/jp/ - Otaku Culture

Hello /jp/.

I'm going to sew a lifesize doll of my favourite touhou, but I need some info on materials.
What do people use to make fumo? sewing machine do and don'ts? Recomended filling materials?

Of course, I will be doing some fumo to acquire some craftsmanship before moving to the lifesize.

I was thinking of making it dual layered, with a harder fabric on the inner side and a softer one on the outter side, as for the filling, different kind for different parts.
I still wonder how I'm going to do jointure, but overall bodyshape shouldn't be a problem. Maybe switchable limbs in fixed positions, or internal polymer skeletton, I'm not sure yet.

Also, this would also enable me to make clothes/cosplay for her, so general tips and info on that part would be welcome as well.

And are sewing machine really necessary, or is hand sewing a good alternative? I'm guessing both are required for something dual layered and lifesize, but what about fumo?