How to Make a Pressed Felt Doll
Embarking on a creative journey to craft a pressed felt doll can be both a therapeutic and rewarding experience. These delightful dolls, often referred to as “felties,” are not only a source of joy for children but also a cherished keepsake for adults. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating your very own pressed felt doll, from gathering the necessary materials to the final touches that bring your creation to life.
Materials Needed
Before you start, ensure you have all the essential materials on hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
– Felt sheets in various colors
– Scissors
– Embroidery needle
– Embroidery floss
– Yarn or ribbon for hair
– Buttons or felt shapes for eyes, nose, and mouth
– Hot glue gun and glue sticks
– Optional: felt backing or felt board for the base
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose Your Design: Decide on the type of doll you want to create. Common designs include animals, people, or abstract shapes. Sketch a simple outline to guide your cutting.
2. Cut Out the Pieces: Using your felt sheets, cut out the different parts of your doll. For a basic design, you might need pieces for the head, body, arms, and legs. Be sure to leave extra fabric around the edges for stitching.
3. Sew the Pieces Together: Thread your embroidery needle with matching floss and begin stitching the pieces together. Sew around the edges of the pieces, leaving a small opening for turning the doll right side out.
4. Turn the Doll Right Side Out: Carefully turn the doll right side out through the opening you left. Use a chopstick or a knitting needle to push out the corners and smooth out any wrinkles.
5. Add Features: Embroider eyes, nose, and mouth on the face using embroidery floss. Attach buttons or felt shapes for additional details. If your doll has hair, you can either sew on a yarn braid or use ribbon to create a bun or ponytail.
6. Secure the Pieces: Use a hot glue gun to secure any loose pieces, such as the hair or additional details. This will ensure your doll stays together when pressed.
7. Press the Doll: Place your felt doll on a flat surface and press it firmly with a warm iron. This will help the pieces stay in place and give your doll a more permanent shape.
8. Add a Base (Optional): If you want your doll to stand up, you can create a felt base. Cut out a felt circle slightly larger than the bottom of your doll’s body. Glue the base to the bottom of the doll, and let it dry before using.
9. Final Touches: Give your doll a final once-over to ensure all the pieces are secure and the stitching is even. Trim any excess thread and enjoy your new pressed felt doll!
Conclusion
Creating a pressed felt doll is a delightful way to spend an afternoon, and the results are sure to bring a smile to your face. With a bit of creativity and patience, you can craft a unique and personalized doll that will be cherished for years to come. Happy crafting!
