Cross-Stitch Patterns | Supplies | Instruction

Cross Stitching Doll

People have been making dolls for thousands of years. In fact, archeologists have found dolls in Egypt dating back to 2000 BC. Thousands of years later and dolls are still very popular. This popularity can be seen in the variety of dolls and stuffed animals that are available to purchase at stores. Even with all this variety to choose from, doll making is a popular activity. Keep reading to discover why doll making is so popular and more importantly, how to make a doll or a stuffed animal.

Why is Doll Making So Popular?

People have many reasons for making their own dolls or stuffed animals. These vary from person to person, along with the benefits. The reasons and benefits for making your own dolls include:

• They are great to give as gifts,
• You can customize the doll to create a very unique look,
• It is very satisfying when you make something yourself,
• People appreciate the work that went into a homemade gift,
• Smaller projects don’t require large amounts of fabric, so it’s a perfect way to use up fabric scraps, and
• It’s a great way to introduce children to crafts.

How To Make Your Own Doll

Dolls or stuffed animals can be as simple or as complex as you want to make them. They are made from patterns that can contain 1-3 pieces that are sewn together or from many pieces. No matter how simple or complex the pattern is, the process is the same. First, trace the pattern pieces onto fabric and cut them out. Next, place the pieces together, with the right side of the fabric turned in. Sew the edges together, leaving a small opening. Turn the fabric inside out, fill with stuffing and sew the small opening shut.

Options

When it comes to doll making, you have a couple of options.

1. You could buy a pattern. The pattern will indicate what supplies are needed, the pattern and complete instructions for assembling the doll. The advantage of buying a pattern is that it is generally cheaper to buy the pattern and all the supplies yourself than to buy a kit, especially if you already have some of the required supplies.
2. Another option is to buy a kit. The advantage of buying a kit is that it will contain both the pattern and all the supplies that you need to make the doll. That means you’ll save time in gathering all the necessary supplies.
3. A third option is to design your own stuffed animal pattern. You can start by drawing the shape on paper. Then cut the material and sew it together. As you gain more experience, you can make more complex patterns with several pieces. The main advantage of this option is that your doll or stuffed animal will truly be one of a kind.

Final Considerations

Most fabric will work wonderful. Material such as fake fur or any type of material that has long, fuzzy strands is better suited for medium to large sized projects. Just keep in mind that the thicker the material, the harder it is to sew together when it is in small pieces.

As well, take a look at the pattern itself. Does it have a lot of pieces to be sewn together? Does it have many curves or tight curves to sew? If you answered yes to these two questions, then just keep in mind that these are more advanced patterns that may not be suitable for children or beginner sewers. Once you have a little experience with sewing and are feeling up to the challenge, then these more complex patterns will allow you to make detailed dolls that are absolutely gorgeous.

Are you now inspired to make your own doll or stuffed animal? If so, please visit Beautiful Creations at http://www.beautifulcreations.ca/ProjectIdeas/FreeProjectsForChildren.htm for free doll projects, perfect for children and beginner sewers alike! Each project has pictures and step-by-step instructions to guide you along.

Stitching $14.95 Stitching

Stitching Beaded Jewelry $13.36 The Absolute Beginners Guide: Stitching Beaded Jewelry is the introduction to bead stitching. This book helps beginners to have a successful start in stitching by answering questions like What are the must-have supplies and tools? and How do I set up my workspace? The projects introduce basic stitches starting with the easiest, such as cross-weave and right-angle weave, and moving into other more challenging techniques. Your confidence and skill set will grow as you work through the book, one project at a time.

The Art Of Stitching On Metal $26.52 Showcasing the unique and awe inspiring art of stitching on metal, this guidebook represents a rare fusion of traditional and contemporary techniques and designs. With a wealth of information on various materials and methods, this resource contains everything needed to explore this fascinating art–from instruction on heating and treating metal with corrosive household substances to employing the use of edgings, braids, beads, and tassels to create decorative finishes. Featured projects include a pewter pendant, a colorful brooch, decorative panels, and a metal woven doll.

On the Doll $6.99 On the Doll

Doll $6.48 Doll

Not Your Mama’s Stitching $9.93 A one-of-a-kind contemporary guide to trendy stitching We take stitching where it’ s never been and offer up projects that are absolutely hip and will leave friends and coworkers green with envy. Designs range from the ridiculously simple to the sublimely complex for adorning homes, clothes, and accessories. This is the only resource where readers can learn a variety of stitching crafts that are enjoying a huge resurgence, including embroidery, crewel, punchneedle embroidery, and cross-stitch. Created for savvy crafters who want to skip tedious explanations and get right to cool projects, this book features a fun two-color design, easy-to-follow instructions, variations for customizing items, and a 16-page four-color section with photos of all the projects. Kate Shoup Welsh (Indianapolis, IN), a devoted beader and stitcher, has written or cowritten several books, including Not Your Mama’ s Beading (0-471-97380-7). She has also cowritten and starred in a movie and worked as a sports editor.

Not Your Mama`s Stitching $10.61 Forget the fair young maiden painstakingly embroidering pillowcases for her hope chest. Picture a liberated lass (that would be you) creating chic fashions and accessories while sipping a glass of whatever and saving the planet. Not Your Mama's Stitching lets you choose from more than twenty projects to make or embellish home d¿cor items, garments, accessories, gifts, and more. It covers: *The tools and materials that no stitcher should be without *Basic stitching skills such as starting a thread, tying off, and finishing your piece *A myriad of embroidery, cross stitch, and needlepoint stitches *Projects ranging from a tattooed tank top to cheeky stitched sayings and from a Gucci-inspired wallet to a drinks recipe box *Variations and ideas for customizing every project Make everyday items one-of-a-kind, or whip up your own creations from scratch. With a savvy, sassy attitude and fun, funky projects, Not Your Mama's Stitching will have you in stitches in no time.

Doll By Doll $11.99 Doll By Doll

Embroidery Stitches: Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Embroidery Stitch, Darning, Chain Stitch, Couching, Backstitch $19.99 Embroidery Stitches: Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Embroidery Stitch, Darning, Chain Stitch, Couching, Backstitch

Stitches: Embroidery Stitches, Knitting Stitches, Sewing Stitches, Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Slip-S $19.99 Stitches: Embroidery Stitches, Knitting Stitches, Sewing Stitches, Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Slip-S

Vampire Doll 1 $6.62 Guilt-na-Zan is a vampire aristocrat who was sealed into a cross by Kyouji’s ancestor more than 100 years ago. Now Kyouji has revived him–although he was resurrected as a doll and can only transform into his real figure when he sucks blood from Kyouji’s sister Tonae. Rated for teens 13+.

Copperfield 91215 Rod Caddy, Black Canvas With Reinforced Cross Stitching, 64 Inchl x 8 Inchd $109.4 Copperfield Chimney Supply has been filling the supply and accessory needs of over 8,000 chimney sweeps, hearth retailers, masons, and contractors for over 25 years. Copperfield has the privilege of serving over 80% of the chimney professionals in America.Founded by Robert Daniels, Sooty Bob, in 1978, Copperfield has grown from a one-man operation to a national network of six warehouses and a manufacturing plant. From its headquarters in Fairfield, Iowa Copperfield plays a major role in providing for the Chimney Supply industry.Rod Caddy, Black Canvas With Reinforced Cross Stitching, 64 Inchl x 8 Inchd

Molly P. Originals 18-inch Marshal Doll $40.33 *Enhance your toy collection with an 18-inch Marshal doll *Collectible doll features dark eyelashes and deep sea blue eyes *Doll features sweet expression that make him appear nearly life-like *White and baby blue plaid jumper features an adorable bear embroidery on the leg *Includes a white cotton shirt with blue stitching, socks, shoes, and a cozy blanket

Molly P. Originals 18-inch Laura Doll $33.7 *Precious Laura doll appears regal in her deep purple velour dress *Molly P. Originals collectible doll has an outfit that is embroidered with a bouquet and lavender flowers *Adorable Laura doll showcases a dress with a purple satin ribbon atop a ruffled hem *Her white blouse, outlined with purple stitching, patent leather-like shoes, and matching blanket add to her dressy appearance *Purple bows highlight her pale blonde hair and blue eyes *Laura may be dressed for a tea party

Rag Doll $34.99 Rag Doll

Doll Wig $39.99 Doll Wig

Her First Holy Communion Porcelain Doll: Brunette $99.99 As she takes her First Communion and formally enters the religious community, your special girl is making her whole family so very proud. Help her remember this blessed event in a unique way, with this exquisite porcelain Her First Holy Communion doll by Master Doll Artist Linda Mason. This fine collectible doll has all the handcrafted beauty and important details that make it a truly special First Communion gift. Dressed beautifully in Communion costuming from head to toe, this pious young lady wears her own delicate cross necklace and even carries a miniature rosary!Available exclusively from The Ashton-Drake Galleries, this exquisite porcelain doll is the perfect remembrance of her special day. Carefully crafted in hand-painted porcelain with brown eyes and silky brunette hair, her satin dress features lovely lace trim and a delicately embroidered organza overlay. Sparkling crystals accent her goldtone cross necklace, and her miniature rosary is authentically detailed. Exceptional demand is expected for this magnificent collectible keepsake doll, a First Communion gift she will treasure forever. Be sure to order now! California Residents click here for Proposition 65 notice.

Her First Holy Communion Porcelain Doll: Blonde $99.99 On this special and holy day, she takes her First Communion and formally enters the religious community, making her whole family so very proud. To celebrate this blessed event in a unique way, this exquisite porcelain Her First Holy Communion doll by Master Doll Artist Linda Mason has all the handcrafted beauty and important details that make it a truly special First Communion gift. Dressed so beautifully in Communion costuming from head to toe, this pious young lady wears her own cross necklace and even carries a miniature rosary!This exquisite porcelain doll is the perfect remembrance of her special day, and is available exclusively from The Ashton-Drake Galleries. Carefully crafted in hand-painted porcelain with blue eyes and silky blonde hair, she wears a satin dress with lovely lace trim and a delicately embroidered organza overlay. Her goldtone cross necklace is accented with sparkling crystals, and her miniature rosary is authentically detailed. Exceptional demand is expected for this magnificent collectible keepsake doll, a First Communion gift she will treasure forever. Be sure to order now! California Residents click here for Proposition 65 notice.

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Building Block Dollhouses (Plastic Canvas) Standard Dollhouse Scale…

Country Crafts Collection Collection of how to do cross-stitching, needle work, quilting, fiber art, stuff dolls, dresses, clothes, quilts, and assortment of other country crafts, includes some patterns…

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