You may use any yarn you choose with the advice that the hook size should be a size or more smaller than that usually recommended to create a firm fabric for the appliqué and two sizes or more smaller than that recommended for the yarn when creating the amigurumi version (to prevent stuffing from showing).

The pattern includes instruction for two different approaches to the appliqué and a 3D soft sculpture. You may also make two of either appliqué, sew them together and stuff them to create a 3D doll.

Akua’ba means Akua’s Child. Legend has it that a woman had problems conceiving a baby and was advised to have this totem made. She carried it as a child is carried, and then bore a daughter. The shape encodes Akan/Ashante (Ghana, Africa) ideals of beauty: a long neck, a high forehead, and lovely round face. It depicts not a child, but a young woman, with high breasts. Akua’bas have come to be iconic
and popular representations of African art.