Are your crocheted creations having a bad hair day? Maybe looking a bit mangy? Well, read on for crafty hairstyling tips.
Making fringe
Most of my dolls have hair made of a yarn fringe, which I find to be faster and a little bit easier than attaching yarn hair one strand at a time. In these examples, I use a hairpin lace loom, which is easy enough to find in most craft stores, (something like this:
Susan Bates Adjustable Aluminum Hairpin Lace Loom
should work)
However, if you can't find one or don't feel the need, a longish piece of cardboard or wood about 2 1/4 inches wide will work too.
(Note: for this example, I'm using a contrasting piece of yarn in place of string to hold the edge of the fringe together, in order to make the steps more visible. Normally, I would use a piece of matching sewing thread, which is easier to hide when attaching the hair to the doll's head.)
Step 1: Start by making a ch 1 with the thread (or, the contrasting yarn in this example)
Step 2: Take the yarn and wrap it around the back and back around to the front
Step 3: Hold the loop on the hook to the front, and pull the thread to the back. Make a ch 1 with the thread (or, the contrasting yarn in this example). This should result in a ch 1 that is formed *around* the yarn.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have enough fringe to cover the doll's head.
The fringe should look like this after a few repetitions
This is a view of the same piece of fringe from the back
The fringe looks like this once removed from the hairpin loom
Notice that each chain stitch grabs one loops of yarn. Also notice that, if you pull on an individual piece of the fringe yarn at this point, it can slide under the chain stitch holding it and make the size of your loops unequal. If you've worked a relatively tight chain stitch to hold it together, the fringe should hold together reasonably well-- at least, long enough for you to better tack it into place on your doll.
Note: Normally, I would use thread to hold the fringe together-- the fringe would look more like this:
Attaching Hair: Corporate Zombie
To make to the hair, you'll basically be filling in the part of the head to be covered in a zig-zag pattern.
Since the corporate zombie's hair is going to have a part down one side, I find that it's best to attach the hair on one side all going one way, and the hair on the other side going the other.
...but, enough talk: Let's get some pictures of this!
You'll be filling in this part of the head first
Filling in with fringe in a zig-zag:
Now fill in the other half of the head with a zig-zag:
Now it's time for a haircut!
Trim the first side...
...and trim the other
Cool hair but still confused!
Hi,
I love this way of doing the hair. Finally got the knack for making the fringe down last night. I was wondering about a few things though (even after looking at the above pictures - must be having a stupid day!) and I wondered if you could help:
1. How long a piece of fringe does it take to make the hair for one head (roughly)? I know it depends on the number of zig zags and the size of the head but it would be really helpful if you could give me a ballpark figure, both to give me a target for my fringe-making but also to help determine how many zig-zags are necessary to get suitably lush-looking hair. ;)
2. Are the two sides of hair on the zombie head done with one long length of fringe? If yes, then where do the two sides join up? Both sides seem to start from the bottom and go up based on the arrows in the pictures which implies two bits of fringe but the photos seem to show one long piece of fringe.
3. If you're doing the hair in two sections to get a parting at the top of the head, how do you make sure that the parting doesn't continue down the back of the head too?
4. If the doll doesn't have a parting (thinking the Vampire Queen or Amazon here), do you do the hair any differently?
Sorry for all the questions ! :)
Thanks!
Huge Thanks
Thank you so much for posting this - I couldn't figure out how to make the hair
thank you thank you thank you
this was a HUGE help. I was working on making myself a "wild thing" from the "Where the Wild Things Are" book, and your tutorial helped me give him hair!! I cited your page here on my blog giving you credit for it! thanks again! loved it!!
Love the fringe. I am going
Love the fringe. I am going to have a lot of home dec projects after we move, so this might come in handy.
OMG THANKS!
Thank you so much for posting detailed instructions with pictures! I've been trying to figure it out. I was basically right, but I'm glad I have verification!
Love your patterns. It's some of the only crochet I do that my husband doesn't make fun of me for! He's "ordered" infinite zombies and ninjas and a diorama so he can make a battle field. Zombies vs Ninjas!! I've gotten orders from all of my friends and even one who wants me to teach her how to make them! lol
Really sweet
This is a neat technique, and would work for other cloth dolls also. I use multiple yarns to make the locks of hair for my dolls, but I think this way could be useful for some other kinds of doll I have planned. Thanks for the tute.
reply
I have to admit this is a great tutorial but i think i'll never get to finalize any of my dolls and make them look like any of yours... Any tips on how to remove odors ? I don't know what to spray them with so they'll smell better.
Ne quid nimis.
Hmm... simply airing out a
Hmm... simply airing out a project outside on a nice day can work wonders.
If that doesn't work, I've also heard that putting the project in a plastic bag along with a dryer sheet or two, tying it it closed, and leaving it for a day or two can also help.