Many people have asked what I use to make my babies and I thought it was high time I made a list of my favorite materials, supplies, and tools. In full transparency, I am an Amazon Affiliate and the Amazon links below will help me earn a little commission for my future purchases. I live in a small town and use Amazon and Joann Fabrics for all my online orders. So if you want to make dolls like Kotten Bellies, here are what I use for my dolls.
First and foremost, the polyfill I use is always Fairfield Original Poly-Fil Premium Polyester Fiber Fill Stuffing This is my favorite stuffing material, and the 20lb box always seems to be sold out so I have to check often to grab a box.
Hemostates! Oh my goodness! Hemostats are the best tools I have purchased for my doll business. They make turning those little baby fingers a breeze and assist in stuffing them once turned. They act like a third hand and are a valuable tool for doll makers.
Heat Erasable Fabric Pens. My doll patterns are designed to be traced around so that I know the they will turn out as close to my pattern design as possible. I use these heat eraseable pens on my fleece, deWitte Engle, Laab Yalla, faux fur, and fashion fabrics and they go away with a hair dryer or a low setting on the iron. The white ink is great for marking dark fabrics and I prefer using these pens to chalk markers or dressmaker pens.
I typically purchase DeWitte Engel doll jersey from SunlitSerendipityCo on Etsy but if I can't wait I have purchased the iNee 100% Cotton Interlock Knit Waldorf Doll Skin Fabric
on Amazon. While it is a quality product, I don't have the variety of skin tones that Sunlit Serendipity Co. offers.
Bright Creations Micro Glass Weighting Beads are my favorite because they always ship FAST! I generally get the 10lb box and it weights about 8-10 dolls depending on the size. That being said, I really like Reach Therapy Glass Weighting Beads because I can order a 20lb box BUT they ship slowly and the orders sometimes get canceled. So, while I love the bigger, more economical, boxes I can't rely on the beads to be delivered on time.
As for the fleece I use, Joann Fabrics & Crafts is my go-to source. I love the anti-pill fleece the most as it gives the softest, most cuddly dolls. Plus, there are tons of colors to choose from...IF they are in stock. If I can't find the color I want in the anti-pill fleece I will order the Blizzard Fleece. This fleece is thinner but the color options are great.
My faux fur comes primarily from Baby Maddie Prop Shop on Etsy. The furs are wonderful, the color and style varieties are fantastic, and they ship FAST! I cannot say enough good things about this shop. I have ordered several times from them and have never been disappointed.
This is just a short list of the things I use with every doll I make. If you like to know about something I've left out just send me a message on Facebook or Instagram and I'll be happy to help.
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