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If your crochet animals feel like they’re missing something, it might just be the little details. Learning how to embroider nostrils on Amigurumi can make a big difference in the overall look of your crochet toy. Simple touches like crochet animal nostrils help define the face and really bring out those adorable features.
This technique is also great for embroidering eyebrows or other finishing details on your toy. But don’t worry if you’ve never done it before – I’ve got you covered with a simple guide and a step-by-step video tutorial you can follow along with.
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How to Embroider Nostrils on Amigurumi – Step by Step
When you’re adding nostrils, where you place them really makes a difference to the expression. It’s worth taking a minute to play around with the positioning firs. Try using pins with large heads to test things out before you make a final decision. Moving them slightly higher, lower or even a bit further apart can totally change the look and personality of your Amigurumi toy.
Like the triceratops featured in this video? Then make sure to check out my crochet triceratops free pattern.
Tools & Materials
- long strand of yarn or embroidery thread – about 50cm / 20 inches
- a yarn needle/tapestry needle
- a pair of scissors
- pins with large heads
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Step by Step Guide
You can also follow the below written guide or refer to it later.
Step 1: Start by using pins with large heads to mark where you want the nostrils to go. I like to place one pin at each corner of both nostrils to map out the shape. You can follow your pattern, or just position them where they look best to you. (Pic 1)
Step 2: Thread a yarn needle with about 50 cm (20 inches) of yarn or embroidery thread.
Step 3 – Embroider the first nostril:
- Insert your needle from underneath the snout and bring it up at one corner of the nostril. Pull the yarn through but leave a longer tail on the underside. (Pic 2)
- Insert the needle into the opposite corner of the nostril and bring it up at the other corner. Pull the yarn through. (Pic 3)
- Finally, take the needle down into the remaining corner to complete the nostril and bring your needle across to start the second nostril. (Pic 4 & 5)
Step 4 – Embroider the second nostril:
- While finishing the first nostril, bring your needle up through one corner of the second nostril and pull the yarn through (Pic 5)
- Insert the needle into the opposite corner of the nostril and bring it up at the other corner. Pull the yarn through.
- Finally, insert the needle into the opposite corner and bring it back out through the same stitch on the underside of the snout where your starting tail is.
Step 5: Tie a double knot with both yarn tails to secure the embroidery. Then gently pull the yarn so the knot slips inside the head and becomes hidden in the stuffing. Finally, trim the ends. (Pic 6)
And that’s it! You now have neat embroidered nostrils that add a lot of character to your Amigurumi toy – and you can use the exact same technique for things like eyebrows as well. I hope you enjoyed following along and found this Amigurumi tutorial helpful.
Explore More of My Amigurumi Tutorials
Discover my Amigurumi basics video tutorials, perfect if you want to learn new skills and techniques. Whether you need help with a particular pattern or just looking for helpful tips and tricks, these tutorials are just the thing for you!
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Find the Perfect Crochet Pattern!
Create beautiful crochet toys with my collection of free Amigurumi patterns. From easy patterns for beginners to more advanced designs, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Here are just a few patterns you may love. Why don’t you give them a try?!
LOW-SEW crochet cat free pattern
Free crochet bunny lovey pattern
Happy crocheting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Why don’t you search for the answer in the FAQ below.
Yes, absolutely. My crochet animal patterns work great with a variety of different yarns including worsted weight yarn. Your crochet toy will just be a bit bigger than specified.
However, I wouldn’t use worsted weight yarn for making my loveys as they could feel a bit bulky. I prefer using thinner yarn such as Sport yarn #2 of Light worsted yarn #3 for a nice cuddly feel.
Having said that, my lovey patterns will absolutely work with worsted weight yarn if that’s the type of yarn you prefer using. But bear in mind that your loveys will be a bit bigger than specified in this pattern.
To find out more about the best yarn for making crochet toys have a read of my Best Yarn for Amigurumi Crochet tutorial.
I am very happy to help and provide support with any of my patterns. Visit my Contact page for different options on how to get in touch with me.
I would be very grateful if you could link to my patterns and tutorials on social media. But sharing of my actual written patterns on social media is strictly prohibited. For more details, have a read of my Copyright Policy.
You may sell finished items that you made using my Amigurumi patterns, provided you credit me as the original designer and provide a link back to my blog.
My free patterns are only available online on my blog and are not printable. If you would like to download a PDF version of my patterns then you can purchase them for a small fee from my Etsy store or Ravelry store.
