Tillie Doyle
Restringing a BJD doll can be a stressful task, but it is necessary when the elastic cords that hold the doll together start to lose their elasticity. This can cause the doll's limbs to become loose and floppy, and the doll may not be able to stand or sit up on its own. Restringing a BJD doll involves replacing two loops of elastic that run through the torso and legs and are anchored by S-hooks at the wrists and ankles. The process can be made easier by using tools such as needle-nose pliers, forceps, and pipe cleaners, and it is important to use high-quality elastic cord to ensure it doesn't break or snap easily.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Tools for restringing
While restringing a BJD doll can seem scary, it is a rewarding process that will help your doll pose and sit better. The process involves replacing two loops of elastic that run through the doll's body.
Pliers
Pliers can be used to pull the S-hooks that anchor the elastic loops in place. You can also use a string to pull the S-hooks, but pliers will provide more grip and leverage.
Elastic Cord
The type of elastic cord you need will depend on your specific doll. Most BJD sites will sell elastic, and you can also find options on Amazon by searching for "bungee cord." It is important to know what type of elastic your doll uses before purchasing replacement cord.
S-Hooks
The S-hooks anchor the elastic loops at the wrists, head, and ankles of the doll. When restringing, you may need to replace these hooks if they become damaged or stretched out.
Hog Ring Pliers and Hog Rings
Hog ring pliers and hog rings are specialised tools used in doll restringing. The pliers help to securely fasten the hog rings, which are small metal rings that hold the elastic cord in place.
Doll Stand
A doll stand can be useful for holding your doll steady and comfortable while you work on restringing it. This can help ensure that you do not lose any pieces and that everything stays in the correct position.
With the right tools and some patience, you can successfully restring your BJD doll and improve its poseability and stability.
Finding PAN Card Details in Your DSC
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Removing the old elastic cord
To remove the old elastic cord from your BJD doll, start by removing the head and placing it in a safe place. BJDs typically have two loops of elastic, so you can now choose to work on either the loop in the torso for the arms or the loop that starts at the head and goes down to the legs.
If you choose to work on the torso, carefully unhook a limb of your choice from the elastic, easing the tension with a string or crochet hook. If you choose to work on the head loop, use pliers or a string to pull the S-hook up and turn the head so it can slip through. Do not slide the elastic off the S-hook; simply turn it like a key to go through the slot at the base of the head.
Once you have removed the first loop, you can move on to the second loop. Clear a space where you can easily lay out all your pieces, and make sure not to mix them up.
If you are restringing a very old BJD, you may need to widen the slits in the joints with a rasp or Dremel-like rotary burr equipment. This is because the cord should go in the middle of the joint; otherwise, the limb won't work correctly.
Mastering the Art of Non-Stick Dosa
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The right cord for your doll
The type of cord you use for restringing your BJD is important. The majority of modern BJDs use elastic cord, which is readily available in craft stores or online shops that specialize in BJD supplies. The cord should be made from high-quality materials to ensure it won't break or snap easily. It is also important to get the right thickness of the cord. A general rule is that the cord should be as thick as the narrowest place in the stringing channels to allow. For example, if your doll has very narrow slits at the knee or elbow joints, you may need to widen them with a rasp or Dremel-like rotary burr equipment.
The amount of cord you need will depend on the size of your doll. For 60-70 cm high dolls, 2-3 meters of cord is usually enough, while for 40-45 cm high dolls, 1.5-2 meters is sufficient. If you are restringing the hands, 1 meter of thin cord is enough for 2 pairs of jointed hands.
Some people prefer their BJDs to be loosely strung, as this can lower the risk of damage to the sockets, breaking or deformation of hooks, and make the restringing process safer. However, some dolls may have constructive flaws that require super tight stringing. It is a matter of personal preference and the doll's construction.
When restringing, it is important to start by removing the old elastic cord. Begin by removing the head and placing it in a safe place, then work on the loop of elastic in the torso for the arms or the legs. It is recommended to use a string or crochet hook to ease the tension when unhooking the limbs from the old elastic.
There are different methods for assembling BJDs, but most involve threading the new elastic cord through the internal channels of the doll and attaching it to the head, feet, and hands using S-hooks or resin hooks. Some people prefer to start from the legs, while others start from the head. It is important to be careful and not mix up the pieces when taking the doll apart.
How to Cook Spiral Ham: Water or No Water?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Restringing the legs
Prepare the Workspace and Materials
Before you begin, it's essential to have a designated workspace where you can lay out all the pieces and necessary tools. You will need a pair of needle-nose pliers, forceps or hemostats, a restringing tool (a wire with a hook attached to a handle), pipe cleaners or bendable wire, wooden or plastic sticks (such as chopsticks or paintbrush handles), and a new elastic cord. You can purchase the elastic cord from craft stores or online shops specializing in BJD supplies. Ensure that you have enough cord; as a general rule, the cord should be as thick as the narrowest part of the stringing channels.
Remove the Old Elastic Cord
Start by removing the head of the doll and placing it safely aside. You can then choose to work on either the loop of elastic in the torso for the arms or the legs. If you decide to start with the legs, carefully unhook one limb at a time from the old elastic cord, using a string or crochet hook to ease the tension.
Stringing the Legs
When you are ready to string the legs, attach them to the pelvic part of the doll. You can use an S-hook in the middle of the cords to secure them. Sit on a bed and hold the doll's legs between your knees for stability. Then, use the pulling tool to pull the S-hook through the body until it reaches the neck and finally the head. Rotate the S-hook to lock it into place in the head. If your doll has two separate cords for the body and legs, string one leg at a time, pulling the cord into the pelvis. Tuck the middle of the body cord under the legs cord, and then pull the legs cord out of the pelvis before assembling the other leg.
Adjusting Tension and Finishing Up
Some people prefer their BJDs to be loosely strung, as it can lower the risk of damaging sockets, breaking or deforming hooks, and the restringing process is generally safer. However, this is a personal preference and may depend on the doll's construction. If you desire tighter stringing, you can adjust the tension accordingly. Once you've finished stringing the legs and adjusted the tension to your liking, cut any excess cord, leaving enough to tie a secure knot.
Oil Pan Gasket: Does the B18B1 Engine Need One?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.99
Restringing the head
Prepare the Workspace and Gather Tools
Clear a spacious work area where you can easily lay out all the pieces of your BJD doll. It is recommended to work on a soft surface like a bed or a fluffy carpet to prevent damage if any parts are accidentally dropped. Gather all the necessary tools, including needle-nose pliers, a restringing tool (a wire with a hook attached to a handle), forceps/hemostats, wooden/plastic sticks, and, of course, the new elastic cord.
Remove the Old Elastic Cord
Before starting the restringing process, carefully remove the old elastic cord. Begin by removing the doll's head and placing it aside in a safe location. You can then choose to work on either the loop of elastic in the torso for the arms or the loop for the legs. Always use a string or a crochet hook to ease the tension and carefully unhook each limb from the old elastic cord.
Measure and Cut the New Elastic Cord
Determine the length of elastic cord needed for your doll's head. The thickness of the cord will depend on your doll's specific design and the stringing method you choose. As a general rule, the cord should be as thick as the narrowest part of the stringing channels to ensure smooth movement. For safety, it is recommended to buy more elastic cord than you think you need, so you have room to try different methods and ensure a comfortable fit.
Stringing the Head
Now, you can begin the process of restringing the head. Using your needle-nose pliers or a restringing tool, carefully thread the new elastic cord through the internal channels of the head. BJD dolls typically require four cords in the neck and head area to ensure proper support and movement. Ensure the cord is securely attached and can move fluidly within the joints.
Secure the Elastic Cord
Once the new elastic cord is properly threaded through the head, it's time to secure it in place. Use the S-hook provided to anchor the elastic cord in the head. Make sure the S-hook is rotated and locked securely into place. This will ensure the head remains attached to the torso and can move without the cord slipping off the hook.
By following these steps carefully and making sure each connection is secure, you will have successfully restrung the head of your BJD doll. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and choose the right tools to ensure the restringing process is safe and effective.
Pan-Seared John Dory: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If your BJD cannot stand or sit up on its own, and its limbs are loose and floppy, it is time to restring your doll.
You will need a restringing tool (a piece of wire with a hook at one end and a handle at the other), forceps or hemostats, and needle-nose pliers. You may also want to use a thin crochet hook, pipe cleaners or bendable wire, and wooden or plastic sticks.
You should use elastic cord, which is available in a variety of thicknesses and colours. The cord should be as thick as the narrowest part of the stringing channels.
