These sweet dolls are loved by both young and old with design themes ranging from folk art to fabulous.
Matryoshka are sometimes called “Babushka” dolls, but essentially they are the same thing.
They are of Russian origin and represent “Mother” or “Little Matron” who nestles her family safely inside, one by one with the littlest (the baby) in a single, solid piece.
They were originally designed around the Peasant mother (in traditional costume with peasant dress & shawl) which symbolized family and fertility, but today’s themes are unlimited from peasants to royalty to politicians and even animals.
The online crafting community has come up with some really creative projects for fans and I had a lot of fun researching for this collection.
I found some great nesting/stacking projects using blank wooden pieces that you can purchase in craft stores or online, but I’ve also included everything from charming printables to bookmarks and ornaments…even a beautiful baked cake!
Lots here for fans and as usual on Tipnut…I only include the best of the best…but it has to be free! I’ll be adding more to this collection as I find new goodies, have fun!
Painted Wood Eggs: These feature sweet little fabric scarves and bottoms (held in place with spray adhesive).
Cuddly Softy: Made with fabric (felt for the face) and stuffed, there’s no pattern to download but an example is shown so you can make it yourself (simple shapes/elements).
Minis: Measures 2 1/2″ inches, made from felt and lightly stuffed, hang with yarn if you like. Includes a pdf to download.
Polymer Clay: Use small assorted colors/pieces of clay to shape over a tab (from soda can) then make charms, keychains, whatever you like!
Sewing Helper: My goodness, some people are so creative, this even holds a tape measure! You’ll need a pre-made blank wooden piece (large).
Charm Tutorial: Wow, these are darling! Made with polymer clay in various colors and craft wire. The full tutorial is free via a pdf download.
Sweet Brooch: Another little crochet project, this one is for a wee brooch.
How To Draw: Here’s a good tutorial showing you how to draw & create your own doll.
Nesting Eggs: Plastic eggs are first covered in pretty paper using the japanese washi technique.
Instructions for Painting: A few helpful design ideas & techniques for painting a blank set.
Cake Design: Wow! So lovely! Scroll down the page a bit and you’ll find step-by-step directions for how to make this.
Three Designs: (see notes above), this set includes a Male Russian doll.
Needlecase: Made from pretty fabric, felt and stiffened with Iron-on interfacing. (you need to be a Scribd member which is free), if not just print the screen shot since all pieces are visible.
Tags: Three different ones to choose from: “Thank You”, “Belongs To” and the other is blank so you can personalize.
Thank you for all these darlin’ Matryoshka doll references! I love these sweet dollies, and they are so appealing when sewn into soft, squishy and huggable dolls for the little ones. My favorite project is the adorable Matryoshka needle book. Who would not love seeing this pretty little Matryoshka whenever one sought a sewing needle? I had purchased a tiny vinyl zippered Matryoshka sewing kit some years ago that I have carried in my purse for little sewing mishaps. But I would love to make one or two of them as gifts. Handmade things are so much more beautiful than things that are mass produced. It warms my heart when someone takes the time to make a special gift for me. ? Thanks so much again for the Matryoshkas and for every tip that you offer to the world on your site! It is incredibly helpful. Many blessings to you and yours. ?