The Easiest Way to Make a Yarn Doll

Create a simple doll from yarn.

Yarn is used for many kid's craft projects. One of the most endearing projects for small kids is a yarn doll. The textures and the colors appeal to children. The dolls are soft to cuddle and can be made in the child's favorite color. This craft project is simple enough to allow young children to be involved. The doll can be completed in less than a half hour.

Things You'll Need

• Ball of yarn
• Book
• Scissors
• 4 12-inch pieces of yarn

Instructions

1. Wrap continuous loops of yarn around a sturdy book. The height of the book will determine the height of your finished doll. Wrap yarn abound the book about 50 times.

2. Grasp the strands of yarn at the top of the book with your fingers. Slide the yarn off the book and continue to hold the loops together at the top.

3. Wrap a cut strand of yard around the looped yarn about an inch from the top. This will be the neck. Wrap the strand of yard around the neck several times and then tie it tightly with a double square knot.

4. Divide the yarn below the neck into four equal bunches. Grasp one bunch which will become an arm and cut the yarn to a proper length. Braid the yarn and tie a single piece of yarn securely for a wrist.

5. Combine the next two bunches of yarn together. Wrap a single strand several times around the bunch of yarn where the waist should be formed. Tie it securely in a double square knot.

6. Grasp the remaining bunch of yarn for the second arm. Cut it to the same length as the first arm. Braid it and tie a single piece of yarn to form a wrist. Tie a double square knot.

7. Cut the bottom loops of the yarn. This will make the yarn flair out and look like a skirt. To form pants, divide the skirt into two equal bunches. Braid one bunch of yarn to form a leg and tie a strand of yarn at the ankle. Repeat with the second bunch.

Tips & Warnings

• Google eyes can be glued to the face or buttons can be sewn to the yarn to create features. This suggestion is not recommended for younger children because it can be a choking hazard. For very young kids, draw a face on a piece of paper and glue it to the head of the doll.

References

• Susan Kramer; Yarn Dolls; Susan Kramer; December 2010
• Little House Living; Living Like Little House in the Big Woods -- Homemade Dolls; January 2011
• Kid Activities; How to Make Yarn Dolls; Barbara Shelby; July 2010