Wig cap or Short Hairdo

Pattern Overview

The Wig Cap or Short Hairdo pattern is designed as a foundational hair base for the Little Dude doll system, giving makers a flexible starting point for creating custom hairstyles without committing to a single finished look. Rather than being a highly stylized or character-specific hairstyle, this pattern provides a clean, adaptable structure that can be built upon, modified, or embellished to suit a wide range of characters.

This pattern is intentionally simple and beginner-friendly, using basic stitches and straightforward construction. It can be worked as a smooth wig cap for adding yarn hair, surface crochet, or other hair techniques, or finished as a short hairdo on its own. The shape is designed to sit naturally on the Little Dude head, making it easy to integrate with facial features, accessories, and headwear.

As part of the modular Little Dude system, this hair pattern is meant to function as a blank canvas for customization. Length, texture, and color can all be adjusted, and the cap structure allows makers to experiment with different styling methods without needing to redesign the base each time. Whether you’re creating a simple cropped style, layered fantasy hair, or a base for helmets and hoods, this pattern supports flexibility and creative freedom.

For best results, the pattern uses the same yarn weight as the base doll, ensuring consistent scale and proportion. Minor adjustments can be made to accommodate different yarn choices or personal tension, and notes are included to help achieve a secure, well-fitted result.

This pattern is ideal for tabletop and MMO-inspired characters, original fantasy designs, or any project where interchangeable hair is preferred. By separating the hair base from the final styling, makers can easily swap looks, test new ideas, and expand their character’s appearance over time without rebuilding the entire doll.

Materials 

 

Less than 1 Skein Red heart super saver in your preferred color(s) for clothes/boots

3.5 mm hook or same size as used for body

Stitch marker if desired

Yarn needle for tucking tails and minimal sewing 

Scissors, or preferred tool, for cutting yarn

 

Stitches that may be used, US terms:

  • Ch – Chain

  • Sl st – slip stitch

  • SC – single crochet 

  • HDC – half double crochet

  • DC – Double crochet

  • TR – Treble crochet

  • Inc – increase, 2 stitches in same space

  • Dec – decrease, sc 2 stitches together (invisible or not doesn’t matter)

  • BLO – back loop only

  • FLO – front loop only

  • BO – bobble stitch, yo and pull through 4 times, yo and pull through all 4 stitches on hook

  • FO isn’t a stitch but means finish off. 

  • Sk isn’t a stitch but means skip

 

Notes

 

  • I start with ch2, sc in the first chain, but you can easily swap this out with a magic ring or your preferred starting method. 

  • You may use invisible decreases or standard decreases

  • I work in continuous rounds but if you are more comfortable with joining at the end of the round and chaining up then go for it! The change would be minimal, make this comfortable for yourself. 

  • Change the colors! Is your character’s hair blue, purple, green? Change your color to suit. Red hair, black hair, rainbow hair? Make it yours. Think of this pattern like a very basic recipe, change the spices to suit your taste.

  • Change the yarn type if you want. If you use thicker yarn then use a bigger hook, thinner yarn use a smaller hook, be aware that the for the wig cap/short hair you should match what you did with the body.

  • Red words are customization tips/ideas, take them or leave them 

  • I recommend reading through the pattern once before you begin. You don’t have to study every single stitch count, just the general layout and any notes to get a feel for if or how you may want to customize.

Pattern:

Hair 4.5 mm 

  1. Ch 2, 6 sc in first stitch, or magic ring if preferred. For the wig cap do BLO to have a place to lace in your strands. If you want this as a short hairstyle you can do both loops for a smoother look (6) 

  2. BLO (inc) x 6 (12) 

  3. BLO (1 sc, inc) x6 (18) 

  4. BLO (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)

  5. BLO (3 sc, inc) x6 (30) 

  6. BLO (4 sc, inc) x6 (36) 

  7. BLO (5 sc, inc) x6 (42)

  8. BLO (6 sc, inc) x6 (48) 

  9. BLO (7 sc, inc) x6 (54) 

  10. BLO sc 28, ss, leave rest of stitches unworked, ch 1 and turn (ch1 does not count as first stitch) (28) 

  11. FLO skip ss, dec, sc 24, dec, ss, ch 1 turn (ch 1 does not count as first stitch) (26) 

  12. BLO skip ss, dec, sc 22, dec, ss x 2, (24) FO, long tail for sewing. To attach to the head line up the longer part centered with the back of head and shorter area with “forehead” then sew in place. 

Need long locks? Check out that tutorial here: Individual strand hair – Little Dude Central

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes. This pattern is designed to be beginner-friendly, using basic stitches and simple construction. It’s a great starting point for makers who are new to doll hair or want a low-stress way to experiment with different styles.

Is this meant to be a finished hairstyle or a base for customization?
Both. The pattern can be completed as a simple short hairdo, or used as a wig cap base for adding yarn hair, surface crochet, or other styling techniques. It’s intentionally designed as a flexible foundation rather than a single finished look.

Does this hair pattern fit all Little Dude heads?
Yes. This pattern is designed to fit the standard Little Dude head shape and works consistently across the system. Minor adjustments can be made for personal tension or yarn choice, and notes are included to help achieve a secure fit.

What yarn should I use for best results?
For best scale and proportion, it’s recommended to use the same yarn weight as the base doll. This ensures the hair sits naturally on the head and integrates smoothly with facial features and accessories.

Can I customize the length, texture, or style?
Absolutely. This pattern is meant to be a blank canvas. You can easily adjust length (Individual strand hair – Little Dude Central), change colors, add texture, or layer additional hair techniques to create unique styles that match your character.

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