Worsted Dolls
Young babies and small children were a focus of the late 1800 to early 1900s as educators raised the importance of early
childhood and increased incomes decreased the importance of work for small children. The classic bisque doll was
inappropriate for the small hands of this population so small worsted wool dolls became popular. These were made from 1880s
through 1917 and sold by many manufacturers and outlets including Sears and Montgomery Ward. They were frequently boys
or girls and often clowns with the clothing sewn as part of the body. Features were stitched with small beaded eyes. Today the
same type of doll is often made of terry cloth. Kathe Kruse makes a line of these dolls specifically for the same population.
childhood and increased incomes decreased the importance of work for small children. The classic bisque doll was
inappropriate for the small hands of this population so small worsted wool dolls became popular. These were made from 1880s
through 1917 and sold by many manufacturers and outlets including Sears and Montgomery Ward. They were frequently boys
or girls and often clowns with the clothing sewn as part of the body. Features were stitched with small beaded eyes. Today the
same type of doll is often made of terry cloth. Kathe Kruse makes a line of these dolls specifically for the same population.