Whether you have young children, grandchildren, or you simply want to delve into a bit of craft, making your own dolls can be a fun way to spend your downtime.
For so many, what starts as a hobby can slowly also evolve into a lush side business as they develop their own style and branding that friends and family also want to commission. A handmade doll can effectively be the best childhood present that many will love to keep well into adulthood.
Whatever scenario you find yourself in, one of the questions you will want to know is how to create doll hair. Yarn is one of the best things to use for doll hair. It is also the safest option for dolls for young children.
However, which yarns are best for doll hair? From wool to acrylic, as well as other blends on the market, there are many options to choose from. Depending on the look and finish you want to go for, some yarns will be better for your doll.
So which yarn is best for doll hair? The fact is it can very much depend on whether you plan to knit a wig, or knit in loose strands or braids. For a wig, wool or acrylic, or a blend of both will work perfectly, while silky yarn will give you the best long flowing hair. Mohair is also very realistic in terms of texture and is a popular choice for doll hair since it is brushable.
If you don’t know where to start, then don’t worry. We have listed some factors to consider, answered some frequently asked questions, and also given you a review of best yarns for doll hair.
Shopping for Yarns for Doll Hair: Factors to Consider
1. Recipient age
It is always recommended to consider the age of your recipient when making any bespoke piece. For young children who may put everything possible in their mouths, doll hair should be sewed on securely. Also, natural fibres will be safer just in case some parts of the doll may be ingested.
2. Wigs, long hair or dreadlocks
This can effectively determine the type of yarn you go far. Mohair and wool are perfect yarns for wigs, and can make very realistic hair for a doll. If you’re looking to create dreadlocks, then the world really is your oyster since you can get creative with different yarn types and colors to create spectacularly beautiful locks of hair for your doll.
3. Durability
Unless you’re making an ornamental doll, chances are, the doll you are making will get thrown around and dropped on the floor. The hair may even get pulled into bobbles and scrunchies. To this end, you will want to choose close knitted yarn which is strong and durable. Since handmade dolls are often kept for a very long time, durability is important so ensure it stays in an attractive state.
4. Color
When it comes to doll hair you can use your imagination with colors. You can choose whether your doll has pink, red, or even rainbow hair. However, if you’re looking to make a look-alike doll, or a realistic one, then human hair colors are also possible to find. Consider auburn, black or blonde colors. Try not to get too fixated on an exact shade though, since colors can vary, especially when it comes to natural colors and fibres.
5. Texture
Yarn can come in silky, wooly and scratchy textures. Whether you want to create fluffy or curly hair, or silky straight hair will have a bearing on the type of yarn you choose. For the former, mohair is a great choice, while for the latter, acrylic and even some blends with silk can be perfect.
Related Questions
1. How should I choose which type of yarn to use?
This will depend on the type of hair you want to create, and whether you want to knit a wig or create loose strands or braids. Wool and acrylic are both suitable for knitting on wigs, while silky yarns will make charming flowy hair. For braids and dreadlocks you can use a combination to create the effect you want. The world really is your oyster.
2. How can I make a brushed mohair doll’s hair wig?
When it comes to mohair for a doll, you have to consider whether to use long-staple mohair to create a cap which is fluffy, or use the bouclé mohair which creates more natural curls. For the fluffy hair, you simply need to knit or crochet a hat which fits your doll’s hair. Using a wire comb you can pull out the mohair fibers to make create the fluffy hair effect. The fluffiness will probably reduce and the hair will matt, but it can easily all be teased out again and can be quite fun for the doll owner to do this.
3. Is acrylic or wool yarn better for doll hair?
Both acrylic and wool yarn will create a similar effect when it comes to knitted hair for your doll. Be sure to follow any specific care guidelines relating to the yarn you choose.
4. Can doll hair made from yarn be brushable?
If the recipient of your doll is keen on practicing their hairdressing skills, then it can be useful to bare this in mind when selecting the perfect yarn for your doll. Most silky and lightweight yarns will be perfectly brushable with a wide tooth comb. Leave the strands long enough and the doll owner will be able to practice a variety of different hairstyles.
The Best Yarn For Doll Hair
| Rank | Product | Yarn Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn - Oatmeal | Acrylic and wool |
| 2. | Patons Cobbles Yarn Winter White | Acrylic, nylon, and wool |
| 3. | Celine Lin Angola Mohair Plush Cashmere Yarn | Mohair |
| 4. | Bernat Roving Yarn Knit, Lichen, Single Ball | Acrylic and wool |
| 5. | Lion Brand Yarn Jamie Yarn, Sunshine | Acrylic |
1. Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn – Oatmeal
This natural hair color in the perfect blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool is locally made in the US.
It is machine washable, which is useful for keeping the doll clean, as long as this is also possible for the rest of your doll, or at least for a wig cap if you haven’t attached it to hair plugs.
This thick yarn will make a perfect fluffy wig for your doll. Lion Brand also has different shades of brown, red, and black.
Key Features
- Lighter hair color
- Locally made
- Machine washable
2. Patons Cobbles Yarn Winter White
This white yarn from a trusted brand will be perfect for dolls which are designed to have bright snow-like hair.
This is a 6 pack meaning it will last for quite a few projects. It is hand wash only and needs to be laid flat to dry, due to the 49% wool content.
The bulky texture will perfect the perfect wig for your doll. It is a little pricey per skein, however, it is worth paying for quality to create a doll that is durable and long lasting.
Key Features
- Bulk buy for convenience
- Blend structure creating a durable yarn
- Meets expectations
3. Celine Lin Angola Mohair Plush Cashmere Yarn
For brushable and fluffy wigs, a yarn made from mohair is your best bet. This beautifully deep orange will make the perfect brushable mop of hair for your doll. It is attractive and will bring personality to your creation.
The cashmere element in the yarn gives it a glossy look, making it very life-like. It is the yarn you want to splash your project with some color. Like many good quality yarns, it can be a little pricey.
Key Features
- Mohair ideal for brushable doll hair
- Attractive and unique color
- Glossy
- Easy to work with
4. Bernat Roving Yarn Knit, Lichen, Single Ball
This is a stunning yarn made with a perfect doll hair blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool.
It is a stunning shade of blue that will create gorgeous bright and unique colored hair for your doll. Bernat Roving is a soft, thick wool-blend roving yarn which is lovely to work with.
It is known for its neutral shades which are perfect for hair. It is not tightly spun which can, however, make it a little delicate.
It may be more suitable as free-flowing hair on a rag doll for an older child. It could be considered a little expensive for a single ball.
Key Features
- Perfect for fantasy or fashion dolls
- Soft texture
- Acrylic and wool blend easy to work with
5. Lion Brand Yarn Jamie Yarn, Sunshine
This Lion brand yarn is the shade you want for a multicolor maine. It is snuggly soft, making it perfect for a doll, and machine washable and dryable for convenience.
The 100% acrylic yarn is perfect for spinning into a comfortable wig or braid for your doll. Some customers were a little disappointed that the color was lighter than expected.
Key Features
- Perfect for bright and unique hair
- Soft yarn
- Machine washable
Conclusion
The world is really your oyster when it comes to the best yarns for doll hair. Durability, color, and texture are all key in selecting the perfect yarn.
For silky locks, yarn with cashmere or silk elements will be best. Wool and acrylic are versatile and can be knitted into unique wigs or simply left free falling. For the perfect brushable hair, mohair wigs can bring a finish with a twist. You can experiment away at your heart’s desire with all types of yarn to create the perfect hair for your doll.
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