The current crochet craze in the blogging world is amigurumi. What is amigurumi? Amigurumi is the Japanese technique of crocheting dolls. By crocheting a chain, a few single crochet stitches, and creating some increases and decreases, different shapes are created. These different shapes are put together to make an animal or doll.

In order to start a cute little amigurumi one needs basic crochet skills. Besides knowing how to crochet a chain and single crochet stitch, one also needs to know how to make a crochet chain circle.

There is more than one way to accomplish this technique. However, I will start with what I believe is the easiest.

Chain two stitches. Then crochet six single chains in the second chain from the hook. This will give you the base of your circle.

I do not think my grandmother ever thought that I would want to learn anything beyond making a crochet chain. I think she secretly thought that would keep me entertained for a suitable amount of time.

I mastered the chain and my grandmother had to teach me the next step. The single crochet stitch.

When reading a pattern single crochet is abbreviated like this (sc).

If you do not know how to make a chain refer to the Start Crocheting Today article. After you are done making a chain, insert the hook in the second chain from the hook. Note that when you are reading a pattern, the pattern will tell you which chain to start in. For practice we will start with the second chain.

My grandmother taught me to crochet one summer. I was staying at her house and needed an occupation. I can still remember crocheting those first squares. They were not perfect but of course my grandmother thought they were wonderful.

If you are a beginner, I would recommend starting out simple. All you need is a G hook(4.0mm) and some worsted weight yarn. These items can be purchased at the local retail store. The hook does not have to be fancy and neither does the yarn.

Once you get your supplies sit down with your yarn and hook. To get started make a slipknot with your yarn. This is where you will place the end of your crochet hook.