At HugChums, every stitch begins with a feeling — a quiet joy that comes from crafting something special by hand. And behind that joy is a collection of trusted tools and materials that make the entire process smoother, more enjoyable, and full of heart.

Whether I’m making a sweet amigurumi bear or a whimsical crochet ornament, I choose my toolkit carefully. Why? Because when the tools feel right in your hands, the magic flows more easily. Here’s a peek into the essentials I can’t live without:

✨ My Favorite Crochet Hooks

Let’s start with the basics — the crochet hook! I’ve tried many brands over the years, but two remain my go-to favorites:

  • Tulip Etimo: My top choice! These hooks glide effortlessly through yarn, feel soft in my hands, and help me crochet for hours without strain. They have just the right balance of grip and smoothness.
  • Clover Amour: A close second, especially when I’m working with tighter stitches. They're lightweight, colorful, and easy to hold — making them ideal for the detailed work that goes into amigurumi.

Having the right hook not only protects my hands but also makes each stitch neater and more consistent.

🧶 My Go-To Yarns

When it comes to yarn, I choose textures and fibers that work well with amigurumi — something soft, flexible, and strong enough to hold shape without being stiff. Here are two brands I return to again and again:

  • YarnArt Jeans: This cotton-acrylic blend is a dream to work with. It’s soft to the touch but keeps its shape beautifully when stuffed. Plus, it comes in a lovely range of colors that are perfect for expressive, cheerful plushies.

  • Susan’s Family: This one has a warm, handmade quality to it — ideal for when I want that cozy, natural look. It's especially nice for gifts and decorative pieces.

Each yarn behaves a little differently, so it’s important to match the material with the mood and personality of the creation.

💡 The Little Things That Matter

Beyond hooks and yarn, it’s the small tools that often make the biggest difference:

  • Stuffing: I use Pearl polyfill — it’s premium-quality fiberfill that helps shape each Hugchums piece neatly and evenly. It holds up over time, keeping plushies cuddly and full without lumps.
  • Embroidery Needles: For eyes, mouths, and tiny features, I trust Clover embroidery needles. They’re sharp, reliable, and help me add those final touches that bring personality to life.
  • Safety Eyes & Stitch Markers: No less important! Good quality safety eyes help ensure durability and expression, while sturdy stitch markers help keep complex pieces organized and symmetrical.

🧸 Why It All Matters

When you hold a HugChums plushie in your hands, you’re feeling the result of hours of careful crafting — and the love that goes into every detail. That’s why I choose tools that help me do my best work. The smoother the process, the more joy I can pour into each creation.

These tools aren’t just functional — they’re part of the creative rhythm I rely on. And in a small handmade business like mine, that rhythm is everything.

Thank you for supporting handmade and following along behind the scenes. Whether you’re a fellow crafter or simply curious, I hope this little glimpse into my creative toolkit inspires you, or helps you appreciate the magic in every HugChums piece a little more.

Until next time,
💛 With love,
Hugchums