This course is designed for individuals with a current confident understanding of crochet who are interested in advancing their skills by applying basic Single Crochet stitches to 3D shapes to create your own amigurumi otherwise known as a soft toy! Over four sessions, participants will learn to create a Reindeer in time for the Christmas holidays! For gift giving or keep as a reminder of your achievement. Materials packs are an additional cost supplied by the tutor in the first session, including yarn, a hook, stitch markers, safety eyes, embroidery yarn and stuffing. $30 payable at first session via cash or PayID bank transfer.
Your tutor is Julia Penfold
Julia Penfold has been teaching at WEA since 2024.
Julia's formal education is in Architecture drafting, building and kitchen design however she has been a life-long maker in many media.
Julia is self-taught in crochet and has won two ribbons at the Royal Adelaide Show, including a first place!
Specialising in soft toys known as Amigurumi, Julia has a passion for making fun creatures and wants you to know that anyone can make these, you simply need to start.
Christmas Amigurumi – Crochet Toy Making
Course Description
Are you ready to take your crochet skills to the next level?
This course is designed for confident crocheters who are eager to explore the world of amigurumi -the Japanese art of creating soft, stuffed toys using crochet… with a Christmas twist!
You'll learn how to apply basic single crochet stitches in a whole new way, shaping them into 3D forms to bring adorable characters to life. From spheres to limbs and expressive faces, you'll discover how these simple stitches transform into whimsical creations with just a bit of shaping and imagination.
Using a thoughtfully designed teaching pattern, each element of your project will introduce you to a variety of techniques used in amigurumi construction.
Over four sessions, participants will learn to create a Reindeer in time for the Christmas holidays.
Whether you're looking for a fun and creative challenge to enjoy with friends or hoping to find a rewarding new hobby, this course offers the perfect opportunity. By the end of the course, you'll not only have a handmade soft toy to show off but also a new set of skills you can use for years to come.
Get ready to surprise yourself – and have a blast doing it!
Course Structure
Week 1: Getting Started with Amigurumi
We’ll begin with an introduction to the whimsical world of amigurumi- what it is, where it comes from, and how it turns crochet into charming, 3D soft toys. This first session is all about setting you up for success: we’ll share resources and inspiration, review the foundational crochet skills you'll need, and introduce the pattern we'll be using throughout the course. You'll also learn how to read crochet patterns more confidently and dive into the essential Magic Circle technique, along with helpful tips to make your start smooth. By the end of the week, you’ll be well on your way, starting your very first amigurumi piece!
Week 2: Building Techniques and Adding Personality
This week focuses on refining your techniques and shaping your project. We’ll review your progress and introduce key concepts like identifying the right and wrong side of your work, mastering the invisible decrease, and finishing open-sided spheres. You’ll learn how to join parts together seamlessly using stitch markers, explore the use of safety eyes, and dive into stuffing techniques that give your creation structure. We’ll also cover face shaping and simple embroidery methods to add expression and personality to your toy.
Week 3: Shaping, Detailing, and Colourwork
Now that your project is taking shape, we’ll focus on positioning and attaching parts with precision. You'll get hands-on practice with colour change techniques and surface crochet to add creative flair to your design. This week includes whole-group practice to reinforce skills and give you space to ask questions and troubleshoot with others.
Week 4: Finishing Touches and Advanced Options
In the final week, we’ll focus on the art of assembly. You’ll learn how to securely join parts and finish off spheres, with clear guidance on attaching open-sided elements to your main piece. We’ll also explore advanced techniques, including creating needle-felted or complex crochet eyes, using wire for structure, and working with plush or blanket yarn for larger, squishier toys. To wrap things up, we’ll showcase optional accessories for your project, complete with bonus patterns you can finish at your own pace after the course ends.
The tutor will also provide homework and digital homework support to support you in learning at your own pace.
Course Learning Outcomes
By completing this course students will:
- Master basic to intermediate amigurumi techniques and stitches
- Learn to read and interpret crochet patterns
- Develop skills in assembling, shaping and finishing crochet projects for a polished look
Course Requirements
Students are required to purchase a $30 kit from the tutor at the first session, with payment via cash or PayID bank transfer.
The kit contains everything you will need to make your amigurumi soft toy, including yarn, a hook, stitch markers, safety eyes, embroidery yarn and stuffing.
Student Feedback
“Julia is very knowledgeable! Well-paced, interactive course.”
“Julia was terrific – enthusiastic and patient!”
“Wonderful follow up with extra information.”
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