Tony
Crochet was a craft that always left me baffled and frustrated ( you hearing me Hilary ? ), but I really wanted to have a go at making something like these. So, I bought myself an Amigurumi book, and found to my surprise, that the Japanese charts were a lot easier to understand than anything I'd tried to decipher before.
It really is a doddle once you get into the groove. Amigurumi creatures are usually made using one basic stitch, and any shaping is achieved by working twice into one stitch to increase, and working two stitches together to decrease.
I use a metal hook, I find the plastic ones too bendy, and I make sure I'm relaxed ( glass of wine and a comfy sofa, usually does the trick), I think an easy thing to do when you first start, is to pull the yarn too tight. Relax those wrists, and have a few practise sessions to find the right tension for you.
And to start with, use a yarn that isn't too fluffy or dark, so you can see your stitches easily.
Some online links and inspiration
and google images.
Happy Friday !
