Those Japanese looking crochet animals

[harbinger]

I think they were around a few years ago.

Can anyone tell me about them and what stitch they use as I've just seen some gorgeous purses (of normal animals) and would love to try making something similar.

Step 1 - join Ravelry

Step 2 - search for amigurumi

Voila

Hope this helps - there are loads and loads and LOADS of patterns available :)

Now, I have heard of Ravelry BUT could it turn rather addictive?

Well, there are a lot of patterns. You will probably want to make all several of them.

Thank you, tripot, all the amigurumi are amazing.

How would you convert the circular patterns into a purse (for the clip)? I don't think you can, so they must be 2D versions, am I making any sense?

If you want it flat just go backwards and forwards rather than round and round. Just stop, turn, do one chain and continue back in the other direction. Practise the increasing and decreasing techniques to shape your flat piece of work.

if it helps you can even search ravelry for amigurumi purse!