How to Make a Cloth Doll

Classic cloth dolls are equally suited for children's toys, a crafter's hobby or a collector's minor obsession. Their variety is fascinating, as they are fashioned the world over from unique materials and creative designs. Cloth dolls also vary in size and style, from miniature fairy dolls to life-size sofa-sitters. Here's how to make a cloth doll.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Pattern
• Fabric
• Thread
• Filling
• Yarn/ doll hair
• Buttons/ doll eyes

1. Choose a cloth doll pattern. By one from a craft store or online store or download one for free online. Check out the Cloth Doll Connection for a selection of patterns and sources.

2. Cut out the fabric pieces for the doll's body, head and limbs according to the pattern. Use flesh, tan or peach colored broadcloth, percale or tight-weave cotton material.

3. Sew all darts. The cloth doll body usually has several.

4. Sew body pieces together, wrong side out, leaving openings for the head and limbs. Turn right side out, stuff, and set aside.

5. Embroider doll's face. Draw on the face and embroider over the sketch, using colored embroidery thread. Or, sew on button eyes and draw lips and nose.

6. Sew limbs and head as indicated by the pattern, turn and stuff. Sew openings shut to make a cloth doll.

7. Attach head and limbs to the cloth doll body. Some patterns allow for movement of the limbs while others make the legs stationary.

8. Attach doll's hair or fashion yarn into a wig as indicated. Use a pink wax crayon to add color to the cloth doll's cheeks.

9. Dress the cloth doll. Make a simple dress from cotton prints-most cloth doll patterns include clothing instructions.

Resources

• Free cloth doll patterns and tips at Cloth Doll Connection.
• Large selection of cloth doll patterns for sale at Cloth Doll Patterns.
• Fiberfill doll filling from Airtex.