How to Make Bird Amigurumi: Tutorials for Domestic and Wild Birds

Bird amigurumi projects are a delightful way to explore the art of crochet while creating charming replicas of both domestic and wild birds. Whether you are crafting a colorful parrot or a majestic owl, bird amigurumis can be as simple or intricate as you like. This article provides step-by-step tutorials for making a variety of bird amigurumis, each designed to capture the unique characteristics of these avian creatures.

Materials You’ll Need

Before diving into the projects, gather the following materials:

• Yarn: Choose colors that match the birds you’ll be making.
• Crochet Hooks: Select a size that matches your yarn.
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or scrap yarn.
• Safety Eyes: Available in various sizes and colors.
• Embroidery Thread: For adding details like beaks, feet, and feathers.
• Embroidery Needle: For stitching facial features.
• Scissors, Yarn Needle, and Stitch Markers

Basic Techniques

Here are the essential techniques you’ll need for these projects:

• Magic Ring: A way to start your work in the round.
• Single Crochet (sc): The primary stitch used in amigurumi.
• Increase (inc): Adding stitches to shape your piece.
• Decrease (dec): Reducing stitches to shape your piece.
• Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds or finishing.

Domestic Bird Amigurumi

Parrot

Body:

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6)
2. Round 2: Inc in each st around (12)
3. Round 3: (Sc, inc) around (18)
4. Continue increasing until you reach the desired width.
5. Work even rounds until you reach the desired height.
6. Decrease rounds similarly to form the top of the head and close the body.

Wings:

1. Chain 5, sc in second chain from hook and across (4)
2. Continue sc in rows until the wing is the desired length.
3. Attach wings to the sides of the body.

Tail:

1. Chain 6, sc in second chain from hook and across (5)
2. Work in rows until the tail is long enough.
3. Attach the tail to the back of the body.

Beak and Eyes:

1. Embroider a beak with yellow or orange yarn.
2. Use safety eyes or embroider eyes.

Canary

Body:

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6)
2. Round 2: Inc in each st around (12)
3. Round 3: (Sc, inc) around (18)
4. Continue increasing until you reach the desired width.
5. Work even rounds until you reach the desired height.
6. Decrease rounds to close the body.

Tail:

1. Chain 4, sc in second chain from hook and across (3)
2. Attach the tail to the back.

Beak and Eyes:

1. Embroider a small beak with orange yarn.
2. Use safety eyes or embroider eyes.

Wild Bird Amigurumi

Owl

Body:

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6)
2. Round 2: Inc in each st around (12)
3. Round 3: (Sc, inc) around (18)
4. Continue increasing until you reach the desired width.
5. Work even rounds until you reach the desired height.
6. Decrease rounds to form the top of the head and close the body.

Wings:

1. Chain 6, sc in second chain from hook and across (5)
2. Continue sc in rows until the wing is the desired length.
3. Attach wings to the sides of the body.

Eyes and Beak:

1. Use large safety eyes for the characteristic owl eyes.
2. Embroider a beak with yellow or orange yarn.

Ears:

1. Create small tufts for the ears by chaining and sc, attach to the top of the head.

Robin

Body:

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6)
2. Round 2: Inc in each st around (12)
3. Round 3: (Sc, inc) around (18)
4. Continue increasing until you reach the desired width.
5. Work even rounds until you reach the desired height.
6. Decrease rounds to close the body.

Tail:

1. Chain 5, sc in second chain from hook and across (4)
2. Attach the tail to the back.

Beak and Eyes:

1. Embroider a small beak with yellow yarn.
2. Use safety eyes or embroider eyes.

Chest:

1. Use red yarn to create the robin’s red chest by stitching over the body.

Adding Details

Enhancing your bird amigurumis with details can make them more realistic and charming:

• Feathers: Use yarn or embroidery to add feather details.
• Claws: Create small claws with yarn or felt.
• Color Patterns: Use different colors to mimic the natural patterns of the birds.

Displaying Your Bird Amigurumi

Showcase your bird amigurumi with these creative ideas:

• Nature Displays: Place them in a decorative birdcage or on branches for a natural look.
• Educational Tools: Use them to teach children about different bird species.
• Gifts: Give them as unique, handmade gifts.

Creating bird amigurumi is a fun and rewarding craft that brings the beauty of avian creatures into your home. By following these tutorials, you can make a variety of birds that are not only adorable but also great for teaching and decoration. Enjoy your crafting journey and happy crocheting!