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How to Make Curly Doll Hair with Yarn: Curls, Materials, and Attachment

Wrap yarn on a form to create curls, then attach them to a fabric strip or crocheted wig cap. See the material choices and limits of eHow’s acrylic-yarn method.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read
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To make yarn curls for doll hair, wrap yarn around a form, set the curls using a method suitable for that fiber, let them cool fully if using heat, then remove and attach them to a fabric strip or wig cap. An eHow tutorial describes a wet, oven-set method specifically for acrylic yarn; its temperature and timing are that tutorial’s instructions, not a universal setting for every yarn or oven.

Choose a curl style and construction

Option Look and curl size How it is attached
Yarn wrapped on a form and set Creates formed curls or ringlets. In eHow’s method, the dowel or knitting-needle diameter affects curl tightness. Sew curls onto a fabric strip and stitch it to the doll, or attach them to a crocheted wig cap.
Bouclé yarn Has a naturally curly texture rather than curls formed on a dowel. Steffi Stern’s 2020 book excerpt says bouclé curls are less likely to be pulled straight over time. Use it as a curly hair material in the chosen wig construction; the excerpt does not prescribe a specific attachment method.
Other fibers and materials Steffi Stern’s Making Soft Dolls also discusses mohair, merino or alpaca tops, ordinary knitting yarn, and natural sheep locks. They offer different appearances and handling characteristics. Choose a construction suited to the material; these alternatives are not established as suitable for eHow’s wet-set method.

For a visual demonstration of regular curly hair, ringlets, and a middle part, Lizfaerie Crafts’ 2017 video tutorial shows those styles. Its description does not establish a detailed written procedure.

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Make heat-set yarn curls on a form

Marybeth Kufen’s eHow tutorial specifies acrylic yarn for its wet method and cautions that wool may felt when wet. Identify the fiber and check its care guidance before using heat. The source’s oven setting should not be treated as validated for other fiber blends, yarns, or appliances.

  1. Tie the yarn to a form. Secure the end to a wooden dowel or knitting needle.
  2. Wrap it closely. Wind the yarn tightly in a single layer without overlaps. The form’s diameter changes the curl tightness: a different dowel or needle size produces a different curl.
  3. Wet and blot. Thoroughly wet the wrapped yarn, then blot away excess water.
  4. Set according to the cited tutorial. Kufen’s eHow instructions specify 250°F for 45 minutes. They advise supporting the dowel ends on the rim of a cookie sheet so the dowel does not touch the sheet.
  5. Cool before removing. Let the yarn cool completely, then slide the curls off the form.

Those are eHow’s parameters for its acrylic-yarn tutorial, not a general guarantee of safety or a recommended setting for every oven and fiber.

#1 Best Overall
Namzi 50g Soft Plush Wool Acrylic Fancy Loop Yarn for Doll Hair Making,A10
  • Material: Wool ,Acrylic / Color : brown / QTY: 50g
  • Recommend crochet: 2.5 mm - 3.5 mm.Recommend knitting needle: 3.0 mm - 4.0 mm.
  • Also for Needle Felting Doll Hair
  • Not inlcude the DIY SHOWING doll .Hand wash in lukewarm water, lay flat to dry.
  • Other color pls check in our store
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Attach the curls to the doll

There are two practical construction routes in the cited tutorials: sew curls onto a fabric strip and stitch the strip to the doll, or make a crocheted wig cap and latch-hook curls into it. Make:’s overview of Charlie of Pickled Okra’s tutorial describes the cap route as a three-part workflow: make the base cap, create yarn curls, then latch the hair onto the cap.

Sewn fabric strip

Arrange the curls along a fabric strip and sew them in place, then stitch the strip to the doll’s head. Account for how tightly curled yarn springs back when estimating the finished hair length. eHow warns that tightly arranging curly yarn on a board can make the released hair look shorter than expected.

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Rank #2
Keche Baby Cotton, 60% Cotton 40% Acrylic Yarn, Soft Cotton Yarn for Crochet and Knitting, Amigurumi Yarn 1 Skein/Ball 1.76 Oz (50g) / 180 Yrds (165m) - Brown
  • Keche Baby Cotton yarn is made from a perfect blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic fibers, providing you with the best of both worlds. This combination offers the softness, breathability, and natural feel of cotton, while the acrylic adds durability and lightweight properties. The yarn is perfect for creating baby items, such as blankets, clothes, and toys, as well as projects for adults, like scarves, hats, and shawls.
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  • Keche Baby Cotton yarn is easy to care for, as it can be machine washed and tumble dried on low heat. This makes it an excellent option for everyday items that require frequent cleaning, such as baby garments and blankets, ensuring they remain fresh and clean.
  • Available in a diverse range of colors like white, black, baby pink, cream, yellow, red, green, skin color, grey, and total 24 colors, Keche Baby Cotton yarn allows you to choose the perfect shade for your next project. Whether you're looking for soft pastels for a baby blanket or bold, vibrant hues for a statement piece, you'll find the ideal color to suit your needs and preferences.

Crocheted wig cap

Make a crocheted cap to fit the doll’s head, then latch-hook curls into the base. This gives you a cap onto which curls can be distributed; Make: identifies it as the base-cap, curl-making, and latch-on approach.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Namzi 50g Soft Plush Wool Acrylic Fancy Loop Yarn for Doll Hair Making,A10
Namzi 50g Soft Plush Wool Acrylic Fancy Loop Yarn for Doll Hair Making,A10
Material: Wool ,Acrylic / Color : brown / QTY: 50g; Recommend crochet: 2.5 mm - 3.5 mm.Recommend knitting needle: 3.0 mm - 4.0 mm.
$9.99
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Namzi 50g Soft Plush Wool Acrylic Fancy Loop Yarn for Doll Hair Making,A1
Namzi 50g Soft Plush Wool Acrylic Fancy Loop Yarn for Doll Hair Making,A1
✔Material: Wool ,Acrylic / Color : Off white / QTY: 50g; ✔Recommend crochet: 2.5 mm - 3.5 mm.Recommend knitting needle: 3.0 mm - 4.0 mm.
$6.99
Best Value
4 Pack Crochet Yarn, 560 Yard Soft Brown Yarn for Hand Knitting Decor Gifts
  • ✄【Composition】The cotton yarn is made of a blend of 60% cotton and 40% Polyester, which provides a soft and durable effect. So not only breathable and soft cotton, also has the durability of polyester.
  • ✄【Sufficient Quantity】In this kind of worsted yarn combination has four yarn, 50g each skein yarn, about 128 meters / 140 yards. Sufficient quantity for you to make various hand crochet works.
  • ✄【Fits Crochet】Our soft cotton yarn is suitable for knitting with 3 to 4 mm (US 3 to 6) or UK 11 to 8 stitches, and 2 to 3 mm (US B-1 to D-3) or UK 14 to 11 crochet.
  • ✄【Instructions for Use】Cotton yarn can be machine or hand washed and dried normally, but not bleached and ironed. The yarn material is safe and can be used with confidence.
  • ✄【Widely Used】Soft worsted yarns are suitable for making different handwork, such as sweater accessories and knitting doll. We use vacuum compression packaging, which will not affect your use.
Rank #4
Namzi 50g Soft Plush Wool Acrylic Fancy Loop Yarn for Doll Hair Making,A1
  • ✔Material: Wool ,Acrylic / Color : Off white / QTY: 50g
  • ✔Recommend crochet: 2.5 mm - 3.5 mm.Recommend knitting needle: 3.0 mm - 4.0 mm.
  • ✔Also for Needle Felting Doll Hair
  • ✔Not inlcude the DIY SHOWING doll .Hand wash in lukewarm water, lay flat to dry.
  • ✔Other color pls check in our store
Rank #3
JubileeYarn Amigurumi Select Yarn - Shades of Brown - 4 Skeins
  • CONTENTS 4 skeins per pack
  • DIMENSIONS Each skein is 50g; 125 yards (115 meters). Knitting needle size: US 6 (4mm). Crochet hook size: G-6
  • COMPOSITION 100% acrylic. Machine wash cold or dry clean. Tumble dry delicate or flat in shade. Do not bleach. Do not iron
  • FEATURES Category 3 light. Also known as DK or light worsted weight. This acrylic yarn has thick, durable strands for beautifully defined stitches. The firm fabric is lightweight and warm to the touch. Colors are brown, dark brown, light brown, and medium brown
  • USES An excellent yarn for knitting and crocheting. Great for amigurumi dolls, cozy socks, scarves, hats, and other accessories. Perfect for beginners and experienced crafters making gifts, home décor, and colorful handmade projects

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