The Perfect Yarn & Hook Combo for Beginner Amigurumi Makers

Every beginner amigurumi maker struggles with choosing the right materials to start their first project.

We get stuck wondering things like, “What type of yarn works best for amigurumi?” or “What size hook should I use to make sure my stitches look neat?”

When you’re unsure what to do, it’s hard to move forward.

The good news is, you can easily bring order to the chaos by understanding the perfect pairing of yarn and hook for beginners.

In this post, I’ll define the perfect yarn and hook combo for amigurumi beginners and provide 3 key tips for getting started. I hope this roadmap will help you begin your crochet journey with confidence and create adorable projects you’ll be proud of.

What is the perfect yarn and hook combo for beginner amigurumi makers?
After years of crocheting and 100s of projects made, I believe that the perfect yarn and hook combo for beginners is a worsted-weight acrylic yarn paired with a 4.0 mm crochet hook.

This combination is beginner-friendly because the yarn is easy to work with, widely available, and budget-friendly, while the hook size creates stitches that are easy to see and manipulate.

The added benefit is that this pairing helps you avoid common frustrations like splitting yarn or uneven stitches.

#1 – Choose the Right Yarn
Worsted-weight acrylic yarn is versatile, durable, and forgiving, making it the ideal choice for beginners.

This is crucial because many beginners struggle with slippery or delicate yarns, which can lead to frustration and discouragement. Using a yarn weight that is smaller, such as fingering, sport weight, or DK weight, can make stitches difficult to see and work with, leading to mistakes and hand strain. On the other hand, bulky or super bulky yarns can be harder to manipulate for amigurumi when you are a beginner, making it tricky to maintain tight, even stitches and creating gaps where stuffing might show through.

Without the right yarn, new crafters often end up with projects that look messy or unfinished. Worsted weight provides the perfect balance—thick enough to see and control stitches easily but not so large that shaping becomes difficult.

The key to smooth stitching is starting with a yarn that feels comfortable in your hands and maintains its shape. To get started, try brands like Red Heart Super Saver or Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn—both affordable and great for beginners.

#2 – Pick the Perfect Hook Size
A 4.0 mm hook is small enough to create tight stitches but large enough for beginners to see and work with easily.

If you’ve tried crocheting before but found your stitches were too loose or too tight, this hook size is the perfect middle ground. Without the right hook size, you may struggle to maintain tension, resulting in uneven or floppy amigurumi.

At the same time, difference in yarn can create a need to adjust your hook size. So I would recommend having a 3.75mm and a 4.5mm hook on hand. That way, if you are seeing that your stitches are too loose to too tight when using a particular yarn, you will be able to try another size.

Once you have some experience, you will find your favorite hook and hook size that gives you the perfect stitches. But for now, you can’t really go wrong with a 4.0mm hook.

What can you do?
Try a hook with an ergonomic handle to reduce hand fatigue, especially if you’re planning a longer session. Clover Amour and Boye brands offer beginner-friendly options.

#3 – Combining Yarn & Hook for Perfect Results
This is where the magic happens: pairing your chosen worsted-weight acrylic yarn with your 4.0 mm hook to create smooth, consistent stitches. Here’s where you’ll really start to feel like you’re mastering amigurumi.

Of course, this approach will take some practice, and your first few attempts may not look perfect—but don’t let that discourage you.

The process you can use to get started is:

1. Make a swatch with your yarn and hook to test your tension.
2. Adjust your grip and practice single crochet stitches.
3. Begin your first simple amigurumi project, like a small ball, to build your confidence.

Once you’re done, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful amigurumi pieces that you’ll be proud of.

Putting It All Together for Your Perfect Yarn & Hook Combo
There you have it! The 3 components of the perfect yarn and hook combo: choosing the right yarn, picking the perfect hook size, and combining them to create beautiful, beginner-friendly projects.

It may sound like a lot, but with practice, it will feel like second nature. Just focus on finding materials that make you excited to get started, and the rest will fall into place.