Whether you are a beginner to amigurumi or someone who has been crocheting for a while, it's important to recognize that we all make mistakes during our crochet journey. Crocheting is not just a craft; it’s an art form that requires dedication, practice, and plenty of patience.
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In my experience, I’ve encountered several common pitfalls that can lead to frustration or unexpected results in projects. Errors such as incorrectly counting stitches or misreading patterns can significantly hinder your progress and creativity. In this blog post, I will share five common mistakes that crocheters face when creating amigurumi, along with tips on how to avoid them. My hope is that by discussing these challenges, you will be better equipped to navigate your crocheting projects smoothly and fully enjoy the process.
Mistake 1: Wrong Side of Crochet Piece Showing
Can you identify the differences in the stitches between these two crocheted spheres?
Believe it or not, there is a right side and a wrong side to the fabric created through crocheting. The "right" side refers to the front of the stitches that are facing you while you crochet, while the "wrong" side refers to the back of the stitches that are facing away from you.
Notice how the stitches on the first sphere appear bumpier and fuzzier compared to those on the second sphere? You can also see horizontal bars visible on the back side of the first sphere, indicating that the “wrong” side is facing outward.
In contrast, the second sphere features stitches that are more like "v" or "x" shapes, with no horizontal bars present, and the decreases are much less noticeable. Overall, the second sphere has better shape. This sphere showcases the “right” side.
How to Fix:
Fortunately, this mistake is easy to fix if you catch it before finishing your piece! When crocheting in the round, you might notice that your work begins to curve upward. To ensure you are crocheting amigurumi correctly, make sure the piece curves down or away from you, with the horizontal bars facing inward. Additionally, remember to crochet in the round in a clockwise direction. If you crochet counterclockwise, the “wrong” side will end up facing out.
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Mistake 2: Stitch Counts Are Off
This is a common mistake that can occur with any crochet project, not just amigurumi. We've all experienced it: you're on round 20 when you suddenly realize that you've either missed or added a stitch. In amigurumi, every stitch is important, and a single missed or added stitch can significantly change the appearance of the finished piece.
How to Fix:
I understand that frogging—removing your stitches—is one of the most frustrating parts of crocheting. However, it is often the simplest way to correct a mistake. When I realize I’ve made an error, I tackle it round by round, carefully unraveling one round at a time until I identify where I went wrong. You might be surprised to find that the mistake occurred just a few rounds back!
That's why marking the beginning of each round with a stitch marker can be incredibly helpful. If you struggle with keeping track of your rounds, there are many types of stitch counters available to assist you!
Mistake 3: Over or Understuffing
The amount of stuffing you use can greatly impact the appearance of your amigurumi. Using too much stuffing can stretch out your stitches, while too little stuffing can make your amigurumi look deflated and fail to hold its shape properly.
How to Fix:
To stuff amigurumi properly, start by inserting the stuffing from the outside of each piece towards the center. This method helps maintain the structure of your creation and ensures that the outer layers are firm and smooth. Begin by gently pushing the stuffing into the outer area of each piece, and gradually work your way towards the center.
Be patient while stuffing your crochet amigurumi. Use small amounts of stuffing to achieve a smooth, even fill, and avoid lumps. This approach allows you to effectively control the texture and shape, ensuring that all parts are filled evenly.
Mistake 4: Holes In Between Stitches
You've finally completed your amigurumi creation, but you notice holes where the stuffing is poking out between the stitches. There could be several reasons for this issue. Common causes include: overstuffing, overly loose tension, incorrectly crocheted stitches, or using a crochet hook that is too large.
How to Fix:
Once you have discovered the reason or reasons for holes or gaps in between your stitches, you can easily come up with a solution. Here are some solutions to the usual culprits:
Overstuffing:
See Mistake 3
Loose Tension:
When crocheting amigurumi, it is more beneficial to use tighter stitches. Practice maintaining tighter tension. This may take some time to get used to! If you are feeling more motivated to create tighter tension, consider crocheting amigurumi using the Yarn Under technique. See this blog post for more instructions.
Incorrectly Crocheted Stitches:
It is essential to ensure that you are crocheting your stitches correctly when making amigurumi. Always crochet in both loops unless the instructions specifically indicate to use only the front loops (FLO) or back loops (BLO). For a free guide to all the must-know stitches and techniques, you can download it here.
Crochet Hook:
If you have ever bought yarn, you may have noticed that the labels provide a recommended hook size for that specific yarn. However, when it comes to amigurumi, it's common to use a smaller hook size than what is suggested. If you find that your stitches have holes or gaps, consider trying a smaller hook size.
Mistake 5: Confusion Between US and UK Terminology
I vividly remember crocheting a mini amigurumi bunny, unaware that I was using the wrong stitch terminology for the pattern. As a result, my mini bunny turned out much larger than expected and looked a bit strange. But how could this happen? I had chosen a pattern that utilized UK terminology, but was applying US terminology to the stitches. At the time, I didn’t realize that a double crochet (dc) in UK terminology corresponds to a single crochet (sc) in US terminology. So yes, I crocheted my entire bunny using US terminology dc stitches! If you are unsure about what I'm discussing, don't worry; I was also unaware that there were two different sets of terminology. Let me explain.
In the English language, there are two commonly recognized sets of crochet abbreviations and terminology: UK terms and US terms. These can easily be confused, as they often use the same words or phrases but have different meanings. When reading a pattern, it is crucial to recognize which terminology is being used.
How to Fix:
Always read the pattern description and notes before starting your amigurumi project. A simple way to determine if your crochet pattern uses US terminology is to check for the use of single crochet (sc), as this abbreviation is exclusive to US patterns. Refer to the chart below for common stitches you may encounter while crocheting.
I hope you found this blog post informative and that it has inspired you to take your crochet amigurumi projects to the next level. If you have any questions or need further clarification on any topics discussed, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help, and I look forward to hearing from you! Happy crocheting!
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