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Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals

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Make the cutest crochet animals ever! With some simple stitches and a little stuffing, amigurumi is a charming style of crochet that’s great for beginners.

An exciting project guide for any crafter of any skill level, Anyone Can Make Amigurumi Animals features 15 adorable crochet patterns, including a hippo, panda, unicorn, hedgehog, giraffe, and so many more.

Opening with an insightful introduction on the basics, each project that follows features easy-to-follow instructions, how-to crochet illustrations, photo step-outs for detail work, and other helpful tips and tricks.

Also included are detailed sections on how to read an amigurumi pattern, as well as stitch guides. Have fun making the most charming plush toys, all while you fall in love with crochet!

128 pages, Paperback

Published December 14, 2021

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Kristi Simpson

135 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,338 reviews199 followers
November 24, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals Is an adorable book of patterns to help you crochet some absolutely adorable animals.
This book contains 15 different animal crochet patterns and each pattern looks straight forward and fairly easy to follow.
I can't wait to get back into practicing my crocheting skills and really hope I can manage to make some of these soon. My favourite animal in this book was Ava the lamb!
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,149 reviews29 followers
December 29, 2021
This is a craft book that absolutely delivers on the promise. Suited to the full spectrum of crochet experience, there is every piece of information you need to produce one of the 15 cute animals. From the absolute basics - two different ways to hold the crochet hook - through to techniques like the invisible finish that will make your toy look very professional, Kristi Simpson shares her wealth of knowledge and generously provides illustrations to reinforce the text.

Before reviewing a book like this I like to try out one of the patterns, and for this one I chose Spencer the Koala. The pattern was literally flawless. I kept waiting for something to go wrong, but it never did - even the stitch counts were 100% accurate. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYConRAhL...

For these reasons, I'm confident to rate the book 5 stars, and recommend it as a good amigurumi book to invest in. Although I had a temporary PDF copy for review purposes, I'm planning to buy it myself because I'd really like to make the hippo!

With thanks to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing/Landauer Publishing.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,485 reviews101 followers
November 11, 2021
This book had 15 animal crochet patterns. Ive been crocheting amigurumi for a little over a year and love to see new patterns to me. This was fairly easy to do because I have a basic knowledge of crochet. What I really like about this book is that the author explains what amigurumi is. She also talks about yarn, how to hold a hook and explains what a gauge swatch is. She also has a thorough glossary of stitches. All of this is helpful and necessary if you plan on finishing a project and what to understand why you need all this information. I found it quite helpful.
I highly recommend this if you want to seriously learn crochet and try amigurumi.
Thanks Landauer Publishing via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Anjana.
2,747 reviews63 followers
January 20, 2022
Books on crafts are (mostly) not meant for anyone uninterested in the craft detailed inside. Therefore I'd imagine a review of such a book is also for those with interest ranging from mild to severe in the instructions provided within.
I have been tempted with making amigurumi toys/dolls for a while now and made a few half-hearted attempts to see my interest through. It was only after I got a chance to see an ARC of this book, I decided to sit down and see one design all the way to the end.
The instructions are clear, and any complicated steps (if any) are detailed with diagrams and more elaborate instructions in a separate section.
I know for a fact that there are very few free patterns available online for anyone interested in this hobby. This collection is varied, can be used with several colours, and the end result could also mean a menagerie of playthings for anyone from a child to an adult!

I very rarely try out a whole pattern before reviewing a book on crafts like crochet. I always think that there will be another better time to try, this time, I made a penguin for a friend's birthday, and it came out the way I imagined/hoped for it to be!
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience and my ability to put those instructions to the test!
Profile Image for Sage.
717 reviews84 followers
November 21, 2021
Cute! The patterns in this book are easy to read and seem very beginner friendly. The how-to section and st dictionary are very thorough, so a newbie to crochet could manage these fairly easily. The intermediate level details really make the Ava the Lamb pattern, however. Such a cute '20s flapper style romper! The monkey and hippo are also especially adorable. The gauge appears to be very small: 24sc = 4 inches!, so these are toys designed for small children--hopefully children old enough to know not to chew the safety eyes out.

The text of the patterns uses the long way of writing everything out, which is industry default, even if it's not my favorite. I'd rather write: "R3. *inc, sc 1* x 6 = 18 sts", but that's my own preference for uncluttered & easy.

ARC
Profile Image for Annie.
4,973 reviews91 followers
September 26, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals is a guide for 15 cute amigurumi beasties with tutorials by Kristi Simpson. Due out 14th Dec 2021 from Fox Chapel Publishing on their Landauer imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

These are really cute and whimsical projects which will appeal to all ages. They're full of small details which invite a closer look and a cuddle. They are anthropomorphic (and have clothes and accessories) which will be perfect to personalize with color and details to make them even more appealing to the recipients.

The graphics are appealing and clear. The book is lavishly illustrated and I really appreciated the closeness and detail of the photography. It's easy to see what the author is doing in the pictures. The book includes a very short introduction and a primer on how to read the patterns. Complete newcomers to crochet will need additional resources (youtube, book, and/or friend) but the patterns included here are not overly complex and beginners will find projects they can complete without frustration.

The intro leads directly into the tutorials. Tutorials are written clearly and simply and, best of all, have lots and lots of close-up full color tutorial photos. Tools and supplies are given in a bullet list and specified yarns are given with both weights (laceweight to jumbo) and yarn brand name and yardage needed. Hook size and other notions are given in bullet lists in the pattern followed by step by step directions.

Well done and a nice selection of patterns which are fundamentally different from one another, giving the reader a broad platform for creating alternative amigurumi.

Five stars. Well worth a read for crochet interested readers.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Profile Image for Patty Smith.
226 reviews88 followers
June 12, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley, Fox Chapel Publishing and Kristi Simpson for receiving an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.


What are Amigurumi, you might ask? They are the cutest little stuffed crochet animals that you will ever meet. The art of crocheting small animals dates back to the Shang Dynast in China. It was brought to Japan around the seventeenth century where it became popular and gained its name. It has become an international phenomenon largely due to social media where people share patterns and techniques.

In Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals you will get 15 patterns of a variety of these little guys. This book can be for a beginner to intermediate level. Simpson says that it is ideal for beginners because it has step by step instructions, along with progress photographs to help you along the way. There is also a glossary to help you with terms and techniques that you might not be familiar with.

Another plus with amigurumi figures is that you can practice your crochet skills in a small and successful project. Each animal is dressed and has some kind of accessory, the rabbit has a carrot, the hippo with its own little burger (it is a Hungry Hippo!). All of these details will help further your skills as a crocheter. There is even a Tips and Tricks section.

All in all this is a fun book with cute animals. You can make them as a set or gift them individually. They are soft and squishy but very durable lasting through the toughest of toddlers. If you haven’t tried Amigurumi animals, this book would be a good resource. But be careful, once you start, you’ll be “hooked”.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,210 reviews89 followers
May 15, 2022
I read this from an ARC and it had some problems with photos and editing but I think the physical book will be worth the purchase if you're into crocheting. Opening with an insightful introduction on the basics, each project that follows features easy-to-follow instructions, how-to crochet illustrations, photo step-outs for detail work, and other helpful tips and tricks.

Also included are detailed sections on how to read an amigurumi pattern, as well as stitch guides. Have fun making the most charming plush toys, all while you fall in love with crochet!
There are 15 patterns of some of children's favorite animals. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Ale.
367 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2025
ITA
Questo libro è rimasto nella mia libreria per parecchio tempo, e mi dispiace recensirlo solo ora.
Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals raccoglie 15 pattern di animali in stile amigurumi — c’è anche un unicorno 🦄 per chi ama il tocco fantasy.
La mia copia è una versione ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) e… sorpresa: molte immagini sono tutte a testa in giù. Un dettaglio bizzarro e vagamente inquietante. Inoltre, mancavano tutti i riferimenti a capitoli e pagine.
Ho letto alcuni pattern per capirne la struttura e, a parte l’impaginazione, sembrano ben scritti e completi. Però è realizzandoli che si scopre davvero se funzionano.
Il punto debole? Il filato. Kristi Simpson ha usato 5 filati diversi, alcuni in lana, altri in cotone — un bel messaggio di versatilità.
In totale, vengono indicati 46 colori e 64 gomitoli. Un numero enorme, soprattutto considerando che per molti pattern viene indicato “1 gomitolo” anche quando servirebbero solo pochi grammi.
Un esempio: il pattern di Harry richiede 7 colori diversi. Ogni gomitolo è da 100g, si rischia di acquistare 700g di filato per un pupazzetto — quanto basta per un maglione!
In più, i colori sono indicati con numero e nome commerciale, e alcuni sono poco intuitivi, rendendo difficile capire con cosa sostituirli.
Nonostante tutto, proverò a realizzare qualche pattern, magari usando filati che ho già in casa. 🎨🧶
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.

ENG
I'm sorry to be reviewing this book only now, as it has been sitting on my bookshelf for quite some time.
Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals contains 15 patterns for amigurumi-style animals, including a unicorn for those who love fantasy.
My copy is an ARC (advanced reader copy), and many of the images are upside down. It's a bizarre and vaguely disturbing detail. Additionally, all references to chapters and pages were missing.
I read some of the patterns to understand their structure, and apart from the layout, they seem well-written and complete. However, you can only really find out if they work by making them.
The weak point? The yarn. Kristi Simpson used five different types of yarn, some wool and some cotton, which shows versatility.
In total, 46 colors and 64 balls of yarn are listed. That's a significant amount, especially since many patterns list "1 ball" even when only a few grams are needed.
For example, Harry's pattern requires seven different colors. Since each ball weighs 100 grams, you could end up buying 700 grams of yarn for a small doll—enough for a sweater!
Additionally, the colors are indicated by number and trade name, some of which are not very intuitive, making it difficult to choose a substitute.
Despite this, I will try making some patterns, perhaps using yarn I already have at home.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Profile Image for Danielle.
414 reviews22 followers
December 29, 2021
Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.

I received a free copy of Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Crochet is such an easy and fun hobby to take up. You can create a plethora of items, and Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals teaches you all about how to make these cute little creations. Amigurumi is the Japanese word that describes small knitted or crochet stuffed toys. Most popular of these are stuff animals, but you can create characters, food items and pieces of scenery!

Since this book is aimed towards everyone, basic crochet techniques are included in here. Not only that, how to read crochet pattern, how to stuff you amigurumi and how to change colour are all touched upon in here. While a lot of the basics are taught, it does not bog the book down at all.

15 patterns are included. Each of these patterns are classed as Easy skill level, so even with little crochet experience, if you take your time and follow the pattern you are sure to end up with an animal that you are bound to fall in love with.

The creature that I am going to be making is Cole the Penguin. He just looks so adorable and has the right amount of cuteness and seems like an easy pattern to follow. His scarf and beanie just finish off his look.

The biggest gripe that I have with Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals is that they all have the same base shape (aside from the penguin and a jellyfish). Two legs, two arms, a quite large body and head. While I understand that this is for the beginner crocheter, I would have liked to see a few more variations on this, like perhaps an elephant or a snake.

A good first book if you are looking to delve into the world of Amigurumi, and a good source of inspiration if you are already making Amigurumi.
Profile Image for Sharon Tyler.
2,815 reviews39 followers
January 18, 2022
Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals: 15 Adorable Crochet Patterns by Kristi Simpson is currently scheduled for release on January 19 2022. With some simple stitches and a little stuffing, amigurumi is a charming style of crochet that’s great for beginners. A project guide for any crafter of any skill level, this book offers readers 15 crochet patterns, including a hippo, panda, unicorn, hedgehog, giraffe, and so many more. Opening with an introduction on the basics, each project that follows features easy-to-follow instructions, how-to crochet illustrations, photo step-outs for detail work, and other helpful tips and tricks. Also included are detailed sections on how to read an amigurumi pattern, as well as stitch guides. Have fun making the most charming plush toys, all while you fall in love with crochet!

Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals is a well written guide to crafters that are new to crochet, or just getting started in projects that require more small work than the scarf and blankets that most of us found our confidence and rhythm for crochet with. The instructions are clear and well written, and the tips and trick included will be helpful to many novice and beginner crocheters. I did not find the patterns to be terribly unique, but they did offer a good set of basic skills that will be useful as newcomers attempt more complex problems in the future. There was one formatting issue- that I have full faith with be rectified before final printing- that honestly made me smile as I read. All of the images in my electronic galley were upside down or sideways. Like I said, I am sure the final version will not be like this, but it made my read through just a bit more interesting and has no consideration in my review or number of stars granted to the book.
Profile Image for Poptart19 (the name’s ren).
1,112 reviews6 followers
September 24, 2021
4 stars

Adorable & polished looking crochet patterns that any skill level can attempt. There are great photo guides showing assembly for each pattern, as well as a glossary with photos showing how to do basic stitches & the techniques needed for these patterns.

[What I liked:]

•Lots of color photos are provided, showing the construction & attachment of each element. That is super helpful since I’m not used to constructing a stuffed crochet project in pieces.

•The animals are actually really cute! I’ve seen many amigurumi patterns that result in a finished project that are just lackluster, don’t look much like a specific animal, or just aren’t very cute. These patterns are adorable, & I like the addition of embellishments & clothes for them.

•This book has excellent technical resources included! There are photos & text descriptions of how to work basic stitches, techniques like the magic circle & DC 2 together, changing colors, finishing, etc.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•All the patterns are listed as the same difficulty level: easy (2/5). The introduction suggests starting with the easiest patterns & progressing to the more advanced, so are some of the patterns actually not easy? That confused me a bit.

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
Profile Image for Maria Elmvang.
Author 2 books108 followers
October 13, 2021
"Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals" is a new collection of 15 cute anthropomorphized amigurumi animals. From foxes and hippos to koalas and giraffes, the pattern collection has something to offer to just about anybody. I'm especially keen on trying out the bee myself... a bee in trousers with suspenders? What's not to like!

All the patterns have a ton of details, making them perhaps a bit time-consuming and fiddly to make, but the end project is so worth it, as they all look really, really cute.

Each pattern comes with a detailed introduction of yarn used, and expected size at the given gauge, and the instructions are very clear and with lots of photos along the way. I'd perhaps not recommend it to a complete beginner, as there are a LOT of details to each pattern, but the book includes an introduction of which yarn to choose and what hook to use, as well as a complete glossary with all the stitches to use, and tips and tricks for people new to amigurumi, so who knows - these cute animals may be just the push some people need, to get started crocheting toys.
Profile Image for Jennyfer.
563 reviews37 followers
December 30, 2021
Amigurumi is such a fun craft. It's quick, easy, without too many different stitches, and you end up with a cute toy at the end of it! What's not to like?

As with all good craft books, this one opens with a good introduction to crochet, amigurumi, yarn weights and hook measurements. The glossary, stitch explanations, and tips bookend the patterns at the back.

The little animals included in this book are really cute. Most of them are worked from the bottom up, so the you end up with a simple body template that can be adapted as desired, once your confidence and skill level increase. The majority of stitches are the simple single crochet (sc), with the most complicated stitch being the bobble stitch. *NOTE: The patterns, while easy to follow, are written in US notation. Australian/UK readers would do well to keep that in mind

~Many thanks to NetGalley got providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
Profile Image for Caroline D’cruz.
136 reviews32 followers
September 25, 2021
This book has the cutest 15 little crochet critters to make! The book has easy to follow step by step patterns. The patterns are quite beginner friendly too. I like the way the author has provided very clean and clear live size pictures, which just makes you want to try them all. The project that I’m sure to start first with is Cole the Penguin. The book also comes with tips, tricks and techniques and a good glossary guide. The only thing that the author should have been more specific was the skill level. All the patterns are skilled at an easy level which according to me shouldn’t do much justice to a person who has just began to make Amigurumi’s. All in All a good book for crocheters like me who love making Amigurumis

Thanks to netgalley, publisher and the author Kristi Simpsom for this ARC.
Profile Image for Ashley.
278 reviews31 followers
January 10, 2022
I received an electronic ARC via NetGalley.

This is a cute little book of crochet patterns. The stuffed animals it teaches you how to make are quite appealing, and the illustrations are clear. The patterns include step-by-step instructions, and most are rated Easy. The book also contains some basic information on how to crochet, and the origins of the amigurumi style.

I am not experienced with crochet, and find the instructions a little bit overwhelming, but not out of reach--I came through feeling that I should probably be able to make most of the patterns provided with the materials listed and a little bit of patience. Perhaps I will try a few out!
57 reviews
January 31, 2022
I'm a longtime knitter but first time crocheter, so I was excited to see that "anyone can crochet" these cute little animals! The cute patterns are obviously the biggest selling point of this book. They are all rated at 2 yarn-balls out of 4 difficulty level, so not as easy as making a square but still beginner level. I also like the glossary and background information on yarn, tools, gauge, and important concepts. If I could make one change to this book, I would include even more photos of the technique steps. While you could use what's already in the book to learn for example the magic loop technique, I looked up a video online and found that was clearer.
Profile Image for Laura Slabach.
214 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2022
This book did a great job of lining things up for beginners! The first part of the book is very through in everything a newbie would need to know to start crocheting, They even listed what the crochet hook sizes are in both numbers and letters and tells you how to count your stitches etc. The projects are rated from simple to expert and are easy to follow. I received this as a digital ARC and unfortunately when it transferred most of the photos were upside down but that was simply a minor inconvenience. I would offer this title to anyone (novice or master) who would like to try their hand at making cuddly stuffed animal friends.
Profile Image for Alice In Story Land.
46 reviews
June 24, 2022
I have recently found a love for Amigurumi so as soon as I seen this title I knew it was for me.
Unfortunately I did not get around to making any of the animals from the book but I defiantly will one day. The instructions are easy to follow and are great for all levels.
I will be purchasing a hard copy of this book and I will share my thoughts with all my friends and family that also crochet.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review,
163 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2021
Adorable! I loved the end products, and have made a list of things I need to get in order to make these cute critters! I love the detailed instructions, so I feel that even a beginner such as myself can make these. I hope to make some to give as gifts for the children in my life.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jo.
973 reviews16 followers
January 17, 2022
With mostly easy to make amigurumi animals crochet, this is a good book for those who are good enough with basic style crocheting. And the explanation comes with images to help you understand what the author means. Amigurumi needs more materials than normal crochet, but produce cute animals after the process.
186 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2022
A really good amigurumi pattern book, which will suit all skill levels as the patterns are easy to follow and are just so cute! With pictures to show you how they are supposed to look, you can’t really go wrong. Written in US crochet terms, with a how to guide at the back, I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend this book. Thank you #netgalley
Profile Image for Eurydice Fitzgerald.
4 reviews
December 17, 2023
I really love the cute ideas, but the patterns aren't correct. When I follow the pattern as written, the stitch counts don't add up. On both of the animals I made from this book, I had to adjust the pattern so it would actually work. I don't know if they released later additions with updated patterns, but I do know the copy I got from the library is all over the place.
Profile Image for BlueFalkon95.
562 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2024
Anyone can crochet Amigurumi animals by Kristi Simpson is a great crochet ebook for Amigurumi Animals. Each pattern states what crochet skill level is required to achieve the desired results. The patterns are easy to read and follow but unfortunately some of the pictures are set in the wrong way and need to turn the direction of the phone or device to look at them properly.
Profile Image for Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos).
440 reviews105 followers
March 1, 2022
I loved this book and learning how to make all the cute little animals, plus I know my mom will love this book too. This is perfect for those who love to crochet or even starting out. The instructions were very easy to follow and understand. I am off to find more books to help me make more animals.
Profile Image for Sandy Sandmeyer.
337 reviews18 followers
October 31, 2022
Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals in a great beginner's guide to crocheting amigurumi and for crocheting in general. The author takes great care to give information about crochet hooks, yarn categories, holding the hook, gauge, reading patterns, and all sorts of beginner crocheting information. The book contains 15 patterns of amigurumi animals that include the yarn, hook, notions, and all the particulars to make each animal. The pattern instructions are explained very well and each part of the animal has pictures to go along with it so that the maker can visualize what they are working on. In the back of the book, the author has a glossary of crocheting techniques with pictures as well as common abbreviations used in crochet patterns. As a crocheter and occasional amigurumi attempter, I found each pattern easy to read and appreciated the included pictures. Reading this book really does make the reader feel empowered and able to make the author's patterns. I recommend this book not only to beginners but to crocheters of any skill.
Profile Image for Bookworm.
441 reviews26 followers
September 13, 2025
I love crocheting Amigurumis and toys so when I saw Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals by Kristi Simpson I definitely wanted to take a peek. This collection has 15 amigurumi animal patterns which are really cute.

There’s a section explaining the materials needed, different yarns and techniques and there’s a stich glossary included at the end of the book. The photos are clear and the instructions are well written and the different amigurumis look cute and fun to make.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews