In celebration of the release of Death By Killer Mop Doll (the second book in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, otherwise known as the series about moi,) today I'm featuring the directions for a basic yarn doll. These directions first appeared on May 23, 2011. If you'd like directions for making a mop doll, you'll find them in Death By Killer Mop Doll.
Want to win a copy of Death By Killer Mop Doll? Author Lois Winston is giving away 5 signed copies at the end of her January blog tour. You can find the schedule on the sidebar to the right. To enter the drawing, post a comment to this blog or any of the guest blogs on the tour. -- AP
BASIC 12” YARN DOLL DIRECTIONS
Yarn dolls can be used as ornaments, tree toppers, garlands, wreath decorations, package decorations, centerpieces, shower gifts, wall and door hangings, and much more.
Yarn dolls can be used as ornaments, tree toppers, garlands, wreath decorations, package decorations, centerpieces, shower gifts, wall and door hangings, and much more.
Today we have the directions for the basic yarn doll. Next week and in weeks to come you'll find directions for taking the basic yarn doll and adding hair, clothing, and accessories for a variety of different looks.
Materials:
2” Dylite (smooth) craft foam ball
52 strands 18” lengths of 4-ply yarn
13 strands 10” lengths of 4-ply yarn
2-3/4” x 2-3/4” piece of muslin
8” chenille stem that matches yarn color
2 blue or black glass head straight pins
circle template or compass
yardstick
scissors
tacky glue
1. Place 50 of the 18” lengths of yarn on a flat surface with ends even. Using one additional 18” piece, tie the yarn into a bundle at the mid-point for the body.
2. Using the circle template or compass, draw a 2-3/4” circle on the muslin. Cut out. Make 1/4” deep cuts around the perimeter of the circle.
3. Glue the muslin to the craft foam ball.
4. Poke a hole in the bottom of the craft foam ball for neck. Place some glue on the end of the chenille stem and insert it into the hole.
3. Glue the muslin to the craft foam ball.
4. Poke a hole in the bottom of the craft foam ball for neck. Place some glue on the end of the chenille stem and insert it into the hole.
5. Wrap the chenille stem once around the tied center of the body so that the body touches the craft foam ball head. Hold in place with a small amount of glue. Allow the remainder of the chenille stem to hang in the center of the yarn body.
6. Braid 12 pieces of the 10” long yarn for arms. Tie at each end with half the remaining piece of 10” yarn.
7. Place the braid centered inside the yarn body. Tie the body under the arms with the remaining 18” length of yarn.
8. Dip the straight pins in a small amount of glue. Insert into the head for eyes.
Check back next Monday for directions on personalizing your yarn doll. -- AP
I remember making a yarn doll when I was in grade school. I think I had read about such a doll in a book and decided to make my own. It turned out pretty well for my first attempt. I might have to try it again!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very easy craft, Jane, simple enough for a child to master.
ReplyDeleteI have a red and green Christmas ornament yarn doll. Now she need not be alone.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for success of Death By Killer Mop Doll.
Thanks, Liz! In Death By Killer Mop Doll besides the directions for the mop doll, you'll find directions for making Christmas string doll angel ornaments. These are similar to yarn dolls but are smaller and use variegated crochet cotton in Christmas colors.
ReplyDelete