@tnewling it takes a bit of practice but it should get easier over time, like @rk105rider said the joints will likely loosen up a bit over time, for now try to focus on your technic, if it helps at all here is how I usually bend the legs on my dolls:
1) lay the doll facing up (usually on the bed)
2) bend one leg at a time to the desire angle
3) if applicable spread legs open to desired position
4) bend the knees one at a time to the desired angle as well
While doing this with one hand I use the other hand to hold the doll down by her belly, chest or neck area to give me some leverage.
If the dolls legs were overly bent forward or I want to bend them back straight I simply reverse the steps mentioned before, but some dolls are a bit stubborn so I use 2 other technics for such instances and they are as follows:
Option 1
1) lay doll facing up on the corner (usually bed) were her butt is close to the edge
2) press one leg at a time down to the desired angle
3) move doll back to desire location
Option 2
1) lay doll facing down
2) pull one leg at a time up towards the her back
3) straighten her knees
4) flip doll over
Hopefully this helps but really there is no replacement for experience, just try different things until you find what works best for you.
@tnewling it takes a bit of practice but it should get easier over time, like @rk105rider said the joints will likely loosen up a bit over time, for now try to focus on your technic, if it helps at all here is how I usually bend the legs on my dolls:
1) lay the doll facing up (usually on the bed)
2) bend one leg at a time to the desire angle
3) if applicable spread legs open to desired position
4) bend the knees one at a time to the desired angle as well
While doing this with one hand I use the other hand to hold the doll down by her belly, chest or neck area to give me some leverage.
If the dolls legs were overly bent forward or I want to bend them back straight I simply reverse the steps mentioned before, but some dolls are a bit stubborn so I use 2 other technics for such instances and they are as follows:
Option 1
1) lay doll facing up on the corner (usually bed) were her butt is close to the edge
2) press one leg at a time down to the desired angle
3) move doll back to desire location
Option 2
1) lay doll facing down
2) pull one leg at a time up towards the her back
3) straighten her knees
4) flip doll over
Hopefully this helps but really there is no replacement for experience, just try different things until you find what works best for you.
Her joints will loosen up, with use.... I usually lay mine on her back, then lift both legs straight up, then open them...seems easier, that way...