If you’ve been dreaming about crocheting your first plushie but feel a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Most beginners spend hours scrolling through cute designs without ever starting — and one of the biggest reasons? They’re not sure which yarn to use.
The truth is, yarn choice can make or break your first project. The wrong yarn can be slippery, fuzzy, hard to work with, or show every lump of stuffing. The right yarn, on the other hand, will make your stitches look neat, your plushie soft and cuddly, and the entire process so much more fun.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll share:
- My top easy amigurumi patterns for beginners
- The yarns I recommend for fast, beautiful results
- Step-by-step tips to help you start your first project today
Whether you’ve never held a hook or you’re looking for an easier way to make plushies, you’re in the right place.
Why Yarn Choice Matters for Beginner Amigurumi
When I first learned to crochet, I only used worsted weight yarn for my amigurumi. And while it’s fine for some projects, my plushies took forever to finish. The stitches were small, the polyfil stuffing often peeked through, and honestly — it made me wonder if I was cut out for plushie-making at all.
The game-changer? Super bulky, soft yarns that work up quickly and hide imperfections. They gave me confidence, made my projects look professional, and — bonus — my customers loved them.
Here’s why yarn choice is such a big deal for beginners:
● Ease of Handling: Chunkier yarn is easier to see and hold, making it perfect for learning stitches.
● Speed: Larger stitches = faster progress. You’ll actually finish projects (and feel motivated to start another).
● Look & Feel: Soft, plush yarn creates that “real stuffed animal” vibe that’s irresistible.
● Beginner Forgiveness: Minor mistakes are less noticeable in plush, fluffy yarns.
My #1 Yarn Recommendation: Bernat Blanket Yarn
If I had to pick just one yarn for easy amigurumi patterns, it would be Bernat Blanket Yarn. I first noticed it popping up in amigurumi designs all over social media in 2022, and when I tried it, I knew I’d never go back.
Here’s why it’s perfect for beginners:
Softness Like a Real Plush Toy
Bernat Blanket Yarn is super soft — the kind of softness that makes people hug your plushie immediately. It feels like store-bought stuffed animals, which is exactly what buyers (and kids) love.
Stuffing Stays Hidden
I use a 6.5 mm hook with Bernat Blanket Yarn, and I’ve never had polyfil show through the stitches. No lumps, no uneven stuffing — just smooth, squishy plushies.
Works Up Fast
With super bulky yarn, you can finish a medium-sized plushie in a few hours instead of days. That instant gratification is priceless when you’re just starting out.
Endless Colors
Bernat Blanket Yarn comes in 50+ colors, from soft pastels to bold brights. You’ll never feel limited when designing your next plushie.
Other Beginner-Friendly Yarns I Love for Amigurumi
Premier Yarns Basix Chenille
- Slightly lighter than Bernat Blanket
- I use a 6.5mm hook
- Great for smaller plushies or lovey blankets
- I used this for my Horse Lovey Crochet Pattern and it was perfect
Premier Yarns Parfait Chunky
- Huge color selection
- I use a 6.0mm hook
- Super soft — perfect for animals with embroidered features
- I’ve used it for my Amigurumi Turkey and Elephant Plushie patterns
Loops & Threads Cozy Cub
- Velvety texture that makes plushies irresistibly snuggly
- Works great for plushies like my Duck Hand Puppet
- I use 6.0mm hook
- Comes 15 beautiful colors
Loops & Threads Sweet Snuggles Lite
- Velvety texture that makes plushies irresistibly snuggly
- Works beautifully for medium-sized plushies like my Unicorn Plushie
- I use 6.5mm hook
- Comes in a gorgeous selection of soft pastels and fun bright
How to Choose the Right Yarn for Your First Plushie
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Check the Pattern’s Recommendation
Most easy amigurumi patterns will list the yarn weight and hook size that work best, but for plushies, I recommend using at least one hook size smaller than what is recommended on the packaging. -
Consider Your Comfort Level
If you’ve never crocheted before, start with a chunky yarn and larger hook — it’s easier to see your stitches. -
Think About the Finished Size
Bigger yarn = bigger plushie. Decide if you want a palm-sized toy or a large snuggle buddy. -
Avoid Furry Yarns at First
While fluffy novelty yarns look cute, they can hide your stitches and make learning harder.
Tools You’ll Need for Easy Amigurumi Patterns
- Hooks: 6 mm – 8 mm for bulky yarns
- Stitch Markers: Keeps track of rounds
- Polyfil Stuffing: High-quality stuffing avoids lumps
- Yarn Needle: For sewing on parts
-
Safety Eyes or Embroidery Thread: For adding character
- I buy my eyes in bulk on Amazon.
Step-by-Step: Making Your First Beginner Amigurumi Plushie
Pick Your Pattern: Try one of my beginner-friendly patterns:
- Pig Plushie Pattern (perfect for chunky yarn)
- Jellyfish Plushie Pattern (quick weekend project)
- Teddy Bear Plushie Pattern (classic and cute)
Gather Supplies: Yarn, hook, stuffing, stitch markers, yarn needle, safety eyes.
Learn the Basic Stitches: Most amigurumi use chain (ch), single crochet (sc), increase (inc), and decrease (dec).
Work in the Round: Amigurumi is made in spirals — use a stitch marker to keep track.
Stuff as You Go: Add stuffing as you crochet to avoid lumps.
Assemble and Add Details: Sew on limbs, ears, tails, and embroider any features.
7 Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Using the Wrong Hook Size → Follow the yarn label or pattern recommendation (I go smaller than recommended for tighter stitches).
- Under or Overstuffing → Either not enough or too much polyfil, causing stitches to stretch and stuffing to show. With time, you'll figure out the "just right" amount.
- Not Counting Stitches → Results in lopsided plushies.
- Choosing Complicated Patterns → Start simple and build your skills.
- Not Finishing Projects → Pick quick wins for your first few plushies.
My Top 5 Easy Amigurumi Patterns for Beginners
(All available in my shop — simply click to grab yours!)
- Hippo Plushie Pattern – Adorable and quick with chunky yarn
- Duck Plushie Pattern – Perfect first project, only a few pieces to sew
- Chubby Penguin Plushie Pattern – Classic, giftable design
- Two Peas in a Pod Pattern – Fun seasonal project
- Pumpkin Plushie Pattern – Fast, festive, and perfect for fall
FAQs About Beginner Amigurumi
Q: Can I use worsted weight yarn for beginner plushies?
A: Yes, but it’s slower to work up and can be harder to keep stuffing hidden.
Q: What’s the easiest amigurumi for beginners?
A: Start with a small, round animal like a duck or penguin. Minimal sewing, simple stitches.
Q: Do I need to line up my color changes?
A: For your first few projects, don’t stress — focus on learning the stitches and shaping.
Final Thoughts – Start Your First Plushie Today!
Crochet is meant to be relaxing, joyful, and creative — not stressful. Choosing the right yarn can make the difference between giving up and falling in love with amigurumi.
Start with chunky, soft yarns like Bernat Blanket, pick a simple pattern, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your plushie comes to life.
💌 Ready to start? Shop my easy amigurumi patterns for beginners here.
About the Author
Marcy Gardner is the crochet designer behind Simply Hooked, where she creates beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns that help makers of all skill levels create adorable, giftable plushies.
With over 13 years of crochet experience, Marcy has taught hundreds of crocheters through her patterns, kits, and online courses.
Shop her fun and easy patterns today!
