Tips for Attaching Amigurumi Limbs
**Unfortunately this pattern is no longer available** The pattern’s author’s site has been discontinued.
This weekend we are taking a trip back to Wilmington for Trisden’s little cousin’s birthday. He’s turning 5 this year which I cannot believe! His cute little birthday invitation indicates he is into dinosaurs which is so exciting! These prehistoric creatures hold a dear place in my heart because of Jurassic Park.
My brother and I were/still are obsessed with that movie, and we played it all the time growing up. Because of my dino nostalgia, I decided that I wanted to make his gift this year instead of buying one and thought a little amigurumi dinosaur would be perfect! I searched through a lot of patterns but had a hard time finding one I actually liked until I stumbled onto this pattern which ended up working perfectly.
I made a few modifications which included, using single crochets for the project instead of double crochets, I didn’t add the fingers and toes, and I added two fangs (I used embroidery floss). It turned out super cute and I hope he likes it! Because I had so much fun making this little guy, there are lots of other little kids in my family that are probably going to be getting some amigurumi creations for Christmas!
Crocheting amigurumi animals can be a lot of fun but when it comes time to attaching the limbs it can either make or break your project. I don’t know about you but when I spend at least 10 hours on a project I want it to look awesome. Nothing annoys me more than when I put time into crocheting or knitting something and the finishing touches completely ruin it!
I used to have trouble with attaching limbs, and now that I have system for arm and leg assembly its not so bad. To make assembling a bit easier I came up with a few tips that help me make sure all arms and legs go one easily and evenly. Hopefully this will help you out on your next project too.
Tips for Attaching Amigurumi Limbs
1. MEASURE
Find a common point on the doll and measure to where you want the limb to start. For example, my common point was the spike on the dino’s back. I decided I wanted the arm to start one inch on either side from that point.
2. X Marks the Spot
Mark the spot you just measured to with a place marker. Then line up the first edge of your limb with the place marker and attach another place marker where the limb ends.
3. FOLLOW THE ROW
Follow the crocheted row you just marked to the other side of your project for placement of the other limb. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to measure and mark the spots with two more place markers
4. STITCH
Use whip to attach the limb and pull your stitches really tight, making sure your first and last stitches are where your place markers were. And tie off your tail under the arm.
5. TAKE YOUR TIME!
The most important tip I have is to just take your time! You’ll be amazed by how much better your project will turn out if you just take your time with assembling.
I hope these tips help you out the next time you tackle an amigurumi project, and if you have any tips of your own please share!
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please tell me how you attached the legs, thank you
Hi Lily! You would really just follow the same steps above for the legs as well. The whole thing is really just taking your time and planning out where to place the limbs before attaching. I like to use stitch markers to mark out where I am going to place the limbs and use a yarn needle to stitch them on. The first couple times it might end up lop-sided but the more you do it, the better you will get at it! 🙂
great! How do you fasten off once you’re done sewing the pieces? That’s su trouble 🙁
Hi Jacque! Using my yarn needle, I secure the yarn with a knot and hide my yarn end inside of the piece. There’s really no fancy way to do it, I just make sure my yarn is secured as much as possible without making it too visible and stuff the yarn inside the project. Hope that helps!! 🙂
The attachment of the lets don’t look like the way the arms are attached. How did you attach the legs?
Thank-you for all these great tips! I thought I was loosing my mind ?. I will definitely use your pointers on my next project.
Really sincerely,
Margaret
Hi Margaret! Good!! I am so glad you found these tips helpful! Starting anything as beginner is challenging but after time, practice makes perfect! Thank you for stopping by!
so the link to the pattern doesn’t actually go to a pattern 🙁 I was sad, because I wanted to try this for my baby 🙁
Oh no! Thanks for letting me know! It looks like the author discontinued the site and the pattern is no longer available 🙁 Bummer!
This is great. Thank you.
Very handy. I also leave enough tail to pull through the bottom of the piece, tie they and then pull them to the center of the piece. This works especially well for children who may pull on heads, ears, arms and legs.