How to Make a Doll
Click on and down load the patterns you need from the Dollmakers' Workbook (PDF 2MB). Basic patterns are here in this section. There are many more patterns for dolls and clothing in this Dollmakers' Workbook.
Our basic sewing pattern is for a simple felt doll, with no seam allowance ( it does not need to be turned inside out). For a more flexible doll in polar fleece or other fabric, add seam allowances, scissor snip into curves and turn inside out.
For a delightful baby doll with one leg bent and arms in the air, go to http://www.nonidolls.com/dollyhugs.html
We have a range of knitted doll patterns for everyone from the beginner to the expert.
There is one crocheted pattern.
Although there are patterns to follow, you can freely adapt them to your own ideas.
Every doll is unique and beautiful in its own way.
We do encourage you to:
- Make your doll brown, firm, well filled and cuddly, with colourful clothing (or body, for knitted dolls)
- Remember that dolls are for children of all ages
- Dolls with dress-up clothing need at least 3 items of clothing. Shoulder bags, beads, and other decorations are very welcome!
Look closely at the photos of the many wonderful dolls that have been created for tips and techniques as well as creative ideas.
CUTTING OUT
Choose soft brown material for the body. Brown felt is very suitable for students. Stretch fabric and plain cotton are good too. Add seam allowance.
Fold material at the feet to keep both pieces together. Lay-out the pattern, pin on, draw around the pattern, then cut out for body and arms.
Fabric which will fray needs 1cm added all around the pattern for seam allowance. Cut legs separately from the body to give space for seam allowance. Turn this type of fabric inside out after sewing.
SEWING THE BODY
Use very small zigzag stitches to sew around the outside of the felt body, leaving openings for arms (as directed in pattern) wide enough to fill the doll easily. Sew around the arms.
FILLING
Fill the feet first, (use a chop stick to push down the filling), then the legs and sew across the top of the legs so they can move backwards and forwards.
Fill the arms and the head. Carefully shape the head to give it a good form.
The head flops unless reinforced. Roll a scrap of fabric along with the filling to place in the neck. Fill the body so that it is firm, not hard but not too soft.
SEWING IN THE ARMS
Sew the arms into the armholes indicated in the pattern. Check that they are secure then sew up the side body opening.
HAIR
Consider the character you are making. Make the hair interesting. Knit or sew a wig, plaited or textured yarns are good. Finger knitting, French knitting, crochet and fur fabric are all possibilities for hair. Lengths of wool can be stitched onto a strip of fabric which can be attached to the head. Make sure the hair is firmly stitched on and covers the seam at the top of the head.
FACE
Draw the eyes, nose and mouth. Include eyebrows and eye lashes if desired (it is an idea to look at pictures of African faces).
If using felt, it is better to embroider or appliqué the facial features as paint or fabric pens do not sit well on felt fabric.
Face painting works well on smooth, tightly woven fabrics such as cotton or dyed calico.
CLOTHING
Draw some simple clothing shapes onto the paper body- shape pattern, eg shirt, skirt, wrap around dress, pants
Choose bright fabrics – geometric patterns give an African look. You may wish to add pockets, beads, braids, fringes or other decorative details that would delight a child. Cut out the fabrics according to your pattern designs.
Finish with elastic, buttons, ribbons or any other addition necessary. Dressing the doll is a satisfying stage of the creative process.
EXTRAS FOR PLAY
You can make extra items, eg shoulder bag, hat, scarf, turban, baby, belt , pet animal.