How To Create A Rag Doll That Is Sturdy Enough To Last

Up Close and Personal

Personalize it! In today's culture that seems to be the door to happiness. As it comes to making rag dolls personalizing them is the greatest fun. These flexible soft, cuddly, machine washable dolls will be the envy of the town. Don't be surprised if you have neighborhood moms asking you to make a individualized fabric doll for their child, they're that adorable. After making a rag doll or 2 it becomes easier and less tedious. But the benefits are always worthwhile.

With all the love and escapades these dolls will be experiencing it is important to make sure that the seams are exceptionally strong. Use a 3/8" seam allowance when stitching a pattern for an eighteen inches doll. Measure from the tip of the needle to the side of your presser foot to be sure it is exactly 3/8" wide. If you can not adjust your machine's needle position, re-measure the seam allowance from the side of the presser foot and put blue painters tape on your sewing machine to provide a precise guide to follow. For dolls under twelve inches the standard seam allowance of ¼" are better for the petite personal curves and there is not as much bulk. You will want to set your stitch length to no greater than one and a half inch in length. By using the smaller stitches it is found to be easier to make sturdy flat, curved seams. For added resilience and stay to your seams go back and zig-zag the edges for reinforcement.

Before starting your dolls construction, cut out and press all cloth pieces flat. Always read all the directions clear through in the doll patterns you are going to sew. It will prevent surprises and you never know what helpful information you will find. No matter how slight the curves are, clip and notch them ahead of time. Reinforce stress point areas such as neck edges, arms, and leg attachment areas by stitching a second time one-eighth inch away from the first set of stitches. By using a sculpting needle, depress a place for the eyes. Use quilting thread for extra strength as you come in from the back of the head to pull the eye area in.

Even though cloth dolls are soft, cuddly, and fun to snuggle with, we need to pay extra attention to the neck area. We want a rag doll that "can hold her own" not need to rely on someone or something else to support her head. By using a three-eighths inch dowel rod that extends above and below the actual neck length, you can wrap it with stuffing and place in the neckline and fill in with stuffing packed tightly all around it, giving dolly a "heads up" appearance. If you would rather not use a dowel or even if you want to use the dowel but not use the stuffing you can cut a strip of Warm and Natural cotton stuffing approximately 2"wide and twenty inches long. Roll this batting up very tightly like a sleeping bag. Keep rolling until the distance across is about the same diameter of the neck hole. Hand stitch through the batting to hold it together and then position in the neckline. You can also utilize the Warm and Natural cotton batting to wrap around the dowel. There could be Popsicle sticks or strong Q-tips at your house that you could use also.

It is so important that you be certain you have all the supplies you need and that you have studied all your directions from your doll patterns. Knowing these techniques willhelp in your creating a charming rag doll. It will make the job easier for you when you know what is coming next. Be imaginative and see if you can come up with some ideas that we have not mentioned.