Make Amigurumi Bigger Without Changing the Pattern
Want to make your favorite crochet stuffed animal pattern bigger without rewriting the design? Scaling up amigurumi plushies is easier than you think! These simple techniques will help you create large, huggable amigurumi without altering the original pattern!
Are you in love with a crochet stuffed animal pattern but wish it were a little bigger? Maybe hoping to make a favorite plushy into a pillow?
Before you start doing a bunch of scary math or rewriting an existing pattern, here are several ways to increase the size of your amigurumi project without having to alter the pattern.
Yep, you don’t have to redesign or modify the pattern to create a larger version of your favorite amigurumi. By simply changing the type of yarn, using a larger crochet hook, or even holding multiple strands of yarn together, you can easily scale up your project.
These simple adjustments will help you craft bigger, huggable creations without ever having to alter the pattern. Let’s explore how to make your crochet stuffed animals bigger with just a few tweaks!
Use Thicker Yarn
The most obvious way to increase the size of an amigurumi is to increase the weight of the yarn you are using. On every yarn label, you will find a number to indicate the weight. This will usually be an icon that looks like a small skein of yarn with a number on it, 1 through 7.
Every pattern will have a recommended yarn. Look up the recommended yarn to find out the weight. To make your amigurumi larger, choose a yarn 1-2 sizes larger than the recommended weight. This method also works in reverse if you want to make a tiny amigurumi.
This works really well on amigurumi, as long as you are willing to put in the shoulder workout to make those giant stitches!
Considerations: When you increase the weight of the yarn, keep in mind that you will need MUCH more yardage. For example, to go from worsted weight (4) to super bulky blanket yarn (6), you will need to get THREE TIMES the yardage of yarn. So keep this in mind when you are shopping for your bulky yarn, because those giant skeins are often lower in yardage than the worsted weight skeins that look smaller, and the cost can add up quickly.
Of course, if you are going up a yarn size, you will also need to go up in hook sizes to accommodate.
Use a Larger Hook Size
A larger hook makes larger stitches, regardless of the yarn used. You can go up 1-2 hook sizes (I recommend only 1) and get a slight size increase. It won’t make much of a difference on small projects, but on larger ones like Vincent the Dragon, the slight increase in stitch size can add several inches to the dimensions of the finished piece.
Considerations: If you go up a hook size without changing the yarn size, you will be loosening your stitches. If your stitches are too loose, your stuffing could show through or worse, leak out. So make sure to do a gauge swatch with your new hook size to test it.
Hold Multiple Strands Together
This is one of my favorite little hacks for making amigurumi larger. Holding two or even three strands together can mimic the effect of a larger yarn weight without breaking the bank. Holding together two strands of the recommended yarn will effectively double the length and height of the finished ami. (Make sure to change that hook to match!)
This is a great way to scale up simple amigurumi patterns.
Considerations: Managing multiple strands in your hands can be a challenge. You have to pay attention to keeping even tension on both strands. It is perfectly normal to have one strand longer than the other at the end of the project because it’s impossible to hold them perfectly even all the time. So don’t panic when you don’t end two skeins at the exact same point!
Also, the thickness of the fabric and the texture of the stitches will change. Stitchwork will not look as defined as if you were to use one strand, and with much thicker fabric, you may have a harder time with attachments on complex pieces.
For really complicated patterns, I recommend spending the extra money to go up a weight in yarn. You will be happier with the end results of complex stitches and shaping.
Thoughts On Supplies
Scaling up amigurumi can be really rewarding and produce some adorable pillow-sized pals, but keep in mind a few things.
- Also consider the scaling up of other supplies used in the project. If it calls for safety eyes, those too will need to be much larger to keep from falling through the holes between stitches. Alternatively, You could crochet some eyes for your new giant friend instead of hunting down huge safety eyes.
- Patterns that use wire to support their structure may require thick wire or even something stronger to hold their added weight.
- Sewing parts together with huge bulky yarn can be very difficult. If you are able, find a worsted weight yarn in a matching color and sew your attachments with it instead. You will be able to see it better and pull it tighter than you would the bulky yarn.
Scaling Up Doesn’t Have To Be Scary!
Scaling up your favorite amigurumi doesn’t have to be complicated! By using thicker yarn, a larger hook, or holding multiple strands together, you can easily transform a small plush into a giant, huggable companion. Just remember to account for extra yarn, adjust your hook size, and consider how other elements—like eyes, stuffing, and attachments—will need to scale up as well.
Have you ever tried making an oversized amigurumi? What method worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments or in the Facebook Group—I’d love to hear about your giant crochet creations! And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to save it for later or share it with a fellow crocheter who loves making plushies bigger!
Some great HbK patterns that scale up into pillows:
Kati is the designer behind Hooked by Kati. With thousands of patterns sold around the world, Kati prides herself in creating innovative, easy-to-follow amigurumi patterns. She has designed for several publications, including Crochet!, Crochet World, Simply Crochet, and I Like Crochet. Kati finds her inspiration in science fiction, video games, and numerous visits to the zoo — all passions she shares with her husband and two boys.