.

Textile/Fabric Art Projects

Calico Babushka Doll

Suitable for:

Primary levels

Materials:

Cream sewing thread, sharp sewing needle, long handled paintbrush (for filling), sharp scissors & polyester filling – approx 250g per Babushka

Pre-sewn calico babushka - Each Babushka has been sewn with polyester thread and reinforced at stress points for added strength. With cutting, filling and some simple stitching completed, students are free to dress and decorate their Babushka in a variety of ways.

Decoration and dressing - could include fabric markers, paints, crayons, dyes, sequins, glass beads, bugle beads, felt, fabric

How to Make a Calico Babushka Doll:

Marking & Trimming the Seams

1. Draw a cutting line all around the Babushka about 5 mm out from the stitching line.

2. Using sharp scissors and taking care not to cut the stitching, cut along this line.

3. When you get to the filling hole, leave an extra 1cm of fabric along its border.

4. Now very carefully snip the fabric inwards towards the seams on all the bends and corners. (This helps to give the Babushka a smooth edge when it is turned right side out.)

Turning Out

1. To turn the Babushka, pull the fabric through the filling hole.

2. Gently work the seams with your fingers to make them sit flat, especially the arms, head and feet seams.

Decoration

1. Once you have decided where you want the face to sit on the head shape, draw in the face with fabric markers or use fabric paint with a fine brush. 

2. Use a black fabric marker to outline design of Babushka’s costume back and front and fill in design with fabric paint.

3. Add beads, braid or other adornments by stitching or gluing.

The Feet

1. Use the end of a paintbrush to push a small amount of filling into the feet, working it right into the seams with your fingers. With a doubled sewing thread and sharp needle, stitch along the base of the feet with small stitches.

Filling the Babushka

1. Use the end of a paintbrush to push the filling into the Babushka. Begin with the body and arms and work towards filling the hole until the Babushka is plump and firm. 

2. Fold the raw edge of the filling hole in and stitch the hole with small, firm stitches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Copyright Zart Art 2009. Activity and teacher notes written and designed by Zart Education.

Key words: Art, craft, activity, activities, children, kids, school art activities, fabric, material, soft toy, doll, cultural art activity, traditional doll, Russian doll, art ideas

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