Amigurumi Friends: 20 Easy Patterns to Create 100+ Adorable Custom Crochet Critters - Explore Infinite Possibilities with Shapes, Colors, Details, and Yarns

by Jade Gauthier-Boutin

Create more than 100 adorable amigurumi animals while learning skills and techniques to stitch any crochet critter you can imagine. There’s nothing more satisfying than creating something with your hands—especially when it’s your own design and it’s cuddly and adorable. In Amigurumi Friends, popular crochet designer Jade Gauthier-Boutin shares a variety of approaches to stitching, customizing, and designing your own crochet critters.   Jade first provides detailed patterns for five basic animal poses—two standing, two sitting, and one lying down. You then choose your own crochet adventure by changing the muzzles, ears, tails, colors, and other details to create more than 100 adorable animals. With an overview of crochet techniques and amigurumi basics, even beginning crocheters will be able to stitch their chosen crochet animals. This comprehensive guide   Clear instructions for the basic head and for five body shapes and poses Twenty animal types with instructions for crocheting all five variations Ideas for customizing the projects with different expressions, yarns, stitch patterns, and more Inspiration and guidance to design your own amigurumi from scratch QR codes linked to video tutorials to make creating amigurumi even easier With so many options, the hardest part will be deciding which crochet cutie to make first. Choose from animals from all around the world . . . and   In the Take a walk on the wild side with lions, and tigers, and zebras, oh my! Woodland Sweet forest creatures like foxes, moose, and bears On the Cows, donkeys, pups, and other lovable barnyard pals Out of This Dinosaurs, dragons, and unicorns expand the amigurumi universe   Whether you’re new to crochet or amigurumi or looking for fresh ideas to make, gift, and even sell, Amigurumi Friends provides everything you need to know to stitch up your own marvelous menagerie of cuddly critters.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crochet, Crafts, Animals

576 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Amigurumi Friends is an adorable step by step guide on creating your very own little Amigurumi animals.
The book starts off with the basics of equipment you will need and tips and crocheting steps, then goes on to show you how to create each little animal. There are twenty adorable animals to make, and I really want to make them all. This was a great book with detailed instructions and pictures to accompany each step, but as I received a netgalley shelf version, I couldn't zoom in enough to follow each one and make them. I would definitely recommend getting this in physical form, and I really want to get it in paperback ASAP.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific guide for new or seasoned crocheters with easy to follow instructions on how to make adorable amigurumi animals. There are 20 designs that can be used to create 100 such creatures, one cuter than the other. Recommended!

[Angharad · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the designs of these amigurumis. I've been trying to teach myself how to crochet amigurumis for awhile now, but its been so intimidating! Amigurumi Friends has really easy to follow and understand instructions, and if that's not enough, there's QR codes that link to a Youtube video you can follow along with to learn the basic stitches.

The author really breaks it down step by step and made me realize that it's really not as hard as it looks with a little faith and some practice. I'm planning on sitting with this book open and going through to make Uma the Unicorn (my favorite in the book, Im such a sucker for those pastel pinks and greens) for my niece once I have the chance to get the right colors. I'm so grateful I got an advance preview of this book, so much so I'll be buying a physical copy when it releases this summer. Thank you again!

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC of the book.

Amigurumi animals kept popping up on my feed and I couldn’t resist checking out this book to see how hard could it be. This book contains more than 100 animals to create, it gives techniques (not only text but QR codes to watch a video) and stitches as well as shows how to create different various or eyes, cheeks etc, ideas on accessories. Each animal pattern has a difficulty level so the reader could match their skill.

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preordered the paperback version of this book & received my copy on release day! Crochet pals? This is a really terrific book! The quality is extremely high with gorgeous pictures and qrc’s for tutorials. Honestly? I highly recommend checking it out if you’re a fan of creating adorable amigurumi! Jade’s patterns are masterpieces! Enjoy!!!

4.5/5 stars! :))

[Esmée · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

First off, the patterns are really clear and the possibilities are indeed endless, if you mix and match the different heads and bodies that is.
In the first chapter there is a clear list of materials needed followed by a step by step explanation of the different stitches you will have to use in these patterns. With these explanations come a lot of pictures to make sure it is easy to follow for beginners like me. If these aren't enough, there are QR codes included that lead you to a small tutorial. A simple, yet really appreciated detail

The patterns itself contain difficulty levels so that everyone can pick the pattern that suits their level of crochet.

Overall a really great instruction book and I can't wait to try some of these myself!

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful tips inside, I'm very excited to get started learning how to make stuffed animals. I like that the author wrote a variety of body styles based on skill level, so you can keep growing and creating.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Jade Gauthier-Boutin, and the publisher for this ARC of Amigurumi Friends in exchange for an honest review! This is a phenomenal pattern book for crocheters of all skill levels! I think everyone can appreciate how cute amigurumi animals are and this is the perfect book to get if you want to make some of your own!

I was really impressed with Amigurumi Friends in particular! Jade includes everything you need to know to get started! The basics to crocheting are essential to know before you make an amigurumi, and I found them to be extremely well explained! I think even a complete beginner would be able to understand. The actual patterns themselves are just absolutely adorable. I can see these amigurumi being the perfect homemade gift to a loved one or just some cute cozy friends to have around your home. You're going to want to make them all and you'll absolutely be able to do so because of how simple the patterns are to follow! The photos could not be more clear, and there are even QR codes to video tutorials for different steps that offer even more help! I don't think I'm exaggerating at all if I say this book is the epitome of user-friendly!

My favorite aspect of this book is that beyond giving you patterns to do as your next project, it gives you the tools to come up with your own ideas for an amigurumi! I love how you're given the basics you need, and then given the advice, confidence, and inspiration to customize to your heart's desire! The ideas for accessories are so great! I think even if you're someone who has followed patterns to do projects like this before, you'll find that this book can expand your horizons! Think how fun it would be and how proud of yourself you would be if you were able to take what you learn in this book and come up with your own amigurumi patterns! That's why I really think Amigurumi Friends is a valuable book to have for any crocheter or person looking to start crocheting! I also think this book would make a perfect gift for anyone that crochets!

[Jaelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of adorable patterns, clever tricks and tips, and hundreds of detailed photos and explanations, this book is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to get into amigurumi for the first time, or seeking out new adorable possibilities!

This book is so incredibly charming! The images are clear and vibrant, the explanations are wonderful, and I loved the little anecdotes and side notes scattered throughout the book! I have some experience with crochet and amigurimi, but I'm not an expert by any means. However, the pattern was clear and straight forward, and my bunny came out adorably! I also really appreciated the library of tips and tricks that helped make my project even better!

What worked for me:
- This whole book is so cute. Each page is lovely to look at, and there are so many images showing how to do everything.
- For more complicated techniques and instructions, the book includes QR codes to video instructions!!
- The patterns are really great, easy to follow, and the one I tested came out great with no fiddling needed!

What didn't work for me:
- The instructions for the magic ring were SO confusing. I know a different method of making a MR that works for me, and after several failed attempts to follow this method, I gave up and just used my own.
- Flipping back and forth between different sections while working on the pattern got a bit tedious. Having page number references of where the instructions for the next step are located helped, but I still lost my place frequently (especially in the ebook form), and I could see all the back and forth being rough on the spine of the book depending on how it's bound.

Overall, I really like this book, and I would love to try out more of the patterns and make a whole cute collection of animals!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Amigurumi Friends is an adorable guide to crocheting 20 base forms with variations and tutorials by Jade Gauthier-Boutin. Due out 18th June 2024 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

The book is logically laid out and beginner accessible. The graphics are appealing and clear. The book is lavishly illustrated and the photography is very detailed and taken at close range. The book has a short introduction including the stitches used. The author/publisher have included QR codes throughout which link to supplementary content including videos showing the techniques used.

There are two main parts. The first section includes a fairly thorough intro to crochet and tools and supplies. The general tutorial for the basic shapes and common features for all the projects follow the introductory chapters. The specific tutorials are broken down into head and body variations.

The following chapters include the specific tutorials grouped thematically: zoo, woodland friends, farm animals, and fantasy/dinosaur friends to crochet. The end of the book contains some really useful tips from the author showing her own design process, and giving lots of tips for customization and embellishments.
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 and for customization.

Five stars. Well worth a read for crochet interested readers. The dolls are very cute, and most are quite small and quick to finish.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amigurumi Friends is a crochet tutorial by Jade Gauthier-Boutin, founder of All From Jade. There are companies that sell introductory kits for making these cute animals that retail for around $30 to craft a single animal. This book explains how to make amigurumi animals for both beginning and experienced crocheters so they can make their own more economically and customize to their hearts’ content. She explains what types of yarn to buy and all the necessary supplies.

Amigurumi Friends contains instructions to make 20 different crochet animals. While she uses a single pattern for the head, she explains how moving the eyes, changing yarn colors, and varying ears and other facial features form different animals. She has detailed step-by-step instructions to make five different body types, which include three different poses. Then there are detailed step-by-step instructions to make 20 different animals. Additionally there are QR codes linked to video tutorials for people who need more than photos.

Amigurumi Friends is a wonderful resource for anyone who would like to make these cute animals. The cost of this book is less than a pre-packaged beginner kit at a craft store. The supplies needed are low cost and widely available so a beginning crocheter can make many amigurumi animals using this guide at an economical cost. These animals make wonderful gifts for little ones and even adults who have a favorite animal.

I recommend reading this book on a device larger than a cellphone.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for creating cute amigurumi! Although I did not need the instructional beginning, I think that it is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to get started. I could easily see someone who is incredibly new to crochet being able to easily follow the instructions and photos; the inclusion of QR codes to take you directly to videos, if photos aren't enough, is that extra feature that definitely bumps up my opinion of this book! I have many, many pattern books and none have been so helpful as this one.

One thing that you get in so many pattern books is just patterns with no other variations suggested or any way to modify said pattern to create something slightly different. Gauthier-Boutin flipped this on its head and included an entire sections showing how to make different body shapes and poses, different basic shapes for other parts, different accessories, and showed how she designs amigurumi. It lets you really play around with different combinations and create your own personalized amigurumi in addition to the pre-designed patterns included.

This is overall a fantastic resource for creating any type of amigurumi, and, as an enthusiastic crafter, I'm thrilled to have a copy!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Quarry Books for this opportunity!

[Lynnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of amigurumi animals from Jade Gauthier-Boutin has easy to follow directions for anyone with skills from beginner to advanced. I liked the variety of animals and really enjoyed the options of different body styles for each. It's a very clever way to to make each animal unique, even though they have the same basic components.

The pictures in the book are creative and helpful and there are step by step instructions for some of the more complicated directions. Gauthier-Boutin (@allfromjade on Instagram) offers lots of variation - from the body type to eyes and cheeks and a variety of tips to make your amigurumi extra cute. There are even QR codes that point toward YouTube videos for people who want to see specific stitches and joining techniques rather than read about them - what a helpful resource!

Thanks to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group - Quarry Books and Jade Gauthier-Boutin for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This book publishes on June 18.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute book with lots of animals. For the most part the instructions were very clear. It starts with basic instructions for all the body parts, then you go to the animal’s page to get specific details for that specific animal. I do wish it gave more instructions in places. For example, the giraffe has spots on the body, but instead of telling you where to change colors to make those spots, it sends you to the general page on how to change colors. And this is rated as a beginner. A beginner needs detailed instructions as much as possible. All in all, it’s a good book, and I would buy the hard copy. I have made a few animals and I believe I can navigate around the instructions. While I believe most books start with general instructions on body, hands, feet, etc (then you go to the specific animal to get any additional instructions), I believe a step by step for the entire animal would be better for a true beginner.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 for me.
I hope that the final product will be spiral bound. I have learned from other crochet titles that constantly flipping to the basic body/head shape pages quickly destroys the binding on traditional paperbacks.
I do feel like every crochet critter book these days, features the same 20 animals in every book. How about, I dunno..... a pigeon? a turtle? Something other than lion, dinosaur, unicorn, bear, etc. They are fine, but I'd be more interested in something more unique.

The QR codes for tricky bits is a nice touch as is the final section that shows you little bits and bobs you can add to really make the pattern your own.

Overall, good. Can't say it would be great for true beginners, but a good building block.

Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto for the ARC.

[MarryAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to give a try to this part of crocheting, but never crocheted anything before, have no fear, because this book is really gonna help you.

I love how this book is organized, showing the tools and yarns you can use and then explaining every step needed to make an amigurumi, from crocheting the parts, to attaching them together, adding eyes and other details, filled with pro and cons for every method, as well as QR codes for video tutorials.

The book also has some specific designs, but the way it's written, it's easy to combine the techniques and make you own original design.

With easy to follow instructions, clear pictures and a simple, yet effective organization, this book is a 10/10 for me

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion

[Coffee&Cliffhangers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amigurumi Friends by jade Gauthier-Boutin has everything you need to get you started making your own miniature . With so many plushies to choose from you are sure to find something you enjoy from farm animals, woodland, zoo, and even some that are out of this world.
The step-by- step instructions made it clear and easy to follow, from basic stitch techniques, to individual patterns, including step by step pictures all made these projects easy even for those who are just getting started. I loved the customization ideas she included to get you started making your own amigurumi designs,. This book is a must have for those who wish to get into making amigurumi.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amigurumi Friends: 20 Easy Patterns to Create 100+ Adorable Custom Crochet Critters - Explore Infinite Possibilities with Shapes, Colors, Details, and Yarns

This book is full of cute patterns. It also gives guidance on customizing and creating your own Amigurumi. I’ve been crocheting for years but recently started creating Amigurumi. There is plenty of detail to help beginners. I enjoyed it so much I purchased a copy for my personal library.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amigurumi Friends by Jade Gauthier-Boutin; 20 Easy Patterns to Create 100+ Adorable Custom Crochet Critters was so cute and great to create. I just loved this book and ended up making so many of these for my great nieces and great nephews. The patterns were so easy to follow with great illustrations and clear instructions from start to finish which made them a joy to make. Especially to see my crochet creations come alive in my great niece and great nephews hands!

Wonderful. I highly recommend this book.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The best way to review a crochet book, is to try making the craft inside. After one try, I can say that this book had most of the essential need of making an amigurumi. Having learnt how to crochet one year ago, the plushie that I made according to this book is so cute, and not that hard to follow. Still have to manage all the stitching together, but overall, with practice, you can create cute animals with 5 different poses following the instruction of this book.

[Lata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade Gauthier-Boutin provides wonderfully clear and easy to follow instructions to make several different kinds of animals. She uses a recipe approach, in the sense that here's how to make a head, a supine body, etc, and you can then follow these to put together a lion, a cow, a zebra, etc.

I had an electronic version to look at, so I have not yet made any of the creatures, but having made several pieces from other books, I can definitely say that the instructions are well written and the book is set up so that one can successfully create the creatures found within.

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for beginners and more advanced crocheters. I have been crocheting for years, but am just entering the world of amigurumi. This book lays a great foundation. I appreciated the five different body types and the discussion of different features (types of eyes, blush, how to make the eyes set back a bit, eye brows, color changes/spots/stripes, etc.). The pictures are very helpful, and the QR codes that lead to video tutorials are especially nice.

One area the author could have covered more in depth was different types of yarn and how that affects the pattern (or not).

[Ian Yarington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not exactly a crafty crochet type person but my cousin is so I entered the giveaways. I won this book and I'm saving it for her birthday in October. It saved me the trouble of fumbling around a book store trying to guess something she might like. Her kids are still young and they might enjoy some of the little animals. That's the hope anyway. I thought it was a super fun little book and I really hope she enjoys it.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

This book is so cute. I love the different ideas but also that you could take the ideas and customize the animals to what you'd like. Different eyes, body's, heads, etc. I think this is a very clever crochet book for both beginners and more advance crocheters, maybe even those who want to start creating their own patterns.

[MAB LongBeach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patterns for 20 cute amigurumi animals, plus separate body patterns that can be mixed and matched to make many more. Also includes basic instructions on how to draft one's own amigurumi patterns, and the shapes needed. The instructions are clear and concise, with many helpful diagrams. Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Chloe Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! Cute patterns easy to understand. As I am a beginner I find having the videos available very handy as well as the tips and trick page. This book makes it feel very achievable to create some cute little friends taking you step by step through the process. Cannot wait to make heaps.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great adorable book that I will sure be referencing to for years to come. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, while also building a foundation so you can later on create your own amigurumi design. As someone who only recently started doing crochet, this was an amazing find.

Thank you NetGalley and All From Jade for giving me a digital copy of this book for review.

[norah]

thanks to NetGalley for the eARC

⭐️=4.25

I loved how customizable the animals are––three poses for each animal. there’s also very clear tutorials on invisible round changes and indented eyes, among other techniques. I will say that not all of these animals are equally cute, but overall this is really fun!

[Lisa Schandle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is so great! As a beginner at crocheting this had all the instructions and patterns needed to make one of these cute creatures! I made the Triceratops just to confirm the patterns made sense and looked like the pictures. I was blown away!

[Leanne S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! It has precise and accurate instructions with pictures to help along the way! If you want to learn how to make crochet stuffed animals this is the book for you! I can’t wait to make them all. Thank you to Jade and NetGalley for the advanced copy.