How to Make a Chain of Paper Dolls

Making a chain of paper dolls is a beloved childhood pastime that has been enjoyed for generations. It is an activity that requires only a few simple materials and can be done with minimal supervision, making it a great project for young children. Not only is making a chain of paper dolls an enjoyable and relaxing activity, but it can also be a great opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

To get started, all you need is a sheet of paper, a pair of scissors, and some crayons or markers. Begin by folding the sheet of paper in half lengthwise, then again in half, and then one more time, to create a long, thin rectangle. Using a pencil, draw the outline of a doll along the folded edge of the paper, being sure to leave a small section at the top of the head uncut. Then, carefully cut out the doll, being sure to leave the head and the small section at the top of the head uncut. Once you have cut out the first doll, simply unfold the paper and you will have a chain of identical dolls!

The art of making a chain of paper dolls has been around for centuries. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with family and friends, providing hours of creative fun. Whether you’re making them to decorate your room, for a party, or simply just for fun, making a chain of paper dolls is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy.

Here are 10 easy steps on how to make a chain of paper dolls.

1. Gather Your Materials

To make a chain of paper dolls, you’ll need a few materials that can be easily found around your house or at your local craft store. You’ll need some colored papers, a pair of scissors, glue or tape, and a pencil. You can use any color or patterned paper you like, but make sure that the paper is thick enough to hold its shape.

2. Choose Your Design and Size

Before you start cutting your paper, decide on the design and size of your paper dolls. You can choose a simple design, such as a basic dress or shirt, or you can go for a more elaborate design, such as a princess or superhero costume. Once you’ve decided on the design, draw your template using a pencil.

3. Cut Out Your Template

Using your scissors, cut out your design template. Make sure to cut along the lines carefully and as accurately as possible, as this will affect the shape of your paper doll.

4. Trace Template onto Paper

Once you’ve cut out your template, trace it onto the colored paper of your choice. You can easily fit several templates onto one piece of paper, allowing you to create a chain of paper dolls.

5. Cut Out Your Paper Doll

Using your scissors, cut out your paper doll along the traced lines. Be sure to cut through both layers of paper if you’re using double-sided paper.

6. Add Details to Your Paper Doll

Now that you have your paper doll cut out, it’s time to add some details. You can use markers, stickers, or other decorative items to make your paper doll come to life.

7. Fold Your Paper Doll

Fold your paper doll in half, lining up the edges. Be sure to crease the fold well.

8. Cut a Slit in the Fold

Using your scissors, cut a small slit about a quarter of an inch from the fold. Be careful not to cut all the way through the fold.

9. Cut Additional Paper Dolls

With your first paper doll complete, trace it onto additional sheets of paper to create a chain of paper dolls. Cut out each doll carefully and add any details or decorations you would like.

10. Link Your Paper Dolls

To link your paper dolls together, take the first paper doll and slide the slit of the second paper doll through it. You can continue to link your paper dolls together until you have the desired length of paper chain.

In conclusion, making a chain of paper dolls is a fun and easy activity that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. With a few simple materials, you can create a colorful decoration that is sure to impress. So grab some paper and scissors and get creative!

Preparing the Paper for Your Chain of Paper Dolls

Once you have decided to make a chain of paper dolls, it’s time to gather your supplies and start preparing your paper. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Choosing the Right Paper

While some paper types may be more durable than others, any type of paper can be used to make paper dolls. If you are working with children, you might want to opt for thicker paper, such as construction paper or cardstock. If you are working alone, plain printer paper will do just fine.

Choosing Your Doll Template

There are plenty of free templates available online, so it’s easy to find one that works for you. Alternatively, you can create your own template by drawing your preferred doll shape onto a piece of paper.

Printing Your Doll Template

If you choose to use an online template, simply print it out onto your preferred paper using a printer. Make sure that the template is the right size before you print it out.

Coloring Your Dolls

You can use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to give your dolls some personality. If you are working with children, this is a great opportunity to let them get creative and use their imaginations.

Cutting Out Your Dolls

Use a pair of scissors to carefully cut out your doll templates. Be as precise as possible so that your dolls look their best.

Adding Details

Once your dolls are cut out, you can add details such as eyes, mouths, and clothes. This is another great opportunity to get creative and make each doll unique.

Folding Your Dolls

Fold each doll accordion-style, making sure that the folds are even. This will allow you to create a chain by linking the folds of each doll together.

Linking Your Dolls

To create your chain of paper dolls, you’ll need to link the folds of each doll together. Simply slide the folded paper of one doll through the folded paper of the next to link them together.

Cleaning Up Your Dolls

After your dolls are linked together, you can clean up any stray marks or rough edges with a pair of scissors or an eraser.

Displaying Your Dolls

Once your chain of paper dolls is complete, you can display it in a number of ways. Hang it up on a wall, drape it over a doorknob, or simply set it out on a table for all to see. The possibilities are endless!

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make a Chain of Paper Dolls

Creating a chain of paper dolls is an enjoyable craft that stimulates the creative mind. It also serves as a fun activity for kids and adults, in which individuals could flex their artistic muscles and experiment with various designs. Here are the steps to make a chain of paper dolls.

Gather the Materials

The first step in creating a chain of paper dolls is to gather supplies. These materials include paper, scissors, colored pencils, and glue. Lightweight paper that’s convenient to fold fits best. You can also use recycled paper for an eco-friendly option. It’s noteworthy to use non-toxic glue to avoid any potential hazards, mainly if children would participate in the activity.

Create the Paper Strips

Next, create the paper strips. You’ll require two strips of paper for each paper doll. Cut the paper in straight lines, ensuring it’s of the same measurements and thickness. For starters, a 2-inch width for each strip will do. Place the paper vertically and cut them in lengths of 4-5 inches, depending on how lengthy each paper doll is meant to be.

Fold the Paper Strips into Accordions

After cutting the paper strips, fold them into accordions. Take one strip of paper and fold it like a fan, ensuring that the folds are small and evenly spaced. Use a ruler to make the folding more precise. Repeat the process with the other paper strip.

Draw and Cut the Paper Dolls Shapes

Draw the paper doll’s figure on the top paper strip as soon as it’s folded like an accordion. Ensure the paper strip is entirely flattened before sketching to have even dimensions on both sides of the paper doll. Your imagination is the only limit to the doll’s form, whether it’s human-like or animal-inspired. Cut out the paper doll using scissors. You’ll have to cut through all the folds at once.

Join the Paper Dolls Together

Finally, join the paper dolls together. Unfold the paper strips to reveal the chain. Express your creativity by interlacing the arms or simply gluing them together. Ensure the paper dolls are joined correctly to form a chain, and place glue on the last fold to secure the chain. Now you have a beautiful chain of paper dolls!

Say Goodbye to Boredom with Your Paper Dolls Chain

Now that you’ve learned how to make a chain of paper dolls, it’s time to put your creativity to the test and embellish your dolls with different colors and designs. Share this fun activity with friends and family and create endless chains of paper dolls. I hope you found this tutorial helpful and enjoyable. Thanks for reading and see you soon for more exciting crafts and DIY projects!