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Friday, June 30, 2017

Headband Socks for Mapalo

After finding shoes for 18-inch Mapalo, who arrived with bare feet, I set out to make a pair of socks for her.   The next series of photos with captions illustrate how the socks were made:

Sold in a 3-pack, I used the yellow 1-3/16-inch-wide, stretch headband to make Mapalo's socks.

First, I cut along the right side of the headband seam, leaving the seam intact (the cutaway side is on the right above).

Next, to measure the approximate sock length, I placed the stitched end of the headband alongside Mapalo's foot, flattening out the portion that would be the bottom of her foot.  

The cut length is about 4 inches.

To create a pair, 4 inches of the remaining piece of the headband was cut next.

The unstitched piece was turned inside out and one end sewn closed using a gathered stitch.  The gathered stitches were taken from left to right then right to left, closing in any gaps.  (The above photo is blurry, but the stitched end at the bottom can be faintly seen.)

The stitched sock, on the left, was turned outside out to hide the stitched toe area.  Both "socks" were placed on Mapalo's feet and the top portion turned down to create a cuff with raw edges tucked under.  Because the texture of the headband material is different on the inside, the prestitched "sock" was not flipped to hide the stitches.  Her shoes will cover these anyway.

With socks and shoes on, Mapalo's feet "feel" so much better.

The socks and shoes complete her look and the socks provide an extra pop of color.
This sock-making method can be used for similar-sized dolls.  Wider headbands can be used to make socks for much larger dolls, such as 23-inch My Twinn dolls, which would probably require 2-inch wide headbands for sock making.  Likewise, smaller headbands can be used to make socks for 10- to 14-inch dolls.


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12 comments:

  1. Hi Debbie, thanks for the tutorial. Mapalo's outfit is complete with her pair of yellow socks and her black shoes. Take care,
    Arlette

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  2. You've not only given Mapalo an extra pop of color -- you've followed my costuming rule of "bringing down" (or in some cases "bringing up") a major color to make an ensemble look coherent. This is important for stage costumes viewed from a distance, but equally valid for giving dolls a very fashionable look.

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    1. Thank you for the compliment Gini. It's funny how things work out. I purchased the set of three headbands about 2 months ago with intentions of making skirts and/or dresses for Barbie-sized dolls. I never got around to it. I probably will still use the remaining portion of the yellow headband and the others for skirts strapless dresses, but I'm glad the yellow one was here just waiting for Mapalo to arrive. The socks work wonders for her overall look.

      :-)

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  3. Below are comments received by direct email and on Facebook regarding this post:

    Betty wrote:
    Hi Debbie,
    That is a wonderful idea for making socks. I can't wait to leave this library and go purchase some in all colors. I will add lace around the top since I am a lace girl. Thanks for sharing. Have a blessed day in Christ. Betty Jane

    My reply:
    I am posting this as a comment to the blog. I like the "adding lace idea," but you know me, I don’t like sewing, but I probably could whip stitch some lace on.

    :-)
    ~~~~~

    Vicky Hoff Forbes: How do you come up with these ideas? So simple.....even I could make a pair. Thanks for sharing.

    My reply: You're welcome, Vicky. I enjoy repurposing. I'm always looking at "things" wondering how I could use them for my dolls.
    ~~~~~~


    Betty Jones: Wow, thanks for the tip, I would have never thought of this. You are so clever.

    My Reply: You're welcome. Smaller ones can be used for smaller dolls.
    ~~~~~~

    Happy Petunia:
    Debbie you are amazing. I will soon start working on my color change for a Barbie from one of your previous blogs. Very informational!

    My reply: Thank you! Good luck with the color change, Happy Petunia!

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  4. It worked out perfectly! I have a 16 inch doll I need to make socks for. Thanks!

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    1. You're welcome, TGM. It's such an easy and economical way to make socks. The 3-pack headbands were less than $2 (@Family Dollar) and I still have part of the yellow one and the other two left to make other items.

      The next time I visit Dollar Tree or a true Dollar store where everything is one dollar, I will buy more in different sizes.

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  5. The socks totally made the outfit. That was a creative way to do them...amazing! I have a couple of big dolls that needs socks, thanks for sharing. By the way, I love love Mapalo's hair!!

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    1. Hi G.G.! So glad this tip will help get your girls' feet socked.
      :-)

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  6. Another great use for headbands. I've been using the trick you showed for making quick Barbie and Blythe dresses and skirts. Not sure why but I have many more tops for these dolls than bottoms so it's very handy. Thanks for the tutorial.
    The socks bring Mapalo's outfit together. :D

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Maricha, for letting me know the headband clothing trick has worked well for you. I have a few designs in my head for playscale-size dresses, but have not created these yet. Hopefully, I will soon.

      I really love the way the yellow socks completed Mapalo's look.

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