How to sew a rag doll body

Sew, clip, turn, stuff.

• Safety for under-3s: for babies and children under 3, embroider the eyes and face instead of using buttons, beads or plastic safety eyes, and sew every part on securely. Small parts can come loose and are a choking risk (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission small-parts guidance).

Step by step

1. Trace body, arms and legs on folded fabric.
2. Sew with a short stitch, leaving openings.
3. Cut out, clip curves without cutting stitches.
4. Turn right side out.
5. Stuff in small amounts with a pencil or skewer.
6. Close openings with ladder stitch.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Joyberry Studios: How to sew a rag doll
2. Simply Sewing: Rag doll pattern
3. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Small parts and choking hazards