Amigurumi Crochet Tools & Materials: My Top 8 Essentials

If you’ve ever wondered what you actually need to get started with amigurumi, you’re not alone! It can be easy to get lost in the sea of hooks, yarns, and gadgets – but the truth is, you don’t need much to begin.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up the 8 essential tools and materials I reach for every time I make an amigurumi project. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your setup, these tried-and-tested items will help you create beautifully finished pieces with confidence and joy.

These are the 8 items that I have found most essential when making amigurumi projects:

1. Yarn – Choosing the Best Yarn for Amigurumi

First and foremost, let’s talk yarn – arguably the most exciting part of crochet shopping!

Put your hands up if you have more yarn than time… yet somehow, that new skein of extra squishy, silky soft yarn always finds its way into your basket!

So, which yarn should you choose? Yarns come in many different fibres, and some are better suited to amigurumi than others. Personally, I always come back to 100% cotton or cotton blends – they hold their shape beautifully and produce crisp stitch definition.

I’ve shared my detailed recommendations in my post My Favourite Yarns To Use For Amigurumi, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Each fibre has its own charm, and exploring them is half the fun!

2. Comfortable Crochet Hook

Next up is a comfortable hook.  

Selecting the right crochet hook for amigurumi is all about comfort and control. This choice is personal – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.

Start with a hook that feels good in your hand. Many beginners find that ergonomic hooks help reduce hand strain, especially when working the tight stitches that amigurumi requires.

Try out a few styles before investing in a full set. My current favourite is the Tulip Etimo Soft Grip Ergonomic Hook, which has even replaced my beloved 2.25mm Clover Soft Touch hook. I use a pencil grip and find them wonderfully smooth and comfortable for long crochet sessions.

Remember: the best hook is the one that makes crocheting feel easy and enjoyable.

3. Stitch Markers

Stitch markers are non-negotiable when it comes to amigurumi!

Because amigurumi is worked in continuous spirals, it’s very easy to lose your place – especially when life (or a chatty family member!) interrupts. Mark the first stitch of each round and move the marker up as you go.

My favourite stitch markers are the Clover Locking Stitch Markers. Once you lock them in place, they don’t budge. 

But don’t worry if you don’t have fancy markers – a safety pin, paper clip, or even a bobby pin will do the trick.

4. Sharp Scissors

A small pair of sharp, lightweight scissors is essential for neat, precise cuts.

Embroidery scissors work perfectly for trimming yarn ends closely to your stitches. ​There are many beautiful pairs of ornate and wonderful scissors on the market, but there’s no need to splurge – any pair with a fine point and comfortable grip will do.

Look for scissors with comfortable handles that fit well in your hand. Additionally, having a protective sheath or cover for the sharp points can be handy to prevent accidental pricks and keep the scissors in good condition.

5. Tapestry or Yarn Needle

A tapestry needle (sometimes called a yarn needle) is one of the most used tools in my amigurumi kit. It’s perfect for sewing pieces together, weaving in ends, and adding embroidered details.

Opt for needles with blunt tips and large eyes to prevent splitting the yarn. I recommend steel needles over plastic – they glide more smoothly and last longer.

Bent-tip needles are especially helpful for tight spaces, such as attaching a head to a body. A small set with multiple sizes will ensure you’re ready for any task that comes your way.

6. Pins – T-Pins and Glass-Headed Pins

T-pins and/or glass-headed pins are essential tools for amigurumi due to their versatility and effectiveness in holding pieces together during assembly.

T-pins, with their sturdy and easy-to-handle design, are perfect for securing larger parts, such as limbs and heads, in place while you sew them together. Their shape ensures they stay firmly in position, providing stability and precision. They are also great for larger weight yarn projects such as chenille plushies.

Glass-headed pins, on the other hand, are ideal for finer work, such as attaching smaller details like ears, eyes, or decorative elements. The glass heads are easy to see and handle and are unlikely to disappear into your work.

Both types of pins are indispensable for ensuring preferred positioning and alignment of parts, resulting in a more professional and polished finished product. 

7. Toy Stuffing

Your choice of stuffing can make or break the finished look of your amigurumi.

I recommend polyester fibrefill – it’s lightweight, soft, washable, and hypoallergenic. It holds its shape well and gives your toys that perfect, squishy feel without lumps or unevenness.

For best results, add stuffing in small amounts and shape as you go. A chopstick or stuffing tool can help you reach those tricky corners!.

8. Safety Eyes (and Noses)

Toy safety eyes (and noses) come in a wide variety of colours, shapes, and sizes.

Personally, I prefer the classic black round safety eyes, although I have a collection of many different types. These eyes and noses consist of two parts: the ‘eye’ with a ribbed shaft, and the washer that secures onto the shaft.  

​Once attached, high-quality washers are quite difficult to remove. In fact, some washers can be tricky to fix on in the first place. For some helpful tips and tricks on attaching eyes, check out my “Fitting Safety Eyes” tutorial.

⚠️ Important: Safety eyes are not suitable for toys intended for children under 3 years old. For younger children, embroider the eyes instead to keep things safe.

​Regardless of who the finished toy is intended for, I recommend using good-quality safety eyes and noses.​​