How to Craft a Simple Life Size Doll
A life size doll doesn't have to be challenging. All dolls have the same basic parts and construction. The key to constructing a life size doll is the size of the pattern you will use. The most common life size doll is the baby doll but any size of doll can be custom designed and made. Creating your own life size baby doll provides the opportunity for you to custom design his or her facial and hair features to your desires.
Things You'll Need
- Life size doll pattern
- Scissors
- Stretch cloth
- Cotton cloth
- Thin cloth
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Polyester fiberfill
- Cotton batting
- Thin yarn
- Hand needle
- Thread
- Acrylic paint
Instructions
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Prepare the pattern
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1
Enlarge the doll pattern according to the packaging instructions. Usually this will require you to double the pattern. Use a photocopier and choose to copy at 200%. If your copier is not able to print the pattern piece on a single sheet, position the piece in a way that copies the top half on one sheet. Then reposition the pattern piece to copy the lower half on another sheet.
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2
Mark the pattern pieces in sets. For example, "Arm part A," "Arm part B." Cut the enlarged pieces out and tape them together.
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3
Pin and trace each pattern piece to the cotton cloth and the lining.
Make the body parts
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4
Sew up the lining head pieces. Turn the pieces inside out. Firmly stuff the head with polyester fiberfill. Apply a piece of cotton to the face for the nose, secure with a hand stitch. Stitch the cotton cloth for the head. Turn inside out. Insert the lining head. Place a piece of stretch cloth over the face. This is the skin. Pull the cloth back and up to the top of the head. Secure the cloth on top of the head with a hand stitch. This area will be covered in hair. Paint the face with acrylic paint.
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5
Stitch the ear fabric pieces and turn inside out. Stuff lightly with the fiberfill. Hand stitch to the side of the head.
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6
Place a layer of stretch cloth on top of the lining cloth for each body, arm and leg pattern piece. Lay the pattern pieces with the stretch cloth touching each other and stitch with the machine. Clip curves and turn inside out. Stuff all parts with fiberfill except the fingers. Insert cotton batting into the fingers.
Compose the Doll
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7
Sew the leg and arm openings closed.
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8
Hand stitch each leg to the hip area and each arm to the shoulder area. The exact placement will be indicated on your pattern.
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9
Attach the head to the body. Hand stitch in place with strong thread.
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10
Apply yarn for the hair. Cut the yarn double the length you want the doll hair to be. Hand stitch the yarn to the head. Continue adding strands until the thickness you desire is achieved.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Experiment with facial expressions before painting your doll's face
Do not over-stuff the fingers. The seams will bust easily.
