How to Use and Set a Pate on a Doll

The pate is the cap that hides the hole in the doll's head. This crown piece, made from cork or buckram, allows the wig to sit properly on the doll.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dollmaking Supplies
• Elmer's Glue-All
• Baby Wipes
• X-Acto Knives
• Light-grit Sandpaper

1. Select the right size pate by measuring the diameter of the opening. Measure with a ruler from side to side as far as you can go. The pate rests on the narrow ledge or lip.

2. Make sure that the opening is free of dust and jagged edges.

3. Apply a thin continuous line of glue around the "lip" of the opening.

4. Place the pate on top of the glue and press it down gently.

5. Wipe off excess glue with a baby wipe and allow to dry fully.

6. Trim off any excess pate that sticks out with an X-Acto knife, and sand smooth if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Cork is more sturdy than buckram. Use a cork pate for a complicated wig or hairstyle or when making a special doll. Use buckram when doing a practice wig or a light wig.
• Bigger pates tend to be a bit better since you can trim them.
• Buckram pates will fall when wet or too much glue is applied. If dented, the buckram pate will not regain its shape.