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.

After you have made six single chains in the second chain from the hook, you can place a marker. I usually use a small piece of contrasting yarn. Sometimes small safety pins are used but I find it difficult to maneuver around the safety pin.

Once the marker is placed crochet two single chains in the next single chain. Continue crocheting two single chains in each single chain all the way around (this is increasing) until you reach the marker. There should now be twelve single chains. If you are a beginner or veteran it is important to count your stitches to make sure you have the correct amount. The rest of your stitching will depend on your base.