Have you ever looked at your doll and thought, “She could use a fresh look!”? Well, you’re in luck because today, I’m going to guide you through making your own doll wigs. Whether you’re revamping an old Barbie or creating a masterpiece for a new doll, this guide will give you all the tips and tricks you need. We’ll cover two main methods: creating yarn hair with a sewing machine and making a wig cap with glue. Let’s dive in!

Method 1: Making Yarn Hair with a Sewing Machine (For Cloth Dolls)

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Alright, let’s start with the basics. For this project, you’ll need some cardboard, yarn, felt, scissors, thread, a needle, and a sewing machine. Got everything? Great! Let’s move on.

Step 2: Cut Out a Rectangular Piece of Cardboard

Next, cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangle. It should be around 4-6 inches long. The height depends on how long you want the hair to be. If you want shoulder-length hair, the cardboard should match that length.

Step 3: Pick Out the Color of Your Yarn and Felt

This part is fun! Choose the color for your doll’s hair. Make sure you have felt in a matching color. The yarn can be any weight you prefer. Fine yarn looks more like real hair but needs more of it. Bulky yarn is quicker but might need some unwinding after sewing.

Step 4: Cut a Piece of Felt

Cut a felt piece about 4 inches wide and 2 inches long. This will be the base for your doll’s hair. Check it against your doll’s head to ensure it’s the right size.

Step 5: Start Wrapping the Yarn Around the Cardboard

Begin wrapping the yarn around the cardboard’s width. After five wraps, slip the felt under the yarn and continue wrapping. Make sure it’s even.

Step 6: Continue Wrapping Until You Get the Thickness You Want

Keep wrapping until you have the desired thickness. Aim for at least three layers deep so you don’t see the doll’s scalp through the yarn.

Step 7: Sew the Yarn to the Felt by Hand

Using a needle and thread, loosely stitch the yarn to the felt. This will keep it in place before you use the sewing machine. Follow the edge of the cardboard as your guide.

Step 8: Cut the Yarn Along the Opposite Edge of the Cardboard

Cut the yarn along the opposite edge of the cardboard. Make sure it’s straight so the hair is even.

Step 9: Sew the Yarn to the Felt Using a Sewing Machine

Set your sewing machine to a tight zigzag stitch. Sew down the center of the felt to secure the yarn. This will make sure the hair doesn’t fall out.

Step 10: Attach the Yarn Hair to the Doll’s Head

Place the seam of the yarn hair down the middle of the doll’s head. Pin it securely and sew it in place using a needle and thread. For extra security, sew two seams along each side of the felt.

Step 11: Unravel the Hair if Desired

If you like the chunky look, leave it as is. If not, unravel the yarn for a more natural look. Brush it out with a fine-toothed comb.

Method 2: Making a Wig Cap with Glue (For Any Doll)

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

For this method, you’ll need plastic wrap, sturdy fabric, white craft glue, two rubber bands, hair wefts, and a hot glue gun.

Step 2: Cut Out Two Squares of Plastic Wrap and Fabric

Cut out two equal squares of plastic wrap and fabric. They should be big enough to cover the doll’s head with some extra to spare.

Step 3: Wrap the Doll’s Head with Plastic Wrap

Place the doll’s head in the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly and secure it with a rubber band. This protects the doll’s head while you work on the wig cap.

Step 4: Place the Fabric Over the Plastic Wrap

Wrap the fabric over the plastic wrap and secure it with a second rubber band. Smooth out the fabric at the top and front as much as possible.

Step 5: Apply the First Layer of Glue

Douse the fabric with white craft glue, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Let it dry for several hours. This will harden the fabric into the shape of the doll’s head.

Step 6: Apply Additional Layers of Glue

Add another layer of glue and let it dry. Repeat this process until the cap is smooth and holds its shape.

Step 7: Remove the Cap from the Doll’s Head

Cut the rubber band and slide the fabric cap off the doll’s head. The cap should be flexible yet sturdy.

Step 8: Turn the Cap Inside Out

The inside, which is covered with glue, will be the interior of the wig cap. The fabric side will be where you attach the hair.

Step 9: Trim the Excess Fabric

Trim off the excess fabric, leaving a snug-fitting cap that molds to the doll’s head.

Step 10: Fit the Cap onto the Doll’s Head

Fit the cap onto the doll’s head. If it’s too loose, you may need to start over with a tighter fabric wrap.

Step 11: Trim the Edges of the Cap

Trim the edges of the cap to shape the hairline. Use a pencil or marker to guide you if needed.

Step 12: Prepare the Hair Wefts

Cut your wefts of hair into sections long enough to cover the doll’s head from ear to ear.

Step 13: Attach the Hair Wefts to the Cap with Hot Glue

Starting at the front, glue the hair wefts onto the cap. Continue adding sections until the entire cap is covered.

Step 14: Let the Glue Dry

Allow the glue to dry completely. Trim the hair to the desired length and style. You can part the hair, create bangs, or leave it long and flowing.

Step 15: Enjoy Your New Doll Wig!

Now, your doll has a brand-new wig that looks professional and stylish. These wigs are removable and interchangeable, so you can create different looks for your doll.

Personal Story: My Journey with Doll Wigs

When I was a kid, I loved playing with dolls. But as they got older, their hair would often become tangled and worn out. One day, I decided to make a new wig for my favorite doll, Sarah. I remember gathering all the materials and feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. As I wrapped the yarn around the cardboard and carefully stitched it to the felt, I could see Sarah’s new look coming to life. The moment I placed the new wig on her head, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. That experience sparked a love for crafting that I carry with me to this day.

Conclusion

Making a doll wig is not just about giving your doll a new hairstyle. It’s about creativity, patience, and the joy of making something with your own hands. Whether you choose the yarn method or the glue method, each step is a labor of love that transforms your doll into a unique work of art. So, gather your materials, follow these steps, and let your imagination run wild. Your dolls will thank you for it!