Easy Washable DIY Doll
My daughter has a lot of friends which means I'm often busy making birthday presents for all of their birthday parties. Here's one of my favorites. This little washable, draw-your-own doll is a real hit with kids and is super easy to make. It would be a great first sewing project if you aren't proficient with a needle and thread (you can do it!) and it makes a wonderful gift or stocking stuffer. It should only cost you a dollar or two for the markers so it's a very affordable gift that you can give to a child of most any age. Kids love to draw their own friend which they can then keep that way forever or wash and redo it again and again. I have had good luck with Crayola washable markers which are made in the USA from recycled materials.
1. First, print out the template and cut out the pattern. You can change the size on your computer to make it as big as you like.
2. Take some white or natural fabric (cotton duck, muslin, etc. - I used some leftover osnaburg cut from a baby wrap I made) and cut two pieces the size of the pattern so you have a little bit of an edge all the way around.
3. Use something (I used a red Sharpie pen, not marker) to trace the pattern onto one side of the fabric.
4. Pin the fabric pieces together at the corners and center.
5. Sew all the way around the pattern on the line leaving a 2" hole in the top of the head.
6. Cut out the doll with sharp scissors all the way around leaving about 1/4" of fabric out past the stitching. Leave 1/2" flaps of fabric at the top of the head where the hole is. You'll tuck these in later and sew them.
7. Turn the doll inside out and stuff it. I like to use polyester batting from old pillows which I have washed. It washes well and polyfill is not treated with fire retardants. Use scissors or a dull pencil to poke batting down into the arms and legs well. Use your hands to shape the doll to prevent lumps.
8. Overstuff the head, then tuck the ends of the fabric down inside the doll's head.
9. Use an invisible ladder stitch to close the hole. You're done!
The dolls can be machine washed cold, then sponged with a dry towel and laid flat to dry.