In this guide10 sections
If you have read amigurumi tutorials, you may have seen crocheters argue about yarn over vs yarn under. Both are ways of wrapping the yarn around the hook while you make a stitch. Yarn over is the standard method that nearly every pattern assumes. Yarn under is an optional variation that gives a slightly different, often tighter, stitch. This guide explains what each one is and when a change is worth making.
What a yarn over is
A yarn over (yo) is the move you make dozens of times in every round. With the hook in the stitch, you bring the working yarn over the top of the hook, from back to front, so the hook can catch it and pull it through. It is the first thing taught in our single crochet guide, and it is the default in US and UK patterns alike. Unless a pattern says otherwise, assume yarn over.
What yarn under means
Yarn under changes the direction of the wrap. Instead of laying the yarn over the top of the hook, you pass the hook under the working yarn, so the yarn wraps around the hook the opposite way. The hook then catches it and pulls it through. Some crocheters call this the "yarn under" or "reverse yarn over" method. It is not a different stitch with its own abbreviation, and it is not a mistake. It is simply another way of making the same stitch.
How the two stitches differ
The wrap direction decides how the new loop sits. With yarn over, the loops usually sit open and slightly slanted. With yarn under, the loop that comes through is often twisted a little, which can make the stitch look slimmer and more upright, a bit like a knit stitch. Many people also find the fabric denser, with smaller gaps. How strong the effect is depends on your tension, your yarn and your hook, so treat the table as a general guide rather than a rule.
| Feature | Yarn over | Yarn under |
|---|---|---|
| Used by most patterns | Yes, it is the default | No, it is optional |
| Stitch look | Open, slightly slanted | Often slimmer and more upright |
| Gaps between stitches | Can show, especially on a loose round | Usually smaller, though it varies |
| Hook size | As the pattern says | Some people go up one size, see below |
Which loops you go into
The wrap does not change where you put the hook. You still work into the stitch the pattern names, normally under both loops of the top V, and you still count one V per stitch. The difference happens after the hook is in. In single crochet there are two wraps: the first one pulls a loop through the stitch, and the second one pulls through the two loops on the hook. Some crocheters use yarn under for only the first wrap, others for both. Try each way on a small swatch and keep the one that gives the neater result.
Why amigurumi crocheters use yarn under
Amigurumi is worked tightly so the stuffing cannot show through. A denser stitch with smaller gaps is helpful for that, especially on pale yarn and on firm, stuffed shapes. Yarn under can also help the edge of a round look cleaner. It is a matter of preference, not a requirement. Plenty of well-made toys use plain yarn over, and even tension matters more than the wrap direction. Our guide to stuffing and assembling amigurumi covers the other half of keeping gaps hidden.
How to try yarn under, step by step
- Make a flat circle of single crochet in yarn over first, so you have something to compare against. A magic ring and 3 rounds (6, 12, 18 stitches) is plenty.
- Start a second circle in the same yarn and hook. Insert the hook into the stitch as normal.
- Instead of wrapping the yarn over the top of the hook, move the hook under the working yarn so the yarn catches from below. Pull the loop through the stitch.
- For the second wrap, use yarn under again or go back to yarn over. Pull through both loops on the hook.
- Compare the two circles side by side. Look at gaps, stitch shape and how easy each was to work.
Tightness and stuffing
Yarn under can make the loops grip the hook more, so the stitches feel tighter and take more effort to pull through. That is useful for hiding stuffing, but it can tire your hand, and very tight stitches make decreases hard to work. If a round feels stiff, you can go up one hook size, for example from 2.5 mm to 3 mm, and see if the fabric is still dense enough. Check the final size against the pattern, because a changed stitch or hook can make a toy a little smaller or larger. Our guide to making amigurumi bigger or smaller explains what to expect.
Common problems and fixes
| What you see | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The stitches are very hard to pull through | Yarn under plus a tight grip makes the loops snug | Relax your hand, or try a hook one size larger. |
| The fabric looks twisted or uneven | Some rounds used yarn over and some used yarn under | Pick one method for the whole piece, or change only at a clear point such as a new part. |
| The stitch count seems off | The loops look different, so the Vs are harder to find | Count the V shapes on the top of the round and use a stitch marker. |
| A new piece is a different size from the first | Yarn under changed your tension | Match method and hook on every part of the toy, or swatch first. |
| Decreases are bulky or stiff | The tight stitches resist the hook | Work the decrease more loosely, or try an [invisible decrease](/guides/invisible-decrease-amigurumi). |
Should you switch?
If you are new to crochet, stay with yarn over until your stitches feel steady. Adding a second technique too early makes it hard to tell what is causing a problem. Once your rounds are even, yarn under is a low-risk experiment on one small toy. Most patterns are written for yarn over, so you are free to try it or skip it. Each pattern in our amigurumi patterns section lists its skill level, which helps you decide when to experiment.
Practice plan
Make two small circles from the same yarn and hook, one in yarn over and one in yarn under, and keep both. Stuff them lightly with a small piece of fiberfill and look at which one hides it better and which feels more comfortable to make. Then pick one for your next toy. If you want something quick to try it on, browse a bunny or keychain pattern, which are small enough to finish in a short session.