How to stuff an amigurumi? Our advice

Stuffing is the often underestimated yet essential step in making a successful amigurumi ! Whether you're crocheting a cute little panda, a plump cactus, or a magical unicorn, good stuffing makes all the difference: the plush toy keeps its shape, is soft without being mushy, and sits comfortably in the hand... or even stands up if necessary.

Poorly stuffed stuffing, on the other hand, can give an unstable result: visible bumps, overly tight stitches, sagging limbs... and sometimes, a disappointing result despite all the care taken with the crochet.

What materials should I use to stuff an amigurumi?

There isn't just one good upholstery, but several options depending on your needs and the desired result. Here are the most commonly used:

1. Polyester wadding (or synthetic wadding)

This is the most common stuffing. Lightweight, fluffy, easy to handle, and washable, it's perfect for beginners. It's easily found in haberdashery stores or online.

💡 At JOY!, this is the wadding we use in most of our amigurumi kits: it allows us to fill each shape well, without creating a bump.

2. Kapok or natural wool

These plant or animal fibers are a more natural alternative. Kapok is very lightweight, and wool retains heat well. However, they are more compact and less elastic, so the result is denser.

3. Fabric scraps (or old cut tights)

Zero-waste solution! Ideal for firm areas (e.g., the bottom of a sitting amigurumi). Simply cut into small pieces and alternate with a bit of cotton wool to avoid lumps.

4. Microbeads or weighted granules

Perfect for stabilizing a base (making a dinosaur stand upright, for example), or giving a plush toy a "weight" effect. Use in small quantities, often in a sewn sock or a small bag.

How to stuff an amigurumi step by step

A good filling is similar to a good cake batter: not too dense, not too airy, but well distributed and even! Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the cotton wool

Never put the cotton wool in your amigurumi in a big pile! You must:

• gently shred it with your fingers ,
• form small, light clouds ,
• and above all avoid compact packages , which form bumps and deform the amigurumi.

💡 JOY Tip!: If you have an old cushion or tired stuffed animal, you can recycle the wadding as long as you air it well.

2. Fill little by little, in layers

It is better to pad gradually than all at once:

• Insert a small piece of cotton at a time ,
• Tap with your fingers to distribute well,
• Then add layer after layer, shaping the shape as you go .

This allows for better volume control and adjustment according to the shape of the piece (e.g. rounded belly or head).

3. Use a tool for narrow areas

For arms, ears, or other small shapes, your fingers won't be enough. Use:

• a chopstick,
• the handle of a brush,
• or even an old pen without a refill.

➡️ This allows you to gently push the cotton wool to the bottom , without packing it down too tightly.

4. Shape and feel as you go

Between each addition of stuffing, lightly knead the amigurumi between your hands :

• This helps to distribute the cotton wool,
• To detect hollow areas,
• And to obtain a regular shape, without excess on one side or empty on the other.

🧡 Remember to check for asymmetry: an overly swollen ear or a dangling arm can be seen quickly...

5. Stuff “firm but soft”

Final goal: the amigurumi should be firm to the touch , but without bursting the stitches .
✔ Too little = saggy effect, fluff that sags.
✔ Too full = stretched stitches, visible holes, stuffing sticking out.

You should be able to press lightly on the shape without it crushing… or resisting like a tennis ball.

How to upholster small pieces or complex shapes?

Some parts of an amigurumi require a little more patience and precision. But rest assured: with the right techniques, everything becomes easier.

Arms, legs, ears and other narrow areas

These pieces are small, sometimes closed on one side only... and can easily become deformed if poorly padded.

Here are our tips:

• Use tiny cotton balls , well shredded.
• Slide the balls in one by one using a thin tool (pen, chopstick, angled tweezers).
• Shape as you go to keep a regular shape.
• Do not overfill: an over-inflated member may hinder assembly or pull on the seams.

💡 JOY Tip!: If you're using safety eyes, remember to pad around them before attaching them. This prevents the area from being hollowed out once the eye is in place.

Complex shapes (long neck, big belly, asymmetrical areas)

Certain structures can unbalance the padding if not anticipated. For example:

• a long neck can fall forward if it is too light,
• A rounded belly can appear empty if the cotton wool is not centered properly.

✅ What to do:

• Start by stuffing the center , then spread around,
• Lighten the ends so as not to make them too heavy (e.g. head or base),
• Alternate density and flexibility : fill certain areas more heavily to create contrast and stability.

Stabilizing a standing or sitting amigurumi

To make an amigurumi stay in place, you can:

• slip a small bag of microbeads into the lower part of the body (fabric or sewn tights),
• slightly lighten the upper body ,
• or even insert a stiff wire/pipe cleaner into a leg or base to maintain balance.

🎯 These tips are particularly useful for poseable models (sitting panda, standing cat, dinosaur, etc.).

Mistakes to Avoid When Upholstering

Here are the most common mistakes when stuffing amigurumi, and how to avoid them effectively:

• Using a single large wad of cotton wool: This creates a mass that is difficult to spread and causes visible lumps. Instead, break it into small, well-ventilated pieces.
• Stuffing all at once, without gradual adjustment : the stuffing is unevenly distributed, and the final shape is irregular. Work in small layers, shaping at each step.
• Adding too little stuffing : the amigurumi looks flabby, the limbs sag.
• Adding too much stuffing: The stitches become stretched, the stuffing becomes visible through the hook.
  
• Forgetting to stuff small parts: arms, ears or legs remain soft or become hollow over time.
  

Summary table by type of room

Part to be padded	Recommended quantity	Specific advice
Head	Firm but flexible	Fill in layers and smooth often for a nice round shape
Body	Firm and dense	Pad the base more for stability; smooth in the center
Arms / Legs	Soft to semi-firm	Use small pieces, do not overfill to make assembly easier
Ears / Tail	Very light or without padding	Add just a cloud to hold the shape without stiffening
Base (to hold the amigurumi)	Compact or lightly weighted	Add microbeads or more density in the lower body

FAQ – How to properly stuff an amigurumi:

Which stuffing should I choose for an amigurumi?

The ideal stuffing material for amigurumi is polyester wadding. It's lightweight, soft, easy to handle, and machine washable. It provides even, lump-free padding while maintaining a soft feel. Other materials like kapok or natural wool are also available, but they produce a denser finish.

Can you use cotton for stuffing an amigurumi?

Raw cotton can be used, but it is stiffer, heavier, and less elastic than polyester wadding. It produces a firmer, even rigid, filling suitable for stable or decorative amigurumi. For a softer, lighter effect, synthetic wadding is preferable.

What is the magic circle technique used for in amigurumi?

The magic circle technique allows you to start an amigurumi without leaving a hole in the center of the piece (often used for the head or body). It's a solid base that prevents gaps through which the stuffing could leak. It also ensures a more consistent shape from the start.

Which crochet hook should you choose to successfully stuff an amigurumi?

The choice of crochet hook directly impacts the stuffing. It is recommended to use a crochet hook smaller than the size recommended for the chosen yarn. This allows for a tighter mesh, which will hold the stuffing securely inside. A crochet hook that is too large will make the stitches loose and reveal the wadding.

Should the stuffing be adjusted to the size of the amigurumi?

Yes. The larger the amigurumi, the more structured and gradual stuffing it requires to maintain its shape. Smaller amigurumis, on the other hand, require lighter, more precise filling, with very small amounts of evenly distributed fiberfill.

How to successfully decorate an amigurumi once it has been stuffed?

Once the stuffing is complete, it's recommended to smooth the shapes, check for symmetry, and then move on to decorating. This can include embroidery (nose, mouth, cheeks), accessories (scarf, hat), or safety eyes. Proper stuffing helps ensure a clean and balanced finish.

What are the best assembly techniques after upholstery?

To assemble the different parts of an amigurumi, it is recommended to use a wool needle and sew with the same yarn as the crochet hook. Care must be taken not to move the stuffing too much when sewing. The trick is to assemble the pieces in a discreet spiral while maintaining the shape with your fingers.

How to embroider a face on a stuffed amigurumi?

The face is usually embroidered after stuffing , to fit the final shape. It is advisable to use a contrasting thread and an embroidery needle. Start by positioning the markers (pins or erasable marker), then embroider in small, taut stitches, without pulling too hard so as not to distort the surface.

Can you get stiff stuffing in an amigurumi?

Yes, using more compact materials than traditional wadding, such as tightly packed fabric scraps, raw cotton, or even a rigid interior structure (wire, stick, pipe cleaner). This type of stuffing is useful for decorative amigurumi or pieces that need to stand on their own.