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How to Create Latin Dolls

According to a "New York Times" article titled "The Dearth of Black and Hispanic Dolls," 43 percent of the U.S. population under the age of 20 is made up of ethnic minorities, and yet most of the dolls manufactured are white. You can create a doll of Latin heritage from your favorite cloth doll pattern. Select fabric and yarn reflecting the flesh and hair tones of people of Spanish descent. From cinnamon to beige, from tan to café au lait, lighter shades of brown are perfect tones to create Latin dolls. According to Patty Cake Dolls, try not to get stuck on the Latin label. Make cloth dolls with Spanish, Hispanic, Latino, Latin American, Puerto Rican, Cuban or Mexican features using an array of fabric hues offered in fabric stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth doll pattern
  • Cotton fabric - Latin flesh tone
  • Straight pins
  • Scissors
  • Iron-on doll face transfer - brown eyes
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Polyester stuffing
  • Black yarn - about 100 pieces 24-inches length
  • Needle - large eye
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position and pin the pattern to the fabric according to your pattern directions. Any doll pattern can be used to make a Latin doll. The details are in the colors of fabric used. Cut the pattern from the fabric.

    • 2

      Iron the face transfer onto the doll's face using the iron setting recommended by the transfer's instructions. It's easier to iron the transfer while the face is flat. Choose a transfer with brown eyes and dark brows and lashes. Some craft stores offer Hispanic doll face transfers.

    • 3

      Pin the doll pieces. Sew according to pattern instructions. Turn the doll right side out. Stuff the doll. Close the doll as the pattern dictates.

    • 4

      Cut black yarn into 100 pieces measuring 24 inches in length. Cut more as needed.

    • 5

      Place the cloth Latin doll face down. Arrange the yarn in rows from the doll's crown to the base of the neck. Pieces will overlap; this is preferable for making thick Latin doll hair. Center the yarn so the middle of the 24-inch-long pieces are at the back center of the head with 12-inches of yarn on each side.

    • 6

      Thread a large-eyed needle with a 24-inch long piece of black yarn. Begin at the crown. Insert the needle into the head beneath the fabric. Sew under and over the yarn rows, along the center of the head to resemble a hair part. When you reach the base of the neck, sew from the base to the crown, under and over the rows of yarn again to secure.

    • 7

      Add more yarn as necessary if the hair appears too thin. Place yarn on top of the already sewn rows. Sew as in Step 8.

    • 8

      Braid the Latin doll's hair on each side or secure in ponytails near the jaw line. If you're making a Latin boy doll, trim hair according to desired length.


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