How to Crochet Doll Hair

Have you ever wished you had the skills to custom-design a doll with the most adorable hair imaginable? As a lifelong crocheter who also happens to dote on dolls, I’ve spent years perfecting the art of crocheting lifelike hairstyles for my cherished toy companions. Creating hair that looks soft, flowing, and natural is no easy feat, but it is supremely satisfying when done right. In this tutorial, I’ll share the exact techniques and materials I use to crochet beautiful doll hair that even the most discerning kids will adore.

By following my step-by-step guide on how to crochet doll hair, you’ll be well on your way to giving your dolls a whole new look – and boosting their cuteness factor tenfold in the process. Let’s get started making magical hair dreams come true!

What Will You Need?

Before we dive into the nitty gritty of crocheting doll hair, here’s a list of basic tools and materials you will need to have on hand:

• Crochet hook (size depends on your preferred style and yarn weight)
• Yarn (for best results, choose a soft and natural-looking yarn in your desired color)
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Styrofoam wig head or something similar to hold the hair in place while styling
• Optional: hair clips, bobby pins, and hair ties for easier manipulation of the hair

Now that you have all your supplies ready let’s move on to the fun part – crocheting doll hair!

8 Easy Steps on How to Crochet Doll Hair

Step 1: Choosing a Crochet Hook

Selecting the right crochet hook is the first and one of the most crucial steps in crocheting doll hair. The size of the theme you choose will determine the thickness and texture of the hair strands, affecting the overall appearance. For fine, delicate hair, opt for a smaller theme, such as a size 2.5-3.5mm. If you prefer thicker, fuller hair, go for a larger hook, around 4-5mm. Always consider the weight and composition of your yarn when choosing the hook, as this will ensure the best results. Ensure the turn feels comfortable in your hand, allowing you to work for hours without strain.

Step 2: Preparing Your Yarn

To begin, select a yarn that mimics the texture and color of real hair as closely as possible. You might opt for acrylic for durability and ease of care or wool for a natural, soft feel. Whatever your choice, make sure it complements the doll’s features and meets your aesthetic preferences.

Start by winding the yarn into manageable lengths. If doing long hair, each length can be up to 30 inches long, but if you’re aiming for a shorter style, adjust accordingly. Winding prepares your yarn for an even smooth application onto the doll’s head and prevents tangling as you work.

Step 3: Making the Hair Cap

Create a hair cap that fits snugly over the doll’s head. This cap is a foundation to attach the yarn strands, ensuring even coverage and a natural look. Start with a slip knot and chain enough stitches to circle the doll’s head. Join the chain with a slip stitch to form a ring.

Then, work in rounds of single crochet stitches, increasing as needed to maintain a flat shape until the cap is about the size of the doll’s head. Try the cap on periodically to ensure a good fit. Once completed, fasten off the yarn and weave in the ends with your tapestry needle. The hair cap should resemble a beanie and will act as the base for subsequent steps in your doll hair project.

Step 4: Attaching the Yarn Strands

With your hair cap ready, it’s time to attach the yarn strands that will become the doll’s hair. Cut your yarn into lengths double the desired hair length. Fold a strand of yarn in half and insert your crochet hook through a stitch at the edge of the hair cap. Hook the center of the folded yarn and pull it partway through to form a loop.

Bring the two loose ends of the rope through the loop and pull tight to secure it to the cap. This creates a knot. Continue this process around every stitch at the edge of the lid, and then move on to the next row, working toward the center of the cap until the entire surface is covered with yarn strands. When finished, you should have a full head of yarn hair securely attached to the hair cap.

Step 5: Styling the Hair

Once all the yarn strands are attached to the hair cap, you can style the doll’s hair. Utilize your fingers or a fine-toothed comb to gently detangle the yarn strands and arrange them into the desired hairstyle. For curls, wrap sections of the yarn strands around a pencil or a crochet hook and then gently heat with a hairdryer on a low setting to set the rings.

If you’re going for a straight-haired look, dampen the strands and press them flat under a heavy book until they dry. Trim any excess yarn with scissors to even out the ends. At this point, you can add accessories like ribbons or clips to complete the style.

Step 6: Creating Bangs or Fringe

If you add bangs or a fringe to your doll’s hairstyle, select the front area of the hair cap where the charges will sit. Cut several yarn strands slightly longer than the final desired length of the bangs, keeping in mind that it’s easier to trim them shorter later.

Attach these strands using the same knotting technique described in Step 4, but only to the front designated area of the hair cap. Once securely in place, comb them down over the doll’s forehead and trim carefully to create a straight or shaped fringe that suits your doll’s face. You may also use a small amount of fabric glue to keep the bangs flat and styled to your preference.

Step 7: Adding Layers and Texture

To give your doll’s hairdo more depth and realism, consider adding layers or creating textured looks. Begin by identifying where you want the layers to fall and cutting the yarn to different lengths accordingly.

Be careful to make a natural transition from one layer to the next. For textured looks such as waves or curls, you can use a crochet hook or finger to twist individual yarn strands or small groups of strands, then secure them with a stitch at the base.

If you desire ringlets or tighter curls, wrap the yarn around a thin rod or dowel and apply heat briefly with a hairdryer, making sure not to melt the yarn. Once cool, gently slide the yarn off the rod to reveal the curl. With layering and texturizing complete, your doll’s hair will have a more lifelike quality and dimension.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

To finalize your crochet doll hair masterpiece, consider adding finishing touches that complement the doll’s character and style. For a subtle sheen, brush through the hair lightly with a touch of fabric softener diluted in water. If the beauty is handled frequently, secure the ends of the hair with a tiny dab of clear fabric glue to prevent unraveling.

Additionally, consider using a lightly fragranced yarn spray for a scented touch. Once everything is in place, give the hair another overall trim if needed to ensure that the lengths are even and the style is polished. Your unique, handcrafted hairstyle is complete, ready to bring your crochet doll to life with personality and charm.

By following these steps and adding your creative spin, you can create a variety of hairstyles for your crochet dolls.

5 Things You Should Avoid

When crocheting doll hair, it’s critical to avoid specific pitfalls that could detract from the finished product’s look and durability. Here are five common missteps to steer clear of:

1. Avoid Using Different Yarn Weights: Stick with the same yarn weight throughout your project to ensure the hair falls evenly and maintains a consistent texture. Mixing yarn weights can lead to a haphazard or unprofessional appearance.
2. Don’t Rush the Knotting Process: It’s tempting to speed through attaching the yarn strands, but hasty knotting can result in uneven hair density and potential weak spots where strands may detach easily.
3. Resist Overheating the Yarn: If you use heat to style the hair, be cautious not to overheat. Excessive heat can damage or even melt specific yarns, ruining the doll’s hair and potentially the cap underneath.
4. Remember the Final Trim: A final trim is essential for a polished look, so skipping this step can leave the hair unkempt. Ensure all the yarn ends are even to replicate more natural, well-kept hairstyles.
5. Avoid Overstyling: Your crochet doll’s hair may not withstand extensive manipulation like human hair. Overbrushing or overstyling can cause frizziness and may lead to more snags and knots forming in the yarn strands.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can preserve the quality and appearance of your crochet doll’s hair for years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to crochet doll hair is a skill that can bring so much joy and creativity into your life. While it may seem intimidating at first, with the right tools and techniques, you, too, can become a master at creating beautiful and unique hairstyles for your dolls.

Always choose the appropriate yarn and hook size for your desired look, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different stitches and patterns. Just like real hair, every doll’s hair has its personality and character, so have fun and let your imagination run wild!

Whether you’re making hair for a classic Barbie doll or a one-of-a-kind handmade creation, the possibilities are endless. Not only will you be able to create stunning hairstyles for your dolls, but you’ll also be able to share this new skill with friends and loved ones. Crocheting doll hair is not just about the final product but also about the journey of learning something new and expanding your creative horizons.

So grab your hooks and yarns and embark on this fun and fulfilling crocheting adventure!