How to Install Safety Eyes: Keeping Your Projects Safe and Secure

Understanding safety eyes and their uses

When it comes to stuffed animals, dolls, and other sewn toys, safety eyes have become increasingly popular. Beyond being used as a safety measure, they’re become a key design element in any handmade furry friend.

These eyes are small plastic pieces with attached washers that prevent them from falling out. They come in different sizes, ranging from 6-24mm, and colors to match the animal’s fur or the designer’s preference. The popularity of these eyes stems from the fact that they’re quick and easy to apply, but the most important aspect is that they’re more secure and less of a choking hazard if a small child were to accidentally swallow them.

If you’re new to working with safety eyes, placing them into your project can be intimidating. However, once you learn how to use them and the different techniques used to attach them, you’ll find that they’re much easier to use than traditional embroidery techniques.

To properly install safety eyes, you will need to create small holes on the fabric using a craft knife, a small pair of scissors, or other sharp tool. These holes should be the same size as the shaft of the safety eyes, but no larger, so they fit snugly. Once you’ve created your holes, take the safety eyes and push them from the back of the fabric through to the front, so that the washer is flush with the front of the fabric. You can then repeat the same process for the second eye, ensuring that both eyes are secure.

Apart from the popular animals like teddy bears, dogs, and cats, safety eyes have become popular in other stuffed toy designs as well. Sea life creatures like sharks and dolphins, mythical creatures like unicorns and dragons have also been popular choices. They’ve even become popular in Amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed toys.

Due to the many different types of safety eyes available on the market, it’s important to select the right size, quality, and color for your project. In doing so, you can create a safer, more secure option for your handmade toys. It’s important to remember that safety eyes are not just for children’s toys; they can be used for any type of sewn project where your goal is to create a fun and playful design.

Although these eyes are easy to install, it’s important to keep in mind that there are a few techniques that you should avoid. For instance, avoid attaching the eyes with glue, as these are likely to fall off and pose a choking hazard to children. Additionally, avoid using loose or detached items that can be swallowed by young children. Instead, invest in good quality safety eyes and always attach them by inserting them from the back of the fabric to the front to ensure that they’re secure.

Safety eyes have quickly become an essential element in any handmade toy. They offer a safer option for children and also add an extra level of design to your final product. As you gain more experience working with these safety eyes, you’ll find that they’re a quick and easy way to add character and personality to your projects. Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll feel more confident in incorporating these handy tools into your toy-making process.

Choosing the Right Size and Type of Safety Eyes

When it comes to choosing the right size and type of safety eyes for your project, there are a few things to consider. First, the size of the safety eyes will depend on the size of your project. You want to make sure that the eyes are not too big or too small for the project, as this can affect the overall look of the finished product.

One way to determine the right size of safety eyes for your project is to measure the width of the head of the doll or animal you are making. This will give you an idea of the size of the eyes you need. Generally, safety eyes come in sizes ranging from 6mm to 24mm, so there are plenty of options to choose from.

Another thing to consider when choosing the right size and type of safety eyes is the age of the person who will be playing with the finished product. If the project is intended for a young child, you may want to choose larger eyes to prevent them from being a choking hazard. However, if the project is for an older child or adult, smaller eyes may be more appropriate from an aesthetic perspective.

In addition to size, you also want to consider the type of safety eyes that will work best for your project. There are two main types of safety eyes: those with a washer and those with a locking washer. Eyes with a washer have a small plastic disc that goes on the inside of the project to secure the eye. Eyes with a locking washer have a larger washer that requires a bit more force to secure but will not come out easily.

For projects that will be handled frequently or are intended for young children, eyes with a locking washer are generally recommended. They provide a more secure hold and are less likely to come out, even with a lot of handling. However, eyes with a washer may be a better choice for projects where the eyes will not be handled as much or for projects where you want the eyes to be easily removable.

Ultimately, choosing the right size and type of safety eyes for your project will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the project, the age of the intended user, and your personal preferences. Take the time to carefully consider each of these factors before making a decision, and you will end up with a finished product that is safe, attractive, and enjoyable to use.

Tools and materials needed for inserting safety eyes

Whether you are making stuffed toys for your kids or crafting a cute amigurumi, safety eyes are essential for adding character and life to your creation. However, before you start inserting safety eyes, you should first gather the necessary tools and materials. Having the right tools can make the process easier and ensure that your safety eyes are secure for long-term use.

The following are the tools and materials to have on hand:

1. Safety eyes – You cannot insert a safety eye without having one. Safety eyes come in different sizes, shapes, and colors so it is important to choose the one that suits your project. For instance, you may need a larger safety eye for a bigger stuffed toy or a smaller one for a tiny amigurumi. Additionally, there are different designs of safety eyes including those with colored pupils, sparkles, or animal prints. It’s up to you to choose the one that matches your project’s personality.

2. Washer – A washer aka locking washer, is a metal or plastic ring that slides onto the safety eye shaft and secures it in place. Without a washer, your safety eye will not stay in place and could potentially come off posing a danger if swallowed. Washers come in different sizes and shapes, depending on the size of your safety eye so be sure to select the correct washer size for your safety eye.

3. Screwdriver – A screwdriver is needed to attach the washer onto the safety eye. A small one is enough because you will only need it to turn the washer onto the safety eye shaft. A Phillips head or flat head screwdriver can work, depending on the type of safety eye.

4. Scissors – Scissors are necessary to trim the fabric around the safety eye hole if you have not made a hole for inserting the safety eye. You can also use a hole puncher or a hot needle to create a hole depending on the type of fabric used.

5. Pen or marker – You can use a pen or marker to draw a circle where you want to place the safety eye. This enables you to place the safety eye holes evenly.

6. Pliers or graspers – Pliers can help in gripping the safety eyes while pushing them through the fabric. This makes the process easier and avoids the need to manually hold the safety eye.

Tips on inserting safety eyes

Inserting safety eyes can be a simple process, given the right tools and understanding of the process. Below are some tips on how to insert safety eyes:

1. Make sure you use the correct safety eye size and washer to avoid any accidents. If the washer is too big for the safety eye shaft, It will not attach or hold correctly, and that is a safety hazard. On the other hand, if the washer is too small, it could easily come off posing a similar hazard.

2. Ensure that you make an appropriate hole for the safety eye shaft to avoid tearing the fabric. Different types of fabrics will require different types of tools to create the hole. For instance, a hot needle works well for fleece fabrics while a hole puncher may be more appropriate for thicker materials.

3. You can use pliers or graspers to hold the safety eye while pushing it through the fabric. This ensures that the safety eye does not move or twist, resulting in a neat and professional finish.

4. Make sure that you attach the washer correctly to the safety eye shaft. Use the screwdriver to turn the washer clockwise until it is secure and cannot be turned any further.

5. Finally, test that the safety eyes are secure by giving them a tug. They should not move or come off otherwise you need to reattach them using the screwdriver.

By following these tips and having the right tools and materials, you can effortlessly insert safety eyes into your amigurumi or stuffed toy, resulting in a safe and long-lasting creation!

Step-by-Step Guide for Inserting Safety Eyes

Safety eyes are a great way to add some personality and character to handmade stuffed animals and other toys. They are easy to use and come in a variety of sizes and colors to fit any project. By following these simple step-by-step instructions, you can easily insert safety eyes into your creations and ensure that they are secure and safe for playtime!

Step 1: Choose the Right Size

Before you can start inserting safety eyes, you need to choose the right size for your project. Safety eyes come in a variety of sizes ranging from 6mm to 24mm, so be sure to choose the size that fits your toy best. To determine the size you need, measure the thickness of your fabric and add a couple of millimeters to ensure a secure fit.

Step 2: Make a Hole

To insert safety eyes, you need to create a small hole in your project for the post to fit through. You can use a seam ripper or a sharp pair of scissors to carefully cut a small slit in your fabric where you want the eye to be placed. Some people prefer to make a hole by using a hole punch, which is a tool specifically designed for making holes in fabric for safety eyes.

Step 3: Insert the Eye

Once you have created a hole, it’s time to insert the safety eye. Simply push the post through the hole from the outside of your project. Once the post is through the fabric, place the washer over the post on the inside of your project and push it down until it snaps into place. You should hear a satisfying “click” when the washer is securely attached.

Step 4: Check for Safety

When inserting safety eyes, it’s important to ensure that they are secure and safe for playtime. After you have inserted the eyes into your project, pull on them firmly to test their durability. If they come loose or wiggle in any way, you should tighten the washer until they are stable. Once you have checked for safety, your project is ready for playtime!

Conclusion

Inserting safety eyes into your handmade toys is easy and fun. By following these simple step-by-step instructions, you can ensure that your creations are secure and safe for your little ones to enjoy. With a variety of sizes and colors to choose from, safety eyes are a great way to add some personality and character to any project. Happy crafting!

Additional tips and precautions for using safety eyes

When it comes to using safety eyes, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that you are using them properly and safely. Here are some additional tips and precautions you should follow:

1. Check the size of the safety eyes

Before you start using safety eyes, make sure that you have the right size for your project. Safety eyes come in different sizes, and it’s essential to choose the right size so that the eyes don’t come loose and become a choking hazard. Most safety eyes come in sizes ranging from 6mm to 24mm, so make sure to check the size of your eyes before you start using them.

2. Be gentle when inserting safety eyes

Inserting safety eyes requires a little bit of force, but it’s crucial to be gentle and not use too much force. If you use too much force, the plastic backing can break, and the eye can become loose. To insert the eye, make a hole in the fabric where you want to insert the eye, apply a little bit of pressure to the plastic backing, and push the eye into place. Make sure that the eye is secure and doesn’t move around.

3. Don’t use safety eyes for children under three years old

Generally speaking, safety eyes are not recommended for children under three years old. Even though safety eyes are designed with safety in mind and have been tested for safety, they can still pose a choking hazard if they come loose. For younger children, consider using embroidered eyes or felt eyes instead.

4. Use safety eyes for sewing, not glueing

Safety eyes are designed for sewing, not glueing. Glueing safety eyes to a project can make them come loose and create a choking hazard. If you want to use safety eyes for a project that requires glueing, consider using felt or embroidered eyes instead.

5. Store safety eyes properly

When you’re not using your safety eyes, make sure to store them properly to prevent them from getting lost or damaged. Keep them in a small container or bag, and label them with the size so you can easily find the right size for your next project.

You can also keep the safety eyes on a foam board or in an egg carton to keep them organized. Avoid storing safety eyes in hot or humid places as this can cause them to degrade.

In conclusion, safety eyes are a fantastic way to add personality to your projects, but it’s essential to use them properly and safely. Checking the size of the eyes, being gentle when inserting them, avoiding glueing, and storing them properly will ensure that you can enjoy your safety eyes without worrying about safety concerns.