How to Make Rag Dolls for Children

A rag doll is often one of a child’s favorite toys. Children will treasure a well-loved rag doll, sometimes for years. Rag dolls can be made in many different ways, from simple to more elaborate. No two rag dolls are ever exactly alike. This makes a rag doll a personal gift. When creating a rag doll, keep the child’s age in mind. The doll should have no small parts, like buttons or snaps, which could become a choking hazard. Make the rag doll from durable, sturdy material. It is recommended that the doll be washable.

Things You'll Need

• Pattern
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Polyester fiberfill
• Embroidery floss and needle
• Yarn

Instructions

Simple Rag Doll

1. Locate a pattern for making a rag doll. Patterns are available online. It’s also possible to draw a pattern. On sturdy paper, draw an outline with the legs, arms, head and body all in one piece. The rag doll can be any size, 8 inches to 12 inches is a good size for a young child. An older child might like a larger doll.

2. Cut out the outline. This type of doll will have a flatter body. It will be easier and faster to construct than a body with separate limbs.

3. Choose the fabric. Any soft fabric in a solid color will work. Muslin is a traditional choice for a rag doll.

4. Fold the fabric, right sides together, and pin the pattern to it. Cut it out and there will be two body pieces. Sew the pieces together using a sewing machine. Double-seam the rag doll for extra durability. Leave an opening between the legs to allow for stuffing. Clip with scissors around the curves of the doll toward the stitching lines.

5. Turn the body right side out and begin stuffing. Polyester fiberfill goes in through the opening and up into the head area. Stuff the arms and legs. Use the end of a pencil or a chopstick to push stuffing into small areas. Continue stuffing the body until it has the desired thickness.

6. Fold the stuffing opening and pin with straight pins. Stitch the opening closed with a needle and thread.

7. Embroider the face, making the eyes the same color as the child’s who will receive it. Practice on a scrap piece of fabric before embroidering the features on the doll’s face.

8. Make the hair with yarn, again in the same color as the child’s hair. Cut lengths of thick yarn and hand-sew it to the doll’s head. Make a part down the middle with thread. Style the hair into two braids.

9. Find a pattern in the doll’s size to make a simple smock dress for a girl doll or overalls for a boy doll. Another option is to purchase a ready-made outfit from a toy store or online.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the rag doll has no small parts and is safe for a young child.

References

• AllCrafts: Doll Making Patterns and Doll Patterns
• Miss Gioia: Rag Doll Tutorial
• Make Baby Stuff.com: Doll Pattern for Simple Rag Dolls
• Cloth Doll Connection: Cloth Doll Patterns

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish