Surrounded by an array of fabrics, one can hear each whisper their own tales about their unique characteristics.  This is a crucial moment, akin to selecting the right break in the weather when climbing Mount Everest. The textile one chooses to make art doll hands and faces will determine the very essence of the doll’s personality.

Choosing the right material to create the hands and faces of our beloved creations is a complex task that can be made easier when one understands the most fundamental or critical characteristics of the materials that will be used to achieve the desired task.

One’s first fabric choice might be the trusted Cotton Jersey. With its stretchy embrace and skin-like texture, Cotton Jersey is like the comforting hug of an old friend. Unlike woven cotton cloth which is made by interlacing two sets of yarns or threads at right angles, knitted fabrics are made by looping threads together. When a knit fabric is cut, those loops make it harder for the fabric to unravel. Cotton Jersey stretchiness allow it to mold effortlessly into delicate digits and gentle smiles, inviting one to sculpt with ease and grace. 

A challenger to the Cotton Jersey is the distinguished Ultrasuede! With its luxurious suede-like texture, Ultrasuede is the prima donna of fabric choices. Generally, Ultrasuede does not unravel because it is a synthetic textile made from ultra-fine fibers which are tightly entangled together, typically through a combination of heat, pressure, and chemical bonding to form a dense cloth that exudes an air of sophistication and elegance. When fashioned into art doll hands and faces, Ultrasuede delivers a performance worthy of Broadway – refined, polished, and utterly captivating.

Of course, no fabric tale would be complete without a nod to the humble Felt. With its’ unassuming demeanor and endless versatility, Felt is the unsung hero of art doll making. Felt does not unravel because it is a non-woven textile made from interlocking fibers during the felting process. Felt also has a willingness to shape-shift at a moment's notice. 

But there is one more thing to consider: Which material will deliver the cleanest lines when the facial features and hand details are embellished with paint?

Ultrasuede would be the most suitable for painting clean lines. Here’s why:

face Smoothness: Ultrasuede typically has a smoother surface compared to Felt or Cotton Jersey. This smoother texture provides a more even and stable surface for painting clean lines. 

Absorbency: Ultrasuede has moderate absorbency, which can help paint adhere well to the fabric without bleeding or spreading too much. Felt and Cotton Jersey are absorbent which will cause paint to spread out and bleed, leading to less precise lines. 

Durability: Ultrasuede is durable and resistant to fraying, making it suitable for painting without worrying too much about damaging the fabric. Felt and Cotton Jersey can be painted on but Felt may fray along the edges if not properly secured, and Cotton Jersey may stretch or warp depending on the paint used and how it's applied.

While each material brings its own charm and charisma to the table and all three textiles can be painted on, the smooth texture of Ultrasuede allows for precise and controlled painting, making it a preferred choice when creating art doll hands and faces.

The next time you find yourself at the crossroads of fabric selection, remember this: behind every art doll hand and face lies a world of decision making.