Best Yarn for Amigurumi & Stuffed Toys

What Makes Great Amigurumi Yarn?

Amigurumi—the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed creatures—requires yarn that holds its shape, shows stitch definition clearly, and creates tight fabric that doesn't let stuffing peek through. Cotton and acrylic are favorites for their structure and washability.

Key Considerations

Structure: Choose yarn that doesn't stretch too much. Cotton and acrylic work best.
Stitch Definition: Smooth yarns show the face details and tight stitches clearly.
Color Range: Amigurumi needs bright, fun colors for characters and animals.
Washability: Toys get dirty! Machine washable yarn is practical.

Our Top Amigurumi Yarn Picks

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Cotton Options

Lily

Sugar'n Cream

Worsted 100% Cotton

Budget-friendly cotton with great structure. Tons of colors including prints.

Lion Brand

24/7 Cotton

Worsted Mercerized

Mercerized cotton with slight sheen. Excellent stitch definition. Great colors.

Paintbox

Cotton DK

DK Budget

Huge color range perfect for amigurumi. Affordable for building a color collection.

Acrylic Options

Red Heart

Super Saver

Worsted Classic

Budget classic with every color imaginable. Creates sturdy, washable toys.

Premier

Anti-Pilling Everyday

Worsted Anti-Pilling

Stays smooth even after lots of love. Great for toys that will be played with.

Caron

Simply Soft

Worsted Soft

Extra soft for cuddly toys. Beautiful drape but still works for amigurumi.

Amigurumi Tips

Hook Down

Use a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than recommended for your yarn. This creates tight fabric that won't show stuffing through the stitches.

Build a Color Stash

Amigurumi uses small amounts of many colors. Buy small skeins or split larger skeins. Cotton and acrylic store indefinitely.