Craft Basket
First Felt Doll
A tiny hand-sewn felt friend using a blunt needle — a proud first stitching project full of love.
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Ages 4-615 min prep
My daughter asked to learn to sew when she was 5, and felt turned out to be the perfect starting fabric. It does not fray, so nothing can unravel and nothing is ruined.
We used a blunt needle and thick embroidery thread, and I threaded it about forty times. Her stitches are enormous and uneven and I would not change one of them.
The doll came out lumpy, with the stuffing all in one leg. She slept with it for months.
What you'll need
- Two identical doll shapes pre-cut from soft felt (a simple gingerbread-person shape)
- A blunt plastic or metal tapestry needle with a big eye
- Pastel embroidery floss, pre-threaded and knotted
- A small handful of polyester stuffing or wool fluff
- 2-3 small buttons or felt scraps for the face
- Craft glue for the face details
How to make it
- 1
Sit hip-to-hip with your child so you can guide both hands.
- 2
Line up the two felt doll shapes on top of each other.
- 3
Show your child how to push the needle down through both layers near the edge, then up again a little further along. Whisper 'down, up, down, up' as a rhythm.
- 4
Stitch slowly all the way around, leaving a small opening about the size of a thumb.
- 5
Put the needle aside. Together, push little pinches of stuffing into the opening until the doll feels squishy but not overstuffed.
- 6
Pick the needle back up and stitch the opening closed.
- 7
Glue on buttons for eyes and a felt scrap smile. Give the new friend a name.
Tip
Tie a small knot every 3-4 stitches so if the needle comes off, no work is lost.