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Croknitting by Leila
What is Amigurumi?
Amigurumi is the Japanese art of creating small stuffed yarn creatures and objects through knitting or crocheting. In my crochet and knitting programs, students explore this creative practice while developing focus, patience, problem-solving skills, and mindfulness. Working with yarn and creating something tangible by hand offers a meaningful break from digital screens while providing a calming, therapeutic experience. Through the process of making, students build confidence, strengthen fine motor skills, and return to their everyday learning with renewed creativity and energy.
Crochet and Knitting Classes
Fig. 1. Collection of handmade fiber art. Most pieces are knitted using a four-needle, three-dimensional knitting technique; the second piece from the left is crocheted.
Croknitting by Leila
Crafting Kindness, Spreading Love, Embracing Diversity
Inspired by my love for crochet, in 2024, I created Croknitting by Leile, a playful creative initiative celebrating the joy of making something by hand. The name combines crochet and knitting, reflecting my exploration of both techniques. My work includes crocheted creations and knitting with double-pointed needles to build unique three-dimensional forms. From tiny amigurumi animals to wearable art such as handmade earrings, each piece is designed to spark creativity, bring joy, and foster a sense of connection through the handmade process. Explore more of these creations in the galleries below.
I have presented crochet workshops at three different venues including San Jose Crochet Club, Art Bias, and Lark Artisan Store in Redwood city. I have also participated in six artisan markets, where I have shared my handmade creations and connected with diverse communities through the joy of fiber arts, including Fairwood Artisan, FabMo Artisan 2024 & 2025, Mountain View Craft Fair, Art Bias (Studio Visit), Christmas Bazar, Church Artisan Market.
Crochet
Fig. 2. My crochet creation. They include a variety of animals, dolls, and earrings.
Knitting
Fig. 3. My knitting creation. They include a variety of animals, dolls, and my self portrait.
A Doll as a Symbol of Love, Connection, and Emotional Support
Fig. 4. A touching commission on making two dolls for a mother and daughter.
I had the honor of being part of a deeply meaningful project when a mother reached out to me to create a handmade doll for her daughter as she began her college journey. She wanted her daughter to have a comforting reminder of home—a doll inspired by her mother’s curly hair and the loving bond they share.
This project became a beautiful circle of love, where a handmade creation carries memories and support from one generation to the next.
The inspiration behind this commission came from the mother’s own childhood experience:
“When I was little and entering 1st grade, I had a hard time with the transition. My mom gave me a little ‘mom’ doll to take with me every day to school in my backpack, and I still have it to this day. My dad recently passed away, and I think my mom could use a ‘daughter’ doll to help her through the transition. In addition, my daughter is going to college next year, and I’d love to send her with a ‘mom’ doll.”
Through crochet, I love creating more than just objects—I create pieces that hold stories, comfort, and connection. I feel honored to contribute to moments like this, where handmade art becomes a source of emotional support and a reminder of love.
A Doll as a Symbol of Love & Learning,
for Early Childhood Education Engagement
Fig. 5. My doll characters from my story “Nihav and Xhia Xia: A Lesson of Kindness.”
I had the honor of sharing my original story, “Nihav and Xhia Xia: A Lesson of Kindness,” with toddlers at Acme Childcare Center in Palo Alto as part of an early childhood education experience.
This story explores the power of kindness and how compassion has a way of returning to us. Through interactive storytelling, children were invited to imagine, participate, and connect with the characters and the message of the story.
I was amazed by the children’s engagement and enthusiasm as they became part of the story through a hands-on creative activity. Together, they built a shelter inspired by the story, transforming imagination into a collaborative creation.
This experience reminded me of the beautiful ways storytelling and art can help young children develop empathy, creativity, and a deeper connection with one another.
A Doll as a Symbol of Love: Crochet, Storytelling, and Slow Animation
Crochet can become more than a craft—it can become a way to bring characters, stories, and emotions to life. Inspired by the principles of slow animation, I explore how handmade creations can express personality and movement through thoughtful gestures, small details, and imaginative storytelling.
In this example, I used my crocheted characters as performers in a slow animation process, giving them a sense of character and creating a playful narrative around their journey. The characters shared the excitement of preparing for a Christmas bazaar and delivering good news, while also becoming part of the packaging experience for a customer’s order.
Through this approach, I combine fiber art, animation, and storytelling to create moments of connection and joy—showing how handmade objects can carry a story and create a meaningful experience beyond the finished piece.
Fig. 6. My animation created by crochet animals I made.