Jointing and Assembling© Martha Checkett
Jul 6, 2004
Once the doll parts are all stuffed and the stuffing opening is closed, they are ready to be assembled or jointed together.
A simple pancake cloth doll really doesn't need to be jointed if it consists of two major pattern pieces with arms and legs attached. A simple joint can be made by a straight stitch across each limb at the torso joint. If the pattern has separate arms and legs, they can be attached with the ladder stitch described in the previous article or caught in the side and lower seams as they are first being put together. Arms are usually connected with the arm seams on each side with the thumbs pointing up; legs can be joined in several ways. When the toes are expected to be pointing left and right, they are sewn in with the leg seams on either side. When the toes are pointing forward, the leg section is arranged so that the seams run up the middle of both front and back. Either way is acceptable and gives the doll a slightly different look. This type of doll leg may also have a sole or toe template.
Arms
Separate arms can be jointed by simply sewing the top of the arm to the proper position on the outer edge of the shoulder. This gives the doll a floppy arm, not very posable. The arm can also be sewn on by hand with the ladder stitch which will allow for the positioning of the arm to be more staple, less floppy, but not movable. When the arm is attached this way, the arm posing is firm and will not move very much.
If you want your doll's arms to be movable there are several ways to join them to the body.
Teddy bear joints:
This is purchased plastic two part jointing discs that are inserted in the upper arm before they are stuffed. The two sections are forced together after stuffing to form a stable movable joint as are found in some teddy bears.
Cotter pin joints:
This is a self made device made with plastic or cardboard discs in each part held together with a cotter pin which is bent apart inside the body.
String jointing:
This type of attaching arms also can be done more than one way. Typically cloth doll designers and makers have a favorite method for string jointing. Judi Ward prefers the method using a large shank button inside the upper arm. Before the stuffing opening in closed, insert a button with the shank outward. She prefers "buttons to cover" with a metal shank snapped together without a fabric cover. The button will not show at all when the arm in connected. Once the opening is sewn together, use a doubled strong cord on a long single point or double pointed jointing needle. This type of needle is about 4 inches long and very substantial. Run the needle through the fabric and the shank of the button, center the thread on the button and tie a single knot. Unthread the needle and re-thread it using both ends of the cord and put needle with both ends of cord through the body shoulder to shoulder. Unthread one strand of cord and run needle and single thread through the other arm button.
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The copyright of the article Jointing and Assembling in Cloth Dolls is owned by Martha Checkett. Permission to republish Jointing and Assembling in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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