![DIY Fabric Handkerchief Dolls for Kids](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Eva_Hankie4.jpg)
If you love vintage handkerchiefs and dolls as much I do, you will be smitten by this easy sewing project! Grab some fabric scraps and recycle an old fashioned handkerchiefs (they come in such amazing patterns!) for making a new and improved version of traditional church dolls – a sweet craft made during the American Revolutionary War to help keep children calm, quiet, and happy. Fun fact!
![DIY Fabric Handkerchief Dolls for Kids](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Eva_Hankie6.jpg)
I thought it would be cute to give mine a summer spin, and what says summer quite like fresh fruit! I designed these lemon and orange characters, and then chose hankies and ribbons to match. I embroidered my dolls’ faces, but drawing them on with permanent markers would work just as well (and be a bit easier). Kids will love using them as puppets because, guess what – they are really TWO dolls in one! They both have sleepy and awake faces… surprise!
![DIY Fabric Handkerchief Dolls for Kids](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Eva_Hankie9.jpg)
It’s a super quick, super simple craft, perfect for keeping kids entertained when stuck inside during one of those wonderful summer storms. Also, what a great baby shower gift, right?
Let’s get started!
![DIY Fabric Handkerchief Dolls for Kids](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Eva_Hankie_Materials.jpg)
What You Need
- Printable template (download here)
- Handkerchief
- Fabric scraps
- Ribbon
- Stuffing
- Needle & pins
- Cotton embroidery thread
- Washable pen
- Paint and brush (optional)
- Scissors
How-To
Step 1
Download fruit templates here. Print and cut out. Then trace the templates onto fabric and cut out. Make sure to leave an extra 1/4-inch seam allowance when cutting. Now embroider faces with a thick cotton thread.
![DIY Fabric Handkerchief Dolls for Kids](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Eva_Hankie_Step2.jpg)
Step 2
Use two tiny straight stitches to create the “awake eyes” and a french knot (or a tiny straight stitch) for the noses. Work back stitches to make the “asleep eyes” and little smiles. Use a big cross stitch to make a stem at the top of the orange head.
Now paint two rosy cheeks on each face :)
![DIY Fabric Handkerchief Dolls for Kids](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Eva_Hankie_Step3.jpg)
Step 3
Using a running stitch, back stitch, or sewing machine, sew the front and backs of your fruit pieces together, with right sides facing into each other (you will soon turn them right-side-out). Leave a 1-inch (3.5cm) opening at the bottom so you’ll be able to stuff them.
Clip the curved seam allowances and cut off all excess fabric.
![DIY Fabric Handkerchief Dolls for Kids](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Eva_Hankie_Step4.jpg)
Step 4
Turn your fruits right-side-out and fill it with stuffing. Then, stitch to close up the opening.
![DIY Fabric Handkerchief Dolls for Kids](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Eva_Hankie_Step5.jpg)
Step 5
Now, iron your chosen handkerchief out flat so that there are no visible wrinkles. Fold the hankie once diagonally, so that it forms a triangle.
Now sew the bottom of your fruit head onto the center of the folded handkerchief (in the middle of the fold – not on a point!)
![DIY Fabric Handkerchief Dolls for Kids](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Eva_Hankie_Step6.jpg)
Step 6
To make your arms, tie a piece of ribbon about 1.5 inches in from one of the two folded ends of the hankie. Repeat this at the opposite point, as well.
Look, two arms!
![DIY Fabric Handkerchief Dolls for Kids](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Eva_Hankie.jpg)
That’s it! You’ve got a precious pair of reversible lemon and orange hankie dolls :)