You could try using a linked half double crochets and and linked double crochets. Theyre actually the same stitches as half double and double crochet, but they take a step that makes it more compact. There are videos on youtube on how to make those.
It's pretty normal to need to use a different hook size than a pattern suggests. Even if it seems like a really big difference. For me, if a pattern calls for a 5mm hook, I usually have to use a 3.75mm. I just crochet really loosely, but I don't like big holes either.
Usually amigurumi doesn't come with a guage to check how your tension compares to the designer, but maybe check to see if this one is an exception? Or maybe the designer mentions somewhere whether they crochet particularly tightly.
But all that said, it doesn't look like you're doing anything wrong. You're getting the right shape and using the correct stitches. I feel like because of the angle the pattern photo was taken at, it could be disguising holes that actually are there. Or the pattern could be using a yarn that has more loft than yours does, which can let it fluff up and fill in the holes.
Author: swtlol89
chekccard
