Crochet Amigurumi Sizing Calculator
Created by: Emma Collins
Last updated:
Plan your amigurumi projects with precision. Enter your target height, yarn weight, and body shape to get exact stitch counts per round, total rounds, and yarn yardage estimates for stuffed crochet figures of any size.
Crochet Amigurumi Sizing Calculator
CrochetPlan stitch counts, dimensions, and yarn for any amigurumi project
Target Size
Yarn & Gauge
Project Pieces
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What is an Amigurumi Sizing Calculator?
An Amigurumi Sizing Calculator helps you plan the dimensions, stitch counts, and yarn requirements for crocheted stuffed toys and figures. Amigurumi — the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals — relies on tight, consistent single crochet fabric worked in the round.
Unlike garment crochet, amigurumi sizing depends heavily on the relationship between yarn weight, hook size, and stitch density. This calculator takes your target height and yarn choice, then produces the starting stitch count, maximum round diameter, estimated row count, and yarn yardage so you can plan any project with confidence.
Amigurumi Sizing Formulas
Diameter at widest point: Typically 50–60% of total height for a standard body shape
Maximum circumference: π × Diameter
Stitches at widest round: Circumference × Gauge (stitches per inch)
Starting round: 6 stitches in a magic ring (standard), increasing by 6 per round until maximum is reached
Rounds to reach max: (Max stitches − Starting stitches) ÷ Increase per round
Estimated yarn: Total stitches × average yarn per stitch (varies by yarn weight)
Amigurumi Sizing Example
Suppose you want a 6-inch tall amigurumi bear using worsted-weight yarn with a gauge of 5 stitches per inch in single crochet.
- Widest diameter ≈ 6 × 0.55 = 3.3 inches
- Max circumference = π × 3.3 ≈ 10.4 inches
- Stitches at widest round = 10.4 × 5 ≈ 52 stitches (round to nearest multiple of 6 → 54)
- Increase rounds from 6 to 54 = (54 − 6) ÷ 6 = 8 increase rounds
- Total rows ≈ height × rows/inch = 6 × 5 = ~30 rows for the body
- Estimated yarn ≈ 80–120 yards for the main body piece
Common Applications
- Stuffed Animals — bears, bunnies, cats, dogs in various sizes from keychain to cuddle-size
- Character Figures — anime, game, and movie characters with proportioned bodies
- Holiday Decorations — ornaments, seasonal figures, and tree toppers
- Baby Toys — safe, soft toys sized for small hands (use safety eyes or embroidered features)
- Pattern Resizing — scale any existing amigurumi pattern to a different yarn weight
Tips for Accurate Results
- Always use a hook 1–2 sizes smaller than recommended to achieve a tight amigurumi fabric.
- Count stitches per round rather than measuring inches — stitch count is more reliable for 3D shapes.
- Stuff the piece as you go rather than at the end for more even, consistent shaping.
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round to track your position in continuous rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hook size should I use for amigurumi?
Use a hook 1–2 sizes smaller than the yarn label recommends. For worsted-weight yarn (size 4), try a 3.5 mm or 3.75 mm hook to create a tight fabric that prevents stuffing from showing through. This calculator recommends a hook size based on your chosen yarn weight.
How do I scale an amigurumi pattern up or down?
To resize amigurumi, change your yarn weight and hook size while keeping the same stitch count. Moving from DK to worsted increases size by roughly 25–30%. Alternatively, add or remove rounds — this calculator shows exactly how stitch count changes affect final dimensions.
How much yarn do I need for amigurumi?
A small amigurumi (3–4 inches) typically needs 30–60 yards, a medium one (5–8 inches) needs 60–150 yards, and a large amigurumi (9+ inches) can need 150–300+ yards. Yarn requirements depend on yarn weight, stitch density, and the number of pieces.
Why is gauge important for amigurumi?
Unlike garments, amigurumi gauge focuses on fabric density rather than exact measurements. A tight gauge prevents stuffing from poking through gaps. Aim for a fabric where you cannot see light through the stitches. If stuffing shows, go down one hook size.
What is the magic ring in amigurumi?
The magic ring (or adjustable ring) is the standard starting technique for amigurumi. It creates a tight, closed centre with no hole, unlike a chain-join start. Most amigurumi pieces begin with 6 single crochet stitches in a magic ring, then increase outward.
Sources and References
- Craft Yarn Council, "Standard Yarn Weight System & Gauge Ranges", 2024
- All About Ami, "Amigurumi Sizing & Proportion Guide"
- Planet June, "Amigurumi Tips: Hook Size, Gauge & Yarn Selection"