how to make a steiner inspired doll with braids
I have been making some of these dolls for the next market K and I are doing.
If you would like to make one you can follow a basic tutorial I made here and then I think a nice variation is to add braids.
Cut three pieces of wool, knot them at one end, pin the knot to something you can pull against…the sofa, your jeans…and braid the pieces. (The length depends on how long you would like the braids to be, but keep in mind that you’re making one long braid that will pass right over the doll’s head and dangle over the sides, creating two braids.)
Once you have the length you require, knot the end of the braid and trim both ends. Then glue the braid right around the doll’s head.
Obviously your doll will need a hat next. You can knit one or make a felt cone (those are described in the link given previously) but just now I am especially fond of felt kerchief hats, which you make by cutting out a symmetrical triangle of felt.
The longest side of the triangle should be long enough to wrap exactly around your doll’s head. The depth of the triangle should be the distance from her forehead to the top of her neck.
Fold the triangle so that all the points meet…
Then sew the edges together, like this.
You can embroider something on the front if you like.
Then glue on the hat…
…and you’re done!
I am linking this tutorial at Show Off Your Stuff and The Magic Onions.
Oh Anna, you never cease to amaze me with all your delightful creativity. I certainly will make some for all my little nieces. How kind of you for sharing this precious tutorial. Thank you!
Ah they’re so sweet! I love how you choose different shades for body, scarf, hat, stitchery – the dolls are just blossoming with colour. Irresistible to the eye.
Ooooh, I want to squeeze one!
very very cute thank you!!!
Gorgeous – what a wonderful variation with those braids
I love these!! I love the embroidery design as well, very cute!!
These dolls look especially sweet! I think it must be the braids.
Thank you for these lovely thoughts
x
wow Anna….these are beautiful. ♥♥ Jo
Thanks Jo
x
[...] much later: If you would like to make a doll like this, the tutorial is here. [...]
The pig tails looks cute, the hat has covered her face. It would have been nice if there were eyes. Thanks for the tutorial
My pleasure! I’m sure you could add eyes yourself
Hi Anna
I love these. They’re so cute. I do love your tutorials! The felt you have used for these is BEAUTIFUL!!! Have you dip died it yourself? If not, where did you get it? It’s so pretty.
Thanks
Erica
Hi Erica – thank you for your lovely comment! I bought the felt from a little local shop, the Friendship Tree. All their materials are gorgeous to work with. Here they are: http://www.thefriendshiptree.com.au/
I love these dolls Anna! Funny thing is, is that I “pinned” this on Pinterest a while back and I didn’t realize it was your work. And then earlier today when I was looking at my “pins”, I was thinking I should make a few for my daughter for Christmas. They are so beautiful and thanks for the lovely comment on my blog today by the way
Have a great week!