Perfect Amigurumi Guide Part 2: Why You Should Use the Amigurumi Yarn Under Technique

In Part 1 of our guide, we talked about how matching the right yarn and hook size is the foundation of any neat plushie. But what if you’ve already downsized your hook, and you can still see tiny gaps between your stitches? Before you give up or hurt your hands trying to crochet tighter, there is a professional secret you need to know: the amigurumi yarn under technique.

If you learned to crochet by making blankets, scarves, or garments, your muscle memory is probably hardwired to do things a certain way. However, amigurumi is not traditional crochet—it is 3D sculpture. To get that flawless, store-bought look, you need to change the way you wrap your yarn.

In this post, we will explore why using the amigurumi yarn under method (also known as the X-stitch) is completely superior to the traditional yarn over method, the crucial difference between the hybrid and full versions of this stitch, and how it fixes row slanting.

Yarn Over (YO) vs. Yarn Under (YU): What’s the Difference?

To understand why this technique is such a game-changer, let’s look at the actual mechanics of how a single crochet stitch is made. Depending on how you catch the yarn, there are three different ways to form a stitch:

• 1. Traditional Yarn Over (YO): This is the standard method where you wrap the yarn over the hook for both loops. It creates a classic “V” shape, which is beautiful for blankets but naturally looser and more prone to stretching in toys.
• 2. Hybrid Yarn Under (The Perfect Balance): This is my absolute favorite method and the one I use now (just look at those tight, flawless stitches on my Punkie Rocker Monster Pencil Topper pattern!). For this stitch, you insert your hook, yarn under to pull up the first loop, and then yarn over to pull through both loops on your hook. This combination gives you the perfect, tight “X” stitch look without putting too much strain on your hands.
• 3. Full Yarn Under (Maximum Tension): For this method, you yarn under for both steps—pulling up a loop and pulling through both loops. While it creates an incredibly dense fabric, it can sometimes be too tight. It creates so much tension that it can make your hands hurt, and you might even need to go up a hook size just to get your hook into the stitches!

Both the Hybrid and Full YU methods will give you that highly desired X-stitch look, but the Hybrid version gives your hands a much-needed break.

3 Reasons Why the Yarn Under Method is Superior for Amigurumi

If you look at the most popular amigurumi toys on Instagram or Pinterest, chances are they were made using this technique. Here is exactly why professional designers swear by it:

1. It Creates Perfect “X” Stitches Instead of “V” Stitches

When you use the traditional yarn over method, the legs of your single crochet stitches form a small “V” shape. While beautiful for blankets, “V” stitches are naturally looser and more prone to stretching.

When you switch to the amigurumi yarn under technique, the unique twist of the yarn creates a tight, neat “X” shape. The “X” stitch is naturally tighter, more compact, and leaves virtually zero space between the stitches. This means your white fiberfill stuffing stays 100% hidden, even if you pack your toy tightly!

2. It Eliminates the Annoying “Row Slant”

Have you ever crocheted a symmetrical doll head, only to realize the safety eyes or the nose look crooked and tilted to one side? You didn’t count your stitches wrong!

Traditional yarn over stitches naturally lean slightly to the side. When working in continuous spirals, this lean accumulates, causing your entire piece to twist or slant. Because amigurumi yarn under stitches are perfectly square, they stack directly on top of each other. Your color changes will stay straight, and your toy’s features will line up beautifully.

3. Better Structure and Less Stretching

Amigurumi toys need to withstand a lot of stuffing, hugging, and washing. Because yarn under stitches are more compact, the fabric has much less “give” or stretch. Your toys will hold their precise shapes for years without becoming floppy or distorted over time.

How to Do the Amigurumi Yarn Under Stitch (Step-by-Step)

Ready to try it? Let’s break down the exact Hybrid method I use to get perfect stitches:

1. Insert your crochet hook into the next stitch.
2. Instead of wrapping the yarn over the hook, place your hook on top of the working yarn and yarn under to grab it.
3. Pull the yarn through the stitch (you now have two loops on your hook and the “X” shape foundation is set).
4. Finish the stitch by doing a traditional yarn over and pulling through both loops on your hook.

💡 Pro Tip: If you ever decide to try the Full amigurumi yarn under method (yarn under for both steps), keep an eye on your tension! If your stitches become rock-hard and you start struggling to insert your hook, don’t hesitate to move up a hook size (by 0.25mm or 0.5mm) to give your hands some room to breathe.

What to Expect When Making the Switch

Because yarn under stitches are shorter and tighter than traditional stitches, you might notice a couple of things when you start practicing:

• Your toy will turn out slightly smaller: Since the stitches are compact, the final project might be a bit smaller than a toy made with the yarn over method using the exact same pattern.
• It takes a bit of practice: Your hands have muscle memory, so you will probably accidentally “yarn over” a few times during your first few rounds. Don’t worry! Grab some light-colored scrap yarn, practice making a simple ball or magic ring, and your hands will adapt in no time.

Ready for the Next Step to a Perfect Amigurumi?

Switching to the amigurumi yarn under technique is the ultimate secret to getting that crisp, professional stitch definition. But beautiful stitches are only half the battle.

Once your stitches are tight and perfect, how do you handle decreases without creating ugly, bumpy ridges? And how do you change colors without that awkward “jog” or step-up line?

Find out in Part 3 of our Perfect Amigurumi Guide: Invisible Decreases and Seamless Color Changes! (Link coming soon!)

Ready to Practice the X-Stitch?

If you want to train your muscle memory and master the hybrid yarn under technique, it’s best to start with a fun, small project. I highly recommend practicing on my Crochet Heart Cherry pattern or taking on the slightly spooky Zombie Bunny crochet pattern. Both are excellent for testing out your new tension and seeing those beautiful, crisp “X” stitches come to life!

Need More Step-by-Step Help?

If you are still finding your footing or need a little extra help with specific techniques, I’ve got you covered. Check out my detailed guides on How to Crochet Basic Stitches and Amigurumi Advanced Techniques. Both posts are packed with step-by-step instructions and plenty of helpful video tutorials to guide your hook every step of the way.

Let’s Connect!

I would absolutely love to see your progress! Make sure to follow EmmaS Dolls Studio on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for more quick tips, behind-the-scenes fun, and video tutorials. If you post a photo of your stitches or your finished toys, don’t forget to tag me—there is nothing better than seeing your amazing work!

Don’t Miss Part 3!

We are just getting started on our journey to flawless toys. In the next part of our Perfect Amigurumi Guide, we will tackle invisible decreases and seamless color changes. To make sure you never miss a new tutorial or a free pattern drop, join our Newsletter community today! Subscribe now and get all the best amigurumi secrets delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s keep creating together!

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