Handmade amigurumi critters are unique crocheted and knitted animals, dolls and shapes that are sent to our military heroes serving far from home. The time and talent taken to make each critter will surely create a smile when they are received by our troops.
Tips
There are lots and lots of free patterns on the internet and we encourage you to choose a design that inspires you!
If you are new to amigurumi, here are a couple of suggested stitches to learn:
- Use the “Yarn Under” technique to lessen the possibility of holes in fabric.
- Use “Invisible Decrease” and “Invisible Increase” for the same reason.
While not necessary, these techniques can greatly improve the look of the finished product. Search the Internet and Youtube.com for instructional videos for these stitches and other helpful hints. Good luck and most importantly, HAVE FUN making them!
Operation Gratitude in Action
We have a Facebook group called Operation Gratitude in Action for our Handmade With Love donors! Come and meet volunteers from across the country, share pictures of your work, and join our virtual crafting circles!
Every Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoon, we have Zoom meetings that brings together our volunteers for some crafting and chatting. You do not need to be a crafter to join the conversation!
You can find the links to our Zoom meeting in the “events” menu of the group.
FAQs
You can make any type of critter such as small animals, hearts, dolls, sea creatures, fictional characters, or create a pattern of your own. Please do not create religious items.
All critters must be no larger than 6 inches tall when complete so they will fit in our Care Packages.
We recommend that you use the hook size recommended in your pattern.
We recommend that you use the yarn size suggested in your pattern. You are welcome to use any fiber of yarn.
You are welcome to use the yarn color of your choice for whatever you may be creating.
We ask that you use poly-fil or a like product. You can also use scrap yarn. They should feel soft and cuddly to the touch and not hard. Please do not overstuff your critters.
Please use safety eyes for all of your projects or embroider the eyes. You can also use felt if you use extra thick tacky glue.
If you wish to attach a small card with your name and email address, you may do so. Please be sure the note is no bigger than a business card. We ask that you use sturdy card stock, not plain paper. Punch a hole in the card and attach it loosely with a piece of yarn tied in a bow. DO NOT use safety pins!
Yes! You can earn three hours for every critter you donate!
Search YouTube.com for instructional videos or search the web for “How to crochet or knit amigurumi.”
Operation Gratitude is now partnering with Give Back Box to offer discounted shipping to our donors! All boxes up to 50 pounds qualify for $20 shipping throughout the U.S. The steps are simple. Visit Give Back Box to add your label to your cart. Pay for the postage, print your label, put it on your box, and drop it off! It’s that easy!
One suggestion to save you both space in your box and on the cost of shipping is vacuum sealing your items in your shipping box. To do this, place a trash bag (you do not need to purchase special vacuum bags) in your box, put your amigurumi items in the box inside the bag. Vacuum the air out by tightly wrapping the bag around your vacuum hose and turning on your vacuum. Once the air is out, keep your vacuum running and spin the bag so that you can hold the air out as you tie off the bag with a piece of twine or yarn. Be sure to use extra tape on the box!!
Please do not put each item in its own bag. Each bag will hold air and waste space in your box, and it will take up space in our very full Care Packages. We will remove the bags when they arrive, which can be very time-consuming, and the bag is very likely to be discarded, which is a huge waste of plastic. We hate to waste anything so please don’t use them.
Yes, we will send you a thank you letter within eight weeks of receiving your donation. If you want earlier confirmation of delivery of your shipment(s), please use the tracking system provided by your shipper.