DIY yarn wigs for kids

DIY Yarn Wigs

Table of Contents

This year I did it. I gave in and let each of my kids pick out a costume from the store. Although I’m a little bummed about it when I see everyone else’s adorable and original costumes all over social media, I really do feel great about it overall. The three older kids have been so excited about their costumes and I haven’t had the normal stress of trying to finish their costumes on time. I did have a little hand in their costumes though by making these DIY yarn wigs. I’d never made anything like this before, so it just goes to show that you could do it too!

DIY Yarn Wigs

how to make DIY yarn wigs

Getting them dressed in their costumes and seeing them running around made me realize how quickly they’re growing up. Time seems to pass more and more quickly and before I know it their princess dresses will turn into prom dress, and then wedding dresses.

| Read: Easy Last Minute Halloween Costumes |

But that day is not today, so back to the present. My princesses are still little girls. Little girls who apparently did not inherit their mother’s thick hair, and what are Queen Elsa and Princess Anna without their signature locks? I had pinned this tutorial awhile ago on Pinterest and thought that it looked simple enough for me to try.

materials (for one wig)
  • 1 skein of yarn
  • 1 pair of old tights
  • scissors

One thing that I learned as I was making these two wigs was that there are definitely places where you want to be sure to attach the yarn and other places where you shouldn’t or else there will be too much “hair” since yarn is so much thicker than actual hair. So I’ve included two diagrams if you want to make your own yarn wigs. It really is quite simple, just very time consuming.

DIY Yarn Wigs
instructions
  1. Fit an old pair of tights (preferably in whatever color yarn you’ll be using) onto your child’s head (or yours). Tie the legs together and cut the loose ends off (as pictured above).
  2. Cut lengths of yarn twice as long as you want the hair to be.
  3. Stitch the yarn into the tights in whichever pattern fits the type of hairdo you want. I found it helpful to fit the wig onto a small ball while I worked on it.
  4. Once you have all the yarn in place, then fit the wig the head and braid it. Secure the ends with small rubber bands and tie more yarn around to hide it. Then, trim the ends of the yarn to make it even.

I think that their yarn wigs really made their costumes this year and they look so adorable in them. It’s just the icing on the cake that they love wearing them.

What are your little cutie pies (or you) being for Halloween? Do make or buy your costumes?
DIY Yarn Wigs

18 Responses to DIY yarn wigs for kids

  1. Stacia October 31, 2016 at 7:13 am #

    Your little girls are so cute! I love these DIY wigs.

  2. Lindsay October 31, 2016 at 10:10 am #

    Ohhhh my gosh, these are WAY TOO ADORABLE!! I’m pinning this for future costumes – I want my daughter to be Raggedy Ann next year and this will be perfect.

  3. Whitney October 31, 2016 at 12:47 pm #

    This is so dang darling!!!

    • Ann October 15, 2023 at 7:38 pm #

      Thank you for sharing! I love this! I would love to make Elsa and Anne. How much is 1 skein of yarn? Is 250g each enough for each colour (Elsa & Anne)? Thank you

      • Justine @ Little Dove October 16, 2023 at 9:15 am #

        Hi Ann! I remember that I just used one “normal sized” skein of yarn for each wig and had some left over. Sorry I can’t be more specific! But one for each should definitely be enough!

  4. Sydney October 31, 2016 at 12:47 pm #

    These are just too cute and such a great idea!! I don’t know or have any little girls in my life but these are just too cute not to love!!

  5. Rachael Allex November 1, 2016 at 5:22 am #

    Such a cute little Ana and Elsa! Love that you made their hair out of yarn…so cool!

  6. Jen November 1, 2016 at 9:22 am #

    These are friggin adorable. I’ve got a massive stash of yarn…may need to start making wigs to add to our dress ups!

  7. Dia All The Things I Do November 1, 2016 at 6:56 pm #

    These came out great. My friend has a little boy and he would only calm down when she played songs from Hamilton so yesterday she dressed him up as such. She made a yarn wig and rolled it up to look like the founding father wigs.

  8. Meghan November 3, 2016 at 5:18 am #

    Omg these wigs are amazing! Perfect way to make a store bought costume more personalized!

  9. Danielle November 6, 2016 at 8:03 pm #

    Those wigs are soo cute! I (as well as my daughters) have super fine hair as well. I totally crochet a Cinderella hat for my little one this year!

  10. Crystal November 8, 2016 at 9:01 am #

    Oh how cool! These came out so great. I would have never thought to do this.

  11. Dana February 21, 2023 at 5:30 pm #

    How did you stitch on the yarn???? I don’t understand!

    danavano@gmail.com

    • Justine @ Little Dove February 25, 2023 at 7:37 pm #

      Hey Dana! I just used a needle with a large enough eye in it that I could thread my yarn through. Then I sewed individual lengths in the areas I have shown on the diagram and knotted them in place.

  12. Ann October 15, 2023 at 8:00 pm #

    Hi Justine,

    I love that you added the white hair to Anna. How many strands and where in the stitch diagram did you incorporate this? Thank you so much!

    • Justine @ Little Dove October 16, 2023 at 9:17 am #

      I’m really sorry to say that I can’t remember. I think I did the entire wig with her normal color, then went back and added in some white once it was done so I could be sure it was in the right spot. I would love to see it once you’re done to see how it turned out, feel free to email me at justine@littledoveblog.com with a picture!

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Instagram Worthy Halloween Costumes for Babies, Toddlers, & Families | The Mom Friend - December 11, 2017

    […] DIY Yarn Wigs + Adorable Anna & Elsa Costumes | Little Dove […]

  2. How to Make a Wig: 25 Ideas to Make Your Own Wigs - July 21, 2023

    […] You’ll only need one skein of yarn and an old pair of tights to get started. These two easy-to-find materials allow you to make the perfect wig for any costume or occasion. Start crafting today and let your little ones proudly wear their handmade creations! littledoveblog […]

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