These traditionally styled Nutcracker Soldier dolls are the perfect size to hang on your Christmas tree, or stand smartly to attention, in a group on your festive shelf.

These dolls are quick and easy knitting projects, suitable for confident beginners.

The Nutcrackers are knitted flat using basic stitches.

18 photos guide you through making up and finishing your decorations. I also include alternative detailed instructions for embroidered eyes.

The same Instructions are used for all three sizes, the smallest version (14cm /5.5” tall) uses 4ply yarn and 2.00mm (UK 14 /US 0) needles. The large (16cm /6.25”) and midsize dolls (16cm /6.25”) use different size needles and DK yarn.

This smallest size is ideal for decorations to hang on your Christmas tree.

Please note the images show the smallest Nutcrackers dolls knitted in cotton 4 ply

Here are all the Pattern Details-

Less than 10g of each colour are used for each Nutcracker ornament, making this great stash busting project.

Small Nutcracker Doll
4ply yarn Nutcracker doll- size-14cm /5.5”
Needle size 2.00mm (UK 14 /US 0) and
3.00mm (UK11/ US 3)
Gauge- 32sts x 44 rows = 10cm (4”)2.75mm. stst. Square

Midsize Nutcracker Doll
DK yarn -Nutcracker doll -size-16cm /6.25”
2.75mm (UK 12 /US 2) and 3.5mm (UK10/ US 3)
Gauge-26sts x 32 rows = 10cm (4”)2.75mm. stst. Square

Large Nutcracker Doll
DK yarn -Nutcracker doll -size-18cm /7”
3.5mm (UK 10 /US 3) and 4.0mm (UK8/ US 6)
Gauge-20sts x 26 rows = 10cm (4”) 3.5mm stst. Square

Recommended yarn: -

For Smallest decorations
Yarns and Colours- Must Have Minis
Pure Black (100), Sunglow (013), Cardinal (031) Turquoise (065), Peony Leaf (086), Cream (002)

For large and midsize decorations-
Paint Box Yarns Simply DK
Pure Black (101), Buttercup Yellow (122), Rose Red (113), Kingfisher Blue (134), Grass Green (129), Vanilla Cream (107)
All sizes Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake DK yarn- Milky-0630

If you are using an alternate yarn, check the recommended needle size for your yarn and use a needle 2 sizes smaller. This will give a close textured stocking stitch which will hold its shape well when stuffed

You will also need-
Large eye sewing needle
Toy safety eyes-
Large doll 6mm, Midsize doll -5mm, Small doll -4mm
Pair of compasses to draw small circles
Thin card (such as a cereal box)
Toy stuffing