Fabric scrap dolls are an easy craft that fosters loads of creativity. The kid can explore different textures, colors and practice cutting skills.
Kids also love this make-up face activity. Another fun way to try new things and let imagination soar!
Fabric Scrap Paper Dolls Craft
Since reading this post on Kiddley, back in 2006, fabric scrap paper dolls (and animals) have been a staple craft activity in our house. Here’s how you do it:
Download the fabric scrap paper dolls from the link below or draw your own doll shape and make copies on cardstock.
Gather random fabric scraps from your overflowing scrap box and a handful of trim scraps. Start saving scraps ahead of time. Even the tiny and odd-shaped pieces are great for this project!
This three-drawer Rubbermaid container works perfectly for us to keep all the materials accessible and organized.
Make sure to add a couple of gluesticks, a bottle of tacky glue (dries slower but holds better), and a couple of pairs of good kid scissors (it’s fun to create with a friend!) to the box too.
Then let the kids start designing their doll’s outfit! This activity is best suited to kids ages 6+ years old. Using paper scraps instead of fabric scraps would make it easier for younger children.
This is a great way for sewers/crafters to use up all those scraps of fabric and trim – no matter how small or strange shaped. Avid scrapbookers can do the same thing and save patterned paper scraps to use instead of fabric. If you are neither a sewer, crafter, or scrapbooker, ask a friend, mother, aunt, or grandma who is to start saving their scraps for you so you can have this fun activity to keep the kids creating and busy this summer.
The amazing Carrie from This Mama Makes Stuff is here to share a wonderful take on paper dolls.
Carrie is the amazing mom behind This Mama Makes Stuff. For more wonderful ideas please visit This Mama Makes Stuff!
More Fabric Scrap Crafts
Don’t miss all the great summer crafts!
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Hello,
can I have the link to the dolls’s pdf? I tried to download it without success.
Thanks in advance
What a beautiful idea! Can’t get the download as I have a postal code no zip code to access file, help please:)
I have attempted to download the paper doll templates with no luck. The message says I am not authorized to open the file. Help please!
My family has made these dolls several different times and given them as gifts to littler sisters, they are always a favorite item to recieve. We were wanting to make another set and can’t get the PDF file to “download” – do you have any tips??????
Also, had to post about it on my blog. http://tanya-alittlebitofeverything.blogspot.com/2010/06/our-pet-guinea-pigs.html
thanks for these dolls!! perfect summer project
have a great week
lisa
I Love it and my daughter will also love this. Thanks!
okay this is the greatest idea and I love those cute dolls( cat’s and dogs) My girls love making cloth for paperdolls..
Great project when they come from school tomorrow!!!!
Love
Miranda
So much fun! Thanks for sharing!
I love this!!! I’m filing this away for the next time I need (want) to get some sewing done. I’ll print a handful of these dolls and turn my little girl loose with my scrap bin while I get some quality time with my sewing machine.
I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-and-printable-fabric-scrap-paper-doll-activity/2010/06/17/
–Anne
Thanks Carrie and CindyLou. I’m working with older kids (ages 5-11) this summer and this is a perfect craft for them.
I did something similar for a Parisian fashion design birthday party (http://bylittlehands.typepad.com/by_little_hands/2010/04/parisian-party-1.html). It was a really huge hit with the girls. I have never seen 14 six year old so quiet for so long!!!
We are doing this TODAY!!! Thanks
My kids loved decorating these characters this morning! Thanks for the awesome summer craft.
What a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing! I think I will do this for my wedding reception for those little ones that can get bored!