Finding easy-to-follow patterns can be difficult when you’re new to amigurumi-making. So I’ve compiled my top five beginner-friendly amigurumi books for beginner crocheters. I’ve selected these five books from various authors that I’ve found to have fun and easy-to-follow patterns.
When I started my crocheting journey a few years ago, there were no beginner crochet starter kits to teach me how to crochet amigurumi toys. So, I taught myself through the help of YouTube. First, I found various videos on how to make different shapes and how to read crochet patterns. Then, once I felt comfortable enough to try, I purchased a few books I thought looked easy to follow based on reviews. Four of the books from my list are books that I used at the beginning of my crocheting journey.
All of the five books I’ve chosen for this post are books that have easy-to-follow designs. Some books may seem more challenging than others, but I promise they are all quite simple.
#5 Crochet Cute Critters
“Crochet Cute Critters” is an adorable amigurumi book by designer and author Sarah Zimmerman. If Sarah Zimmerman sounds familiar, she’s the creator and designer behind the crochet blog Repeat Crafter Me. Sarah is also a contributor and instructor for Yarnspiration.
“Crochet Cute Critters” has twenty-six easy-to-follow patterns. In addition, there is a critter for every letter of the alphabet. For example, there is a bear for B and a whale for W.
When I started making amigurumi, I had never crocheted before I started making them. I found Sarah’s patterns easy to understand and follow. One thing that scared me as a beginner was color-changing. If this scares you, too, you’re in luck! Only two patterns in this book require changing yarn colors for the stripes on a zebra and a queen bee.
Even though “Crochet Cute Critters” is one of my beginner-friendly book choices, unfortunately, this book requires a lot of sewing. Unless you were a sewer before amigurumi making, sewing could intimidate beginners. I know it did for me. But I wouldn’t let the sewing stop you from checking out this adorable book.
#4 Whimsical Stitches
Lauren Espy is the author & designer behind this book choice, “Whimsical Stitches.” Lauren also owns and designs the online amigurumi shop, A Menagerie of Stitches.
“Whimsical Stitches” is a beautiful book filled with fun, whimsical designs. This book is divided into four sections, In the garden; at the aquarium; down on the farm; at the bakery; at the market.
Lauren’s patterns are easy to follow, and each design has tons of tutorial photographs to help you along with the projects.
Again, if sewing intimidates you, this amigurumi book has a lot of sewing. But Lauren makes sewing easier by including step-by-step picture instructions on sewing her cute little toys together. In addition, all of the designs in this book are a lot of fun to make.
#3 Kawaii Crochet
Another beginner-friendly choice is “Kawaii Crochet,” a colorful amigurumi book from author and designer Melissa Bradley. Melissa has her degree in interior design, and she brings the color palette to this adorable book.
If you are looking for a lemon cake or banana pattern, you’ll find it in the yellow section of this book. “Kawaii Crochet” is categorized by the color of the object. In addition, this book is filled with cakes, fruits, veggies, and more.
“Kawaii Crochet” has 40 super cute patterns to choose from. All of the patterns are easy to follow and understand. Melissa’s patterns involve some sewing on various designs and minimal sewing on others. Some of the patterns in this book will require changing yarn colors. But don’t let that discourage you, for this book is too cute to pass up!
#2 Too Cute Amigurumi
My second crochet book choice for beginners is “Too Cute Amigurumi” by author and designer Jennifer Santos. This adorable crochet book was released in 2021 and is as fun as the cover shows.
“Too Cute Amigurumi” is Jennifer’s first book release. Several of Jennifer’s patterns are found in her Etsy shop Super Cute Design.
Since this amigurumi book is a more current release, I did not get to crochet these patterns as a beginner amigurumi maker. However, although my skills have grown in the four years since I began my journey, I found many patterns in this book that target beginner crochets to novices. You’ll find some of the designs to have minimal to advanced sewing.
This book includes six chapters: frozen treats, fruit, weather-related, tasty food, sweet treats, and succulents. In addition, there are 30 fun and easy projects to choose from. To read more about this book, check out my blog post as I review “Too Cute Amigurumi.”
#1 Hooked on Amigurumi
My number one recommendation as a beginner-friendly amigurumi book would have to be “Hooked on Amigurumi” by author and designer Melanie Morita.
Melanie is the founder and owner of Knot Too Shabby Crochet. “Hooked on Amigurumi” was Melanie’s first book release.
What I love about this book is that many patterns require little sewing to no sewing at all, which is excellent for beginners. The projects are quick to make and easy to follow. This book is filled with adorable patterns. In addition, it includes sea critters, fairy tale friends, food, a bento box, and drinks.
The “Hooked on Amigurumi” book has vivid pictures to help you with your projects. This book was one of my favorite Amigurumi books when I began this journey. All of the patterns are super cute and fun to make.
That’s a Wrap!
Suppose you are ready to try new patterns to help grow your amigurumi skills. In that case, I highly recommend checking out these five books, Crochet Cute Critters, Whimsical Stitches, Kawaii Crochet, Too Cute Amigurumi, and Hooked On Amigurumi.
I hope these book selections will help inspire you on your crocheting journey. If you plan on purchasing or have any of these amigurumi books, let me know how you enjoy them.
Happy Crocheting Journey!