Begin making your wig by taking your head measurements. Measure diagonally from the top of your forehead to the base of your skull, then from the same place on your forehead around the top of your skull to the base. Measure from the top of your head to the top of your ear, from your temple straight back to the back of your head, and from the top of your ear straight back to the back of your head. Transfer these measurements to a wooden block or wig form with a permanent ink felt tip pen, or with a pencil if you will reuse the form for a wig to fit another person.
Nail cotton ribbon to the wig form to be used as the basic frame for the foundation. Place cotton lace over the wig block and stitch it to the ribbon. The ribbon and lace are available in a variety of colors; it is best to choose colors that are as close to the hair color as possible. Try on the foundation after it is complete to make sure it fits your head properly and comfortably. Make all alterations to the foundation before beginning to attach the hair, a process that is also referred to as ventilating.
In ventilation, the hair is attached to the foundation one strand at a time. Make sure the hairs are all lying in the same direction before you begin. To test this, hold the hair in a bunch and rub the tips of the hair between your thumb and index finger. The ends of the hairs that were not cut will turn back while rubbing. The ends that were cut with scissors will lie straight.
Knot each hair to the foundation using a technique similar to latch-hook rug knotting using a ventilating needle. Begin ventilating along the ribbon at the back of the neck and continue along the sides, tying each strand of hair to the ribbon with a double knot. Use a single knot to attaching each hair to the lace. Attach the hair to the lace in six different directions by turning the form as you ventilate or, if you are standing, by changing your position around the form. This will help the wig achieve a more natural look. To conceal the ribbon, ventilate hair along its outer edge and just underneath it.
Wet the hair to set it so it will lay the way you want it. After it dries, cut and style it.