The doll isn't historically linked to the practices of voodoo.It traces its roots to magic practitioners in Europe.If you want to cast good and bad spells, you can use the dolls.You can always buy one, but making your own is better.It's cheaper and more fun because you get to design the doll the way you want.
Step 1: Cut out the template from a sheet of paper.
You can find a template online or draw one of your own.The template doesn't have to be realistic.It can be as small as you want it to be.Most dolls are small enough to fit in your hand.If you don't know how to draw, you can use a gingerbread man cookie cutter as a stencil.
Step 2: Attach the template to two sheets of felt with sewing pins.
The pins should be inside the template.They will get in the way of cutting if they stick outside the edge of the template.You can use a single sheet of felt if your template is small.Attach the template to the felt by folding it in half.You can use any color of felt you want, from natural skin tones to green, red, or even blue.
Step 3: Use the template to cut the felt, then remove the pins.
You don't need to add seam allowances because of the way you are sewing this doll.Remove the pins when you have the felt cut out.You don't need the template anymore.
Step 4: Attach a button to one of the felt pieces.
Set the other felt piece aside and choose the front one.If you want to sew a white button onto the right side of the head, you have to thread a needle with black floss.Don't cut the floss until you finish sewing on the back of the felt.Cut a circle out of black felt that's bigger than the button for a fancy doll.Before sewing it on, place it under the button.
Step 5: Attach an X to the left eye.
Keeping your needle threaded with the same floss, you can make an X shape on the left side of the head.It can be the same size as the first eye, or slightly larger.The felt has an X on it.Don't cut it yet.Alternatively, you can sew another button.It can look the same or it can be different.
Step 6: A horizontal line is needed for the base of the mouth.
The mouth should extend from one eye to the other.The needle should come out below the left eye if you put it through the back of the felt.Pull it towards the right eye and push it back down through the felt.Don't cut it yet.The thread should be loose so that you don't damage the felt.
Step 7: The mouth will look sewn shut if you add 4 to 5 vertical lines.
Go from the right side of the mouth to the left.The horizontal line should be crossed by each line.Place them as evenly as you can just inside the horizontal line.You can cut the floss at this point.
Step 8: On the left side of the felt, sew a red felt heart.
Cut a small heart out of red felt.Place it on the left side of the felt.To knot your needle, thread it with more black floss.Stitch the heart onto the felt from the back.You can finish on the back of the felt.Cut the floss off.A straight stitch can be used for a cleaner look.The needle should be passed through the heart as close to the edge as possible.Puncture stitches can be used for a rustic look.Pass the needle up through the heart, then down through felt next to it, and finally down into the felt.
Step 9: Right sides facing in, sew the felt pieces together.
To knot the needle, thread it with more black floss.The needle should be pushed through the left armpit.Wrap it around the doll.The needle should be above the first stitch if you bring it up through the felt.You can finish at the left hip if you work your way around the doll.Don't cut the floss if you leave a gap in the side.Try a blanket stitch instead of a fancy doll.You won't be turning this project inside out, so make sure the piece with all of the designs is outside.
Step 10: The doll should be stuffed.
You can find a small amount of the stuffing in fabric stores and arts and craft stores.You might want to pull the cotton balls apart first to make them fluffier.The end of a pen or pencil can be used to fill out the arms and lefts of the doll.Spanish moss can be used for a more authentic doll.
Step 11: Continue sewing the doll.
Once the doll is stuffed, sew it shut using the same technique as before.Cut the rest of the floss when you reach the left armpit.Your doll is complete.
Step 12: Spread the neck of the pipe cleaner by folding it in half.
The pipe cleaner should be folded in half.Spread the two halves apart by measuring down 1 inch from the fold.They need to be at 90 degrees to the 1-inch neck.
Step 13: Make 112 inch long arms by bending each half.
112 inches along the left "arm" is the measurement.Take it back towards the neck and then bend the rest down.This step is repeated for the other arm.You should have a 1-inch vertical neck and two 112 inch horizontal arms when you're done.The pipe cleaner should be pointing downward.
Step 14: The legs should be down from the arms.
2 inches from the arms is a measurement.To make a set of 112 inch (3.81-centimeter) legs, fold the pipe cleaner back to the V.Your stick figure should have a vertical neck, horizontal arms, and vertical torso.
Step 15: Attach a bead to the neck.
You can choose a wooden bead.Put a drop of glue in the hole, then slide it all the way onto the neck.You can use a foam ball.Attach the hole to the neck with glue.It is possible to use a slightly bigger bead, but keep in mind that it will become larger once you wrap it.
Step 16: Wrap yarn around the wood bead.
Attach the end of the yarn to the bead.Wrap it in three different ways until it is completely covered.Change directions a lot.Glue the end of the yarn together.Wrap the head if it looks too small.The larger it becomes, the more you wrap it.You can use any color of yarn you want.You will be wrapping the doll with floss to give it a different color.
Step 17: Wrap the legs and torso with yarn.
Wrap the left leg around and back up to the hips.Wrap the right leg and back up.You have to work your way towards the arms.When you wrap the arms, go back over the torso a few times to make it thicker.Wrap the yarn around the hands and feet first and then wrap the rest of the arm and leg.You may have to wrap your doll a few times if you use bare wire.
Step 18: Add color and clothes with floss.
You can either leave the doll as is or wrap it all over again with colored floss.This will increase the thickness, shape and color of your doll.The same method is used to wrap it.Use different colors for the head and body.It can be even better if you give it a wrapped shirt and pants.To get a hint of design, cross the floss over the left shoulder and the right shoulder.Make an X shape by doing this a few times.
Step 19: Add details with floss or beads.
Use black floss for the mouth and beads or buttons for eyes.beards or belts can be added to the craft felt.If you want to give your doll hair, cut a few strands of floss, tie them in the middle, and glue them to the doll's head.