This little book explains how to crochet little Kokeshi Amigurumi dolls. A basic knowledge of crochet is required. Amigurumi is a Japanese word, meaning a stuffed animal toy usually made from crocheted yarn and having an oversized head. Amigurumi is a combination of the Japanese words “ami”, meaning crocheted or knitted, and “nuigurumi”, meaning stuffed doll. Kokeshi dolls are traditional wooden dolls from northern Japan. They have an enlarged head. You can decorate these little dolls with flowers, bows or ribbons. You can make them as a keychain or decoration. They make a nice gift for Christmas.

From selecting yarns and learning the basics of crochet to assembling your projects and adding whimsical details, The Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals makes any amigurumi project possible! Hundreds of photos demonstrate the best crochet stitches to use, along with lessons on how to assemble amigurumi figures correctly and give them more personality. All the basic stitches and steps are explained in detail, including extra directions for left-handed crafters. This is the official guide created by The Japan Amigurumi Association—whose thousands of members are found all over Japan, the original home of amigurumi. It provides an authoritative overview of techniques and includes all the information that amigurumi enthusiasts need to know to start creating. This indispensable book shows you how to: Shape and proportion expressive heads, limbs and tails Assemble all the pieces together in a way that makes your toy come alive Add armatures so your toys can bend and stand on their own Create facial features that give your toy attitude and personality Make cute little accessories (zakka) like mittens, scarves and purses The Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals includes 3 sample projects to practice the skills you learn. With over 1,500 color photos and detailed diagrams instructing more than 100 crochet stitch techiniques—this is a reference you'll refer to again and again as you create and style your own amigurumi for years to come!

Make a miniature version of you, your friends, and celebrities too! Youll absolutely love this comprehensive guide to creating amigurumi people. Media favorite Allison Hoffman—whose delightful creations have graced the sets of Conan, Martha Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and more—explains how to craft and customize these Japanese dolls at every stage. Youll learn everything from depicting the face of the person youre designing to getting the clothing, hair, and accessories just right. The possibilities are infinite . . . and infinitely fun!

"Charming and precious, these projects may be small but they are bursting with personality, making perfect gifts for friends and family. All the basic crochet techniques you will need are clearly explained along with step-by-step illustrations. Anyone unsure about working in this scale can simply practice with larger hooks and thicker yarn--the patterns are exactly the same."--Amazon.com.

Crochet a variety of sweet things, including key chains, pouches, bag mascots, and more! -- VIZ Media

Crocheted sisters Amelie and Mako and are ready for anything--a day at the beach, a birthday bash, a visit to the library--and their outfits are, too! In this book, popular Japanese amigurumi designer Miya takes you step-by-step through the doll-making process, showing you how to create two charming doll companions, their teddy bear pal Marron, and 63 miniature wardrobe additions--ranging from warm winter coats to delicate ballet slippers. This book is a pattern diary of outfits and accessories that you can make to dress up the two crocheted sisters and their small bear friend--Try out all the different kinds of dress-ups and have fun with style! Clear visual instructions provide a pattern for each clothing item and accessory. A basic guide to the crochet stitches used in the book is included as a refresher to the symbols and stitch execution. Projects are given in both graphs and charts, as well as pictorial instructions. Mix-and-match doll clothing and accessories, including: Cozy, cold-weather wear for looking great on chilly days Chic pants, tops, berets, or straw hats for a market-day-in-Paris vibe Charming little tops, like a colorful ruffled tunic--great for a day at the beach Clothes for ballet, cheerleading, and dress-up (be a flight attendant--or dance a hula!) Tote bags, evening bags, and shoulder bags--you can never have too many! And much more! But you don't have to stop here! Handmade toys open up a whole new world for creativity. With this book as a guide, you can create crochet dolls whose colors and features celebrate diversity or design wardrobes based on specific interests. With the inspiration provided in this book, you can do it all. Let it be your springboard to fostering many hours of gentle, creative--and fashion-forward--playtime. Best suited for those with some foundational crochet experience, or ability to follow a pattern given in graphs, charts, and pictorial instructions.

An inside look at kokeshi dolls: from the skilled woodworkers behind their design to their important cultural significance. Kokeshi are the simple and charming traditional Japanese dolls characterized by their cylindrical shape and lack of arms and legs. Historically made as children's toys in Japan's northern region of Tohoku, they have now become a popular collector's item and have even inspired famous architects and artists. In this visual guide, readers will find: An overview of the different types of dolls How kokeshi dolls are crafted, including information on tools and woods used Interviews with leading kokeshi craftspeople worldwide Detailed information about both traditional dolls and the modern ones being crafted today An exploration of the cultural significance of kokeshi dolls--both historically and for the areas of northern Japan that rebuilt themselves after their region was decimated by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 A guide to visiting Japan's kokeshi regions Information on how to buy the dolls--either directly from Japanese artisans or stockists worldwide Filled with artist interviews, gorgeous photos and firsthand travel experience, author Manami Okazaki has created a book to be enjoyed by all--from serious collectors to woodcrafters, interior designers, architects, armchair travelers and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and travel.

Have fun crocheting 40 little amigurumi dolls in a range of outfits! Have fun with the Japanese art of amigurumi and crochet 40 fabulous dolls in a variety of outfits. Choose from fire fighters, doctors, police officers and baseball players, or maybe you'd prefer to make a cute doll dressed as a bumble bee, santa claus, bunny rabbit or princess. Whether you are making a unique gift to celebrate a birthday, wedding, Christmas or Easter, or a special reward for passing an exam or joining a sports team, there will be a doll in this collection that will be the perfect fit. Each project is based on one of two basic dolls - one approximately 4.5 inches tall and the other around just 3.5 inches tall. These basic patterns are presented at the start of the book, alongwith information on how to sew up your dolls, stuff them, and add faces and hair. Only a few basic crochet stitches are needed, and these delightful dolls are perfect for using up scraps of yarn from your stash.

Welcome to the Mini Kingdom! Designer Olka Novytska (AradiyaToys) shares her passion for amigurumi with 36 themed Minis. The King and Queen are throwing a big crochet feast. The Drummer announces the event to the whole land. The Astronomer knew you were coming, of course, it was written in the Crochet Constellation. Let's just hope the Joker and the Fairy don't play any pranks on tonight's yarn stash. The Prince, accompanied by his trusty Knight on horseback, is visiting the villagers. Do you want to come and crochet along? Make and explore this bustling little kingdom! Each Mini stays upright on its own, so they make perfect toys for playful little dreamers. You can swap the hair pieces and hats of the figures as you wish, to create even more unique characters for your very own amigurumi realm! With step-by-step pictures and video tutorials, beginners as well as advanced crocheters will enjoy this book!

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of making knitted or crocheted stuffed animals, and it is taking the world by storm. These toys can be a simple or as complex as the maker likes - ranging from a tiny fluffy chick to an elaborate textured elephant. This book provides all the information you need to get started, with tips on choosing yarns and needles, and instruction in core techniques. All of the animal characters can be created using key shapes such as spheres, eggs, cylinders, and flat circles, which are quick and easy to stitch and put together. Includes clear step-by-step instructions for making 15 adorable animals, including a frog with webbed feet, a lion with a crocheted mane, and a cuddly mohair rabbit, plus ideas for creating your own unique designs.