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I have been asked by many of you if I had a video on how to crochet Amigurumi around a foundation chain (Amigurumi oval). This can be a new technique for some crocheters who normally start their crochet toys with a magic circle.
Unlike a magic circle that gives you a nice round shape, crocheting around a foundation chain results in an oval shape. But don’t worry…regardless of which technique you use for starting your Ami…you will still crochet around in a continous spiral as you would with any Amigurumi project.
Scroll down to watch the step by step video tutorial or read more about how to crochet Amigurumi around a foundation chain (Amigurumi oval) below.
In this video, I am going to show you how to crochet the first 4 rounds of this dinosaur head, which starts with a chain rather than a magic circle. But you can use this technique for any Amigurumi pattern starting with a chain. Check out the full version of my free dinosaur crochet pattern.
My Amigurumi Patterns Starting with a Foundation Chain
I often use the foundation chain technique when designing my free Amigurumi patterns, especially when I make the heads of my crochet animals.
Although it might be a bit easier to start with a magic circle, I sometimes like starting my Amigurumi projects with an oval shape (foundation chain) because it gives me more freedom to experiement with different shapes.
How to Crochet Amigurumi around a Foundation Chain – Abbreviations Used
In this video I use US crochet terminology.
– CH: chain stitch
– ST: stitch
– SC: single crochet stitch
– INC: increase = two single crochet stitches in the same stitch
– (…..) x 6: repeat the pattern inside the brackets by the given number (in this example, repeat the pattern in the brackets 6 times)
– {…}: number shown inside these brackets equals the number of total stitches at the end of each round
How to Crochet Amigurumi around a Foundation Chain – Written Instructions
R1 (foundation chain): Chain 6 STs {6}
R2: SC in 5 STs starting from 2nd CH from the hook; go through back bump of each CH as well; now work on the other side of the chain, INC in next ST, SC in next 3 STs, INC in last ST {12}
R3: INC in first ST, SC in next 3 STs, INC in next 3 STs, SC in next 3 STs, INC in last 2 STs {18}
R4: (SC in next ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 3 STs, (SC in next ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 3 STs, (SC in next ST, INC) x 2 {24}
Note: If your foundation chain has a different number of stitches, remember to change the bolded parts of the pattern above accordingly!
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Explore More of My Amigurumi Tutorials
Discover my Amigurumi basics video tutorials, perfect if you want to learn new skills and techniques. Whether you need help with a particular pattern or just looking for helpful tips and tricks, these tutorials are just the thing for you!
Find the Perfect Crochet Pattern!
Create beautiful crochet toys with my collection of free Amigurumi crochet patterns. From easy patterns for beginners to more advanced designs, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Here are just a few patterns you may love. Why don’t you give them a try?!
Free crochet bear lovey pattern
Free crochet bunny lovey pattern
Happy crocheting!
I am working on the bunny ears and the instructions say:
R2 SC in 9 ST starting from 2nd CH from the hook, go through back bump of each CH as well, 1x INC, 1xL INC, 1x INC, 9 x SC, chain 1 ST and turn your work around over (26 incl your extra ST at the end)
Can you please describe the instructions.
Hi Martha, the tutorial you are looking at (crocheting around a foundation chain) does not apply to the bunny ears. The bunny ears are worked in rows, not in continuous round. So when you finish R2 you will work your work over and you will crochet back in the opposite direction.
Hope this helps but please let me know if you have more questions.
Love,
Petra x
Yes the tutorial was very helpful to me. You give great directions thank You
Thank you so much Annette, happy to hear you found the video tutorial helpful! 🙂
Hi I am working on the white and blue teddy bear, and it states “AFTER 29th ST’ to join BLUE yarn, what is meant by AFTER? is it 29 or 30th stitch? Thanks, nancy
Hi Nancy, it means to change the colour for the 30th stitch in that round.
Love, Petra x