Doll stuffing - not wool or polyfil?

[northwind]

Hi there! I enjoy making cloth dolls, but I'm looking for a stuffing that is firmer than polyfil. I can't really afford wool either. Has anyone used kapok? Where is the cheapest place to buy it? Is there anything else available like that? Does anyone sell shredded rags?

[E.V. Lowi]

Some people like bamboo.
http://www.createforless.com/Fairfie...utm_medium=cse

Batting-
http://www.createforless.com/Fairfie...utm_medium=cse

I've never tried it, though. To me, wool stuffing is well worth the price. It's flame, mite and mold resistant, returns your warmth making the doll or stuffie feel alive. You can purchase wool batting directly from West Earl woolen mill for about $7/lb. 717-859-2241

[amberskyfire]

I use wool sweaters in my dolls. You can get old ones for cheap at thrift stores, then cut them up and use the pieces to stuff the dolls. My favorite way to do it is to make rolls and stuff the rolls down into the arms and legs, then cut a larger piece and lay it around the inside of the body, then stuff that with pieces. It keeps the pieces from making the doll's body lumpy.

Kapok is soft and feels like a cross between polyfill and down, so you might not want to use that.