Doll Tutorial: Part II

Here we go, part II of the doll tutorial. In case you missed it here is part I. After today the head will be finished, yippee. The head is definitely the most time consuming part of the whole thing.

As a reminder this is what you should have after part I.

Ok, here we go...

Cut a piece of string 24" long and wrap it around the middle of the head twice to create the eye line. Tie it off where the ear would be.

Cut another piece of string 24" and wrap it twice around the head from chin to the top, in front of the shoulder. Tie off the string at the top of the head.

Using a needle and thread tack the points where the strings intersect at the side of the head. Stitch several times to insure they are secure.

After the eye line and head strings are attached pull down the eye line string in the back of the head to the neckline.

Cut a piece of the doll fabric approximately 9"x8". With the maximum stretch being on the 8" side. I don't have a picture of this, but hopefully it will make sense. Fold the fabric in half so it is 9"x4" and sew up the long side creating a tube. Insert the inner head into the tube making sure the seam is going up the back of the head.

Move the head so it is about an inch from the top of the tube. Pull the fabric over the top of the head and stitch in place.

Once the fabric is stitched to the top of the head, pull the fabric down tightly and cut off any excess. Stitch the bottom together below the shoulders, making sure a few stitches go through the shoulders to secure it. Again, this doesn't have to be pretty, it will be covered up.

Cut another piece of string and wrap it twice around the neck. Pull very tightly and tie it off in back. Try to have as few wrinkles in the neck as possible. You can also see in this picture where I marked the spot for the eyes and mouth. They form a triangle and are all about 1" away from each other.

Embroider both the eyes and the mouth going all the way through the dolls head and tying off the thread in back, which will later be covered by hair.

And now you have a completed doll's head, minus the hair. You could also add a little blush to the cheeks to give them a little color.

Next step, the doll's body and attaching it to the head. Stay tuned for part III tomorrow.