How To Make A Simple Country Doll Body-Doll Bodies Everywhere!

           I've been busy hand sewing doll bodies.  This is what they look

like before they are stuffed with wool..................

This is what they look like after the pieces have been stuffed

 and sewn together, I still have a long way to go before they are done.

How To Make A Simple Country Doll Body

I thought I would show the process I go through to make a simple doll body.  I start with a cotton utility cloth.  It's not as heavy as canvas but,

it's heavier than muslin, I think it makes a sturdy body.  HOWEVER, you can use any fabric you want, the pioneer doll was made from whatever was available!

Lay 2 pieces of fabric together with the right sides together.

For this doll I simply drew the body parts on the fabric with a water erasable pen.  Don't worry too much about getting the proportions exactly right.  Remember, the pioneer lady would not have had a pattern to go by.  The real charm of the pioneer doll was its simplicity and uniqueness!

Looks like she's going to have a big head and short body!

Sew the parts together.

I hand sew, (doubled thread for strength) using a simple

back stitch.  But, you can use the machine.  Sew

a double seam at the neck for added strength.

Leave open for stuffing:

top of arms

top of legs

bottom of the body

opening for arms on side of body

Cut the sewn pieces out about 1/4 in from the seam.

Turn the pieces inside out.  I use a pair of tweezers

to help reach inside while turning.

I usually tea stain at this step in the process.

Stuff the pieces with whatever you want, I use wool roving but

any stuffing will do. Remember the pioneer didn't have high quality polyester stuffing, they made do with whatever was available. Bits of fabric, sawdust, bran, cotton and wool are among some of the stuffing the pioneers used.

Helpful hints for stuffing:

Lightly spray parts with water. The fabric stretches

easier and you can pack the stuffing firmer.

Use knitting needles, chop sticks, or wooden dowels to

help pack down the stuffing.  Make do with what you have

in your kitchen, sewing box, or hubby's tool shed!

Stuff the head, arms and legs, then attach to the body with a

 heavy button hole or carpet thread.

Use a heavy needle, and be careful not

to stick yourself!!!

I leave a place between the legs open to finish stuffing

 the body.

Sew the opening between the legs closed.

A simple Make Do country doll body ready

for a face, hair, and a simple country

dress!

How easy was that!!!!