How To Make Rag Dolls

So, you want to learn How To Make Rag Dolls?

Learning how to make rag dolls is actually very easy.  That’s one of the great things about rag dolls – they are meant to be rough and floppy (think Raggedy Ann).  As long as you have a basic step-by-step guide on how to make rag dolls, you can bang them out by the dozens in no time!

Here is one of the simplest examples of a step-by-step process on how to make rag dolls:

1. Get a piece of construction paper (or any other heavier-weight paper).
2. Fold the paper in half, length-wise.
3. Draw half a body along the fold, so that when the paper is opened the two halves will be symmetrical.  The body does not need to be elaborate – a simple gingerbread style with extended arm and leg will suffice.
4. Draw a second outline about one inch farther out on the paper (to allow for the extra material needed to stitch together the front and back of the rag doll).
5. Use scissors to cut out the half-body outline.  Be sure to cut along the outer shape that you added to allow for stitching.
6. Unfold the doll pattern and lay it on a piece of muslin or other lightweight cotton material that will comprise the rag doll’s body.
7. Cut around the pattern; repeat.  You will now have the front and back of the rag doll.
8. Choose the front piece and use fabric paint and buttons to create facial features.  Embroidering features is another option if you know how and want to create a nicer doll.
9. Sew or hand-stitch the front and back together.
10. Leave a 3-inch gap in the crotch to stuff with polyfill to fill out the body.
11. Use a blunt knitting or crochet needle to reach the arms and legs with polyfill stuffing.
12. Stitch up the gap.
13. Add hair by sewing on pre-made doll hair or yarn.