" ......a handcrafted doll is one of a kind, an individual which carries the spirit of the maker in its stitches and absorbs the spirit of the child who loves it".
Isn't this a beautiful description of a handmade doll? I've been making waldorf dolls for about six years now and I was very lucky to be shown how by a German lady who was based at the waldorf school in Kings Langley. I started off making dolls for my own children and I in turn have taught other people to make dolls for their childen. In this way the waldorf doll making tradition continues as it has done for most of the last century. I have no idea why these dolls, which I believe were originally made by Kathe Krusse in Germany were adopted by the Steiner movement. I do know though that the dolls are made wherever there is a waldorf school and each country seems to have a slightly different way of forming the head, or tying the eye line or using different fabric for the skin. I make a few dolls each year to sell at our school's Christmas fair and as I was making a doll the other day I thought it would be interesting to document the process. So for those of you struggling with a book here are some basic instructions:
The dolls I make are 16'' tall and made from natural materials. First off I wind a ball from washed fleece to form the head. The ball on the left of the photo has a 12'' circumference and is probably a bit large to be honest. Then I take two pieces of carded fleece and place them in a cross and I put the head on top and I encase the ball and put it into a piece of tubigauze which I have stitched along the top. I push the head into the tube and tie it at the neck. There will be fleece sticking out but that's OK because it forms the shoulders/chest.
Next off you need to tie the eye, head and chin lines. I take a long needle and linen thread and I go into the side of the head at the ear (halfway down the head) and I go through the head to the other ear. Bring the thread back across the face and tie very tightly to the thread hanging out at the first ear. Then take the needle over the head and back through second ear to the first ear and pull tight, then take the thread under the chin and through the second ear to first, pull tight and finely round the back of the head and same process back to the first ear. Phew - your fingers will be aching by now but tie the two threads together and cut off the tail. Then take a piece of skin coloured stockinette and stretch it and pin it across this head and sew up the back and top and again tie at the neck.
Place pins where you think the eyes and mouth should be and embroider them.
Then sew up the arms and body on the sewing machine. Turn right side out and stuff the hands and arms with fleece, firmly.
Sew the arms onto the back of the chest piece. I forgot to say to leave a few inches free at the top of the arms.
Stuff the feet and then the legs and then the tummy of the doll. Place the head and arms into the body and sew around the arms pushing in more fleece from the other side to firm up the chest. Finally sew around the neck and sew the head to the body with ladder stitch. You will need to bind off the hands and feet now but I forgot to take a picture of that.
Now the time consuming process of doing the hair. For boys I crochet a cap and then hook individual strands into the cap. For girls I either make a hair piece by winding wool around a book or I weave the hair over pins placed on the middle of the head and the ear which I then sew down. I would seriously recommend that you get a book for the pattern and for hair making instructions. A very good one is 'Kinder Dolls' by Maricristin Sealey. For doll supplies like the tubigauze, stockinette and hair you could try Weir Dolls, Waldorf Toys or Myriad.
Here are a few more pics of some of my dolls. Once you can make the head there are endless ways of making dolls with them. You can make a doll with a felted body or use and old cardigan.
You can even make little dolls for the seasonal table:
or some angles (which incidentally are for sale on Etsy):
Well, I think that's enough navel gazing for one evening. Do let me know if it doesn't make sense and good luck - it isn't that difficult honestly and your child will cherish it forever. Please see below for pattern link.
I WILL NOT BE SENDING THE PATTERN OUT ANYMORE!
.......................................
Update 28 October 2009.
How spooky to be re-writing this post almost exactly three years later. Since that time I have been inundated with requests for the doll pattern which I naively offered to send by email (little did I know that I would send well over two hundred).
Nowadays there are so many more posts and tutorials about. One blogger has put together a page of helpful links here and you can also search Flickr for inspiration - there are some very beautiful dolls there.
I usually get asked about supplies and I would suggest that you look at the websites of the suppliers above. They have a comprehensive list of what you need and how much of it. As for the pattern I've finally worked out how to attach it here. So all you have to do is click on the link and print it off .
Thanks for the lovely compliments you've sent me and good luck with your own doll making. I hope you have as much fun as I have had.
Please use the link above to print out the pattern. I WILL NOT BE SENDING THE PATTERN OUT ANYMORE!
Could you please send me the patterns and instructions for these wonderfully adorable dolls. We have 18 grandchildren (ages 7 months to 12 years) and I would love to make each grandchild an oragnic "Waldorf Family" of a Mommie, Daddy, child and baby.
Just think, a gift Not made from plastic, a gift that runs on imagination not batteries - what a novel concept(LOL).
Thank You, "Gram M"
Posted by: Mickie Ruth | November 25, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Those are gorgeous dolls, indeed! What a great talent to have! Thanks for the great instructions.
I've decided to make a couple of these dolls for Christmas this year. I would greatly appreciate it if you could send me a pattern for a 16" doll. I have included my e-mail, but let me know if you would like any other information.
Posted by: Penelope | November 26, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Would you mind emailing me your pattern? I really love you dolls and I plan on making one for my daughter for Christmas this year. Thanks!
Posted by: Kami | November 29, 2008 at 12:13 AM
please send me the pattern
Posted by: tatjana doane | November 30, 2008 at 12:34 AM
I can't wait to get started, thanks for sharing this valuable info!
Posted by: Gretchen Skovron | December 04, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Thnks so much for sending the pattern, my doll is coming along very nicely. I was wondering what you meant by "binding the hands and feet"? Would you mind giving me an explanation of how to do this? Thanks!!
Posted by: Kami | December 14, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Thanks so much for the pattern, my doll is coming along very nicely! Could you give me a bit of a description about what you meant by "binding the hands and feet"? Thanks!
Posted by: Kami | December 14, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Your dolls are just adorable! I am totally intrigued and would love the pattern if you're still willing to share! Thanks!
Posted by: Katie | December 17, 2008 at 12:18 AM
I would be so grateful for a pattern for a doll like these please! My daughter would be over the moon at Christmas :)
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly Taylor | December 18, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Your dolls are precious!Thank-you so much for sharing them with us!So glad to have found your site!!I am excited to make my first doll!I hope your pattern is still available to send.I would so very much appreciate it if you will.Many thanks to you,Shirley
Posted by: Shirley | January 07, 2009 at 03:15 PM
I love these dolls. Please send me a pattern.
Posted by: Marilyn Jackson | January 18, 2009 at 01:21 PM
what is your e-mail? I need a doll pattern:)
Posted by: allen | January 20, 2009 at 03:34 PM
please send me the doll body + arms pattern. MY e- mail is mwilkinson6@nc.rr.com
Posted by: allen | January 20, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Please send me the pattern for your 16 inch Waldorf Doll.My grandson is turning three and I'd like to attempt to craft him one of these lovely dolls. Thank you.
Posted by: Mary-Ann | February 04, 2009 at 03:35 PM
Beautiful! Very easy to follow instructions. Would you please send me your doll body pattern? Thank you!
Posted by: Samantha | February 19, 2009 at 01:00 PM
Can i get a pattern that you have used for the tutorial. Thank you. Your dolls are so cute.
Posted by: Christine Galbraith | February 23, 2009 at 09:10 AM
would u please email me the pattern ASAP!
thanks ur instructions are awesome!!!
Posted by: courtney | March 01, 2009 at 02:11 AM
wow this is really beautiful I would love if you emailed me the pattern too.. that would be awesome.
Posted by: Karla | March 07, 2009 at 02:39 AM
Just lovely dolls! So soft and cuddly...
Posted by: Roseanna Bogley | March 11, 2009 at 01:49 AM
I would absolutely love to get this pattern from you!! Do you need a mailing address or just email?
Posted by: Erin | March 11, 2009 at 03:36 AM
As a doll collector myself I have to say these are very precious! Dolls are a great treasure and (I'm sure you'll agree) the best hobby ever!
Posted by: Amber | March 16, 2009 at 02:07 AM
very usefull info... thanks!
Posted by: Kamagra Discount | March 19, 2009 at 01:35 AM
Thanks for your instruction. I felt in love with sawing dolls for awhile. I'm sawing three dolls for my student in my class cause now I'm a training teacher.If don't mind,pls send dolls pattern to my emsil: kesineesiri@hotmail.com. Thanks for advance.
Posted by: Cherry | March 21, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Hello,
I would be very greatful if you would send me the patern for the little girl in the skirt and the pink top.
Many thanks,
Jasmin.
Posted by: jasmin | March 21, 2009 at 07:54 PM
These dolls are so cute - my 2 daughters would love to cuddle with these :) I would love for you to mail me the pattern if that is possible?
Posted by: Susanne Hansen | March 26, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Could I please have a copy of the body pattern for your Waldorf doll? I need to make a fairy doll for a niece. Peg Palmer
I'm a special education teacher grades 1-4. I thought my first graders might like them as reading buddies also.
Posted by: Peg Palmer | March 29, 2009 at 02:27 AM
I love your dolls. They are beautiful. I am wondering if you could e-mail me the pattern? Thank-you in advance.
Posted by: Nichoel | April 02, 2009 at 02:56 AM
Wow your dolls are gorgeous. I would love to make one for my daughter and would GREATLY appreciate a 16 inch doll pattern. Thanks.
Posted by: jennifer | April 28, 2009 at 02:58 AM
Hi again Simmy! I have made another doll from your fabulous instructions! I hope you will be able to see him. Also, for you and for your blog visitors....I have made a clothing pattern that fits your doll pattern! I hope you like it. :P
Posted by: Amanda S. | May 13, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Sorry I guess I should post the direct link to the clothing pattern!! Here it is:
http://snazzlecraft.blogspot.com/2009/05/waldorf-boy-doll-w-clothes-pattern.html
Posted by: Amanda S. | May 13, 2009 at 04:33 PM
I am hooked on making small dolls.Would you please send me the pattern.
Posted by: Marguerite Helminiak | May 14, 2009 at 08:30 PM
Hi! I´m from Mexico (sorry my english is not good)and I would like to make a doll to my 2 little girls.
Can you send me the pattern to do the doll.
Posted by: Raquel Pámanes | May 28, 2009 at 04:36 AM
Thank you soo much for this great post on how to make a waldorf doll... I've been wanting to make one for my daughter but haven't know where to start... I would love to have a copy of your pattern for the arms and legs/body if it's not too much to ask so that I can get started on my dolly asap...
Take Care :)
Posted by: Jodie | May 31, 2009 at 07:45 AM
Your dolls are beautiful! Can you please send me the pattern of the Waldorf doll?
Posted by: Ana | June 07, 2009 at 04:28 PM
Simmy,
thanks for sharing this ... my granddaughter Gracie [a Waldorf student] and I will be making some Waldorf Dolls. I hope this gets to you, since I did not see an eMail address.
I would love to have the pattern.
Thank you,
Sandi Golden
sandi@thegoldens.com
Posted by: Sandra N. Golden | June 07, 2009 at 08:41 PM
I just love your dolls! How do you get that button nose so perfect?
Liv
Posted by: Olivia | June 11, 2009 at 03:05 AM
What a fantastic tutorial it must have taken you ages!! Thanks so much for sharing! I have printed it out and filed it away ... but now could I please have the pattern?? I have to give this a try!!
Posted by: cleo | July 02, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Hello i love Waldorf Dolls but I haven't the pattern Could you send me this, I'll be very happy. By By Margarita
Posted by: margarita | July 08, 2009 at 03:22 AM
Hi,
What a wonderful website. I ahve been looking for a suitable boy doll for my son who loves my daughter's dolls. May I have a copy of your pattern? I would love to try to make one myself.
Thanks Melissa
Posted by: Melissa | July 11, 2009 at 09:57 AM
I love you so much I'm happy I received the Waldorf patterns thanks for all I'm so funny
Posted by: margarita | July 18, 2009 at 12:15 AM
I'm looking for "how to make woldorf dolls" in the internet, and eas very happt to meet your very good and helpfull tutorial. I will be very happy to have the pattern of the doll as you say in the tutorial ( I can give you a pattern if you don't have one - just e-mail me).
I wavt to thank you in advance,
Michal,
Israel
Posted by: Michal | August 02, 2009 at 05:36 PM
hello
oh my god these are so so dam CUTE
is it too late to ask for a pattern to these dolls
thanks
Posted by: fifi | August 12, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Blogs are so interactive where we get lots of informative on any topics...... nice job keep it up !!
Posted by: Buy term papers | August 17, 2009 at 07:12 PM
Awesome instructions! I saw your site referenced from ohdeedoh.com and very timely as I had just been researching this through google myself.
Do you think it's worth it for a beginner to get a kit to actually do this project? If so, are there any sites you would recommend? I just didn't know how readily available the supplies are.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 20, 2009 at 02:35 AM
The doll you have made with a felted body is incredible! It has such a nice feeling about it! Could you explain a bit more how you make that sort of bodies? Thank you for sharing your work!!
Posted by: Miranda | August 20, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Do you still have the pattern for the 16 inch doll by any chance?
Posted by: Angela Davenport | August 21, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Very timely - I had been looking into this as a next project - thanks for all the detailed instructions!
I was wondering if you had advice for someone who has never made a doll regarding supplies. I have found some sites that sell kits - are there any you would recommend for either kits or supplies?
Posted by: Jennifer | August 24, 2009 at 01:33 AM
Hello. can you send for me pattern? i would be really happy! :)
Posted by: agne | September 05, 2009 at 08:56 AM
please send me your pattern.
Posted by: mary locke | September 08, 2009 at 05:02 AM
I would love your pattern for your waldof dolls. My granddaughter would love to love up on it. Your dolls are really unique. I love dolls myself and still have a few from long ago, and I really think they would be treasured.
Posted by: Pat McCoy | September 19, 2009 at 01:54 AM
Your dolls are lovely and have inspired me to make some Waldorf dolls. I've made other kinds in the past but the Waldorf dolls just have that wonderful "hug me" look to them. Thank you so much for sharing these instructions. I would like a pattern. Thank you again.
Posted by: Alice Googe | September 26, 2009 at 01:27 AM
they are beautiful. May I get the pattern for the body
Posted by: Katherine Caine-Pollock | October 09, 2009 at 04:13 AM
I need a pattern for the arms, legs and body.
Posted by: Becky | October 12, 2009 at 09:15 PM
do you have a few different sized patterns you could share? i am making a special doll for my niece and using her blankie as the clothes so she can have a keepsake of it. would you mind sharing some tips with me? thanks so much!
Posted by: Cristen | October 12, 2009 at 09:58 PM
you make the dolls sound so easy. I think I'll try one do you use regular tights for the under head.
Posted by: sandi | October 22, 2009 at 05:27 PM
Coucou,
Je suis entrain de coudre ma 1ère poupée d'inspiration STEINER-WALDORF grâce à un kit de la boutique MAROTTE et CIE et j'en profite pour te remercier pour toutes les infos que j'ai trouvé sur ton blog qui m'ont bien aidé pour coudre ce poupon. Il me reste la phase habillage mais celle ci c'est la plus simple !
J'avoue que cela m'a énormément plu de fabriquer cette poupée pour ma petite fille CARLA qui va avoir 3 ans !
Posted by: VOLSUL | October 27, 2009 at 07:35 AM
i simply cannot wait for the pattern... want to make my lil chickies a doll each for christmas... how long approx. do you think that it will take an absolute beginner to finish one doll???
Posted by: nadia grace | October 30, 2009 at 03:09 PM
i would LOVE the pattern for the doll i have a daughter that i want to make a special doll for & i think this is just the right doll :) thanks so much for taking the time to post this tutorial, i really appreciate it ... chrystal ~ chrystal.monte@yahoo.com
Posted by: chrystal | October 30, 2009 at 07:09 PM
good morning,
I like to come on your blog and I like to work a doll in my turn. you can forward me by e-mail the boss of the body of the doll (you offer it to us in your article). I am going to make it for my daughter for Christmas. thanks a lot, warmly,
Madeleine
PS:I am French, am grieved if my English is not very good!!
Posted by: madeleine | November 05, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Thanks for the instructions for this lovely doll. Please send me the pattern please.
Thanks! :)
Posted by: Lindsey | November 26, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Hi, I just found this website and it's truly fascinating. I would like to make one of the dolls for my 4 year old granddaughter. The dolls are just adorable. Is there anyway you could send me a pattern for the body? I would really appreciate it. Thank you!
Posted by: Alicia | December 07, 2009 at 10:31 PM
HELLO, I LOVES WALDORF DOLLS I WOULD LIKE TO DO ONE BUT I HAVEN'T THE BODY PATTERNS COULD YOU SEND ME THIS. I WILL BE VERY HAPPY.BY
Posted by: margarita | December 10, 2009 at 10:08 PM
love the little dolls. such great work.
would love to get the pattern for the 12 and 16 inch doll. thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Frieda | December 14, 2009 at 02:42 AM
i..............just loved this one step of making dolls and thanks for proving the guide line for the learner like me.Thanks alot ................................................................................................................
Posted by: janu thapamagar | December 31, 2009 at 08:32 AM
thanks for the tutorial. in there you said to email you for the pattern, would you please email me the pattern :)
coral-mclean@hotmail.com
THANKS SO MUCH
Posted by: Coral | January 18, 2010 at 06:42 AM
cute little dolls! it is so easy and they sell them for $60 at the school fair!
Thanks
Harriette.
10 years of age.
Posted by: Harriette | March 21, 2010 at 09:19 PM
Thank you so much for the update!
I was one of the 200 to which you sent a pattern, and the dolls turned out great!
Posted by: Yael (Alma7) | April 03, 2010 at 07:01 PM
hi...thank you for posting your instructions on making one..could you kindly email me the pattern! thanks so much i appreciate it! inspiring..i'm going to try making them for my 3 girls!
Posted by: christina | April 20, 2010 at 10:12 AM
THANK YOU!! Your advice is completely invaluable!!! Im so glad I didnt spend a fortune on a kit now! you have made my little girls 2nd birthday dreams come true!!
Posted by: Savannah Skinner | May 14, 2010 at 02:19 PM
oh what lovely dolls! i too would love your pattern as i have made a few and the arms and legs are always way too small or waaaaay too big!
Posted by: Kate Hull | May 29, 2010 at 09:26 AM
Hi, I was searching for a Waldolf doll pattern and found your site with a very valuable instructions. May I have a pattern please? I grew up with a very similar doll and I would like my daughter to have one. Thank you. Regards, Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | June 01, 2010 at 04:54 AM
Hello, your dolls are gorgeous!!! I have a 5 year old that I would love to try and make one for...could you please send me your pattern...Thanks so much!!!
Posted by: Nicole | June 05, 2010 at 05:16 PM
Hi!
Congratulations for your dolls!
I am Luciana. I'm learning to do dolls. if you could, I would like to learN with you how to do the waldorf. Could you send me doll patterns? I am doing some doll to my daugthers and to my job too. i work in a school.
thank you
lucianadesiqueira@hotmail.com
Posted by: Luciana | July 05, 2010 at 03:23 AM
I love your dolls. I am going to try this. Can you send me a pattern for a 16 inch doll? THank you so much?
Posted by: Kim | July 28, 2010 at 02:53 PM
My daughter has one of these dolls and loves it.
Posted by: Flower Girl | August 09, 2010 at 02:25 AM
Hi. I would love a pattern for a 16" waldorf doll, if you don't mind too much. Great tutorial!
Posted by: Stephania Fregosi | August 27, 2010 at 01:08 AM
The dolls are so beautiful, I feel inspired.
My little niece is anglo- chinese and I would love here to have a baby doll that looks like her. could you let me have a copy of the pattern. Where can I find suitable materials?
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 02, 2010 at 12:15 PM
These dolls are beautiful!
Posted by: Whispering Oaks | October 27, 2010 at 06:14 PM
Hi, I was wondering If you could email me the pattern for the Waldorf doll. That would be awesome! thanks!
Madison Matthews
Posted by: Madison | October 30, 2010 at 09:54 PM
I would love a copy of the pattern if you would be so kind as to email it to me
i thank you so very much
can wait to make me a doll
they are very special
thanks again
Posted by: Crystal1417 | November 05, 2010 at 06:57 AM
Hello I googled Waldorf dolls and found your blog. My daughter is starting a Waldorf school, can you email the pattern and how to attach the hair?
Posted by: Nunya | November 09, 2010 at 01:59 AM
Please may I have a pattern for a waldorf doll. They are so pretty - I'd like to make one for my grandaughter Thank you
Posted by: Katie v | November 17, 2010 at 05:04 AM
hi! thanks so much for the guide! i made one out of a sock!
Posted by: Minimoandgizmo | November 21, 2010 at 06:48 PM
Thank you so much for generously sharing your knowledge and pattern. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: K F | December 23, 2010 at 09:20 PM
i would really appriciate you emailing me the 16 inch doll pattern. I have just recently found these dolls and would love to make some for my grandaughters thanks
Posted by: debbi wheeler | January 01, 2011 at 07:09 PM
Simmy
I would love to make a Waldorf doll for myself. I am in South Africa and want to know if you can email me the body pattern for a doll. I know now how to make the head but not the body.
I hope you can help me.
Thanks
Gerda
Posted by: Gerda Grobler | January 04, 2011 at 07:15 AM
I'd LoVEeeee if you could send me a pattern for the body/doll! I'm new to Waldorf dolls..I've actually been "hooked" for about a year.. And would love to make one for my daughter! I've searched around to find a "kit" but haven't had much luck! If you can I'd love the pattern! My
Email is okalilao@aol.com. I couldn't find your email on The page. I'm also new to your blog.. LOVE!! I have a feeling this will be at the very top of my favs!! Thanks for posting such wonderful items & ideas!! Bless you!
~Stephanie
Mother to Kalila .. the doll loving princess gymnastic! (age3)
Posted by: Stephanie | January 16, 2011 at 01:05 PM
Hello,
I am wondering what to buy for hair to make it look like the boy doll with the blue sweater and green pants. I love that doll. Looks just like my son.
Thanks,
Nicole
Posted by: Nicole Barrett | January 17, 2011 at 02:41 AM
Hi there,
Just discovered your site- and what a treat!! Your dolls are absolutely gorgeous. I would love to be able to make one but I know my limitations ;) Would just like to thank you for your generosity in sharing such detailed instructions. Best wishes and good luck with everything.
Posted by: Sonya | April 09, 2011 at 10:20 AM
I absolutely love your dolls. I can't wait to try and make my own doll for my little sweetie. Could you email me the pattern? That would be wonderful! Thanks so much.
Posted by: Marit | April 10, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Hello,
Your dolls are fabulous! I am looking to make clothes for my god-daughters Waldorf. Her mom is making the doll. Can you tell me what the measurements are in the bust, waist, and hips for a 16 inch doll?
I appreciate your help. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Carrie | April 27, 2011 at 07:03 PM
I used your wonderful instructions to make my own doll. Thanks so much. Here is how it turned out http://tamingthegoblin.blogspot.com/2011/12/waldorf-doll.html?utm_source=BP_recent
Posted by: The Monko | December 19, 2011 at 10:19 PM