Learn How to Add Jointed Limbs to Crochet Toys
Have you ever wanted to add jointed limbs to your crochet amigurumi toys?
It may be easier than you think. If you have crocheted amigurumi toys, then you might be familiar with the product that I use to create moveable (jointed) limbs—safety eyes.
Why Do I Use Safety Eyes for Jointed Limbs?
There are two reasons why I use them. The first reason is because they come in a variety of sizes. The second reason is because they are easy to find. I provided links for three retailers who sell safety eyes for your reference. Please refer to the image of the Safety Eyes below. You will see that there are two parts of the safety eye product. The first part is the black eye. The cylindrical section with ridges that gets inserted is called the shank. What rests on top of the shank is dome shaped. (When it is used as an eye the dome shaped end is on the outside.)The second part is often described as a washer (a circle with a hole in the middle). It acts as the locking mechanism.
Safety Eyes
Safety Eyes for Jointed Limbs—Where to Buy Them
Just click on the name of the retailer to go to their site/product page.
Jointed Limbs — How to Make Them
You can follow my approach and adapt a pattern so that it has jointed limbs that move. This tutorial is for the arm. However, you can apply it for the leg.
Shoulder Casing
Sleeve Pattern
Now, let’s get started creating a jointed limb. First, I would follow the directions up through the second to last round of the arm. Second, I would crochet the “shoulder”. What I mean by a shoulder is a shape that is similar to the shape of shoulder on a sleeve pattern. Please refer to the illustration. The edge with the red line next to it is the shape you are trying to create. The shoulder stitches act as a casing for the eye component used for the joint. This is what gives the arm a finished look. This curved shape at the top is created by working dc into the center stitches and they are flanked by hdc. If your arm had eight single crochet stitches, then you would work the following stitches into the last round.
Slp st in sc, sc in sc, hdc in sc, dc in 3 sc, hdc in sc, sc in sc.
Fasten off the yarn and leave a tail for sewing. Stuff arm with fiberfill. Place the dome shaped end of the eye on the arm with shank facing you as shown in the Shoulder Casing photo. Then stitch the opening closed around the shank of the eye. Weave in yarn ends and trim.
Attach Arm to Body
The shank of the eye goes through the body. Insert into the desired spot. Place the washer (circular eye component) over the shank and press until you feel it lock into place. Repeat with the other arm.
Attach Arm to Body
How You Can Adjust the Last Round of Your Pattern
If you keep in mind that your goal is to create a curved shape, then adjusting a pattern is not difficult. The example I shared with you had eight stitches to be worked in the last round. You can use this as your base pattern for modification. It does not matter if the pattern you are seeking to adjust has more or less stitches than the example. The approach I would recommend would be the same. Determine the easiest way to adapt the last round pattern while keeping the curved shape of the shoulder. Example 1, if the last round had six stitches vs. the eight of the example, then I would decrease the number of double crochets in the center by two. Example 2, if the last round had ten stitches vs. the eight of the example, then I would increase the number of sc worked at the start and at the end.