Wig Making for Beginners: Supplies, Caps and Simple Steps
Making your own wig lets you choose the exact hair, lace and fit you want, and it can cost less than buying a finished unit. It looks complicated at first, but a basic sew-in wig is very achievable. This wig making for beginners guide covers the supplies you need and the simple steps for your first unit.
What you need
- A wig making cap (dome cap or lace wig cap)
- Bundles – usually 3 to 4. See how many bundles do I need.
- A closure or frontal for the top or hairline
- A canvas block head or mannequin head, plus T-pins
- A curved needle and weaving thread
- Sharp scissors
- Optional: elastic band and adjustable straps for a glueless fit
Choosing a wig making cap
| Cap | Good for |
|---|---|
| Spandex dome cap | Easiest for beginners; stretchy and forgiving |
| Mesh dome cap with small or large holes | Breathable units |
| U part or T part cap | Leave-out or a custom parting area |
| Swiss lace wig cap (13x4, 13x6, full lace) | A lighter, more natural cap with a lace area built in |
| Headband cap | Making headband wigs |
Simple steps for a closure wig
- Mount the cap on the block head and pin it at the front, back and sides.
- Place the closure at the front where the parting will be, and pin it down.
- Sew the closure to the cap around its edges with small stitches.
- Start the bundles at the nape. Sew the first weft across the back, close to the bottom edge.
- Work upwards in rows about half an inch to an inch apart, folding the weft at the ends instead of cutting it.
- Finish at the closure, sewing the last weft right up against it so no cap shows.
- Cut out the cap under the closure lace, carefully, so only the lace remains.
- Add elastic or straps at the back for a snug, glueless fit.
- Style the hair, then pluck and cut the lace as needed.
Lace and net supplies
Lace nets and wig foundation nets are used to build custom closures, frontals and wig bases, or to repair lace. HD lace net is thinner and more delicate; transparent and Swiss lace nets are easier to handle.
Shop wig making caps
- Swiss Lace Net Cap – Glueless, 13x4, 13x6, T Part or Full Lace
- Wig Making Kit – Half Wig Cap with Drawstring and Band
- Wig Making Cap – Elastic Mesh, S, M or L
- U Part Wig Cap with Lace Net
- U Part Lace Wig Cap – 4x4 Swiss Lace
- T Part Lace Wig Cap – Swiss Lace
- 2x4 Mono Lace Wig Cap – Small Holes
- 2x4 U Part Wig Cap – Large Holes
- Front Lace Wig Cap – U Part Mesh Dome
- Hand Hook Wig Cap – Ventilated Lace Net
- C Shaped Wig Cap – Lace Mesh, 22 Inch
- Half Splicing Wig Cap – Drawstring and Silicone Band
- Full Lace Wig Cap – Transparent Swiss 360 and 13x6 Lace
- Lace Wig Making Cap – Adjustable Straps, Double Lace Net
- U Part Wig Cap with Mono Net – Black Mesh Dome
- T Part Wig Cap – Adjustable Strap, Black or Beige
- Headband Wig Cap – Ice Silk with Velcro
Shop lace and net fabric
- HD Lace Net – Transparent Swiss Lace
- Transparent Lace Net – Soft Thin Lace Fabric
- Wig Flower Net Fabric – 43x36 Inch
- Wig Foundation Mesh Net Fabric – 59x36 Inch
- Transparent Swiss Lace Net – 55x36 Inch
See also: which wig cap should I use.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to make a wig?
A basic closure wig on a dome cap is a good first project. Expect your first unit to take a few hours.
How many bundles do I need to make a wig?
Usually 3 bundles with a closure or frontal for most lengths, and 4 for longer or fuller units.
Do I need a sewing machine?
No. Most people sew wigs by hand with a curved needle. Some use a machine to sew wefts onto the cap.
What size wig cap do I need?
Measure around your head along the hairline and compare it to the size information in the listing. See how to measure your head for a wig.