How to Re-string a Miniature Doll...

If the limbs of one of your articulated miniature dolls have come off and you want to repair it yourself, here is an original Ysé's tutorial and a simple way to do it...

First of all you will need : 

2 tiny elastic bands per doll - the tiny ones on sale at the hair department in supermarkets and stores - and 2 knitting metal crochet hooks (French size 3 & 1.5 - or for the second crochet hook, in fact whichever size fits in the tiny holes of the limbs...)

8.5 cm dolls & mini elastic hairbands

It is quite easy to do for limbs with joint hooks (you'll need smaller elastic bands than the one shown on the above photo, though), but it is another story for limbs with joint holes... Here is how it can be done...

Example of limbs with holes

First, place one elastic band in the hole of the left arm this way :

Step 1.

Now place the crochet hook (nº3) inside the two formed loops...

Step 2.

and pull the crochet hook through the lower loop, tighten firmly and then free the crochet hook.

Step 3.

Next, put the left arm in place and using the same crochet hook (nº3), find and grab the elastic loop through the body until it comes out - tensed - where the right leg should be (the crochet hook keeps it outside).

Step 4.

Then insert the smaller crochet hook (nº1.5 here) inside the right leg's hole like this :

Step 5.

After that, insert the nº1.5 crochet hook between the elastic band and the nº3 crochet hook, like this :

Step 6.

At this stage, only the thinner crochet hook is in action. Pull the elastic band with the help of the nº1.5 crochet hook through the tiny hole in the leg joint and you should obtain something looking like this :

Step 7.

You can now pull out and free the bigger crochet hook (nº3)...  

Step 8.

Next - creating a noose. To do so, pull the elastic band with the remaining thin crochet hook towards you - make a loop big enough to be able to slide the foot (and the leg entirely) through it...

Step 9.

Your knot on the leg joint should end up looking like this :

The crochet is only here to give you a good view of the noose...

You have now secured the leg in place !

Et voilà !

Do exactly the same for the opposite side, etc.

And in no time, you'll have...

...a happy and complete baby !

You have just read an Ysé's tutorial...

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