Topsy-Turvy Spool Dolls

Project designed by Ana A. Araujo.

All About

Product Ideas

Materials and Tools:

2 large ball knobs (wood doll heads)
12 wooden 3/4" x 1" spools
4 16mm wood beads
jute
3 pieces of fabric
curly crepe wool hair
tacky glue
lace trim
rub-on faces (or paint & fine permanent marker)
dental floss

Steps:

1. To make the doll's body: Cut a piece of jute 6-1/2 feet long. Fold in half and knot at the top, leaving a 1/2-inch loop.

2. Open the jute; you should have two pieces with a knot in the center. Take one side of the jute and fold at 5 inches; slip over the folded jute a 2-5/8" spool and a wood bead. Push up to the center knot and tie another knot at the end of wood bead. Repeat on the other side.

3. Bring the two ends of the jute from the wooden spools to the center and pull them through four 1-inch wooden spools.

4. Using the remaining jute, repeat step 3.

5. Bring together the remaining jute to the center and tie a knot.

6. Glue one ball knob to each end of the jute where the knot is.

7. To dress the doll: Cut two 9" x 16" pieces of different fabrics. Sew the 16-inch sides together (add a piece of lace in between the layers if you like) and press.