Before you throw out a sock that's lost its mate...wait! Barbara Johnston, frequent contributor to Soft Dolls and Animals, shows you how to convert a lonely sock into a soft doll for a child or adult to enjoy.
Materials:
two socks, child's size 4
- one sock should be flesh-colored for the head
- one sock should be brightly colored for the body
heavy-duty quilting or carpet thread to match the socks
polyfil stuffing
12" of lace for the collar
18" of narrow ribbon to tie the collar
fabric paint pen
Steps:
- Begin by making the head. Turn flesh-colored sock inside out. Cut off the top of the toe just below the toe stitching. Thread needle with double thread and run a gathering stitch 1/4" below the cut edge. Draw up tightly and sew shut. Turn sock right side out and cut 4" below gathered area. Form head by pushing stuffing firmly into fabric, shaping head as you go. When the head feels firm, run a gathering stitch just below last stuffing. Pull up slightly and stuff in more Polyfil, making sure to keep head shape. Pull tightly, knot, and trim away excess sock.
- Next create the body by cutting the colored sock as in Fig. 1. Stuff body firmly with Polyfil. Run gathering stitch of doubled thread around the top of body. Make a little nest in the stuffing for neck, pushing stuffing toward shoulder areas. Place head on body and pull up gathering thread. Tuck body seam allowance and ladder stitch head to body.
- To make the baby bonnet, cut straight across the colored sock at base of ribbing (Fig. 1). Turn right side out and run gathering thread just under cut edge. Pull up tightly. Turn cap inside out, and pull finished edge of ribbing down over doll's head. Turn up a narrow cuff and overcast with tiny stitches.
- To decorate the baby doll, cut ribbon or lace 1 1/2 times the measurement of the doll's neck. Run a gathering stitch near one edge and draw up to form a ruffle. Tack to doll. Tie the narrow ribbon around the neck and make a bow.
Take Johnston's Advice
- Keep your eye out for doll makers' needles at your local craft center or doll store. These are larger that normal needles and make doll crafting much easier.
- To denote arms and legs in a sock doll, back stitch through the body from front to back (Fig. 2).
- Remember that crafting scraps and knickknacks can be turned into great doll accessories
Resources Soft Dolls and Animals Magazine
Scott Publications
30595 Eight Mile Rd.
Livonia, MI 48152
USA
Phone: 248-477-6650
Toll Free Phone: 800-458-8237
URL:
scottpublications.com
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