Is your Ball-Jointed Doll (BJD) looking a bit floppy or struggling to hold a pose? This is usually a sign that the elastic cord inside has aged or loosened. Don't worry, restringing a BJD isn't as complicated as it might seem. This blog post will provide you with a clear, mobile-friendly guide to master the art of restringing your BJD.

Getting Started: Tools You'll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools ready. They will make the process much smoother:

• New Elastic Cord (BJD-specific): Choose the right thickness and length according to your doll's size.
• Stringing Hook or Hemostat: This is crucial for pulling and securing the elastic cord.
• Pliers (Needle-nose recommended): Useful for gripping and guiding the elastic cord.
• S-Hooks: These are typically found at the head, hands, and feet to connect the elastic cord.
• A Soft Cloth or Mat: Lay this on a clean, flat surface to prevent any scratches on your doll during disassembly.
• Scissors: To cut the old cord and any excess new cord.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing

Step 1: Gently Disassemble Your Doll

1. Start with the Head: Gently pull the head off. The S-hook in the head will usually come loose with the tension of the cord. You can use a stringing hook or a sturdy piece of string to help pull the S-hook out.
2. Disassemble the Limbs: Next, you can detach the arms and legs. Gently pull the joints apart to expose the S-hooks inside, then carefully unhook them from the elastic cord.
3. Stay Organized: Arrange the disassembled parts neatly in order, from top to bottom and left to right. This will prevent confusion when you reassemble the doll.

Step 2: Threading the New Elastic Cord

Most BJDs have two main elastic loops: one connects the arms, and the other runs through the torso and both legs, meeting at the neck.

1. Measure the New Cord: You can use the old elastic cord as a reference for cutting the new one. If the old cord has completely lost its elasticity, cut the new one slightly shorter to ensure proper tension.
2. Stringing the Arms: Thread the shorter piece of elastic through the shoulder holes of the torso, making sure the knot or S-hook connection point stays inside the torso. Then, feed each end of the cord through the respective arm parts and finally connect them to the S-hooks in the hands.
3. Stringing the Body and Legs: Take the longer piece of elastic and fold it in half to create a loop. Pull the looped end up through the neck hole. Thread the two loose ends down through the torso and then through each leg part, finally connecting them to the S-hooks in the feet.

Pro-Tip: You can use dental floss or a thin wire as a guide to easily thread the elastic cord through smaller joint holes.

Step 3: Reassembling Your Doll

1. Attach the Limbs: Reattach the newly strung arms and legs to the torso.
2. Install the Head: This is the final and most challenging step. You'll need to pull up the elastic loop extending from the neck and hook the head's S-hook onto it. Your stringing hook will be your best friend here. Use it to pull the S-hook up with enough tension to pop the head into the neck joint, then slowly release it, ensuring the S-hook is securely seated inside the head's cavity.
3. Check the Tension: Once assembled, try to pose your doll. If it can't stand or the joints are too loose, the elastic is too slack. If the joints are very stiff and "kick back," the elastic is too tight. You may need to readjust the cord's tension.

Helpful Tips for Beginners

• Patience is Key: Restringing a BJD for the first time can be tricky. Be patient with yourself.
• Safety First: Be careful when stretching the elastic cord to avoid it snapping back and hurting you.
• Take Photos: Before you start, take pictures of how the joints are connected. They can be a great reference during reassembly.
• Practice on an Older Doll: If you're nervous, consider practicing on an older or less expensive doll first.

By following these steps, you can restore your beloved BJD to its perfect posing potential. Enjoy the process of bringing your doll back to life