Design your doll's face first on a sheet of notebook paper. To make symmetrical features, crease your paper lengthwise and using a ballpoint pen draw the features alongside one half of the face, (halfway through the forehead, nose and mouth). Then open the paper and from the impression left by the ballpoint pen, draw in the features on the other side of the face.
Use transfer paper to lay on the good side of the doll body head.
Align the pattern piece carefully over top of the cut out fabric body.
Use a ballpoint pen to transfer markings through the paper pattern and through the transfer paper to the front of the doll body. I have found through experience that ballpoint pen does not accidentally punch through the pattern as easily as a pencil could.
I embroider the eyes, eyebrows, nose and mouth in 6-strand floss before sewing doll together.
To embroider
I use a small round hoop to hold the material smooth and stretched.
For the nose and eyebrows I use brown in an outline stitch.
For the mouth I use red in an outline stitch. If you'd like to close the lips use a satin stitch.
If you know the eye color of the recipient of your doll, try to pick a color thread to match. I use an outline stitch and fill in with a satin stitch.
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Contrasting Top Stitching for Doll Costumes
How to Make Rolled Hems
How to Knot on Yarn Doll Wigs
Index of Special Doll Making Techniques
Article and Photo Credit Susan Kramer
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