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EASY DOLL MAKING CRAFTS FOR KIDS : Learn how to make your own handmade dolls, stuffed animals, and play action figures. Some of these crafts are great for teaching your children how to Sew and some of them are no-sew doll making crafts

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Below you will find many doll making crafts activities for your kids. Learn how to make your own handmade dolls, stuffed animals, and play action figures. Some of these creafts are great for teaching your children how to Sew and some of them are no-sew doll making crafts

You Might Also Like Our Yarn Dolls Page or the Doll House Furniture Page

Easy Doll Figurine Making

You can make a beautiful little doll mini figure by using a clothespin as the base (the old fashioned type). You can paint it or simply user permanent markers. You can use a muffin tin to make a beautiful silver dress. Just fold it in fourths and then cut a small hole in the middle. It should be big enough to pull over her head. You can then tie it in place with a ribbon or glue it on. Use yarn for her hair and little pieces of string to braid her hair. Yud can glue her onto a base such as a spool thread or a piece of cardboard so that she will stand.

Instructions for Making Spool Dolls

This is fun for the older children to put together, and it will make a very fun toy for kids to play with. To make it, get one large spool for the body and nine smaller spools of equal size for the head and arms and legs. Use very heavy thread to put the doll together. Elastic thread is even better, as it will make the doll springy. You will also need five large buttons with two holes in the center. Lay the spools in front of you in the position to form the doll, as shown in the picture above. Cut a piece of plain or elastic thread a little more than four times the length of the doll from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. Start at the top and first run the thread through one hole of one of your buttons, then through the head spool, the body spool, two leg spools, and through one hole in another button. Start back through the other hole in the button and cover the same route back to the head. Then start down again through the second hole in the top button, through the head, body, and the two spools of the other leg. Go back again, as you did with the first leg, and tie the two ends of thread securely at the top. Now cut another piece of elastic thread a little more than twice the distance across the arms and body. Start at one end of an arm and run your thread through one hole of the button, through the two spools for the arm, between the elastic joining head and body, through the spools of the other arm, and through one hole of the last button. Start back through the other hole of the button and cover the same route back to your starting place. Tie the two ends securely. When the doll is assembled, draw a face on the head spool with ink or paints.

Make Stick Dolls

Go searching for interesting shaped sticks and twigs. Look for sticks and branches that resemble a person's shape and form. It isn't too tough to accomplish. You will be surprised how easily you can find just the right shape. Look at Fig. 1 to see the sort of shape that we want. When you have the pile of twigs on your design...it is time to get to work on your doll. Maybe use a bead or a ping pong for the head. If you want, use clipart to find a face for your doll...or draw a face with marker or paint. Maybe use beads for the hands and feet as well. Use cloth, fabric, and felt for the clothing ... you will be suprised how well your stick dolls turn out.

Making Mouse Sock Dolls

These are so easy to make...this is a great starter sock doll to make. Move up from this sock doll to more difficult ones. Stuff the mouse with newspaper or stuffing of some sort. Then tie close with a piece of string or yarn...make it longer if it is for your cats to play with. Use felt to make the ears and sew on or glue on button eyes and nose. You can glue whiskers on with yarn, thread, or string, by pushing them through the button holes.

Even More Doll Making Crafts Below

How to Make Easy No-Sew Sock Dolls Crafts Idea for Kids - This craft will probably take less than 10 minutes for you…it is that easy. These are no-sew dolls…that is right…no sewing necessary at all. If you like sock monkeys, but you were too lazy to make them, then this arts and crafts project is for you. Have fun.

How to Make No-Sew Stuffed Puppy Dog Animal Toy with Socks & Rubber Bands - Today we will show you how to make stuffed puppy dogs out of socks and rubber bands. This craft will probably take less than 10 minutes for you…it is that easy. These are no-sew stuffed animals…that is right…no sewing necessary at all. If you like sock monkeys, but you were too lazy to make them, then this arts and crafts project is for you. Have fun.

How to Make Twist Tie Doll Figures with Moving Arms and Legs Crafts Idea for Kids - If you want to make your very own play dolls out of recycled twist ties, then find out how to. They come out really cool, with hug-gable & twist-able arms and legs … especially cool for Mom dolls that hug baby dolls. Find out how to make these from unused items around your house. Have fun.

Making Yarn Dolls with Faces - Learn how to make this special yarn doll that has a bonnet, a face, a dress and is so nice to hug. This is easy to make but still turns out better than normal yarn dolls turn out usually. And it is tons of fun to make.

Making Easy Yarn Dolls - Learn the basics of making your own yarn dolls.

Napkin Holder Doll for Thanksgiving Dinner Table Decorations Crafts Idea for Kids - This pretty doll will hold your napkins or cutlery for you at thanksgiving dinner. Today we are going to share an idea for making a ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ Dinner Table Napkins or Silverware Holder to use as a decoration at your Thanksgiving dinner table. Below you will find instructions for this Thanksgiving table decoration.

Make Vegetable Dolls - Learn how to make vegetable figures with crepe paper and wire...make characters such as carrots, lettuce, spinach, tomoatoes, and other vegetables.

3-D Mermaid Paper Doll - Design a 3-D mermaid paper doll using only paper and wire.

Angel Gift Sack Doll - Little girls get giggles whenever this project is presented. Why not? Who wouldn’t want to be a gift bearing angel?

Angel Worry Dolls Making Crafts - Guatemalan children tell their worries to dolls and place them under their pillows. According to legend, the dolls take their worries away.

Anime In Action Doll for Girls - Who is an anime fan? Make a figure of yourself—or a friend—doing something fun like dancing or running!

Anna Bandanna Dolls Making Projects - Keep your young listeners enthralled as you fashion Anna Bandanna while you tell them stories about the old days and teach them that all treasured toys do not need to be "store bought". Little girls will love Anna Bandanna as their constant companion.

Apple Dolls - Don't let their craggy faces fool you. These little old ladies are sweet-natured and easy to make.

Baking Angel Dolls - This angel is a cute gift for anyone who is into Angels and a great gift for those who spend their time in the kitchen baking.

Ballerina Spool Dolls and How to Make Dolls – Using a bit of creativity in color matching, kids could easily make their own little ballerina doll with this art craft project.

Beanbag Pancake Dolls Craft for Preschoolers - Isn't this little pancake gorgeous? Make Pancake Day a little different this year with this original craft for making your own Beanbag Pancake Dolls - the kids will come up with some wonderful creations!

Bear Doll Stuffed Animals Making Activity - Start thinking about who you know that would love a new bear, of adding to your collection! They make a wonderful first toy for babies, as well as birthdays and holiday gifts.

Bloo Doll Making Instructions for Kids – Looking somewhat like the nemesis of Pacman, this cute little Bloo Doll will surely capture the hearts of little tykes.

Cartoon Doll Topiary - This adorable and fun "Doll Topiary" would make as a great gift for a little princess or as a creative craft for a slightly older princess. It uses basic items, and recycles that cute sock you can never find the match to.

Child's Felt Doll Project - Here is a perfect project for children to do on a rainy day or during the holidays. They'll appreciate and cherish a doll that they made with their own hands. Plus, they can decide what face and clothes the doll should have.

Clay Folk Doll - Nothing went to waste, and dolls were often made by hand for young children. This folk doll is a traditional Appalachian design.

Clay Pot - Flower Lady – Here’s something that will help your kids get in tune with nature. This little craft project will not only teach them how to care for their surroundings but give hem endless hours of fun as well.

Clay Pot - Flower Girl - Use the doll as a fun decoration or gift. The hands are perfect for holding lollipops and other yummy candy. You can also add a card, post, or twisted wire and use the doll as a place card holder.

Closet Pole Doll Angel Arts Activity - This is something even a 3^rd grader can find easy to do. Watch them create their own “mini-me” according to their imagination!

Clothespin Dolls Making Project - Here is a classic craft that everyone will enjoy making. Find out how to make personalized dolls using a clothespin and embroidery floss.

Colorful Clothespin Dolls and How to Make Them – Now this is what we call art craft and trendy fashion rolled into one project! Create your own colorful display of miniature clothespin dolls and find many uses for them afterwards.

Clown Pouch Making Directions – Who doesn’t love clowns? They’re everywhere! They can be found not just in the circus but in toy shops and art craft projects too. Now make your own little clown to bring some smile on a cloudy day.

Corn Husk Characters - Explore a Native American tradition. These replica dolls bring back a delightful, historic craft.

Corn Husk Dolls Making Activities - Next time you're shucking corn for dinner, don't throw away the husks -- dry them in the sun for one to three days, and you'll have the makings for a corn-husk doll.

Corn Husk Kitchen Witch Making Craft for Children - According to legend, a kitchen witch in the kitchen means meals will never burn. We can't guarantee that, but the fun of making this raven-tressed doll is its own reward.

Corn Husk Puppets - Even if your kids have never been very interested in puppets, they'll like the idea of making their own -- from corn husks no less.

Crazy Clown Doll Crafts Projects – Clown dolls are considered to be one of the more colorful craft projects that one can do. This is no exception for with just a bit of creativity and imagination, you could easily make your own clown doll with that right amount of colorful personality.

Custom Paper Dolls Making Activities - About five minutes after somebody invented paper, we figure, some little girl invented paper dolls. And they haven't changed much since then. However, get ready for the 21st-Century paper doll! When paper dolls and computers get together, cool things happen. The computer is a doll factory and clothing designer all in one, letting kids print out all the paper dolls they like as well as fashions sporting any pattern imaginable -- including reproductions of a girl's own favorite outfits. Ready for some high-tech dress-up?

Decked-Out Paper Dolls - Hands down this is one craft project that even a toddler can make! Paper dolls are very easy to make- all you need is a piece of paper, crayons, and a pair of scissors. The rest is up to you!

Drama Dolls - Kids create the characters, their costumes, the sets-and all the fun. Keep your video cameras rolling!

Easy Yarn Dolls - You have a fun and simple doll for yourself or to give as a gift.

Egg Matryoshka Dolls – Who says eggs are for breakfast and Easter egg hunting only? Paired with some non-toxic painting materials, you can do your own Matryoshka dolls. Just make sure though that the eggs are hard boiled first to prevent unwanted mess.

Elf Doll - After you've made a few Santa, you will need some helpers, so here we have Santa's Elf. This, too, is a real easy project and again, everyone can take part in making them. Leave the hand or machine sewing to the adults or the older kids, but the little ones can cut the elf's hat and outfit, and stuff the body full of fiberfill. The Elf, can sit anywhere - on a shelf, a tree branch, wreath or a cup in the hutch. Make extras to give as gifts as there is nothing so appreciated as something hand made!

European Colonial Figure - Learn about the clothing worn by Europeans when they first came to the Americas. Create a historic, miniature figure wearing authentic attire of the period.

Fairy Dolls - These fairy dolls take a bit of effort and would be easier for older children.  Use different colored flowers and make lots of fairies.

Fairy Flower Dolls - Transform old dolls into fairy flower dolls with this craft project.

Felty Friends - This Felty Friend is similar to cloth dolls made in the 1800s, except that we've inserted a pipe cleaner skeleton to make the doll pose able. We should warn you though, that when one Felty is completed, it will inevitably require a friend, clothes, a sleeping bag, and a pet.

Flower Friends - Buttercup the Fairy says,” Everyone knows that real fairies need to be free. But make one of these fairy dolls, complete with your choice of sparkly or feathery wings and you'll have a fairy friend to keep forever."

Flower Garden Fairy - Start by taking your flower and removing it from the stem, if your stem has leaves you can use these to form a hat or use the stem of the flower.

"Flower Power" Woo Doll - This craft requires absolutely zero effort! Just put some face into your favorite flower and… Whoala! You now have a flower doll!

Foam Friends - Make our cute paper doll "Friends" out of foam to use for your craft projects.

Folk Rag Doll - Learn how to make a traditional folk rag doll with this project, starting with the basic doll form made of fabric and stuffing.

Freya - Make your own colorful and fun fairy god mother!

Friends Are Easy To Make - As the title suggests, you can indeed make your own friend- a doll friend that is. They will keep you company for hours on end and will never tease you nor speak behind your back or… what else have you.

Friendship Pal - These little dolls are a new twist on a summer classic, the friendship bracelet.

Garden Fairy Doll - This doll could surely use a special place in your garden. Let it watch over the plants and trees and give life to the wilted ones. Your backyard could surely use this little friend’s help.

Gingerbread Man - This is perhaps one of the most famous storybook characters known to kids. Why not help them make their own version?

Guatemalan Worry Desk Decorators - Use ordinary wooden clothespins to create original versions of Guatemalan worry dolls. These mini people hold important papers or perch on pencil cups to add color to your desktop!

Hand Doll Puppet Kid Craft - The envy of all the girls at daycare.

Handkerchief Doll - The history of the handkerchief doll has been known for years especially in the more religious rites 'they were known as the prayer doll. Little Girls were given these dolls to take to church with them and if they dropped them no sound would be heard to disturb the congregation.

Hollyhock Dolls - Now you can make hollyhock dolls any time of the year. Famous artists and architects have used this traditional flower in their designs for centuries!

Homemade Clown Pouch - You can use it to keep letters and envelopes, laundry or your knick-knacks. You can make it longer to keep more clothes, but be sure that it should not be loaded much. It also looks beautiful and funky in kids' room. It can be either hanged on the door or on the wall.

Hopi Kachina Figures - Make a realistic replica of a Hopi messenger from the spirit world. Incorporate natural objects to explore this traditional art form.

Humpty Dumpty - Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, had a great fall, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again… you can of course, with the velco strap attached in between the head and the body of this doll.

Indian Sari Paperdolls - High-tech Crayola® Changeables™ are perfect to create the woven designs and exquisite motifs found on traditional Indian saris.

It's a String Thing - These cute and kooky dolls are fun to make on a rainy day or during a play date. House new pals in a homemade doll house!

Japanese Egg Doll - Learn to make a Japanese egg doll to celebrate Hina Matsuri. In Japan, Hina Matsuri -- which translates to "Doll Festival" -- is celebrated on March 3 of each year. Sometimes also called "Girls' Day," families observe this holiday by praying for a young girl's good health and happiness and by displaying ornamental dolls.

Japanese Origami Dolls – Using the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, you could easily make your own paper dolls out of scraps of paper lying around the house. You also get to help clean up too without being asked to do so.

Japanese Paper Dolls - One holiday that Japanese girls look forward to is Hina Matsuri (March 3rd), a day dedicated entirely to dolls. Create your own collection of kimono-wrapped ladies in five easy steps.

Japanese Kokeshi Dolls - Kokeshi dolls are simple stylized dolls that are made for tourists on vacation in Japan. In Japan, these hand-painted, lathe-turned wooden dolls often had a cylindrical base (the body) and a round head. Many people collect these small dolls. In this children's craft, the base (body) is a small, plastic bottle and the head is a ping-pong ball.

Japanese Rain Doll - This tutorial shares how easy it is to make this Japanese rain doll out of cardboard tubes and paper.

Kachina Doll Craft - Kachina (pronounced kah-CHEE-nah) dolls are traditional, hand-carved wooden dolls made by Hopi Indians of the southwestern US. Each Kachina doll represents a spirit in life. Some typical spirits represented by the Hopi in Kachina dolls include: the chief, the corn maiden, the ceremonial dancer, the singer, the ogre, the buffalo, the badger, the crow, the hawk, clouds, the sun, and the rainbow.

Kitchen Angel - If you have some unused cloths lying around the house, why not reuse it and make it into this kitchen angel craft project? You not only get to go green and eco-friendly but you also get the chance to decorate your home without spending a dime.

Lacy Dolls - This makes a wonderful Christmas tree ornament or decoration for a girl's room. Add a ribbon or monofilament for hanging. You can also add a pin back or attach it to the front of other projects such as a home-made greeting card.

Little Red Riding Hood - This project is obviously a walk down the fairy tales lane. Just looking at the red cape, we can easily tell who this doll character is.

Little Red Riding Hood Mini Marionettes - Grandmother, what small teeth you have! Sound strange? That's what your kids will be saying with these Little Red Riding Hood Mini Marionettes.

Matryoshka Russian Doll - This free Christmas craft project shows you how to make an adorable Matryoshka Russian doll tree ornament.

Mini Homemade Dolls - Use your sense of style and a few spare craft supplies to whip up a collection of these colorfully clothed dolls.

Mini doll making - This tiny mascot doll is perfect for beginners.

Mini Yarn Doll - We would like to thank Grandmas everywhere for keeping this craft alive. Now we've just given our dolls an updated look.

Monique The Country Angel - Everybody loves angels! To make your own, just download the easy to follow instructions of this art project.

Nettie Doll - This is an old-fashioned way to make a doll, and was often done with yarns too. The Nettie doll is about 9 inches tall, and can be displayed sitting, or standing, with a simple stand.

No-Sew Felt Bean Bag Chick - “It’s so cute!!” “It looks so cuddly!” “I want one!” Those are just a few exclamations we’ve heard with this cute yellow chick doll. Now you can make your own with this huide to help you out.

No-Sew Friendship Dolls - These dolls, made out of rolled strips of paper, look like stick figures before they are wrapped with yarn and dressed in fabric scraps. Parents and teachers can make these dolls very detailed to give as gifts or to decorate a classroom in an international theme. Children ages 8-12 can make them with very little assistance, and younger children can make them if an adult helps with the yarn wrapping, cutting and gluing. These little "paper-people" really come to life when they are dressed and topped off with some yarn hair.

Our Elfin Family - Assemble your family into a lineup of Santa's little helpers with this festive paper doll project.

Peg Angel - This wooden doll angel is the perfect little Christmas craft for all ages.

Penguin Doll - Fun for the child (or adult) that loves penguins!

Pilgrim Pal - This year, make room for a new Thanksgiving friend. With a few simple materials, you and your child can create a dashingly dressed Pilgrim guest for the holiday.

Pipe Cleaner Dolls - With posable bodies and wigged-out hair, these futuristic action figures are a welcome diversion on a rainy day.

Pipe Cleaner Pals - These Pipe Cleaner Pals are easy to make. A few moments of your time is all it will take.

Pipe Cleaner People - Don't be put off by this guy's twisted appearance: Making pipe cleaner humans is a snap. Fortunately for the pipe cleaner sculptor, pipe cleaners come in all colors -- just like people. Make a family of figures and dress them up any way you'd like

Poppy Doll - If poppy does not grow in your garden then you can plant it yourself. 

Prairie Doll - This prairie doll is an easy craft activity that requires few materials. Children may want help holding pieces while they tie. This prairie doll is an easy craft activity that requires few materials. Children may want help holding pieces while they tie.

Santa Doll - Here's a sitter doll so easy to create, you can make several to sell at church bazaars or make a tree full of them. They are actually 10 to 12" tall! The kids can help, too, cutting the felt for the hat, belt, boots, and stuffing the jolly Santa body. Sit them on a tree branch, a wreath or a shelf. Santa is always welcome anywhere!

Sew a Sleep Baby Doll - Send your kiddo to sleep with this lavender-infused baby doll.

Snow Folks Beanbags - Who knew snow could have so much personality? These easy-sew beanbags will be happy to spread good cheer as stocking stuffers, ornaments, or package decorations.

Sock Doll - Line up a few of these dolls on a windowsill or mantel, and you're guaranteed to spread cheer to family and guests alike.

Sock Fairy – If you missing pairs of socks and are thinking about throwing the whole lot away, think twice before you do because here’s something which you can create out of those.

Sock Mother Rabbit and Bunnies - This colorful mother rabbit and bunnies are the perfect way to decorate for Easter and spring. They also make a great addition to a child's room. Adult and children's socks and STYROFOAM* Brand Products bring this little bunny family to life.

Soft Muslin Doll - Make an extra special handmade doll using muslin, a soft and tightly woven cloth material. Follow the instructions in this sewing craft to create a one-of-a-kind doll because nothing says special quite like an art craft you make yourself.

Tea Bag Doll – Don’t throw away those used teabags! Gather them up and hang it out to dry. You’ll be surprised to know that you could still use this otherwise worthless garbage to make some nice creations such as this doll craft.

Thread Spool Dolls - Turn thread spools into quick, kooky characters.

Timber Shelf Dolls - These cuties have a charm all of their own.

Toothpick Dolls - These tiny toothpick dolls can keep your kids company wherever they go. Slip them into your kids' pockets, notebooks, or schoolbags for a friendly hello during the day.

VooDoo Doll Pen - This Halloween craft projects shows you how to make a fun Voodoo doll pen.

Wee Three Kings - Celebrate Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, with these easy-to-make beanbag monarchs.

Wooden Spoon Doll  - Who knew those kitchen items could be used to make such a cute doll!

Worry Dolls - In Guatemala, kids tell their troubles to worry dolls, tiny figures that they tuck under their pillows at night. Take this tradition worldwide with a multicultural collection of clothespin dolls.

Yarn Voodoo Doll - Voodoo dolls are fun to make. One of the cutest styles of voodoo dolls is the yarn voodoo doll. With a few simple materials and a little time, you can create yarn voodoo dolls that will make unique gifts…

Yoda Doll, You Must - Jedi Masters are fairly tricky to locate on this planet, but with some craft supplies, a needle and thread -- and some patience -- you can make your own cuddly Yoda felt doll. It's easy to make, plus it's fun!