By Vy Nguyen
Whether it’s a tote bag, top or cute little pouches, everyday accessories are getting a new makeover with crocheting. The latest item to catch on in the crocheting world? Crochet plushies (warning, it’s too adorable).
Also called amigurumi plushies, referring to a kind of crocheting for 3D figures, the plush toys originated in Japan but easily have universal appeal.
The crochet plushie has been making new waves as more people are getting into crafting and crocheting. And what probably seems like a microtrend for some has been showing up in all of my recommendations, sponsored ads and, oddly, in my shopping carts (how did that get there?).
Yet, I’d make the case that this is one “fad” that is worth sticking around and, just maybe, is superior to all other toys.
What’s special about this trend? It defies the nature of a trend itself—it’s completely unique.
Crochet plushies today are mainly sold by small businesses, with no brand or aesthetic that dominates the toy’s image.
Compared to Squishmallows, one of the most popular plushie brands out there, crochet plushies have the advantage of being customizable.
Though Squishmallows offered the plushie world a whole new look, with their plush’s round and darling faces, they still lack the creative and customizable aspect that crochet plushies offer. The brand puts out models of Squishmallows, inevitably, newer plush or classic ones are bound to be the most popular.
Even though you may love your brown sugar boba Squishmallow, wouldn’t you also want a plush that expresses who you are and what you look for in your huggable best friend?
Since, let’s be honest: plush toys are more than just toys. They’re not something you played with only when you were little and outgrow when you mature. Plush toys give you a place of comfort, a stress ball when you need it and a thing to hug as you rest each night. They are deeply personal to who you are.
Another brand that is famous for letting you build your own plush is Build-a-Bear. Yet, even for all the customizable features the store offers, it can’t beat the endless limits of a crochet plush you make your own.
Though a few crochet plushies have been modeled after iconic TV characters–such as the Totoro plushie from Ghibli–most products on sale are entirely up to your imagination and that of the creator.
From the endless combinations of colors to choose from to small details, like the way your plushie’s smile curves or how floppy its ears are, no plush crocheted is ever the same. Due to its DIY nature, you won’t have the same plush as anyone else.
Though it’s not for everybody, DIY-ing your own stuffed plushie is also one of the best things about the crochet plushie itself.
Made from a simple, beginner-friendly stitching technique that crafts the outer skin of the plush, the crochet plushie is known to be one of the easiest projects you can start out with. A few basic stitches is all you need to know to make most patterns of plushies out there.
A simple crochet plushie only takes 2 hours at most, while more complex plushies can take about 6 hours. Yet, for a crocheting project, the time and labor is definitely manageable and can be spread out over days. With only yarn, a crocheting hook and stuffing needed, this DIY plushie is much more cost-effective than other plush toys.
However, even if you don’t make your own crochet plushie, the quality that comes from a handmade product is undeniable.
What first drew me to the crochet plushie is without a doubt its soft, velvety texture that you can’t find anywhere else. The careful stitches done by small businesses and quality of its products is unmatched to any mass-produced toy or plush.
Crocheting is probably one of the most sustainable forms of making projects you can choose. Yarn is not like the cotton typically used for plushies. Instead of being created from new material, yarn is usually made up of old fabrics and recycled materials.
Making a plush is a small-scale project that takes time and slow, continuous effort, unlike most stuffed animals made by big brands. Because of this, handmade crocheted items are more likely to last longer and give used materials a new purpose.
Now, the real question is, how can you get my hands on a crochet plushie yourself?
Because crochet plushies are not dominated by big brands, you can mostly buy them through small businesses.
The most common place to buy a crochet plushie is on Etsy, although you can also hunt these businesses down on their social media platforms and purchase through there. One brand I’ve absolutely loved is the Colorful Sheep, while there are other popular brands such as The Ivy Hearth and Songbird Crochet Art.
Aside from online, small crocheting businesses also often do sale events at festivals or pop-up stores locally. The fun is all in the chase!
If you do want to create your own, there are plenty of beginner guides to start. You can often find tutorials online and crocheting patterns to follow along.
Pro tip: use plush or chunky yarn to get the velour and cloud-like feel for your plush!
There are also a few brands that specifically sell make-your-own-plush kits, which give you pre-packaged materials and instructions. Everything’s already there, the only thing left to do would be to make it! One that I’ve heard of are the Woobles, plus the ones you can find at Barnes & Noble, Hobby Lobby and other crafting stores.
Whether you’re looking to expand your plush collection, or find your closet collapsing under the weight of plushies as it is, crochet plushies are those collectibles so special that you have to have at least one in your lifetime.
