Soft sculpturing your cloth or fabric doll bodies gives them more life and personality. I find it a fun and creative part of doll making!
Looking at this photo of Amanda's left arm see the elbow joint on the left and the wrist at the right of picture. Instructions are below.
Sculpting is done on dolls that are already stuffed. I like to use fiberfill but old cut up nylons work well and both are washable fillings.
Wrists and Ankles
First thread a long sewing needle with a 12 inch (30cm) length of strong quilting or buttonhole thread.
Knot a few stitches on wrist back seam and insert needle through to front of wrist. Then take one stitch and pull slightly to form crease and carefully make a few knotted stitches to hold crease securely. Same with ankles.
Elbow and Knees
To determine the location for the joint, choose the midway point between shoulder and wrist to make the elbow crease. And for the leg, choose the midway point between the top of leg and top of foot.
Using strong thread make small stitches across joint. This is easier if you nudge stuffing away from the fold point before stitching across joint.
Cloth or Fabric Dolls
Index of Special Doll Making Techniques
How to Knot on Yarn Doll Wigs
Charity Note:
I'd like to suggest that if you spend time making doll clothes, anyway, that you collect a few dolls from friends and neighbors and sew a wardrobe or a complete outfit for each doll. Then donate the doll in the completed outfit to a charity that distributes used dolls and toys to kids that otherwise would not have any.
Article and Photo Credit Susan Kramer
