Novice doll makers often ask how to attach arms that can move to a stuffed animal or a rag doll.

It's super easy! Here's how I do it.To attach the arms to the body, you will need a strong thread and a long needle.

Regular sewing thread is not good for attaching the arms. The arms will move and the thread will tear quickly. I prefer to use waxed thread for hand quilting. It's strong, but still fine. You can also use dental floss for this purpose.As for needles, I prefer to use straw / milliners needles: shorter ones for my mini dolls and longer ones for my large dolls.Pin the arms to the sides of the torso. Make sure they are symmetrically positioned. Use two pins on each arm to keep the arms from moving.

Secure the thread under the top of one arm and pull the needle out from the arm. Make a small horizontal stitch and pull the needle all the way through the arm, the torso and the other arm from right to left.Make a small horizontal stitch and pull the needle all the way through the arm, the torso and the other arm from left to right.Repeat this process three or four times and secure the thread under the arm.Attaching the arms, you can also sew on little buttons for a bit of retro style.

That's it! Have fun sewing!

My sewing patterns for dolls are available for purchase in my Shop. Thank you for your support!