Wigs are a fun and creative way to change your appearance. Whether you use them as a costume or just want to mix up your look, wigs can be very eye-catching. Making a wig is easy with a sewing machine (see our guide to the best sewing machine for making wigs).
Here are some easy steps on how to make a wig using your sewing machine. If you’re just getting started, our article on the best sewing machine for beginners will help you.
Table of Contents
6 Steps to Making a Wig with a Sewing Macine
1. Get a pattern
First, you will need to get a pattern for the wig’s shape. While it may seem like an easy step, getting the right pattern with the right measurements is important in making a quality wig. Next, measure your head and make a pattern based on those measurements.
Next, cut out the front pieces of the wig according to your pattern. If you want this particular wig to have bangs, then you’ll want to cut them out as well. Sew these pieces together on your machine according to the pattern laid out on top of them.
After that step is completed, sew down the sides of your wig until they meet at the back of your head. Press all seams open or use a zigzag stitch if necessary to ensure that everything stays together nicely. After sewing all seams shut, trim around any frayed edges and raise any folds with pinking shears. Finally, baste any areas where there are no seams by taking small stitches in one direction and then turning 180 degrees before continuing on your next line of stitching.
2. Cut out your fabric
Start by cutting a piece of fabric that will fit around your head. The longer the fabric, the more hair you can create on the wig. You can also add an elastic band to your headband so it fits comfortably on your head.
3. Sew the base of the wig
Start by cutting a piece of fabric about the same size as your head. Sew the edges together to create a loop and slide it over your head. Keep sewing until you reach the top of your head.
Now sew the back of your wig together. You want to make sure there is enough fabric on either side of your head so that you can wrap it around later.
When you’re finished, put a few pins in the wig to keep it in place while you sew it onto a cap or hat base.
4. Sew the top of the wig
First, cut the length of your hair to the desired length. It’s best to start from the top of your head and work your way down. Then, measure how long you want the wig to be by cutting a piece of fabric to the desired length then use this as a guide for sewing your wig together.
Sew each side of the wig starting at one end then sew in a zipper about an inch from each end of the back part and sew it shut. This will create two pockets which will hold you hair. Repeat these steps on both sides of the wig.
Next, pin each side of the wig together at the bottom so they are sewn together and have one long seam that is even with both ends in-between them. Next, sew around one edge (the one without a zipper) all the way around until you get back to where you started or until you reach where you need to add another pocket on that side.
Now repeat those same steps on other side making sure all pockets are even with each other, then sew around other edge (the other side with a zipper) all the way around until you reach where you need to add another pocket on that side.
5. Install elastic bands
You’ll want to install the elastic bands on your sewing machine. This is a must-have in order to create a wig out of fabric. The bands will hold the fabric together while you sew it into a wig shape.
First, you’ll need to install four threaded elastic bands on your sewing machine. Depending on the size of your machine, you may need more or less elastic bands.
Next, measure the height and circumference of your head to determine how much fabric you’ll need for the weave part of the wig. Remember, this is just a guideline; you can always make it longer or shorter if needed.
After that, fold the fabric in half lengthwise with wrong sides facing each other and pin it twice along either side of the folded edge with pins about an inch apart. Make sure that all of the fabric is pinned securely and tightly enough so that it won’t slip off during your stitching process.
6. Make it into a hat
After you have sewn the wig, get the machine to a zigzag stitch and use a thinner thread so that it’s not too bulky. After this, tie a knot in the end of the thread and cut off any excess length. Set your machine to straight stitch on a medium speed and sew around the circumference of your headband at least three times until you’ve got enough material.
Now that you have your hat, you’ll need some ribbon to tie it up with. Cut two pieces of ribbon the width of your headband (about 9 inches) and fold them in half like you would for tying shoe laces. Tie each piece around the top and bottom of the hat once. Now, just tie up the rest of your hat following these same steps for an easy-to-tie bow!
What thread is best for making wigs?
Wigs are made from synthetic fibers, which means you’ll need to use a thread that can handle the heat and chemicals in the process.
High-quality threads such as Dacron, nylon or silk will work well for sewing wigs. If you’re making a wig for yourself, then be sure to pick out a color that matches your hair!
How do you put a frontal wig on a sewing machine?
The first step is to take an old pillowcase and cut it into a circle about two inches larger than the wig. Take the wig and place it on the pillowcase, and then roll it up tightly so that your hair doesn’t show. Next, sew the open end of the pillowcase shut with a small piece of thread.
Next, fit your sewing machine with the appropriate accessories: A long needle that goes through fabric easily, a free arm extension, and a foot pedal. Then prepare your fabric by cutting out a piece of felt or cotton batting that is bigger than your circumference of the head you are going to be able to fit in it comfortably. To make your project more comfortable on your head, thread elastic through underneath both sides of this fabric so that you can have extra support for your head as you sew.
Thread two pieces of elastic together so that they are about five feet long each; this will allow you to tie them around the back of your head later when you put on your finished product. Next, make sure you have all materials needed for sewing including pins and needles and thread. If using cotton stuffing or batting in addition to what was cut out earlier, make sure there are no knots in any threads or pins
How do you make a wig closure on a sewing machine?
To make a wig closure, you’ll need to cut out a piece of fabric. This can be any fabric you like, including felt, satin or silk.
If you’re using felt or satin, use the machine stitch on your sewing machine to sew two pieces together. If you’re using silk, hand sew the two pieces together.
You’ll also need two strips of elastic and a hair elastic that fits around your head. The elastic should fit snugly but comfortably around your head.
Take one strip of elastic and feed it through the throat plate on your sewing machine. Attach this strip to the lower side of the fabric piece on top by making stitches over each end point of the loop of elastic. Then take another piece of fabric and place it on top with right sides facing up. Hand sew across both ends of this second piece with thread that matches your color scheme so that when you have them sewn together, it will create a single tube which is then attached to each end point of the other strip to complete the closure for your wig before trimming off about an inch from each end for attaching to a cap later if desired.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wanted to make a wig, this is a great place to start. You’ll learn how to make a wig with a sewing machine using a pattern and fabric. This is an excellent guide for anyone who wants to learn more about the craft and make their own wigs.
Erica Cowell
Whenever she finds time away from surfing (waves, that is!), Erica loves to write. Self proclaimed geek (and a nerd), you can find her trying out new kitchen gizoms. Chief kitchen editor at WhatRocksAndWhatSucks.com, right now Erica is based out of small but beautiful & sunny Southern California beach town where she grew up surfing. Reach her at erica@wraws.com.