Scrap Fabric Paper Dolls
These scrap fabric paper dolls are inspired by the paper dolls that I used to play with when I was a child. Do you remember them, the books for dolls and paper clothes that you used to colour and play with for hours and hours? I have teamed up with the ever-talented Tasha Goddard Illustration again with these beautiful scrap fabric paper dolls.
Scrap Fabric Paper Dolls
I have a lot of fabric, which means lots of scraps and that is great for a project like scrap fabric paper dolls. It is great scissor cutting practice and cutting fabric is much more challenging that cutting paper as it is floppy and doesn’t hold its shape. My boys know that I have separate scissors for fabric and paper and that scissors are sharp, so it is really important to supervise children when they are using scissors
Materials
- Our doll templates
- Scissors
- Scraps of fabric
- Optional
- Pens or pencils to colour the dolls in
- Paper (to use in place of the fabric.
How to use Scrap Fabric Paper Dolls
There really is no right or wrong way to use these fabulous unisex paper doll printables. In fact, you can tailor the play for different ages of children.
I used these with a four year old and with eight, nine and ten year olds too. It was fun to see how they all approached differently.
I laid out the scraps of fabric, some scissor options (pinking sheers), glue and a stick to use with the glue, oh and lots of the dolls and mouse printing on card.
I sat and watched whilst they all enjoyed themselves. if you have younger children, who are finding it hard to cut the fabric, then you can use patterned paper or colour the dolls in. Or even cut some of the fabric into small pieces for them to collage.
Perhaps your child would rather dress an animal, then don’t worry Tasha thought of that and we have an adorable mouse for you too.
Download your free Scrap Fabric Paper Dolls Printables
The importance of scissor skills
Cutting allows a child to build up the tiny muscles in the palm of their hand, by allowing them to continuously open and close their hand.
You have to also use both hands to cut. One to hold the scissors and one to hold what you are cutting.
Cutting also helps with hand-eye coordination, which can be really challenging for younger children as they have to use two processes at the same time.
Hop over to see more fantastic scrap fabric recycle and create ideas!
From left to right:
Rainbow Scrap Fabric Wreath by Teach me Mommy
Pictures from Scrap Fabric by Peakle Pie
Fabric Fairy House by Nemscok Farms
Fabric Garland by Playdough & Popsicles
Pompom Monsters by Words n Needles
Fairy Wands by Play Learn Everyday
Scrap Fabric Wreath by The Gingerbread House
Cloth Pencil Holder by Kidz Activities
Fabric Scraps Posting Game by Powerful Mothering (not shown)
Scrap Fabric Paper Dolls by Mum in the Madhouse (not shown)
Scrap Fabric Plant pots by Mum in the Madhouse (not shown)
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Oh this looks fun! Will have to try it with the girls!
My daughter would love these. She saves up her pocket money so she can buy Top Model magazine each month.
When I was a kid i loved playing with those dolls! I’d dress them up for hours!
Oh that is inspired!! LOVE it – I have lots of fabric scraps and Syd loves to cut them up – this would be a far better aim than the random bits and pieces we usually end up with!
What a nice idea. Will definitely try it with the kids.
These are brilliant! I almost picked up a book with those kind of paper dolls for the girls to design their own clothing! Will certainly be doing it now! Fab post & great inspiration!
I love this idea and dressing those paper dolls as a kid was the best thing ever!!! Thank you for sharing the templates I can’t wait to give this a try 🙂
This looks like a fun activity for older children. Not sure Eliza would manage this just yet
What a gorgeous project! My two would have loved this when they were younger x
These are awesome! I have such fond memories of playing with the paper dolls when I was little 🙂
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Oh what a beautiful idea! My girls will LOVE this!
I am so doing this with Emma, I see this working as a card for her grandmothers too! Great activity, plenty of fun guaranteed!xx
Love these! So simple yet perfect for rainy days just like today… Will be downloading the sheet for the weekend, thanks!
Love love love these!! My younger two in particular would absolutely love to do this – I’m thinking this could be a great activity for this weekend. Thank you.
What a brilliant rainy day project or indeed anytime
Wow, wow, wow Jen this is exactly what we need! POD is obsessed with making paper dolls at the moment – not helped by that Julia Donaldson classic! We’ve got through two ready made packs recently but we’ve recently acquired some material which would be ideal as ‘clothing’. Need to find a way to store all this stuff, we have pictures all over her walls and craft things everywhere!
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This is such a super idea! I love that you use real fabric for the dolls — can’t wait to share with my daughter (who I know will be rummaging around the house for all types of fabric)!
Jen, they are just lovely! My girls will have so much fun with these. x