DIY Doll

Back again with another DIY tutorial.

I think these little dolls are the cutest! I can’t wait to make more!

Supplies Needed

1. About a yard of fabric

2. Cotton

3. Paper for pattern pieces

4. Scissors, straight pins, a couple buttons

STEP 1

First, I drew the pattern piece on paper until I liked the size of them–my doll measures 19″ from top of her head to the bottom of her feet. Then, I cut the pieces from the fabric.

STEP 2

Next, pin and stitch each of the limbs leaving a section open and then stuff with cotton. Since the opening are so small you will need something long and thin (I used a pencil) to push the cotton to the bottom of all the pieces.

(I also stitched the ends shut once I had each piece stuffed)

STEP 3

Now, I pinned the legs in between the two layers with the right sides out on the body/dress pieces.

Then, I pinned in the arms and stitched around each of those sides leaving the neck open.

STEP 4

Next, you just fit the neck into the section left open at the top of the dress and stitch shut.

(I went over it a few times to make sure it wouldn’t come out)

STEP 5

Now, cut a good amount of yarn to the length you want the hair to be.

Then, you stitch the yarn to a piece of fabric (about 5″ long)

STEP 6

I hand stitched the “wig” onto the head.

I also stitched some on the hair around the face down making it look like it is bobby pinned in place.

STEP 7

I added a few little detail to mine. I added her headband, ruffles for a skirt, and her button eyes and stitched mouth.

And that’s it!

Super simple, huh?

*Wanna win a fabric stash of your very own and try this project yourself?

Just leave a comment with a DIY project idea you’d like for me to try and I will choose a winner tomorrow!*

-Kiara

     
Alison - November 6, 2012 - 1:36 pm

I would love to see a fun little girlie purse made from MJ fabric. :)

Melissa T - November 6, 2012 - 1:36 pm

We have taken a favorite shirt that no longer fits and cut it down to make a tooth fairy pillow :). You can let the kids get creative on the shape it is, make a little pocket and there you have it :)

Kelley - November 6, 2012 - 1:37 pm

I’d love for you to make a DIY no-sew “scrappy tutu skirt” with the fabric!

khara - November 6, 2012 - 1:39 pm

Those are the cutest little dolls! I think it only fair to request a DIY for some cute little outfits for them 😉

Tara - November 6, 2012 - 1:39 pm

What about a quilt? It could be done with fabric scraps, or I’ve been wanting to create one with some of my kiddos outgrown cherished clothing I can’t stand to get rid of. Love these dolls, I may have to make one for each of my girlies for Christmas!

Jennifer Valsted - November 6, 2012 - 1:40 pm

I would love to see a DIY tutorial on how to make a quilted pillow case for my daughter’s bed out of scraps of fabric from MJ. Would make for an awesome beautiful addition to our bedding. Or even a small quilted throw for my daughter. Thanks for all these great ideas!!!

Amber - November 6, 2012 - 1:40 pm

Bunting! It’s a cute easy way to dress up a room.

Marla H. - November 6, 2012 - 1:41 pm

Chapstick cozy with keychain clip to secure to purse or backpack! :)

Dana Stigall - November 6, 2012 - 1:44 pm

DIY snowmen ornaments…get white ornaments or use white glitter and floor cleaner in clear ornament. Vinyl carrot nose and eyes. I use a Silhouette Cameo cutter! If you do not have one, you need one!lol Then pipecleaner and small pompoms as earmuffs! Or piece of sweater as hat…So cute for the holidays!

Vanessa - November 6, 2012 - 1:44 pm

Adorable little doll! I love sewing toys for my children.

Since you’ve started offering fabric stashes I have wanted to get one and make some crayon rolls for the kids

Jennifer Beal - November 6, 2012 - 1:45 pm

I’d love a DIY for some super cute Christmas stockings!

ashley - November 6, 2012 - 1:45 pm

a burlap wreath!

Connie - November 6, 2012 - 1:46 pm

DIY photo blocks would be fun :)

Chris - November 6, 2012 - 1:47 pm

Super cute! Thanks gor the tute!

yoga_lat_te - November 6, 2012 - 1:48 pm

*Love* the button eyes :-). How about a hair accessory tutorial? Something that would go with the Winter Line pieces, and/or funky enough – does this even make sense :-0 – for a Tween or even a -somewhat adventurous- grown-up?

Jennifer D - November 6, 2012 - 1:49 pm

a decorative pillow for your couch or bed! or, a hand towel for the kitchen or bathroom!

Dana Stigall - November 6, 2012 - 1:49 pm

Another great gift idea…small tiles, bright retro napkins, and modge podge them onto tiles. I have used peace sign napkins and other bright colors! Cut small piece of adhesive cork for the back. Make a set of 4, tie with ribbon, and you have a cute gift!

Faith - November 6, 2012 - 1:52 pm

Love this and I so want to make a couple for my daughters! I eyed from afar the other day, a necklace made from woven fabric flowers. The flowers weren’t completely all around the necklace but more along the bottom/side, a bit asymmetrical. Could be any length. I think this would be a fun dyi to try!!

Emily C - November 6, 2012 - 1:53 pm

I would like to see a tutorial on a wallet or change purse.

Tisha Denny - November 6, 2012 - 1:58 pm

Love the doll…I’ve made a similar doll for craft shows now for many years (only felt hair):)! I’d love to see your DIY take on a stocking for Christmas!!

Alicia H - November 6, 2012 - 1:59 pm

I would love to learn how to make a cute stocking for Christmas. Thanks!

Julie C - November 6, 2012 - 2:00 pm

Baby Sensory Blanket – add ribbons with different colors and textures around the edge and let the little ones explore!

Amy Coon - November 6, 2012 - 2:00 pm

Kiara, I would like to see you do a DIY idea for storing all our hair pretties.

amy - November 6, 2012 - 2:06 pm

would love to see a little boy (to go with the doll you made here). :)

mary hunt - November 6, 2012 - 2:06 pm

DIY picture frames for your photos for your darling daughters in their favorite Matilda Jane:)

Stacie Petta - November 6, 2012 - 2:13 pm

Hmmm? Maybe that dolly needs clothes! Little dresses or skirts!

Katie R. - November 6, 2012 - 2:14 pm

Do you have a good DIY for a Christmas Tree skirt? I cannot find any I like!

Janet Emmett - November 6, 2012 - 2:14 pm

Soo cute, I would love to win a stash of fabric. I hope mine would come out as cute as yours did! 😉

J. Starost - November 6, 2012 - 2:19 pm

I would live to see some doll clothes!

Renee - November 6, 2012 - 2:20 pm

I love this, going to try with my daughters!! My 8 yr old is just learning to sew! Scraps are awesome!! I just made wings with fabric scraps! I stitched around each feathers (rounded piece of scrap fabric)for a not too frayish look and then pinned the right amount onto my large piece of fabric wing. Made two and put together using blanket binding. It turned out so cute!

Hutch - November 6, 2012 - 2:22 pm

I think that doll could use a little sleeping bag, similar to the way a rectangular potholder with a pocket to put your hand is made.

Amy D. - November 6, 2012 - 2:27 pm

So adorable! I may have to try this for a Christmas stocking stuffer. I would love to see your version of a little girl’s purse. My daughter loves any bag that she can put her treasures in and it would be fun to create a MTM purse for one of her outfits :)

Elizabeth Raetz - November 6, 2012 - 2:30 pm

LOVE the dolls! How about a DIY post on a tree skirt out of scrap material? Thanks for the posts!

Fran - November 6, 2012 - 3:00 pm

A necktie

Fran - November 6, 2012 - 3:14 pm

We need Christmas ties for our boys — to match all of these cute Christmas dresses…so I say neckties.

MaryAnn Thrasher - November 6, 2012 - 3:29 pm

DIY coffee sleeves, MJC style. I would love to see one done so I could make them for EVERYONE for Christmas this year!

maria romero - November 6, 2012 - 3:33 pm

Cute!

Karly - November 6, 2012 - 3:36 pm

I love how simple they are and how cute they turned out! I have millions of ideas, but the next project (after these dolls) I’m going to be doing is a baby toy for our infant. I havn’t decided if I want to make one of those lovey squares? Or a set of fabric blocks or what. Thank you for the tutorial!! 😀

Alyssa P. - November 6, 2012 - 3:41 pm

I still love the idea of an inter-changeable flip flop strap made from MJC fabric….the step by step can be found at this link…so I am going to repost from last week…

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/04/interchangeable-flip-flop-back-straps.html

Ap.

Jennifer Clark - November 6, 2012 - 3:48 pm

Love this – the perfect craft for Thanksgiving Break with my girlies!
My DIY wish: an fabric headband that the “Fabulous Ric Rack Flowers” can be arranged on.

Trish - November 6, 2012 - 3:53 pm

Fabric Mod Podge table or chair. Some of your leftover fabrics could be used.

Monica - November 6, 2012 - 3:54 pm

How about a cute carrying case for dolls and their accessories or doll clothes or a doll carrier inspired by the baby carriers/ slings that are so popular.

Jenn - November 6, 2012 - 4:01 pm

I would love to see you make some kind of a blanket for a toddler/or a small size lap blanket. Maybe lots of patchwork on the front and something solid on the back…

Lisa Elliott - November 6, 2012 - 4:15 pm

Tree skirt or avent calendar since Christmas is coming!!!

Lisa Elliott - November 6, 2012 - 4:20 pm

Tree skirt or avent calendar since Christmas is coming!

Megan - November 6, 2012 - 4:29 pm

DIY holiday wreath out of fabric. :)

Tisha - November 6, 2012 - 4:30 pm

Just love this idea! My 4 year old daughter and I are looking at it now and are on our way upstairs to give it a shot! Hope ours looks as good!! Thanks for the super cute idea…perfect project for mommy and daughter bonding!

Anne - November 6, 2012 - 4:34 pm

I’d love to see a tutorial on a fabric banner with some cute fabrics, trim and embellishments in a way only Matilda Jane can fashion.

Brooke Baity - November 6, 2012 - 4:35 pm

I have been wanting to make a nap map for my daughter for a long time now but just cant seem to find the time to do it. Would love to see what you could come up with.

Jenn Khurshid - November 6, 2012 - 4:36 pm

How about a DIY for a lighted marquee?

Jackie H. - November 6, 2012 - 5:24 pm

SO cute!!!! Can not wait to try one (or two). How about a cute little drawstring bag for little ones to carry around their “loveables”. :)

Carol Mccullough - November 6, 2012 - 6:42 pm

How about a little pumpkin or 2 for my daughter’s nightstand?

Alyssa p. - November 6, 2012 - 6:54 pm

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/04/interchangeable-flip-flop-back-straps.html

Still love this idea…scraps for flip flop inter-changeable straps….

Sorry if this is a duplicate…I am not sure if the first one posted…I got an error message after I selected post comment…

Katie Ogden - November 6, 2012 - 6:54 pm

I’ve got it. Only you and/or MJC could come up with a hip house coat/robe. Come on, you gotta do it, please!!!

blessed mom - November 6, 2012 - 7:10 pm

Love the dolly!!!! would love to see you make some christmas ornaments or stockings

Julie Ferreira - November 6, 2012 - 7:16 pm

Rolled fabric flower headband, coin purse, chunky bead necklaces, or crib sheet and skirt!!

jessica - November 6, 2012 - 7:36 pm

Do something fun with chalkboard paint!!!! :)

jessica - November 6, 2012 - 7:45 pm

By the way this tutorial is aforable and if you have any of that birds of a feather material ud love it!!! 😉 wink wink.

jessica - November 6, 2012 - 7:45 pm

By the way this tutorial is adorable and if you have any of that birds of a feather material id love it!!! 😉 wink wink.

deborah - November 6, 2012 - 7:53 pm

Some kind of advent diy…a banner or something with pockets for surprises

Allison - November 6, 2012 - 7:54 pm

Fabric stash bunting flag!

Sarah Conlon - November 6, 2012 - 8:12 pm

Turn old clear glass vases into colorful decor. Buy paint in squeezable tubes in your favorite colors from a local craft store. Take your old vase or bottle and squeeze the paint into the vase, then turn it upside down, with something to cover your table of course. Th paint will drop down the sides of the vase, coating it in color for a fresh new look!

Dana - November 6, 2012 - 8:22 pm

How about embroidery hoops with different fabrics and button embellishments? I keep seeing them around and want to make some of my own! Plus – how beautiful would they be in MJ fabric scraps?! :)

Kimberly Van Sistine - November 6, 2012 - 8:31 pm

Any chance you would have a pattern that we could print out? We would love that!! :)

Wendy Enfinger - November 6, 2012 - 8:41 pm

I have been looking to make some sort of a really overnight bag for my kids when they go on sleep overs! Something that will hold their pjs, pillow and favorite snuggly!

Wendy Enfinger - November 6, 2012 - 8:44 pm

I have been wanting to make an overnight back of sorts for my kids to take when they go on sleep overs. Something that will hold their pjs, pillow and their favorite snuggly!

rachel b. - November 6, 2012 - 8:46 pm

i’d like to see a tut on a DIY e-reader case! LOVE the dolls!!

Mindy Heisner - November 6, 2012 - 10:15 pm

How about a Christmas ornament…..Tia the season is approaching 😉

Kirsten - November 6, 2012 - 10:25 pm

I have been wanting to make a fabric and/or felt headband with flowers for my daughters holiday outfit – have you ever tried one?

Ali Smith - November 6, 2012 - 10:56 pm

Tooth fairy pillow!

Jennifer Smith - November 6, 2012 - 11:10 pm

MJ inspired pillowcase

Priscilla Bockelman - November 6, 2012 - 11:16 pm

I’d love to see something for the little men in our lives…our boys. Maybe a cape to dress up in or a fun outside game/toy? I also loooove anything upcycled! Love the fact of taking something old and creating something completely new and unique!

Amber Vaughn - November 7, 2012 - 12:00 am

Oh my word .. These are so cute! Thank you. How about a Christmas tree skirt or a little apron

Becky Howton - November 7, 2012 - 1:30 am

In the spirit of Photo Love…how about a fabric camera strap cover.

Michelle Lynch - November 7, 2012 - 2:20 am

Love, love, love this one! I think i will show my daughter (7) as she wanted to hand make her christmas gifts this year and is very interested in sewing:) I would still love to see a DIY of a men’s tie wreath for the holidays using old ties and buttons, cuff links and such to include the men in our lives:) My daughter would love to see a DIY for making a book cover (cloth)binding etc. to showcase her wonderful stories!

baidu883 - November 7, 2012 - 4:36 am

good iedae,l like

tina - November 7, 2012 - 8:36 am

I would love to see diy of fabric mj memory/scrap book :))

Kathy Roberts - November 7, 2012 - 9:08 am

masquerade mask – Would love to learn how to make one and I think this fabric would make them look awesome!

Dana Garza - November 7, 2012 - 10:50 am

Chapstick cozy :)

or

Little girls overnight bag :)

Stacie Jarrells - November 7, 2012 - 10:53 am

I think you should try a mini purse or a little fabric type tote that carries a Nintendo DS/DSI/3DS :) So many little girls (and boys) have those when in the car or just to play and there aren’t many selections of cute carriers/ holders to have them and their games in.
I just bought my 7 yr old DD a 3DS XL for her birthday next week and I was only able to choose from 3 different designs. I think if she had one more of a MJ style she’d be thrilled plus the other girls in the neighborhood would swoon.

Stacie Jarrells - November 7, 2012 - 11:03 am

Another one I thought of is that my other DD that is 7 months old just had to start wearing glasses and I would love for her to be able to have a MJ design for the band that goes around the back of her head. Just seems cute rather than the boring black band she has to wear now :)

andrea m. - November 7, 2012 - 11:48 am

What about a fabric activity book for little ones. I had one when I was little that had a a page with laces through to help learn to tie. A page with a flap with buttons and snaps. Also had a little fabric doll that you could slip in a little flap for a bed.

Traci S - November 7, 2012 - 12:51 pm

How about a mesh bag something tutorial? I’m am sure we all have plenty of them!!

Lisa Lynch - November 7, 2012 - 1:12 pm

Such cute little dolls, I am going to have to break out that sewing machine my mom gave me and try to figure out how to work it. I wanted to suggest Tree Ornament ideas or a little girls version of a purse/bag. Also, maybe a tutorial on adding some ruffles to upstyle an tee into a dress. You guys are so creative :)

Liz M - November 7, 2012 - 1:16 pm

I absolutely LOVE these dolls…are they for sale? I cannot sew to save my life although I wish I could. What about DYI neck tie for little boys? I would love to make a tie for both of my boys in coordinating fabric to go with my DD’s MJ…but don’t know how. Please help! Thanks

bethy g - November 7, 2012 - 1:23 pm

I would LOVE for you to make the super-cute crayon roll-ups that kiddos use!

Katelyn McDermott - November 7, 2012 - 3:37 pm

A cute blouse made from an old dress shirt of dad’s! I have seen pictures on pinterest, but I need some guidance on HOW! I would love it!

Katelyn McDermott - November 7, 2012 - 3:49 pm

A cute blouse made out of dad’s old collared shirts! I’ve seen pictures of these everywhere but need some guidance in how it’s done!!

Sara Burke - November 7, 2012 - 4:22 pm

How to turn a men’s dress shirt into something a little girl can wear (ie: dress, pajamas, skirt…. something else) I’m always searching ways to upcycle :)

Lisa - November 7, 2012 - 5:56 pm

Sew a memory game out of 3 ” squares of 10 different fabric scraps.
Back each with the same fabric (20 squares) and use iron on stiffening Pellon inside.
Right sides together, sew all around leaving a small opening for turnng. Top stich closed and you are ready to play.

Katie Clausing - November 7, 2012 - 9:22 pm

I would love to see a cute keepsake made from different articles of clothing your kids wore. Every time my kids grow out of something I always get sad that it’s the last time they will wear it. I would love to see how to make blanket or something;)

rebecca smith - November 9, 2012 - 12:38 am

first off i love love the doll:)itd be neat to see wat you could come up with on christmas ornaments!

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