Make your own Yarn Doll

Have you ever wondered what kids in the past used for toys? Yarn dolls were simple, low-cost alternative to buying toys for early settlers in North America, because they could be made using left-over wool. They are still easy to made today - with a few supplies, step back in time and create your very own yarn doll!

Supplies

• rectangle piece of cardboard - we used 18 cm by 12 cm!

• yarn

• scissors

Instructions

Step 1: Wrap yarn around the long side of a 18cm by 12cm piece of cardboard. This will be the body of the yarn doll. Leave both loose ends accessible.

Step 2: Tie the two loose ends together.

Step 3: Carefully, remove the loop from the cardboard template. Be careful to keep the sides of the loop separate from one another (keeping the ‘0’ shape intact).

Step 4: Wrap yarn around the short side of the cardboard yarn doll template. This will form the arms of the yarn doll. Leave both loose ends accessible.

Step 5: Tie the two loose ends together.

Step 6: Carefully, remove the loop from the cardboard template. Be careful to keep the sides of the loop separate from one another (keeping the ‘0’ shape intact).

Step 7: Thread the shorter arm loop through the middle of the longer body loop to make a ‘t’ shape.

Step 8: With the help of a friend, place a finger through the body loop, above the arm loop. Tie below their finger, forming a head for the doll.

Step 9: Tie below the arm loop to create a waist for the doll. Trim the excess length of all the ties.

To make pants or legs, divide the bottom of the body loop into two sections. Tie off where the dolls ankles would be.

At this point, the basic doll is complete. Additional details may be added, including:

Photo 10: To make pants or legs, divide the bottom of the body loop into two sections. Tie off where the doll's ankles would be.

Photo 11: To add more volume to the doll’s skirt/ dress, cut the bottom of the bottom loop.

Photo 12: Using thread, additional details may be added, such as hair, small knots to create facial details, or jewelry.

Have you tried making your own yarn doll? Post a picture on Social Media & tag us!