How to Make Rag Dolls

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Rag dolls are old-time favorites of children. They’re super easy to make from spare pieces of fabric or unwanted older fabric that would otherwise be thrown out. You can make them as simple or as complex as you like. You can even adjust certain details to be safe for the youngest babies. Whether you decide to make a “no-sew” doll or something more traditional, you’ll make something unique and from the heart.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Classic Rag Doll

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  1. Choose a human or an animal. Start with the fabric color. Any plain fabric will do, but you might want to choose something approximately skin-colored. Decide on the color of the hair and eyes. If you’re making an animal, you should also decide on whisker color.
    • Traditionally, rag dolls were made from scraps of fabric (rags). Try to find enough fabric to recycle from a pillowcase, an old shirt, or clothes that don't fit.
  2. To make things easier, download free templates from websites like AllFreeSewing.com, Pinterest, or AllCrafts.net. Then, trace the outline onto the fabric. Add some extra width (half an inch to 5/8") all around the outside of your outline for a seam allowance.
    • Use tailor's chalk or washable pencil to mark the fabric if you don't want leftover marks showing through.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Place the right sides of the fabric together. Cut out the pattern on the outermost line. Make sure you’re cutting both pieces of fabric at the same time.
    • This is step will be easier if you keep the template on the fabric.
  4. Pin the fabric. Stitch around most of the outline. Leave an opening for the stuffing.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Position your scissors between the doll’s legs. Cut triangular notches in the seam allowance. Be careful to not cut into the seam itself.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Do this by working the fabric through the opening. Use the eraser side of a pencil for smaller widths on the doll’s body.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Feel free to use whatever kind of stuffing you want. Buy polyester fiberfill at any craft store. For a more natural approach, use cotton balls. If you really want to go green, use yarn or fabric scraps left over from your old projects.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Stitch it closed. You may do this by hand or with a sewing machine.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Use your marker or chalk to mark the point where the arms and legs meet the doll’s body. Stitch into these marks at all four points. Draw your needle through to the other side. When you’re finished, there should be a small dip between the body and the limbs.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Sew on buttons for the eyes and nose. If you’re making the doll for a baby or young toddler, use embroidery floss to prevent a choking hazard. Use red yarn or embroidery floss for the mouth.
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Use yarn or string for this step. Choose black, brown, yellow, or red for natural hair colors. If you want to make a punk rocker doll, go for pink, purple, or other funky hair color. To complete the hairstyle:
    • Decide how long you want the doll’s hair to be. Cut the yarn to twice that length.
    • Place the middle of the yarn at the center of the head. Pin it in place.
    • Sew the middle of the hair to the head. This should form a part in the center of the hair.
    • Glue or sew the rest of the hair to about where the ears would be.
    • Glue or sew additional hair to the back of the doll’s head, if desired.
    • For long-haired dolls, braid or tie the sides of the hair into pigtails.
  12. Create doll clothes . Download free templates from crafting websites or design your own template by sketching the outlines on newspaper. Trace the template on your choice of fabric. Cut out the design, and stitch everything together. [1]
    • You can also make an easy no-sew outfit for your doll using fabric glue.
  13. Give the doll to a child in your life. Add it to the décor of your living room or kitchen. Depending on the doll’s color scheme and clothing, you can also use it as part of our holiday decorating.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

No-Sew Rag Doll

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  1. Choose whether you want your doll to wear pants or a dress/skirt. Decide on the skin color. You could opt for realistic flesh tones, other solid colors, or patterns.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Use a ruler to measure two inches of length on an old piece of cloth. Mark the two-inch mark across the cloth with washable marker or tailor’s chalk.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Cut on the line you just created. Divide the cloth into 13 to 18 equal parts. You can do this with the marker or tailor’s chalk. Cut the cloth into strips.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Roll two strips into a ball. Take two more strips, and fold them over the ball. Tie the strips right below the ball with a ribbon or rubber band.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Lay two to three fabric strips over the doll’s head. Position the strips lengthwise running down the body. Make sure the head is in the center of this layer.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Tie the long strip with a ribbon or rubber band directly below the head. Fold the top half of the strip down so that the head is visible again.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Repeat Steps 5 and 6. This will give both sides a complete appearance of clothing.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Take two more strips. Lay one on top of the other. Fold each of the ends into the center. Twist the strips to thin them out a bit. Tuck them into the doll’s body below the rubber band marking the head.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Tie off the area right below the arms. Use a rubber band or ribbon to do this. Securing the arms will also form the chest and the waist.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Gather the area below the waist into two equal parts. Twist each side once to make them thinner. Tie the bottom of each side to give the appearance of legs, ankles, and feet.
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Make Rag Dolls
    Cut out small circles of blue, brown, or green fabric to make the eyes. Use a small piece of red yarn to make the mouth. Glue these to the face.
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Doll Sewing Template


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What type of yarn should I use for the hair?
    Erin Toews
    Crochet Expert
    Erin Toews is a Crochet Expert based in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is the owner and creator of Juniper and Oakes, an online Crochet marketplace and learner’s resource website. Juniper and Oakes offers e-courses, tutorials on stitch types, and other educational resources. Erin is a crochet pattern designer, offering patterns for baby blankets, wall hangings, pillows, baskets, and other charming gifts. Erin designs pieces that bring comfort and invite conversation. It’s her desire that her crochet patterns add to the personality and peace in people’s home. She hosts crochet-alongs with her crochet community where the adventurous crocheter can learn new stitches and techniques. Juniper and Oakes represents Erin’s multi-faceted approach to the world of crochet.
    Erin Toews
    Crochet Expert
    Expert Answer
    First, think about the doll or your project’s purpose and how the doll will be used and cared for. Start by checking the yarn labels carefully since this will give you important information about washing instructions, durability, and fiber content. For example, some yarns are handwashed only, while others can survive the washing machine and even the dryer. If your doll is a gift for a child or busy parent, it’s a good idea to pick something that's machine-washable, like an acrylic or cotton blend, to make cleaning easy.
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  • Question
    What can I use for hair?
    Community Answer
    You can use yarn or string. Just cut it the length that you want and hot glue it onto your doll.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    What can I use instead of cotton?
    Community Answer
    You could use poly-fill from any arts and crafts or sewing store will make a better filling and stay fluffier longer.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • One way to get your doll the same shape on both sides is to trace the outline on paper, fold this pattern in half down the middle, and cut it while it is folded in half.
        Thanks
        Helpful 45 Not Helpful 16
      • This doll is your own, so have fun with it. If you want crazy colors or crazy hair, make your doll that way.
        Thanks
        Helpful 42 Not Helpful 18

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Cut a simple square or oval shape out of card stock (or another thick piece of paper) and place it inside the foot of the doll through the fabric opening. This helps your doll's foot and sole look more realistic.
      • Trace the outline of a doll you already have to create a similarly sized rag doll. This way, you can play with the dolls together. As another tip, put wire or pipe cleaners inside the rag doll so it is flexible.
      • If you’re not sure how long you want the doll’s hair to be, just start with the longest length possible. You can always change your mind later, or even have a bit of fun styling it in different ways!
      • Use small sewing needles to make tidier stitches.
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      Warnings

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      Things You’ll Need

      • Cloth scraps
      • Yarn
      • Buttons or embroidery floss
      • Tailor’s chalk or washable marker
      • Scissors
      • Straight pins
      • Cotton, polyester, or scrap yarn for stuffing
      • Sewing needle
      • Thread
      • Ruler
      • Ribbon or rubber band
      • Fabric glue

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/03/traditional-rag-doll-diy.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a traditional rag doll, start by cutting out 2 patterns from your chosen fabric and pinning 1 pattern on top of the other wrong-side out. Then, stitch around the outline, but make sure to leave a small space for the stuffing. Next, turn the doll inside out by pulling the fabric through the opening, then put in the stuffing and sew the stitches for the arm and leg joints. Afterwards, use string, yarn, and buttons to make the hair and facial features, and sew them onto your doll. To learn more, including how to make a no-sew rag doll, scroll down.

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Letitia Kilgrow

        Mar 28, 2016

        "The whole thing was nice. You can make a doll as simple as a 1-piece shape to a multi-piece pattern. Just the ..." more
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