How to Make a Curly Crochet Doll Wig
using the "loop" stitch
This method uses a modified half-double crochet stitch, in a medium size (neither loose nor tightly dense). For most yarns I use a size G (4.5 mm) crochet hook. A bulky yarn would need a larger hook.
Note for Lefties: My directions are for right-handed crochet. I am left-handed, but was taught to crochet and knit by my right-handed grandmother, so I do it her way. If you are left-handed and new to crochet, I strongly advise you to learn right-handed. It will feel awkward in the beginning no matter which way you learn, and you will save yourself considerable aggravation in the long run.
The Looped Crochet Stitch
Start with a base chain of (at least) 2 stitches.
Yarn-over (1) …
… and insert the hook into the stitch to be worked (2).
With the yarn going over the index finger of your left hand, catch the yarn from behind your finger (3) …
...and pull a loop through the stitch (4).
You now have a long loop on the index finger of your left hand and 3 loops on the hook.
Drop the long loop from your finger to the back of the work (5).
Yarn-over as for any normal stitch (6) and pull through all 3 loops on the hook, completing the half-double crochet stitch.
Tip: You can make your long loops any size, but try to keep the size consistent.
Directions for the wig:
Because doll wigs may be made with a wide variety of yarns, these instructions describe a process rather than a precise pattern. With this method, you can crochet curly wigs for any head size, using any yarn.
Round 1: Chain 2. Work 6 looped half-double crochet stitches (lhdc) in 1st chain. (See above for looped half-double crochet stitch instructions.)
Round 2 (increase round): lhdc in first lhdc of previous round. 2 lhdc in next stitch. Work *1 lhdc in next stitch, 2 lhdc in next stitch* over remaining stitches of previous round. (9 stitches)
Round 3, etc.: Repeat increase round until diameter of wig is about 1 inch smaller than head diameter.
Continue to work even until wig reaches desired size. If curls become too thick, work plain (un-looped) half-double crochet every 3rd stitch. Fasten off.
Wig Sizing Tips:
Attaching the Wig:
Fit the wig on the doll’s head and secure in place with pins at the hairline. Sew securely around the hairline with yarn or matching color thread. Also take a few stitches around the crown of the head, if the “scalp” seems loose. Be sure to remove ALL the pins!
Because doll wigs may be made with a wide variety of yarns, these instructions describe a process rather than a precise pattern. With this method, you can crochet curly wigs for any head size, using any yarn.
Round 1: Chain 2. Work 6 looped half-double crochet stitches (lhdc) in 1st chain. (See above for looped half-double crochet stitch instructions.)
Round 2 (increase round): lhdc in first lhdc of previous round. 2 lhdc in next stitch. Work *1 lhdc in next stitch, 2 lhdc in next stitch* over remaining stitches of previous round. (9 stitches)
Round 3, etc.: Repeat increase round until diameter of wig is about 1 inch smaller than head diameter.
Continue to work even until wig reaches desired size. If curls become too thick, work plain (un-looped) half-double crochet every 3rd stitch. Fasten off.
Wig Sizing Tips:
- Check the fit of the wig every 2 or 3 rounds as you work. Make your increases more or less frequently as required to keep the fit snug.
- If the wig seems too flat (increasing too rapidly), try alternating an increase round with an even round.
- The wig should stretch a bit to fit over the head —just enough to fit snugly but not so much that the head fabric becomes visible between the crochet stitches.
Attaching the Wig:
Fit the wig on the doll’s head and secure in place with pins at the hairline. Sew securely around the hairline with yarn or matching color thread. Also take a few stitches around the crown of the head, if the “scalp” seems loose. Be sure to remove ALL the pins!
