Sofia Martinez
Plastic eyes for plush toys are commonly referred to as safety eyes, but this can be misleading as they are not always safe for young children and can occasionally work themselves out. They are also known as craft eyes, animal eyes, or shank-backed eyes. These plastic eyes are a popular choice for handmade stuffed animals and crafts, as they are easy to install and give a professional finish. They are available in various sizes, colours, and styles, and can be purchased from craft stores or online retailers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names | Safety eyes, craft eyes, animal eyes |
| Installation | Installed before stuffing, using small sharp scissors, a pin, and a washer |
| Safety | Not recommended for children under 3 due to choking hazards |
| Removal | Wire cutters, pliers, or a combination of both |
| Size | 4.5mm, 6mm, 15mm, 16.5mm, 21mm |
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What You'll Learn
Safety eyes
Installing safety eyes on a plush toy is a simple process, but it can be a bit confusing for beginners. First, you need to lay your plush toy completely flat and identify where you want the eyeholes to be. If there is a seam between the eyeholes, you can fold the fabric on the seam. If there is no seam, simply fold the fabric in the centre.
Using small, sharp scissors, you can then cut a small hole for the eye to slip through. It's important to only cut through one layer of fabric and to be cautious about the size of the hole, as it's easier to make it bigger than smaller. Once the hole is cut, you can insert the safety eye from the front and secure it with the washer from the back.
Removing safety eyes from a stuffed animal can be a bit more challenging. In some cases, the eyes may be held in place with a plastic peg that can be broken or cut using wire cutters or pliers. In other cases, the eyes may be glued in place, requiring more force to remove them. It's important to be careful when removing safety eyes to avoid tearing or crushing the fabric of the plush toy.
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![Ecavria [400PCS] Safety Eyes for Amigurumi, 8-16mm Black Crochet Eyes with Washers, Oval &Round Craft Eyes, Kawaii Doll Eyes for Crochet Toys Stuffed Animals](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tV-PtyAWL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Craft eyes
When installing craft eyes on a plushie, it is important to ensure that the fabric is flat and that the holes are cut carefully. The recommended tools for installation are small, sharp scissors, a pin, and, optionally, a seam ripper. The process involves laying the plushie flat, marking the eye positions, and carefully cutting small holes for the eyes. The eyes are then inserted and secured with the washer from the inside of the plushie.
Removing plastic craft eyes from a stuffed animal can be challenging. One method involves using a combination of pliers and wire cutters to cut the backing of the eye. It is important to be cautious and avoid tearing or crushing the fabric. Another approach is to use a wedge-shaped object to separate the two halves of the sphere and break the plastic peg holding them together.
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Animal eyes
Plastic eyes for stuffed animals are commonly referred to as "safety eyes" or "animal eyes". They are also sometimes called "craft eyes". These plastic eyes are used to add character and cuteness to stuffed animals and plush toys. They are available in various sizes and colours, with brown, black, and pink being some of the mentioned colours. The eyes usually come with washers, which help secure them in place. The washers can be plastic or metal, with plastic washers being harder to use with smaller eyes.
Safety eyes are typically installed before stuffing the plush toy. They come in two parts: the eye and the washer. To install them, you first need to lay the plush toy flat and fold it at the centre or on the seam where the eyes will go. Then, using small, sharp scissors, you cut a hole between the folds, ensuring you only cut through one layer of fabric. The size of the hole depends on the size of the eye, with smaller eyes requiring smaller holes.
After creating the hole, you insert the post of the craft eye between the stitches or poke it through the hole. You can use a ball-point awl or a small knitting needle to help with this step. Once the eyes are in the desired position, you press the flat side of the washer (with the tiny barbs) onto the post until you hear a click. These barbs help keep the eye from rotating.
While they are called "safety eyes", these plastic eyes may not be entirely safe for young children. The eyes themselves are secure and will not come apart easily, but babies and toddlers can chew through the fabric around the eye, creating a choking hazard. Therefore, it is recommended to use caution and supervise young children when playing with toys that have plastic safety eyes.
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Shank-backed eyes
To install shank-backed eyes, you will need a few tools, including small, sharp scissors, a pin, and a ball-point awl or a small knitting needle to poke a hole for the eye. It is recommended to lay the plush toy completely flat and fold it at the centre or on the seam where the eye will go. The eye is then inserted into the hole, and the washer is pressed onto the post from the inside of the toy.
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Screw-in eyes
It is important to note that while screw-in eyes are considered safer than other options, they may still pose a choking hazard if they come loose. Therefore, toys with screw-in eyes are generally not recommended for children under three years old. Additionally, if a screw-in eye comes loose, it can be secured back in place using super glue. However, it is essential to exercise caution and consider the child's safety when making such repairs.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic eyes on plush toys are commonly referred to as safety eyes.
Safety eyes are designed with a two-part mechanism that prevents them from falling off easily. This makes them safer than alternatives like buttons, but they are not guaranteed to be childproof.
Safety eyes can be purchased online from retailers like Amazon and eBay, as well as craft stores like Joann in the USA. You can also find them in physical dollar stores.
Safety eyes are typically installed before stuffing the plush toy. You will need small, sharp scissors, a pin, the safety eye (eye and washer), and your unstuffed plush. First, lay your plush flat and fold it along the seam or centre, depending on the design. Then, insert the pin and carefully cut a small hole, ensuring you only cut through one layer of fabric. Finally, attach the safety eye.
Removing safety eyes can be challenging without damaging the plush toy. Some people have used wire cutters or a combination of pliers and wire cutters to access and remove the backing of the safety eye.
