Easy Multicultural Dolls to Make

As all societies become more racially and culturally diverse, children are increasingly intrigued by meeting people who look very different from themselves. Making simple multicultural dolls gives them a positive experience of differences, enhances their learning about different cultures and provides parents with good ways to talk with children about differences and similarities among people. A simple doll pattern, easy sewing skills and fabric scraps can provide families with toys that teach diversity.

Making dolls

Make an easy pattern by tracing a large gingerbread-boy cutter or silhouette on a piece of brown craft paper. For each doll, you will cut two identical pieces of fabric, machine or hand stitch them together and fill them with a small amount of stuffing. You can buy bulk polyester stuffing at sewing and craft stores, or cut up nylon hose make a recycled filling at no cost. You can add yarn loops for hair. Cut felt or other fabric scraps and glue them on for facial features. (For very young children, sew facial features on your dolls rather than gluing them.)

Making dolls multiracial

Choose washable fabrics that approximate a wide variety of skin tones. Half-yards of felt, cotton broadcloth or cotton/poly blends provide enough material for at least one doll. Avoid simplistic colors for racial differences; black fabrics are not really suited to black dolls, nor do white fabrics genuinely represent white skin. Shades of brown, tan and fleshy pinks provide the diversity you will need to make dolls that represent human diversity.

Making dolls multicultural

Consult photographs or library books that portray real people from a variety of cultures. This will enable you to avoid some of the stereotypes that plague cultural sensitivity. Not all dark-skinned people have black or brown eyes. Mouths are seldom red without lipstick. For realistic multicultural dolls, explore the wide range of colors available in embroidery floss when creating facial features.

Dressing multicultural dolls

Rely on simple scraps of fabric to clothe your dolls. Identify the strongest characteristics of clothing from other cultures rather than aiming for complex realism. In an Indian sari, for example, you'll notice bright color, translucence and the strong diagonal band of the garment as it drapes over the shoulder. The texture and shape of a burlap scrap may be all you need to convey the look of a Latin American poncho. A string of small gold beads and a small piece of kente cloth suggest African apparel. Trim plain fabric with a sash from the ribbon counter.

Making multicultural dolls fun

Involve your children as soon as they are able to help in the creation of dolls. A large-eye needle threaded with yarn lets even young children add hair. Stuffing dolls and cutting simple clothes enrich their skills and creativity while expanding their knowledge of other cultures. As they outgrow your simple pattern, they will be ready to participate in making more complex dolls and learning even more about diversity.

References

• An easy pattern to enlarge