Safety eyes and noses come in an incredible variety of colours, shapes, and sizes – from classic round black eyes to shimmering glass styles with lifelike irises. There’s something to suit every project and personality!
While I have quite a diverse collection, I personally find myself reaching most often for the classic round black safety eyes. They give that timeless, expressive look that works beautifully with almost any amigurumi design.
Each safety eye (or nose) is made up of two parts:
Once the washer is attached, it’s very difficult to remove – which is exactly what makes it “safe” – but it can also make attachment a little tricky at first. Don’t worry; I’ll share a helpful tip for this below!
Even though I’ve never had a safety eye come loose from a finished toy, it’s important to remember that safety eyes are not suitable for children under 3 years old.
While the eyes themselves are secure, infants may chew through the fabric surrounding the eye, potentially loosening the washer – which can become a choking hazard.
If you’re making a toy for a baby or toddler, it’s best to embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes. This keeps your toy completely safe for little ones, while still giving it a charming, handmade look.
Decide exactly where you want the eyes (or nose) to sit. Mark each position by gently inserting your hook or a stitch marker into the gap between stitches – this makes it easier to see the placement before committing.
From the right side of the fabric, push the shaft of the eye through the hole you’ve marked. Take a moment to check the positioning and make sure you’re happy with how it looks before securing it.
Once you’re satisfied with the placement, attach the washer to the shaft with the flat side facing down. Push it on firmly until it locks securely in place. Your safety eyes should now be held tightly and won’t budge.
If you’re struggling to snap the washer into place, try using a safety eye insertion tool – it gives you a little extra leverage.
No tool? No problem! A hairdryer on low heat works wonders. Gently warm the washer for just a few seconds to make it slightly more flexible – this makes it much easier to press onto the shaft, especially for smaller sizes.
⚠️ Always use caution: keep the heat low, avoid direct contact with your skin, and take care not to overheat or melt the washer or fabric.
Prefer a visual aid? Watch my step-by-step video tutorial below to see exactly how to fit safety eyes securely
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Hello friends! I’m Alanna, the creative mind behind Theodore And Rose and lover of all things vintage. I design modern amigurumi patterns with a timeless, heirloom charm.
And that’s how you fit safety eyes in your amigurumi – easy, secure, and oh-so-satisfying! Don’t be afraid to get creative with different styles and colours. You’ll be amazed at how much personality and charm the right eyes can add to your crochet characters.
If you’re not quite ready to dive in just yet, take a look at the rest of my Tips and Tutorials – you’ll find plenty of helpful guides to help you achieve a perfect finish for your amigurumi projects every time.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and as always, happy crocheting!
