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How to Create a Cabbage Patch Doll

by Ann Hudson

  • Overview

    The Cabbage Patch doll first came on the scene in the early 1980s. Originally created by soft sculpture artist Xavier Roberts, these dolls became a media sensation when supplies of mass-produced examples of these chubby cuties ran thin. Stores that advertised even small quantities of theses adoptable dolls were mobbed by panic-stricken parents as prices shot through the roof. Many creative moms attempted to create replicas of the dolls using traditional quilting and soft sculpture techniques. Although these dolls are not as popular now as they were in their heyday, there is still a demand for these dimpled cherubs. If you have moderate sewing skills you can craft a one-of-a-kind interpretation of this unique and historic design.

  • How to Make a Cabbage Patch Doll

 

  • Step 1

    Cut the fabric. For the head, one circular piece that is roughly 18 inches in diameter will work. For the trunk, two rectangular pieces measuring roughly 12 by 19 inches. Arms will require four rectangular pieces that measure 10 inches by 3 inches. The legs will require four rectangular pieces that are similar to the arm pieces, but are a little longer; 12 inches by three inches should suffice.

  • Step 2

    Make the head. Hand stitch around the circumference of the circle using large, gathering stitches. Pull the gathering stitches until an opening for stuffing is formed. Fill the head with fiber fill and tighten the gathering stitches. On the front of the head, create a mouth by taking a stitch of around an inch or so in the appropriate location and pulling taught. Dimples can be added by taking small stitches at each corner of the mouth. The bridge of the nose is created with small stitches above the mouth, pulling up an appropriate amount of fiber fill with each stitch. The stretch of the fabric will give you the leeway to create whatever size nose you see fit. Nostrils are crafted with one tiny stitch each, using the tip of the needled to pull up fiber fill and "sculpt" features. The eyes are painted on using acrylic paint and mimicking the large, round appearance of the Cabbage Patch doll. The whites are painted first, followed by the eye color and finished of with a black pupil and white highlight dot.

  • Step 3

    Make the body. Machine stitch each of the four rectangles that will make the arms and legs, leaving the top end open and turn. Stuff each limb with fiber fill. Elbows are created with one small stitch at the center of the arm. Knees will require two small stitches on the front center of the leg. Again, use the tip of the needle to pull up fiber fill and give the appearance of a round knee. Hands are created by first stitching through the arm at wrist point and pulling somewhat tight. Five chubby fingers and a thumb can be created through circular stitches over the end of the arm. Feet are created in a similar manner, but with shorter stitches that give the appearance of toes rather than fingers. Pin the arms on the inside of the two trunk pieces near the top. The legs should be pinned on the inside of the trunk along the bottom. Carefully machine stitch around the edges of the trunk rectangle, leaving the top open. When the piece is turned, the arms and legs should extend from the trunk in the appropriate spots. Stuff the trunk, leaving the top open.

  • Step 4

    Attach the head. Pin the head to the top of the trunk, using the gathered edges of the head as a connecting point. Close the upper opening of the trunk with outside pins and hand stitch. A full doll body should now be ready for finishing touches. Don't forget to remove all the pins.

  • Step 5

    Add the finishing touches. Complete the body with a tiny belly button crafted from small stitches in the top of the doll's belly. A tiny backside can be crafted with a long stitch along the lower back of the doll. Yarn hair can be added, if desired, in a design of your choosing. You can also craft handmade clothing for the doll, or, for a little added realism, you can dress the doll in actual infant clothing.
  • 4
  • 3 yards of a flesh-colored, stretchy knit fabric such as jersey or rayon Medium-sized quilting needle Flesh-colored quilting thread Acrylic paints for eyes, including white, black and chosen eye color shade Detail brush 16-oz. bag of polyester fiber fill Yarn for hair and matching thread
  • 3 yards of a flesh-colored, stretchy knit fabric such as jersey or rayon
  • Medium-sized quilting needle
  • Flesh-colored quilting thread
  • Acrylic paints for eyes, including white, black and chosen eye color shade
  • Detail brush
  • 16-oz. bag of polyester fiber fill
  • Yarn for hair and matching thread
  • For a little extra spark, brush on powder blush to the cheeks, knees and elbows.
  • For a little extra spark, brush on powder blush to the cheeks, knees and elbows.
  • Don't be afraid to be creative. The doll is an interpretation of this famous toy and should bear your own special touch.
  • Don't be afraid to be creative. The doll is an interpretation of this famous toy and should bear your own special touch.

References & Resources

     
     
 
 

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