Doll making is found in several grades in a Waldorf school. Starting in kindergarten, simple dolls will be played with and often even made by the teacher for the students. With a simple square cloth and a bit of wool and string, you can make a rudimentary doll by stuffing a bit of wool into the center of the cloth. Pinch it closed with some string and there you have a very simple doll.

In Waldorf education, doll making is a soulful, hands-on process that nurtures the child’s creativity and deepens their connection to the human form. Students typically create soft, simple cloth dolls using natural fibers, often learning to stuff, sew, and shape the dolls by hand. This work fosters fine motor skills, patience, and imaginative play, while also offering a meaningful experience of nurturing care.

Shibori is a traditional Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding, twisting, or binding fabric before submerging it in indigo dye to create intricate patterns. In a Waldorf setting, students explore Shibori as a meditative and artistic process that connects them to cultural traditions and the natural world. The hands-on, rhythmic folding and binding work beautifully with Waldorf’s emphasis on form, rhythm, and natural materials.

Sashiko is a form of Japanese functional embroidery that uses running stitches to reinforce or decorate fabric, traditionally with white thread on indigo cloth. In Waldorf handwork, Sashiko is introduced as a mindful, repetitive stitching practice that enhances both beauty and utility. Students develop rhythm, precision, and an appreciation for craftsmanship while honoring textile traditions that value repair, sustainability, and beauty in the everyday.