Frequently Asked Questions
What is amigurumi?
Amigurumi is the Japanese craft of crocheting small stuffed creatures. The body is worked in tight continuous rounds and filled with polyester stuffing, which is what gives each piece its soft, rounded shape.
Are these safe for children and pets?
Most pieces use plastic safety eyes fixed from the inside, but they are handmade decorative items, not certified toys, and they are not suitable for children under 3. Cat toys are meant for supervised play: check them now and then, and retire one that has been chewed loose.
How do I wash and care for my amigurumi?
Hand wash in cold water with a little mild detergent, squeeze gently without wringing, press the water out in a towel and let it dry flat away from direct sun. Never tumble dry or machine wash: the stuffing shifts and the stitches lose their shape.
How big are they?
Most pieces are between about 8 and 20 cm. The exact size of each one is on its product page under Dimensions, and it is measured on the finished piece rather than taken from a pattern.
Can I order a colour I cannot see in the shop?
Yes. Send a custom order request from the Custom Orders page with the item and the colours you have in mind, and you will get a reply with what is possible and a price.
How long does a custom piece take?
It depends on the size of the piece and on how many orders are already in the queue. The design, the price and the timing are all agreed with you by email before you pay, so you will know when to expect it before anything is charged.
Do you ship outside Japan?
Yes, worldwide. Shipping inside Japan is free; outside Japan a flat fee per order is added at checkout. Customs duties in your country are the buyer’s responsibility. The Shipping and Returns page has the current fee and the details.
What payment methods can I use?
Payment is handled by Stripe: credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Card details are entered in Stripe’s own secure form and never reach this shop’s servers.
Do you gift wrap?
Not as a paid option yet. Every order is wrapped in tissue paper and sent in a protective mailer, which looks lovely enough to hand over as it is. If it is a gift, say so in the Order Notes box at checkout and it will be packed with that in mind.
How do I get in touch?
Email dana@thegildedloom.com. Dana reads and answers every message herself, usually within a couple of days.
Still wondering about delivery or returns? Read the Shipping & Returns page