How to Embroider Amigurumi Eyes

When you’re making an amigurumi project, you might want to give your creation a pair of embroidered eyes. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crafting small stuffed animals or figures using crochet techniques. These cute and cuddly toys are perfect for decorating homes, as gifts for friends, or even just as a fun way to spend time.

Embroidered amigurumi eyes can add personality and character to your project and give it a unique touch. It’s also a great alternative to using plastic safety eyes, which may not be suitable for young children or if you want to wash your amigurumi frequently.

In this guide on how to embroider amigurumi eyes, we’ll walk you through the steps to create different types of eyes for your amigurumi projects.

Materials needed

To embroider amigurumi eyes, you will need the following materials:

• Yarn in various colors
• Embroidery floss or thread
• Embroidery needle
• Scissors

8 Things to Know Before You Start

1) Practice Makes Perfect

Before starting on your actual project, it’s always a good idea to practice embroidering eyes on a scrap piece of fabric or yarn. This will help you get a feel for the stitches and techniques needed and allow you to make any adjustments before working on your actual amigurumi.

2) Plan Your Design

Decide on the size, shape, and placement of your embroidered eyes before you start. This will help ensure that the eyes are evenly spaced and symmetrical on your amigurumi. If you’re not confident in your freehand skills, you can also draw or print out a template to follow.

3) Keep the Eyes Small

Remember that amigurumi is typically small and cute, so keep your embroidered eyes proportionate to the size of your project. If the eyes are too big, they may overpower the rest of the amigurumi and not look as cute.

4) Choose the Right Yarn

For best results, choose a yarn that is thin enough to fit through the eye of your embroidery needle. It’s also important to select a color that will contrast well with the color of your amigurumi so that the eyes stand out.

5) Use Appropriate Stitches

Different stitches can produce different looks for your amigurumi eyes. For a simple and clean look, you can use the straight stitch or the satin stitch. If you want a more textured look, you can try using the backstitch or the cross-stitch.

6) Take Your Time

Embroidering eyes on amigurumi requires patience and precision. Take your time to ensure that the stitches are neat and evenly spaced, as this will greatly affect the overall appearance of your amigurumi.

7) Be Creative

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, shapes, or styles for your embroidered eyes. You can add eyelashes or eyebrows using a thin piece of yarn or embroidery floss to give your amigurumi even more personality.

8) Don’t Worry About Perfection

Remember, handmade items are meant to have imperfections, and that’s what makes them unique. So don’t worry if your embroidered eyes aren’t perfect; embrace the character they add to your amigurumi!

Embroidering amigurumi eyes is a fun and creative way to give your project a personal touch. With these tips on how to embroider amigurumi eyes in mind, you can easily embroider cute and expressive eyes for all your amigurumi creations.

So grab some yarn and thread, and get ready to bring your amigurumi to life!  Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to adding character and personality to your handmade creations.

12 Steps on How to Embroider Amigurumi Eyes

Step 1: Choose Your Yarn and Embroidery Thread

To start, choose the color of yarn you want for your amigurumi project. Then, select a corresponding color for the eye embroidery thread. You can choose to use a contrasting color for a bolder look or a matching color for a more subtle effect.

Step 2: Thread Your Needle

Thread your embroidery needle with the embroidery thread. Make sure you have left at least a six-inch tail of thread on the opposite side of the needle. And remember to use a thin needle that can easily pass through the stitches of your crochet project.

Step 3: Start from the Back

Insert your needle into the back side of your amigurumi, where you want to place the eye. Pull it through until you reach the tail end, and make sure it doesn’t come out completely. But don’t pull too tightly, as you still need to make a knot later on.

Step 4: Make the First Stitch

Make your first stitch using either the straight stitch or satin stitch. This will determine the shape and size of your eye. For example, a few small straight stitches close together will create a small round eye, while longer straight stitches can make an oval-shaped eye.

Step 5: Keep Stitches Tight

As you make each stitch, keep the thread tight so that it doesn’t sag or create gaps. This will give your amigurumi eye a clean and neat appearance. As you progress, make sure to keep checking the front side of your amigurumi for any unevenness.

Step 6: Use a Template

If you’re not confident in freehand stitching, draw or print out a template and place it behind the amigurumi before stitching. This will help guide your stitches and ensure that both eyes are symmetrical.

Step 7: Fill in the Eye

Continue stitching until you have filled in the entire eye shape, keeping the stitches tight and neat. If you’re using a satin stitch, cover any gaps or areas where the underlying fabric is still visible.

Step 8: Knot Your Thread

Once you’ve completed your stitches, secure the thread by making a knot on the backside of your amigurumi. This will prevent the thread from coming loose and unraveling. While making the knot, ensure it is tight enough to lock in your stitches.

Step 9: Add Details

To add more character and expression to your amigurumi eye, you can use a different color of embroidery floss or thread to add eyelashes or eyebrows. Use a thin needle and stitch these details on top of your base eye stitches.

Step 10: Repeat for the Second Eye

Once you’ve completed the first eye, repeat the entire process to create the second eye. Remember to keep checking for symmetry and making adjustments as needed. However, don’t worry about making them look the same – a slight variation in size or placement can add charm to your amigurumi.

Step 11: Finishing Touches

After completing both eyes, you can use a small amount of stuffing to make the eyes stand out more. Simply place a small piece of stuffing underneath each eye and gently press it into place.

Step 12: Enjoy Your Adorable Amigurumi

Congratulations, you’ve successfully embroidered Amigurumi’s eyes! Now, you can sit back and admire your cute creation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles for future projects.

Now that you’ve learned how to embroider amigurumi eyes, the possibilities are endless for creating unique and lovable characters. So have fun, get creative, and enjoy the process of bringing your amigurumi to life! 

Keep in mind that with practice, you’ll become more confident in your stitching skills and be able to create even more adorable amigurumi creatures.

8 Things to Avoid When Embroidering Amigurumi Eyes

1) Using Too Many Stitches

When embroidering amigurumi eyes, it’s important to keep the stitches tight and evenly spaced. Using too many stitches can make the eye look overcrowded and messy. So, try to use just enough stitches to achieve the desired shape and size.

2) Pulling Too Tight

While it’s important to keep your stitches tight, pulling too tightly can cause the fabric to pucker or create gaps between stitches. This can affect the overall appearance of your amigurumi eye, so be mindful not to pull too hard.

3) Not Using a Thimble

Embroidering eyes can involve a lot of stitches and pulling, which can be tough on your fingers. To prevent soreness or even injury, use a thimble to push the needle through the fabric instead of using your bare fingers.

4) Neglecting Symmetry

Symmetry is key when it comes to creating amigurumi eyes. Make sure to check and adjust the placement and size of your stitches to ensure that both eyes look similar. This will give your amigurumi a more professional and polished appearance.

5) Skipping a Knot

It may be tempting to skip knotting the thread at the end, especially if you’re in a rush to finish your amigurumi. But not securing your stitches with a knot can cause them to come undone over time, ruining all your hard work.

6) Using Thick Thread

Using thick embroidery thread may seem like a good idea for creating bold and defined eyes, but it can actually create too much bulk on the fabric. Stick to thin threads that are easier to manipulate and will give your amigurumi a more delicate look.

7) Not Using a Template

Embroidering freehand can be challenging, especially for beginners. Not using a template or guide can result in uneven and asymmetrical eyes. So, take the time to draw or print out a template to help you achieve clean and symmetrical stitches.

8) Being Afraid to Experiment

Embroidering amigurumi eyes can be a fun and creative process, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques, colors, and shapes. You never know what adorable character you might create! So take risks and have fun with your embroidery.  Happy stitching! 

Now, go forth and create some beautiful amigurumi eyes for all your future projects.  See you in the next tutorial!  Happy crafting!  Keep making cute and lovable amigurumi creatures!  Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. With time and patience, you’ll improve and create amazing amigurumi eyes.

8 Additional Tips for Embroidering Amigurumi Eyes

1) Use a Single Thread

Using a single strand of embroidery floss or thread can create more delicate and realistic-looking eyes. This is especially helpful if you’re stitching small amigurumi creatures. So try using a single strand rather than doubling up.

2) Try Different Types of Stitches

There are many different types of embroidery stitches you can use to create amigurumi eyes, such as satin stitch, backstitch, and French knot. Experiment with different stitches to find the ones that work best for you and your style.

3) Use Different Colors for Contrast

Using a different color of embroidery floss or thread for the eye details, such as eyelashes or eyebrows, can add contrast and make your amigurumi eyes stand out even more. Just make sure to choose colors that complement each other.

4) Use a Light Source

To help with placement and symmetry when embroidering eyes, try using a light source, such as a lamp or natural sunlight. This will create shadows and make it easier to see where your stitches should be placed.

5) Use Your Non-Dominant Hand

If you’re struggling with creating symmetrical eyes, try using your non-dominant hand to stitch the second eye. This can help with achieving a similar size and placement, as your non-dominant hand may have more control and precision.

6) Take Breaks

Embroidering can be a time-consuming process, so make sure to take breaks to give your eyes and hands some rest. This will also help prevent mistakes or eye strain. And don’t forget to stretch your fingers and hands periodically.

7) Use a Good Quality Needle

Using a good quality embroidery needle can make all the difference when it comes to stitching amigurumi eyes. Make sure to use a sharp and fine needle that won’t damage or pull on the fabric. So invest in some quality needles for better results.

8) Have Patience

Embroidering amigurumi eyes may take time and patience, especially if you’re new to embroidery. Don’t get frustrated with mistakes or uneven stitches. Just take a deep breath, make any necessary adjustments, and keep going until you’re happy with the result. Enjoy the process, and have fun! 

So there you have it, some helpful tips and tricks on how to embroider amigurumi eyes for embroidering amigurumi eyes. With these techniques, you’ll be able to create beautiful and professional-looking eyes for all your amigurumi projects.  Keep practicing and experimenting, and you’ll become an expert in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Regular Sewing Thread for Embroidering Amigurumi Eyes?

Yes, you can use regular sewing thread for embroidering amigurumi eyes. However, embroidery floss or thinner threads tend to give better results as they are easier to manipulate and create more delicate stitches.

How Do I Know What Size to Make My Amigurumi Eyes?

The size of your amigurumi eyes will depend on personal preference and the size of your project. It’s best to start with a smaller size and adjust as necessary. You can also use a template or guide for more precise measurements.

Do I Need to Wash My Embroidered Amigurumi?

It’s not necessary to wash your embroidered amigurumi unless it gets dirty. If you do need to clean it, spot-clean it with a mild soap and water solution, and let it air dry completely before storing or displaying.

Why is Symmetry Important in Amigurumi’s Eyes?

Symmetry is important in amigurumi eyes to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. It also helps make the amigurumi look more professional and polished. 

Can I Create Different Types of Eyes for Amigurumi?

Yes, you can create different types of eyes for amigurumi. There are many embroidery stitches and techniques that you can use to achieve various eye shapes and styles. So feel free to experiment and get creative! 

Keep in mind that the size of your amigurumi may limit the size and complexity of the eyes.  It’s always a good idea to sketch out your ideas beforehand to ensure they will work well with the size and shape of your amigurumi.

Can I Use Different Colors for Amigurumi Eyes?

Yes, you can use different colors for amigurumi eyes to add contrast and make them stand out even more. Just make sure to choose colors that complement each other.  So don’t be afraid to get creative with your eye colors!  You can even use variegated or gradient threads for a unique and colorful look. Just have fun with it!  And remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to embroidery.

What Other Techniques Can I Use for Amigurumi Eyes?

Aside from embroidery, you can also use other techniques to create amigurumi eyes, such as crocheting or sewing on felt or buttons. Each technique has its own unique look and can be a fun way to add character to your amigurumi. So don’t be afraid to try different techniques and see what works best for you.  The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating cute and lovable amigurumi characters!

Do I Need to Use a Template for Amigurumi Eyes?

Using a template or guide can help beginners with creating symmetrical and clean stitches. However, more experienced embroiderers may prefer to freehand their amigurumi eyes. So use a template if it helps you, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.  Happy stitching!  And don’t forget to share your adorable amigurumi creations with us! We’d love to see them.  Keep creating, and have fun!

Conclusion

Embroidering amigurumi eyes may seem daunting at first, but with these tips and tricks on how to embroider amigurumi eyes, you’ll be able to create beautiful and professional-looking eyes for all your amigurumi projects. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different techniques.

And remember, practice makes perfect!  So go forth and create some adorable amigurumi eyes. And don’t forget to share your creations with us. We love seeing all of your cute and lovable amigurumi creatures.