If you’re anything like me, you love a good book of crochet patterns – especially one filled with cute, detailed amigurumi patterns that keep your hook busy all year long. A Year of Amigurumi Friends by Andreia Ferreira promises just that: 24 adorable animal patterns, thoughtfully themed for each month of the year. But is it beginner-friendly? Does it have enough support for visual learners? And what’s actually included inside? I’ve worked through the book and put together this honest review to help you decide if it deserves a spot on your crochet shelf. Let’s dive in!
Thanks to the publisher, I’m giving away a copy of this book to one lucky winner. Keep reading to learn more about the book and how you can enter to win.
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Thanks to David & Charles Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I do not guarantee a positive review of any product reviewed on my site. All opinions shared here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links at no cost to you.
About the Author
Andreia Ferreira is a crochet designer and author from Portugal who picked up her hook for the first time in 2015 after learning to crochet through YouTube tutorials. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. A Year of Amigurumi Friends is her debut book. You can find more of her work and adorable designs on Instagram at Lemon Yarn Creations.
Patterns Included in A Year of Amigurumi Friends
This book includes 24 animal patterns – two cute animals for each month of the year. Most of the patterns have a seasonal or monthly theme, like the reindeer for December. Here’s the full lineup:
- Poppy Penguin
- Wilbur Walrus
- Dash Deer
- Dawn Deer
- Harriet Hen
- Gretel Goose
- Leif Llama
- Umee Unicorn
- Bao Panda Bear
- Ben Grizzly Bear
- Ella Elephant
- Sully Sloth
- Gia Giraffe
- Rory Rhino
- Cassia Capybara
- Camomile Cow
- Cody Crocodile
- Liam Lion
- Rusty Raven
- Olivia Owl
- Finn Fox
- Barnaby Badger
- Riley Reindeer
- Mason Mouse
What To Know About the Patterns
The toys are adorable and many have cute accessories that match the seasonal activities for their month. Like the Lion and Alligator toys have an apple and pencil, while the Hippo and Giraffe have ice cream, a beach towl and beach ball for their summer month.
Many of the toys require a lot of colour changes so I recommend checking out the resource section at the back of the book to see the author’s notes about color changes and single crochet vs. yarn under single crochet and their impact on colour changes before starting.
The patterns are well-written and easy to follow for those already familiar with amigurumi. That said, there aren’t many step-by-step tutorial images, and the few that are included aren’t labelled, which makes it tricky to tell what step you’re looking at. I also wish there were notes to help troubleshoot fit issues—especially for patterns with add-ons like hats—or a heads-up that the patterns need to be followed in order, since some pieces use different construction techniques to attach to earlier ones. If you’re a jump-around kind of crocheter, keep that in mind!
Crochet Terminology
The book uses US crochet terminology, and there’s a handy US-to-UK conversion chart on page 5 for anyone who needs it.
Skill Level
Difficulty levels are outlined on page 5 and are marked like this:
- Easy = X
- Intermediate = XX
- Advanced = XXX
After going through all the patterns, I’d personally recommend this book for intermediate to advanced crocheters. The use of fingering weight yarn, small hooks, and detailed shaping means many of these patterns could feel too complex or frustrating for beginners. I wouldn’t say that any of these toys fit with the Craft Yarn Council standards for an “easy” pattern.
Supports Included for Makers in A Year of Amigurumi Friends
The supports for crocheters are tucked away at the back of the book, starting on page 134. Here you’ll find a stitch guide with photo tutorials for the crochet techniques used and some basic embroidery instructions. This section is clearly written and well laid out, with the steps numbered to match the photos, which makes it easier to follow. Though I found some vital amigurumi techniques used in the book like the magic ring to be missing from the step-by-step instructions. If you need to learn how to make a magic ring, check out my magic ring tutorial here which includes both photo and video tutorials.
Supplies Needed
All the patterns call for Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/4 (a fingering weight cotton yarn) and a 2.20 mm crochet hook. You’ll also need things like:
- Craft wire
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Toy stuffing
- Sewing needles
- Sewing pins
- Craft glue
- 8 mm and 10 mm safety eyes
- Small pom pom maker (no size provided but these ones on Amazon should do the trick)
- Buttons (no size provided)
- Pipe cleaners
I would have loved to see sizes listed for the pom pom maker and buttons. Since there’s no gauge listed for the toys, you’ll likely need to test and see what works best for your version.
Where to Buy A Year of Amigurumi Friends
Grab your copy of A Year of Amigurumi Friends on Amazon or Bookshop.org.
Overall
This is a whimical and fun collection of loveable animal character duos that’s perfect if you’re looking for a year of making already planned out for you. I’d recommend this one for experienced amigurumi makers who enjoy intricate details and aren’t afraid to problem-solve along the way. Visual learners might find the lack of photo support a little frustrating, but if you’re confident with shaping and finishing techniques, there’s a lot for crochet lovers to enjoy here.
Looking to check out some other crochet book or product reviews? Check out my latest below:
- Bella Coco’s Crochet Stitch Library Book Review
- Caydo Electric Yarn Winder
- Starter Guide to Tunisian Crochet by Mary Beth Temple
- Hooks & Needles Subscription Box
- 3D Granny Squares Food & Drink
- Check out my Search Press book, Crochet Furry Friends
- Check out all my crochet book reviews here.
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A Year of Amigurumi Friends Book Giveaway
Thanks to David & Charles Publishing, I have a copy of A Year of Amigurumi Friends to giveaway!
This giveaway on The Loopy Lamb is open to worldwide participants (except where void by law). Giveaway ends Friday, August 1st, 2025, at 11:45pm Eastern Standard time.
To enter, use the King Sumo form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. Only the email address and name options are mandatory. All other tasks (like following social media platforms) are optional, for bonus entries only.
Can’t see the entry form below? Click here: https://kingsumo.com/g/1knyr91/a-year-of-amigurumi-friends-book-giveaway
