Make a felt paper doll using this doll pattern and tutorial. Your child or grandchild will treasure it for years to come!
Oh boy have I got a load of crafty cuteness for you. Today I’m going to show you how to make a felt paper doll and I’m including a printable pattern to make it even easier for you to make one for that special little princess in your life. Are you ready for adorable in epic proportions?!
It’s so cute right? You want to make one right this minute, right? It’s such a perfect handmade gift idea for little girls, right? ☺
Materials Needed
- Craft Felt: “skin” color, “hair” color and white
- Batting (just a little bit)
- Sewing Machine and Coordinating Thread
- Fabric Scraps
- Heat’N Bond Iron On Adhesive
- Oil Pastels and a Q-tip
- Felt Doll Pattern (download at the bottom of this post. Look for the blue button.)
Begin by printing the pattern, then cut out the body, hair and underwear pieces.
Sew the hair and undies on to the body. Add eyes with a permanent marker or stitch them on with dark thread. My favorite method for making rosy cheeks on dolls is to fluff the end of a Q-tip, rub it on the red oil pastel chalk, then gently add a bit of color where the cheeks would be.
Sew the body onto a large uncut piece of felt. It makes sewing around the little details so much easier. Another tip for sewing detailed shapes like this is to keep your needle in the fabric and lift up your sewing machine foot often. This helps you make tight turns and adjust your sewing lines around weird shapes. Make sure to leave one small hole for stuffing.
Next, press batting into all of the nooks and crannies. I’ve found that the end of a knitting needle works perfectly for this.
Sew the hole closed, then trim around the edges and your doll is done! I added little ribbon hair bows to my doll. You could make these interchangeable to match different outfits, but I hot glued mine on.
To make clothes for your cute little doll, line the back side of a scrap of fabric with Heat N Bond. Trace the dress pattern onto the paper backing and cut it out. Then peel back the paper and iron the dress to a piece of felt.
I chose to top stitch around my outfits. It’s not necessary, but it sure makes the clothes cuter. Also, the more details you add (pockets, collars, trim, buttons, etc.) the cuter your clothes will turn out. Once all of the sewing is done, trim off the excess felt around the edges.
Velcro is also optional, but it does help the clothes stick to the doll better. I attached my Velcro with hot glue so the stitches wouldn’t show through to the other side.
And there you have it. Now you know exactly how to make a cute little felt doll. This was seriously one of the most fun crafts I’ve made in a long time. There’s so much room for creative expression. I loved digging through my notions to find cute little doodads to use. I think you’re going to love this project! It was so, so fun.
And don’t you think your new little doll needs a home?
Try making a little dollhouse inside a suitcase!
Comments & Reviews
That's absolutely gorgeous!! You're right I can't wait to begin to make 1 or 2…😆 thank you so much for the free pattern.
That is stinking cute!!! Thanks for the pattern
Too cute! Can't wait to try it! Thank you for sharing!
An adorable pattern. How sweet of you to share. Thank you!
So cute! Thanks for sharing!
Just found out I'm having a granddaughter. By the time she's old enough I'll have a box full of clothes for this doll. Thanks for sharing such a sweet project.
Congratulations Charlotte! That is very exciting!
My granddaughter is coming to send 3 days with me next week, so I'm going to make this for her this weekend. Can't way to get them to her.
How fun! I hope your granddaughter loves it! It sounds like she's pretty lucky to have you as a grandma.
I Jennifer, making my first doll, how do I cut so it does not look "choppy"? thanks
Are you using sharp fabric scissors to cut? I'm guessing if your cut marks are choppy that it might be that your scissors are dull.
when you said you put velcro on the back of the outfit to help it stick better, did you also put the other side of velcro on the doll itself?
I put the scratchy side of the velcro on the back of the clothes and they stick to the doll since it's made of felt. Hope that helps!
Thank you soooo much for this adorable pattern! Seriously so stinkin' cute! I'm making a quiet book for my granddaughter and this little doll is going in there. I think I will back her with Peltex instead of stuffing so the quiet book won't be too thick. Just have to figure out how to include a closet to store the clothes in.
She is a PERFECT addition to a quiet book. Such a great idea and so glad you like the pattern. Thanks for the comment Kathy!
Hello Kathy. Great Idea.. How about putting her and her closet on pages opposite to each other. Could you cut out a cute closet door and put some detail on it? Maybe a little bead for a doorknob? Then make the back of the closet out of a Little Bit smaller piece of felt to stick to the page using glue or sewing it around the edges? then glue the left side of the door ( or sew) and embroidery some clothes hangers “inside” the closet and a few around the page around the door? Just an idea I had. I hope it sounds good or at least gives you some things to think about.
For ladies who make "Little Dresses For Africa" charity, it would so sweet to include a little dark-complexion girl with a matching dress. I'm sure the small children in Africa have few toys to play with. Thank you for such a wonderful idea. God bless you.
And if you are making a pillow case dress, make a matching dress for the doll too !
What a darling toy! I'm planning to make a few of these, and keep them in a felt envelope to carry in my purse when I fly…there is ALWAYS a child who needs a new toy to keep them occupied and help the parents keep them happy!!
That is so incredibly thoughtful and kind! The world needs more people like you.
Taking a 7 day trip with my 2 yo angel baby. She will LOVE this! What a smart pattern and wonderful imagination you are awesome!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you so much for this ADORABLE pattern!!! My daughter (10yo.) came to me with felt asking me to help her make a doll. Google and BAM! We found this tutorial and pattern. Again, THANK YOU!!!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you made the doll!
How cute!!!! I can’t wait to make a few of these!
where do yo get the suitcase?
There is a supply list in the post about making the suitcase. https://www.thecraftpatchblog.com/diy-suitcase-miniature-dollhouse/
I do not see the printable instructions for making this sweet little doll!
Can you please help so I can print how to make these!
At the very bottom of the post there’s a teal colored box with the words “GET THE PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN” inside. Enter your email address in the box and the pattern will be sent to your inbox! I don’t have printable instructions… you’ll have to refer to this post.
Hi the email is not sending to me
Hi Gillian, I’m so sorry! Did you check your spam folder? That’s most likely where it ended up.
thank you so much I will make these for my granddaughter. They will love it.
Thank you for sharing, it is school holidays now and will be having granddaughter sleepovers, this will be our project☺️
Regards Bev.
I would like to receive the felt doll pattern.
Sara, you’ll need to enter your email address into the box at the bottom of the post where it says, “GET THE PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN.” Then the pattern will be emailed to you. Thanks!
So generous of you to share the pattern and video. There will be so many happy little ones because of these dolls and their wardrobes.
merci beaucoup pour ces patrons. c’est très joli. à bientôt.
Sonia from FRANCE
I don’t find a link or a box or the words “GET THE PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN.” I would really like to have the pattern… my email is cokejazz@aol.com…. thank you!
I just double checked and the box is still in the post at the very bottom of the page. It’s teal in color and is right after the very last photo that shows the suitcase dollhouse.
I’ve filled out the box twice and still don’t have the pattern. I REALLY want to make this little girl!!!
The email with the file is probably being blocked or sent to your spam folder. I’ll try emailing it to you directly.
Is the dress pattern included in the pattern for the doll? If not. Where may I find a clothes pattern?
Yes, the dress pattern is included.
Jennifer, this is absolutely fantastic! My granddaughters are all grown up now, but I think that this is a fabulous idea for the Operation Christmas Child boxes this coming Christmas! Imagine the face of some little girl in a far off land, opening her shoe box and finding this doll, and lots of clothes inside! You are a genius, and this was a stellar craft. Thank you, so much.
Thank YOU! I’m so glad you enjoyed this project!
I have three, soon to be four, great granddaughters. I just printed the patterns and plan to start making sets of the dolls and clothes right away. The three year-old with love them NOW and the babies will have them in wait for an appropriate age. You have made all of us very happy by sharing your wonderful talent.
Hi Jennifer,
could you send me a copy of the printable PDF Pattern of the Felt Paper Doll Tutorial as soon as possible. I need for a project at work.
Thank you Vicki.
Hi Vicki, there’s a teal colored box at the end of the post that says, “Get the printable PDF pattern.” Just enter your email address in the box and the files will be emailed to you.
Hi Jennifer, This is really so cute and I was happy to give it a try. The first thing I had to do was get some better felt than the 33 cent felt at Hobby Lobby. I ordered some online. Much sturdier and easier to work with. This was a lot harder than it looks because you have to change thread color for the hair and the body and the undies. Getting the needle around the little turns was tricky too.
I had trouble getting the batting in too even with the knitting needle. Whew.
I have gotten the doll done now and it is cute but have to make the clothes. I know that will be easier. Thanks for the pattern though because it is really sweet.
Thank you, Jennifer for sharing this adorable little doll and her accessories. I have a granddaughter in California who will be turning 3 in June. I plan on making one for her and one for me. I live in Idaho and we video chat every week. I read her stories, sing, etc. and I think that adding this cute little doll will encourage play time between her and I.
Once again, thank you.
Joyce
I had so much fun making this doll and SO many clothes for her. By adjusting the patterns I was able to make her a dress with a pleated skirt, a ballet outfit with tutu, pajamas, etc. I hope my granddaughter has half as much fun with her as I did.
Do you have patterns for the other clothes you made?
No, I’m so sorry. But it would be easy to make any clothes you want by tracing the body shape, then drawing the outline of the clothing onto the body, then cutting out the pieces.
My granddaughters are going to love these. Thank you for sharing.
Can you email me the pattern? I do not see a get printable pattern. Thanks
There’s a big teal box within the post. Look one more time.
Hello from Tennessee!!! Hi, Jennifer – I love your site !!! I have found this post just now with this ADORABLE little Felt Paper Doll !!!!! I LOVE IT !!! I do wonder with your Pattern, WHAT SIZE DOLL
does your Pattern Make ??? I know we can Increase or Decrease the Pattern when we get it, but I wonder what size does your Pattern start with ??? I can’t wait to get started on this Little Creation!!!
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY !!! WE ALL LOVE FREE THINGS !!! 8/29/2019 jwt
Hi Janet, thanks so much for your kind words! Comments like this keep me going. <3 To answer your question, the doll turns out to be about 8 inches tall. Enjoy!
Thanks so much.. it’s just too cute!! Cant wait to make it for my grand..
Excellent tutorial! I just made a set for my grandgirl’s second birthday. I added a photo on the Pinterest pin.
Is the piece of scrap fabric between the clothing and the felt necessary? Can you just fuse the dress directly to the felt?
Love your pattern! I’m making two dolls.
There is no fabric between… I think what you’re seeing is the fuse fabric. Does that help?
I’ve sent two emails requesting a free pattern for your felt doll and the link states that you will send me the pattern in my email account. I’ve been watching for it and it hasn’t arrived yet. I’m anxious to make the doll and house and would appreciate your sending me the pattern asap. Thanks so much. It looks adorable.
kaye.peterson@yc.edu
Kaye, I’m so sorry you’re having trouble! Maybe the emails are landing in your spam folder. I will send the files right over.
Thanks, Jennifer! I realized that the in-between fabric was only the fuse fabric about two seconds after I emailed you. Thanks for your prompt response to my question. My dolls are almost finished and I’m loving them!
Sherry Peterson
Thank you so much! Making right now,only thing is had to add a back part, made the outfit bigger to just slide up her body, my 3 year old granddaughter said her panties were showing ,lol she carries it everywhere now. made her different outfits, no suitcase yet!!
Also having issues getting the sewing pattern. It is not in my spam folder. Could you email directly.
Did you enter your email address in the teal colored box? Once you do that, the email should go right to your inbox. Open the email, click on the button and poof! There’s the patterns.
Such a good idea to sew the top body cutout onto a large piece of felt and then cut afterwards. Ingenious! Thanks so much!
Thank you so much Jennifer.
I am now starting to make a quiet book for my granddaughter.
This is super cute and extremely generous.
Stay well.
Thank you so much for this adorable tutorial!
I’m at the point where we sew the body of the doll onto the uncut piece of felt. In doing this, are we changing thread color as we sew around, stitching a second time over the edges of the underpants in white and the hair in brown and then changing the thread back to flesh color?
What size are the mini wooden spools? The link you provided doesn’t carry them any more.
Thank u so much jennifer.
Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. I intend to make some for Operation Christmas Child boxes
I love these. i would also love to receive a printable pattern of the doll.
The doll and the clothes patterns come together. Just enter your email address in the box at the bottom of the post and the patterns will be emailed to you for free!
I absolutely love this Pattern! Thank you so much for sharing! I made a boy version as well. I just copied another pattern and left off the pony tails and was able to make boy clothes too using the shirt and overalls. I also cut off the overall top to make him some pants and will make a boy version suitcase. You helped my Imagination run wild! Thank you! Both my great Niece and Nephew will love this gift!
I am looking forward to making these
I love this doll. So simple and my great granddaughters 5 and 8 years will love them and hopefully remember me later when I’m gone, also I will make my great grandson 3 a boy one too. Thank you for offering a free pattern.
Cute (for a girl or a boy)
The cutest! I have done this without a pattern and it was a chore! I am looking forward to receiving your pattern. My granddaughters will love these dolls and being home so much can be challenging for their parents to entertain them. So good!
I have requested the pattern for the doll but it never comes. Where can I get it?
Joanne, try checking your spam folder.
This will be a great addition to my cardtable payhouse.
So cute! Still trying to find the pattern.
Did you enter your email address in the teal colored box that says, “GET THE PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN” ?
Thank you!
O cute I can’t wait to make several. Foo my grands
Thank you so much for sharing this precious pattern. Each year I make toys for Christmas presents for Missionary to take to children in Mexico that would otherwise receive nothing. This is perfect to add to my growing list of possibilities. Now just have to find one for the boys.
Please send me the pattern to these doors and dresses. Thank you.
Hi Brenda, you can download the files by clicking on the link in this post.
Hello: I have tried printing the PDF pattern that I received, but it is not printing the whole page. What is the actual size of this doll?
The doll is about 7 inches tall.
Hi. I keep putting in my email and no pattern. This is so cute.
Check your spam folder.
I would love a copy of this pattern for a special needs student in my high school sewing class.
Enter your email address in the teal colored box near the bottom of the post and it will be sent to your inbox.
Thank you so much for this pattern. It looks like it may work to send I. The envelope for one child. Thank you again very nice!
So cute!
Thank you.
Such a cute doll! Do the clothes only cover the front of the doll or am I misunderstanding? Thanks for sharing!
Yes, the clothes only cover the front just like a paper doll.
Grazie x l idea da realizzare molto ben spiegato
What a cute idea. So easy to make. Thank you for sharing.
Lovely, can’t wait to get started. Thank you
Thank you for the pattern.
Thanks for sharing this pattern. I am excited to make these for Christmas for my grandkids.
If I receive this pattern it will make lovely christmas dolls for my great neices.
The pattern should have been sent to your email. Did you find it?
Interesante y fácil modo de hacer muñequitas
Gracias
So darn cute!!
I found your blog while searching for a felt paper doll with velcro clothes that my daughter received about 35 years ago. I am using your pattern but adjusting it to things that I remember about that project. I satin stitched her eyes, and drew a smile and just embroidered that. Rather than stuff the doll, I made the front with felt, then put a layer of firm batting, and then a felt back. I am having so much fun, I added some velcro bits on her hair so bows will stay put….and also to her tummy, and clothes. I made a little camisole, etc… anyway, just want to thank you for your pattern, this 71 yr old Omi is having fun! My GD is not quite 2 so this will be a game to play together.
This is too cute, I am making a busy blanket for a friend and I plan on putting one of these into a pocket. Thank you for making this so easy to follow!
Very cute pattern
Making this for our little girl this christmas
Perhaps it’s just me -but I’m not finding the link for this pattern??
Any suggestions?
There’s a box outlined in teal at the bottom of the post that says “GET THE PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN” with a spot to enter your email address.
Great little project
Adorable!
I enjoy the idea of what you did to the pattern. creative.
Can’t wait to make some for my Great-grand-daughters
Dziękuję za udostępnienie! Inspirujące!
Love the doll pattern
Love this doll!
Very cute. Can’t wait to try one.
love this cute doll! i will definitely try it.
Love this!
Would like to make some of these little felt paper dolls
So cute! Thank you!
Delightful idea!
Love this, thank you!
Cute!
This is adorable!
Can’t wait to make for my grandaughter
Thank you so much!
!!!
Great idea and cute. Where is the pattern? I printed out the directions.
There’s a box outlined in teal near the bottom of hte post that says “GET THE PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN.” Type your email in there and it’ll be sent to your inbox.
making items for Operational Christmas Child
So, so cute! I’m going to make it for my granddaughter! Thank you for sharing the great directions and the patterns.
felt doll pattern
SO cute! Thanks!
Muchas gracias…adorable
I have been looking for a felt paper doll for my granddaughters. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this cute tutorial and pattern! Planning to make some dolls for Operation Christmas Child boxes and using your design as inspiration. I am curious what anyone might put on the backside of the doll. Thinking of using a different colored felt, and leaving it plain? Any guidance will be much appreciated.
Had this pattern before but have misplaced the clothing patterns.
Thanks
I can’t wait to start making these cute dolls for my Christmas shoeboxes!
I have not received an email with the patterns. How long does it take?
I do not see the download for the felt doll. I would really like to have this. Thank you.
There’s a teal box where you enter your email. It says, “GET THE PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN.”
Sew cute
Cute idea!
Pattern please. Thank you–this is adorable!
Enter your email address in the teal box that says, “GET THE PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN.”
Love it
Looking forward to making this for my granddaughter
Can’t wait to start this project. This is my first time making something like this. Thanks, Jennifer!
LOVELY
CUTE
Heel leuk en goed👏👏
Zo lief voor onze 4 kleindochters🌷🌷🌷🌷
adorable
i love it
Adorable!
I am having fun making a few of the dolls for he neighbor girls. thank you for the free pattern.
Sew cute
This is a darling pattern. Thank you so much for making it available for us. We will use them to make for OCC shoeboxes.
Your doll and clothes are soooo cute. But the pattern is just for the clothes. Is there also a pattern for the doll herself and her hair/undies?
The patterns for the doll and the clothes are both there. Two separate PDF files.
love this I will make several and put in my Operation Christmas Child boxes.. Thank you so much for this pattern.
Adorable! I looking forward to making these for Operation Christmas Child. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Can’t wait to make it
I would like to make these for prize for our tent for the kids at the fair.
Love it. Planning on making for Christmas shoe boxes. Will get my church group going on it.
Too cute. I’ve been looking for easy ideas for dolls for children who have to stay in the hospital for a few nights. We have a new children’s hospital being built in my town. This will definitely be on the list of things to make.
I would like to make felt dolls for shoeboxes. May I please have the pattern. Thank you for sharing!
Hi! That sounds like a fun project. Click on the blue button near the bottom of the post that says “GET THE PATTERN HERE” to download the pattern files.
I am excited to try this. Thanks for the pattern. Keep crafting.
This doll will be so much fun for my great granddaughter. She’s only 1 year old now so I have time to get it made for when She’s old enough to enjoy it. Thank you
Thank you..