India, Oct. 31 -- The Japanese art of amigurumi has found its place among craft enthusiasts and those seeking a slower, more mindful way to create. A form of needlework that involves crocheting or knitting small, stuffed figures, amigurumi blends creativity, calm, and the irresistible charm of kawaii culture. Across cities in India, amigurumi workshops offer more than just a craft lesson; they open a window into Japan's culture of patience and precision. Guided by skilled instructors, participants learn not only the techniques behind these creations but also the traditions that shape them. Juli Singh, who conducts workshops at Small World, explains the difference between amigurumi and traditional crochet: "Amigurumi focuses on creating three-dimensional stuffed figures such as superheroes or anime characters, while traditional crochet or knitting typically produces flat or wearable items like scarves, sweaters, or blankets." She suggests, "Beginners should start by mastering fundamental techniques such as the magic ring, single crochet, increases, decreases, and colour changes before attempting complex designs." The kawaii aesthetic, Juli adds, comes from design principles like exaggerated proportions, typically a large head and small body, and expressive features such as oversized eyes. "Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn," says Anjali Dulwani, founder of Loombastic Studios, adding, "Amigurumi is a slow, detailed craft that teaches patience and precision." Speaking about what to expect in their workshops, Anjali says, "We focus on getting every stitch right. Sometimes that means redoing or 'frogging' your work until it's perfect. That effort is what makes the final piece so rewarding. The joy lies in the process of mastering the technique and seeing your own progress with every project." Unlike traditional crochet, which tends to be looser and flat, she explains that Japanese amigurumi relies on tension control to sculpt its shapes. "One key distinction is the use of yarn under instead of yarn over in single crochet stitches, which makes them tighter and neater, giving each toy a firm, polished look. Pattern reading and shaping are also essential to Japanese Amigurumi, almost like sculpting with yarn," Anjali explains....