Laib Yala vs. De Witte Engel Doll Knit

Two doll knit makers Laib Yala and De Witte Engel make doll fabric (aka tricot, interlock or doll skin) in 100% cotton.
How does Laib Yala compare to De Witte Engel?
For LY I used the lightest tone in two weights; the stretchier and softer knit on the face, and the more rigid knit on the body.  For DWE I used colour T114, which I call “Sunkissed”.
Using the same pattern I tried to make each doll to resemble the other as much as possible for the comparison.  The LY doll ended up with a longer slightly narrower body than the DWE.  The LY stuffed up nice and firm, but with the lighter tone you could see the stuffing more easily and I found I had to spend more time re-stuffing as a result.  Each doll used about the same amount of wool.  When sewing the LY didn’t seem as flexible going through the machine, the edges liked to curl a little, and I found I had to pay more attention when sewing~ but that could also be because I am new to using it!

With the same kind of handling the DWE pilled more; I didn’t try to prevent pilling, I intentionally handled both dolls a lot while making them just to see what the difference in pilling would be.

However using the 2 different types of LY knit (one for face and another for body) is noticeable, so perhaps just using the one type for the body also for the face is the way to go.  You will sacrifice softness though, the DWE is softer.  Also with the DWE you could make a much more plump doll.  I tend to make mine more traditional “Waldorf” shape, so this was not a concern for me.

So, the verdict?  LY is less stretchy and less likely to pill; and I think it’s also more dirt resistant, but mine only played in the snow (see below).  DWE is softer, more likely to pill, and easier to stuff~ which would come in handy if making a chubbier doll for sure.
Is there a winner?  Both make nice dolls, I think it comes down to preference in texture and colour.  They both like to play and even made snow angels after they were done hanging out in the fir tree…

Both dolls like to play!

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5 Responses to Laib Yala vs. De Witte Engel Doll Knit

  1. Pingback: Trying Out Laib Yala | finn and fern

  2. Ulla Seckler says:

    Nice job, Natalie! I really enjoyed this article and the photos. I have never got my hand on the LY so far. Hope I can try it some day…

  3. admin says:

    If I had been more careful with the DWE it wouldn’t have pilled while working~ but I just wanted to see if handling both a lot during the making what would happen!
    Not sure how I will finish them… maybe a shoemaker needs some naked elves to clothe somewhere!

  4. Wendy Leenders says:

    Heel erg bedankt Natalie! Ik zit/zat heel erg te twijfelen en heb nu een stuk LL liggen om te testen. Ik denk dat ik ze gewoon allebei ga gebruiken. Ik heb eigenlijk nog nooit echt last gehad van pilling met DWE maar dat komt misschien door de manier waarop ik werk. Mooie poppen trouwens, hoe ga je ze afmaken?

  5. Winterludes says:

    i do appreciate you comparative work! just amazing and it helps a lot! actually, i had the same conclusion, but for the moment, you know what? i’m testing a french tricot!

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