Made from plain muslin and vintage buttons, the mummies are simple enough that even young crafters can help make them. A basic pattern and a few craft materials are all that is needed to craft unique handmade little mummies for a Halloween decoration display.
While crafters can use pattern of any size they choose for cutting the mummies, new artists may prefer to make their own by tracing a large gingerbread man cookie cutter onto paper.
Materials Needed for Raggedy Mummies:
- Two yards of white muslin (makes approximately three small mummies)
- Mini doll pattern
- Polyester stuffing
- Needle and white thread
- Scissors
- Vintage buttons, assorted
- Ageing or antiquing solutions (optional)
Making the Mummies
Fold the muslin in half, then place the pattern on the muslin and trace it onto the fabric or pin it in place. Cut the mummy's form along the edges, then sew the two sides together and turn inside out to form the mummy's body. Stuff until full, then sew closed.
Large, doll-sized mummies require more fabric, but conventional doll patterns can be used to cut the bodies. When turning the fabric body of any doll inside out (large or small) a pencil or thin wooden dowel may help reverse small limbs or tight corners. A dowel or pencil can also be used to poke stuffing into hard-to-reach corners.
Cutting the Bandages
The mummy bandages are cut from strips of muslin fabric, so the leftover scraps from cutting the mummies are perfect. Bandage width can vary, but the smaller the ornament, the more narrow the bandage should be cut.
Wrap the mummies in overlapping layers of bandages, stitching them in place periodically so the fabric doesn't slip and expose the doll body beneath. Cover the mummy until only a few glimpses of the doll beneath are visible.
For an additional raggedy touch, use thin strips of cheesecloth to bandage the mummy ornaments. The fraying fabric adds a spooky touch when used sparingly to higlight muslin bandages or in place of them altogether. Achieve a similar effect by fraying the mummy bandages themselves before wrapping.
Finishing the Mummies
Select mismatched vintage buttons and sew them to each mummy's face. Other eye choices include beads or creative piece of hardware; more experienced crafter may prefer to embroider each ornament's eyes.
To antique the mummies and create a grungy, "prim" look, dye the finished ornaments in tea or use a paint-based antiquing solution. Once the Halloween mummies are complete, display them as spooky Halloween decorations or use them as old-fashioned bowl fillers or holiday tree ornaments.
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