It’s high time for a tutorial here so I’ll teach you one of the things I know best – dolls! This tutorial is for the style of doll you see above in a small size (9 – 10 inches). You can scale things up for a larger doll or just make a little one. They are great as a first doll for a younger child because there are no small bits as choking hazards. Please use this tutorial and pattern for personal use only š
Today we make the head. I have a lot of pictures for beginners who want to have a go.
Materials list for head –
Finger bandage (or other bandage you can sew to size) approx 4 inches long x 1 & 3/4 inch wide
Approx 8 x 8 inch piece of cotton tricot
Clean, carded wool
Strong tying thread
Basic sewing kit and machine.
Your piece of bandage should fit comfortably over your index finger (to give an idea of width). Run a gathering stitch around one end with needle and thread, gather up tightly and knot.
Turn right side out (RSO)
Stuff very firmly until the head measures about 4 inches from the top and tie into a knot to prevent the stuffing from slipping back down.
Now tie about 3/4 of the way down with some of your strong cotton or linen thread. I find it easiest to tie Ā doubly around to get it super tight. You may find it easier to get someone else to hold the knot initially.
Lay the head with knotted ties to the back on your piece of tricot doubled over. Trace a rough outline around the shape of the head, allowing a bit of extra room. Use a disappearing or water soluble pen for best results.
Place a couple of pins to hold the layers together. Don’t cut this out! With your sewing machine set to a small stitch, using matching thread and with a ballpoint needle (important!) sew on the line you have drawn. Don’t sew up the bottom as you’ll need to fit this over the inner head. Cut out close to the stitches and turn RSO.
That sounds great Michelle, let me know how you get on and if you need any help š
Thank you. I am really looking forward to making my doll. I am actually jumping in feet first and going for making the first of 3 wise men for a Christmas stand (I hope) I needed to source ideas for face and hair. Your tutorials have been very enlightening. (from a fellow Aussie too!)
Great instructions! Very clear…and helpful with all the pictures. Seeing the photos makes it seem like you're right there guiding us in making a doll.
Thanks for pointing that out Amber – the doll is roughly 9 – 10 inches.
Curious….what size is the doll? 12inch? Thank you for taking the time to do this. I have made a 16 inch waldorf doll and have forgotten what size cloth to use for the head or how to reduce it.
Oh, I recognise that little spotty dolly! She has become a constant companion – and is indeed a perfect first dolly! Great tute!
xxx
thanks for doing a tute, I wont have a chance to make one of these for awhile, but your instructions look clear and I appreciate your effort