How to Make Paper Doll Clothes

For generations, young children everywhere have loved creating and playing with paper dolls. This can be a fun family activity for a rainy afternoon. You can also enjoy yourself artistically while creating a variety of doll clothes for your children's paper dolls.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Crayons
• A vivid imagination
• Markers or colored pencils
• Sturdy white paper
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Place the paper doll on a sheet of clean, white paper. It should be a relatively thick, sturdy piece that can take a little wear.

2. Trace around the body of the doll,where you'd like to make the particular piece of clothing. For example, if you want to make a top, then trace around the doll's neck, arms and torso down to the waist. If you are making pants or a skirt, start at the waist or hips, depending on the look you want, and trace to the knees or ankles.

3. Make rectangular tabs on the top at the shoulders, waist and wrists (or upper arms) to hold the clothing on the doll. For pants or a skirt, make the tabs at the waist or hips, and if possible, around the legs if the pants or skirt are form-fitting.

4. Use your imagination to design your own styles, drawing collars, buttons, bows and slits to create the look you want. Use bright colors.

5. Cut carefully around the edges of the clothes.

6. Try the new doll clothes on your paper doll and see how fabulous he or she looks!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget the tabs when cutting out the clothes.