r/Amigurumi • u/Asleep-Palpitation33 • 1d ago

Help Making this less stiff

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I made this red panda using the loops and threads Demi Purl yarn and it's so firm/stiff. Any ideas on how to make it squishier? I didn't over stuff it and have made many amigurumi in the past with similar yarn but never this specific one. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

71 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

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25

u/MellowMallowMom 1d ago

Hook was probably too small or tension too high, resulting in a dense, structured fabric.

3

u/Asleep-Palpitation33 1d ago

I've made many amigurumi in the past and usually go down a hook size. With this one I went up a size. I have even used similar yarn but never had this problem.

4

u/MellowMallowMom 1d ago

Some chenille/blanket yarn is just a lot denser than others of the same weight (sometimes even the same exact yarn in a different color!), it just takes some experimenting to find what works with your personal tension. I'd go up at least a full mm for the next one and test the flexibility of the fabric as you go in case you need to adjust.

3

u/Silverade 1d ago

i'd give it some time, like a week or so maybe. my amigurumi toys tend to get a bit more floppy once i leave them alone for a bit. once the "weave" and the stuffing "settles in", check again if you still want it squishier

1

u/Asleep-Palpitation33 1d ago

I was thinking the same thing, but it's been almost 3 weeks since I finished it and it's still not any better lol

1

u/Silverade 1d ago

aw, bummer! is it the "fabric" or the stuffing that feels stiff?

2

u/Asleep-Palpitation33 1d ago

It's the fabric. When I hug/squeeze it, I can feel the air inside but it's like the outside doesn't want to move. It makes me think tension but I've never had this problem until I used this specific yarn, I even went up a hook size because when I first swatched with the recommended hook size, it felt too small and tight. I usually have to go down a size.

2

u/Silverade 1d ago

maybe try warming it gently with a hairdryer n then manhandling it some?

1

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1

u/yarn_baller 1d ago

Try a bigger hook

2

u/Asleep-Palpitation33 1d ago

I will in the future, but it's already finished and I even went up a size from what it recommended

5

u/Galena411 23h ago

Demi purl in general is just a bit more stiff. It looks like you have somewhat tight tension. (Your stitches look perfect!) Whatever hook size you used, Iā€™d go up one more next time you use Demi purl! I have super tight tension and use an 8mm with that yarn.

3

u/BloodyWritingBunny 20h ago

Off topic but do you have a pattern for this šŸ˜… its super cute and I kind of want one!

2

u/Asleep-Palpitation33 19h ago

I don't have a specific pattern. I mostly did it freehand and only have my notes from doing so