June Gilbank is an accomplished crochet pattern designer, writer, blogger, and multi-crafter. June taught herself to crochet when she moved from the United Kingdom to Canada in 2003, and she has since designed and published hundreds of unique nature-inspired crochet patterns online at PlanetJune (www.planetjune.com). Her specialties are cute and realistic animal, plant, and seasonal amigurumi designs as well as elegant accessories that showcase the beauty and variety of crochet.
June studied science and math at university and has worked as a technical writer. She uses these skills on a daily basis to bring clarity and precision to her crochet patterns and tutorials.
June is the author of "The Essential Guide to Amigurumi" (2023), "Everyday Crochet" (2022), "Idiot's Guides: Crochet" (2014), "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Amigurumi" (2010) and "Paper Chains & Garlands" (2009), and occasionally contributes articles and patterns to other books and magazines.
When she isn't crocheting, June enjoys exploring wildlife and nature, trying new crafts, and cozying up at home in Ontario, Canada with her husband Dave and their dog Maggie.
What a fantastic resource for anyone looking for tips and tricks on amigurumi! I have been doing amigurumi for approximately 3 years and I still learned new techniques while reading through this book. In fact, jogless color changes have long eluded me, despite trying many techniques, but the method June suggested worked great. There are a few patterns in this book but overall, it is more about the actual technique and skills to amigurumi than on patterns. If you're looking for a pattern book, this is not the book for you. If you are looking to learn more, increase your skill, and understand how and why to do what you do, this is definitely the book for you!
I've been making stuffed animals (Amigurumi) for my grandkids for approximately 10 years. I have never been able to find (successful) instructions to correct things like the jog I would have when changing colors or when crocheting in back loop only.... Until now! (I didn't try June Gilbank's prior book for dummies.)
I am in the process of making a crocheted nutcracker for my sister for Christmas. So far I have been able to do both jogless change in color and jogless back loop only stitches... things I haven't been able to accomplish in my 10 years of experience.
In just a couple days June Gilbank's "The Essential Guide to Amigurumi" has already made a big change in the way my project looks. I am excited to read/use this Guide to further my skills.
I highly recommend this Guide for anyone interested in making Amigurumi. There are some cute patterns that will get you started on your way to endless fun making animals, dolls, etc. The written instructions are clear and the pictures are clear and colorful.
The Guide starts with the basics... Various equipment needed like hook, yarn, darning needle, scissors, stuffing, etc. How to choose the proper crochet hook and yarn then how to hold them. From there it goes into fundamental stitches, crocheting in the round, keeping track of 'start-of-round' with stitch markers. This is honestly the most comprehensive instruction Guide I've seen. Whether you are a beginner or have been crocheting many years like I have this Guide will help improve your skills.
Everything you thought you needed to know about crocheting amigurumi and EVEN MORE!
This book is truly for beginners thru advanced crocheters.“The Essential Guide to Amigurumi” isn’t just an update to June’s original “Complete Idiot’s Guide”, but is an even more comprehensive reference, full of detailed photo tutorials, links to video tutorials, new techniques and methods, patterns to practice your new skills, plus extensive advice and tips on designing your own amigurumi.
I am particularly chuffed to have June’s advanced tips consolidated here, especially those on embroidery, eye placement, texture enhancement with novelty yarns and brushing, sculpting, stabilizing, adding structure, and especially all her tips on doll hair. And I can’t wait to try her new “Crisp Stripes” method for super-smooth color breaks. The mix and match critter and doll patterns will let me practice all my new skills—can’t wait to get started!
Colorful, clear, well organized, easy to understand, the ultimate amigurumi reference. You will not outgrow this book!
I'm left handed but I'm crocheting right handed, so bought this version of the book. I'm also not a beginner anymore but I made my very first amigurumi steps with June's fabulous dinosaur patterns many years ago.
This book is clearly a labour of love! It's very well written, thorough and so detailed you will never need anything else. Whether you're just starting to make amigurumis, want to improve your technique, adjust a bought pattern or even start designing yourself - this book is the crochetpedia you're looking for! It covers all the questions that might occur and even experienced crocheters will find something new to learn. For me, the chapter about creating hair/wigs was really helpful for example.
The colours are very easy on the eyes (something very important to me) and the font is comfortably big. Also, it has many helpful pictures!