How do you string a doll?

Stringing a doll involves threading elastic cord or specialized string through the doll's body and limbs to provide tension, allowing the parts to move and hold poses. This process is essential for assembling new doll kits or repairing vintage and ball-jointed dolls (BJDs) whose original stringing has stretched or broken.

How to String a Doll

Stringing a doll requires careful attention to tension and knotting to ensure proper articulation and stability. The process generally involves disassembling the doll, selecting the appropriate string, threading it through the body and limbs, and then securing it with precise tension.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather the necessary items:

Tool/Material	Description	Purpose
Elastic Cord	High-quality elastic cord (e.g., polyester, nylon, or specialized doll elastic)	Provides tension; choose appropriate thickness for the doll's size.
Hemostat or Forceps	Long, thin clamping tools with a locking mechanism.	Grabbing and pulling string through tight spaces; crucial for holding tension during knotting.
Scissors	Sharp craft scissors.	Cutting elastic cord.
Needle or Wire Hook	A long, flexible needle or stiff wire hook.	Assisting in threading elastic through small holes and channels.
Pliers (optional)	Small needle-nose pliers.	May help with stubborn knots or tightening small components.
Measuring Tape	Flexible measuring tape.	For measuring approximate string lengths.

Step-by-Step Doll Stringing Process

The following steps outline the general procedure for stringing a doll, often applied to articulated dolls with internal elastic stringing.

1. Preparation and Disassembly

• Disassemble the doll: Carefully remove all limbs and the head from the doll's body. Note how the previous stringing was arranged, especially if you are re-stringing a doll.
• Remove old stringing: Cut and remove any remaining old, stretched, or broken elastic.
• Clean the parts: Wipe down the doll parts if necessary to remove dust or debris.

2. Measuring and Cutting Elastic

Estimate the required length of elastic for each section. Typically, one piece of elastic is used for both arms, and another for both legs. Some dolls may use a third piece for the head, or separate pieces for multi-part limbs. Cut the elastic a bit longer than needed to allow for knotting and adjustments.

3. Stringing the Arms

This method applies to dolls where a single piece of elastic runs through the torso, connecting both arms.

1. Thread the elastic through one arm: Start by feeding one end of the elastic through the wrist, up through the forearm, and then through the upper arm piece, exiting at the shoulder joint.
2. Pass through the torso: Guide the elastic through one armhole of the doll's torso, across the chest cavity, and out the opposite armhole.
3. Thread the second arm: Feed the elastic through the second arm's shoulder joint, down through its upper arm, forearm, and out the wrist.
4. Connect hands (if applicable): If the doll has separate hands, thread the elastic through them.
5. Achieve initial tension: Pull both ends of the string tightly to draw the arms snugly against the torso.
6. Secure one side: While maintaining tension, clamp one end of the string with a hemostat or forceps close to the arm joint to prevent it from slipping.
7. Adjust the other side: Go to the other arm. Ensure the elastic path is correct; for instance, if you use the top string hole in the shoulder, go through the top attachment point of the arm and vice versa.
8. Final tension and knotting: Pull the remaining free end of the string tightly to achieve the desired tension for the second arm. The tension should allow the arms to hold poses but not be so tight as to stress the plastic or make articulation difficult.
9. Tie the knot: While the string is held taut, tie a simple square knot (or surgeon's knot for extra security) to permanently secure the tension.
10. Trim and release: Cut the excess string close to the knot and release the clamp.

4. Stringing the Legs

The process for stringing the legs is very similar to the arms, with a single piece of elastic typically running through the hip/pelvis area of the doll's body, connecting both legs.

1. Thread through one leg: Start by feeding one end of the elastic through the foot, up through the lower leg, and then through the upper leg, exiting at the hip joint.
2. Pass through the body: Guide the elastic through one leg hole of the doll's torso/pelvis, across the cavity, and out the opposite leg hole.
3. Thread the second leg: Feed the elastic through the second leg's hip joint, down through its upper leg, lower leg, and out the foot.
4. Repeat tensioning and knotting: Repeat the tensioning, clamping, and knotting process as done for the arms. Ensure the leg elastic is pulled tightly, clamped, and then secured with a simple square knot before cutting the excess and releasing the clamp.

5. Stringing the Head (If Applicable)

Some dolls, especially BJDs, have heads that are strung onto the body with a separate piece of elastic or connected to the arm elastic.

1. Thread through the head: Guide the elastic through the neck hole of the head and out through the top of the head.
2. Connect to the body: Depending on the doll's design, this elastic might connect to the arm elastic or a separate anchor point within the torso.
3. Tension and secure: Pull the elastic taut, usually from the top of the head, and secure it with a knot (often a hidden knot inside the head or under the wig).

6. Final Adjustments and Testing

Once all parts are strung:

• Test articulation: Gently move all the doll's limbs and head to ensure they move freely but can also hold poses.
• Check tension: If any limb feels too loose or too stiff, you may need to re-string that section to adjust the tension.

Tips for Successful Doll Stringing

• Use the correct elastic: The diameter and strength of the elastic are crucial. Too thin, and it will break; too thick, and it won't fit or will provide too much tension.
• Start with moderate tension: It's easier to add more tension than to release it. Aim for a tension that allows the doll to stand and pose without being overly stiff.
• Be patient: Stringing can be fiddly, especially for smaller dolls or intricate designs. Take your time.
• Knot security: A well-tied square knot is usually sufficient. For added security, you can dab a tiny amount of clear-drying glue (like E6000 or super glue) on the knot, but be careful not to get it on the doll itself.
• Online resources: For specific doll types (e.g., specific BJD brands or vintage doll lines), search for dedicated tutorials. Many doll communities offer excellent visual guides. A good starting point can be resources like DollpHuS which provide comprehensive visual guides for BJD stringing.

By following these steps, you can effectively string or re-string your doll, restoring its poseability and bringing it back to life.