Curly haired dolls are especially cute; however, the curls do tend to frizz easily. After about a year and a half now of styling my Courtney doll’s hair on occasion, her hair is looking frumpy. Re-curling the hair takes a little time, about an hour to two hours depending on how precise you want to be, but it is simple to do and produces a better than new result!
What you will need:
water in a spray bottle
pencil
toothbrush
hair clips
apron/gown to cover the cloth body
hair pick (you may need a brush if the curls are knotted)
Courtney’s hair was just frizzed so I was able to work through it with just a hair pick. I have re-curled a secondhand doll before that had very knotted curls, so I had to use a brush to get through them because the picks were bending.
To begin, wrap the cloth body to protect it from getting drenched with water. This little plastic gown that came with the hair care set worked perfectly, but I’ve used a towel before and the towel gets quite wet but it works. You are going to work one curl at a time so clip the remaining curls to the side so they are out of the way.
Be sure that you separate the curl strands as they originally came. Spray the strand with water. Using the hair pick, brush through through the curl.
Spray the hair again with water and wrap the curl around a pencil or similar sized item. Be sure to follow the natural curl to the hair when wrapping around the pencil or the curl will come out funny. This is very important and may take a couple of tries to get the hang of how to wrap it around the pencil with the natural direction of the curl. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look quite right as you can re-curl it again!
Using the toothbrush, brush the end of the curl strand around the pencil. Spray the strand again with water and hold the curl in place around the pencil for about 15 seconds.
Release the curl and slowly pull the pencil out. Section off your next strand and repeat these steps for each curl.
Once the hair is completely curled, you can go back and re-curl any that may be a little loose or otherwise looking not quite right.
Now your doll hair is re-curled and looking even better than new!
Larger hook such as I (5.25 mm) for attaching fringe
Row counter
Yarn needle
Scissors
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Yarn
Black-Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton 1 skein in Black
Gauge 20 dc over 8 rows=4” square. Gauge is not critical for this project.
Stitch Abbreviations
Sc-single crochet
Dc-double crochet
Inc-increase
Dec-decrease
Sl st-slip stitch
St-stitch
Ch-chain
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Directions
Ch 128.
Row 1. Sc in the second ch from hook, *skip 2 ch, 5 dc in the next ch, skip 2 ch, sc in the next ch. Repeat from * across. Ch 2, turn. (21 shell clusters, 22 sc)
Row 2. Dc in the first sc st, ch 2, skip the next 2 dc, *sc in the next dc, ch 2, dc in the next sc st, ch 2, skip the next 2 dc. Repeat from * across ending with a sc in the next dc, ch 2, dc in the last sc. Ch 1, turn. (43 sts, 84 ch)
Row 3. Sc in the first dc st, *5 dc in the next sc st, sc in the next dc st. Repeat from * across. Ch 2, turn. (21 shell clusters, 22 sc)
Row 4. Repeat row 2.
Row 5. Repeat row 3.
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Row 6. Repeat row 2.
Row 7. Repeat row 3.
Row 8. Dc in the first sc, ch 2, skip the next 2 dc, *sc in the next dc, ch 2, dc in the next sc, ch 2, skip the next 2 dc. Repeat from * across, ending with a sc in the next dc, ch 2, dc in the last st. (43 sts, 84 ch)
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Fasten off. Weave in ends or you can hide the ends in the fringe. To attach the fringe I cut strands about 4” long. Holding 3 strands together, fold in half, and wrap around the hook. Insert hook into the st and yarn over and pull all strands through. I attached a group of 3 strands to the end of each row on the short ends of the shawl. Trim fringe.
Doll is American Girl Josefina, Dress and shoes are Pleasant Company
Embroidery floss (blue, brown & light pink) & needle
Scissors
Hot glue (optional)
Yarn
Worsted
Cream-(body) Knit Picks Mighty Stitch 1 skein in Cream
Blue-(dress) Knit Picks Brava 1 skein in Denim
Pink-(boots) Knit Picks Mighty Stitch 1 skein in Bubblegum
Yellow-(hair) Knit Picks Mighty Stitch 1 skein in Canary
Lace
Tan-(shawl) Knit Picks Shadow 1 skein in Oregon Coast Heather
Cream-(apron) Knit Picks Bare 1 skein in Merino Wool
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Gauge 24 sc over 24 rows=4” square with E hook and worsted yarn. Gauge is not critical for this project.
Notes and Tips
Doll is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted. Place marker at the beginning of each round.
Hide yarn tails in body to save time weaving in ends.
Stitch Abbreviations
Sc-single crochet
Hdc-half double crochet
Dc-double crochet
Inc-increase
Dec-decrease
Sl st-slip stitch
St-stitch
Ch-chain
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Directions
With E hook and cream (worsted), ch 3. Sl st to the first ch to create a ring.
Row 1. Work 6 sc into the center of the ring. (6 sc)
Row 2.2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)
Row 3. *sc in the next st, inc in the next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sc)
Row 4. Sc in each st around. (18 sc)
Row 5. Sc in the next 7 sts, dec, sc in the next 7 sts, dec. (16 sc)
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Row 6. Sc in the next 6 sts, dec, sc in the next 6 sts, dec. (14 sc)
Row 7. Sc in the next 5 sts, dec, sc in the next 5 sts, dec. (12 sc)
Row 8. Sc in the next 4 sts, dec, sc in the next 4 sts, dec. (10 sc)
Change to blue.
Row 9. Work 2 sc in each st around. (20 sc)
Row 10. *sc in the next 4 sts, inc. Repeat from * around. (24 sc)
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Row 11. Sc in the next 2 sts, inc, sc in the next 11 sts, inc, sc in the next 9 sts. (26 sc)
Row 12. Sc in the next 3 sts, inc, sc in the next 12 sts, inc, sc in the next 9 sts. (28 sc)
Row 13. Sc in the next 3 sts, inc, sc in the next 13 sts, inc, sc in the next 10 sts. (30 sc)
Row 14. Sc in the next 4 sts, inc, sc in the next 14 sts, inc, sc in the next 10 sts. (32 sc)
Row 15. Sc in the next 4 sts, inc, sc in the next 15 sts, inc, sc in the next 11 sts. (34 sc)
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Row 16. Ch 1, skip the next 8 sts, sc in the next 9 sts, ch 1, skip the next 8 sts, sc in the next 9 sts. (18 sc, 2 ch)
Row 17. Sc through the back loop in the next ch st, sc in the next 9 sts, sc through the back loop in the next ch st, sc in the next 9 sts. (20 sc)
Row 18. Sc in each st around. (20 sc)
Row 19. Sc through the back loop only in each st around. (20 sc)
Change to cream (worsted).
Row 20-23. Sc in each st around. (20 sc)
Stuff the head and body.
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Doll’s Right Leg
Row 24. Sc in the next 6 sts, ch 1, skip the next 10 sts (for the doll’s other leg), sc in the next 4 sts. (10 sc, 1 ch)
Row 25. Sc in the next 6 sts, sc through the back loop in the next ch, sc in the next 4 sts. (11 sc)
Row 26. Sc in each st around. (11 sc)
Change to pink.
Row 27-31. Sc in each st around. (11 sc)
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Row 32. Sc in the next 2 sts, dec, sc in the next 7 sts. (10 sc)
Stuff leg.
Row 33. Dec around. (5 sc)
Sl st to the next st. Fasten off. Weave tail through the front loop of the remaining sts and pull tight to secure. Weave in ends.
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Doll’s Left Leg
With E hook and cream (worsted), create a slip knot and pick up the first center located st to the left of the doll’s right leg.
Row 1. Sc in the next 10 sts, sc through the front loop of the next ch st. (11 sc)
Row 2-3. Sc in each st around. (11 sc)
Change to pink.
Row 4-8. Sc in each st around. (11 sc)
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Row 9. Sc in the next 5 sts, dec, sc in the next 4 sts. (10 sc)
Stuff leg.
Row 10. Dec around. (5 sc)
Sl st to the next st. Fasten off. Weave tail through the front loop of the remaining sts and pull tight to secure. Weave in ends.
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Doll’s Left Arm
With E hook and blue, pick up the ch st under the doll’s left arm.
Row 1. Sc in the ch st and in each st around. (9 sc)
Row 2-4. Sc in each st around. (9 sc)
Change to cream (worsted).
Row 5. Dec, sc in the next 3 sts, dec, sc in the next 2 sts. (7 sc)
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Stuff arm.
Row 6. Dec, sc in the next 2 sts, dec, sc in the next st. (5 sc)
Sl st to the next st. Fasten off. Weave tail through the front loop of the remaining sts and pull tight to secure. Weave in ends.
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Doll’s Right Arm
With E hook and blue, pick up the ch st under the doll’s right arm.
Row 1. Sc in the ch st and in each st around. (9 sc)
Row 2-4. Sc in each st around. (9 sc)
Change to cream (worsted).
Row 5. Dec, sc in the next 2 sts, dec, sc in the next 3 sts. (7 sc)
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Stuff arm.
Row 6. Dec, sc in the next st, dec, sc in the next 2 sts. (5 sc)
Sl st to the next st. Fasten off. Weave tail through the front loop of the remaining sts and pull tight to secure. Weave in ends.
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Doll’s Skirt
With E hook and blue, pick up the extra front loop created in row 19 at the waist, starting from the beginning of the row.
Row 1. *sc in the next st, inc. Repeat from * around. (30 sc)
Row 2. *sc in the next 4 sts, inc. Repeat from * around. (36 sc)
Row 3. *sc in the next 5 sts, inc. Repeat from * around. (42 sc)
Row 4-5. Sc in each st around. (42 sc)
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Row 6. *sc in the next 6 sts, inc. Repeat from * around. (48 sc)
Row 7-8. Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Row 9. *sc in the next 7 sts, inc. Repeat from * around. (54 sc)
Row 10-11. Sc in each st around. (54 sc)
Sl st to the next st. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
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Doll’s Hair
With E hook and yellow, ch 3. Sl st to the first ch to create a ring.
Row 1. Work 6 sc into the center of the ring. (6 sc)
Row 2. Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)
Row 3. *sc in the next st, inc. Repeat from * around. (18 sc)
Row 4-6. Sc in each st around. (18 sc)
Fasten off Leaving a long tail for sewing.
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With E hook and yellow, ch 36. Fasten off.
Place the hair cap on the head and sew or lightly hot glue to secure. For the chain strand, loop the ends up and sew or lightly hot glue across the top of the head to secure.
With blue embroidery floss that matches the dress, embroider the hair ribbons. Embroider the eyes and with 2 strands of embroidery floss, embroider a small line above the blue eyes in brown. Embroider the mouth in light pink.
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Doll’s Shawl
With B hook and tan (lace weight), ch 2.
Row 1. Work 2 sc in the second ch from hook. Ch 1, turn. (2 sc)
Row 2. Inc in both st across. Ch 1, turn. (4 sc)
Row 3. Inc, sc in the next 2 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (6 sc)
Row 4. Inc, sc in the next 4 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (8 sc)
Row 5. Inc, sc in the next 6 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (10 sc)
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Row 6. Inc, sc in the next 8 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (12 sc)
Row 7. Inc, sc in the next 10 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (14 sc)
Row 8. Inc, sc in the next 12 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (16 sc)
Row 9. Inc, sc in the next 14 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (18 sc)
Row 10. Inc, sc in the next 16 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (20 sc)
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Row 11. Inc, sc in the next 18 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (22 sc)
Row 12. Inc, sc in the next 20 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (24 sc)
Row 13. Inc, sc in the next 22 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (26 sc)
Row 14. Inc, sc in the next 24 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (28 sc)
Row 15. Inc, sc in the next 26 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (30 sc)
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Row 16. Inc, sc in the next 28 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (32 sc)
Row 17. Inc, sc in the next 30 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (34 sc)
Row 18. Inc, sc in the next 32 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (36 sc)
Row 19. Inc, sc in the next 34 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (38 sc)
Row 20. Inc, sc in the next 36 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (40 sc)
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Row 21. Inc, sc in the next 38 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (42 sc)
Row 22. Inc, sc in the next 40 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (44 sc)
Row 23. Inc, sc in the next 42 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (46 sc)
Row 24. Inc, sc in the next 44 sts, inc. Ch 1, turn. (48 sc)
Fasten off. Weave in ends. Attach and trim the fringe along the 2 angled edges of the shawl. Set aside.
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Doll’s Apron
With B hook and cream (lace weight yarn), ch 71.
Row 1. Sl st in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. (70 sl st)
Fasten off. Set aside.
Ch 23.
Row 1. Sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (22 sc)
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Row 2-13. Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (22 sc)
Row 14. Sc in each st across. (22 sc)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Weave the long ch strand through the chain row of the apron, under 2 sts and over 2 sts. Pull through to the center. Place around the doll’s waist and tie together in the back.
Place the shawl around the doll’s shoulders and place a st to secure to the body.
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For the embroidery, I embroidered a small amount of detail with the lace yarn in cream to the blue dress.
*Doll is Kirsten by American Girl, clothing and accessories by Pleasant Company
Shine marks are inevitable. They occur when the doll takes a hard fall and leaves behind a little mark that shines in the light. You may also have purchased a doll online secondhand that has shine marks and scuffs that were not noticeable in the listing photos.
What you will need:
Micro-Mesh Sanding pads (1500, 1800, 2400 and 3200 grit)
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I purchased a Cecile doll secondhand. Her hair needed to be re-curled and she had several shine marks on her face and a small scuff on the forehead.
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To begin, start with the 1800 grit sanding pad and working in circular motions, lightly sand the affected spot. The higher the grit of the sanding pad, the finer it will be. If you have a particularly bad scuff, you may need to start with the 1500 grit. If you have just a surface blemish, the 2400 grit may be all you need. Once you start sanding adjust the sand paper as needed whether is seems to be too much or too little sanding.
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Continue to sand in circular, even motions until the spot is gone. A surface spot will be removed quickly, whereas a spot with a gash may take a little more time. Keep in mind you are sanding away the doll vinyl so be aware of how it appears as you sand. Circular sanding motions keep the area evenly sanded. Buff the finished area with the 3200 grit sanding pad to smooth the finished area.
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After you have finished sanding and buffing the spots, wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue. After I cleaned up my Cecile doll, I tightened her limbs and re-curled her hair and she is looking practically new again.
Doll is American Girl Cecile, dress and shoes are American Girl.
Free crochet pattern for American Girl Caring for Baby and 8″ baby dolls
I adore this little doll. I 3-d printed her a crib. It is a little small for her to lay in but it is as big as I could make it and she looks quite cute sitting in it. These adorable little clothes I purchased from Sew and Bow Co on Etsy.
The crib. I may make her some bedding soon.
She needed a few bows to go with her new outfits in some basic colors so I crocheted them.
Materials
#1 fingering yarn
B (2.25) mm hook
Row counter
Stitch markers
Yarn needle
Scissors
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Yarn
Red (Black & White)-Knit Picks Palette 1 skein in Serrano (Black & White)
Gauge 32 sc over 32 rows=4” square
Stitch Abbreviations
Sc-single crochet
Dc-double crochet
Hdc-half double crochet
Inc-increase
Dec-decrease
Sl st-slip stitch
St-stitch
Ch-chain
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Directions
Bow Strap
Ch 46. Sl st to the first ch to create a ring.
Row 1. Sl st in each ch around. (46 sl st)
Sl st to the next st. Fasten off. Weave in ends. Set aside.
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Bow
Ch 14.
Row 1. Dc in the third ch from hook and in the next ch, hdc in the next 2 ch, sc in the next 4 ch, hdc in the next 2 ch, dc in the next 2 ch. Ch 2, turn. (12 sts)
Row 2. Dc in the next 2 sts, hdc in the next 2 sts, sc in the next 4 sts, hdc in the next 2 sts, dc in the next 2 sts. Ch 2, turn. (12 sts)
Row 3. Dc in the next 2 sts, hdc in the next 2 sts, sc in the next 4 sts, hdc in the next 2 sts, dc in the next 2 sts. (12 sts)
Fasten off. Weave in ends. Set aside.
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Ch 8.
Row 1. Sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (7 sc)
Row 2. Sc in each st across. (7 sc)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
To assemble, wrap the small rectangle piece just made around the center of the bow and the strap. Whipstitch the ends together to secure. Weave in ends.
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Doll is American Girl Caring for Baby, onesie and dresses are by Sew and Bow Co
Row 1. Hdc in the third ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 2, turn. (48 hdc)
Row 2. *fpdc in the next post st, bpdc in the next post st. Repeat from * across. Bpdc in the turning ch post. Ch 2, turn. (48 sts)
Row 3. *hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st. Repeat from * across. Ch 2, turn. (72 hdc)
Row 4. Hdc in the next 9 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 12 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 18 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 12 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 9 sts. Ch 2, turn. (80 hdc)
Row 5. Hdc in the next 10 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 14 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 20 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 14 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 10 sts. Ch 2, turn. (88 hdc)
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Row 6. Hdc in the next 11 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 16 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 22 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 16 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 11 sts. Ch 2, turn. (96 hdc)
Row 7. Hdc in the next 12 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 18 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 24 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 18 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 12 sts. Ch 2, turn. (104 hdc)
Row 8. Hdc in the next 13 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 20 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 26 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 20 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, hdc in the next 13 sts. Ch 2, turn. (112 hdc)
Row 9. Hdc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (112 sc)
Row 10. Hdc in the next 16 sts, ch 1, skip the next 24 sts, hdc in the next 32 sts, ch 1, skip the next 24 sts, hdc in the next 16 sts. Ch 2, turn. (64 hdc, 2 ch)
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Row 11. Hdc in the next 16 sts, hdc through the back loop in the next ch, hdc in the next 32 sts, hdc through the back loop in the next ch, hdc in the next 16 sts. Ch 2, turn. (66 hdc)
Row 12-16. Hdc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (66 hdc)
Row 17. *hdc in the next 4 sts, hdc2tog. Repeat from * across. Ch 2, turn. (55 hdc)
Row 18. Hdc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (55 hdc)
Row 19. *fpdc in the next post st, bpdc in the next post st. Repeat from * across. Fpdc in the turning ch post. (55 sts)
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Rotate and work a sc border along the back side opening, working 2 sc in the corners.
Create a slip knot and pick up the opposite back opening edge and work a sc border, working 2 sc in the corners.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
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Sleeves
Create a slip knot and pick up the chain st under the left arm.
Row 1. Sl st in the ch st to join, hdc in the same st, hdc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (25 hdc)
Row 2-12. Hdc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (25 sts)
Row 13. *fpdc in the next post st, bpdc in the next post st. Repeat from * across. Fpdc in the turning ch post. (25 sts)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. Turn sleeve inside out and whipstitch the seam together. Weave in ends.
Repat instructions for the right sleeve.
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Snap Closure
With the sewing thread and needle, sew the snap closures along the back opening edge.
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Doll is American Girl Create Your Own, Jeans areSilly Monkey, Shoes are American Girl
16 sc over 24 rows working through the back loop only=4″ square
Instructions
ch 141.
Row 1. Sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (140 sc)
Row 2. Sc through the back loop only in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (140 sc)
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Row 3-11. Repeat row 2.
Row 12. Sc through the back loop only in each st across. (140 sc)
Fasten off. You can either weave in the ends or hide them in the fringe. To attach the fringe strands, cut strands about 6″ long. Fold it over the hook at the center of the strand. Insert your hook into a stitch along the short end of the scarf.
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Yarn over with both strands and pull through the loop. I have attached 2 strands of yarn per row.
Once you have attached all the strands of yarn, trim ends to about 1 1/2″ long. Repeat instructions for the fringe on the opposite end of the scarf.
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Doll is American Girl Tenney, top and boots are American Girl, jeans are Silly Monkey
I have entirely too much yarn which threatens to take over the house at times, which is why I love stash buster projects to use up some dwindling balls of yarn. I had a quarter ball left of this yarn and decided to turn it into a beret for Molly to wear for Christmas.
*For the FREE version, continue to scroll down this post*
Cream-Baby Bee Sweet Delight Chunky 1 skein in Naked
Gauge 16 hdc over 12 rows=4” square
Stitch Abbreviations
Sc-single crochet
Dc-double crochet
Inc-increase
Dec-decrease
Sl st-slip stitch
St-stitch
Ch-chain
Hdc-half double crochet
Hdc2tog-half double crochet two together
Special Stitches
Bobble-(Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops) 4 times in the same stitch. Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on the hook.
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Directions
Ch 3. Sl st to the first ch to create a ring.
Row 1. Work 12 hdc into the center of the ring. (12 sts)
Row 2. *(hdc, bobble) in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st. Repeat from * around. (18 hdc, 6 bobble)
*refer to special stitch instructions above for the bobble stitch
Row 3. *hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)
Row 4. *hdc in the next 2 sts, (hdc, bobble) in the next st. Repeat from * around. (36 hdc, 12 bobble)
Row 5. *hdc in the next 3 sts, 2 hdc in the next st. Repeat from * around. (60 sts)
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Row 6. *hdc in the next 3 sts, bobble in the next st. Repeat from * around. (45 hdc, 15 bobble)
Row 7. *hdc in the next 3 sts, hdc2tog. Repeat from * around. (48 sts)
Row 8. *hdc in the next 2 sts, hdc2tog. Repeat from * around. (36 sts)
Row 9. Sc in each st around. (36 sc)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
*Doll is American Girl Molly, Outfit is Pleasant Company
Sooner or later, whether you intend to or not, if you purchase dolls second hand, you will end up with a doll that needs her limbs tightened. I purchased an Elizabeth doll in an Ebay auction that was listed as new and still in her box. When I took her out of the box however, her right leg was literally dangling. All her limbs were very loose but the right leg in particular was just hanging there. It really is a mystery as to what happened because there is otherwise not a scratch or mark on her.
No marks on her face.
Factory hair.
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Leg dangling out of socket.
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She was completely unable to stand on her own, so I needed to tighten her limbs. Limb tightening is probably the most basic thing you can do to restore dolls. If you have never taken apart a doll before, it can seem daunting, but it is really quite simple and makes a huge difference in improving the doll.
To take the doll apart, locate the neck string in the back and work the knot out. I used a yarn needle to easily get under the knot and pull apart. Remove the head from the body and pull out all the stuffing.
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locate the string for the the limb you want to tighten on the inside of the body. The doll’s right leg was in the worst shape, so I started there. Pull the string up and insert the spacer of the appropriate size in the space between the knot or clamp and the cup. The spacers come in small (7, 8 and 9mm), medium (10, 11 and 12mm), large (13, 14 and 15mm) and extra large (16, 17 and 18 mm). I purchased one pack for each size because I frequently tighten limbs and it would be easier to have them on hand. I ended up needing the largest size spacer for the right leg.
What I really like about these spacers is it makes the process quicker and looks really clean. With using the hair ties, it was more difficult to hold the string away from the limp cup and wrap the hair tie around multiple times. Then I did the left leg and the arms. The left leg needed a large size. It was also completely loose but not dangling. I placed 2 different medium sized spacers for the arms. The arms were loose enough that they could not hold a pose.
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Once all the spacers are placed, stuff the doll. I use the handle of a wooden spoon to get the stuffing back down into the body. Be especially diligent about getting the stuffing between the legs and on the sides. The stuffing also helps to secure the limbs in so I check after stuffing to ensure they are as tight as I would like them to be.
When you are happy with the tightened limbs, place the head back in and pull the string around the neck tight and knot securely.
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The limb spacers worked really great and I am completely happy with them! I much prefer using them than the hair ties for ease of use and a cleaner finished look (although it is on the inside). To finish sprucing her up, I moved her ponytail to the side a little more because I like to drape the hair around the front and I thought her pin curls had a bit too much product in them. They were too rigid in my opinion, so I took a hair pick and ran it through the center of the curl once to loosed them up a little and give a softer look.
While it was incredibly disappointing to pay for a new in box doll and still end up having to repair her, I always end up liking the repaired dolls more. Whenever you make or repair or build things yourself, they always have more meaning to you.
Rounds are joined with slip stitches in the top ch at the beginning of the round. Place marker at the second chain at the beginning of the round.
The beginning ch 2 should be counted as the first st throughout the pattern. This stitch will blend into the ribbing pattern.
Make secure, firm stitches. Follow gauge for correct size of clothing.
Gauge
20 hdc over 12 rows equals 4” square
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Instructions
With F hook and white, ch 60. Sl st to the first ch to create a ring.
Row 1. Ch 2 (counts as the first hdc here and throughout), hdc in each st around. Sl st to the top of beginning ch 2. (60 sts)
Row 2. Ch 2, *fpdc in the next 2 sts, bpdc in the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around, bpdc in the last st, sl st to the top of beginning ch 2. (60 sts)
Row 3-18. Repeat row 2.
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Row 19. Ch 2, *fpdc in the next 2 sts, bpdc2tog. Repeat from * around. Skip the last back post st, sl st to the top of beginning ch 2. (45 sts)
Row 20. Ch 2, *fpdc2tog, bpdc. Repeat from * around. Fpdc2tog over the last 2 sts. Sl st to the top of beginning ch 2. (30 sts)
Row 21. Ch 2, dec around by working post stitches as follows *yarn over, enter front post of the next st, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the hook (there will be 2 remaining loops on the hook), yarn over, insert hook through the back post of the next st, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the hook (there will be 3 remaining loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops. Repeat from * around, fpdc in the last st. Sl st to the top of beginning ch 2. (16 sts)
Row 22. Ch 2, *hdc2tog. Repeat from * around. Hdc in the last st. sl st to the top of beginning ch 2. (9 sts)
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Fasten off. Weave tail through the front loop of the remaining sts to close gap. Secure and weave in ends.
Create a 2” diameter pom pom. Sew to the top of the beanie. Weave in ends.
Fold the bottom of the beanie up as desired to create a cuffed brim.
Doll is American Girl Truly Me 65, Jacket is by Silly Monkey, Leggings are by Designs by Doreen, Shoes by Silly Monkey
