Safety eyes are the standard for stuffed animals and amigurumi. They are plastic eyes with a stem that locks into a washer on the back of the fabric. Removing them without damaging the fabric is a common craft problem. The best method is to use a seam ripper to gently pry the washer off the stem from the back of the fabric. Once the washer is off, push the eye out from the back to the front. This works for most standard plastic safety eyes and allows you to reuse both the eye and the washer.
What Tools Do You Need To Remove Safety Eyes?
You do not need a special tool kit for this job. Most of the tools are already in your home or basic sewing kit. The most important tool is a seam ripper. This small tool has a curved blade designed to cut threads without damaging fabric.
You will also need a flat surface to work on. A pair of small needle-nose pliers can help with stubborn washers. If you do not have a seam ripper, a small flathead screwdriver or a sturdy toothpick can work in a pinch. The key is to have something thin enough to slide between the washer and the fabric.
For eyes that are glued in place, you will need a different approach. Acetone or nail polish remover can dissolve craft glue. Test this on a hidden area of the fabric first to ensure it does not ruin the color.
What Is The Safest Method To Remove Safety Eyes?
Place the stuffed animal or crochet piece face down. You want to access the back of the eye where the washer is located. The washer is the flat plastic disc that holds the eye stem in place. It is usually white or clear.
Slide the tip of your seam ripper between the washer and the fabric. Gently twist the seam ripper to pop the washer off the stem. The washer has a small hole that grips the ridged stem. You are essentially prying it loose. Do not pull the eye from the front. This will stretch the fabric and leave a visible hole.
Once the washer is off, push the eye stem forward from the back. The eye will pop out through the front of the fabric. This method preserves the eye and the washer for reuse. It also minimizes damage to the fabric, though a small hole will remain where the stem was.
Can You Reuse Safety Eyes After Removal?
Yes, you can reuse safety eyes in most cases. The plastic stem and washer are designed to lock together. As long as neither part is cracked or deformed, they will work again. Inspect the stem for deep scratches or bends. Check the washer to ensure the center hole is still round.
The main issue with reused eyes is wear. The ridges on the stem can become worn down after multiple uses. This means the washer may not grip as tightly the second time. If the washer feels loose when you test it, do not use it on a toy for a small child. A loose eye is a choking hazard.
For decorative items or adult collectibles, reused eyes are perfectly fine. For children’s toys, always test the security of the eye after assembly. Pull firmly on the eye. If it pops off easily, replace it with a new one.
How To Remove Safety Eyes From Crochet And Knit Fabric
Crochet and knit fabrics are more delicate than woven fabric. The holes between stitches are larger. Pulling an eye out roughly can stretch the stitches permanently. The same basic method applies, but you need to be more careful.
Work slowly. Insert the seam ripper gently and wiggle it to loosen the washer. Do not force it. If the washer is stuck, use needle-nose pliers to grip the edge of the washer and twist it off. This is often easier than prying with a seam ripper on soft fabric.
After the eye is removed, the hole in the crochet fabric will often close up on its own. You can gently stretch the surrounding stitches to redistribute the yarn. If the hole remains visible, you can weave the yarn closed with a yarn needle.
How To Remove Glued Safety Eyes
Some crafters glue safety eyes in place for extra security. This is common with larger eyes or when making toys for heavy use. Glued eyes are harder to remove because the washer is bonded to the stem and often to the fabric.
Start by trying the seam ripper method. Sometimes the glue breaks loose with enough pressure. If the washer does not budge, apply a small amount of acetone to the back of the eye. Use a cotton swab to apply it directly to the washer and stem. Wait a few minutes for the glue to soften.
Do not soak the fabric in acetone. It can dissolve certain synthetic fibers and damage the surface of the fabric. If the eye is glued to the front of the fabric as well, you may not be able to remove it without leaving a residue. In that case, the eye is likely a single-use item.
How To Fix The Hole After Removing Safety Eyes
Removing a safety eye leaves a small hole in the fabric. This is normal. The hole is the size of the stem, which is usually about 3 to 5 millimeters wide. How you fix it depends on the fabric and your plans for the piece.
If you are reusing the fabric for a new project, you can often hide the hole. Place a new safety eye over the old hole. The new stem will go through the same hole. This is the easiest solution and is common when crafters change eye colors or sizes.
If you are not adding a new eye, you can close the hole with a needle and thread. Use a ladder stitch or a simple whip stitch to pull the edges together. For crochet fabric, weave the yarn tail through the surrounding stitches to pull the hole shut. For fleece or minky fabric, the hole may close on its own because the fabric has some stretch.
How To Reuse Safety Eyes Safely
Before reusing any safety eye, clean it. Wash the eyes in warm soapy water to remove dust, glue residue, and fabric fibers. Rinse them thoroughly and let them dry completely. This is especially important if the eyes came from an old toy that has been handled or played with.
Check for damage every time. Hold the eye up to the light and look for cracks. A cracked eye can break during use, creating sharp plastic pieces. This is a safety hazard, especially for children’s toys.
Test the lock. Push the washer onto the stem and listen for a click. Try to pull the washer off with your fingers. If it comes off easily, the fit is too loose. Do not use that combination of eye and washer.
Some crafters recommend using new washers with reused eyes. The washers are cheap and sold in bulk. A new washer will grip the old stem better than a washer that has already been stretched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you remove safety eyes without damaging the fabric?
Yes, if you pry the washer off from the back instead of pulling the eye from the front. This leaves a small hole where the stem was, but it does not tear or stretch the surrounding fabric.
Are reused safety eyes safe for baby toys?
Only if the eye and washer lock together tightly with no movement. Test the connection by pulling firmly on the eye. If it pops off, replace it with a new one.
What do you do if the safety eye is glued in?
Apply acetone or nail polish remover to the back of the washer to soften the glue. Wait a few minutes, then try prying the washer off with a seam ripper.
Why won’t the washer come off my safety eye?
You may be pulling instead of prying. Slide the seam ripper under the washer and twist it sideways. If that does not work, grip the washer edge with needle-nose pliers and twist.
