Friday, 1 March 2013

Full cap lace base

In preparation for the next project (or at least one of the next projects) I set out to make an all-lace full cap base.  Not being particularly skilled in the sewing department, it wasn't an easy task to figure out how to make the lace conform to the shape of the head block.  After much trial and error, however, and a good deal of internet plagiarism, I ended up with what you see in the pictures.  I did it in three sections, starting with the front.  I pinned the lace into place, then stitched the darts by hand with invisible thread.  Once I was satisfied that the front was holding its shape, I attached the lace to cover the crown area.  After stitching the darts, then joining the two pieces, I moved on to the nape area.  Once everything was joined and shaped to my satisfaction, I trimmed off the excess lace around the seams.  I'm pretty happy with the result.

Now, let the ventilation begin!


The lace cap pinned to the head block.

From the back, showing the darts in the crown and nape areas.
Shown here with the template used to transfer the shape to the head block.

6 comments:

  1. I must say firstly I love your work, your attention to detail is impeccable. But I was wondering if it was at all possible for you to write an in-depth "Tutorial" On how you made your head mold, and attached it to your block to hold its shape while shaping and attaching the lace. Or even, if you still have them, direct me too your resources. I must say its not often someone attempts a full lace wig, but for your project it was perfect. Keep up the good work, truly inspirational!

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    1. Thanks very much for your kind comments! :)

      There are several videos online that demonstrate how to make a head mold. I can't seem to find the one I originally used, but I just found this one that seems pretty good:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA2RgHIGU-E

      When it came to transferring the mold to the head block, I'm lucky that my head block very closely matches the shape of my head, so I just traced the contour onto the masking tape covering the block. However, if your block is a different shape from your head, then you will have to stuff the mold and pin it to your head block. This series of videos goes into great detail about attaching the mold to the block, and then making the lace base:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGelyPqZm-k&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL897F9CC4D2F8A907

      I will try to find the other videos I used previously, but hopefully these will get you going in the meantime!

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    2. Thank you so much for the resources, and the very speedy response!

      I very much look forward to more posts from you, not only instructive, but clear and informative. A big step forward for new wig makers to have peoples comments/tips/notes and experiences through trial and error!

      Once again, keep up the good work!

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    3. Thanks! I'm really glad you're finding the blog useful!

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  2. I really appreciate your blog. As a beginner I find your posts very inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, I'm glad you're finding it useful!

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