Amigurumi is the relatively recent Japanese art of knitting or crocheting stuffed dolls and animal friends. The bird was inspired by The Partridge Family TV series and other vintage stylized bird representations. Fish are also an evocative symbol in many cultures. Both birds and fish represent movement (flying and swimming), and so the same tail structure is used for both animals in these designs. Since they use such a small amount of yarn, you might knit an entire flock or school from your stash.

Rather than using polyester fiber filling, recycle your old socks by cutting them into ¼“/.5cm strips. By doing so, you’re not only repurposing a used item, but creating a more moldable figure with better weight.