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Whimsical Stitches
Explore Amigurumi, the Japanese art of crochet design, with 30 unique and darling patterns. Whether a novice or an experienced crocheter, anyone can pick up a needle and complete these cuddly creations.
Author and amigurumi guru Lauren Espy inspires crocheters with her easy-to-follow patterns, pictures, and helpful instructions. Lauren always takes the patterns one step at a time to ensure that your finished product is as cute as the creation on the page!
In Whimsical Stitches: A Modern Makers Book of Amigurumi Crochet Patterns, amigurumi is explored through thirty simple, fanciful patterns in a variety of themes, including:
How Does Your Garden Grow
At the Aquarium
Down on the Farm
At the Bakery
Brighten a room with flowers that won’t wilt, bring cheer to your table with colorful fruits that won’t attract flies, and add cuddly friends to a baby’s collection of favorite toys.
Author and amigurumi guru Lauren Espy inspires crocheters with her easy-to-follow patterns, pictures, and helpful instructions. Lauren always takes the patterns one step at a time to ensure that your finished product is as cute as the creation on the page!
In Whimsical Stitches: A Modern Makers Book of Amigurumi Crochet Patterns, amigurumi is explored through thirty simple, fanciful patterns in a variety of themes, including:
How Does Your Garden Grow
At the Aquarium
Down on the Farm
At the Bakery
Brighten a room with flowers that won’t wilt, bring cheer to your table with colorful fruits that won’t attract flies, and add cuddly friends to a baby’s collection of favorite toys.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published June 12, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 11, 2019
Many might question the sanity of making a cookie out of yarn & adding eyes, and those people are lacking some whimsy.
1. So many patterns for cute animals, plants, and food!
2. Pattern creating/ writing is SO HARD and I bow down to these amazing yarners.
3. A slight caution: if you are new to amigurumi, some of Espy’s directions might seem vague. (e.g. cut another long piece of yarn”) If that doesn’t bother you, then get your whimsy on!!!
I love yarn crafters! I find this community very giving and encouraging. As long as you give peeps like Espy credit for the pattern, you can spread these “tails” as far as your yarn will let you!
Yarn on, friends. Yarn on.
1. So many patterns for cute animals, plants, and food!
2. Pattern creating/ writing is SO HARD and I bow down to these amazing yarners.
3. A slight caution: if you are new to amigurumi, some of Espy’s directions might seem vague. (e.g. cut another long piece of yarn”) If that doesn’t bother you, then get your whimsy on!!!
I love yarn crafters! I find this community very giving and encouraging. As long as you give peeps like Espy credit for the pattern, you can spread these “tails” as far as your yarn will let you!
Yarn on, friends. Yarn on.
June 14, 2023
Tja, hoe beoordeel je een handwerkboek? Dit is een fijn haakboek met duidelijke beschrijvingen. Inmiddels heb ik al aardig wat amigurumi gehaakt (en cadeau gedaan)
January 20, 2022
How do you review a crochet book?
By how many patterns you've made?
By how many patterns you want to make?
By how many times you've referenced it?
Well, I can start with how many patterns I've made: 1.5.
I made a carrot for a co-worker as a keychain to go with a different rabbit I made for her. I used parts of the cow to make a cow plant hanger for a different co-worker. (I'll add pictures of both to the accompanying blog post).
I do still want to make several of the food patterns: cookies, pie, donuts, and macaroons. I am a professional cook after all and have a decent obsession with food so this is a nice cross-over for me. I think I would reference this book more if/when I actually sit down to make some of the patterns in it. As of right now, I tend to YouTube something if I need to know something specific about a stitch or pattern.
I was recommended this book early on in my crochet learning by a wonderful TikTok user that I enjoyed watching (he also makes really interesting crochet patterns). I still do not regret this purchase as it is still a very good resource for crochet beginners (though I don't consider myself beginner anymore).
Final Thoughts: The patterns aren't unique, you can find similar things all over the internet, the information isn't unique, you can find them all over the internet. However, having it all condensed in one place is incredibly time saving. I will continue to use and appreciate this book as needed.
By how many patterns you've made?
By how many patterns you want to make?
By how many times you've referenced it?
Well, I can start with how many patterns I've made: 1.5.
I made a carrot for a co-worker as a keychain to go with a different rabbit I made for her. I used parts of the cow to make a cow plant hanger for a different co-worker. (I'll add pictures of both to the accompanying blog post).
I do still want to make several of the food patterns: cookies, pie, donuts, and macaroons. I am a professional cook after all and have a decent obsession with food so this is a nice cross-over for me. I think I would reference this book more if/when I actually sit down to make some of the patterns in it. As of right now, I tend to YouTube something if I need to know something specific about a stitch or pattern.
I was recommended this book early on in my crochet learning by a wonderful TikTok user that I enjoyed watching (he also makes really interesting crochet patterns). I still do not regret this purchase as it is still a very good resource for crochet beginners (though I don't consider myself beginner anymore).
Final Thoughts: The patterns aren't unique, you can find similar things all over the internet, the information isn't unique, you can find them all over the internet. However, having it all condensed in one place is incredibly time saving. I will continue to use and appreciate this book as needed.
June 18, 2018
Easy to follow instructions with loads of clear illustrations. Cute projects with variations. Highly recommended for both beginners and experienced crocheters.
January 17, 2019
Amigurumi is a Japanese art of crocheting, or sometimes knitting, small stuffed yarn creatures. In Whimsical Stitches, author Lauren Espy shares patterns for a number of super cute, easy to make creations. She organizes her book into sections such as In the Garden, At the Aquarium, Down on the Farm, At the Bakery, and At the Market. Beginning with the basics of specific materials needed, basic stitches, and adding features to finished projects, Espy combines photographs and clear explanations to guide the novice or the expert. Her unique way of starting a “Magic Ring” to begin a project is so easy and works beautifully, creating a smooth flat surface. She even shares her technique for changing yarn colors to create a single color stitch while crocheting in continuous rounds. Each project begins with a comprehensive list of materials, finished size measurements, stitches used and pattern notes. Saguaro Cactus, Octopus, Bunny with Carrot, Mug and Donut, and Cupcakes are just some of the amigurumi creatures included in this wonderful book.
It had been a long time since I had tried to crochet anything, but the clear directions and the charming photographs inspired me to try. I made the Tomato creature, using red sport yarn and a size C hook. It came out so cute, smaller than the pattern (only 2 ½ inches), because of the change in yarn and hook size. It was easy, I learned some new skills, and ended up with a darling finished product. This book will spark your creativity to craft your own unique creations.
- Kathy, Cataloging Librarian
It had been a long time since I had tried to crochet anything, but the clear directions and the charming photographs inspired me to try. I made the Tomato creature, using red sport yarn and a size C hook. It came out so cute, smaller than the pattern (only 2 ½ inches), because of the change in yarn and hook size. It was easy, I learned some new skills, and ended up with a darling finished product. This book will spark your creativity to craft your own unique creations.
- Kathy, Cataloging Librarian
May 1, 2019
What a charming little crochet book. It's filled with a bunch of cute amigurim items. I did 2 of the patterns (turtle and donuts). Very well written, with easy and clear instructions. I would say this is an excellent book for beginners as Epsy has great photos of the stitches and techniques needed, but also great for us experienced crocheters who want a quick and easy project.
December 31, 2024
Crochet Your Own!
Gives great crocheting directions and color pictures of how to crochet many different little fruits, vegetables, donuts, macarons, etc. Shows step by step, colored pictures. Complete directions on colors of yarn needed, size of crochet hooks, etc. I’m going to start with the macarons and donuts! My granddaughter can’t wait!!!
Gives great crocheting directions and color pictures of how to crochet many different little fruits, vegetables, donuts, macarons, etc. Shows step by step, colored pictures. Complete directions on colors of yarn needed, size of crochet hooks, etc. I’m going to start with the macarons and donuts! My granddaughter can’t wait!!!
non-fiction-to-read
February 12, 2026Amigurumi Patterns for:
Saguaro Cactus, Succulent Planter, Sunflower, Tulip;
Jellyfish, Octopus, Turtle, Whale;
Bunny (with carrot), Cow, Duck, Eggs, Pig;
Bell pepper, Berries, Eggplant, Onion, Peach, Pineapple, Tomato;
Cookies, cupcakes, macarons, Mug & Donut, Pie.
Many are simple but a bunch require sewn assembly of pieces.
Instructions seem clear but I haven't tried them yet.
Saguaro Cactus, Succulent Planter, Sunflower, Tulip;
Jellyfish, Octopus, Turtle, Whale;
Bunny (with carrot), Cow, Duck, Eggs, Pig;
Bell pepper, Berries, Eggplant, Onion, Peach, Pineapple, Tomato;
Cookies, cupcakes, macarons, Mug & Donut, Pie.
Many are simple but a bunch require sewn assembly of pieces.
Instructions seem clear but I haven't tried them yet.
December 18, 2018
Perfectly crocheted and styled amigurumi! Numerous photos show what the projects should look like. I haven't completed any but the step-by-step photos are plentiful and written directions seem clear. Patterns are for food, creatures, and plants. Very adorable!
January 22, 2019
The patterns in this book are clear, with great pictures for further instruction. A great book for a beginner just getting comfortable with amigurumi. The patterns are straight forward and simple I recommend this to anyone just starting out.
September 18, 2020
This book shows more than the recent ones how to crochet but it’s still confusing and I need to watch videos or get a more basic book that describes the movements between steps.
All the projects are super cute so as soon as I learn how to crochet, yeah.
All the projects are super cute so as soon as I learn how to crochet, yeah.
January 10, 2021
Highly recommended
Easy to follow instructions for super cute characters. Clear pictures and instructions for each type of stitch needed. I would recommend for the beginner and experienced alike.
Easy to follow instructions for super cute characters. Clear pictures and instructions for each type of stitch needed. I would recommend for the beginner and experienced alike.
June 15, 2021
Cute book. A little too much embroidery for some pieces which makes it tedious to make. These items are small and the stitches and crochet hook are small so feels like I’m getting arthritis by doing this
May 20, 2022
I have made the turtle, whale, and jellyfish patterns so far and I'm happy with how my projects turned out. The instructions are simple to read and several of the patterns are good for beginner fiber artists. I even learned how to do a new stitch while reading it!
July 6, 2024
Love good patterns and good ideas. This book has it!
I would recommend this book to stitches who enjoy creative projects. Many great idea; really fun for kids' gifts and decorations for many uses. Easy to take them along with you on a trip or waiting at the dr.'s office, etc.😊
I would recommend this book to stitches who enjoy creative projects. Many great idea; really fun for kids' gifts and decorations for many uses. Easy to take them along with you on a trip or waiting at the dr.'s office, etc.😊
November 5, 2019
If you'd like to learn how to crochet along with making cute creations, this full color book with lots of step by step images is the best place to do it!
June 10, 2020
One of my favorite pattern books
July 4, 2021
Some amazing patterns and easy to follow along!
December 15, 2021
Very nice
Super cute and easy to follow. I’m still learning so it took a lot of practice to get it to look right for me but I’m happy with the patterns
Super cute and easy to follow. I’m still learning so it took a lot of practice to get it to look right for me but I’m happy with the patterns
December 21, 2021
I flipped through this book and love the patterns. They are simple and easy to read, which is just right for beginner crocheters.
August 11, 2022
I loved the simplicity, layout and patterns!
October 10, 2022
Lots of cute easy to understand patterns.
March 9, 2023
Hermoso libro, y fácil de seguir. 25 Amigurumis que vas a querer tanto una vez que los termines 🫶 es perfecto para quienes ya tienen conocimientos básicos del crochet.
April 20, 2023
Great pattern book for amigurumi. So cute.
May 7, 2023
A collection of adorable amigurumi projects. Honestly, the worst part about this book is trying to narrow down which projects I want to try first.
July 29, 2023
Whimsical Stitches
Love this book. The patterns are easy to read. They do not take long to make. I love the pig most. It is to cute after it is made.
Love this book. The patterns are easy to read. They do not take long to make. I love the pig most. It is to cute after it is made.
March 12, 2024
Well written and easy to follow patterns! I made a few the first day I bought the book.
Read
June 23, 2024Cute little animals very easy directions. Loved the Jelly Fish and the flowers
September 3, 2024
Lots of really cute and fun designs to stitch
October 17, 2024
Easy to follow, fun patterns. Stitches explained making the book good for beginners.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews