Waldorf Doll Instructions
A Waldorf doll is a doll created by Rudolf Steiner specifically for child development. The concept was to provide all natural fiber material toys to children with soft features that include eyes, nose and a mouth. The doll's neutral, simple facial features allow children to create any kind of mood or play setting for the doll. These soft dolls allow great creativity for children, which aids their development. Creating Waldorf dolls at home takes time and patience, but the result will be unlike any other doll created.
Things You'll Need
- Pins
- Cotton string
- Wool batting
- 5-inch doll making needle
- Floss in eye and lip color
- Flannel for the body and cap
- Matching thread for the skin color and body color
- Skin fabric
- Gauze stockinette
Instructions
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1
Open the package of wool batting and pull off one narrow strip. Roll the narrow piece into a ball. Make it firm. This will be the inside of the doll's head. Tear off a larger piece of batting and cover the ball, bringing the remaining batting down around the bottom to gather. This creates the doll's head and neck and keeps the head from flopping around.
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2
Cut an 18-inch piece of gauze stockinette and twist it in the middle before slipping one end over the other. This will create a closing at one end. Insert the wool head you created into the stockinette. Tie off the open end of the stockinette. Use string to tie where the neck will be below the firm ball. Tie another string halfway up the doll head to create the eye line.
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3
Cut a piece of skin fabric and pin it to the doll's head with the stretch going across. Sew the fabric shut. Use colored floss to sew the eyes and nose on the doll's face. Tie the strings from the floss on the back of the doll's head. This will be covered. Sew on the doll's hair starting in the front and working toward the back of the head.
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4
Sew a cap and body out of the flannel material. Patterns can be found in stores that sell sewing materials or online. Remove the excess flannel and turn right-side out. Position the doll's head inside the cap and sew the cap on. Use pins to tack the head and cap if it makes it easier for you to sew.
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5
Stuff the body cavity with wool batting to make a full, soft doll. Sew all the edges to complete the doll.
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Tips & Warnings
Dolls can be left unstuffed to provide a more floppy baby doll for infants.
