How to Make a Native American Corn Husk Doll

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Plus, learn the history behind these traditional dolls

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: January 8, 2026 Fact Checked

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Making a Corn Husk Doll

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History & Origins

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Why They Don’t Have Faces

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Other Types of Dolls

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Video

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Things You'll Need

Corn husk dolls are traditional dolls made from dried corn husks. They’re important to many Native American cultures and are still popular crafts today. In this article, we’ll teach you how to make your own corn husk doll with a simple, step-by-step guide. We’ll also explain the history of the dolls and why they don’t typically have faces.

Easy Steps For Making Corn Husk Dolls

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An image showing the steps to make a corn husk doll.

Soak 4-7 corn husks in warm water until they soften.
Layer 4 husks on top of each other and tie them together at the top.
Flip the husks over the knot, then tie them again to form the head.
Roll up 2 smaller husks to form the arms and tie their ends to form hands.
Slide the arms up under the neck.
Tie another knot below the arms to secure them and form the waist.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Make a Corn Husk Doll

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1
Soak your corn husks in warm water for 5-10 minutes. The exact number of corn husks you’ll need depends on the style of the doll and how many dolls you plan to make, but in general, plan to use 4-7 husks per doll. Fill a bowl with warm water and allow the husks to soak until they soften.^{[1]
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- Save the husks from fresh corn you grow or buy from the store, or buy husks from a craft store or Mexican grocery store (corn husks are used to steam tamales).
- If you’re using fresh corn husks, dry them in the sun for a few days. Husks shrivel as they dry, so drying them beforehand will make sure your dolls don’t become misshapen.^{[2]
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2
Layer 4 husks on top of each other and tie them together. Grab 4 softened corn husks that are approximately the same size. Lay them on top of each other so that the wide ends are all facing the same direction. Then, tie them together about 1 inch down from the top of the narrow ends. Use yarn, string, or whatever you have on hand.^{[3]
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- If you’re working with kids, it may be easier for them to use rubber bands.
- You can use up to 6 husks for this step, if you prefer.
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3
Fold the husks over the knot, then tie them again. Flip each husk over so that the string or rubber band is on the inside, hidden from view. The knot should form a rounded top, which will serve as the doll’s head. Once again, tie the corn husks together about 1 inch from the top. The string will form the doll’s neck.^{[4]
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Layer two smaller husks on top of each other. Grab two smaller husks from the water and lay them on top of each other so that their wide ends are on opposite sides. These husks will serve as your arms, so this ensures they’ll be the same size on either side.^{[5]
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- If you’re making a small doll, another option is to fold one corn husk in half lengthwise.
- If necessary, cut the husks down to size so that they won’t be longer than the doll’s body is tall.
5
Roll the husks up and slide them under the doll’s neck. Tightly roll the longer edge of the corn husks up like a scroll, and secure each end with a piece of string or rubber band. Doing so will form the hands. Then, separate the corn husks that form the doll’s body and slide the arms up as high as they will go under the neck tie.^{[6]
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6
Tie another string below the arms to form the waist. Tie the knot tightly enough to secure the arms in place. Your corn husk doll is officially complete! Flatten the bottom of your doll’s dress and cut the hem in a straight line. This will allow her to stand on her own.^{[7]
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- Traditionally, corn husk dolls do not have faces. We explain why below. However, it’s your doll, so if you or your child wants to decorate it, go for it!
- If you want your doll to have pants instead of a skirt, cut the skirt up the middle, then tie each leg at the ankle.

Section 2 of 4:

Corn Husk Doll History & Origins

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Corn husk dolls are traditional Native American dolls. Historically, corn has played an important role in many Native American cultures. People aimed to use every part of an ear of corn, including the brittle husks. The husks were often turned into dolls because they were sturdy enough for children’s toys. Later on, early European settlers adopted the craft, as well.^{[8]
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- According to some traditions, corn husk dolls were made to teach humility or act as vessels for harvest spirits. They sometimes served as charms believed to protect the home, livestock, and wellness of the maker and their family.
- Today, people often create them to connect with their heritage. They’re used for play or decoration.

Section 3 of 4:

Why don’t corn husk dolls have faces?

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The faceless dolls are used to teach humility. While the story varies from culture to culture, one of the most prominent legends comes from the Iroquois culture. The Spirit of Corn asked the Great Spirit for the ability to unite the Iroquois tribe and was allowed to create a corn husk doll with a beautiful face. When the doll discovered her beauty, she began to ignore the Iroquois people. The doll ignored the Great Spirit’s warning and was punished to live without a face. The story serves as a reminder to be humble.^{[9]
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- In another version of the legend, the doll was created to entertain children while their parents worked. Again, the doll became distracted by her beauty, and the Creator sent down an owl 3 times to warn her. When she ignored the warnings, the owl snatched her face and her reflection from the water.^{[10]
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