Specifically amigurumi. I am trying it for the first time joining a group that crochets tiny octopuses for premature babies. Apparently they are soothed by the toy, and hold on to the tentacles instead of tubes that often surround them. And it mimics the umbilical cord in the womb. There are strict guidelines for safety but tons of cotton yard colors and choices. The group has been helpful and encouraging. The yarn under stitches are tiny with a 2.5 hook . I am a beginner. It's hurting my hands.

My first one started out very promising. But as I started to decrease my stitches got too loose. so I failed my first try. Some say it took them many "practopuses". I am starting my second try. Anyone else do amigurumi?

This is an international group linked to Facebook. They answer your questions via the US FB page posts but have local FB pages that announce personal meet ups for crochet tutorials all over the world. I have found the ladies there very nice and helpful.

My daughter made several of these but she was not making them for the premie babies. She used a larger needle and gave them to her friends as gifts. If you practice the same pattern in a larger format, gradually your fingers will 'learn' and it will get easier. Later, you can switch to a smaller needle. Good luck.

Those are so cute! I knit better than I crochet, but I'm going to give this a try. I wonder if there are any youtubes or videos on doing it?

plantmanager said:Those are so cute! I knit better than I crochet, but I'm going to give this a try. I wonder if there are any youtubes or videos on doing it?

Use the keywords "youtube tutorial crochet amigurumi" in a Google search and several tutorials are available.

The Octopuses for Preemies FaceBook Page is very complete with lists of videos, How-Tos, supply lists and where to buy them. standards, details on features, etc. etc. They are very helpful. The ladies told me to get a Clover or Tulip hook. The kind with a handle. I almost broke my hook the stitches were so tight. I hear that is common.

https://www.facebook.com/group...

I did practice the stitch with acrylic yarn. I got the stitch right. it's easy. But acrylic has a whole different feel than the thin cotton. As cotton doesn't stretch. I have that in my favor working a very tight stitch!

I'm not on FB, but was hoping I could see some of it, but no.

What would you like to see? @plantmanager The videos on YouTube are public.Search Octopuses for Preemies there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

I must say that having this program on Facebook increases my chances of getting questions answered directly. There always seems to be someone online to answer my questions. I know of no one here that crochets and so I have to depend on online requests.

You may recall I started a beanie project used to make fantasy wigs for girls and boys age 5-10 who have cancer. Traditional hair wigs are too painful for kids' tender heads. They love yarn wigs and dressing up like their favorite character. I started with the beanie part hoping to move on to wig making. I made 8-12 beanies that were rejected simply for size or hole/stitch size. I understand standards, but I never learned how to correct my mistakes. It was run by 1-2 ladies and it took them weeks to get back to me on what to do. I ended up donating my beanies to another organization simply interested in keeping heads warm.

I find this Octopus group to be very instructional and encouraging. They are specific to their needs and even show you how to correct mistakes. They stop you from making mistakes a habit. As a beginner, or learning a new stitch I find this to be helpful.

Thanks, Cheryl. That's all I need.

Once I figured this stitch was not going to be a typical fast stitch, in fact its meticulously slow and tight, I slowed my mind, focused on the details and #2 and was born! I'm happy. I hope she passes the standards.

It looks great, Cheryl! I haven't had a chance to even try yet.

@plantmanager Karen. I got some good hints along the way. Of course, the hints are to help keep the program's standards.. If you just want to make an octopus it'd be easy. Make the bottom plug first. Cut it off and save it. (Experts leave it attached somehow?) Use the Double Magic Ring for a tight center without a hole. Use an ergonomic hook, steel if you can find it for the slow, tight stitch of amigurumi. Its easier on your hands. Standard hooks tend to bend and break a lot. Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle the hook as you pull through. I Love This Cotton $3.29 at Hobby Lobby is everyone's favorite yarn. The project uses all cotton so it can be sterilized. Over stuff the polyfil until the head is rock hard. (Babies like the extra weight)

Thanks for the hints. I bookmarked them.

Want me to look for a group or hospital near you? They have then all over. If you find one close, they have free tutorial meet ups.

@plantmanager Karen. There are no hospitals approved in NM yet. A few are "pending". There are none in my area yet either. I'll be making a...pod? bunch? clutch? of octopuses and maybe by that time a local hospital will be approved?

Are there any in Arizona? I could send there.

I took this to the crochet thread @Ursula since it really doesn't have anything to do with not gardening...but then it also does but also had a thread on it.

I am a beginner Ursula, but I can follow a pattern and watch YouTube. This pattern is so forgiving. I just have to recognize when I am making and error and learn to correct it. I am far from perfect but I sure do enjoy the slow technique it takes to create this. It slows me down and makes me breathe.

You do Amigurumi dolls? I *KNOW* you have strong hands and fingers!! This is killing me! And I am bending hooks. But I know it will make my hands stronger in the end.

I don't know about having strong hands and fingers, my fingers are not that straight any longer, but yes, Amigurumi is quite rough on hands, neck and shoulders and I do make sure I get plenty exercise moving the latter. Otherwise this can be "headache-city"!
The last couple of projects I used Lily Sugar 'n Cream cotton and a size 4 hook. I like how that works up. I also started to insert pipe cleaner/ wire to stabilize the dolls, especially their necks.
Btw nobody is an expert in making these pieces, I think. I learn something new every time I have to figure out how to make something. And I agree totally, it is sheer joy when you did it and you know the recipient loves it.
Here is one of my very recent dolls, my 11 year old granddaughter asked me to make her Yoda, so I came up with this. The doll is about 2 feet tall. The challenge was not making him look creepy, but still looking wise and cute at the same time. Oh boy!

and before I made him a coat, so you can see the construction.

Ursula, what a great Yoda! My daughter used to love Yoda, and would have loved a doll like that!