I am obsessed with these Amamani. You cannot imagine my excitement every time I finish one of these designs. And for every one I make, I think of 5 more I want to make. If only I had four arms…
What are Amamani?
Amamani is short for Amigurumi Amish Puzzle Animals. They are based on the traditional Amish puzzle ball and, as such come apart into three segments (or rings) which have to be assembled to form the animal.
The Amish Puzzle Ball
The Amish Puzzle Ball has been around for donkey’s years and is “traditionally” made out of fabric. It consists of 12 wedges/cones that are attached or assembled in such a way that they form a ball.
As the name implies, it is a puzzle, or at least it should be a puzzle.
In most tutorials/patterns, the wedges are actually sewn together. The resulting balls have the same appearance as the puzzle ball without the actual puzzle element. Even so, these toys make excellent grab balls for tiny hands and, depending on the fabric/colours you choose, can be a real treat for inquisitive eyes and minds.
Because the crochet hook is my weapon of choice, and I wanted an ACTUAL puzzle, I wrote a pattern for a Crochet Amish Puzzle Ball. This pattern is FREE and suitable for beginners.
All my Amamani are based on this simple pattern.
Just as the ball comes apart into 3 segments that can be assembled and taken apart at will, so each animal comes apart into 3 separate sections, which then have to be re-assembled in a specific configuration.
Please note: not all of the animals are configured in the same way.
Although the puzzle is a simple one and can be built blindfolded once you’ve done it once, it can be quite challenging for someone who has never seen one before. My 4-year old can finally assemble the ball by himself. My 2-year old still runs up to me every now and then to tell me that one of the animals’ “face fell off”.
Anyway…after designing the original puzzle ball, and because I love all things flowery, I adapted the design to form the Flower Amish Puzzle Ball.
And then, one random day, a Raveller happened to mention her Puzzle Ball and her grandson’s love of dinosaurs in the same sentence and I thought:
“I could make the Puzzle Ball INTO a dinosaur!”
It took me about three months of playing with the idea and a month of active “designing”. You have no idea how many drafts and versions of the head I had to make to figure out how to shape it as I had never designed proper Amigurumi before. But when I finally assembled the three segments and saw my little dinosaur for the first time, I was smitten… and immediately obsessed.
So please allow me to introduce you to my menagerie of Amamani. I will be adding more as they appear, so if you don’t see anything you fancy, come back in a few months and you might have a lot more to choose from!
Amamani Puzzle Balls Book
I have now published my very first book. Yippee! It contains 5 of the patterns below (6 variations in total), so these patterns are no longer available as stand-alone patterns. The rest of the patterns can still be bought individually in my Ravelry Store.
The book is available in paperback and digital format from Annie’s and you can find it here: Amamani Puzzle Balls. It is also available on Amazon HERE
Amamani Menagerie
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SkillieCrochet Turtle PuzzleThis pattern is no longer available as a stand-alone pdf, but rather as part of this book: Amamani Puzzle Balls Skill level: Intermediate Skillie the Turtle works up to 12 cm high by 18 cm long (5″ x 7″). His front leg span is also 18 cm for what that’s worth (7″). Like all my other Amamani, he comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Turtle. |
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EleanorCrochet Elephant PuzzleThis pattern is no longer available as a stand-alone pdf, but rather as part of this book: Amamani Puzzle Balls Skill level: Intermediate Eleanor the Elephant works up to 15 cm high x 15 cm long (6″ x 6″). Like all my other Amamani, she comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Elephant. I also have a FREE pattern for Grace the Crochet Elephant Comfort Blanket. Together they would be the perfect gift for a new baby! |
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OliveCrochet Octopus PuzzlePattern available for FREE. Suitable for Advanced Beginners. Olive the Octopus works up to 12 cm in diameter (that’s roughly 5″). Like all my other Amamani, she comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Octopus. This is the easiest of all the Amamani, both to crochet and to assemble. |
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HermioneCrochet Horse PuzzlePattern available in my Ravelry Store. Suitable for Advanced Crocheters. Hermione Horse works up to 20 cm high by 20 cm long (that’s roughly 8″ x 8″). Like all my other Amamani, she comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Horse. Although the pattern is written for 6 colours, it is easy enough to disregard the colour changes and just make her in one colour. For Hermione’s head, you will need to join in the round and use short rows. You can find out more about both here. |
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GregorCrochet Rhinosaur PuzzlePattern available in my Ravelry Store. Suitable for Advanced Beginners. Gregor the Rhinosaur works up to 15 cm high by 15 cm long (that’s roughly 6″ x 6″). Like all my other Amamani, he comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Rhinosaur. For Gregor’s head, you will need to join in the round and use short rows. You can find out more about both in this partial walk-through of the Rhinosaur head. |
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DinoCrochet Dinosaur PuzzleThis pattern is no longer available as a stand-alone pdf, but rather as part of this book: Amamani Puzzle Balls Skill level: Intermediate This dinosaur works up to 15 cm high by 25 cm long (that’s roughly 6″ x 10″). Like all my other Amamani, he comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Dinosaur. |
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GeminaCrochet Giraffe PuzzleThis pattern is no longer available as a stand-alone pdf, but rather as part of this book: Amamani Puzzle Balls Skill level: Intermediate Gemina the Giraffe works up to 12 cm long (not counting her head) and 23 cm high (that’s roughly 5″ x 9″). Like all my other Amamani, she comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Giraffe. |
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KiwiCrochet Kiwi PuzzlePattern available for FREE. Suitable for Advanced Beginners. The crochet Kiwi Puzzle works up to less than 10 cm in diameter (that’s roughly 4″). Like all my other Amamani, she comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Kiwi. Along with the Octopus, this is the easiest of all the Amamani, both to crochet and to assemble. |
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FinCrochet Fish PuzzlePattern available in my Ravelry Store. Suitable for Advanced Beginners. Fin the Fish works up to 13 cm wide x 17 cm high x 18 cm long. That is roughly 5″ x 6.5″ x 7″. Like all my other Amamani, he comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Fish. |
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BrillCrochet Lion PuzzleThis pattern is no longer available as a stand-alone pdf, but rather as part of this book: Amamani Puzzle Balls Skill level: Intermediate Brill the Lion works up to 13 cm wide x 15 cm high x 15 cm long. That is roughly 5″ x 6″ x 6″. Like all my other Amamani, he comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Lion. Included in the pattern are instructions for making both a cutesey mane AND a manly fringe mane. |
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ChloeCrochet Cow PuzzlePattern available in my Ravelry Store. Suitable for Advanced Beginners. Chloe the Cow works up to 13 cm wide x 15 cm high x 15 cm long. That is roughly 5″ x 6″ x 6″. Like all my other Amamani, she comes apart into 3 segments that have to be “built” to form the Cow. Chloe comes complete with a cute little Udder. |
Jane Glass says
I am crocheting Dexter the Dinosaur and each of the many times I’ve tried it, when I finish Roe 10, I’m low on the right side of his face as I’m looking at him, and am supposed to begin the short rows. This just does not work. Please help me
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Jane,
Can you ask the question on the Facebook group with some photos? Maybe it will make it easier for us and others to help you :)
Sydni says
I love your patterns and have used the website AND own the book! I’ve made an octopus, dragon, lion, elephant, and the standard puzzle ball. One of my friends is having a baby and wants me to crochet a fox — do you have any suggestions on modifying your existing animal patterns to look more like a fox (or have a fox pattern sitting in the wings)? Thanks!
Jenny Lowman says
I would have a look at the elephant head and maybe reduce the length of the trunk, adding some pointed ears. Might be worth making one on scrap yarn to see if it works. The shape looks good to me. J
Sandra S. Beall says
Dedri Uys:
I am so excited to see the Amish Puzzle Ball which appears to be based on the Montessori Puzzle. The reason I am so excited is because you have really taken it a huge leap forward. There is no way I could have achieved what you have. My Great Grandson who is 11 years old, but appears to be functioning on the level of about age 5 and is deteriorating due to a genetic disorder. He now has the bones of an 80 year old and there are lots he can’t do. But, I though if we could get him doing puzzles, it might help. Have you thought about doing a “Peppa” Pig. I was going to do a Peppa (just regular) because it is his favorite character. But I know there is no way I could accomplish figuring out the “Peppa” in the Puzzle Ball. Have you thought about that I one? I hope to have several animals (Amamani’s) done before Summer for him. And any others that come out. I saw the comment about your contacting you through your website. I will definitely do that. I have recently purchased your book and the download through Annie. I hope that I might be able to figure it out after I make at least one of the “babies” and one of the Peppa Pigs for Kyrique. But, I still do not know how to write a pattern, so at 79, I may be further along than I think.
Loved the book and the animals (Amamani’s) that you have created. You are very gifted.
Jenny Lowman says
How lovely to hear from you, and thank you for contacting Dedri!
Creating well known cartoon characters can be a difficult one due to copyright laws, I am afraid. If you do make different animals, and indeed a Peppa, do share photos with us via the Blog’s Facebook page. We would love to see them, Sandra!
Jenny :)
Brenda says
Hi, I am blind and have been crocheting for about 43 years. I too found this book rather puzzling not being able to see the pictures. Therefore I went straight to the Amish puzzle ball and now I understand. These patterns are brilliant! I just had to say thank you so much for your free ones as well as for the book. I do hope you will be doing more books in the future!
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Brenda. We are glad you love Dedri’s puzzle ball book. She has also published Sophie’s Universe as a beautiful book.
Kimberli Chapman says
I bought your book and then my computor crashed. i have been unable to recover my patterns is there anyway I could get them replaced?
Jenny Lowman says
Hi Kimberley. Sorry to hear this. As I assume you purchased the digital copy via Annie’s, I would suggest contacting them to see if they can resend you the download.
Marinda Krause says
Hi Dedri. Enige nuwe puzzle ball patrone. Ek het almal en is versot daarop. Ek het jou boek gekoop en hulle almal gehekel. Die mense is veral vetsot op die renoster. So vinnig as wat ek hulle hekel so vinnig gaan dit. Baie dankie vir jou kreatiewieteit. Jy is baie begaafd.
Groete
Marinda (Suid-Afrika)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Marinda.
Ek het net gister na my vergete draak gekyk en gedink ek moet hom ‘n bietjie liefde gee. Maar nee, geen ander patrone op die oomblik nie. Ek is baie bly om te hoor die renoster is ‘n sukses vir jou.
Liefde,
dedri
MARTA MOHAROS says
Hi Dedri,
The following was my reply to DJ Allen on my ETSY website when she asked if I sell the pattern for the horse.
Thank you for asking but I do not sell the pattern. However, Dedri Uys on her website at “look at what I made” does along with other patterns as well. Please look at all patterns she has to offer and good luck to you. The patterns are for advanced crocheters.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Marta :)
Lucy says
I Were can I bye. Your bookplease
Jenny says
Hi Lucy. The Dedri’s book is available via Amazon.
Jenny :)
Lucy says
I Were can I bye. Your book please
Viv says
I know this is an old post, however I have recently purchased your book and have made a dinosaur and an elephant for my nieces. My third niece would love a bear and I was wondering if you have a pattern for any type of bear (polar/panda/teddy etc). Thanks.
Dedri Uys says
Hi :) If you have a look at the pattern for the white lion, you’ll find that he looks a lot like a polar bear before his mane is added. I have so many half-written patterns. I keep meaning to publish them but things always seem to get in the way…
Dedri
Theresa says
Oh my goodness! I knew they were called puzzle balls but never knew why—did not know they came apart. Thought they were crocheted as one piece. Definitely going to order the book. The patterns look so cute.
Lois Curtis says
I forgot to mention that I cannot get safety eyes so I make large French knots and use fray check to make sure the ties inside do not unravel.
Dedri Uys says
That’s a great idea.
Alana says
I buy my safety on eBay and they’re really cheap! Loving your designs, can’t wait to give them a try
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Alana :)
Angie says
Fabric paint would do the trick as well. ;)
Lois Curtis says
I am crazy about the puzzle ball animals. I found the directions a little confusing at first. I have made all of the animals in your book. Now I am trying new ones. I have made a penguin and panda.
Diane Glivar says
Hi, Dedri! I just completed your free pattern for the puzzle ball, and found the instructions easy to follow. Thank you so much! And, I just bought your book of animal puzzle balls, and notice that they are marked “not intended for children under 3”. Can you explain how you came to that conclusion? I plan to use safety eyes, but I am really careful about baby and children’s safety. Thank you!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Diane.
I make the balls for kids of any age and take appropriate precautions with the safety eyes, just like you. I did not put the disclaimer in the book. I think the publishers put it there as a legal requirement for anything that uses safety eyes.
Lisa Farnworth says
I have loved making your Amamani’s!!!
To this date I have made about 30 of them. I have had fun modifying heads to make different animals. I have a darling hippopotamus that you might like. All the pictures are on my Facebook page. Thank you. Making and selling them paid for the fabric for my daughter’s wedding dress.
I am so excited to try the octopus and the other ones not in the book. Do you have a bundled set of them on Ravelry so I can make one purchase for all of them? Thank you again. :-)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lisa. I can’t comment on your posts, but I have just had a look at them. Your hippo is very cute :) I don’t have a bundle, but if you use the contact me button at the top of my site to send me an email, we can chat about getting you all the patterns.
Hoozuki says
Hi Ms. Dedri,
I found your book and have really enjoyed the patterns you’ve created. It was a challenge as I am not that good at crocheting yet, but I wanted to know if you happen to have a pattern for a dog? My friend is having his first baby, and I thought this would be a great gift since the guy and his wife are pretty much geniuses in their fields and I figured their baby would have to be too! Haha. If you can help out, that’d be great! Thank you!
Dedri Uys says
H Hoozuki. I did start on a dog, but I didn’t like the way it looked, and I’ve just not gotten around to tweaking it, so there isn’t a pattern for a dog yet, sorry.
I hope the book wasn’t too much of a challenge for you!
Dedri
Maly says
It says free patterns I would recommend take this off since they ain’t free. Saw the reviews of the crochet animal book and people are having a difficult with the heads or tails……. Instructions seem not to be clear enough. I would love to acquire the book but I think Annie should made adjustments. Would love to make the animals.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Maly. If you could point me to where it says ‘free’ in relation to the amamani patterns I will gladly correct it as they are all (apart from the Octopus) paid patterns (most of them available only in the book). The patterns use short rows and most people are not familiar with using short rows to shape crochet toys. We have, therefore, included step-by-step photos to help them with this, as well as numerous references. If you have feedback as to how these instructions can be bettered, please feel free to contact me through the ‘contact me’ tab at the top of this website and I will pass your suggestions on to Annie’s.
Dedri
Dedri
Raeann says
I love your patterns and have a question about sewing the legs together after feet and wedges are sewn together and stuffed (page 17 of your book). Do you just stitch together at the seam between the wedge and the legs? Do you do the same for the other leg segment? TIA
Dedri Uys says
Hi Raeann. Yes, you just stitch together at the seam between the wedge and the legs. If you take a look at Photo 4 on p. 17, you will see a needle inserted into the stitch of the seam. I realize that it is not very clear, but it is there x
sandra delemare says
I make an elephant from your book and posted the result on facebook : https://www.facebook.com/sandra.delemare/posts/10153538953292928?pnref=story
the trunk was a bit wonky as I was using a textured yarn and hadn’t bothered to mark the ends of rounds. I find them really intriguing and plan making some more – may try to do one of my dog, which could be tricky as he’s mostly black.
Dedri Uys says
Your elephant looks great, Sandra. Good luck with the dog :)
Jenny says
I found your book at a store and fell in love with it. I’ve been having fun making these for my first grandbaby due to arrive in a few months. The instructions were a little confusing at first, but once I figured out the flow of the instructions in the book it made sense and I’ve made 4 of them. I’m going to use some of the left over yarn to make some amish puzzle balls that my grandbaby can play with until she’s old enough for the animals.