Today, I’m going to show you how I embroider features on my stuffed animals. It’s a little different than regular embroidery… because you stuff the inside of an animal, there’s no need to worry about tying knots!
There’s a video at the end of this post too – for those who want to see every step in action. 🙂
My technique makes a slip-proof knot and creates a double-thickness of yarn, so your embroidery will stand out!
Step 1: thread the tapestry needle with a length of yarn (about a foot or two). Tie the two ends of the yarn together with a knot, as pictured in (a).
Step 2: pull the needle through to the the front of the work, leaving about an inch between the knot and the back of the work, and then poke the needle from front to back, and through the loop created (between the knot and back of work) by the two pieces of yarn, as shown in (b). Tug, and this anchors your work!
Step 3: to do a stitch, put the needle (from back to front) where you’d like the stitch to go (c), about 1/4 inch (5mm) from where your previous stitch (or knot) is anchored.
Step 4: to finish the stitch, push the needle from front to back, connecting the stitch to your previous work (d). Continue stitching (following steps 3 and 4) according to the desired pattern.
Step 5: to finish, cut your yarn-loop in half, and use the two ends of yarn to tie a knot!
Easy, huh?
See the embroidery that makes this sloth’s mouth? Cute!
Now here’s the video.
Give it a try!
Here are handy links to all the posts about faces and details. . .
- How to Embroider with Yarn
- How to Embroider a Smile on Amigurumi
- How to Attach Felt Pieces to Your Amigurumi
- How to Add Hair to Amigurumi
- How to Make a Pompom Tail
- How to Crochet with Beads
Return to the main table of contents for Let’s Learn to Crochet Amigurumi.
Move on to the lessons about eyes.
Happy stitching!
Great tip! I feel my skill is pretty advanced, but one of the best things about working with textiles is that there’s always something new to learn. This simple technique is definitely going to help me!
Thank you for sharing this technique, as awesome beautifully concise.
Any tips for embroidering an already stuffed piece?
There are only two things that are different about embroidering a stuffed piece. The trickiest part is hiding the knot, which you’ll need to do from the outside, but perhaps pull it to the center with a crochet hook. Second, you’ll want to try to catch as little of the stuffing as possible with your needle. If you poke too vigorously, you can pull stuffing to the outside with your yarn.
Your “Surprise Me” section is my favorite part of the newsletter! It does not matter to me what you share, I always learn something and enjoy reading about it even if I think it is a project I will not make. I have not done any crocheting in a very long time due to arthritis, yet all of these adorable animals are tempting me so much. Now, with your embroidery details ….I do not know which to make first! Thank you for all that you share! I truly enjoy every part of your site! Have a fantastic day!
Thanks so much!