Cut another piece of wire twice the length of both arms and the shoulders. Fold it in half and tape just below the neck. The arms should hang just below the hips.
Next wrap the entire armature with tape. Adhesive tape or floral tape makes the armature smoother and more durable. Masking tape or other paper or plastic tapes tend to become brittle and dry out in time. Once the tape is all in place, cover entire body with batting cut into narrow strips and wrapped similar to the tape. Body shaping can be added at this point by wrapping additional batting in significant places such as the upper arms, thighs, and torso to create a particular "look". This shaping can also be accomplished by using yarn, string or fabric strips to build up the body shapes before it is inserted into the fabric body form.
Cloth doll artist Lisa Lichtenfels creates the exact muscle groups that correspond with actual human body forms and the finished doll is very realistic.
Insert the armature into the sewn body, and stuff additional polyfoam or other stuffing around it to create the desired body shaping. It is easier to insert the armature standing and reposition it to the desired location after all the stuffing is in place. Ladder stitch the opening closed when all stuffing and posing is
completed.
The armature or an additional length of wire may be extended out through one or both feet to be inserted into a piece of wood or other object to form the doll stand. Many doll makers include the stand or base for the doll as part of the design and permanently secured to the bottom of the doll. This allows for more intricate and elaborate posing. This type of extended armature can even be incorporated into an upside down or reclining doll.
Some think commercial doll stands detract from the overall look of the doll and especially if it is to be shipped for a challenge, swap or display a stand that will not become lost or detached is much more desirable to portray the designers intent. If the base is wood or hard plastic it will be necessary to drill a small hole to insert the wire extension.
