Lalaloopsy dolls are rag dolls at heart, which makes them friendlier to sew than most character costumes. Nearly every one is a bright base garment, yarn hair, a few oversized buttons and stitching you can actually see. The list below runs from bakers and circus girls to fairytale dolls and a pirate, and every one can be sized for a child, a teen or an adult from thrifted clothes, felt and craft yarn. I draw the button eyes around the wearer's own eyes rather than over them, and I keep props soft, because these costumes tend to end up on small people in busy rooms.
Drawing Button Eyes That Don't Block Real Ones
The button eyes are what turn a pink dress into a Lalaloopsy doll, and they're also the part people get wrong. A real button or a sticker over the eye is out of the question. What works is a ring drawn around the wearer's own eye, so the eye itself becomes the button.
- Patch-test the liner or face paint on the inside of the wrist the day before, especially for children.
- Draw a circle in black cream liner or water-activated face paint, roughly following the eye socket bone, not tight against the lashes.
- Add four small dots inside the ring, two above and two below the eye, for the buttonholes. Keep them on the brow bone and cheek, never on the lid.
- Press translucent setting powder over the lines with a puff. Cream products crease and smudge on a warm night without it.
- Take it off with an oil cleanser or baby oil on a cotton pad, then wash. Rubbing with a wet wipe drags the black around the eye.
I'd skip the button rings for a child who rubs their eyes when tired. A big round dot of blush on each cheek and visible stitches on the clothes still say rag doll, and nothing ends up in anyone's eyes.
Yarn Hair Sewn Onto a Cap
Almost every doll here has yarn hair in a colour no one is born with, and a homemade yarn wig is usually better than a shiny packaged one. My method is to start from a stretchy knit beanie in a matching colour and sew loops of chunky acrylic yarn onto it in rows, working from the nape up to the crown. Acrylic keeps its colour and doesn't felt when it gets damp, which wool will.
- Pigtails and braids: sew the yarn from a centre parting down to each side, then tie off. Yarn braids hold better than loose hanks.
- Fringes: add the bangs last and trim them once the cap is on the wearer's head.
- Weight: a full yarn wig gets heavy. For small children, cover only the visible parts of the cap and let a hat or bow hide the rest.
- Headpieces: clip hats, bows and crowns through to the beanie, not into the yarn, or they slide off by the third house.
1. Crumbs Sugar Cookie Costume
Crumbs is the one I'd hand to a beginner. A fuchsia puff-sleeve dress with a yellow gingham apron over it does most of the work, and white ankle socks with pink lace-ups or Mary Janes keep the doll proportions. Her pink yarn wig needs a blunt fringe; I trim it after it's on the head, never before, because yarn bangs always sit shorter than you expect. Draw the button rings in black liner around the eyes, add round blush, and sew a few big black buttons and white running stitches onto the dress. A wooden spoon or a cardboard cookie tray is enough of a prop, and a small plush mouse clipped to the apron pocket tells people who she is.
2. Jewel Sparkles Costume
Jewel Sparkles is the princess of the line, so the dress needs a fitted bodice and a full skirt, layered in pink with puffed sleeves. Pearls, rhinestones and satin bows go at the waist and neckline. I attach the rhinestones with fabric glue and let them cure overnight; stuck on the same afternoon, they pop off the first time the wearer sits down. White ruffled socks, glittery pink Mary Janes and bubblegum-pink pigtails curled high under a small silver tiara carry the rest. A plastic hand mirror or a wand is safer than anything glass, and short white gloves with a plush cat give her the right air. She's a natural lead for a princess group.
3. Peanut Big Top Costume
Peanut Big Top reads from the end of a driveway because the colours are pure circus: a red-and-yellow striped dress with a blue ruffled collar, puffed sleeves and a flared skirt. Mismatched striped tights give it the homemade look. Skip the big clown shoes; red sneakers or flat lace-up boots are far easier on a long walk. Her purple yarn wig is short and curly with a red bow set slightly off centre, and I pin that bow through the wig cap so it can't spin round. Pink cheeks, a few painted freckles and the black button rings keep the makeup light. A foam hoop, juggling scarves or a red balloon will do as a prop, and a plush elephant gives her the circus pet.
4. Mittens Fluff ’N’ Stuff Costume
If your Halloween is cold, Mittens Fluff 'N' Stuff is the honest answer, because her whole costume is winter clothing. A blue-and-white dress with a fuzzy collar, striped long sleeves and pom-pom trim goes over thermal leggings, with blue lace-up snow boots on the feet. Thick blue yarn braids, a knit hat or white earmuffs, pale blue shadow and rosy cheeks finish her. She carries a basket of yarn balls; I stitch each ball to the basket lining, because loose ones roll under cars. White mittens and a plush polar bear are the last pieces, and a line of visible stitching down the skirt keeps her looking sewn rather than bought.
5. Pillow Featherbed Costume
Pillow Featherbed is the costume I suggest for a child who hates scratchy clothes, since it's basically pyjamas. Use a lavender nightdress with puffed sleeves, a white collar and lace at the hem, striped pyjama leggings underneath, and purple slippers with nonslip soles. Lavender yarn pigtails with pale bows, or a soft purple wig under a pointed sleeping cap, give the hair. Keep the face gentle: rosy cheeks, a little lilac shadow, simple button circles. Her prop is a small pillow covered in felt patches and big stitches, plus a plush sheep under one arm. On a cold night, a long-sleeve top fits under the nightdress without changing the look.
6. Spot Splatter Splash Costume
Spot Splatter Splash is a good use for old denim overalls or a painter's smock over an orange shirt. I cut the paint splashes from felt in red, yellow, blue and green rather than using real paint, which cracks when the fabric bends and never quite dries on thick denim. Add striped socks and orange sneakers or flat boots, then style an orange yarn wig into two uneven pigtails with bright clips. Warm blush, a few freckles and the button rings go on the face. A clean paintbrush and a cardboard palette with dried craft-foam blobs make the prop, and a plush zebra rides along. Oversized buttons and big stitches make it look like a doll dressed in an artist's cast-offs.
7. Bea Spells-A-Lot Costume
Bea Spells-A-Lot is the classroom doll: a yellow blouse under a black or navy pinafore, with alphabet letters and numbers scattered across the skirt. Felt letters glued to a polyester pinafore tend to peel at the edges, so I either stitch them with a few tacks at each corner or iron them on with fusible web before trimming. White knee socks and black Mary Janes keep her tidy. Her orange yarn braids end in black bows, and round frames with no lenses leave the eyes clear. Natural makeup with peach blush, freckles and soft button outlines is plenty. A book, a small chalkboard or foam flash cards make the prop, with a plush owl on a shoulder strap and white stitching around the collar and pockets.
8. Dot Starlight Costume
Dot Starlight needs a royal-blue dress or jumpsuit covered in silver stars, moons and stitched planets, with a white blouse underneath and red or silver lace-up boots. Her red yarn wig sits in rounded pigtails under a silver headband or small astronaut-style cap. Shimmery blue shadow, round pink blush and the button rings make the face. For the prop I'd roll a cardboard tube into a telescope and paint it silver, or put a foam planet on a short dowel. Reflective star stickers on the skirt catch car headlights, which helps after dark, but keep loose glitter away from the eyes. A plush red bird finishes her.
9. Tippy Tumblelina Costume
Tippy Tumblelina is a ballerina, so start with a pale pink leotard or fitted top under a knee-length layered tutu, plus a wrap cardigan if the evening is cool. White or pink tights and soft ballet flats keep it graceful. A pink yarn bun with satin ribbon wrapped around the base, topped with a small bow or crown, gives the hair. I build yarn buns over a sock-bun ring so they hold their height. Rosy blush, light pink shadow and black button rings make the doll face, and a ribbon wand made from fabric streamers is safer than a rigid stick. Paint the stitches along the neckline and waistband. For trick-or-treating outside, swap in pink sneakers and leggings; the colours still say ballet.
10. Marina Anchors Costume
Marina Anchors comes straight out of a sailor dress: blue, with a white collar, a red necktie and striped trim around the skirt. Red-and-white knee socks with navy lace-ups or boat-style flats finish the lower half. A deep blue yarn wig in curled pigtails and a small white sailor cap give the hair. That cap only stays put if you clip it through to the wig cap, not just into the yarn. Light blue shadow, round blush and black button rings keep the face simple. A foam anchor, a rolled paper map or a toy telescope is easy to hold all evening. Rope cord around the waist, white stitching along the hem and a plush whale or sea creature finish the nautical story.
11. Blossom Flowerpot Costume
Blossom Flowerpot suits daytime parties and school dress-up days. Start with a green puff-sleeve dress and a layered skirt covered in fabric flowers, then add a pink apron with deep pockets for small props. Striped tights with green rain boots or floral sneakers keep her practical. Her bright pink yarn pigtails get silk blossoms tucked around the hairline. I wire those flowers into the bobbles; pinned straight into yarn, they slide out within an hour. Soft green shadow, rosy cheeks and the button outlines go on the face. Fill a light watering can with silk flowers instead of water, add felt leaves and big buttons on the bodice, and perch a plush butterfly on the can.
12. Sunny Side Up Costume
Sunny Side Up is a farm girl in morning colours, built from a yellow gingham dress or blouse and skirt under blue denim overalls. A white apron with felt eggs and red trim, striped ankle socks and red sneakers or short brown boots set the scene. Her sunny yellow braids tie off with red ribbons, and a small fabric chicken clip sits near one ear. Peach blush, freckles and black button rings are all the makeup she needs. She carries a basket of plastic eggs or felt vegetables. I add patches at the knees of the overalls, which looks right for the character and also protects real knees that end up on the pavement. Every layer here is soft and easy to pull off when a child gets warm.
13. Prairie Dusty Trails Costume
Prairie Dusty Trails is a cowgirl you can make without much crafting at all. A red plaid blouse with a layered denim or tan skirt, a brown vest with white topstitching and a wide belt with a foam buckle make the base. Striped tights and brown cowboy boots go underneath. Her orange or reddish-brown yarn braids come out from under a light cowgirl hat; I put a chin elastic on any hat that goes out on a windy night. Freckles, warm blush and button outlines finish the face. A coiled fabric rope or a plush hobby horse is better than anything that looks like real Western gear. Felt patches and fringe on the skirt, plus a plush horse clipped firmly to the belt, give her character.
14. Berry Jars ’N’ Jam Costume
Berry Jars 'N' Jam is a berry picker in red, purple and green. A berry-coloured dress with puffed sleeves gets a checked apron over the skirt, with felt strawberries, blueberries and stitched leaves on the pockets. White knee socks and red Mary Janes or sneakers keep the feet simple. Her purple pigtails are thick, so I use about twice as much yarn per side as I think I'll need. Matching ribbons and a small berry headpiece finish the hair, and the face is rosy circles, freckles and button rings. A foam basket of artificial berries or purple pom-poms does the rest. Keep the dress fabric light; heavy cotton plus felt fruit drags on a small child by the end of the night.
15. Pix E. Flutters Costume
Pix E. Flutters is a fairy in green, pink and turquoise: a striped turquoise dress with a flared skirt and a glittery pink ribbon at the waist, green leggings, and sparkly flats or bright sneakers. Lime-green pigtails with pink bows give her the doll hair. Wings are the part that goes wrong. I mount lightweight translucent wings on wide elastic shoulder straps, because thin elastic digs in and the wings flop sideways by the second street. Shimmery green eyes, pink blush and button rings make the face. A foam flower wand or a fabric butterfly is enough to carry, and stitched leaf patches with oversized buttons on the dress keep the handmade finish. Leave loose glitter off a young child's face entirely.
16. Misty Mysterious Costume
Misty Mysterious is a stage magician made friendly. A purple dress with a fitted bodice, puffed sleeves and a layered black-and-purple skirt goes over striped tights, with polished black ankle boots. Curled purple pigtails sit under a small foam top hat with a bright satin band; foam keeps it light enough to clip to a wig. Lavender shadow, round blush and button rings give a theatrical face without heavy makeup. Her props are a collapsible fabric wand, oversized cardboard cards or a light magician's box, and nothing sharp. White gloves, stitched stars and big contrasting buttons add character, and a plush rabbit peeking out of a soft hat-shaped bag is the detail kids notice first.
17. Harmony B. Sharp Costume
Harmony B. Sharp needs a black-and-white dress with piano-key trim around the skirt and a red sash at the waist. I make the keys from strips of black felt stitched onto a white band, which is quicker than piecing fabric and lies flatter than paint. White tights, glossy black Mary Janes or low boots, and dark purple yarn curls under a musical-note headband finish her outline. Pink blush, silver shadow and the button rings go on the face. Carry a foam microphone or a cardboard keyboard, not a real instrument. Felt notes trailing over the bodice and sleeves, big buttons, and a plush cat or music-note bag make her a good fit for a talent show or a music-themed group.
18. Rosy Bumps ’N’ Bruises Costume
Rosy Bumps 'N' Bruises is a pretend nurse, and she should stay pretend. A white or pale blue dress with a rounded collar, puffed sleeves and red trim gets a short white apron with a simple heart patch. White knee socks and red sneakers beat stiff costume shoes. Her pink yarn pigtails are curled, with a soft nurse cap clipped on top. Keep the face to rosy cheeks, freckles and button rings; I never paint bruises or cuts on this one, because the character is about caring, not injuries. A toy thermometer, a bandage box or a plush medical bag holds the props, and a small bear wearing a removable felt bandage gives younger kids something to play with.
19. Pickles B.L.T. Costume
Pickles B.L.T. is a retro diner waitress. She wears a black button-front blouse with oversized teal buttons, a blue skirt trimmed in checked fabric, and a white apron on top. Teal knee socks with lace at the cuffs and short curly orange hair with two teal bows finish her colours. Pink blush, freckles and button rings make the doll face. Her tray holds felt sandwiches and a paper menu; I glue the felt food to the tray so nothing slides off when she waves. The character is often shown on roller skates, but white lace-up sneakers keep the same uniform shape and are far safer on a dark pavement. Decorative stitching around the apron and skirt gives her the rag-doll edge.
20. Ace Fender Bender Costume
Ace Fender Bender is a mechanic, so the base is a blue work jumpsuit or denim overalls over a striped T-shirt. That makes it one of the easiest costumes here for a boy, a man or anyone who'd rather not wear a dress. Felt patches, big buttons and a fabric name badge go across the chest, with red sneakers or black work boots with bright laces. Short brown yarn hair sits under a backward cap or soft mechanic's hat; for short yarn hair I sew loops directly to the inside of the cap and trim them. Freckles, rosy cheeks and button rings make the face. A foam wrench, cardboard steering wheel or a small toolbox of fabric tools is plenty, with a toy car clipped to the belt and the sleeves rolled.
21. Patch Treasurechest Costume
Patch Treasurechest is a storybook pirate with nothing frightening about him. A striped shirt under a brown vest, cropped black trousers, a bright sash and patched knee socks set up the outfit, with brown boots wearing folded fabric cuffs. Short yarn hair goes under a soft tricorn hat with stitched trim. The eye patch matters: I use a soft fabric patch on an elastic loop so it can flip up onto the forehead whenever the wearer needs both eyes, which on the street is most of the time. Rosy cheeks and the button rings finish the face. A cardboard treasure map or a small chest of plastic gems replaces weapons, and a plush parrot stitched to one shoulder gives him a sidekick.
22. Sir Battlescarred Costume
Sir Battlescarred is a soft knight. A grey tunic over a black long-sleeve shirt and leggings, plus a fabric tabard with a bright shield emblem and stitched edging, makes the body. I cut the foam armour for shoes and shoulders from thin craft foam rather than thick EVA, because thick foam stays rigid and pinches at the ankle and elbow on a long walk. A short grey yarn wig sits under a flexible foam crown or an open-faced helmet that leaves the face clear. Soft blush and round button rings go on. Give him a cardboard shield and no sword. A red fabric cape adds movement, and big buttons with contrast stitching keep him a doll rather than a soldier. Check that he can sit down in every piece before you leave the house.
23. Forest Evergreen Costume
Forest Evergreen is a woodland ranger, and a good choice for a cold October because thermals fit under everything. Use a green plaid shirt under brown overalls or a utility vest, tan trousers, striped socks, and sturdy green or brown boots. A short auburn yarn wig sits under a soft green cap with felt leaves. Peach blush, freckles and black button rings give the rag-doll face. A cardboard compass, a rolled trail map or fabric binoculars make the props. I sew felt trees and leaves onto the pockets and attach the plush woodland animal to a backpack strap, since anything carried loose gets put down at the first house and forgotten.
24. Ember Flicker Flame Costume
Ember Flicker Flame is a firefighter doll, bright rather than scary. A red firefighter-style coat goes over black trousers and a yellow shirt, trimmed with reflective silver ribbon, oversized buttons and felt flames in orange and yellow. That reflective ribbon is worth buying even if you skip everything else, because it shows up in headlights. Black boots or sneakers with red laces, orange yarn pigtails and a light foam or plastic helmet finish the outline. Golden shadow, warm round blush and button rings make the face. A coiled blue fabric hose or a plush water drop is easy to carry, and a soft Dalmatian can ride in a small bag. Leave the coat unlined so it can be opened indoors.
25. Suzette La Sweet Costume
Suzette La Sweet is the French pastry doll. Her pale pink and mint dress has puffed sleeves, a fitted waist and several tiers of ruffles. If you're sewing those tiers, gathering each one to about one and a half times the length of the tier above keeps the skirt full without turning it into a bell. White tights and pastel Mary Janes with satin bows go on the feet. Powder-blue or pale pink yarn curls stack tall, with a small dessert-shaped headpiece on top. Pearls, rosy blush, shimmer shadow and the button rings make her face. A tray of felt pastries or a small fan is her prop, and lace cuffs and a ribbon choker add polish without discomfort.
26. Alice In Lalaloopsyland Costume
Alice in Lalaloopsyland starts from the blue dress everyone knows: knee-length, sky blue, with puffed sleeves and a crisp white apron. Striped or white tights and black Mary Janes go underneath. Her yellow yarn hair can be loose pigtails or a straight bob under a wide black bow; I'd pick the bob for a child, since it tangles less. Pale blue shadow, pink round blush and black rings around the eyes make the doll face. An oversized foam key, a fabric teacup or a cardboard storybook works as a prop, and a plush rabbit tells everyone the story at a glance. Put the black buttons and white stitching around the apron pockets, and keep the skirt only moderately full so she can get through doorways and crowds.
27. Cinder Slippers Costume
Cinder Slippers turns the Cinderella story into a stitched doll. A pale blue dress with puffed sleeves, a fitted bodice and a layered knee-length skirt goes over white tights, with sparkly blue flats instead of anything that looks like glass. Silver yarn piled into a high bun under a soft blue headband or small crown makes her hair different from the usual princess. Icy blue shadow, rosy cheeks and round button rings finish the face. She carries a foam clock, a fabric slipper or a pumpkin-shaped bag. I deliberately sew the buttons on mismatched, and add a couple of patches, because a too-neat princess dress stops reading as Lalaloopsy. Short white gloves and a ribbon choker are the last touches, for a child or an adult.
28. Snowy Fairest Costume
Snowy Fairest is Snow White in primary colours: a blue puff-sleeve top, a yellow knee-length skirt and a red capelet. A fitted black bodice or a wide belt ties those colours together, and without it the outfit can look like three separate garments. White tights and red Mary Janes or flats go below. Her black yarn bob sits under a red bow across the top. Rosy round blush, soft neutral shadow and black button rings give her face. Carry a basket of felt flowers or fabric fruit, and leave out anything that hints at the poisoned apple if small children are in the group. Stitching around the cape and skirt, plus a plush woodland bird clipped to the basket, keeps her cheerful.
29. Cape Riding Hood Costume
Cape Riding Hood is one of the warmest costumes in the line, since the hooded cape is the whole point. Under it, wear a red gingham dress or a white blouse with a full red skirt, white knee socks and black or brown lace-up boots. I fasten the cape with one large decorative button sewn over a hidden snap; a button alone pulls open every time the wearer lifts her arms. Brown yarn pigtails tied with red ribbon should show around the hood. Pink blush, small freckles and button rings make the face. Line a light basket with checked fabric and fill it with felt bread or flowers, and patchwork pieces along the cape give the Lalaloopsy look. A plush woodland animal sitting in the basket keeps it child-friendly.
30. Sahara Mirage Costume
Sahara Mirage is a traveling performer in purple and turquoise. A loose purple tunic with gold trim goes over turquoise harem-style trousers, with a short embroidered vest, a plain fabric sash and soft purple slippers or flat ankle boots. Her deep teal yarn braid is long, so I braid it around a length of cord for strength; a long yarn braid alone stretches and thins as it swings. A jewelled headband sits at the crown. Violet shadow, warm blush and button circles make the face. She carries a painted cardboard lamp or a small fabric cushion. Leave out cultural or religious symbols and keep her in storybook fantasy, with oversized buttons, star patches and gold stitching. Make sure the flowing pieces are fitted at the waist and ankles so nothing trails.
31. Storm E. Sky Costume
Storm E. Sky is the pop-rock doll. A striped top goes under a cropped purple jacket, with a layered black skirt over leggings and purple lace-up boots or high-tops with star patches. Her long violet yarn wig has side-swept bangs and a few electric-blue streaks. I add those streaks by knotting blue yarn into the finished wig, which is easier than planning them in from the start. Silver-purple eyes, rosy cheeks and black button rings go on the face. A foam guitar with stitched-look decoration is far easier to carry than a real one. Music-note patches, mismatched buttons and striped wrist cuffs give her detail, and a small cloud-shaped bag holds phone and keys. She's one of the few here built for dancing.
32. Strings Pick ’N’ Strum Costume
Strings Pick 'N' Strum is the country singer: a bright plaid blouse with a denim skirt or patched overalls, a neck scarf, striped tights and brown ankle boots. Warm red or orange yarn braids come from under a soft cowboy hat or a flower headband. Freckles, peach blush and round button rings go on the face. The prop is a cardboard guitar with yarn strings and painted notes. I make the strap from a wide strip of fabric rather than ribbon, because a narrow strap cuts into the shoulder within the hour. Felt patches over the skirt, knees and pockets, plus oversized buttons, keep her looking handmade, and a plush farm animal clipped to the strap is her last detail.
33. Haley Galaxy Costume
Haley Galaxy is a space girl, but she isn't an astronaut. A silver tunic or skater dress with turquoise sleeves and purple trim goes over metallic leggings, with white high-tops wearing removable star stickers. Her turquoise yarn sits in two round buns, with a silver antenna headband made from pipe cleaners or flexible craft wire. Lavender shadow, shimmery cheek highlight and button rings make the face. Carry a foam planet, a cardboard control panel or a rocket-shaped bag. Stitched constellations and big purple buttons decorate the dress. Metallic fabric frays fast, so I finish every cut edge with a zigzag or a line of fray stopper. Keep reflective pieces away from the face, and expect her to look her best under party lights.
34. Ivory Ice Crystals Costume
Ivory Ice Crystals is a winter doll in white, pale blue and silver. A white dress with translucent blue sleeves and a layered skirt that looks like soft snow goes over silver leggings, with pale blue boots or glittery sneakers. Long white yarn braids get foam snowflakes along their length and a light crystal-style crown on top. White yarn shows every smudge of makeup and dirt, so I put the wig on after the face is done. Frosty blue shadow, pink blush and button rings go on, without loose glitter near the eyes. A soft snowflake wand or a clear bag of iridescent fabric is her prop. Silver stitches, oversized blue buttons and a plush arctic animal make her a good anchor for a winter-themed group.
35. Boo Scaredy Cat Costume
Boo Scaredy Cat is the obvious last pick for Halloween: spooky in theme, sweet in practice. She wears a purple-and-black dress with puffed sleeves, a layered skirt and stitched cat patches, black-and-white striped tights, and purple ankle boots or sneakers. Her orange yarn pigtails are meant to look messy, which makes this the most forgiving wig in the list. A soft cat-ear headband goes on top. Lavender shadow, rosy cheeks, painted whiskers and button rings make the face. She carries a pumpkin-shaped bag or a plush black cat, with felt stars, moons and big buttons on the skirt. A short purple cape adds warmth and swing, and the whole costume holds up for parties, school events and trick-or-treating alike.
Stitches You Can See From the Sidewalk
Lalaloopsy dolls are meant to look sewn from scraps, so the stitching has to be big enough to notice. Tiny neat stitches disappear. I use embroidery floss with all six strands, or even thin yarn, and make running stitches about a centimetre long in white or a contrasting colour along seams, hems, collars and around each patch.
Felt patches can be glued or sewn, and the fabric decides which. On cotton, fabric glue holds well once it has cured overnight. On polyester or anything stretchy, glue tends to peel at the corners after a few hours of movement, so I glue the patch in place and then run a line of visible stitches around it. That way the stitch is the decoration and the hold.
Sew the oversized buttons with doubled thread through every hole, and leave plush pets clipped or stitched rather than carried. If you're dressing a toddler, skip buttons smaller than a large coin, because they can come loose and end up in a mouth. Felt circles with stitched holes look the same from a few steps away.
Start With the Dress, Then Sew On the Doll
Every doll in this list comes down to the same handful of parts: the character's colours, a comfortable base garment, yarn hair, stitched patches, gentle makeup and props light enough to carry all night. You don't need to be an experienced sewist. Start with a thrifted dress, overalls, uniform or jumpsuit, then add the felt and buttons with fabric glue or simple hand stitches. My rule is to protect sight and walking first: clear eyes, flat shoes, breathable layers and soft props. One doll makes a good solo costume, while the bakers, the musicians and the fairytale girls group up easily for siblings or friends.
Related posts:
