How to Make African Yarn Dolls

Turn that scrap yarn into African yarn dolls.

African yarn dolls are simple dolls that little girls like to play with. Use scrap yarn to make these dolls. Each doll takes only a few yards to make. The original African yarn dolls would not only give young girls a precious toy to play with, but would also teach her the art form of weaving. You can do this as a rainy day project at home or as a school project when discussing Africa.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Heavy cardboard
• Scissors
• 1 skein of yarn

Instructions

1. Measure and mark the piece of cardboard to make a 5-inch by 8-inch rectangle. Cut this out.

2. Wrap the yarn around the 8-inch side of the cardboard thirty times to make the body of the doll. Cut the end of the yarn.

3. Cut a 4-inch piece of yarn. Insert the piece of yarn underneath all the wrapped yarn at the top of the card. Tie the yarn tightly in a double knot to hold all the threads together. Trim the excess thread from the knot.

4. Use the scissors to cut through all the yarn at the bottom of the card exactly opposite the knot you just made.

5. Smooth out the yarn from the top knot all the way down to the bottom to make sure all the yarn is as straight as possible.

6. Cut another piece of yarn measuring 5 inches. Use this to tie a double knot 1 1/2 inches down from the top knot to form the head of the doll. Tie this as tightly as possible to give the impression of a rounded head.

7. Split the body in half from front to back. Set aside.

8. Wrap some yarn around the 5-inch side of the cardboard ten times for the arms. Trim the end of the yarn. Slide the loops of yarn off the cardboard.

9. Lay the arms in between the halves of the body. Tie another tight double knot with a length of yarn to form the torso of the doll.

10. Knot pieces of thread at the end of each arm to form wrists, and secure the threads in place.

11. Divide the lower portion of the doll in half, from side to side, to form legs for the doll. Tie double knots in the middle of each leg for the knees and at the bottom to form ankles. Trim all excess threads from the knots.

Tips & Warnings

• Use whatever colors you like for your yarn dolls. You can even use more than one color. Make the body one color, the arms another and the knots a third color.

• The key to these dolls is the knots. It is imperative that you tie the knots as tightly as possible.

• You could use a 1-inch Styrofoam ball to form the head if you desire.

References

• Historical Folk Toys: Yarn Doll

Resources

• Free Kids Crafts: Yarn Doll