Things You'll Need
Sewing machine (optional)
Sewing needle
Thread (to match the shade of nylons)
1 pair nylon pantyhose
Scraps of material
Scissors
Popsicle stick
White glue
1 bag of polyester fiberfill
Buttons (optional)
Yarn (optional)
feathers (optional)
ribbon (optional)
bells (optional)
Those old nylon pantyhose might be covered in runs and holes, but don't throw them out yet. Try using them to make adorable nylon stocking dolls. All it takes is an old pair of nylons, a needle and thread and a bit of creativity to turn those unwanted stockings into a doll a child--or craft fanatic--will love.
Head
Step 1
Cut off one foot of the nylon hose about 6 inches from the toe. Stuff with polyester fiberfill.
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Step 2
Apply glue to one end of the Popsicle stick and insert stick into the opening of the nylons.
Step 3
Tie string around the nylon and stick to secure them.
Face
Step 1
Insert the needle and single thread through the top of the head. Bring it back out through the middle of the face to create the nose. Sew a circle around the diameter of the nose area, using small stitches. As you stitch, pull a little of the poly-fill up with your stitches to create a protruding bump for the nose. When satisfied, work the needle back out through the top of the head (where you entered), pulling gently to tighten, then knot and cut the thread.
Step 2
Follow the same procedure when making the eyes as you did when forming the nose. Sew in a circle about the size of a quarter.
Step 3
Form a mouth by inserting the needle and thread through the top of the head and bringing it out at a corner of a mouth. Sew a gathering stitch from one side of the mouth to the other side of the mouth. Work the needle back out through the crown of the head, pull to tighten, knot and then cut.
Step 4
Experiment with different facial expressions to convey an angry, serious, or sad face.
Body
Step 1
Cut two 5x7-inch rectangles from the scrap fabric. Pin them together and sew a 1/2-inch seam along the edges, leaving a 2-inch opening in one of the 5-inch sides to insert the head.
Step 2
Turn the rectangle inside out and stuff with polyester fiberfill to preference.
Step 3
Apply glue to the other end of the Popsicle stick, which is protruding from the head you just made. Insert head into the 2-inch hole you left on the rectangle.
Step 4
Pull any remaining pantyhose from the head over the body and stitch to the fabric of the body.
Arms and Legs
Step 1
Cut a 6-7 inch piece from the leg of the nylons, then cut in half lengthwise.
Step 2
Stitch the side and top of each piece. Sew the top in a curve to resemble the hand You can then use a few stitches to separate the hand into fingers.
Step 3
Turn the two arm pieces inside out and stuff with polyester fiberfill.
Step 4
Attach the arms to the body with straight pins; tuck in loose ends and fiberfill.
Step 5
Sew around the shoulders with tiny stitches to secure the arms to the doll's body.
Step 6
Make the legs in the same way as the arms, except that you will use a longer section of pantyhose (about 9 to 10 inches) and shorter stitches to create the toes. Attach to bottom of nylon doll.
Clothing
Step 1
Measure the doll to make clothing. It might be easier just to trace the outline of your doll.
Step 2
Make a pattern, following the measurements from the previous steps. Allow for a 1/2-inch seam on all sides.
Step 3
Trace pattern onto material of your choice and cut. You might try pants, shirts, dresses, hats or even shoes for your doll.
Step 4
Sew clothing inside out, then turn right-side out to dress your doll. You might need to sew some parts of the clothing after you dress your doll to allow for a better fit.
Step 5
Customize by gluing buttons, yarn, feathers or other fun accessories to your doll.
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