Safety Eyes vs. Embroidered Eyes: What's Safe for Baby Toys

Safety eyes give amigurumi that classic, professional look, but they're a choking hazard if a baby or toddler manages to pull one loose, even when properly washered and secured. For any toy meant for a child under three, embroidered eyes are the safer route.

Embroidered eyes are stitched directly into the fabric using yarn or embroidery thread, so there's no small hard piece that can detach. Use a simple satin stitch, French knots, or small circles of contrasting yarn. They can look just as charming as plastic eyes with a bit of practice, and you have full control over placement and expression.

Safety eyes are fine for toys intended as display pieces, gifts for older kids, or decor that stays out of little hands. If you do use them, always attach the plastic washer on the back and reinforce with a dab of fabric glue for extra hold.

A good rule of thumb: if the toy will be used, mouthed, or handled unsupervised by a child under three, skip anything with small removable parts entirely, including buttons and beads too.

When in doubt, embroider. It takes a little longer, but it removes the risk altogether.