The History & Culture of Amigurumi

Today we are diving into the charming history of amigurumi, that sweet little world of crocheted characters that have stolen the hearts of crocheters everywhere.

In this video, we will learn how amigurumi began in mid-20th-century Japan: how the name came about and how it’s deeply rooted in Japan’s post-war crafting traditions. We will also touch on how kawaii (cute) culture played a big role in shaping amigurumi’s look — with its chibi proportions, simple geometry, and emotionally resonant design. Then we follow amigurumi’s big leap into the global crafting world: how early blogs and online communities, plus handmade marketplaces, helped bring these little creatures from Japan into the hands of makers around the world.

Featured Pattern: Neko No Unchi