Making Waldorf Dolls - Are Your Dolls Tough Enough?

"Rugged" is probably not the first word you'd use to describe a Waldorf doll. Those adorable chubby-cheeked faces look innocent, angelic even... certainly not tough.

Think again.

Waldorf dolls are meant to be play dolls. Children love their dolls enthusiastically, but not necessarily gently. They embrace them as best friends, and drag them around everywhere as constant companions. If you give a child a Waldorf doll, expect it to be in the thick of the action, not sitting on a shelf. These dolls might look sweet and innocent, but they need to be sturdy, durable, and yes, even rugged.

In my years of doll making, I've discovered that there are certain techniques that produce more durable dolls, while actually making the construction process easier! For example, one of my favorite doll making mantras is, "Double up."

The first place where I like to "double up" is in making the head. For all but the quite small, unsculpted heads, I cut double the length of tubular gauze for the initial head shaping. (If you've never made a Waldorf doll, this might not make a lot of sense to you. You can find a photo tutorial on my website that will make it all crystal clear.) Then, instead of sewing across the end of the gauze to close it off, I sew across the middle. Turn one half inside-out over the other and, presto! Instant double-layer gauze sock.

If you've ever had your gauze tube pop open as you stuff it with wool, you'll appreciate what a time saver the double-gauze technique can be. The double layer also helps control any tendency for bulges to occur, making a more smoothly rounded head shape.

Continuing with shaping the head, I use the "double up" principle for tying the eye and chin lines. I fold a length of strong craft thread to double it, and knot the ends together. This gives me a loop at each end for a much more secure grip when pulling the threads tight. A double ply of craft thread is stronger than many thicker strings you could use, but much less bulky.

For nearly all hand-sewing steps, I also double my thread and knot the ends together. This serves two purposes: not only does it enhance the strength of my stitches, but the loop at the end allows me to anchor the thread to itself. It's a quick solution to that annoying tendency of a single-thread knot to pull through the weave of the gauze or the doll skin knit.

"Doubling up" is valuable for machine-sewing tasks, too. Inside curves need to be clipped very close to the stitching in order to turn without puckering. A double row of stitches allows the seam to turn smoothly without risk of bursting.

Finally, my favorite way to "double up" is to sew with a friend. It's a great way to share tool, supplies, inspiration, and friendship. If your sewing buddy is a child, making Waldorf dolls is a great, fun way to pass handwork traditions on to another generation.

Margaret Lunn is an award-winning quilter, doll artist, and puppeteer. Her Waldorf doll patterns make beautiful dolls easy for even novice dollmakers. For more detailed instructions and shortcut tips for making Waldorf dolls, be sure to visit http://www.WaldorfDollMaking.com.

How to create a rag doll that is robust enough for last

Up close and personal
Customize It! In today's world, which seems to be the door to happiness. As it comes to making rag dolls customize them is the most fun. These dolls flexible machine washable soft, cuddly, will be the talk of the neighborhood. Don't be shocked if you have the mothers neighborhood that requires you to create a custom fabric doll for their child, they are adorable. After doing a rag doll or two gets easier and less tedious. But the benefits are always useful.
With all the lovers and escapades that will experience these dolls is important to ensure that the seams are exceptionally durable. Use a three-inch seam allowance when sewing round a model for a doll of eighteen inches. Measure from the point of the needle on your foot presser to be sure it's a perfect 3/8 "wide. If you cannot move the needle position of your car, re-measure the seam on the side of the presser foot and place the blue painters tape on your machine to provide an accurate guide to follow. For 12 inch dolls under the usual allowance of seam .25 "is better for curves petite personal and there's less bulk. You want to set the staple length to no more than 1 1/2 "long. Using the smallest that is found to be easier to make sturdy smooth, curved seams. For added strength and stay in your stitching go back and zig-zag edges for strength.
Before starting the construction of dolls, crop and push all the pieces of cloth. Always read all statements in models clear through doll you are sewing. Prevent surprises and you never know what you will find the information you need. No matter how sweet the curves are, clips and notch before you start sewing. Strengthen the stress point areas such as the edge of the neck, arms and legs attachment areas by sewing a second time 1/8 "away from the first set of stitches. Using a needle of sculpture, depress a place for the eyes. Use thread for extra strong stuff as you go from the back of the head to pull the eye.
Although the fabric dolls are soft, cuddly and snuggles with fun, we want to pay particular attention to the neck area. We want a soft doll that "can contain its own" must rely on someone or something else to support his head. Using a 3/8 "dowel Rod extending above and below the exact length of the neck, you can wrap it with the filling and post in the neckline and filling with filling packed tightly all around it, giving dolly a look" heads up ". Does not want to use a dowel or even if you want to use the piece but not the joke you can cut a length handshake warm and natural cotton batting about 2 inches long and 20 wide. " Roll this joke on very closely as a sleeping bag. Scroll until the distance across is the same distance through the hole in the neck. Stitch through the courts to hold it together and then place in hand-neckline. You can also use the warm and natural cotton to put around gusset. There may be popsicle sticks or Q-tips strong around your House that you may be able to use too.
It is critical that you know, you have all the necessary material and that you have read through all your information from your doll models. Knowing these skills will help you in your design a rag doll. Will make the task easier for you if you know what is in front of you. Be imaginative and see if you can think up some ideas that we haven't thought of yet.



JoAnn developed his love for sewing as a child. forty years later, she is a fan of sewing that enjoys sharing his passion for sewing with all ages. Author of seven books and e-books more than sewing explored many applications, JoAnn seeks to encourage you on your journey to sew and instill in you a love for sewing. Visit her http://www.doll-clothing-patterns.comto