I have been looking forward to working on the charms for Alexandra’s charm bracelet since the beginning of this exchange, because I’ve been dying to try out the kokeshi doll pattern in Sara Scales’ book Mini Amigurumi.
It was so much fun to crochet these! For the first time, I feel I am starting to get the hang of mini amigurumi. The learning curve is greater than I originally expected. I mean, it’s crochet. I can crochet, so why is this so hard? Well, here is what I’ve learned…
It takes a lot more patience, dexterity, and keener eyesight than regular crochet. Good lighting really helps too. You have to be very conscious of your tension. Because I was working with fine thread (No. 8 crochet thread), I found it a little more difficult to get the same grasp I would with yarn. I wanted my tension to be tight enough that you wouldn’t be able to see the stuffing through the stitches, but not too tight that I would have to struggle to insert my hook into the stitches. I also discovered that invisible decreases don’t work as well with thread or maybe with this scale. It created larger holes than a standard sc2tog decrease.
So now that I’ve had a few months of practice, I’m ready to try out all the mini amis in Sara’s book. They are all so cute! But first, follow me as I show you how I made these kokeshi doll charms.

Supplies for making a mini kokeshi doll (clockwise): Mini Amigurumi by Sara Scales, polyester stuffing, crochet thread, embroidery floss, sequins, size 10 steel crochet hook, and sewing needles. Not pictured are scissors, nylon sewing thread, and seed beads or other embellishments.

Then I embellished their kimonos with sequins and seed beads. Here’s the dolls with my wedding ring to give you an idea of scale. So tiny!
Join me next week to see what the rest of my talented charm exchange friends have created this time!
January 28, 2015 at 8:06 am
I had to comment as your photo caught my attention! These mini kokeshi doll charms are the so cute. It makes me want to learn to crochet (though I think these are advanced for a beginner). Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2015 at 7:50 pm
Thanks! They were fun to make — but you are right, they were also a challenge!
January 28, 2015 at 8:27 am
Oh,how sweet your kokeshi dolls are and how patient you are!!! You have all my admiration! Can I allow myself a small advice since I have noticed that the stuffing is always a problem…. a year and more ago my SIL gave me the remanant of the cheap organza she used for her wedding party favors….. well,I first insterted the organza in my plushies (in the squirrels too..) and then the padding.. well, the overall result was a quite neat pluchy with almost no lint.
January 29, 2015 at 7:53 pm
That is great advice, Tajana! I will have to try it with my next amigurumi. I bet lots of types of fabric would work too. I’m having a “now why didn’t I think of that?” moment. 🙂 Thanks for fantastic tip!!
January 29, 2015 at 10:52 pm
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
January 28, 2015 at 8:41 am
those are so cute you have a great mind to think of using them as a charm.
January 29, 2015 at 7:49 pm
Thanks, Debi! I’m really glad you like them. 🙂
January 28, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Oh my goodness those are small. Super cute.
January 29, 2015 at 7:48 pm
Thanks! They were fun to make.
January 28, 2015 at 7:21 pm
I love your microgurumi! Brilliant idea putting it beside your ring to show the teeny tinyness. 😀
January 29, 2015 at 7:47 pm
Thanks! I wonder if I will ever be able to crochet something smaller than my wedding ring. Hmm… I will have to try it. 🙂
January 28, 2015 at 7:21 pm
also thanks for the decrease tip. ❤
January 29, 2015 at 7:48 pm
You are welcome. These microgurumi (love your word!) are a craft of their own. It has been like learning to crochet all over again — which is so much fun too!
January 28, 2015 at 9:23 pm
How cute these are!!! Shared!
January 29, 2015 at 7:46 pm
Thank you so much! You are the best. 🙂
January 29, 2015 at 2:45 pm
Kokeshi are so adorable!!! I feel so excited you’re going to work more on miniature crochet. Don’t forget to show us what you made!!!
January 29, 2015 at 7:46 pm
Thanks! It’s a deal. 🙂
February 2, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Wow!! I’m so impressed and now intrigued by mini crochet. I can definitely see why you would need patience and good lighting.
February 3, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Thanks, Patricia! I keep thinking if I get really good at it, I might try to crochet a teeny tiny Squirrel Picnic diorama.
May 11, 2015 at 3:04 am
Hi Jennifer, thankyou for the link to my book and so pleased that you enjoyed the patterns. Sara xx
May 11, 2015 at 5:17 am
You’re welcome! It’s my pleasure. I have really enjoyed your book. Thanks for stopping by!