RE-STRINGING 12" and 16" Dolls


 Restringing Jamieshow Dolls


FOR 12” MUSE DOLLS

For the 12" JAMIEshow Muse dolls, which are more slender and lightweight than the standard 16" collection, you need to downsize your materials to ensure the joints aren't overwhelmed by tension.

Rope/Elastic Size

  • 2.0mm to 2.5mm round elastic cord.

  • 2.0mm is the sweet spot for 12" fashion dolls (1/6 scale). It is thick enough to hold poses like "high fashion" strikes but thin enough to pass through the smaller Muse limb channels twice without jamming.

  • Type: Always use polyester-covered round elastic. Never use flat sewing elastic, as it doesn't provide the 360-degree tension required for ball joints and will degrade quickly.

Loop Lengths for 12" Muse

Because Muse dolls are smaller, the "cut" lengths are shorter, but the proportional rules remain the same.

Component Unstretched Loop Size Estimated Cut Length (approx.)
Arm Loop Should reach from shoulder to shoulder. 9–10 inches
Torso/Leg Loop Should reach from neck to mid-thigh. 18–20 inches

Pro-Tip for Muse Dolls: Since the 12" Muse line is more delicate than the 16" line, avoid over-tightening. If the doll's joints "kick back" (limbs snapping back into a straight position when you try to bend them), the loop is too short.

Specifics for the Muse Body

  • Knot Placement: On the 12" Muse body, space is tight. It is vital to keep the knot for the arms in the chest cavity and the leg knot in the pelvis.

  • The "Leader" String: Because the Muse limbs are very narrow, use unwaxed dental floss to pull the elastic through. It is thinner and stronger than most threads and won't leave a waxy residue on the internal resin.

  • Tools: A 5-inch hemostat is better than the standard 6-inch for this scale; it allows for more precision in the smaller joint sockets.

Would you like me to find a specific video showing the disassembly of the Muse 12" body specifically, as it can differ from the 16" assembly?

 

Installation Tips for the Muse Scale

  • Closed Loop: When attaching the hand, use your pliers to slightly "pinch" the end of the S-hook that holds the elastic. This prevents the hook from falling off inside the arm if the hand is removed later.

  • Paperclip Hack: In a pinch, a small heavy-duty paperclip bent into an "S" with jewelry pliers works remarkably well for the 12" scale, as the wire gauge is often identical to factory hooks.

  • The Neck Hook: Unlike the 16" dolls, the Muse neck hook can sometimes be "built-in" to the head piece. If yours is a separate metal piece, ensure the wider end of the "S" faces down into the body to catch the torso loop.

FOR 16” DOLL

JAMIEshow dolls, which are high-end Ball Jointed Dolls (BJDs) typically standing around 40cm (16 inches) for the standard line, require specific elastic to maintain their signature poseability and "snap."

Rope/Elastic Size

For most JAMIEshow fashion dolls (16" scale), the recommended elastic size is:

  • 3.0mm to 3.5mm round elastic cord.

  • 3mm is the industry standard for dolls in the 14–18 inch range. It provides enough tension to hold poses without being so thick that it jams the internal channels or puts excessive stress on the resin.

  • Material: Ensure you use polyester-coated doll elastic (often called "bungee cord" in the hobby). Avoid standard sewing elastic, as it loses its "spring" quickly and may degrade inside the resin.   


     

Loop Lengths

JAMIEshow dolls generally use a two-loop system. Because tension varies based on how "fresh" the elastic is, it is best to measure the loops against the doll's body rather than using a fixed inch-count.

  • Torso/Leg Loop: * Path: Runs from one ankle, up through the leg, through the torso to the head (anchored at the neck/head hook), and back down to the other ankle.

    • Measuring: Cut a length that is approximately 2.5 to 3 times the height of the doll.

    • The Loop: Tie the elastic into a continuous circle. When unstretched, this loop should be roughly the length of the doll from the neck to the ankles.

  • Arm Loop:

    • Path: Runs from one wrist, through the chest, to the other wrist.

    • Measuring: Cut a length approximately 2 times the total arm span of the doll.

    • The Loop: When tied into a circle and unstretched, the loop should be slightly shorter than the distance between the two arm sockets.

Pro-Tips for JAMIEshow Restringing

  • The "Two-Finger" Rule: When the doll is fully assembled, you should be able to pull a joint (like the leg) away from the socket by about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch with firm resistance. If it snaps back instantly, the tension is correct.

  • Knot Placement: Always hide the knot inside the largest cavity (usually the chest or the hip area) to prevent it from blocking the movement of the limbs.

  • Tools: Using a hemostat (locking forceps) is almost essential for JAMIEshow dolls to hold the elastic under tension while you hook the hands and feet.


JAMIEshow provides several instructional videos on their official site and YouTube channel specifically for their unique internal systems. Because these dolls use high-quality resin and integrated "S-hooks" or wire loops, seeing the process can save you a lot of frustration.

Official & Community Guides

  • JAMIEshow Instructional Page: The best place to start is the JAMIEshow Official Video Page. They have specific segments on:

    • Restringing Hands: Essential if you lose the "band" inside the arm while swapping hands.

    • Internal Band Retrieval: How to fish out the elastic if it snaps or slips past the elbow.

  • The Arm Retrieval Technique: A common video for JAMIEshow owners (found on their YouTube channel) shows how to use a simple piece of string or dental floss to "fish" the elastic through the forearm and re-attach the hand hook without fully disassembling the doll.

Summary of the Assembly (S-Hook)

The JAMIEshow system typically uses hooks at the wrists, ankles, and neck.

 

  1. Wrist/Ankle Hooks: These are often small metal "S" or "C" shaped hooks.

  2. The Tension Loop: You pull the elastic loop out through the limb opening using a pulling tool (or hemostat), slide the hook through the loop, and then let the tension pull the hook back into the limb's socket.

  3. The "Fishing" Method: If you are only restringing an arm, you can feed a thin guide-string through the arm, tie it to your elastic, and pull it through.

    Recommended Tools for the Job

    • Hemostat (Locking Forceps): This is non-negotiable for JAMIEshow dolls. It allows you to clamp the elastic at the joint so you have both hands free to attach the hooks.

    • Ribbon or Dental Floss: Used as a "pilot line" to pull the elastic through narrow limb channels.

    • Wire Hook Tool: A thin wire with a hook at the end (you can make one from a coat hanger or use a crochet hook) to grab the elastic from inside the torso.

      For JAMIEshow dolls (specifically the 16" scale), you can find direct visual guidance from the creator on their official YouTube channel and website.

      The Official Tutorial Videos

      The best video for your situation is the official JAMIEshow guide titled "Restringing Hand if you lose Band when Changing Hands." * What it covers: It shows exactly how the arm elastic is a single continuous loop that runs across the shoulders.

      • The Key Technique: If you lose the elastic inside the arm, they demonstrate using a piece of string or dental floss as a "leader line." You feed the string through the forearm, tie it to the elastic loop, and pull it back through the wrist opening.

      • Where to find it: Search YouTube for "JAMIEshow Dolls Restringing Hand" or visit the Instructional Videos section on the JAMIEshow Official Website.

      Specific Loop Lengths (Practical Rule of Thumb)

      Since JAMIEshow dolls are resin and require high tension, "fixed" measurements in inches can be tricky because different brands of 3mm elastic have different stretch ratios. Instead, use these proportional measurements:

      Part Unstretched Loop Length Cut Length (before tying)
      Arms (Wrist to Wrist) Should be roughly the distance from one shoulder to the opposite wrist. Approx. 14–16 inches.
      Body/Legs (Neck to Ankles) Should be roughly the distance from the neck to the knees. Approx. 28–32 inches.

      Note on Tension: JAMIEshow dolls are "fashion" BJDs, meaning they need to be tight enough to hold heavy clothing and dramatic poses. When the loop is tied, it should be significantly shorter than the distance it has to travel so that it is under constant tension once installed.

      How to Tie the Knot

      • Use a Square Knot (Right over Left, Left over Right).

      • Crucial Step: Pull the knot as tight as possible using pliers.

      • Hiding the Knot: For the arms, pull the elastic so the knot sits inside the chest cavity, not in the narrow arm tubes. For the legs, hide the knot in the hip/pelvis area.

Finding high-tension 3mm elastic specifically for resin dolls is best done through specialized BJD (Ball Jointed Doll) supply shops rather than general craft stores, as you need the polyester-coated "shock cord" variety that can withstand high tension without fraying.

Where to Buy 3mm BJD Elastic

 

Store Key Features Best For
Morezmore High-quality 3mm round elastic; known for MSD (1:4) scale BJDs. Reliability and specific doll sizing.
Dollspart Supply Offers "Elastic Stringing Cord from Germany" (known for longevity). High-end restorations and durability.
CR's Crafts Sells by 5-yard packages specifically for doll stringing. Bulk value for multiple dolls.
Etsy (Various Sellers) Look for shops like All For A Doll Studio or PrillyCharmin. Small custom lengths and international shipping.
eBay (PrillyCharmin) Very popular seller for "1/8 inch" (3mm) heavy-duty cord. Quick shipping in the US and clear diagrams included.

The "Knot" Strategy

Since JAMIEshow dolls are under high tension, a standard knot can sometimes "creep" or slip.

  1. The Knot: Use a Double Square Knot.

  2. The "Tail": Leave about 1/2 inch of excess cord after the knot. Do not cut it too flush, or it may pull through.

  3. The S-Hook Placement: Always ensure your knot is not at the limb. Place it in the center of the torso where there is the most "room" so it doesn't interfere with the range of motion in the joints.

    To streamline your JAMIEshow restringing, you’ll want a mix of medical-grade tension tools and high-quality BJD elastic. JAMIEshow resin is heavy, so standard hobby tools often aren't strong enough.

    The "Essential" Toolkit

    Tool Recommended Size/Type Purpose
    Hemostat 5.5" or 6" Stainless Steel To clamp the elastic at the joint so it doesn't snap back inside the body while you're hooking the hand/foot.
    Leader Line Fishing Line or Dental Floss To thread the elastic through narrow arm and leg channels.
    Pulling Hook 15cm Wire Loop Tool A T-handle with a wire loop (available on Etsy/eBay) to grab the elastic loop from inside the torso.
    Elastic 3.0mm Round Bungee Cord The standard size for 16" scale JAMIEshow dolls.

    Where to Buy Recommended Kits

    1. PrillyCharmin (eBay/Etsy): They are highly regarded in the doll community for "Restringing Kits." Look for their "3mm Round Elastic" listings; they often include a basic wire pulling tool and diagrams.

    2. Denver Doll Emporium: A top-tier BJD shop. They sell specialized "BJD Basics Kits" (divided by size: Tiny, MSD, SD) which include the correct weight of elastic and specialized hooks.

    3. Morezmore (Etsy): Excellent for individual high-tension 3.0mm or 3.5mm elastic cord if you already have the tools.

    4. Surgical Supply / eBay: For the Hemostat, search for "Locking Forceps 5.5 inch." You can get a professional-grade stainless steel one for under $10, which will last a lifetime.


      Quick Setup Guide

      • The Pull: Tie your leader line (floss) to the elastic loop.

      • The Feed: Drop the floss through the arm/leg, pull the elastic through.

      • The Lock: Once the elastic is visible at the wrist/ankle, pull it out until you see the loop, then clamp it with the hemostat right against the resin opening. This holds the tension so you can use both hands to attach the metal S-hook.

        For 16" scale JAMIEshow dolls, the consensus among collectors and the brand's own documentation is to use 3.0mm (1/8") heavy-duty round elastic. This size provides the necessary tension for their high-end resin bodies without overwhelming the internal channels.

        Where to Buy (Direct Links)

        The following sellers are highly rated by the BJD community for providing elastic that has the "snap" required for posing resin dolls:

        • Etsy: Cathie's Doll Hospital (3.0mm 5yd Lot) — A trusted US-based source for doll hospital supplies.

        • eBay: All For A Doll Studio (3mm 10yd Roll) — One of the most popular sellers for BJD shock cord; they often combine shipping for tools as well.

        • Specialty: Dollspart Supply (Size 3 - 1/8" Even) — Their cord is specifically manufactured for doll longevity and is used by professional restorers.

          The Assembly Tools

          To make the job easier, you can find a dedicated BJD Pulling Hook (T-handle wire tool) on Etsy or AliExpress.

          Quick Recap for the Threading

          Component Metric Pro Tip
          Elastic Size 3.0mm Round Ensure it is "polyester-coated" to protect the resin.
          Arm Loop ~14–16" cut Knot should sit inside the chest, not the arm.
          Body Loop ~28–32" cut Knot should sit in the hip/pelvis area.
          Tool Hemostat Lock the elastic at the wrist/ankle to hook the S-hook easily.

    JAMIEshow dolls use a specific metal hardware system that differs slightly from standard "play" dolls. If you've lost an S-hook during the restringing process, you have three reliable ways to replace them.

    1. Professional BJD Replacements (Best Fit)

    Since JAMIEshow dolls are approximately 16 inches (40cm), they fall into the MSD (1/4 scale) category for hardware.

    • The Hand/Foot Hooks: Look for 16mm to 22mm stainless steel S-hooks.

    • The Head/Neck Hook: This is usually larger and sturdier, typically 26mm to 34mm.

    • Where to buy: * Etsy: Search for shops like MagicDIY or CraftsArtSupplies. They sell 5-piece sets (1 head hook + 4 limb hooks) specifically for BJDs.

      • Specialty BJD Sites: Denver Doll Emporium or Alice's Collections carry replacement "S-Hook Sets" for 1/4 scale dolls.


        2. The Hardware Store "Hack" (Immediate Fix)

        If you don't want to wait for shipping, you can find suitable replacements at a local hardware store (like Home Depot or Lowe's):

        • Zinc-Plated S-Hooks: Look in the "Fasteners" or "Chain" aisle. You want the smallest size available (usually 3/4 inch).

        • Bath/Sink Chain Hooks: Often, the small hooks used to attach a sink plug to its chain are the perfect gauge and size for 16" fashion doll hands.

        3. DIY Custom Hooks (Most Secure)

        Many collectors prefer to make their own hooks to ensure they are the exact width for the doll's internal channels.

        • Materials: 14-gauge or 16-gauge stainless steel or copper wire.

        • Method: 1. Cut a 2-inch piece of wire.

          2. Use round-nose jewelry pliers to bend the wire into a tight "S" shape.

          3. The Pro Secret: Use a metal file or sandpaper to round off the tips of the wire. This prevents the sharp metal from scratching the resin or snagging the elastic.

          4. Fold one end of the "S" more closed than the other—this side will hold the elastic loop, while the "open" side hooks onto the hand/foot bar.

        Quick Setup Reminder

        Hook Location Target Length Wire Gauge
        Hands/Feet 16mm - 20mm 0.8mm - 1.2mm
        Head/Neck 25mm - 30mm 1.5mm - 2.0mm

         

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