Making embroidered paper dolls

[annpicciano]

Hello,

I have a question in regards to making embroidered dolls (paper dolls in my day)
what do you stitch then out on and how do you get the clothes to stay on the doll?

Look forward to your reply

Thanks so much.

[Cutiepie]

Well, I know a lot of people stitch the doll her/himself out on something like Peltex (very stiff, heavy felt) and the the clothes on regular felt. You can/should place a second piece of felt under the clothes design just before the final thread color so that the majority of the stitches are covered and the final color keeps the felt backing in place. Then, the clothes should stay on similar to how a flannel board works. I have also seen someone sew the stiff side of velcro on the doll, cut sort of in the shape of underwear, and the clothes will stick to the velcro or you could put the fuzzy side of the velcro on the clothes as well.

[kampinkathy]

There is a product that is called Tack It Over N Over that is painted on the back of the embroidered clothes. Once you put two thin coats on, the clothes cling to the embroidered dolls. Works great. I can buy it at JoAnn's or Michaels.

Kathy

[Simpleuser2000]

I sew the dolls out on 2 layers of regular felt and the clothes I sew on one layer of felt. I then use the tack it over and over (Aleens) on the back of the clothes.

To store the clothes I lamanate a piece of cardstock that I have run through the printer to put the picture of the clothes on. Then the child can put the clothes back where they belong. This way they know if any pieces are missing too.
Elaine

[jand803]

thank you for those instructions. I have 2 granddaughters, age 4, that may get some paper dolls for Christmas next year now that I know how it is done.

[jand803]

I am so happy. Thank you all. I purchases the bear paper doll set with my points. I have a whole year to make them for my granddaughters. Now I need to make more points for my next purchase.

[DonnaMae]

these sound sew cute. I will have to find them As former pre-K teacher and mom, I love things like that... gonna do the old Mac farm finger puppets next
Blessings DonnaMae

[ronnieh]

To hold the doll's clothing and accessories in place - first I coat the back with a pva glue. When it is dry - I use the Tack it Over and Over - just in a few places where the clothes/accessories will touch the doll itself. If you apply it all over - there may be some areas that are not touching the doll - they then stick to anything - fingers - clothing - books. Anyone want to ask me how I know - LOL!?????????? Hope that is not 'clear as mud'.

[Simpleuser2000]

What is pva glue?
Elaine

[ronnieh]

My bottle is labelled PVA Tacky Glue. The brand is Anita's. Description is 'all purpose glue - for arts crafts hobbies . . . . dries colourless. Apparently PVA stands for ' Poly Vinyl Acetate'! I think it is just a general purpose white craft glue - some one else jump in and correct me if I am wrong, please! When I first started doing dolls I read a suggestion to put a coat of this on first to stop the felt absorbing so much of the Tack it Over and Over glue - and to increase the durability of the clothing. Hope that helps some.

[Simpleuser2000]

So you cover the whole back with the PVA or just where you put the tack it over and over glue?
Elaine

[ronnieh]

Cover the whole back - then just put tack it over and over where it is needed after the pva has dried.

[Imdamama6]

These dolls sound great. Does anyone have pictures of any completed? I would love to see them if you do. Thanks.

[wheezy]

Thank you for all of the suggestions and to the one who posted this!!!

[MaryEHenry]

great suggestions guys! I may try them!!

[dollyj]

I am really glad that someone asked! I had the same questions and I thought it was just done on felt. Soooo glad to know this! Thanks!

[p_lanter]

I have some of the designs for dolls. Thanks for info.