Amigurumi Blackberry or Raspberry

Knitted Blackberry or Raspberry Amigurumi by Jillian Thom

What is Being Made

This project creates a small knitted amigurumi fruit—either a blackberry or raspberry—worked as a single continuous piece. The design begins at the base of the fruit and progresses upward to the stalk, creating a dimensional, textured toy suitable for play or decoration. By varying yarn and bead colors, crafters can produce different berry varieties.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its three-dimensional form. Bead incorporation is central to the design: seed beads are threaded onto the yarn before casting on, then strategically placed during knitting to create the characteristic bumpy texture of berries. The designer recommends using a sewing needle to transfer beads onto sewing thread first, then moving them to the yarn for easier application. Circular knitting is used throughout, with stitches joined into a round from the initial cast-on. Increases and decreases shape the fruit as it grows from a small base to its fullest point, then tapers toward the stalk.

Stitches Used

• Cast on (CO): Creates the initial stitches at the fruit's base
• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch forming the fabric
• Knit forward and back (kf&b): An increase stitch that creates two stitches from one, used to expand the fruit's circumference
• Knit two together (k2tog): A decrease stitch that reduces stitch count, likely used to shape the fruit's upper portion and stalk

Materials

This project requires minimal materials, making it economical and portable. Yarn: A small amount of DK weight yarn in purple or red creates the main fruit body, with a tiny green scrap for the stalk. Beads: Approximately 100 seed beads in size 1/6, matching the yarn color (purple or red), provide the textured surface detail. Needles: 2.75mm double-pointed needles (US size 2) accommodate the DK yarn and allow for circular knitting. Additional supplies: Toy stuffing fills the finished fruit for dimension, and a needle or crochet hook helps tuck in yarn ends for a polished finish.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques and circular knitting methods. The primary challenge involves managing seed beads while knitting—coordinating their placement with specific stitches requires attention and practice, though the designer's bead-threading tip simplifies the process.