crochet combined with the joy of seeing a cute character come to life can have positive effects on mental well-being. Animals are among the most popular subjects for amigurumi creations. From classic teddy bears to mythical creatures like dragons and unicorns, amigurumi allows crafters to bring a wide array of characters to life. Amigurumi has deep cultural roots in Japan, where creating small, cute, and kawaii (meaning “cute” or “adorable” in Japanese) characters has been a beloved tradition. These creations are often considered both toys and art.