Crochet

How to test the placement of eyes for amigurumi characters

How to test the placement of eyes on an amigurumi character

The placement of eyes and other facial features on an amigurumi animal or person can define the mood of the character. There are tutorials around about placement and styles so I wanted to show how I test the placement of eyes on my amigurumi before I sew them.

Sewing pins!

For small eyes I poke sewing pins (the type with the bead on top) in various parts of the head (usually halfway down the head and near a nose feature). I hold the amigurumi away from me which helps to show the impact those eyes will have based on the size and shape of the head. I try a few different positions until I’m happy with it.

Testing the placement of eyes for an amigurumi cat
The eyes are placed a stitch to the side of the nose and a row higher than the top of the nose.

If the character needs large eyes, I place the pin through a piece of felt or fabric that’s approximately the size of the eye and then I move them around the head – this gives a sense of whether the facial features are balanced or accurately showing the emotion you want from the character.

When it’s time to sew, I keep the pins in place so that I can get my sewing needle to the right spot before I remove it so I don’t accidentally sew the eye in to the wrong stitch.

Testing the placement of eyes for an amigurumi cat
The eyes are placed two stitches away from the nose join and level with the top of the nose.

 

Testing the placement of eyes for an amigurumi cat
These eyes are are too high and at different distances from the nose so the face is very unbalanced.

 

Close up of the face of an amigurumi crochet cat
The cat with sewn in eyes (and photographed with better lighting).

For anyone who’s curious, this little amigurumi cat is my own make-it-up-as-you-go-along design crocheted with Moda Vera and 4 Seasons wool. The cardigan is detachable and I knit it with Lincraft’s Splendour yarn (leftover from my sock making).