Captivating Chenille Hats for Fashion Dolls

An Easy DIY Project  

You won't be able to stop making these colorful and playful hats for your favorite fashion doll diva.  They are easy to make and perfect for any season and any occasion.

Walking Suit Silkstone Barbie

Vintage reproduction Barbie

Here's what you will need:

• Chenille pipe cleaners, 12" length.  
• Craft scissors.
• Pen.
• Assorted trims.
• Glue to attach trims.  Sobo or Fabri-Tac work well.
• Doll "hat" pins.
• Felt for lining,  optional.

Begin by taking one 12" pipe cleaner and wrap one end around a pen approximately 4 times as shown above.  Slide the loops off the pen.  At the opposite end bend the pipe cleaner 1/4" and slowly wind into a spiral shape.  This will form the base of your hat.  Continue winding the spiral until it meets the lower loop.  

The arrow in the photo above shows the positioning of the lower loop at the back of the hat.  Gently bend the remainder of the loops up towards the top of the hat.

Viola....your hat is ready to trim.

Black & White Bathing Suit Silkstone Barbie

Here is a simply chic variation.

"Haute Luxuries" Veronique Perrin.  Dress from Bogues Vogues.

This ultra easy, chic hat uses one 12" pipe cleaner.  Form the circular base stopping approximately 2- 1/4" from the end. Loop as shown above.  Turn it over and trim as desired.

Shown in 1:6 Scale

These stylish hats can easily be adapted to the 1:4 scale size dolls such as Gene Marshall and friends.

J'Adore Gene Marshall

You will need two 12" pipe cleaners.  Form a circular base from one of the pipe cleaners.  For the crown section of your hat, use another pipe cleaner to make the loops.  You can play with the size and shaping to get the effect you want.  The crown section can be attached to the base with a small amount of glue.  Let the glue dry thoroughly.  You can also use a pipe cleaner.  Depending on your design, it can be threaded through the base, twisted, or pinched to secure.

Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall

A rich forest green base accented with brighter apple green loops gives this smart topper panache.

White Orchid Gene Marshall

A charmer demonstrating the different looks you can achieve with a little imagination.  I hope you enjoy making these delightfully whimsical hats.

Credits:

Barbie is from Mattel.
Veronique Perrin and Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall are from Integrity.
J'Adore and White Orchid Gene Marshall are from JamieShow.
All hats and styling are from The Couture Touch.