how to make a linen pebble doll
I have tried so many variations on this basic pattern over the last couple of years that I thought I might create a tutorial and see if anyone else would like to try it too. The embroidery for this one was guided by the colours of the chakra. It became a very peaceful, meditative little project.
Using the same pattern on a smaller, simpler scale, this is a set all ready for a market stall in a few weeks.
So, to make a linen pebble doll you will need:
-an oval piece of cardboard cut to the size and shape of the doll you would like to make
-linen scraps
-cotton
-coloured embroidery thread
-a needle
-some pins
-scissors
-a biro
-stuffing
The first step is to trace with biro around your cardboard cut out onto a linen scrap.
Put that scrap on top of another piece of linen and use a few pins to hold the two pieces together.
Then cut (through both pieces of linen) around the line you’ve drawn leaving about half an inch around the edge, like this.
It’s best to create the doll’s face at this stage so that you can keep all the knots and loose ends on the inside of the doll. You could keep it very simple by making just two straight stitches for sleepy eyes, or you could add lots of detail. Either way, the embroidery you do later will be more effective if you stitch a little circle around the facial features to distinguish the face from the rest of the body. I did this face using black cotton (double running stitch) for everything except the lips, which are two little stitches made with embroidery silk.
To begin sewing the body of the doll, start on one of the longer edges of the oval shape. Start with the linen piece with the shape drawn on it. Fold the fabric over so that the biro line is tucked inside. Then fold the other piece of linen inwards to match it, like this.
Using small stitches, sew the two folded edges together, folding/tucking as you go.
Stop when there is about an inch still open and knot the thread to keep it in place while you stuff the doll. Use enough stuffing to fill the whole oval but not so much that the linen starts to pucker.
Then sew up the hole and you’re ready to start decorating.
I like asterisk shapes and circles best. If you’re not sure how to do them, here are the steps.
Begin by securing your embroidery thread with a knot (loose end inside the doll). This can become part of another shape later. Bring the needle up where you would like the centre of your asterisk to be.
Make a stitch and bring the needle back up where the stitch began.
Add more stitches – four to make a cross, or else as many as you would like.
To make a circle around the asterisk shape, bring the needle up where one of the stitches ended…
Go back in at the end of the stitch on the right and come up at the end of the stitch on the left, like this.
Just keep going…
and going…
You could embroider your pebble doll sparsely and randomly, like this.
Or go a bit nuts with it, like this.
If you would like to see some of my pebble dolls for sale, you can find them at one little loop.
And if you make a pebble doll of your own it would make my day to see a picture!
(I have linked this tutorial at the shabby nest, fingerprints on the fridge, kojo designs, 504 main, the magic onions and its a crafty life.)
I can only imagine how meditative it was to make, there are so many little details! And you can never go wrong using the colours of the chakra
cute, you must be very patient though
Oh my, these are wonderful!! I woke up this morning with an itch to embroider, you have inspired me to get out my needles and floss. What a lovely project!!
She is just so cute! I love the rainbow hue of the chakras and might just have to stitch one of these beauties …… after I’ve finished my other unfinished projects – sigh!!
These little pebble stone dolls are absolutely adorable. I have been surrounded by pebbles along all those amazing creeks we have visited. I wish Nicole from Gardenmama could see them because she loved a variety of pebble creations. She hasn’t blogged for a while though. I would love to try these out. You always amaze me.
Thank you all for such lovely feedback! Jeanene, I miss Gardenmama’s beautiful posts too. I hope she returns to her blog some time soon.
The chakra one is so beautiful, well they all are really. Clever thing. thank you for sharing.
What a sweet doll! Are they called pebble dolls because they are the shape of a pebble? Because I can definitely imagine some of them living scattered among river rocks. Or maybe that’s because I recently saw a cool installation of books sanded down to the shapes of rocks and placed with river rocks. http://abecedariangallery.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/artists-book-cornucopia-ii-repurposed-picks-carreiro-paulsrud/
Anyway- I love your dolls, and this one is especially nice with all of the embroidered stars.
These are fabulous, Anna! The one so densely stitched is my favourite. The rainbow of little designs blend together to make a beautiful whole… It makes me think of a galaxy, which the little face in the middle is dreaming about
These are truly the most darling little treasures. You’re such a Unique talent!
And with a tutorial no less ~ thank you so much for thinking about the rest of us!
Aleta ღ
You’re all lovely
Jill, yes, just because they’re pebble shaped. I liked the infinite possibilities that guideline creates! That link is amazing – thank you x
Very nice tutorial!
[...] Anna Branford shares her technique for creating this sweet pebble doll–perfectly huggable and textural for little hands. She says the project is appropriate for those with beginner skills, but imagine the lengths to which a more experienced stitcher could take the embellishment. Make a whole basketful for someone you love. See the tute. [...]
I love your pebble healing doll. Such a good idea to use the colors of the chakra.
A sweet shape just right for holding. Have you seen the Comfort Dolls? They are made for abused women and chlidren. Your little dolls would be perfect for that.
Deb
Thank you Deb. I’m going to look at Comfort Dolls now – they sound a perfect place for these kinds of creations. It’s a wonderful reference to have
Your Dolls always look like you could tell
them things and they would understand.
oh Anna a real linen Klimt. Just superb. I want to hold one.xxxx
You can certainly find just about any hand embroidery stitch illustrated in a book but its not quite the same as sitting down next to a friend who can walk you through the stitches. There are quite a few videos available on embroidery stitches but Ive noticed that they are either for special techniques such as crewel embroidery or ribbon embroidery or they are very expensive for only a few stitches.
[...] Each pouch contains a pebble doll embroidered with cotton that changes gradually from bright red to dark red and back again. It’s beautiful to work with. If you would like to make a pebble doll for a moon daughter of your own, you can easily adapt my tutorial here. [...]
Sweet and appealing doll!
I hope I can find time in 2013 to realize some of these dolls. What a precious gift for friends. Thank you for the explantions which look clear, even if my English is poor. Warmest thoughts from France.
Thank you for such a kind message, Catherine! I’m delighted the tutorial looks useful and I hope you have many peaceful hours in the new year, embroidering little dolls for lucky friends
.
quelle splendeur j admire biz merci