How to Wig A Tiny Doll
Gimp Trim is mainly used on upholstery, interior design or home accents in the US. It can be found at fabric stores and on line. It consists of a backing of cotton woven strings with shiny rayon fibers wrapped around a few cotton strings and sewn on the top layer. There are many variations of Gimp and they come in lots of various colors. Choose one that looks like a natural hair color.
1. By pulling the sewing threads from the end of a piece you will separate the two layers. You want to use the top shinny layer. Cut this in 1”- 2” sections as you will be cutting the curls shorter when you wig and it makes it easier to handle in short sections.
2. Grasp one edge of the shinny rayon fiber and gently uncurl it from the cotton string. Do this until you can grasp the cotton thread and pull it free from your ‘curl’. Be sure to hold the rayon ‘curl’ with your left fingers tightly while pulling on the cotton threads with your right fingers to keep from stretching out the curl. Make a few of these before beginning on your doll, enough to wig the entire head.
2. Grasp one edge of the shinny rayon fiber and gently uncurl it from the cotton string. Do this until you can grasp the cotton thread and pull it free from your ‘curl’. Be sure to hold the rayon ‘curl’ with your left fingers tightly while pulling on the cotton threads with your right fingers to keep from stretching out the curl. Make a few of these before beginning on your doll, enough to wig the entire head.
3. Cut curls in smaller sections or as desired for your wig. I use a few small curls for the front or bangs on my doll and then use longer curls around her head. Spread a layer of glue on the doll’s head and proceed to wig. Press in each curl where needed but do it gently as to not flatten the curl into the glue. When satisfied with the wig, trim to even up and set aside to dry. Decorate with a bow or other trims as desired.
If you don’t like it, pull it off and start over!
If you don’t like it, pull it off and start over!
Other Gimp Trims can be found on large Tassels or as Bullion Fringe Trims. I have used this trim without pulling the cotton threads out of the center of the Rayon curls and it works well on larger dolls with tightly curled hair.
You’ll have fun playing with this type of wigging I’m sure. It’s cheap and easy enough that anyone can do it. Give it a try and see what I mean.
You’ll have fun playing with this type of wigging I’m sure. It’s cheap and easy enough that anyone can do it. Give it a try and see what I mean.