I’m a regular in several crochet related Facebook groups dedicated to answering beginner crochet and amigurumi questions, and I see newbies make the same posts over and over again. So I decided to put together a compilation of 10 of the common mistakes I see beginners make, and tell you how to avoid them. If you’d like, I also have this in video form with demonstrations:
- Using the Wrong Hook Size
For amigurumi, you want to go 1-2 hook sizes down from the hook size suggested on the yarn label. Hooks are listed in 2 sizes — a mm size, and a letter-number system like “I-8”. I prefer to stick to mm. So if your yarn label suggests a 5.5mm hook, consider a 4mm hook.
This video goes over how to read a yarn label to find the suggested hook size:
This chart also shows what hook to use for each standard yarn weight.
2. Not going through both loops
Unless a pattern is telling you to work in the front or back loop only, or you’re doing a special stitch like the invisible decrease stitch, you should assume you’re going through both the front and back loop.
3. Crocheting inside out.
The noodle goes in the bowl. This is more of a designer preference than a “right vs wrong” thing, but it’s worth learning what is the conventional “right side out” vs “inside out” if you want to follow written patterns.
4. Not checking if it’s U.S. or U.K. terms.
The U.S. and U.K. have different terms for the same stitch.
5. Starting with black or dark yarn.
This is really hard to see! If you’re just starting out, try something bright.
6. Not being careful with limb placement.
Limb placement is 90% of the battle to making your amigurumi look good. Pin it, leave it alone for a day, then come back and attach.
7. Not attaching safety eyes before closing the piece.
If you’re going to use safety eyes, you need to secure them first before you close the piece!
8. Getting discouraged by the magic ring. If you’re struggling, try the ch-2 alternative.
9. Guessing at how to read patterns.
I have a whole playlist and article on how to do this!
10. Working through pain. If you feel pain, you likely need to adjust your posture, your crochet hook, or how long you crochet. I have an article and a video if you’re looking to select a new crochet hook.
