My children often come to me with ideas for projects. Half the time, I simply help them get the materials together so they can get it done themselves, but there are times when they really have no clue how to go about it so they ask me for help. Sometimes, we run to Google and YouTube for tutorials but I specifically enjoy the times when we just figure it out together.
Last week, Emma remembered about the tiny handsewn La Pomme soft doll I made for her when she was two years old. She seemed to have misplaced it and wished she could have a new one. So I suggested that we make a new rag doll. Of course she was thrilled by the idea so she immediately gathered the materials we needed. It’s a rag doll so the idea is to make use of scrap materials — things you can easily find around the house.
Emma decided how she wanted the doll to look like and what fabric scraps to use, while I helped her to construct and sew it together.
Materials needed are fabric scraps (old clothes will also do!), sewing kit, yarn or synthetic cotton stuffing, beads or buttons, ribbon
Here’s how we made it:
1.Cut rag doll patterns (Make two!) in the size you like. The one we made is 6-inch small. Make sure the patterns have seam allowance.
2. Sew them together on the edges but leave a two inch section open, ideally on the side of the torso where it can be hidden under clothes later on.
3. Once done sewing, turn it inside out through the opening. This is the trickiest part but once you’re past this, it gets more run!
4. Stuff it with cut up pieces of fluffy yarn, as much as it takes to make it puffy and a little taut. Once stuffed, sew the opening shut.
5. Work on the head and facial features. Attach felt or fabric for hair, beads or buttons for eyes and sew on a small mouth.
6. Lastly, make the clothes! This is the fun part because we get to style the doll. You can absolutely create any type of clothes you want with the fabric and materials available to you. Emma wanted a summer dress out of an old blue bandana. Later on, she colored part of her hair because she decided she wanted to give her highlights.
The instant Jo caught sight of Emma’s new rag doll, she asked for help to make her own. So we made a second doll with long braids and a tutu dress. The days that followed were filled with stories and adventures with these cute little rag dolls.
Do you have old clothes or fabric lying around? Try making pocket rag dolls with your kids! If not dolls, you can also make tiny raggedy pets or stuffed food toys. So many cute and cuddly possibilities! Happy crafting!
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