Part 1 - Wedding Accessories - Headpieces

Here's the first part of five in the Wedding Accessory series for Fashion Dolls.

This how-to-tutorial includes written instructions to make several types of headpieces such as crowns, tiaras and headbands, and how you can come up with some of your very own designs too.

There are 8 crochet versions and 4 wire-beaded versions in this tutorial.  Each of the crochet version can also be crocheted with beads (if you need a video tutorial for this, let me know, and I will see what I can do).  Each of the wire-beaded versions come with their very own video tutorials below.

These headpieces can be used on their own as a stylish accessory for your fashion doll outfits, or you can use them to fasten the veils (now available here) into place for your barbie weddings.

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This pattern is copyrighted to Rebeckah Ferger of www.rebeckahstreasures.com.  It is for personal use only.  No part of this pattern may be copied or distributed in any way.  If you sell what you make from this pattern, please credit me as the designer.  All rights reserved, 2014.

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Table of Contents:

Crochet Versions - Notes, Supplies, Abbreviations and Gauge

• Headband Crochet Pattern
• 12 Picot Crown Crochet Pattern
• 9 Picot Crown Crochet Pattern
• Shell Crown Crochet Pattern
• Double-V Crown Crochet Pattern
• Picot Tiara 1 Crochet Pattern
• Picot Tiara 2 Crochet Pattern
• Double-V & Shell Tiara Crochet Pattern

Bead & Wire Versions - Notes, Supplies, etc.

• Beaded Headband Tutorial
• Regal Tiara Tutorial
• Royal Tiara Tutorial
• Renaissance Tiara Tutorial

Headpiece Video Demo - how to put the tiaras, headbands and crowns onto the dolls

More in the Wedding Accessory Series

PDF Download of this pattern

ADD to Ravelry

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Crochet Versions

Crochet headbands, crowns and tiaras are very simple and quick to make.  I have included several styles and ideas here - all can be done with or without beads, but feel free to use your imagination and play with all sorts of stitches to come up with a style you really love!

There is 1 crochet headband style, which is the base for all crochet tiaras and crowns. There are 3 tiaras, and 4 crowns.  Plus, with each, you can invert them for a different look - this would look really great with the veils!

NOTE: These crochet versions are more suitable if you are planning to gift a wedding set to a younger child than the ones made with beads and wire below as they are much more flexible, easier to put on the dolls, and less likely to break from rough use.  However, none of these accessories are suitable for children under the age of 3, OR for children who still put things in their mouths, etc.

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You'll Need:

• crochet cotton thread #10 (I use Circulo Clea) - a very small amount
• 1.05mm hook
• tapestry yarn needle
• 6-36 of 2-4mm beads - optional - if using beads, make sure you string them onto your thread in the reverse order you'll be using them before you begin crocheting

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Abbreviations: ~ USA TERMS ~

ch
sl st
sc
dc
tr

chain
slip stitch
single crochet
double crochet
treble crochet

sk
st(s)
rep
f/o

skip
stitch(es)
repeat
fasten off

double V-st

picot

into 1 stitch: dc 2, ch 1, dc 2

ch 3, insert hook into the "V" and ridge of the stitch, yarn over, pull all the way through ~ *if you need help with this, see the first example in this video tutorial by Moogly

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Gauge:

1 row of 36 sc = 4 inches (10 cm) - this is the diameter needed for the doll's head.  It can be slightly longer or shorter but no more than 1/4 of an inch (half a cm) either way.  

*These will fit the Barbie Doll and even the other Mattel barbie dolls like Kelly, Stacey and Skipper.

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Headband Crochet Pattern

ch 36, slst join to first ch, ch 1,  turn

row 1:

sc 36 in bottom loops, sl st join, ch 1, f/o, weave in ends.

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Crochet this as a base for your own tiara or crown designs.
  
• Add a second row and follow your favourite edging to make a pretty crown.
• Add one or more crochet flowers or mini appliques to add some flare. (All sorts of mini flowers are coming soon...  Stay tuned!)
  
• Do alternate single crochet stitches with beads - every 3rd or 4th stitch works too! (18 beads for alternate stitches, 12 beads for every 3rd, and 9 beads for every 4th)

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12 Picot Crown Crochet Pattern

ch 36, slst join to first ch, ch 1, turn

row 1:
row 2:

sc 36 over bottom loops, sl st join, ch 1, turn
(sc, dc, dc-picot, dc in same st) x 12, sl st join, ch 1, f/o, weave in ends.

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Change the dc-picot to a tr-picot, or a sc-picot to give them different heights. (if switching to a sc-picot, you'll want to change the other dc sts to sc sts instead)
• Do alternate single crochet stitches with beads for the first row - every 3rd or 4th stitch works too! (18 beads for alternate stitches, 12 beads for every 3rd, and 9 beads for every 4th)
  
• For the 2nd row, you may like to put a bead into the first half of the dc sts that proceed the picots, or into the 2nd ch of the picot sts, or even into the sc sts.  Have fun playing with different bead sizes and positions...

Return to the Table of Contents

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9 Picot Crown Crochet Pattern

ch 36, slst join to first ch, ch 1, turn

row 1:
row 2:

sc 36 over bottom loops, sl st join, ch 1, turn
(sc, dc, dc-picot, dc in same st, sk st) x 9, sl st join, ch 1, f/o, weave in ends.

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Change the dc-picot to a tr-picot to give them different heights.
  
• Do alternate single crochet stitches with beads for the first row - every 3rd or 4th stitch works too! (18 beads for alternate stitches, 12 beads for every 3rd, and 9 beads for every 4th)
  
• For the 2nd row, you may like to put a bead into the first half of the dc sts that proceed the picots, or into the 2nd ch of the picot sts, or even into the sc sts.  Have fun playing with different bead sizes and positions...

Return to the Table of Contents

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Shell Crown Crochet Pattern

ch 36, slst join to first ch, ch 1, turn

row 1:
row 2:

sc 36 over bottom loops, sl st join, ch 1, turn
(sc, sk 2 st, dc 2 + tr + dc 2 in same st, sk 2 st) x 6, sl st join, ch 1, f/o, weave in ends.

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Change the dc 2 + tr + dc 2 to a regular shell of dc 5 instead.
• Do alternate single crochet stitches with beads for the first row - every 3rd or 4th stitch works too! (18 beads for alternate stitches, 12 beads for every 3rd, and 9 beads for every 4th)
  
• Or for the 2nd row, you may like to crochet the beads into each sc st.

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Double-V Crown Crochet Pattern

ch 36, slst join to first ch, ch 1, turn

row 1:
row 2:

sc 36 over bottom loops, sl st join, ch 1, turn
(sc, sk 2 st, double V-st, sk 2 st) x 6, sl st join, ch 1, f/o, weave in ends.

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Change the center 2 dc sts of the double V-st to tr sts instead to give it more height and definition.
• Do alternate single crochet stitches with beads for the first row - every 3rd or 4th stitch works too! (18 beads for alternate stitches, 12 beads for every 3rd, and 9 beads for every 4th)
  
• Or for the 2nd row, you may like to crochet the beads into each sc st, or into the ch st of the double V-st.

Return to the Table of Contents

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Picot Tiara 1 Crochet Pattern

ch 36, slst join to first ch, ch 1, turn

row 1:
row 2:

sc 36 over bottom loops, sl st join, ch 1, turn
sl st 5, sc 8, picot, sc in same st, *sc, dc, dc-picot, dc in same st,* sc, dc, tr-picot, dc in same st, rep*, sc 2, picot, sc in same st, sc 7, sl st 5, sl st join, ch 1, f/o, weave in ends.

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Do alternate single crochet stitches with beads for the first row - every 3rd or 4th stitch works too! (18 beads for alternate stitches, 12 beads for every 3rd, and 9 beads for every 4th)
  
• For the 2nd row, you may like to put a bead into the first half of the dc & tr sts that proceed the picots, or into the 2nd ch of the picot sts, or even into the sc sts.  Have fun playing with different bead sizes and positions...

*For the one pictured, I threaded 2 different types of small beads onto the thread - alternating between the bigger and smaller ones for a total of 10 beads.  Then, I crocheted the smaller ones onto the the first half of the dc & tr sts that proceed the picots and I crocheted the larger ones into the middle chain of the picot sts.

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Picot Tiara 2 Crochet Pattern

row 1:
row 2:

sc 36 over bottom loops, sl st join, ch 1, turn
sl st 10, sc 3, picot, sc in same st, *sc, dc, dc-picot, dc in same st,* sc, dc, tr-picot, dc in same st, rep*, sc 2, picot, sc in same st, sc 2, sl st 10, sl st join, ch 1, f/o, weave in ends.

ch 36, slst join to first ch, ch 1, turn

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Do alternate single crochet stitches with beads for the first row - every 3rd or 4th stitch works too! (18 beads for alternate stitches, 12 beads for every 3rd, and 9 beads for every 4th)
  
• For the 2nd row, you may like to put a bead into the first half of the dc & tr sts that proceed the picots, or into the 2nd ch of the picot sts, or even into the sc sts.  Have fun playing with different bead sizes and positions...

*This one is exactly the same as the first crochet tiara - only there are more sl sts and less sc sts to either side of the center of the tiara making it slightly more narrow in the back.

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Double-V & Shell Tiara Crochet Pattern

ch 36, slst join to first ch, ch 1, turn

row 1:
row 2:

sc 36 over bottom loops, sl st join, ch 1, turn
*sc, sk 2 st, double V-st,  sk 2 st,* sc, sk 2 st, dc 2 + tr + dc 2 in same st, sk 2 st, rep*, sc, sl st, ch 1, f/o, weave in ends.

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Switch the double V-st to dc 2 + tr + dc 2, or visa versa.
• Or follow the same tips and ideas for either crochet crown 3 (shell) or 4 (double V).

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Working with Beads & Wire Instead

Working with beads and wire lends itself to some really neat and sparkly designs.  Follow the instructions for the following designs, or come up with some of your own...

Below, there are instructions for 1 headband style, and 3 tiaras that use wire and beads.

NOTE: None of the following styles are suitable for young children as they are a choking hazard.

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You'll Need:

• 12-24" (30-60 cm) of 0.4mm or 0.5mm copper wire / jewelry wire in colour of choosing per headpiece - gold or silver look best. *The size of the wire is pretty flexible - so long as you can insert the wire into your bead choice up to 4 times, you're good to go.  I prefer the 0.4mm wire.
• 36-60 of 2-4mm seed beads and/or other miscellaneous small beads in any colour you like - I like using the clear sparkly ones that have a tint of colour to them.
• jewelry pliers - I prefer using the round ones to prevent denting the wire too much
• jewelry wire cutters

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Some Notes before you get started:

You'll need a finished length of 4" (10 cm) for each style below, and any that you will design on your own.  Just like for the crochet versions they can be slightly longer or shorter but no more than 1/4 of an inch (half a cm) either way.  These also fit the smaller mattel dolls like Kelly, Stacey and Skipper.

For all of these, you will start from the center, and work evenly to each side until you get to the right length.  The only exception is the simple headband version.

The wires are cut long so that you have extra to work with.  It makes it much easier to complete the designs and lock them into place once finished.  The basic rule of thumb is the more elaborate the design, the longer wire you will need to start with.

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Beaded Headband Project Tutorial

cut wire to 12" (30 cm)

Beads Used:

• 18 of 2mm seed beads
  
• 18 of 3mm sphere beads
  

This one is the Easiest one to do!

1. Thread seed beads alternately with sphere beads onto the wire. More if you haven't reached 4", or less it it is too long.
   
2. Close into a circle by inserting each wire ends into the opposite sides until you get to the halfway point on either side, or at least through several of the beads.
   
3. Next, lock it into place by taking the wire back over one bead, and inserting the wire through the same beads again, but in the opposite direction this time. Do this for both sides. You may need to use the pliers to help pull it tight and work your way through as many beads as possible.
   
4. Lastly, trim off the excess, and use your pliers to push the ends that are still sticking out under the beads.
   

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Pull the wire snuggly throughout to ensure that the beads don't move around too much.
• If the ends get too bendy and impossible to work with, snip the ends of the wire with your wire cutters.
• Use the pliers to help pull the wire snuggly, or to grasp the wire.
• Play with other smaller bead sized 2mm-4mm. 
  
• Use 1 size bead only.
• Play with colours.

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Regal Tiara Project Tutorial

cut wire to 24" (60 cm)

Beads Used:

• 40 of 2mm seed beads
  
• 14 of 3mm sphere beads
  

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Same as for the Beaded Headband.
  

1. Start by putting one seed bead, one sphere bead and one seed bead onto the wire.
   
2. Fold in half as you insert both ends of the wire through one sphere bead. Push beads until it is snug with the first one.
   
3. Take both ends of the wire back through the sphere bead again, one at a time and to either side of the bead.  This will lock it into place and make it pretty.  The center is completed.  

Now you will work the following instructions to either side of this piece.

1. Place two seed beads, one sphere bead, one seed bead, one sphere bead and one seed bead onto the wire.  
2. Skip over the last three beads you just finished putting on the hook, and insert wire into the next sphere bead from opposite direction.  Pull tight and make sure it says snuggly close to the center section.  This creates the first peaks to either side of the center.
3. Place three seed beads, and one sphere bead onto the wire.  
4. Skip over the last sphere bead, and insert wire into the next seed bead from the opposite direction.  Pull tight and make sure it says snuggly close to the center section.  This creates the final peaks to either side of the center.
5. Place two seed beads, one sphere bead, and two seed beads (in that order) three times onto the wire before proceeding to close into a circle and lock into place like you do for the Beaded Headband.

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Royal Tiara Project Tutorial

cut wire to 24" (60 cm)

Beads Used:

• 42 of 2mm seed beads
  
• 14 of 3mm sphere beads
  

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Same as for the Beaded Headband.
• Make this one a little bit smaller in length for a cute tiara to rest on top of head or around a bun.

1. Start by putting one seed bead, one sphere bead and one seed bead onto the wire.
   
2. Fold in half as you insert both ends of the wire through one sphere bead. Push beads until it is snug with the first one.

Now you will work the following instructions to either side of this piece.

1. Place five seed beads onto the wire.  Form into a circle by inserting the wire through the very first seed bead of the center piece, the last sphere bead, and the next two seed beads (the first two of the five you just put onto the wire). This completes the center piece of the tiara.
2. Place one sphere bead, and five seed beads onto the wire.  Form into a circle by inserting the wire through the first two seed beads you just placed onto the wire.  Pull tight and make sure it says snuggly close to the center section.  This creates the first circles to either side of the center.
   
3. Place one sphere bead, and three seed beads onto the wire.  Form into a circle by inserting the wire through the first two seed beads you just placed onto the wire.  Pull tight and make sure it says snuggly close to the center section.  This creates the final circles to either side of the center.
4. Place one sphere bead, and two seed beads (in that order) three times onto the wire, followed by one more sphere bead and one more seed bead before proceeding to close into a circle and lock into place like you do for the Beaded Headband.

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Renaissance Tiara Project Tutorial

cut wire to 18" (45 cm)

Beads Used:

• 41 of 2mm seed beads
  
• 4 of 3mm sphere beads
  

Tips / Ideas you may like to try:

• Same as for the Beaded Headband.

1. Start by inserting one sphere bead onto the center of the wire.
   
2. Fold in half as you insert both ends of the wire through one seed bead and one sphere bead. Push beads until it is snug with the first one.
   
3. Take both ends of the wire back through the sphere bead again, one at a time and to either side of the bead.  This will lock it into place and make it pretty.  The center is completed.  

Now you will work the following instructions to either side of this piece.

1. Place three seed beads onto the wire, and take the wire back through the last one again.  
   
2. Place one sphere bead followed by one seed bead onto the wire next, and thread the wire through that same sphere bead again going in from the opposite direction.  This creates the next peaks to either side of the center one.
   
3. Place another seed bead onto the wire, and take the wire back through it again.
   
4. Place three seed beads onto the wire, and take the wire back through the last one again.  Repeat this one more time for a total of two times.
   
5. Lastly place nine more seed beads onto the wire before proceeding to close into a circle and lock into place like you do for the Beaded Headband.
   

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Lastly, here's a Demo of the Dolls wearing the tiaras...

All the headpieces in this tutorial - crowns, headbands & tiaras - wire or crocheted, can be placed on the doll's head in the same fashion that is demonstrated below...

More in the Wedding Accessory Series:

• Part 1: Headpieces - crowns, tiaras and headbands. (This Post)
• Part 2: Floral Appliques - for accessorizing your veils and dresses. 
  
• Part 3: Veils - styles, lengths, attaching to headpieces, adding crochet trims, etc.  
  
• Part 4: Bouquets - like the ones I did for my wedding sets.
• Part 5: Finishing Touches - like Garters and Necklaces.
• *As each new part is created, a new link to it will be formed here...

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this FREE Crochet Pattern.  Feel free share so others can enjoy it too!

See More FREE Crochet Patterns Here!

*If you have any questions, or need help with this pattern, feel free to contact me, or leave a comment below.  I am always happy to help you!

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This wedding accessories pattern series was created to compliment my "Happily Ever After" Crochet Pattern for Fashion Dolls, which is currently on sale for the rest of this month.

With this pattern you can become a designer too, when you mix and match all the different necklines and silhouettes available for thousands of possibilities. Learn more here...

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