Running Stitch
The simplest form of hand stitching, a simple up and down stitching which is most often used to sew pieces of fabric together. Running stitch can also be used as a decorative stitch or as top stitching.
Straight Stitch
The name says it all; up at point A and down at point B. This is usually a decorative stitch, commonly used to show short, individual lines such as the hairs in an eyebrow.
Outline Stitch
This is the stitch I most frequently use for embroidering facial features on doll faces. This stitch easily makes curved lines so it's perfect for outlining lips noses and eyes.
Back Stitch
Another good choice for outlining, but the stitches must be kept quite small for neat results on a curved line.
Satin Stitch
This stitch is a good choice for filling in areas with color, such ad the lips and the eyes. This is my favorite stitch for embroidering the irises of the eyes. Satin stitch is many straight stitches placed close together.
Ladder Stitch
Ladder stitch is not actually an embroidery stitch but it is extremely useful in doll making because it creates a seam with no stitching visible. This is especially valuable in closing the place in a seam that was left open for stuffing a cloth doll or toy.
French Knot
When making a very simple, primitive style cloth doll, french knots can suffice as eyes. Many french knots placed close together is an excellent choice for suggesting short, curly hair.
These stitches can be used with the diagram given in the article Painting Faces on Cloth Dolls. To see that diagram look here:
Painting Faces on Cloth Dolls
Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls
Ebook with patterns and instructions to make 5 cloth dolls as well as chapters on general doll making techniques.The book includes 21 inch Lalena Doll, 21 inch David Doll, Bear Dolls, 9 inch Destiny Doll and 15 inch Annie Doll, all together in one handy book. 53 pages.Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls.
