Fancy Baby Doll Crib

Make a DIY wood doll crib with free easy plans. Fits most baby dolls or 18" dolls or American girl dolls.

About Project

Author Notes:

Up here in Alaska, we are just days away from the darkest day of the year. And even when the sun is up for a few hours, it's not really up. It's like the sun is tired.

So getting pictures has been especially challenging for me lately. Taking pictures that showcase the beauty of our furniture is so important that I have held off on publishing this plan. Because this doll crib is adorable, much more so than I can share with you in photos.

But a little two year old girl came over the other night, holding a baby doll. She herself climbed in the crib (that's DIY for you - it's ultra strong) still holding the baby, and wouldn't get out. She in fact went home still sitting inside this very baby doll crib.

Bless my own little Gracie for being kind and generous and letting her cousin have her doll crib. She was very sad and made us promise to make her another crib. Think I can do that!

I know the children in your own life will love this simple doll crib too. I called it fancy because we added the craft finials and the the dowels, but it's simple enough that you can put together in plenty of time for Christmas morning.

Dimensions

Dimensions:

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

1 - 1x12 @ 4 feet long 2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long 2 - 1/4" dowels @ 36" long 2 - packages of 2 eaach craft finials (see last step) Either pocket hole screws or 2" countersunk screws

2 inch screws

1 1/4 inch finish nails

1 1/4 inch pocket hole screws

wood glue

wood filler

120 grit sandpaper

primer

paint

paint brush

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

hammer

safety glasses

hearing protection

Kreg Jig™ [2]

drill

jigsaw

sander

countersink drill bit

Cut List

Cut List:

2 - 1x12 @ 11 1/2" 1 - 1x12 @ 18 1/2" 4 - 1x2 @ 18" 4 - 1x2 @ 14" 10 - 1/4" dowels @ 7"

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Step 1

Cut tops of ends with jigsaw to create rounded top edges. Then attach to bottom, with either the Kreg Jig [2] or 2" screws and glue.

Step 2

Take your 1/4" drill bit and mark it with a piece of duct tape 1/4" from the end, so you will know how deep to drill your holes. Do a test hole and insert the dowel to make sure the dowel is inserted 1/4" into the hole. Adjust tape if necessary. Mark each of the 18" long 1x2s every 3" along one long edge. Then drill holes with 1/4" bit 1/4" deep. Insert dowels with glue to create crib railings. You will need to make two of these.

Step 3

Now add the ends to the railings to create sides for the crib.

Step 4

Mark the legs 3" up from bottom and attach to the center of the crib.

Step 5

It doesn't require it, but these craft finials are only about $2.50 for four to add a little fancy to the crib. You can add them to your MyLowe's Account here to price the materials for this crib out. [3]

Just predrll holes sized for the screw in the finial, add a little glue, and twist the finials into the tops of the crib.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions:

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Fancy Baby Doll Crib

Doll Furniture [4], Kids and Toys [5], Beginner [6], Under $20 [7], Children's [8]