Introduction to Making Cloth Dolls

by Jan Horrox

"This guide to cloth doll-making demonstrates how to create exquisite and stylish dolls that make wonderful gifts or collectibles. A great way to use up scraps of material, the dolls portrayed in these projects are made using a wide variety of colorful fa

Genres: Crafts, Sewing, Reference, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2011

Reviews

[SueK · Rating 3 out of 5]

A three star rating is probably pretty harsh, as I've only skimmed through this (entire) book, and plan to go through it more thoroughly soon.

I'm reasonably sure I'll try one or two of the patterns contained in the book. There are a few good hints - one can always pick up new hints from other dollmakers, so that's appreciated. However, I find myself questioning the publication of a book with a doll on the cover with badly posed hands. And while the unique sources for making hair are appreciated, I personally feel the hair on the cover doll, made of a cut up old brown sweater, is flat out ugly.

I bought this because it's a dollmaking book, and I love a good book on this subject. However, if I had seen the cover first, I probably would have bypassed this one. It's too bad, because the author is obviously quite capable of making better looking dolls (though I don't like her hand technique, at all).

[Tracy Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not a quick sewing project..

sewing amazing dolls and watching them come to life is a thrill for any sewist.

This book has three unusual and beautiful dolls to create, with helpful hints and tips and an array of ideas for decorating and trimming.

These lifelike dolls are exquisite. They are cleverly designed and with full sized templates and a few fabric scraps, you too can make a doll that stands 16 - 18 inches high.

Every step is told using words and pictures and are very in depth.  You really cannot go wrong.

The illustrations are divine, and easily inspire.  This is a must have book, the details and the information given will really help you develop your doll making skills and I cannot wait to get started.

[Amanda Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful techniques for beginner

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book, Introduction to Making Cloth Dolls, Jan Horrox author and fell in love with the cover!
My granddaughter and I spent a week-end with the doll making projects. Super creative fun!
The faces of the art dolls are easy to paint. My granddaughter used crayola colors to make the faces I had outlined for her.
The patterns for the dolls are easy to cut, sew, fill, and connect the parts. We had giggles and grins as we made pretty dresses and wild hair.
This is a great project for using odds and ends from the sewing basket such as yarns, ribbons, laces, tulle, beading, and other items you may have stashed away.
The photography of the art dolls is beautiful.
One of my favorite books for making art dolls!!
Enjoy!

[Donna Suttle]

Very useful book.