Adding eyes on a quilt
 

I am nearly finished with a dinosaur quilt for my granddaughter, but it looks "unfinished". I would like to add eyes to each one. I ordered some embroidered eye patches, but they are too big, and look more human than reptile. I ordered some glass cabuchons, which fit my idea much better, but I have questions
I really have no idea how to attach them (they didn't come with directions or instructions). I did a google search, but it didn't seem very helpful ; most of the AI suggestions say to stitch around the eyes. I don't think I can attach them prior to quilting, because the needle wouldn't go through the glass, and that would cause them to break . I am not sure if they could be attached after quilting, because of the uneven fabric. I don't have any idea even what kind of glue to use.
Does anyone have any information to share?

Draw them on the fabric with a Pigma Micron 05 pen.

Thanks for the suggestion. I did try that on some scraps, but most of the dinosaurs are dark, and the pigma pens don't show up at all.

The eyes on this one I did were all cut and appliquéd, maybe something similar might work?
https://www.quiltingboard.com/showth...16#post8695916

If you think the quilt might ever be machine-washed, I wouldn't use cabochons. They could get damaged or fracture in the washer or dryer.

What about fabric paint? I think some are heat-set (cloth over the dried paint then pressed with an iron).

Exactly what I was going to suggest ... and better still, @thimblebug6000 ... you had a photo to show the multi-layer/colour possibility! :)

Hand embroider the eyes?
they would not come off or break..

Just make sure the thread ends are tightly secured.

I would suggest the embroidery or applique method but lean toward the embroidery. If this is for a baby or toddler, no buttons or sewn on additions to quilts, potential swallowing danger or in ears or up nose. ( I am hearing my 15 month old daughter saying "eye, eye" and tapping her nose. Yes indeed she did have a little googly eye in her nose that had come off a homemade toy.) It the quilt is for an older child, well make a choice but you do have several other choices available that would not hold potential harm to the young'en who will be receiving the quilt.

This is about the only time I would use Heat n Bond Ultra Hold for applique. It does not need to be stitched down and is advertised to stay attached even thru multiple washings.

I googled "buttons that look like animal eyes" and came up with a bunch of options including items to be sewn in after the quilting is done. As WMUteach said, not an option if this is for a very small child who doesn't realize that biting on a button is dangerous.