How to embroider on crochet means adding faces, freckles, or small decorative details to a finished amigurumi piece using a yarn needle and basic embroidery stitches rather than safety eyes or appliques. I embroider eyes on every amigurumi I make for babies specifically, since safety eyes are a choking hazard for very young children. This guide covers the materials and the two most useful stitches.
Materials Needed
- A tapestry or embroidery needle
- A contrasting color of yarn or embroidery floss for the details
- Straight pins to mark placement before stitching
Basic Embroidery Stitches for Amigurumi
Satin stitch fills in a solid shape, like an oval eye, by stitching back and forth closely together until the space is fully covered. French knots create small raised dots, perfect for tiny star details or freckles, by wrapping the yarn around the needle before pushing it back through the fabric.
I always pin the placement of both eyes before stitching either one, stepping back to check symmetry, since embroidered details are much harder to unpick than safety eyes if the spacing looks off.
Frequently asked questions
Why embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes?
Embroidered eyes are safer for baby and toddler toys, since safety eyes can eventually be pulled loose and pose a choking risk. Embroidery also allows more expressive, varied faces than a standard pair of plastic eyes.
Ready to plan your amigurumi’s face?
Choose your embroidery placement before you finish stuffing the piece.
See amigurumi project ideas