Crocheting a 3D toy is completely different from working on a flat row-by-row blanket. Amigurumi patterns are almost always worked in continuous rounds (spirals) and contain specialized terminology for shaping spheres, tubes, and cones.
In this guide, we will break down how to read amigurumi pattern shorthand, explain rounds vs. rows, and teach you how to shape your toy parts using increases and decreases.
📖 Common Amigurumi Shorthand and Abbreviations
Most amigurumi patterns are written in standard US terms. Here are the abbreviations you will see most often:
- MR: Magic Ring (or Magic Loop) – the starting foundation circle.
- Sc: Single Crochet – the primary stitch used to build the dense fabric of plushies.
- Inc: Increase – working two single crochet stitches into a single stitch from the previous round (adds stitches to expand the shape).
- Dec: Decrease – combining two stitches from the previous round into a single stitch (removes stitches to narrow the shape).
- Rnd(s): Round(s) – circular rows worked continuously without joining.
- St(s): Stitch(es).
🌀 How to Count and Track Rounds
Because amigurumi is crocheted in continuous spirals, there is no visible seam or chain at the beginning of a round. This makes it very easy to lose your place! Here is how to navigate a pattern:
- Use a Stitch Marker: Always clip a stitch marker into the very first stitch of your round. When you crochet back to that marker, you know you have completed one full round. Move the marker up to the first stitch of the new round immediately!
- Follow the Parentheses Count: At the end of every round line in a pattern, you will see a number in parentheses, like (18 sts) or (24 sts). This indicates the total stitch count you should have when you finish that round. Always count your stitches before moving onto the next round!
- Read the Repeats: Patterns use brackets or asterisks to show repeats. For example:
[sc 2, inc] x6 (24)means you should repeat the sequence of (1 single crochet in the next 2 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the following stitch) a total of 6 times. By the end, your stitch count will be exactly 24.
✨ The Secret Weapon: The Invisible Decrease
Standard decreases (sc2tog) can leave visible holes or bumps where the white polyester stuffing can peek through. For professional amigurumi, always use the Invisible Decrease:
- Insert your hook into the front loop only (FLO) of the first stitch.
- Without wrapping the yarn, immediately insert your hook into the front loop only (FLO) of the second stitch (you will have three loops on your hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the first two front loops on your hook.
- Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops.