Introduction to Making Cloth Dolls

First of all, let me say that these dolls are NOT for children! They are for the satisfaction of those who make them and for the astonishment and awe of those who view the finished projects! I saw Jan Horrox at the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace a couple of years ago, but couldn't get near her stand for interested people so I bought this book for myself from Amazon, read it, and then bought a copy for my friend. We decided that we would get together and start a new hobby, but it was over a year before we actually got down to it. However, we have now faithfully followed Ms Horrox's instructions and each have a very satisfactory doll which was great fun to make. We are also inspired to continue to make more. The instructions in the book are easy to follow (if you take the trouble to read them properly, which we didn't, resulting in a lot of unpicking!) and, before you know it, you've got a really lovely doll to show your friends, who will tell you how clever you are! Having started with the easiest one (which has a flat face and mitt hands), you will be inspired to graduate to the next stage with a sculpted face and hands with fingers. Good luck! Once on your way (if you are anything like my friend and me) you will be hooked and will have a absorbing new hobby. Ms Horrox's beautifully illustrated book gives very clear instructions that almost anyone can follow to make a very impressive doll and she also has a website with lots of information (and a shop) regarding supplies for doll-making and also patterns for dolls which don't appear in her book.

I have wanted to try making a doll for a very long time but lacked the courage. I thought I would buy this book just to have a look and see what was involved but with no expectation that I would be able to actually make an acceptable doll. However, once I had collected together some of the necessary tools and fabric I felt obliged to have a go and have just completed my first ever doll with only a few minor panics and am ready to have another go at a more complicated one. The book was very clear, the patterns easy to follow and I was taken step by step through the whole process. I did make a few basic errors which hopefully I will avoid on my next attempt but this book is a gem and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to have a go at doll making and who has a small amount of experience with a sewing machine.

A lovely well written and beautifully illustrated book. The book guides you through materials needed and each step of the process for creating these wonderful dolls. Included are three interchangeable patterns. Being new to making cloth dolls, I have successfully created two dolls, albeit with a few minor flaws, (frayed fingers and pointy chins). I would recommend, that if making these dolls, you will need all or most of the items suggested in this book, which does add to the overall cost when starting out, but they are a must. I will definitely add more of these books to my collection.

I found the instruction in this book very clear and easy to follow. I only give the book 4 stars as there are 3 doll patterns each shown with 3 variations- these are all fine if you want to make the currently popular wide eyed fantasy type figure. However I wanted to make a realistic historical figure and had to make so many adjustments to the pattern. Perhaps this was the wrong book for me, but I'd of like more variety in the patterns and faces.

The first time I came across Jan's cloth dolls was a pattern for one in a magazine some years ago. I used the pattern several times but I wanted to go a step further. The book does exactly that. It shows you the basics then goes into more detail and guides you from the basics to more advanced techniques, eg in the way you might do hands and feet. There are lots of ideas on how to change each doll so that it looks completely different, just by using different colours etc. I still have problems colouring the faces, but the detailed photos in this book are wonderful so it will help me with the next face I try!

What a lovely book. I make cloth dolls and wanted to try something a bit different and was drawn to this. I haven't made one yet - watch this space, but I am in the process of tracing out the patterns. The instructions are clear and concise and full details are given of every aspect in the making. I love the fact that the faces are drawn on in fabric pens (also purchased from Amazon by the way) as I usually embroider them on, which can take quite a long time. Can't wait to get started.

This is a superb book for anyone thinking of making cloth dolls. Clearly written with excellent instructions and very well illustrated. It lists in detail all the tools and supplies required (the more unusual ones are available from Jan's website) but dolls can be made will only minimal investment. I was nervous about drawing faces but Jan's book makes this so straightforward. If you are even just a little bit interested in making art dolls and think it is too difficult, buy the book and have a go - you will be astounded.

Once I got this book I decided to make the first doll, Miranda. The instructions were so explicit and careful that within a week I had my own version in my hands. I had such a feeling of accomplishment because, even though I say so myself, the doll is a cracker! I had some problems with the face (I ended up embroidering the features on in single thread silk as I couldn't get the features vivid enough with the painting equipment I have in hand) and head (her jaw line was far too wide and she looked like she had jowls lol) but I put these down to my inexperience and they were easily remedied. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am looking forward to making the other two dolls very shortly. I would heartily recommend this book.