How to Hand Sew Yarn Hair to a Rag Doll

You have completed your rag doll and are now ready to add the hair. Before you begin to hand sew yarn to your rag doll, you first need to determine the type of yarn hairstyle you want. One excellent method calls for making yarn loops first and then sewing them to the rag doll's head. The number and size of the loops and the type of yarn used depend on the size and style of the rag doll you are making. Experiment to find a hairstyle you like for the rag doll.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4-ply worsted weight yarn
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Rag doll
• Straight pins with bead heads

Making the Loops

1. Cut a 6-inch piece of yarn and lay it on your work surface. This will be the tie for the rag doll hair loop.

2. Wrap yarn around four fingers of one hand, circling ten times. Cut the yarn.

3. Slide the loops off your fingers and pinch the middle together. Lay the loops on the 6 inch tie. Knot the tie around the center of the loops. Trim the tie ends even with the loop.

4. Repeat this process to make enough loops to cover the head. To keep track of your progress, pin the loops to the head, sticking pins through the loops and head like a pin cushion.

Sewing the Loops to the Rag Doll

5. Remove the pins and set the loops aside.

6. Thread the tapestry needle with a piece of yarn approximately 36 inches long.

7. Starting at the center top of the head, make a 1/4 inch vertical running stitch in front of the seam. Cut the yarn, leaving a 3-inch tail on each end of the stitch.

8. Place a rag doll hair loop over the stitch. Tie a knot around the loop and trim the tied ends.

9. Continue to sewing loops in front of the seam, ending at the approximate location of the ears. Alternate between vertical and horizontal stitches through out. This will keep the loops from looking lined up. Cover the doll's head with yarn loops.

Tips & Warnings

• For smaller loops, wrap fewer fingers. Experiment with the many novelty yarns on the market for fun looks.