Make A Corn Husk Doll | Seasonal Crafts - The Old Farmer's Almanac

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DIY Corn Husk Dolls: Step-by-Step Traditional Craft Tutorial Primary Image Photo Credit DyrElena

How to Make a Corn Husk Doll: Easy Fall Craft for Kids & Adults

Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener September 30, 2025 Share

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Bring a touch of autumn tradition to your home with this DIY corn husk doll craft! These charming handmade dolls are easy to make using simple materials like dried corn husks, string, and corn silk. Learn step-by-step how to create your own corn husk dolls, add hair and accessories, and make them stand proudly on display.

How to Make a Corn Husk Doll: Step-by-Step Guide

Bring a touch of traditional autumn fun into your home with this easy DIY corn husk doll craft. Perfect for kids, adults, and seasonal decorations, these handmade dolls are charming and simple to make!

Materials Needed

• Dried corn husks (fine-grained inner husks work best)
• Warm water (for soaking)
• Cotton string or heavy thread
• Fabric dye (optional, for colored husks)
• Corn silk (for hair)
• Glue
• Scissors

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Husks

• Store your dried corn husks in a dry place until ready to use.
• Soak husks in warm water for 10–15 minutes to make them flexible.
• Optional: Dye husks using regular fabric dyes for colorful dolls.

Step 2: Make the Doll’s Head

• Form a small ball with one corn husk to create the head.
• Fold two more husks over the head.
• Tie off the neck with cotton string or heavy thread.

Step 3: Create the Arms

• Roll a husk into a tight tube or braid three husks together.
• Insert the arms through the middle of the doll’s body.

Step 4: Make the Skirt and Dress

• Fold additional husks over the shoulders to create a dress.
• Cross the husks at the waist and tie with string.
• Cover the waist with a narrow husk for a neat finish.
• Trim the skirt so the doll can stand upright.

Step 5: Add Hair and Accessories

• Glue corn silk onto the head to make hair.
• Optional: Create a bonnet or hat using small husks.
• Personalize your doll with extra decorations like tiny beads or leaves.

Tips for Perfect Corn Husk Dolls

• Use smaller, fine-grained husks for smoother shaping.
• Keep husks damp while crafting to prevent cracking.
• Make multiple dolls and display them as seasonal décor!

Have you ever made a corn husk doll? Share your experience with us!Read Next

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Seasonal Crafts About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the website companion of The Old Farmer's Almanac. She covers gardening, plants, pest control, soil composition, seasonal and moon c... Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

Add a Comment <span>Gin Currey</span> Sat, 10/26/2019 - 00:49 Reply Like crafts of long ago and want to try this doll. Wondering if the husks bought in a craft store would work as well, if I soak them?

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× <span>Anne</span> Sat, 09/17/2022 - 13:27 Reply Corn husks from craft stores are fine~

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× <span>Parwinder Kaur</span> Fri, 12/06/2013 - 09:21 Reply its a wonderful idea of activity . i would love to do it with my year 4 kids at school.

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