Barbee0913 shows how to restring an 8 inch Madame Alexander doll

[@kristalangel]

Thank you so so much! This is the best video I've seen on restringing the dolls!! I'm saving it! And running to my craft store to buy the elastic cord.

[@darkcherry8021]

Restringing dolls is the one thing holding me back from getting Madame Alexander dolls although they are so beautiful. It looks daunting but when mine need to be restringed, I will be using this tutorial as it's the best I've found so far. I'm also close to my mom and love how you and your daughter are. I'm similar with my mom.

[@kcdahlia2059]

Thank you!! I have had 4 of these dolls for about 40 years and am so happy to know how to fix them. It was so easy with your instructions.

[@barbee0913]

I'm so glad my video helped.

[@MaryKluter]

Can't thank you enough for this wonderful way to restring a doll!!!! I ordered the cord and hemostats and planned to spend "hours" fixing a Madame Alexander 15 inch "JO" doll. 25 minutes later I was finished:):) Have a good day and enjoy some thankful praise!!

[@greywilliams8642]

this video helped me so much, thank you! I'd bought one of these dolls from a thrift store and had no idea how to restring it. Thank you so much for making this!

[@barbee0913]

Glad it worked out for you.

[@lindakelley2676]

I find a crochet hook works well to hook the rubber bands or elastic. This is useful to know for doll collectors. The ones with rubber bands deteriorate.I am obsessed with Madame Alexander dolls but they get loose if old.Very helpful.

[@barbee0913]

The small Alexanders are usually my bargain byes. They made so so many of them.

[@Positivelynegative1318]

I just got a Little Miss Muffet madame alexander doll who’s leg has been completely detached. This helped me so much I can’t thank you enough!

[@barbee0913]

You are very welcome, glad it could help you.

[@nubs9895]

I just bought a whole bunch of these dolls and they're all really loose. This video was very helpful for a repair newbie like me.

[@barbee0913]

I'm glad it helped you.

[@kastironwoman6009]

you make a nice team. I like the natural conversation as you taught us. Thanks!!

[@barbee0913]

Oh, thank you. I know what it's like to hunt for a video to tell me how to do something. I like it to be helpful. :)

[@nancycollins6531]

I love your technique. So much easier your way. With another technique the legs would not go straight and would pop out of the socket. I just used your method and it works perfect. Thank you so much!

[@laurablake6121]

I can’t thank you enough for this great tutorial! I spent an hour trying to follow a different KZbinr on this project. I almost gave up- then I found your video and had my little doll restrung in 5 minutes! Thank you so very much!

[@barbee0913]

I'm so glad it helped you out. I've heard the larger Alexanders are really hard to string so I'm glad I have more little ones than bigger ones.

[@laurablake6121]

@@barbee0913 Me too! I had (3) 8” girls that needed restringing and you helped me to do it in no time! It’s so fun to learn a new skill! Thanks again!

[@joanlobosco3900]

Oh my gosh ! Thank you you’re a genius. I cut the elastic off an old mask and it took me 2 mins! I’m so glad I found your video !! ❤

[@triciathedalicia8595]

Thank you! You make it seem so easy, I have a Polish Madam Alexander doll that my Aunt bought me when I was a little girl back in the 70’s and she’s loosey Goosey even her bloomers are loosey. I’m going to give this a try. Thanks again

[@barbee0913]

I hope it works out for you. The bloomers you would have to sew them, that I'm not good at.

[@whereisthewong]

Thanks for the quick response on how to restring an 8” Madame Alexander doll. Watching your video makes it seem easy to do. I have the cord since I’ve been sewing face masks for family and friends. Besides collecting dolls I’m also a crafter who has hoarded all kinds of craft supplies. Lol. So hopefully my hands/fingers will cooperate when trying to string the doll. I notice you have a sewing machine. So hopefully you are having fun learning to sew. Once you master using the sewing machine the endless doll clothes you can make. Thanks again for your videos.

[@barbee0913]

I haven't done anything on the sewing machine for a few weeks. I did masks with some of the Kidsy type of fabric I had laying around. But then the fabric stores weren't open so I didn't get any more fabric. I haven't found a simple pattern yet. I just want to make some clothes for my Sasha dolls. Nothing hard or complex, just something easy that I can make.

[@peggyziesel]

Thank you so much. I just restrung my granddaughter's Jasmine, Madame Alexander doll. Great video.

[@barbee0913]

Oh, I'm so glad it helped you. Now to learn how to do big dolls!

[@MPNtx47]

I like the idea of using the elastic instead of the rubber bands.

[@kimspeers2916]

Oh that was very informing, you make it look pretty easy. Thank you so much, i think i can use this now on some of my dolls. Thanks again and God bless.

[@barbee0913]

Not too hard, but every type of doll is a bit different.

[@kvhowells]

Wow thank you ! I’m nervous about the hooks ! But I may try this with my dolls

[@barbee0913]

Give it a shot, I hope it works for you.

[@pattidavidson5427]

just bought a Madame Alexander Switzerland to add to the International collection.... It was used and in great external condition... BUT the rubber band was clearly aged and all limbs were loose! Followed your video and was very happy with the outcome.. Very easy to do with your direction. Thank You.

[@barbee0913]

I'm glad it worked out well for your doll.

[@drawingwithvee3793]

Wow!!! Thank you! So much easier than I thought!!

[@calebbrown551]

I just used this tutorial to restring my my 1998 Miss Gulch Madame Alexander my late Aunt left me. Thank you so much for this video

[@barbee0913]

Is that the one with the bike? I'm looking for her! I'm so glad the video helped you put her back together.

[@calebbrown551]

barbee0913 yes it is the one with the bike, but it’s the doll with the more blue-ish gray dress. She was a part of my late Aunt’s Oz collection she left to me

[@rosietangorra2839]

Thank you so much! I have being buying some on eBay and most are loosey goosey! Just finished my first restringing and it worked great! Thanks!

[@barbee0913]

Oh, I'm glad it helped.

[@EpicTale]

Thank you so much! Love the clarity. Now I want to try it!

[@barbee0913]

Oh good, I'm glad it helped.

[@DebsDollRoom]

Wow! When the time comes, I think I just may have to courage to try this. Thank you !

[@barbee0913]

Those are easy. An issue would be if the plastic was brittle on the ends but the cord seems to fit it fine.

[@DebsDollRoom]

@@barbee0913 I have a Chewbacca doll whose arms are already off. Will give Chewy a go first !

[@kvhowells]

I was successful with my first doll using your video and technique 😀thanks

[@barbee0913]

I'm so glad. The only issue comes when the hook is lost. Some people make them and some buy them from a doll store online.

[@kvhowells]

@@barbee0913 yeah when I do other dolls I will keep that in mind for sure thanks again

[@mariaw.4780]

Thank you so much for posting this!! It helped me! I just ordered a "used" madamealexander doll from ebay, but it arrived "broken". This helped so much!!

[@barbee0913]

Oh, I'm glad it helped you with your doll.

[@bethc7243]

I have a box of parts I need to put back together. Thank you!!!

[@barbee0913]

What fun! I love getting them together again.

[@gloriabrese8197]

I have looked on Amazon and Wal-Mart at mask making supplies for elastic to use on my MA doll ! So.. 2mm elastic.. Yay ! New info. Thanks. Plus my 1952 MA Cassette ballerina 10.5" is missing the hook for the eyes ! Any suggestion for making one ? Thank You. 🙋 Nana in se OK usa

[@sharoncampbell1629]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@barbee0913]

I'm glad it was helpful.

[@andreawood6082]

Thanks so much for this very good video. Your tips and advice helped me a lot! ❤

[@barbee0913]

I'm so glad it was helpful.

[@bri-fv2tt]

Hope you see this comment! Lol I recently bought a beautiful flapper doll from madame alexander at a flea market for cheap too because her body parts were falling out im so glad I came across your video now she looks spankin new 😂 Ty! 💜

[@barbee0913]

Oh, I'm glad it helped you fix your doll. :)

[@CarolsCurrentObsession]

Great video, I like your technique! 💞😊

[@barbee0913]

Thanks for watching.

[@tomeikawalker9087]

This was very helpful, tyfs.

[@barbee0913]

Oh, I'm glad you found it useful, thanks for watching.

[@EviMlcak]

I had bought 2 Modern Cissy dolls pre-2006 and they fell apart soon after. They are a little different to re-string from the 8" dolls.

[@lindaboggess7634]

Thank you for this video! I now know how to repair my Madame Alexander Christmas Tree Angel! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@barbee0913]

I'm glad it helped you repair such a special doll.

[@lindaboggess7634]

@@barbee0913 and the angel my neice owns also! Double thanks!

[@lindaboggess7634]

It is the angel my mother gave me for my tree! It is VERY special!

[@KnightCloth]

Great instructions, thanks so much. Where do you purchase your elastic?

[@barbee0913]

I picked up the elastic at JoAnn's fabric. I found it in the jewelry making department but I think they are keeping it up front now for people to use for masks.

[@wallys11000]

Thanks ladies. Maybe restringing a doll isn't as bad as I always thought. :)

[@barbee0913]

You can do it!

[@bonnie547]

Is there a way to replicate the leg hook? I only have one. I guess I can try tying the elastic around the little leg bar.

[@michaelmcgee8543]

I had restrung my 1957 Cissy doll I bought in Feb, but I used professional rubber bands.

[@barbee0913]

Glad you got her restrung.

[@nildajurado8423]

Tremendous wow I always watch ur videos do you know how to string the babysitters club dolls I have4 and they are wobbly thanks God bless you

[@barbee0913]

I haven't tried those yet, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that mine can last a few years before I need to work on them.

[@po121op]

thank you for showing us

[@barbee0913]

Oh you're welcome, hope it helps with some dolls.

[@lorihannah6472]

Thank you!

[@barbee0913]

You're welcome!

[@melissabankard]

Super helpful, thank you sooo much

[@barbee0913]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shirleyspanjer8742]

I restrung a reproduction Effanbee “Candy Kid.” I basically did it the same way you did the MA doll. I bought her extremely cheap to try restringing since I have a variety of dolls who will need help in the future!😉It was very satisfying to see her go from floppy limbs to tight!😁

[@barbee0913]

Yes, very satisfying.

[@bathsheba9581]

What do you do if just the head is off on the Madame Alexander kins 8" dolls?

[@barbee0913]

The head came off but the legs aren't loose? Does her head still have the hook? When you look inside can you see how the legs are strung?

[@damitatidwell2194]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@barbee0913]

Thanks for watching !

[@nyah-nyah7317]

I found a French little women doll at goodwill and she was in pieces I had to dig around for her legs but she has been restrung! The clerk was pretty weirded out when I dumped a bunch of doll pieces on the counter :

[@barbee0913]

And you would think they wouldn't be weirded out, after all they probably saw that busted doll along the way. I'm glad you got her put together and she is yours.

[@danmay2430]

Amazing

[@barbee0913]

Hope it helped you out.

[@shelbymarston2341]

I am having difficulty finding the 2mm elastic on a bolt. I found packaged , but it is 2.39 and is thicker than what you show on your video. Our large fabrics stores have closed around here. Any suggestions? Thank you.

[@barbee0913]

Your fabric stores have closed? Did they maybe keep a website for people to get supplies through? Try the craft stores, maybe they have some in their making jewelry aisles.

[@GabbysCozyCorner]

Thank you so much for this amazing video! You inspired me to start a Madame Alexander doll collection. I purchased a few (8 inch) used dolls. How would you suggest cleaning them?

[@barbee0913]

If you are cleaning bodies, you can just use dawn, if you wanted to buy something, I like Dream Clean which we get on ebay. As far as clothing, I only do the slips and pinafores/aprons and I dip them in OxiClean. Usually there are a lot of outfits that use velveteen and some of the colors used can bleed out.

[@GabbysCozyCorner]

@@barbee0913 Wonderful. Thank you so much for the tip Barbee! :D

[@andreablairkemp8428]

Hi, would like to know if you could show how to restrain the Alexander's that have like a metal Round Disc in the top which a hook comes off of and then it seems that the hose that comes from the head is too long for the hook that comes out of the neck the little metal piece so I wondered if you knew how to restring those because I have several of those and I don't know how to do it. Thanks so much for your earlier video. Andrea.

[@barbee0913]

Are those the ones that are bent knee walkers? I've never tried to fix those. Did you try the Madame Alexander facebook page. Someone on there might have tackled one of those.

[@andreablairkemp8428]

@@barbee0913 thanks so much. I will look into that. Yeah I'm just completely flummoxed by this.

[@libertynjustice]

Does this work on larger size dolls. Do you have to use a thicker chord for larger dolls?

[@barbee0913]

I've never tried restringing the larger dolls. I don't have any of them that need stringing. I would think the portrettes could use the same string. If you look up doll supply webpages, I know they have thicker cord you can try.

[@StlHorn70]

I have a 20" Madame Alexander QE II doll that needs its head reattached. I don't think it is attached with a cord. Do you have a video for this? Or can you help? Thank you!

[@barbee0913]

I've never tried a taller older Alexander. Is it one from the 50's?

[@brittanypreston8144]

Do you know how to restring a MA bent knee walker (50s-early 60s era)? I've restrung dolls like your and a few others, but I'm not having luck in a video specifically for these kinds of dolls

[@barbee0913]

I have not tried a bent knee walker yet. There's got to be a video out there or blog that has it somewhere.

[@brittanypreston8144]

@@barbee0913 It's gotta be. I'll keep looking.

[@brittanypreston8144]

@@barbee0913 Just gave it a go on my own, but one of the legs is still a bit loose. At they're attached to her now. I'll have to keep doing it till I figure it out.

[@bitwix621]

I have a reproduction Patsy. Will this method work on her? Are all dolls strung the same way?

[@barbee0913]

No, they are all a bit different. I have a Toni walker that has a closed neck with a hook and I haven't figured out how to put her head back on yet. Is she like the reproduction Skippy doll. I looked at mine and that one looks like it has metal ends that you would hook a string through. But mine is flopsy enough to try to restring it yet. I bet one of the Patsy groups on Facebook could answer your question. Just like new bjd's, those are a different beast, you are threading the elastic through their limbs.

[@barbee0913]

Well, after responding, I decided to look at Toni again. And another subscriber had mentioned that a walking body had a closed neck, which this one did. And this neck had a a hook on it, so I put some string on the other hook and dropped it in the neck to hook to the rod inside and with Kewpies help, ( holding the dolls head in one place) I was able to tie it tight enough that her head stays on again. Hooray, it made my night. It looked like it had a rubber band attached to it before.

[@CarolsCurrentObsession]

Louisa, I actually just did a video of how to restring a couple of different reproduction Patsy dolls!

[@geminisabah]

I found a big alexander that her hair was coming off so i readded hair

[@barbee0913]

I bet she looks lovely now.