Knitting with yarn date back for thousands of years. There are records of these methods being used to make small dolls in China several hundred years ago. During the 17th-19th centuries, the Dutch traded with Japan and introduced knitting there. The samurai in particular, embraced the craft, making garments and decorations for their winter wear.
Small motifs and stuffed objects were created in the 20th century. The Japanese later introduced the world to amigurumi (meaning knitted or crochet stuffed toys). These kawaii (cute) creations have become very popular over the last 2 decades.