Notes from the hook

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certifies the whole journey, from organic farming to dyeing and spinning, including limits on chemicals and fair working conditions.

When substituting yarn, match the weight and the meters per 100 g rather than the brand. Always swatch: a few centimetres of fabric will tell you more than any label.

Wrap the yarn twice around two fingers, insert your hook under both strands, pull up a loop and chain one. Work your first round into the ring, then pull the tail to close it tight.

The double wrap is the secret: it keeps the ring from loosening after stuffing, so the top of your amigurumi stays perfectly closed.

Joining as you go means connecting each square to its neighbours during its final round. Instead of a chain space, you slip stitch into the matching space of the finished square.

It saves hours of sewing and gives a flat, flexible join that drapes beautifully.

Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool wash, never wring, and roll in a towel to remove water. Dry flat, reshaping as you go.

Store folded, never hung, so the weight of the fabric does not stretch the stitches.

Working into the back loop only leaves the front loop as a raised line, and row after row those lines stack into ribs that look knitted.

Use a hook one size smaller than usual for crisp, even ribbing on cuffs, hats and blankets.