If you make amigurumi, you’ve probably held up a finished piece and thought, “It’s adorable… but I really don’t want to use plastic safety eyes.” Maybe the toy is for a baby, maybe you prefer an all-yarn look, or maybe you simply ran out of eyes at 10 p.m. Whatever the reason, this crochet eyes for amigurumi free pattern is a game-changer. I’ve tested this method on dozens of amigurumi projects, and it’s become my favourite alternative to plastic safety eyes. In just a few minutes, you can whip up a pair of perfectly sized, secure, and entirely soft eyes that never need a trip to the craft store.
Before You Start: Make both eyes before attaching them to your amigurumi. This makes it far easier to compare their size and keep the finished toy symmetrical — a small step that makes a big difference when you’re sewing on the final piece.
Why Crochet Eyes?
Before we grab our hooks, here’s why a soft crochet eyes for amigurumi free pattern is worth keeping in your toolkit:
- 100% yarn with no plastic parts, making it a popular choice for baby toys when securely sewn in place
- Fully customisable size; match any amigurumi from tiny to giant
- Uses scraps of black and white yarn or embroidery floss
- Each eye takes under five minutes to make
- No more waiting for supplies or worrying about small parts
Materials
- Black cotton yarn (or embroidery floss, #10 crochet thread – see sizing chart)
Yarn Used: Less than 1 gram of black yarn and a few centimetres of white embroidery floss. - White embroidery floss (for the catchlight)
- Crochet hook in size 2.25mm–3.5mm (B to E), depending on eye size
- Tapestry needle
- Small scissors
Tip: Mercerized cotton gives the sharpest, fuzz-free finish.
Gauge: Gauge is not important for this project. Use the hook and yarn combination that gives you the eye size you want.
Skill Level, Time & Finished Size
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: About 5 minutes per eye
Finished Size: Approximately 8–15 mm depending on yarn, hook size, and stitch count.
Techniques Used:
- Magic Ring
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Invisible Join (optional, for a cleaner edge)
- Whip Stitch (to attach)
If you’re left-handed, simply mirror the stitch placement shown in the photos.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
The basic idea couldn’t be simpler: work a little black circle, add a white “glint” stitch, and sew it on. If you can make a magic ring and single crochet, you already have all the skills this crochet eyes for amigurumi free pattern requires.
Step 1: Crochet the Eye Circle
- With black yarn or thread, make a magic ring, chain 1.
- Work 6 single crochet into the ring. Pull the ring tightly closed – no little hole in the centre.
- Join with an invisible join for a crisp edge (a slip stitch works too).
Beginner Tip: If your magic ring keeps opening, weave the yarn tail through several stitches on the back before trimming it. For extra security, weave the tail back through the stitches a second time. This locks everything in place without any glue.
Step 2: Add the Glint (Catchlight)
Cut a length of white embroidery floss. Make one tiny diagonal stitch near the upper-right or upper-left edge of the eye to create a catchlight. Place the glint in the same position on both eyes for a balanced expression. That’s it – two pokes of the needle and your eye instantly looks alive. I’ll say it now and I’ll say it again: never skip the glint!
Step 3: Make a Second Eye & Attach
Repeat for the second eye, then sew both onto your amigurumi’s head like little appliqués. A whipstitch around the edge works beautifully.
If the edges curl slightly, gently flatten the eyes with your fingers or lightly steam-block them before sewing them onto your amigurumi.
Printable Pattern Box
Copy and paste this quick reference into your notes:
Crochet Eye Pattern
Make a magic ring.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. Pull tight.
Invisible join.
Add one white stitch.
Make two. Sew onto head.
Eye Sizing Chart & Adjustment Tips
This crochet eyes for amigurumi free pattern includes a clear size guide so you can replace standard safety eyes confidently.
| Eye Size | Yarn / Thread | Hook Size |
|---|---|---|
| 8mm | Embroidery floss (5 of 6 strands) or #20 crochet thread | 2.25mm (B) |
| 9mm | Embroidery floss (all 6 strands) | 2.25mm (B) |
| 10mm | #10 crochet thread | 2.75mm (C) |
| 12mm | Sport / light DK yarn | 2.75mm (C) |
| 15mm | Worsted weight yarn | 3.5mm (E) |
Quick tweaks:
- To go bigger, bump up a hook size or add a strand of floss.
- To go smaller, drop a hook size or work 5 sc instead of 6.
- 5, 6, or 7 sc all work; 7 gives a plumper eye, 5 a slightly smaller one.
- Use a tighter tension if you want firmer, more defined eyes with less visible stuffing behind the stitches.
For truly tiny eyes (under 6mm), see my Tiny Yarn Eyes technique. For giant amigurumi, 20mm+ dimensional patterns are available in my Giant Amigurumi ebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can crochet eyes replace safety eyes?
Yes. Crochet eyes are completely soft and are an excellent choice for baby toys since they contain no plastic parts. They’re a great safety-eye alternative, provided they are sewn on securely.
What yarn is best for crochet eyes?
Mercerized cotton yarn or crochet thread creates the cleanest, sharpest-looking eyes. Acrylic works but can look slightly fuzzy.
How do you make tiny crochet eyes?
Use embroidery floss or fine crochet thread with a 2.0–2.25mm hook and crochet only 5–6 single crochet into a magic ring. The technique is identical; it’s just scaled down.
Are crochet eyes safe for babies?
Yes, when securely stitched to the finished amigurumi. Because there are no hard parts, they don’t pose the same choking hazard as plastic safety eyes. Always weave in tails thoroughly and check the attachment before giving the toy to a child.
How do I keep the magic ring from opening?
Pull the magic ring tightly closed and weave the yarn tail through several stitches on the back before trimming it. For extra security, weave the tail back through the stitches a second time.
Conclusion
Crochet eyes are a quick, affordable, and child-safe alternative to plastic safety eyes. With just a few stitches, you can customise the perfect eye size for any amigurumi project, from the tiniest snake to a huggable bear. This crochet eyes for amigurumi free pattern is one of those foundational skills you’ll return to again and again. Save it, pin it, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different yarns to create unique expressions. Happy stitching!
Because these eyes are made entirely from yarn, they can usually be machine washed according to the care instructions for your chosen yarn – just make sure they’re firmly attached before tossing your amigurumi in the wash.
If you’re new to crochet, you may also enjoy my Magic Ring Tutorial, Invisible Join Tutorial, and Beginner Amigurumi Guide before starting your next project.