If you’re looking for cute amigurumi doll patterns, you’ll want to check out this book review. I’m reviewing a pattern book filled with 15 crochet dolls, along with an excerpted pattern for the adventurous hiker, Dina.
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. Tuva Publications provided me with a free PDF review copy of Amigurumi Dolls by María Alejandra Montero. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
Book Review
Amigurumi Dolls by María Alejandra Montero is a collection of 15 crochet doll patterns in DMC Natura Just Cotton and DMC Woolly yarns. The book starts with an introduction from María. Next, the What You Will Need section includes a labeled visual representation (photograph) of every tool used for amigurumi dolls.
Getting Started includes step-by-step photographs with written instructions for the magic ring, closing pieces, changing colors, and hiding yarn ends; written and illustrated instructions for basic crochet stitches (chain, UK double/US single crochet, UK treble/US double crochet, slip stitch), and increasing and decreasing; tips for reading charts; tips for reading María’s “formula” (her shortened version of written instructions for patterns); tips for embellishing features with buttons, safety eyes, embroidery, makeup, and sewing; tips for stuffing dolls; a crochet hook sizing chart and a key to UK and US pattern abbreviations.
Next, there is a photo gallery with full-page pictures of each project before the Projects section. In this section, each doll is introduced with a short bio. Each pattern includes a yarn list with a color chart, a materials list for any items that will be used up in the project (such as stuffing and safety eyes), a tools list for hooks and notions, an illustration of the doll with measurements in centimeters and inches, a full-page photograph of the doll, a deconstructed illustration of each part of the doll, and a key to the symbols María uses. The patterns are then visually represented using symbol charts and the “formula” of shortened written instructions. After the pattern, there are written instructions for assembly that also include progress pictures to help with embellishment and joining.
The dolls include a girls in costumes (for a bunny, a lion, and a flower), girls with accessories (such as different bags or a dog), and girls dressed as professionals (chef, physician, and astronaut). Each doll includes clothing and there are different skin tones, hair colors and styles, and facial embellishments used which you could switch around to make the dolls look more like the recipient.
The patterns in this collection are adorable. Some of the conversational sections, like the introductions to the patterns, are awkwardly phrased. The pattern instructions use UK terms and a unique “formula” for the written sections, as well as a form of stitch symbols that I haven’t seen before. The book has little text and relies on symbols and images, so it is best for visual learners. Experienced amigurumi crocheters may find the formula easy to follow, while newer crocheters will probably find the symbols easier to use. If you like to crochet dolls, you’ll find some fun projects in this book.
Dina
Crochet Amigurumi Doll Pattern by María Alejandra Montero
Published in Amigurumi Dolls
© Tuva Tekstil ve Yayincilik Ltd, 2015. Shared with permission from Tuva Publishing.
Notes from Underground Crafter
- This pattern uses standard UK crochet pattern abbreviations. You can find a list of US abbreviations with a key to UK to US terms here.
- This pattern uses both DMC Natura Just Cotton and DMC Woolly yarns in the listed colors.
- Oombawka Design Crochet has a helpful magic ring tutorial here.
- Row charts are read from the bottom up; Round charts are read from the center out.
- Click on the images to enlarge.
Assembling the Parts and Details
- Stuff the head and attach the safety eyes onto the head. Embroider the mouth with pink yarn.
- Thread a length of Woolly 02 onto a needle and knot the end. Insert the needle into the head and bring it out at centre top to make the side swept bangs.
- Repeat until all of the head is covered.
- Stuff the body, and the legs. Then, stuff the arms leaving the stuffing loose at the shoulder.
- Sew the head onto the body.
- Sew the legs onto the body using an overcast stitch.
- Sew the red coat in the back of the doll.
- Sew the sleeve on the arm.
- Press the arms at the shoulder tips and sew them to close the pieces. Sew the arms onto the body.
- Sew the sole of the shoes.
- Sew the two buttons on the coat.
- Optional: If you want, you can make her hair longer. Make three layers with yarn: one in the bottom, one in the middle and the last one on the top of the head. That is all!
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