Crochet Kits and Amigurumi: What to Know Before You Buy
What a beginner crochet kit should contain, how to choose one, how amigurumi works, and when buying supplies separately is the better choice for you.
A good kit takes the guesswork out of a first project: the yarn and hook are matched, the quantities are right, and the instructions walk you through each step. A poor one leaves you with slippery yarn, a hook that is too small and instructions that assume you already know how to crochet.
This topic helps you tell them apart. We look at what a beginner kit should contain, how to read the contents list, which skill level each kit really expects and what kind of instructions it provides, printed, video or both.
Amigurumi has its own section, because it is one of the most popular ways to start. These small stuffed figures are worked in the round, usually in single crochet, and they teach increases, decreases and shaping in a project that fits in your hand. We explain how they are made, what makes a first amigurumi easier, and which kits are designed for beginners.
Finally, we compare a kit with buying supplies separately, so you can decide which route suits your budget and the projects you have in mind. For individual hooks and yarns, see Hooks, Yarn & Supplies.
Stitches and techniques
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Tutorial Amigurumi for Beginners: The Techniques to Learn, Step by StepAmigurumi for beginners: continuous rounds and stitch markers, the 6-12-18 increases, the invisible decrease, tight tension, stuffing and closing, step by step.
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Explainer Crochet Kit vs Buying Supplies Separately: Which Is Better?Crochet kit or separate supplies? What a kit includes, what you need to buy on your own, how to match hook and yarn, and which route suits a first project.
The basics, explained
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Guide What Is Amigurumi? Meaning, Techniques and MaterialsWhat amigurumi is: the meaning of the Japanese word, how these small stuffed figures are crocheted, the yarn, hook, stuffing and eyes they need, and how to start.
Tools and kits compared
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The Best Amigurumi Crochet Kits, Compared on Contents and LevelFour amigurumi crochet kits compared on what is in the box: hook, yarn, eyes, stuffing and instructions, from a video-led fox to an intermediate highland cow.
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The Best Crochet Kits for Beginners, Compared on What's InsideFour crochet kits for beginners compared on their contents: hooks, yarn, instructions and project, from a video-led first toy to a complete starter set and blankets.
How to choose
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How to choose How to Choose a Crochet Kit: What to Check Before You BuyHow to choose a crochet kit: the contents list, hook size versus yarn weight, yarn color and fiber, instructions and video, skill level, and age and safety labels.
FAQ
What comes in a beginner crochet kit?
Most beginner kits include one or more hooks, enough yarn for the project, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers and instructions, printed or on video. Amigurumi kits usually add fiberfill stuffing and safety eyes. Check the contents list, because kits differ a lot.
What does amigurumi mean?
Amigurumi is a Japanese word built from ami, meaning crocheted or knitted, and kurumi, meaning wrapping; it is related to nuigurumi, a sewn stuffed doll. It names small stuffed figures, usually crocheted in tight spirals of single crochet so the stuffing does not show through.
Is a crochet kit better than buying supplies separately?
A kit gives you matched yarn and hook, the right quantities and step-by-step instructions, which removes guesswork for a first project. Buying separately offers more choice of yarn and hook, and can cost less if you already own a hook or plan several projects.