Tools and Materials needed
The List of Materials
Some of the tools and materials you may already have, but I have added links where you can purchase/find some of the supplies. Your local farmers market might be a great place to get locally grown wool batting. Local craft stores will carry sewing needles and thread for sure and might even have some of the other things. A google search for Waldorf Doll making supplies will open the doors to many vendors. If you can’t find something, in particular, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will gladly help with your search.
- wool batting
- approx..12 ounces for a 16 inch tall cuddle doll
- scrap yarn (make sure it is light colored and will not bleed in case it gets wet) You never know the adventures the doll may take
- tubular gauze or cotton stockinette or medical supply
- I use 3 inches wide 22 inches long for most of my dolls (you can also use a thin tube sock)
- linen or cotton thread, needs to be very strong I go to the local craft store and purchase Pearl Cotton Embroidery Thread, it works great!
- cotton or wool knit in the skin color of your choice approx.. 14”x22” (this will depend on the size doll you are making. Measure the circumference of the head and the length from crown to bottom of "neck" and add 3 inches.
- matching (skin) sewing thread, white or off white sewing thread
- cotton velour fabric (heavy t-shirt fabric or sweatshirt fabric) - approx.. 30”x30” also depending on the size of the doll.
- matching (cotton velour) sewing thread
- optional fabric ribbon or lace (if you want to decorate the doll in any way)
- cotton embroidery thread in eye color and lip color of your choice
- To embroidering doll hair you want to go no thicker than dk yarn. I like to go to the local yarn store and pick up something nice, often a semi-solid color to give the doll a natural look. Depending on the thickness of the yarn it can be crochet into a cap or embroidered directly onto the head) http://www.achildsdream.com/smooth-mohair-doll-hair-yarn/ http://www.achildsdream.com/de-witte-engel-mohair-boucle-doll-hair-yarn/ I like to buy the yarn once I have the skin fabric in hand, even take it to the yarn store to choose the right color. Try to look at the fabric and yarn in natural daylight. A small yarn store will let you step outside to see "the real" colors.
- red beeswax crayon for cheeks
and here is the list of tools you will need:
- fabric scissors
- small scissors to cut the thread
- ball point hand sewing needle, usually available in multiple size packages #3-#7, I use the thinnest one
- 7 inches long hand sewing needles for dollmaking and http://www.achildsdream.com/7-embroidery-needles/
- if you are planning to use a sewing machine, you will also need ball point needles for your machine
- sewing machine walking foot
- measuring tape
- crochet hook or knitting needle
- a hand sewing needle that is thick enough to thread the yarn for hair
- if your hands tire easily you may also want to use a wooden dowel for stuffing, I use my thumb and fingers