Chloe Zhang
Plastic animal eyes are a great way to add character to your stuffed animals and amigurumi projects. They are available in multiple colours and sizes and can be used for both sewn and crocheted creations. In this article, we will be discussing how to attach plastic safety eyes to your soft toys. We will also be covering some alternative methods to achieve the same effect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to attach eyes | Before stuffing the animal |
| Tools required | Small, sharp scissors, a pin, safety eye (two pieces: eye and washer), unstuffed plush |
| Safety | Only use on toys for kids over three, or toys that will be played with under supervision |
| Techniques | Awl method, Cross-cut or '+' method, Sewing |
| Types of eyes | Traditional locking safety eyes, Safety eyes with washers, Sew-in eyes |
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What You'll Learn
- Using an awl to make a hole for the eyes
- Ensuring the flat side of the washer is placed against the flat back of the eye
- Using a pin to get a sense of where the eyes should sit
- Using wire cutters to remove the post that sticks out after attaching the washers
- Reinforcing the fabric around the eyes to prevent them from pulling through
Using an awl to make a hole for the eyes
An awl is a sharp-pointed tool used for piercing holes in a variety of materials. It is particularly useful for making holes for plastic animal eyes. Here is a step-by-step guide on using an awl to make a hole for the eyes:
Step 1: Mark the eye placement
Use a marker or pen to mark where you want the eye to be placed. This will ensure that you create the hole in the correct position.
Step 2: Create a small slit
Fold the fabric at the centre of your marking and make a small slit with scissors. Unfold the fabric and fold it perpendicular to the previous fold, then make another small slit. By doing this, you will create a small "+" shape in the fabric over the marked location for the eye.
Step 3: Use the awl to widen the hole
Place the sharp tip of the awl at the centre of the "+" and push through to widen the hole. Remove the awl. You can also use a ballpoint awl, which creates a hole by stretching the fibres around the opening instead of cutting any threads. This is especially useful if you are working with stretchy knit fabric, as cutting a hole can cause it to run over time.
Step 4: Insert the eye
Push the shank of the eye through the hole in the fabric, towards the inside of the project.
Step 5: Secure the washer
From the inside of your project, place the washer over the shank and push it tight to secure it against the fabric and the flat back of the eye.
Now you have successfully attached the plastic animal eye using an awl to create the hole!
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Ensuring the flat side of the washer is placed against the flat back of the eye
When attaching plastic animal eyes to a stuffed animal, it is important to ensure that the flat side of the washer is placed against the flat back of the eye. This is crucial for the secure function of the eye and will prevent it from rotating. The ridges on the posts of craft eyes help the washer click on and stay on securely. The flat side of the washer should be placed against the fabric, with the raised side facing away from the eye.
To attach plastic animal eyes, first mark the eye placement with a pen or marker. Then, use an awl or sharp scissors to create a small hole in the fabric at the marked location. Push the shank of the eye through the hole, from the front of the fabric to the inside. From the inside, place the washer over the shank and push it tight so that it is firmly seated against the fabric and the flat back of the eye. You may need to use a small set of pliers or wrap duct tape around the bottom half of the pliers to get a better grip and protect the eye from scratches.
It is important to note that this process should be done before stuffing the toy, as the "peg" side of the eye will be on the inside with the stuffing. Once the eyes are securely attached, you can move on to the next step of your project.
Plastic safety eyes are a great way to add character and cuteness to stuffed animals, but it is important to ensure they are installed correctly to prevent them from falling off or becoming a choking hazard for young children.
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Using a pin to get a sense of where the eyes should sit
To begin, lay your plush toy completely flat. If there is a seam between where you want the eyeholes to be, fold it on the seam. If you don't have a seam, fold the fabric at the centre.
Next, take a pin and gently poke it through the fabric where you want to install the eye. This will give you a precise guide for where to place the eye and create a small hole to work with.
Once you are happy with the placement, you can widen the hole by using an awl or a pair of small, sharp scissors. An awl is a tool with a sharp tapered point and a handle, which can be useful for creating a neat hole. However, scissors are just as effective, and you can use the cross-cut or '+' method to create a small cross shape in the fabric.
Now that you have a reference point for eye placement, you can continue with the process of attaching the plastic animal eyes.
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Using wire cutters to remove the post that sticks out after attaching the washers
Plastic animal eyes are a great way to add character to stuffed animals, giving them a professional touch. They are also called craft eyes and safety eyes. These eyes are installed before stuffing, and the two-part mechanism prevents the eyes from falling off. The process is quite simple, but it can be a bit confusing for beginners.
To attach plastic animal eyes, you will need small, sharp scissors, a pin, the safety eye (two pieces: the eye and washer), and your unstuffed plush. First, lay your plush so it is completely flat. If there is a seam between where you want the eyeholes to be, fold it on the seam. If there is no seam, fold it at the center. Mark your eye placement with a pen or marker. Then, use a ball-point awl or small knitting needle to poke a hole. The awl is preferred as it creates a hole by stretching the fibers without cutting any threads.
Now, it's time to attach the eye and washer. Place the "peg" side of the eye inside the hole with the stuffing. Push the shank of the eye through the hole in the fabric, toward the inside of the project. From the inside, place the washer over the shank, with the flat side against the flat back of the eye. Push tight to secure the washer in place. You should hear a click when it is properly secured.
After attaching the washers, there may be a post that sticks out. To remove this, you can use wire cutters. Simply snip off the post that remains. This will ensure a smooth finish and prevent any sharp edges from causing injury. It is important to be careful when using wire cutters, holding the tool and the project securely to avoid any accidental cuts or damage to the fabric.
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Reinforcing the fabric around the eyes to prevent them from pulling through
Reinforcing the fabric around the eyes of a stuffed animal is important to prevent the eyes from pulling through the cloth. Here are some tips to achieve this:
First, it is recommended to use a sturdy and thick thread when attaching the eyes to ensure they are securely held in place. Thin threads may not provide enough support and can unravel over time. Additionally, consider using fabric glue to reinforce the eyes. Apply a small amount of clear fabric glue to the back of each eye and let it dry completely. This will help keep the eyes in place even during vigorous play.
Another method to reinforce the fabric around the eyes is to use a patch. Sew a patch to the back of the fabric where the eyes will be attached. Then, cut a new hole in the patch for the eyes. This adds an extra layer of fabric to support the weight of the eyes and prevents them from pulling through.
When creating the holes for the eyes, it is important to make them small initially. You can always cut the hole bigger if needed, but if it's too big, it won't work. If your fabric is stretchy, a tiny hole will work fine. If your fabric is not stretchy, cut an "X" shape instead of a circle to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the fabric.
Additionally, consider the placement of the eyes. Insert the eyelet into the seam of the fabric to reduce movement and keep your craft looking neat for longer. Also, ensure that the fabric is folded and marked accurately before creating the holes for the eyes. This will ensure that the holes are placed symmetrically and that the eyes are attached securely.
By following these tips, you can effectively reinforce the fabric around the eyes of a stuffed animal, preventing them from pulling through.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need small, sharp scissors, a pin, your safety eye (two pieces: eye and washer), and your unstuffed plush.
The eyes should be attached before stuffing the animal, so the \"peg\" side of the eye will be on the inside with all the stuffing.
You can use an awl or scissors to make a small slit in the fabric. If using an awl, push it through the fabric at the marked point and widen the hole. If using scissors, fold the fabric and snip to create a small slit.
Push the shank of the eye through the hole in the fabric, toward the inside of the project. Then, from the inside, place the washer over the shank and push it tight so that it is secure.
Plastic safety eyes are not suitable for children under three as they can fall off and become a choking hazard.
