Amazing Amigurumi with Sachiyo Ishii

The super-cute art of amigurumi is sweeping the globe and one Search Press author is no stranger to this adorable form of craft. Sachiyo Ishii is our resident kawaii crafting expert and the author of the brand-new book, Amigurumi Dolls. We caught up with Sachiyo to chat a little about her crafting career and all things amigurumi!

How are you, Sachiyo? For those who don’t already know you, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I have been a craft designer for the last 20 years. I do knitting, crocheting, sewing, doll making, dry and wet felting, spinning yarn, and papercraft. I enjoy cooking and baking, too. I truly am a craft enthusiast!

Your new book, , is so sweet! We’re so excited it’s finally here. For those unfamiliar with the term, what is amigurumi and why do you think it’s become so popular?

Amigurumi is a Japanese word that means small knitted or crocheted stuffed toys. They are often in the shape of animals, dolls, animals, or mini foods. It is a compound of two words, ‘ami’, meaning crocheted or knitted, and ‘kurumi’, meaning wrapping.

Knitting amigurumi can be somewhat challenging since you need to sew it up at the end; however, crocheting amigurumi is much easier. All you need to know is the double crochet stitch. You can create pretty much any shape by working double crochet in rounds. It is easy and fun to work, and the outcomes are always so sweet.

You’re renowned for your adorable mini knits and you’ve published books on making everything from aliens and astronauts to sea creatures and farm animals! What made you choose amigurumi dolls as the subject for this book?

I like the idea of making little dolls as charms and key chains. They make great gifts. Isn’t it fun to improvise and create lookalikes of your family and friends? Crocheted amigurumi are sturdy and work best for the purpose.

Do you have any favourite dolls that are featured in the book? Were there any that didn’t make the cut?

I adore the kindergarten kids on the cover. I would never get tired of making them in many different colours. They are my absolute favourite.

There are many that didn’t go into the book. It is not because I wasn’t happy with the design. We just didn’t have enough space!

Can you tell us a little about your process? Where do you start when designing a new toy?

I get inspiration from many different sources. Online illustration images such as Pinterest are helpful. I like children’s books, too. I collect images, plan colour themes, and start working from there. Designing amigurumi is not difficult. You can see the size and shape as you go along.

Do you have any advice for those who are thinking of diving into the world of amigurumi?

Amigurumi is easier than you may think. You don’t need to know all crochet stitches. Learn how to work double crochet by watching online videos. There are lots of helpful learning tools out there. Get yourself a hook, yarn, and toy stuffing, and start crocheting!

What are you working on at the moment?

I am crocheting many festive projects. It is never too early to prepare for Christmas.

Do you have any exciting plans for the rest of 2022?

This new book is the most exciting thing happening to me this year for sure, although I have another mini book scheduled. It is a collection of knitted flowers. I am pleased with how the projects have come out.

I am publishing more patterns on my online shops, so please watch this space. Knitting and crocheting toys is delightful; I hope to inspire and ignite creativity in many readers.

To learn more about Sachiyo and her work visit www.knitsbysachi.com

Amigurumi Dolls by Sachiyo Ishii is available from Search Press, RRP £10.99