How to Embroider Sleepy Eyes (Step by Step Tutorial)
There’s just something magical about the little details that bring our makes to life. Today, I’m sharing a sweet and simple tutorial on how to embroider sleepy eyes for your crochet animal huggies + snugglers + plushies. Whether you’re making an amigurumi friend or adding a finishing touch to a handmade keepsake, sleepy eyes are the perfect way to give your project that soft snuggly personality.
This step by step tutorial is beginner friendly and only uses a few supplies that you will already be using for your make - needle, worsted weight yarn or embroidery thread, pins, scissors, and maybe a little patience at first. Ready to make your creations even more huggable? Let’s get started!
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Important:
This pattern is for personal use only. Please do not copy, share, translate or reproduce this pattern. You are welcome to sell finished items from this pattern, but please give me credit (Krissy of Loopsy Daisy Crafts + Designs). I would love to see your finished pieces. Please tag me with @loopsydaisycrafts and use #loopsydaisycrafts on social media.
For any questions or concerns regarding the pattern, please email hello@loopsydaisycrafts.com
Materials You’ll Need to Embroider Sleepy Eyes
• Tapestry Needle
• Scissors
• Black Thread or Worsted Weight Yarn for Facial Features
• Pins for Placeholders
I am using my Fox Huggie for this example. Use pins as a place holder for the eyes. Embroider the eyes with black thread or black
yarn over the designated rnd across 5 sts (plus one st for eyelashes). I have about 4 sts between the eyes.
Watch the YouTube Tutorial here.
Let’s Begin!
Step 1:
Starting with eye 1, bring your needle up through hole A.
Step 2:
Insert the needle down into hole B and bring it out through hole C.
Step 3:
Gently lift the working yarn (the part that is already stitched) and come up behind it.
Step 4:
Wrap the needle over the front of the yarn and back down through hole C &
Step 5:
Bring the needle up through hole D for the first eyelash.
Step 6:
Insert the needle down through hole A.
Step 7:
Bring the needle out through hole E.
Step 8:
Take the needle back into hole A to complete eye 1.
Eye 1 is complete!
Do not cut yarn, repeat steps 1-8 for eye 2.
Tips for the Best Sleepy Eyes
Use thinner thread for delicate keepsakes and thicker yarn or double stranded worsted weight yarn for chunkier plushies.
If the curve looks uneven, take out the stitch and redo it, no worries!
Try to work just below the stitches (close to the surface) to avoid stuffing coming out of the eye.
Be sure not to pull too tight. This will squeeze your stitches distorting the face and will show more stuffing.
Keep practicing! You’ll find your rhythm, I promise.
Try Sleepy Eyes on These Free Patterns:
Maribel the Swan
Rug Bug Huggie
And that’s it, you’ve learned how to embroider sleepy eyes! This simple detail instantly gives your crochet toys and amigurumi that soft, snuggly charm. If you try this technique, I’d love to see your creations. Be sure to tag me on Instagram @loopsydaisycrafts or share in the comments below.
