How To Make A Corn Husk Doll Family

Making dolls out of corn husks is a charming handicraft that has been around for generations. I remember making corn husk dolls when I was in elementary school. It was a fun and satisfying activity and I adored the sweet doll that I made.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity, a unique gift idea, or are looking to find a new craft to try, corn husk dolls are a fantastic project to do with your kids. Making a corn husk doll is very simple and quick. It is a good activity for kids, as long as they have basic tying and cutting skills they succeed with a little help from mom.

History of Corn Husk Dolls

Corn husk dolls have a rich history dating back to Native American cultures, where they were lovingly crafted for generations. These dolls were traditionally made from the outer leaves of corn cobs and were used not only as children’s toys but also in cultural ceremonies for healing or to ward off evil spirits.

While Native Americans first made dolls out of corn husks, European settlers soon learned this craft as well. An interesting thing to note about corn husk dolls is that they typically do not have faces.

Corn Husk Dolls for Hands-On Learning

Corn husks dolls are a great hands-on project to add to an early American or Native American history lesson. By making these traditional dolls, kids can learn about the daily lives and resourcefulness of Native American tribes and early American settlers in a memorable, hands-on way.

This is one of the many projects you’ll find in the Time Travelers history studies from Home School in the Woods (this project is specifically in the Early 19th Century study).

Home School in the Woods is a homeschool company that specializes in historical resources that bring learning to life for your child. With a focus on hands-on learning, Home School in the Woods offers timeline figures, map sets, Time Travelers Activity Based U.S. history studies, Project Passport World history studies, and so many more fun and creative history resources. Home School in the Woods is one of my TOP PICKS for homeschool history curriculum and resources.

If You Lived With The IroquoisIf You Lived With The CherokeesThe Thanksgiving StoryChildren of the LonghouseSquanto and the Miracle of ThanksgivingPocahontas

Corn Husk Doll Supplies

• Lots of corn husks
• String, twine, or yarn
• Scissors
• Water & paper towel may be needed

Instructions for Making Corn Husk Dolls

1. If the corn husks aren’t fresh off the cob, you’ll need to soak them in water for about an hour to make them pliable and easy to work with.

2. Remove the husks from the water, drain, and pat dry with a paper towel.

3. Lay 6 corn husks together, stacked in a bundle, and tie a string about 1.5 inches from the top.

4. Flip each husk up over the string to cover the raw ends and form the head. Fold down each husk around the string to cover up the ends.

5. Tie another string under the head to form the neck. The raw ends are now hidden inside the head.

6. Separate 1 husk on each side of the doll for the arms.

7. Tie a string 2-3 inches down each arm to form the wrist. Then trim the ends of the arm husks.

8. Tie a string 1.5 inches below the neck to form the waist.

9. To make the legs, divide the remaining corn husks into two equal sections.

10. Tie and trim each leg the same way you made the arms. Your male corn husk doll is complete!

How to Make a Female Corn Husk Doll

To make a female doll you will follow the same basic steps with 2 variations.

1. For your female doll, use 7 husks instead of 6. After you have tied the neck and before you tie the arms, separate the extra husk on the back of the doll and trim it 1.5-2 inches under the neck to make some hair. If you want, You can curl the edges up to make it look more like hair!

2. Instead of tying string to make legs, leave the husks hanging down and trim them straight across to make a dress.

How to Make a Baby Corn Husk Doll

To make a baby (or babies) you will follow these same steps, but you will only use 4 corn husks, and you will tie the head and limbs shorter to make the corn-husk-child-proportions.

Now you have a corn husk doll family!!

Tips for Making a Corn Husk Doll Family

1. Be sure you let your corn husk doll dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area to help preserve them and to avoid mold.

2. Once dry, store your dolls in a dry place to avoid moisture damage. You can also lightly spray them with a clear matte sealant to protect them.

3. If the corn husks dry out while you’re making the dolls, re-soak them to keep them flexible.

4. Use strong twine or thread to tie off sections securely. Make sure the knots are tight to keep the doll’s shape.

5. Use fabric scraps, yarn, and markers to add details like clothing, hair, and facial features.

6. Try colored husks by soaking them in natural dyes (like beet juice, turmeric, or tea) before using. Rinse them well before making the dolls.

7. If corn is not in season, you can purchase corn husks from your local grocery store or craft store.

Other Things You Can Make with Corn Husks

• Corn Husk Wreath
• Corn Husk Pumpkins
• Corn Husk Flowers
• Corn Husk Christmas Tree

Making corn husk dolls is not only a fun and engaging activity but also a meaningful way to connect with your kids and teach them about cultural traditions. Whether you’re a parent looking for a new project or an educator seeking hands-on activities, corn husk dolls offer endless possibilities for fun and creativity.