Hair strands

Pattern Overview

The Long Hair Strands tutorial is designed to show Dude makers how to create loose, strand-based doll hair using simple techniques that build directly onto the Little Dude system. Rather than being a standalone hairstyle pattern, this tutorial focuses on how to add individual strands to a wig cap—or directly into the doll’s head—to achieve flexible, customizable hair with natural movement.

This method allows complete control over length, density, and style. By adjusting how long the strands are cut, the finished hair can range from short and cropped to very long and flowing. The same basic technique applies regardless of length, making this tutorial a reusable foundation for many different hairstyles.

The tutorial works seamlessly with the Wig Cap / Short Hairdo base but can also be applied directly to the head if you want to skip that step. Using a wig cap hides the scalp color and makes it possible to swap styles (you will need to very carefully cut it off), experiment with different looks, or build multiple hair options for the same character. 

Because the technique is modular and repetitive, this tutorial is beginner-friendly, even for makers who have never added doll hair before. Clear steps and notes explain how to space strands evenly, secure them properly, and adjust placement to suit different character designs.

As with other elements in the Little Dude system, this tutorial is intended to act as a creative building block rather than a finished endpoint. Once the strand technique is learned, it can be combined with braids, pulled-back styles, partial shaves, layered cuts, or accessories to create a wide variety of unique character looks. Whether you’re designing a fantasy hero, an MMO avatar, or an original character, this approach provides the flexibility to bring your vision to life.

You can hook individual strands of yarn into the doll’s head to make hair, or into the loops left in the wig cap. These strands can be as short (as long as you can still loop them) or as long as you want (as long as you have enough yarn). They can be braided or styled in man bun. Your imagination is the limit. 

Wig cap has good loops for inserting strands
Back of the wig cap
Pull a loop through
Pull the ends up through your created loop
pull down and taught
Continue to add the strands through the loops. I did every other loop.
Continue up the head, alternate loops on next row so they lay on the empty loops from below.
I did all the strands the same length which provided a layered look
If you want it more even in the back do longer and longer strands as you go up.

Want the wig cap base? You can find that here: Wig cap – Little Dude Central

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a pattern or a tutorial?
This is a tutorial, not a standalone pattern. It explains how to add individual hair strands to a wig cap or directly into the doll’s head to create loose, strand-based hair. The same technique can be reused across many different hairstyles and character designs.

Do I need the Wig Cap pattern to use this tutorial?
No, the tutorial can be used in two ways. Hair strands can be added to the Wig Cap / Short Hairdo base for ease and scalp hiding or attached directly into the head if you’d rather skip that step. 

Can this technique be used for both short and long hair?
Yes. Hair length is entirely determined by how long the strands are cut. Short strands create cropped or layered looks, while longer strands can be used for flowing hair, ponytails, or braids. The same strand-attachment method works regardless of length.

Is this tutorial beginner-friendly?
Yes. This tutorial is beginner-friendly and uses a repetitive, easy-to-learn technique. Even if you’ve never added doll hair before, the step-by-step approach makes it approachable and customizable at your own pace.

What yarn works best for strand-based hair?
For consistent scale and appearance, it’s recommended to use the same yarn weight as the base doll or wig cap. However, experimenting with different yarn types and textures can produce varied effects depending on the character style you’re aiming for.

Can I combine this method with other hair techniques?
Absolutely. Once strands are added, they can be trimmed, layered, braided, tied back, or combined with accessories. This tutorial is meant to be a foundation method that supports creative experimentation.

Can I sell finished dolls made using this tutorial?
Yes. You may sell finished dolls made using techniques from this tutorial on a small scale. Please do not resell or redistribute the tutorial itself. Please tag me @LittleDudeCentral. I would LOVE to see your character.