Maintenance Restringing elastic: where and what to buy

What size do you belive I should use for a bbb eric? My poor boy is all floppy.ç_ç

 

Thanks so much for the useful information.
Would a MSD size usually take about a 3mm elastic?

 

That's what my MSD sized dolls use.

Linda S.
galatia9

 

Sorry, I don't know which size Eric is! If Eric is 43cm, I would use 3mm. If he is 60cm, you might be able to use 3.5mm, but I just reused the 3mm that was already in my 60cm BBB Weylin.

Bobobie ships their dolls very loosely strung, so your boy may just need to have his elastic tightened.

Good luck!

Linda S.
galatia9

 

Eric's a tiny, I would suggest 2mm ^^;

 

Thanks for everyone's input...but since no one had a definite answer I ordered both!

 

I've found that the best is to go with as thick as you can get to go 2-strands through the narrowest joint openings at the knees and bottom of the legs. A lot of 60-62cm dolls just need a bigger cord for stability. I actually used some Souldoll 5mm on some 62cm and it made a big difference in the torso/legs balance.

 

I'm not sure which size to get for my mini DOD. the sizes are in inches so... I'm confused
any help?
http://www.kemperdolls.com/index.php?link=product&ID=137

bump. i got some 3mm from joannes but its a lot smaller than what he had before, and its super stretchy, like almost too much. or is that even possible?

 

A while ago I "un-strung" my AOD girl Fei and I'd like to get her back together, but I have no idea where would be the best place to buy the elastic.

It needs to be MSD sized and (obviously) strong. Does anybody know any good sites selling elastic at a reasonable price please?

Thankyou

 

If you didn't throw away the elastic that was already in her, just reuse that! There's no need to buy new elastic everytime you restring a doll, only when the elastic has degraded or is damaged in some way.

 

You should try your local fabric or craft stores! I get mine at my fabric store... they have different sizes that can be used for tinies to MSD sized dolls. Just ask them where the string elastic is, they should have it.

 

I got a restringing kit from Junkyspot which came with plenty of elastic plus a full set of S-hooks (they sell Bobobies, who don't have hooks in wrists and ankles and often need restringing, I think that's what they're intended for). But if you can find it at a craft or sewing store that would save you from paying for shipping.

 

I recommend being careful and testing any elastic cord you buy at a fabric store before you use it! I bought some to restring a 1/6 bobobie and it was WAAAAAAAAAAAY too springy! What you want is an elastic that is not super stretchy/springy. I would recommend trying places that deal in upholstery goods - or get the junkyspot kit, that works extremely well (I've bought one myself).

SS108: using the same elastic only works if you have enough. My AoD Rao had to be restrung because she was extremely tight and constantly collapsing. I couldn't use the original elastic because it was cut close to the knot and there was nothing to spare in order to loosen her

 

i'm fairly sure that this thread goes here: but i'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for what size elastic i should use to restring a 43cm doll? it's a bbb an, if that helps any - i'm just not sure if one size is better than the other, or if a certain size won't fit... if anyone has any reccomendations or helpful advice, it would be very much appreciated thank you~

 

Hi, I just went to put my freshly painted Machina back together and I can't find her elastics!

I think some 4-footed furry terrors are to blame... does anyone know what length her main elastic and her arm elastic should be (roughly)?

Thanks!

 

A standard MSD restringing kit should be fine.

 

I have a Machina too, and she is so close in size to my standard MSDs (although she is more delicate) that I'm pretty sure the MSD elastic will be perfect.

 

edit: my title changed o___O;; -don't know why- -changes back-
anyways...[/edit]

(I searched through the forums and didn't find any direct answers to my questions, so I hope it's okay I ask them here )

So, I bought my boy some new elastic since I'm planning on restringing him this weekend.

I bought a set that says "enough to string an MSD-sized doll," from Dollmore and I'm wondering:

1) Is the amount of elastic include enough the arms or just the main body? x:

2) The taughtness of his elastic. His legs (the hip-joint area) flop over a lot, making it look as though he's really loose.
But at the same time, he can't hold some positions without snapping back in their original place almost immediately.

3) If I were to restring him, I dunno, I'm just worried about something going wrong?
His current elastic worries me because I can't remove the S-Hooks from his feet or head because he's so tight, so I know I need to restring him, but I'm just overall worried...
Which is just me once again repeating myself from past boards

 

I don't know where you bought your string but when I ordered mine from coolcat there was plenty to string the body and arms with leftovers.

Instead of taking the head off first, try to unstring his feet first.

 

I ordered my elastic from Dollmore ^^;

Also I think because he's strung so tight, I can't move his feet out enough to get anywhere near the s-hooks there D: (He needs to be restrung worse than I thought, I guess? )

 

I remember reading in some thread here, that the overseas method of measuring strings is different from what US traditional-doll suppliers use. I remember that one used the circumference and the other the diameter (which explains size problems some people have experienced), but I wish I could find that thread again, since I don't recall which used which method!

 

Hi All on DOA!! I just restrung two of my dolls and I am finally Happy with them. I figured I should help out those in need.

Buying elastic:

I would recommend Cool Cat for all of your elastic needs. She has a lovely chart that tells you what size to use for what dolls. I use 3.5mm for SD and 2.5mm for MSD. Some dolls come with extra elastic, If your dollie did, YAY for you!! You get a cookie.
Link: http://us.sk-coolcat.com/front/bin/ptlist.phtml?Category=158911

While you are waiting for your elastic, feel free to Clean, hot glue suede, Dye, Mod, or blush your Dollie.

Elastic length:
Cutting your elastic to the right length is the HARDEST part if you haven't done it before. I have included some photos that show you length.

For arms elastic should be the length of one arm and the torso width folded in half plus about an inch for knot:




For the legs and torso elastic should be the length of one leg and half of the torso folded in half plus on inch for knot:




Stringing:
Tie your elastic in knots. Tie them with both strings together in one simple knot. ALWAYS string your arms first! The elastic should go through your doll like this:
The yellow blobs are your knots




The easiest way to get elastic through your dolls joints is a thin piece of ribbon. I bought mine at walmart for 97 cents. Pull the elastic through each part so it goes through as shown. You will have to do some tugging and may need help with this step. If your doll doesn't have s hooks on its hands and feet, use some of the ribbon as a loop to keep them easy to change without damaging your elastic. Use an S hook to attach the head and keep elastic in place. You do not need to pull the arm elastic up into the s-hook. This will make your arms too tight. After you have your doll put together it should pose much better and be less floppy in your hands. I hope this was helpful!

 

Good guide! Worth a quick mention, Unoa Zero and 2.0 are a tad different.

So you Zero and Unoa 2.0 people need view Araki's guide.
here and http://unoa.in/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=59

This is so awesome though, because I'm terrified of buying new elastic specifically because of the whole sizing thing!

 

Thanks. I've never had an unoa, but I do have a few art dolls that require the heads to be put on first so that the legs can be strung.

 

I've never had an art doll! (and I only have a 1.0 unoa, I just happened to be reading on stringing for the other two out of boredom the other day). Anyways, are art dolls nice? Are they fun? Can they be painted?

I'm so excited over this. I've wanted to do a shot in water or snow for ages now but have been terrified of getting the elastic wet (something about it hurts it or something) but I can just buy new elastic now!

 

I'm glad I could help. Cool cat has the BEST quality elastic I have ever used! I love my art dolls! I have a Batchix Machina and a OOAK Blue Sleetwealth Briar. (the only one in the world) I actually have one away being painted by and Artist here on DOA, and I painted one myself. You can use all the same stuff as you would use on any other doll. They take some getting used to and aren't of the same quality of most manufactured dolls. However, they are unique and beautiful! Restringing and sueding is hard because you can't really find specific tutorials, and they are different joint systems than the mainstream dollies. Once you get to know your doll though everything becomes much easier. Doing a water shoot would be fun!! I have never done one cause the only time I really can afford to spend money on new elastic is after their old ones have worn out so badly they can't pose.

 

Hello~! I want to restring a couple of my 1/4 MSD girls. I just don't know what size to get, and I want to buy it online so I needed to know the size, since I can't really compare it to what's in my dolls. Thanks~!

 

CoolCat has a very useful chart of the elastic sizes that they recommend for various sizes of dolls:
http://us.sk-coolcat.com/front/bin/ptlist.phtml?Category=158911

 

Thanks~! So according to that chart... You actually use a different size elastic for the arms, I didn't know that. I have only restrung tinys and they use the same small elastic for everything!

Edit - Hey... their chart is different on their ebay page... I wonder which one is right!!

 

I wouldn't include fabric stores in the list, and am skeptical about the others. I have gone to every millinery shop I could find in two countries (France and the US) and have yet to find anything with the elastic coefficent of the doll elastic that you get from the manufacturer.

Do a simple experiment. Take two equal lengths of store-bought elastic and elastic from the manufacturer. Take one piece, and pull it until it is barely tight. Then pull it until reaches its maximum length. Measure it. Do the same with the other. You will find that the lengths are going to be different.

If you sort through the elastic at the store until that you can find one that stretches the same length, it won't have the right tension.

If anyone finds an exception to this, please write down the manufacturer's name and where you got it!

 

Wauuu what a cool thread!! I was just talking about colored elastic the other day with my friend. I would LOVE to have some nice black (or other colored) elastic. But mostly black. I think that would be SO epic

 

Colored elastic could be cute if it fit a doll's theme or style. I could definitely see metallic for a steampunk mod! Myself, I wouldn't mind a more flesh-tone elastic, as my boy wears a lot of tank tops, so in certain poses his elbow strings are a little more visible than I would prefer.

 

I went to the Doll Market in NC (right down the road from me lol) today and the old lady there, (who is my hero btw, she's like 60 and collects ABJD's) said that my doll was to loose, and i needed thicker elastic. she recommended http://www.dollspart.com/spgm.cfm?dpt=H&srch=D6&item=12001 this store, but i forgot the thickness of the cord i needed, can anybody help?

 

For my Resinsoul Mei I used one meter of 3mm elastics for the legs, and about half a meter of 2mm elastics for the arms. This greatly improved her standing and bellypop issues
Now I think Bobobie MSD's might be a bit thicker but not by much. Different brand 2mm elastics may very well be sturdy enough to hold the doll together. So I'd say 2mm should fit anyway.

 

If your doll is a BBB, not the smaller RS body, then you can even go up to 3.5mm That's what I have in my BBB 1/4 body, and my RS 1/4 BOY. For the smaller, RS body, though, 3.5mm is too thick and doesn't fit, so 2-3mm works best.

 

I am curious what size elastic string do I have to get for AOD 1/4 doll?
And with that question comes this question, how do you determine the length of both the strings for the arms and legs inside the body?

 

I use the elastic Volks sells, or i go to the fabric store and see what they've got, taking my doll with me. As for determining the length, you can either use the old piece of elastic for reference or use trial and error. You can always tighten if there's too much, but can't do much if there's too little, you know?

 

As a general rule of thumb for measuring, for MEDIUM tension stringing, you need double the length of the body & legs plus a couple of inches for the knot to string, and then double the armspan length for the arms. Most stringing tutorials cover this and everyone has their own method so you'd be better reading a few of them for detailed instructions.

 

Which one do you use from Volks?

 

Most 1/4 scale dolls take 3mm elastic

 

Alright so I've posted this question on threads that are older and never received a response so I'll just start a new thread. I had a recent restringing disaster and now I need to buy a new elastic but I have no clue how long it should be. So, what length do you guys use to restring your dolls?

 

http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php?109247-SD-String-Lengths
http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php?73851-Restringing-Question...

 

I hope this is the right place for this question.

I finally got some elastic for my AAYi after a lot of problems. It wasn't from a doll kit or anything, just a shop in the city, it's about 3mm think (diameter) where as the sample of the original was about 4mm.

I finally got the two arms done and well. I know Abio Angels aren't known for their ability to pose but by using the current elastic I have two options, if the string is tight, he can cross his arms, and from there on if I make it any looser his arms are just progressively held less up to his chest. He can't put his hand up to his face be himself, and he can't hold any other arm poses except for straight down. O_o;

Is this normal for Abio Angels or is it really the thickness of the string like I'm beginning to think?

Help, anyone? D:

 

Elastic does make a difference -- if it's too thin, it's harder to get the tension right and have it stay that way. However, I don't remember what thickness you want off the top of my head (it'll be in the customizing part of the forum if you do a search). Also make sure that the knot is in the center of the torso -- if it gets yanked over to one side it screws with the tension. I personally find arm tension the hardest to get right -- too tight and they look stiff, but too loose and they can't pose : P Sometimes it takes some tinkering with.

Also, wiring is super super easy to do and can really help improve posability as well. I wired one of my girl's arms a few weeks ago, and she can do all kinds of things she couldn't do before.

 

Try and match the thickness that came with the doll. My mini has spent years with fabric store elastic in him and all that's happened is he's loosened a bit.

Go for the round by the yard stuff, not the packaged stuff.

 

The short version: Does anyone with Souldoll have recommendation for size of elastic if you restrung with different elastic?

A little while ago, I was so driven nuts by Kae A's (Souldoll Philippa) kicking and slapping that I completely took her apart. It was a good thing for many reasons; I'd wanted to sand some of the seams (was not hard, they were barely there as is) and it made me forget I was completely afraid of working with her.

So now she has been sanded to my satisfaction (at least when I suppress my inner Lady Macbeth) and I started to restring her with the extra string Souldoll sent. I noted when I unstrung her and also when I was restringing her that the elastic seems to be huge. As it is, the main elastics barely fit through the joint pieces (knee, thigh) and I seem to have the same issue on the elbow joint with the arm elastic. Even with more slack, she was slapping away at the face that wasn't there.

Based on my measurements, it looks like the main elastic is 4-5mm, and the arm 3-3.5mm. Has anyone experienced this issue and restrung with smaller elastic? Is there a case to be made for the larger elastic? Looking for any advice those with Souldolls (or similar issues) may have!

A friend of mine recently restrung her doll with some spare Iplehouse elastic (came with EID girl), but we're unsure on the size of that elastic, so if anyone knows that, I'd appreciate it!

 

To correct you (I am the friend in question!) it was extra string that came with my YID!

 

Subscribing--my Souldoll double girl is very slappy as well and I want to restring her, but the spare string she comes with is *huge* and doesn't seem like it would work... So far I have only got so far as to take off her head before I give up. I am worried she's going to slap off her own faceup at this point *geez she's TIGHT!*

 

I had a souldoll girl and I just restrung her with the 3.5mm elastics http://www.pupapa.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=634 and made them a lot longer then the length souldoll used, they string them way to tight. She still posed well even tho she was a bit more floppy (still considered tight)

 

Thank you for insight on that Hasel!

3.5mm seems to be about the size of what they're using for the arm string (unfortunately not enough to restring her legs and torso). I think I may give that a go based on what you said and what I saw of the arm elastic. Maybe something slightly smaller for the arms.

I'll keep everyone posted on the result!

 

Ordered my string from Cool Cat Collections a couple of hours after that last post, as Pupapa didn't seem to have anything in the 2.5 mm range. The package was sent airmail (can't pay EMS for a few dollars worth of elastic, and it arrived today, less than the 14-21 day estimate.

Here are my initial thoughts (as she's not restrung yet, just messing with the elastics a bit and testing best I can):

Arms - 2.5, possibly 2. The 2.5 works fine, I don't think one would need to go as low as 2. The elbow is a PITA and would be troublesome no matter what size elastic you put through it. It reminds me of the passage about putting a camel through the eye of a needle... but works out better than the what I now believe for sure to be 3.5 she came with in the arms.

Legs - 3.5, possibly 4. I think the 4-5mm I guessed on the legs is most definitely a 5. During the wait time for the new elastic, I'd entertained the notion I'd restring her with the extra elastic with just a bit more slack... and much like the arm, there was resistance at the knee joint... except unlike the elbows I could not get the string back through no matter how hard I tried. 3.5 was fine getting through, no problem, with a vague sense of "clinginess" (for lack of a better term) on the knee. I do really think the larger string was to help maintain poses somewhat? Not sure, but the leg seems to react in a good way. I regret not ordering a 4mm to test as well, and may try that in the future pending tomorrow's grand restringing.

That's what I have so far, update tomorrow with results!

 

I can't speak to specifics, because I got my souldoll Killian secondhand and have no idea what gauge he was strung with XD;;;; but just some general notes --

The elastic he came with, which I believe to be the souldoll default, pretty much fills the channels of his arms and legs. He is also quite tightly strung for a doll already a year old.

The elbows, as you noted, are a PITA. I really struggled with stringing them.

ETA: I'll be restringing him at some point, because, as previously mentioned, souldoll's elastics are far too short. As a stop-gap to get around that, I ended up using a thick, neutral-colored hair elastic in one leg to lengthen the default strings.

 

I have a Double Souldoll boy, and I used the extra elastic they provided, and it worked fine. But I really agree with everyone about how outrageously tight they string their dolls. The thicker string gave me a tough time, but I used the ribbon stringing technique, and that helps a lot.

Also, when I restrung my boy with the extra elastic, I didn't cut very much off, so right now he's got a huge knot and about two or so inches of extra elastic crammed in his chest. I did this so if I ever want to restring him (cause even after three re-stringings, he's still really tight), I got some extra elastic to work with. :3

 

Right now I have her together and dressed, but I can't say I've gained any actual improvements. After much testing and working, I did actually wind up restringing the legs with the original elastic. I can't tell you how I got it on there (likely was frustration that got me through the knee nuts), but she's back to the bungee cords. I used the extra elastic and cut it a bit more slack... but likely I've done something wrong. I can barely get her to stand unless her legs are super far apart and she's slouched at a strange angle. Her left leg keeps wanting to go bent instead of staying straight. The arms... no matter which elastic or which tension, want to curl up to her body. Her new wig keeps flying off her head (which has nothing to do with the elastic, just with my frustration...)

Right now I don't know if another attempt at restringing and/or hot glue sueding is the key, but I do know that I give up for right now. I think I will give it another go in a few days once I've gotten over some of the frustration and angst, and learn more about how this all works.

Thank you all for your comments/suggestions. If you have any more, keep 'em coming my way!

Quick update: I used 2.5 on arms, the Souldoll leg rope on legs (the extra string, just cut longer) and hot glue sueding on all joints. Not perfect, but light years better! Her limbs no longer go flying about and I can pose her arms! I am now a hot glue fan!

 

I'm sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong spot, but I figured open discussion means, well just that... but any who! I have a (maybe) noobish question to ask:
Where can I buy elastic that I can use to string a doll?
Please, I want a honest reply, I may not be a seasoned collector, but I want to learn all I can.
Thanks guys!

 

You can buy them at any online BJD manufacturer's store. It's usually categorized under the "tools" section.

It would look like one of these:

The elastic comes in 2 or 3 different thicknesses to fit your 1/3, 1/4, or 1/6 sized dolls. I usually just pick some up whenever I shop for clothes and stuff.

 

I see a lot of owners using string, ribbons, or shoelaces in place of elastics. Is the wise, should it be temporary, or what?

 

A lot of owners are stringing with non-stretchy materials? Really? Could you point to those posts?

I wonder whether you might have misunderstood something that's often recommended for restringing: using string, twine, ribbon, or shoelaces as "pullers." That doesn't mean that the elastic is replaced by the non-stretchy material. The "puller" is threaded through the elastic, so that when the elastic snaps back up into the body part, the ends of the "puller" still dangle out of the part and can be used to pull the elastic through. Once the S-hooks are in place, the "puller" can be pulled out and put away until the next restringing session.

That said, my Production Ariadne doll arrived from the maker strung with ordinary kitchen string instead of elastic--just one of the weird features of the Production Ariadne experience. The only tension holding her parts together was the tightness of the string, and I couldn't wait to replace the string with elastic (an interesting job, considering the wild complications of the Production Ariadne body!).

 

I just used the 1.5 mm round elastic Walmart carries to restring my RS Ju. I think it may be the same kind Joann and other chain stores carry. It seems to work pretty well, it isn't perfect, but she can stand up now. She certainly needs thicker elastic (in my opinion anyway), but it will work if you must have something and don't like your doll laying around in pieces. It's more meant for smaller dolls, though.

 

i buy my elastic from a nearby boating store. It's cheap but its really nice stuff and it's made to withstand much more stress than being used to string a doll puts on it so i figure it will last for ages. The only downside is that they don't stock anything thin enough for a doll under MSD size.