How to Embroider on Amigurumi: 3 Simple Techniques

Do you want to add some extra little details to your amigurumi with embroidery, but aren’t sure how to start? Then you’re in the right place! While there is a LOT to explore in the world of embroidery, for today we’re going to focus on a few techniques that will help you get started. And I promise it’s way easier than you think! So let’s hop into how to embroider on amigurumi: 3 simple techniques.

How to Embroider on Amigurumi: 3 Simple Techniques

Disclaimer: This article focuses on embroidering on open pieces, but you can also embroider on closed pieces (items you’ve stuffed and sewn shut). That will be the topic of another article.

Materials

Before we get into the practical steps of embroidery, first we need to talk about materials. Typically when you’re embroidering on crochet or otherwise, you’ll use what’s called embroidery thread or embroidery floss. It comes in TONS of colors and is generally available at most craft stores and big box stores like Walmart. Plus it is relatively inexpensive (especially compared to yarn).

Usually the embroidery thread will come bundles like this:

Or you may find it in packs of bobbins like this:

I generally prefer using bobbins because they are easier to keep neat and stored, but you can always buy the thread and wrap up the bobbins yourself.

Another important material is the tapestry needle that you’ll use to embroider the thread. I personally prefer blunt metal tapestry needles because it is easier to work in between stitches without splitting the yarn, but it’s really whatever you prefer. I also love using my extra long tapestry needle since it’s easier to reach across large pieces, but you can use small needles, bent tip needles, etc…

As a side note, you can absolutely use yarn to embroider, but it really only works well on bigger projects or plush yarn amigurumi.

1. Simple Curves

A really common feature you’ll find embroidered on amigurumi are simple curves to create mouths or even eyes if you’re going for a sleepy appearance.

To do this, start by inserting the tapestry needle between two stitches from the inside of the piece, coming out where you want the end of the curve to be. You can either tie a knot on the inside to keep the end from pulling through or leave it loose for now. I prefer to leave this end loose so I can adjust the tension if I have to. If you do it this way, just be sure not to pull the thread all the way through.

Then insert your needle between two stitches where you want the other end of the curve to be. We’re essentially making a straight line here and it can be as long or as short as you want. Generally though, with this technique, I wouldn’t make the line longer than 5 or 6 stitches. Gently pull the thread, being careful not to pull the line tight.

Find the center point of the line and move down 1 to 2 rows (depending on how deep you want the curve to be). Insert your hook into that spot and be sure to work underneath the line you made. Then insert your needle back into the same spot you just came out of (creating a loop that will pull the line down). Gently pull the thread. You can then slightly adjust the sides of the line to curve or leave it as a sharper ‘v’ shape.

We’ve essentially created an anchor point to change the direction of the line and you can add more of these if you want. The longer the starting line, the more anchor points you’ll need to create curves.

Want to watch all of these techniques in action? Check out this handy video tutorial! And if you enjoy my content and want to support me, it would be amazing if you could give this video a thumbs up!

2. Line Designs

What if instead of curves, you wanted to create more geometric or line designs? The answer is simple: the back stitch! In embroidery this refers to a technique where you create lines by working ‘back’ into the last spot that you went into.

For example, let’s say you want to create cracks on a piece. Find where you want to start on the inside of the piece and push your needle to the outside. Then insert the needle into the spot where you want your line to go.

From there you’ll jump ahead on the inside and find where you want the next end point of the line to be and insert your needle to the outside. Then insert your needle into the same spot where you went in last time. This connects the two lines and you can technically branch out in any direction.

To make some of the lines thicker, you can always thread through the same spots multiple times until the thickness is where you want it.

3. French Knots

Now french knots might seem a little daunting at first and they do take a bit of practice, but they create such a cool little texture. We’ll break it down into easy steps.

From the inside, find the spot where you want your french knot to be and push the needle up to the outside of the piece. Next we’re going to turn the needle horizontally with the eye of the needle toward the inside of your palm (dominant hand) and the end toward your non-dominant hand. Take the thread and wrap it 2 to 3 times around the needle. I don’t recommend wrapping it more than 3 times.

With your non-dominant hand, keep a firm (but not tight) tension on the thread so the loops stay flush with the needle. Insert the needle back into the same spot that you came out of on the piece. Be careful when you push the needle through the loops you made (this is where holding the tension is crucial). Gently pull the thread through until it finally secures the loops into a french knot.

If your tension is pretty loose you’ll end up with a larger and messier french knot. If your tension is too tight, the loops might pull through to the other side (not what you want) or the knot might end up way too small.

With a little practice you can add these cute little knots to projects for all sorts of different effects! I used them on Cassandra the Cat’s witch hat as decoration and as little potion bubbles on Sammie the Turtle’s Cauldron Shell.

Summary

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and are excited to dive into the world of embroidery on amigurumi! Is there a technique in this post that you want to try? Or maybe you have a favorite embroidery stitch already? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Have a wonderful day and happy stitching!