Primitive crafts don’t always have to be sweet and Christmassy. With a few spooky tweaks, you can transform the same rustic style into something that feels perfectly creepy for October. These no-sew primitive zombie dolls are quick to make, delightfully imperfect, and just the right balance of eerie and fun.
Whether you’re decking out your Halloween party, spooking up your mantel, or just want something ghoulishly handmade, these dolls will definitely raise eyebrows (and maybe goosebumps).
Supplies You’ll Need
- Drop cloth, muslin, or scrap fabric (pre-washed and tea/coffee-dyed for that aged look)
- Doll or gingerbread-style template (any simple body outline works)
- Fabric scissors or pinking shears
- Hot glue gun & glue sticks
- Polyester stuffing or cotton filling
- Black, red, and green acrylic paint or fabric paint
- Old buttons, scraps of lace, ribbon, or twine
- Embroidery floss or black marker for “stitches” (optional)
- Sandpaper for distressing edges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cut Your Doll Shapes
Trace your doll or gingerbread man template onto your fabric. Cut two shapes for each doll (front and back). Imperfect edges add to the spooky charm, so don’t stress about neatness.
Step 2 – Glue the Edges
Glue the two pieces together around the edge, leaving a small gap at the bottom for stuffing. Work slowly in sections so the glue bonds before cooling.
Step 3 – Stuff Your Doll
Add polyester filling, pushing it into the arms, legs, and head first, then the body. You want it to look lumpy and uneven—that’s part of the zombie effect. Glue the opening closed.
Step 4 – Distress the Fabric
Lightly sand the edges or pull a few threads loose for that ragged, decayed look. You can even dab on a little diluted black or brown paint for “dirt.”
Step 5 – Add the Zombie Details
- Eyes: Glue mismatched buttons, or paint one eye big and the other tiny. A red X or black stitch marks also work great.
- Mouth: Paint on a crooked smile or stitch across the face with black thread for a Frankenstein vibe.
- Skin: Use green or gray paint to give your zombie doll a sickly complexion. Add red paint splatters for a “bloody” look.
- Clothes: Tie on scraps of lace or ribbon, shred them up, and glue in place for ragged zombie attire.
Step 6 – Display
Perch them on your mantel, nestle them in a bowl of faux cobwebs, or line them up on your porch with a pumpkin or two.
Trending Products
