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What you need
Hessian, burlap, or jute fabric
Cotton wadding, cotton batting, or natural cotton Hessian, burlap, or jute fabric
Cotton wadding, cotton batting, or natural cotton stuffing
Paper and pencil for making a simple gingerbread template
Instructions
There is something about primitive Christmas crafts that feels instantly nostalgic. They do not need to be perfect — in fact, they are usually better when they are a little wonky, frayed, and full of handmade character. These burlap gingerbread dolls are exactly that sort of project.
They are made from simple hessian or burlap fabric, lightly stuffed with cotton wadding, and scented so they smell like Christmas when you tuck them into a basket or wooden bowl. Think cinnamon, clove, orange, vanilla, warm kitchen smells, and that cozy farmhouse Christmas feeling without actually having to bake a single biscuit.
These are lovely as Christmas basket fillers, primitive bowl fillers, tiered tray decorations, craft fair makes, or little handmade gifts for friends and neighbours. They also pair beautifully with rustic Christmas decorations like CraftBits’ Grungy Primitive Christmas “Smelly Socks” Ornament if you are creating a whole scented primitive Christmas display.
Before You Start
Burlap can be messy. It frays, it sheds, and it has absolutely no respect for a tidy craft table. That is also part of its charm. For this project, the frayed edges help create that old-fashioned primitive look, so do not fuss too much over every little thread.
If you want your dolls to look extra aged, you can tea-stain or coffee-stain the burlap before sewing. Let it dry completely before stuffing, especially if you are adding scent, as damp stuffing can turn musty.
Instructions
1. Make a Gingerbread Doll Template
Draw a simple gingerbread person shape onto paper or cardboard.
A good size for basket fillers is around 7–10 inches tall. Keep the shape chunky and simple, with rounded arms, a round head, and little rounded legs. Avoid skinny arms and legs because burlap frays easily and narrow pieces are harder to turn and stuff.
Cut out your template.
If you plan to make several dolls for a Christmas basket or craft fair stall, keep this template so all your dolls are roughly the same size. A little variation is fine though — primitive crafts are very forgiving.
2. Cut the Burlap
Fold your burlap in half so you can cut a front and back piece at the same time.
Place your template on top and pin it in place. Cut around the template, leaving about 1/4 inch seam allowance if your template does not already include it.
You will need two gingerbread shapes for each doll.
Tip: If your burlap is very loose weave, you can brush a tiny amount of watered-down craft glue around the edges before sewing to help reduce fraying. Let it dry first.
3. Sew Around the Doll
Place the two burlap pieces together.
Sew around the outside edge using a basic running stitch, backstitch, blanket stitch, or machine stitch. Leave a small opening along one side or at the top of one leg for stuffing.
For a primitive look, you do not need to turn the doll inside out. Sewing with the seams visible gives a rustic, handmade finish. You can trim and rough up the edges afterwards.
If hand sewing, use strong thread and small stitches so the cotton wadding stays inside.
4. Add the Cotton Wadding and Scent
Lightly stuff the doll with cotton wadding. Do not overstuff it. These should look soft and slightly flattened, not like plush toys.
For scent, add one of the following inside the doll:
- A small pinch of dried cloves and cinnamon
- A piece of cinnamon stick wrapped in cotton batting
- Dried orange peel
- A few drops of Christmas fragrance oil on a cotton ball
- A small sachet of dried lavender and clove
- A few drops of vanilla or cinnamon fragrance oil on the stuffing
Do not pour fragrance oil directly onto the burlap where it may stain heavily. Add it to the inner cotton wadding instead.
Safety note: These are decorative items only. Keep scented dolls away from pets, small children, candles, heaters, and open flames. Essential oils and fragrance oils can irritate skin and may be unsafe for pets, so use lightly.
5. Stitch the Opening Closed
Once the doll is lightly stuffed and scented, stitch the opening closed.
Do not worry if the stitching shows. Visible stitching adds to the primitive Christmas charm.
If you want a more aged look, gently pull a few burlap threads loose around the edge. You can also brush the edges with coffee stain or watered-down brown acrylic paint for a grungier farmhouse finish.
6. Add the Face
For the eyes, glue or stitch on two small black beads or tiny buttons. You can also use black embroidery thread and make two French knots.
For the cheeks, cut tiny circles from red felt or dab on a little red paint with the end of a paintbrush. You can also use a scrap of red fabric for a sweet, patched look.
Keep the face simple. Primitive gingerbread dolls look best with tiny eyes and soft rosy cheeks rather than lots of detail.
If you like gingerbread-themed Christmas crafts, this would link naturally beside CraftBits’ Christmas Gingerbread Face Wall Hanging for readers who want another no-bake gingerbread decoration.
7. Tie on the Bow
Cut a strip of red homespun fabric, gingham, ticking, or rustic Christmas ribbon.
Tie it around the neck as a scarf or bow. Fray the ends slightly for a handmade country look.
You can also add a small bow to the head for a girl version, or tie a little fabric strip around one arm.
This is a great place to use tiny offcuts from the Christmas fabric stash — you know, the pieces too small to fold neatly but apparently too precious to throw away.
8. Add Greenery and Embellishments
Use hot glue to attach small pieces of faux pine, berries, mini candy canes, rusty bells, buttons, or tiny Christmas picks to the bow area.
Keep the decoration lightweight so the doll does not flop forward too much in a basket.
Ideas to try:
- Faux pine and red berries for a farmhouse Christmas look
- A tiny candy cane tucked into the scarf
- A rusty star or bell for primitive style
- A scrap of lace for a shabby Christmas version
- A cinnamon stick tied with twine
- Small wooden button accents
If you are making these for a scented Christmas basket, you could pair them with other rustic projects like Cinnamon Stick Tree Ornaments for a lovely handmade gift bundle.
9. Age the Doll, Optional
For a darker primitive finish, mix strong coffee with a little cinnamon and brush it lightly over the burlap.
You can also sponge on watered-down brown acrylic paint around the edges and seams.
Let the doll dry completely before placing it in a basket. If you are using coffee stain, place it somewhere warm and airy to dry. Do not pack damp burlap away, as it can smell musty.
10. Display Your Burlap Gingerbread Dolls
Tuck your finished dolls into a wooden bowl, wire basket, tiered tray, Christmas wreath, or farmhouse crate.
They look especially sweet grouped together with greenery, pinecones, dried orange slices, bells, cinnamon sticks, and battery tea lights. Just keep the tea lights separate from the fabric and only use battery-operated ones.
These also make lovely craft fair items because they are lightweight, inexpensive to make, and easy to batch-sew. Pop one into a little cellophane bag with a tag that says “Scented Christmas Basket Doll” and they instantly feel giftable.
Scent Blend Ideas
Gingerbread Kitchen Blend
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Clove
- A tiny touch of orange
Farmhouse Christmas Blend
- Pine
- Cinnamon
- Cedarwood
- Clove
Sweet Cookie Blend
- Vanilla
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar fragrance oil
Old-Fashioned Primitive Blend
- Coffee
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Dried orange peel
Use scent sparingly. You want a gentle Christmas smell, not something that clears the room faster than burnt fruitcake.
Tips for Selling These at Christmas Craft Fairs
These burlap gingerbread dolls are a great make-ahead Christmas craft because they can be sewn in batches.
Cut all the bodies first, sew them assembly-line style, then stuff and decorate them in one sitting. Make sets of two or three for basket fillers, or create a “family” with different bows and embellishments.
Good labels for selling:
- Primitive Scented Gingerbread Doll
- Burlap Gingerbread Basket Filler
- Farmhouse Christmas Bowl Filler
- Scented Christmas Shelf Sitter
- Handmade Hessian Gingerbread Decoration
What do you think of this project? Let us know!