How to Make Amigurumi Hair: A Comprehensive Guide

Amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small, stuffed toys, often involves creating adorable characters with unique personalities. And what better way to express a character’s personality than with their hairstyle? From cute little tufts to flowing locks, the hair on your amigurumi creations can truly bring them to life. This comprehensive guide will explore various techniques for making amigurumi hair, offering detailed steps, tips, and inspiration to help you craft the perfect hairdo for your next project.

Understanding the Basics: Yarn and Tools

Before diving into the techniques, let’s gather the essential materials and tools you’ll need for creating amigurumi hair:

• Yarn: Choose a yarn that complements the body of your amigurumi. Consider the texture and thickness you want for the hair. Acrylic yarn is a popular choice for amigurumi due to its affordability and wide range of colors. For a more natural look, consider wool blends. Novelty yarns can also be used for fun, textured styles.
• Crochet Hook: Use a hook size that’s appropriate for your chosen yarn. You’ll need the hook for attaching strands of hair to your amigurumi head. It doesn’t always have to be the same hook you used for making the doll.
• Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for cutting yarn cleanly.
• Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle (also known as a yarn needle) will be useful for weaving in loose ends and securing hair attachments.
• Optional Tools: Depending on the hairstyle you choose, you might need a small comb, hair clips, or a fabric glue to help shape and secure the style.

Technique 1: The Classic Loop Stitch Method

The loop stitch method is a versatile technique that allows you to create a variety of hairstyles, from short, choppy layers to longer, flowing strands. It involves pulling up loops of yarn and securing them to the amigurumi head. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Prepare the Yarn: Cut several strands of yarn to the desired length. You’ll need a good number of strands to achieve the fullness you want. Start with longer strands; you can always trim them later. The length of your strands will be double the length of hair you are aiming for.
2. Locate the Attachment Point: Decide where you want the hairline to be on your amigurumi head. This will be where you begin attaching the yarn.
3. Attach the First Strand: Insert your crochet hook through the fabric of the amigurumi’s head, from the wrong side of your amigurumi to the right side, at the point where you wish to attach the hair. Fold a single strand of yarn in half. Hook the folded loop with your crochet hook, draw the loop back through the fabric, and then remove your hook. You should now have a loop sticking out of the amigurumi’s head.
4. Secure the Strand: Now, pull the two loose ends of your strand through the loop you just created. This will form a knot, securing the yarn to the head. Gently pull it snug, and the first strand of hair is now attached.
5. Repeat the Process: Continue attaching strands of yarn around the head, following the hairline you’ve chosen. Place the strands close together for a fuller look, or leave some space for a more sparse effect. As you work, you may need to insert your hook multiple times into the same stitch (when possible) to add multiple strands.
6. Finishing Touches: Once you’ve attached all the desired strands of hair, trim them to the desired length and shape. Use sharp scissors to avoid frayed ends. You can also style the hair further by separating strands, creating bangs, or adding a part.

Tips for the Loop Stitch Method:

• Consistent Tension: Try to maintain consistent tension when attaching the strands to prevent the hair from looking uneven.
• Experiment with Length: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lengths of yarn to achieve different styles.
• Placement is Key: Carefully plan the placement of the strands, especially if you are trying to achieve a specific hairstyle.
• Work in Layers: To create thicker hair, add extra rows of loop stitches, slightly staggered from the previous row, covering the bases of the previous rows.

Technique 2: The Latch Hook Method

The latch hook method, while similar to the loop stitch, uses a special latch hook tool for attaching the hair. This method is particularly good for creating a more dense and fluffy hairstyle, and also has the advantage of being able to use more strands at the same time.

1. Prepare Your Yarn: Just like with the loop stitch method, cut your strands of yarn to the desired length. Again, the length of each strand should be double the length you want the final hair to be. The more strands you fold in half, the denser the hair will appear.
2. Prepare Your Latch Hook: Open the latch on the latch hook tool.
3. Fold the Strands: Fold your strands of yarn in half. Place the folded loop over the open latch hook, with the cut ends of the yarn positioned on the other side of the tool.
4. Insert the Hook: Insert the hook of the latch hook tool into the amigurumi head from the wrong side to the right side, at the location where you want the hair to be attached.
5. Close the Latch: Close the latch, hooking the loop of the folded yarn.
6. Pull Through: Pull the hook and the folded loop through the head of the amigurumi, creating a small loop on the right side of the head.
7. Secure the Strand: Now, take the cut ends of the yarn and pull them through the small loop you created on the surface of the amigurumi. This will create a knot and secure the yarn to the head.
8. Repeat: Continue this process all over the head, placing the hair close together for a full look, or more sparsely for less dense hair.
9. Style and Trim: Once you have finished adding hair, trim it to the desired length and style it.

Tips for the Latch Hook Method:

• Use the Right Tool: Ensure you have a latch hook tool that’s appropriately sized for your yarn.
• Experiment with Density: The latch hook method allows for more dense hair attachments, so experiment to find your preferred fullness.
• Placement and Direction: Consider the direction you pull your latch hook, as this can influence how the hair falls.
• Secure Knots: Make sure your knots are securely tightened so that the hair doesn’t come loose.

Technique 3: The Felted Hair Method

The felting method uses wool yarn and a special felting needle to create a more solid and permanent style of hair for your amigurumi. This is an excellent method if you want very structured hair with a more sculptured look. This method also allows you to create very fine, individual strands of hair if you choose.

1. Prepare Your Wool: Gather your wool yarn in the desired color. If you are felting a solid block of hair, wind the wool into a small ball or flat pad. If you want to felt on individual strands of hair, pull out strands of wool and arrange them neatly.
2. Position the Wool: Place the wool on the amigurumi head where you want the hair to be.
3. Use the Felting Needle: Hold your felting needle perpendicular to the wool and the surface of the head. Stab the needle into the wool, using an up-and-down motion. The barbs on the felting needle will interlock the wool fibers, causing them to felt and adhere to the surface.
4. Felt Securely: Continue felting the wool until it is securely attached to the amigurumi. You might need to rotate the piece and repeat the felting process at different angles to ensure it’s firmly attached.
5. Shape and Style: Once the hair is attached, use the felting needle to shape and style it. You can add more wool to increase the thickness, or sculpt the felted area to create definition.
6. Trim as Necessary: Once you are happy with the felting, you can trim stray fibers with your scissors to refine the hairstyle.

Tips for the Felted Hair Method:

• Use a Proper Felting Needle: Make sure you use a felting needle specifically designed for this purpose, as these are quite sharp and should be used with caution. Using a foam base will ensure you don’t accidentally poke through and cause injury.
• Wool is Key: This method works best with wool or other natural fibers that felt easily. Acrylic yarn will not felt.
• Start Slowly: Begin by felting lightly and gradually increase the pressure as you become more comfortable with the technique.
• Be Patient: Felting can take time, so be patient and work slowly.
• Consider Safety: The needles used for felting are very sharp, so take extra care while working with them. Keep your fingers out of the way.

Technique 4: The Crocheted Wig Method

The crocheted wig method involves creating a separate hairpiece that can be attached to the amigurumi’s head. This method is fantastic for creating complex hairstyles, such as ponytails, braids, or more elaborate layered looks. It also makes it easy to change your character’s hair style.

1. Plan the Wig: Before beginning, plan the shape and size of the wig and the location you want the hair to be positioned. You will need to decide if you want the wig to completely cover the head of your amigurumi, or just a part of it. Decide the direction and shape of the hair style you are aiming for.
2. Create a Base: Crochet a base for the wig that fits the amigurumi’s head. This can be a simple circular or oval shape, or a more complex piece that follows the curvature of the head. Use the same stitch and hook you used to create the amigurumi, but consider using a smaller hook if you want the base to be denser and less prone to stretching.
3. Attach Hair Strands: Once the base is complete, you can start adding strands of hair using either the loop stitch method or the latch hook method, as described previously. Attach these hair strands around the base, following the shape and direction you planned. Consider adding rows for a fuller look.
4. Style the Hair: After all the hair has been attached, style the hair using techniques such as tying, braiding, sectioning and securing in place. You can create different kinds of curls or waves by pulling the yarn through the loop when attaching. Use scissors to trim any flyaway hair.
5. Attach the Wig: Once the wig is complete, attach it to the amigurumi’s head using a tapestry needle and yarn. Sew the wig to the head securely. You can also use fabric glue, but sewing is generally more secure. Be sure to position the wig correctly, as this will influence the final appearance of your character.

Tips for the Crocheted Wig Method:

• Get the Sizing Right: Measure the head of your amigurumi carefully to create a wig base that fits perfectly.
• Use a Variety of Stitches: Experiment with different crochet stitches to add texture and interest to the wig base.
• Plan Ahead: Carefully plan the structure and style of the hair before you start crocheting the wig. Consider making a sketch to ensure you know how to structure the hair.
• Secure Attachments: When sewing the wig onto the head, ensure that the base is securely attached to the doll. You can use a running stitch to secure the wig evenly.
• Make it Removable: It is possible to create a wig that can be removed, by attaching it with a few discreet stitches or with the use of snap fasteners. This enables you to change the character’s look with more ease.

Technique 5: The Braided Hair Method

The braided hair method is perfect for creating long, flowing hairstyles that have a sense of elegance and movement. This method can be used in conjunction with the loop stitch or latch hook methods and gives a good foundation for more intricate styles such as buns or pigtails.

1. Attach Strands: Use either the loop stitch method or the latch hook method to attach strands of yarn to the amigurumi’s head, positioning them where you wish to create braids.
2. Divide the Strands: Once you have attached sufficient strands of yarn, divide them into groups, typically three or more, depending on how thick you want your braids to be.
3. Begin Braiding: Begin braiding your yarn strands as you would with regular hair. Take one outside strand and cross it over the middle strand. Then, take the strand on the opposite side and cross it over the new middle strand. Continue in this manner, keeping your tension consistent.
4. Secure the Ends: When you have braided your strands to the desired length, tie off the end with a small piece of yarn or thread. You can also use a dab of fabric glue to help keep the ends from unraveling.
5. Style as Desired: The braids can be left hanging down, or you can arrange them in buns, ponytails, or other updos, using additional yarn, thread or glue to secure their position.

Tips for the Braided Hair Method:

• Consistent Tension: Maintain consistent tension while braiding for a neat, uniform look.
• Experiment with Number of Strands: Try braiding with different numbers of strands of yarn for different styles.
• Accessorize: Add beads or other small accessories to the braids to make them more unique.
• Different Braid Styles: Explore different braiding styles to add variety to your hair designs. Fishtail braids, for example, can add another dimension to your designs.
• Consider Thickness: Add more strands to your braids to create thicker and more voluminous hair.

General Tips and Tricks

Here are some general tips and tricks that will help you with your amigurumi hair projects:

• Plan Your Hairstyle: Before starting, sketch out the hairstyle you want to achieve. This can help you visualize the final look and ensure you attach your strands in the right places.
• Start with a Small Section: If you are new to adding hair, start with a small section to practice your chosen method before tackling the whole head.
• Use a Stitch Marker: Place stitch markers on the amigurumi head to mark the areas where you want to start and end your hair attachments.
• Trim Gradually: When trimming the hair, do it in small increments. This will prevent you from cutting off too much and having to re-attach strands.
• Use Hair Accessories: Add small bows, ribbons, or other accessories to your amigurumi’s hair to add extra charm.
• Experiment and Don’t Be Afraid to Fail: The best way to learn is by trying. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles. Mistakes can often lead to creative discoveries.
• Take Breaks: Adding hair can be time-consuming. Take breaks to avoid frustration and maintain your focus.
• Use High-Quality Yarn: Investing in high-quality yarn will not only improve the look of the hair but also make it easier to work with.
• Secure Your Ends: Make sure you weave in any loose ends securely with your tapestry needle to prevent them from coming undone later.
• Share Your Creations: Don’t forget to share your finished amigurumi with their unique hairstyles with the amigurumi community.

Conclusion

Adding hair to your amigurumi characters is a fantastic way to bring them to life and give them their own unique personalities. By using the different techniques described in this guide, you’ll be able to create a wide variety of hairstyles, from simple tufts to elaborate braids and everything in between. Remember to have patience, experiment, and most importantly, have fun. With a bit of practice, you’ll be creating adorable amigurumi characters with the perfect hairdo in no time. Happy crafting!