So you’ve finished crocheting the base pattern for your amigurumi doll, good work! Now all that remains is deciding how to stuff it. You might not think stuffing for toys is something you have to think about, but there are many different materials out there, and each one has its strengths and weaknesses, especially in regards to something as specific as amigurumi.
In general, stuffed toys have a reputation for being fluffy and cuddly, but amigurumi can be either soft or have some stiff parts depending on their intended use. If you want to give them to children as playthings, you must consider overall wear and tear, the integrity of shape, whether or not they will wash in a machine, and so on. If you want your doll to be on display, you need to consider weight, the toy’s ability to be posed, and how it will sit on a shelf or in a display case.
These are just some of the criteria involved in deciding which toy stuffing to use for your project, but don’t let that intimidate you. Below are some of the different stuffing options and how each one can affect the appearance and texture of your crochet toys. Take your time choosing!
First, let’s look at the best amigurumi stuffing options. These materials are usually considered the best for soft toy stuffing, being easy to find, relatively cheap, and some of the most malleable substances on the market. When debating which of these toy fillings to use, keep in mind the specific look you want your doll to have.
Best amigurumi stuffing materials
Polyester fiberfill
Also known as “polyfill” stuffing, this fluffy padding is the most commonly used filling and is often found in stuffed animals, pillows, and coat linings. Polyester stuffing is created from a mix of various synthetic (polyester) fibers that are loosely spun to keep the light, airy texture. It is soft, extremely lightweight, and plushy, which makes it ideal for children and baby toys. When put inside a stuffed crochet toy, polyester fiberfill will also hold its shape perfectly.
Polyester cluster filling
Similar to fiberfill stuffing, cluster filling is also made from polyester, but instead of remaining loose and cloud-like, it is made up of smaller, individual groups of stuffing material all clustered together to form the main bulk. This provides a slightly different texture which allows you to stuff your creation a little at a time while still maintaining control over its shape.
I have used the stuffing from neck pillows that are used when traveling. It is basically poly fiber fill.but comes in colors… dark brown, life brown and flesh color. Using this for stuffing helps to keep the stuffing from peeking thru the crochet stitches. I have also used acrylic yarn ends to stuff. Sometimes I have actually used the same yarn I’ve crocheted the doll part with to stuff that part… zero peeking thru the stitches.
yes. I mostly use a new pillow and poach the polyfill stuffing fro it. Sometimes tho, I have bits of yarn left over from my project and I use that to help stuff.
How much Poly-Fil is needed for the large Moose?
I use dryer fabric softener sheets that have been used in dryer. My friends save theirs for me. They are soft , light , easily torn or cut into small bits to fit anywhere in the critter, and the critter can be washed in washing machine and dried in dryer..
I used the natural method. Dont use the natural method!. I apparently had a mouse and said mouse destroyed my hard work.
I’ve heard that polyester fiberfill contains toxic chemicals… is this true? Should I not use this as a filling for my stuffed critters?
It depends on manufacturer.
I find sheep’s wool a good filling material – it’s natural, you can wash it (by hand) and it’s naturally fire retardant – although amigurumis are not usually a fire hazard. If you are looking to cut down on plastics (polyester) wool is a good choice.