Gauge is how many stitches and rounds fit in a given length. For amigurumi it is written as stitches per centimetre or per inch. The patterns here assume 2 stitches and 2 rounds per centimetre in single crochet with worsted cotton on a 3.5 mm hook. That is a firm fabric; the stuffing should not show through.
Why it matters
Every measurement in a generated pattern is computed from the gauge: the circumference of a round is the stitch count divided by stitches per centimetre, and each round adds one row height. A 36-stitch round at 2 stitches per centimetre is 18 cm around, so about 5.7 cm across. If your gauge is 1.8 stitches per centimetre the same round is 20 cm around and the whole figure comes out about 10% larger. Nothing breaks, because all the parts scale together, but the figure will not be the size on the label.
Choosing a hook
Amigurumi uses a hook one or two sizes smaller than the yarn band suggests. That closes the gaps between stitches so the stuffing stays inside. As a starting point:
| Yarn weight | Band suggests | Amigurumi hook |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Fine (sport) | 3.5-4.5 mm | 2.5-3 mm |
| 3 Light (DK) | 4.5-5.5 mm | 3-3.5 mm |
| 4 Medium (worsted) | 5.5-6.5 mm | 3.5-4 mm |
The hook database lists the metric, US and UK size for each hook so you can match a pattern written in any system.
Making a quick swatch
Work a magic ring, then rounds of six increases until you reach 36 stitches (R1 6, R2 12, R3 18, R4 24, R5 30, R6 36). Measure across the flat circle. At 2 stitches per centimetre it should be close to 5.7 cm. Measure a few rounds of an even tube for the row gauge. If you want to design at your own gauge, enter it on the designer before you describe the figure and the pattern is computed for it.