Learn why Cotton 8/7 by Pica Pau is the ultimate yarn for amigurumi and how it will bring your crochet creations to life. ✨
Welcome to our amigurumi playground with Yan Schenkel, the creative mind behind the whimsical Pica Pau universe. Yan has teamed up with Hobbii to introduce Pica Pau Cotton 8/7, a 100% cotton yarn that makes crochet toys both durable and irresistibly soft. 😍
In this little blog post, Yan spills the beans on why Cotton 8/7 is the ultimate choice for amigurumi. Get ready to see how this yarn can transform every stitch into a cuddly work of art, thanks to Pica Pau’s expert touch! 💖
Why Cotton Is Ideal for Amigurumi
Cotton 8/7 by Pica Pau is made from 100% cotton, which gives it a soft, natural feel and makes it easy to work with. In addition, cotton yarn has minimal elasticity, which means it doesn’t stretch or deform. This is crucial for keeping your creations in shape, making it the perfect choice for crochet toys.
And if you ask Yan there’s another big reason to love cotton for toy-making:
"It's a naturally sourced thread, very soft to the touch and hypoallergenic, ideal for the usual audience of these creatures: children."
The Magic of the “8/7” Thickness
What truly sets Cotton 8/7 by Pica Pau apart is its unique 8/7 thickness.
So, what does “8/7” mean? The number “8” refers to the yarn’s overall thickness category, while the number "7" means it’s spun from seven strands.
That makes it thicker than our Friends Cotton 8/4 (four strands) and Friends Cotton 8/6 (six strands), yet finer than Friends Cotton 8/8 (eight strands). 🧶
And according to Yan this thickness is just perfect for crafting amigurumi:
“After more than 16 years of crocheting the same stitch and trying many different yarn weights, I feel that 8/7 is the ideal weight for crochet toys or amigurumis. To me, this thickness offers the perfect combination of my 2.75 mm hook, my preferred tension, and the squeezable size of the stuffed animals I love. Cotton 8/7 is the perfect yarn for amigurumi, if I may say, hehe.”
Want to know more about Cotton 8/7 by Pica Pau? Check out our blog post here: Behind the Yarn: Cotton 8/7 by Pica Pau
Why Pica Pau Loves Cotton 8/7 – And You Will Too! ❤️
1. Your Amigurumi Retain Its Shape
One of the biggest challenges with amigurumi is keeping stitches sturdy and in place. The minimal stretch of cotton means your toys won’t sag or deform over time. As Yan says: “When we're making a toy, we generally want just that: for it to retain its shape.”
2. Perfect Sized Amigurumi
If you ask Yan, amigurumi made with 8/7 yarn turn out the perfect size while still being both snuggly, squeezable, and sturdy!
3. Beautiful Matte Finish
Cotton 8/7 by Pica Pau features a soft matte sheen that brings our the beauty of every color. Each shade is chosen carefully by Yan: “The colored palette is something very personal to me. It’s a collection I’ve been putting together for years – it’s part of my world and my characters.”
4. Inclusive Nude & Earth Tones
For too long, cotton yarn has lacked a full spectrum of skin and natural animal hues. The nude palette of Nude Cotton 8/7 by Pica Pau is an attempt to fill that gap, not just for dolls but for furry creatures too. As she notes, “After all, not all bears have the same color, nor do horses or any other animals.” These earthy shades let you craft truly diverse and lifelike amigurumi.
Your First Amigurumi? Here’s Pica Pau’s Advice
Ready to dive in but feeling a little nervous? Yan says:
“Don’t be afraid to make a thousand mistakes, and don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t turn out like you expected – because it won’t, and that’s okay. I know it’s cliché, but every mistake or difficulty you encounter is a learning opportunity.”
She recommends starting with Harmony Pig or Helly Lamb – both patterns use simple shapes, a minimal amount of increases and decreases, and clear instructions, making them ideal for beginners.
If you’re struggling with the small details, the secret is patience, time, and practice. Yan prefers clean, simple lines, but when it comes to tiny features like facial expressions, she advises taking it slow and unraveling and re-stitching as needed.
“And always keep in mind that in crocheting–and in life–nothing is perfect, and that’s okay.”
Top 3 Tips from Pica Pau
- Keep practicing and explore new techniques. Every stitch teaches you something.
- Crochet for joy, not for social media likes. Don’t let posting pressures steal your fun.
- Be inspired, not a copycat. Respect fellow crafters’ work and always add your own twist.
What Can You Make with Cotton 8/7?
Now that you know why Cotton 8/7 is the ideal yarn for amigurumi, let’s talk more about what you can make with it! 👀
Pica Pau has designed an adorable collection of 5 amigurumi patterns:
And the best part? These patterns are available for free on the Hobbii website! Get them here ➜
Psst! Remember that it’s always advisable to give the entire pattern a read before starting crocheting and, most importantly, be patient with yourself!
Helly Lamb
Worked in one continuous spiral (head, body, and legs), Helly Lamb comes with two sweet accessories – a cozy pair of boots and a lovely dress. 👗🐑
“If you're just starting out with amigurumi, I think Helly Lamb and Harmony Pig are the easiest, and I think you learn a lot about the techniques with these two characters.”
Harmony Pig
This piggy dazzles in a nice little hat and easy-to-make skirt. 🐷 Like Helly Lamb, she’s an intermediate-level project, crocheted top-down in a single piece.
“People will really enjoy crocheting Dylan Ladybug and Harmony Pig because they’re two very cute characters and you can crochet them quickly, even with Dylan’s Jacquard face.”
Dylan Ladybug
Featuring Dylan’s signature Jacquard face, this little ladybug is fun and fast to crochet. 🐞 He’s got two accessories: a tiny hat and a pair of boots. Dylan Ladybug is also an intermediate-level project.
Mark Duck
Yan’s personal favorite, Mark Duck is topped off with a cozy hat and little vest. Ideal for bird-lovers, his clear lines and cheerful colors make him hard to resist. 🦆
“My favorite is Mark Duck. His face, the colors, and because I love crocheting birds!”
Irving Donkey
This charming donkey wears overalls and boots. He’s a classic pattern that’s perfect for practicing garments and accessories.
“Irving Donkey and Helly Lamb are two classic patterns, perfect for those who like to make accessories and clothing. Especially because they are also interchangeable with other characters I have made for Hobbii.”
Ready to Crochet Them All?
Grab Pica Pau Cotton 8/7 and Pica Pau Cotton 8/7 Nude, then download your favorite free patterns to get started! 🧶
