Guide
Safety Eyes for Amigurumi: Sizes, Placement and Safe Alternatives
By Notion Creative Art · Updated
Safety eyes are the plastic eyes that most amigurumi toys use. They have a smooth front and a post on the back, and a washer that locks the eye in place from inside the toy. The size and position of the eyes change the whole look of a toy, so it is worth choosing them carefully. This guide explains how to pick a size, where to put them, how to fit them and when not to use them.
What safety eyes are, and what they are not
The word "safety" refers to the way they lock: the washer clicks onto the post and is hard to pull off. It does not mean that they are safe for every child. A plastic eye is still a hard part, and a strong pull or a bite can loosen it. For babies and children under three, embroidered eyes are the safer choice, and rules on toy safety differ between countries, so check the ones that apply to you, especially if you plan to sell.
Choosing the size
Eyes are sold by their diameter in millimeters. The size you need depends on the size of the toy and the look you want. These are rough starting points, and your pattern usually names the size it was written for.
| Toy size | Typical eye size | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Keychain or charm, under about 7 cm | 3 to 6 mm | Tiny, neat details |
| Small toy, about 10 to 15 cm | 6 to 9 mm | Balanced and cute |
| Medium toy, about 20 to 30 cm | 9 to 12 mm | Clear, friendly face |
| Large toy, over 30 cm | 12 mm and above | Bold, easy to see |
Bigger eyes make the face look younger and cuter. Smaller eyes look calmer and more realistic. If you resize a toy by changing the yarn, change the eyes in proportion as well, as explained in our guide on how to make amigurumi bigger or smaller.
Where to place them
- Follow the pattern first. It tells you the round to put the eyes on and the number of stitches between them. Many patterns place the eyes on the same round, a few stitches apart.
- Eyes set wide apart and low on the head give a young, sweet look. Eyes close together and higher look more serious.
- Both eyes must be on the same round, with the same number of stitches between each eye and the center of the face.
- Pin them in place on the finished head and look at the toy from a few steps back before you fix them.
How to fit safety eyes
- Fit the eyes before you close the head, so you can reach the inside. The head can have a little stuffing, but leave the opening free.
- Push the post of the eye through the gap between two stitches from the outside.
- From inside, press the washer onto the post, with the flat side facing the fabric.
- Push until the washer clicks and sits flat against the fabric. Check that it does not turn.
- Do the same for the second eye, and check that the eyes match before you stuff.
Once the washer is locked, it is hard to take off without damaging the eye or the fabric. Always pin first.
Safe alternatives for young children
| Option | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Embroidered eyes | Babies and children under three | Use embroidery thread or yarn. Sew them with small, tight stitches. |
| Felt eyes sewn on | Toys for older children | Sew around the whole edge. Felt can wear with washing. |
| Crocheted eyes | A soft look with no hard parts | Small crocheted circles sewn on the face. |
| Buttons or beads | Display toys only | Not for children, since they are hard parts that can come off. |
Common problems and fixes
| What you see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The eyes are uneven | They were fitted without pinning first | Next time pin and compare from a distance. The washer is hard to remove, so you may need to start the piece again. |
| The washer will not click | It is the wrong way round, or the post is too long for the fabric | Check that the flat side faces the fabric, and press firmly. Use a thicker fabric or a shorter post if needed. |
| The eye wobbles | The washer is not fully pressed | Press it firmly until it sits flat and clicks. |
| The stuffing shows around the eye | The stitches are loose | Use a smaller hook next time, and keep the tension firm. |
| The eye looks too big or too small | Wrong size for the head | Test eyes of different sizes by holding them against the head before you decide. |
The rest of the finishing steps, including stuffing and sewing on parts, are in our guide on how to stuff and assemble amigurumi. To try it on a real toy, browse the crochet patterns for beginners, or download a free crochet pattern. Choosing a smooth yarn helps too, as explained in the best yarn for amigurumi.
Quick answers
- Are safety eyes safe for babies?
- They are not recommended for babies and children under three. A hard plastic part can come loose if it is pulled or bitten. Use embroidered eyes for young children, and check the toy safety rules in your country.
- What size safety eyes should I use?
- It depends on the toy. Small toys and charms often use 4 to 6 mm, medium toys about 8 to 12 mm, and large toys 12 mm or more. Your pattern usually states the size.
- When do I put in the safety eyes?
- Before you close the head, so you can reach the inside to fit the washers. Pin the eyes in place first and check the position.
- Can I remove a safety eye after fitting it?
- It is hard. The washer is designed to stay locked, so removing it can damage the eye or the fabric. That is why you should pin first.
- What can I use instead of safety eyes?
- Embroidered eyes are the safest choice for young children. Felt eyes sewn on and small crocheted eyes also work for older children.
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