Rag dolls

Rag dolls 1A little while back I mentioned the possibility of making some new rag dolls to my children.

Now, I’m not sure what it’s like in your house, but in ours once these fatal words are uttered; “I could make you a…” there is no going back.

They can’t be unsaid people.

My children become obsessed – questioning progress, reminding of promises, creating grandiose plans, proposals and plays all centered around the procurement of said item which I am going to produce. When Mummy? Have you started it Mummy? When will it be finished Mummy?

Doll making, it turns out, is SO not my thing.

Maybe it’s just fiddly sewing I’m no good at? I confess there was so much teeth gnashing and cursing before these two were finished I’m surprised they didn’t both end up with curly hair. Or toes.

Anyway they were finished, and while they are not perfect, they are quite fun… and now that the memory of me sitting up till the wee small hours unpicking and re-sewing has faded, I can look at them and smile. Rag dolls 2Well, ok, I can look at these two playing with them and smile 🙂

Maia requested red hair and plaits, Carter wanted a super hero – hence the mask and cape. I’ve promised I’ll make some more clothes for them (and a mermaid tail for Maia’s (!))… Maybe next week! MAYBE!

Or maybe I should just stick to crochet and make them a hat, scarf, gloves and a cardigan or two…Rag dolls 3

If you are looking for a free pattern/ doll making tutorial check out these dolls made by the amazingly talented Lier. That’s how a professional does it.

Have you ever sewn dolls? What do you think… Doll making: frustrating or fun? Hope your week is going well!

Janette x

45 thoughts on “Rag dolls”

  4. Yvonne says:
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    Must be Pippi Longstocking! When I had my daughter (after 4 boys) I bought a kit to make her a doll. As newborn my daughter was brown haired, so I bought the doll to look like her!. After the summer she was blond. I still have the kit, unopened in our basement! (What was I thinking with 5 kids under 8 years?) Now my daughter is already 19….Maybe the doll will be done for a grandchild?

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  7. Lisa says:
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    Your dolls are adorable!! So are your kidlets!! You sure made them smile!! I have never made a doll, would love to make a Raggedy Ann and Andy someday maybe! Hugz Lisa and Bear

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  9. youngatfifty says:
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    Aww ! both dolls, the live ones and the raggedy ones are so adorable !! They seem made for each other. you have done an excellent job of the face ..eyes, nose, and hair. I know I dread hand sewing too and avoid crochet projects that need lining 😉

    maybe you can try sock toys…they are quicker and easier compared to rag dolls involving minimal sewing. I made some, and they are more cuddly and softer. I have also made professional rag dolls when I was in school/college that represented different regional dance forms. But now I dread to even contemplate doing it 😦

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  12. nina says:
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    Reblogged this on I feel crafty and commented:
    Love handmade dolls? Especially for the winter season I like handsew projects like these. They make wonderful and very personal Christmas gifts!
    Check out Janette ‘s rag dolls on her blog The Green Dragonfly

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  13. rainbowjunkiecorner says:
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    The dolls look lovely and they are obviously much appreciated. I made a rag doll once, a long, long time ago. The only thing I remember is that I hadn’t realised how much bigger you need to make the flat outline compared to the size of the finished doll you want, as when it is stuffed the thickness takes so much out of the fullness.

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  14. Teresa says:
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    The dolls are beautiful! There is nothing more comforting than a handmade doll. I remember the Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy that my baby sitter made for me when I was about 8 years old. Also, I have my father’s rag doll, Stinky, that my grandmother or aunt made for him.

    I had to LOL about your experience sewing these dolls. I recently sewed a Halloween costume for my 13-year-old daughter, and I swore never again! What was I thinking? I think the pattern instructions were written just to make me angry! Talk about picking out stitches until I nearly went blind! Yikes!

    I am new to your blog, and I am really enjoying it! Bless you!

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  19. gentlestitches says:
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    They are fabulous! I understand fully the whole scenario! I used to think “oh they are only little for a short time” my 18 year old nephew still wants toys made (for his dog) and another boy for his girlfriend! My son is 13 and still a source of inspiration/perspiration? The dolls really are lovely. Go on…. you can make clothes and tails!!!

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  20. Anne says:
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    they are beautiful, and remind me of Rosie & Jim soft toys my daughter loved when she was little. There is nothing like a homemade doll though, so much more special and inspiring for your children and all of your fans!

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