How to Draw a Paper Doll

Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: October 8, 2024

Getting older every year yet there is one thing some people cannot seem to outgrow: dolls. Some people, especially teens, are ashamed to still like dolls as they get older. This article will teach you how to make an inexpensive doll that is easily brought with you and easily hidden.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Drawing Your Paper Doll

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This heavier paper is the best choice when making something that you want to last.
You could make your doll an animal if you wish. It's a little easier to make clothing and accessories for a human doll though.

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It is fun and easier to make wigs, hats or other hair accessories. It is also easier to place tabs on the doll (if you use tabs).
It will last longer that way.
You can have a lot of fun making yourself a wedding dress, business suit, space suit, Halloween costume, or something like that. Use your imagination.
If you chose not to cut out your doll, lay a piece of paper over your doll (make sure you can see your doll under the paper) and trace around the body to make outfits. Cut out doll when finished making clothes. If you cut out your doll right away, trace around the body again like using the doll as sort of a stencil. Make as many outfits as you want. And accessories too! You can also add tabs to the clothes if you wish. If you decide not to use tabs, try covering your clothes in contact paper like the doll. You can tape the clothes/accessories onto the doll, and reuse the tape a few times.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Clothing and Accessories

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around the house and glue them to your clothes so you don’t have to draw everything. It is hard to get details on clothes sometimes. You can decorate wigs with yarn or fabric if you like.
Here are some ideas: think about all the stuff you do when you wake up in the morning. Draw a bed, make a wig with messy hair, draw your favorite breakfast food etc.
You can decorate it if you like. You could make backgrounds for your dolls too. You could create a background for a house party or create a restaurant if you’ve made a chef doll. Have a good time with your paper dolls.

Community Q&A

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Question

How can I hang clothes on the paper doll?

Community Answer

You can use tape, staples, or paperclips to secure clothes to your doll.

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Question

What if a cut part of the parer doll by mistake? How can I fix it?

Elizabeth Bolster

Community Answer

You can always tape it back together with clear tape so it isn't as noticeable.

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Question

How to apply makeup?

Otterly Badgerific

Top Answerer

You could draw makeup on a fashion paper doll if you'd like. However, it would be permanent once drawn on. It is not possible to use actual makeup on a paper doll, as this would ruin the paper. What might be possible is to cover a paper doll with laminate that can allow you to use markers to add on "makeup" and then wipe it clean later but that would still be messy and the doll's face is usually too small to do it delicately.

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