Amigurumi Critters: 25 Imaginative Crochet Designs for All Skill Levels

 

Amigurumi Critters is a tutorial instruction guide with patterns for 25 amigurumi soft toys written by Amy Ting. Due out 17th June 2025 from Cider Mill Press, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

The book is logically laid out and accessible. The graphics are appealing and clear. The book is lavishly illustrated and the closeness and detail of the photography is a definite plus. The book has a short introduction including the history of amigurumi along with a short pep talk about why the author started crocheting soft toys. Her writing style throughout is informal, upbeat, and encouraging. She comes across as very friendly, kind, and fun. 

The first section includes a fairly thorough intro to crochet and tools and supplies. There's also a handy chart with metric/US size and gauge measurements. The author presupposes no previous knowledge of crochet and the instruction is upbeat and positive (and reassuring). There's enough info here to start crocheting for both visual and hands-on learners. She also covers other supplies, like yarn and stuffing, embroidery thread, needle choices, etc. She doesn't cover safety eyes specifically, but that info is online. (PSA don't use safety eyes for toys which will be loved by babies/toddlers, as they can be a choking hazard). 

The intro is followed by the 25 tutorials. Each tutorial contains multiple photos (mostly finished project photos), tools and supplies, and well written (not charted) instructions. There are few construction instructions or photos, although those -are- covered in the intro / general tutorial on how-to crochet. 

The book includes a number of QR codes which link to supplementary online info. Very helpful and especially a huge plus for visual learners. 

Well done and a nice selection of patterns which are fundamentally different from one another, giving the reader a broad platform for creating alternative amigurumi and for customization.

Four and a half stars. Well worth a read for crochet interested readers. The dolls are cute, and most are small and quick to finish.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.