Knitting a cuddly toy delights everyone. We think that knitting is an activity reserved for our elders. Well, it’s not only fashionable, it’s also very practical. A little culture is needed to better understand this attractive and effective art. Originating in Japan, amigurumi is a creative hobby that involves crocheting small animals, fruits and vegetables. Etymologically, amigurumi is made up of two Japanese words: “ami” meaning crocheted or knitted, and “nuigurumi” meaning plush.
As far as history is concerned, crochet techniques developed after the Second World War. Japan was going through a severe economic crisis as a result of the war. Amigurumi became its only means of creating toys for children. So, in 2003, this art form was exported and became popular in other countries. There was even a competition to make your own woollen teddy bear.
Knitting is an activity that stimulates the brain and develops creativity. The same goes for parents who are at home most of the time, looking for things to do. This also applies to those who are looking for a challenge to give their children pleasure by offering them a toy. You’ve found what you’re looking for: knitting a stuffed toy for your children. So, today we’re offering you our top tips for making the most adorable stuffed toy for your kids. You can certainly knit a comforter and plush toy even to embellish your home decor.
Why knit a cuddly toy?
When you’ve decided to take up knitting, it’s important to have the right methods so you don’t take the plunge alone. And if you’re still not convinced, here are the reasons why you might just change your mind.
Crochet and knitting: two easy and fashionable activities
Crocheting is easy. We think that if we’ve never crocheted before, we won’t be able to knit a stuffed animal. But all you need are good teachers and good advice. You can follow video tutorials or buy crochet how-to books. Or, since we’re here to advise you on how to make the best woollen plush and other models.
Just because crochet has been around for a long time, does that make it old-fashioned? On the contrary, like fashion in general, vintage is making a comeback. Well, crochet is definitely one of them. There was a time when it was forgotten, but now it’s back on trend.
You can vary your work when crocheting. Choose your own pattern, for example, refer to the knitting teddy bear model. Whether it’s size, shape, color or knitting method, you’ll find the one that’s right for you.
Crochet and knitting help combat stress, develop brain activity and the senses
Did you know that knitting reduces stress? If so, you’ve found the easiest and most practical way to calm your nerves. What’s more, you’ll be able to treat yourself to some new decorations or delight your toddlers.
Crocheting develops the brain. For those of you who stay at home, but don’t have time for brain activities. We suggest you take up crochet. Learning the techniques will help you develop your thinking skills and increase your industriousness.
When you crochet, your hands stay nimble. As well as using your head, crocheting involves manual labor. By practicing, you’ll keep your hands nimble. This is a very important point for those who fear losing agility with age. Well, we suggest knitting a cuddly toy or stuffed animal.
Knitting a cuddly toy is less costly and more enjoyable
From a financial point of view, the tools you need to knit your own stuffed animals cost less than buying a new one. If you’re afraid of spending too much money to please your children. Find time to crochet. All you have to do is make them a new stuffed toy.
Crocheting helps you to be more patient. When you crochet, by its very techniques, you need to develop a passion. It’s your heart that you put into your work. So, you want to please your family by making them gifts for young and old. Decide to start with easy-knit animals, for example, or knit a stuffed animal. You have the opportunity to personalize the stuffed animal: whether it’s very small, very large or in any color. Once you’ve got the right knitting techniques, you can create a variety of stuffed animals: bear knitting patterns or figurative ones. Your children will be delighted, and you can even make them into gifts for others.
The fashionable wool plush style
Knitting a wool plush toy can be a great gift idea. Especially if you’re keen to make a gigantic stuffed animal. It won’t cost you a fortune, but it’ll look just like the one you’d find in a big plush store. As we told you earlier, wool plush toys are currently back in fashion. There are some models you need to know about that are the most loved. To help inspire you or if you really want to practice them. These models are :
Amigurumi cactus: you can use them to decorate your home or your darling’s office.
Easy-knit animal amigurumis: rabbit, cow, elephant, octopus, panda, sheep, fox, mouse, bear, etc.
For manga fans, there are the little Pokémon stuffed animals that your kids love. In this case, you’ll need the right model and pattern if you don’t know what they’re talking about. Because you’ll have even more work to do if you get the little beasts wrong.
Amigurumi ices: your children will be able to use and play with them safely, even if they put them in their mouths. The same goes for fruit and vegetable amigurumi or any other food.
For older children, to embellish their bedrooms. You can make amigurumi cushions in geometric or animal shapes.
And for you ladies, you can make a plush pot holder or key ring. This way, the whole family will be happy.
Tools needed to knit a plush toy
You don’t just start knitting raw, you need to master certain techniques such as decreases and increases. That’s why we suggest you follow our advice. The aim is to prepare yourself mentally to knit a teddy bear and see it through to the end. So, are you ready to take on the challenge of knitting a teddy bear yourself? Take notes, because you’ll need a few essential tools.
The raw material: the ball
The ball is the basic fabric you’ll use to make your plush or teddy bear with needles. It can be either wool or cotton, depending on you and where you buy it. You can find them in art and hobby stores.
Knitting wool plush
Wool can have a curly or furry effect. This depends on the effect you’re after in the end. This type of wool gives a curly, fluffy look to your knitting teddy bear pattern. The choice of wool is important, because it adds softness to the plush. It would be unpleasant to touch a plush that itches on the body or becomes puffy and sheds.
Here are the different types of wool used in plush knitting:
Mohair: mohair is made from the fleece of a small Tibetan angora goat. It gives the curly effect of goat hair.
Cashmere: Cashmere is made from the wool of goats from the province of Kashmir. This wool is very rare, as it is considered a luxury fiber. It may be a little hard to find. However, it has good quality and is very soft to the touch.
Alpaca: wool comes from the alpaca plant. It has a soft, resistant fiber like that of sheep’s fur, and has the advantage of existing in different shades. So, if you want softness for knitting a bear with needles, for example, you can choose this wool.
Cotton plush knitting
If you’re concerned about the origin of the wool. There’s another alternative for knitting your plush and cuddly toys. It’s cotton, a lighter, plant-based material. This material is just as light as wool. But when you buy this material, we advise you to choose organic cotton. Not only does it give you pleasure, it also respects the environment.
Other crochet kits needed to make a plush toy
Knitting needle
Knitting needles come in a variety of sizes. But if you can afford them, we advise you to buy them all. That way, when you’re making different stuffed animals, you’ll always have the tools you need at hand. You won’t have to search for the right tool to knit a bear with different kinds of needles. You should know that the needle depends on the stitch you want to knit. So it’s better to stock up than have to stop in the middle of a project.
The right way to knit a plush toy
Everyone can learn to crochet. All you need is motivation, and not discouragement at the first failure. To learn the basics, there are many video tutorials and photos on the Internet that introduce you to plush crochet and amigurumi. To learn the techniques and correct methods for making a doudou or plush pattern, you need visual guidance.
Don’t worry, the videos and images are self-explanatory and easy to follow. This is open to you who are afraid of getting lost and not being able to follow. So, when you’ve got the right fiber, the right sizes of plush knitting needles, get to work.
You also need to choose the right stitch. For the record, the stitch is the stitch in knitting. It depends on stitch size and shape. There are a number of different stitches, including wheat, rice, tar, jersey, honeycomb and honeycomb.
How to knit a teddy bear?
There are several teddy bear knitting patterns to suit every level. Beginners, we advise you not to choose a teddy bear pattern that’s too complicated, which could discourage you. Because, if you get derailed as soon as you start, you won’t want to continue. For this reason, avoid adding complicated elements to your plush. For example, whiskers, eyes or nose, a tail, etc.
A plush toy is more than just a toy to your child. It’s a friend, a confidant and a fetish object. So choose a pattern that will arouse curiosity and reassure your child. Avoid a bear knitting pattern that will frighten him and that he won’t even want to hold. Whether it’s the color or the shape. The simplest patterns are bears, rabbits, sheep, foxes..
Just cast on 8 stitches and knit 16 rows. Then cast on 8 stitches to make the other leg and knit 16 rows. Then knit all along the 16 stitches for 8 rows. Finally, cast on 8 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. And you’ll see your teddy bear take shape as you knit.
Here’s another method: At a stockinette height of 4 cm, knit a purl row on the purl row, 1 st right side up for the selvedge stitch, then knit 2 stitches to the end of the row. Together, knit a purl stitch and finish with a selvedge stitch. This leaves 14 stitches (18 stitches).
A cuddly toy to knit according to your inspiration
If you really want to make a teddy bear, here’s another method:
For the head: knit 10 stitches with yarn A using 5 mm needles. For each row, add 10 stitches. At the end, you’ll have 50 stitches.
For the snout: 1 row is enough, but you’ll knit it with 2 other stitches. Connect them together. Fold down the stitches.
To assemble, thread the end of the thread through the back of the head and pull. All that’s left to do is to stuff the head and muzzle by closing the opening.
For the ears: knit 6 stitches using A thread and 5 mm needles. You don’t just need to make 1 row.
To assemble, gather and fold the raised side to the flap side. Join the two rounds with the overlock stitch.
The body: cast on 25 stitches with thread A and the same needle. Knit in stitches to a height of 8 cm. Stuff well, leaving an opening for legs and arms.
Sew the back gap to the lower part, place at the stitch in the middle back and close the lower part edge to edge. Stuff well and leave an open neckline.
Arms and legs: cast on 4 stitches for 2 rows up to the last stitch. Repeat rows 1 and 2 until there are 18 stitches on one needle.
To assemble, sew from the bottom to the top of the arm. Stuff before finalizing. And you’ve got a plush toy for your child.
Conclusion to the article how to knit a plush toy?
To take good care of your wool plush, comb the knitted fabric to remove any pilling. To avoid it falling into your child’s mouth.
When choosing a ball of wool, check that it can be machine-washed. Even if it’s made of wool, the stuffed toy still needs to be completely clean. Limit the number of small accessories that can get in your child’s way while he’s wearing the plush, or that can be swallowed.
You also need to pay attention to the quality of the wool, so that your child will want to keep his little companion by his side. Children are more sensitive than grown-ups. So, if you’re uncomfortable with your fabric, they won’t want the plush. So don’t forget to take into account the different types of wool and cotton we’ve recommended.
For parents looking for a new activity. We suggest you start with plush. A wool plush toy is new and fashionable at the moment. You’ll stimulate your brain and develop your sense of creativity. But you’ll also be pleasing your child. Now that you have all the tools in your hands, it’s time to get knitting.