A doll knitting pattern for an intermediate knitter. Infinite customizing possibilities

The Simple Storybook Doll Pattern was inspired by the innocence and joy of childhood imagination and creativity. The shape and details of the finished doll are like a child’s sweet drawing come off the page into three dimensions.

This pattern goes beyond your usual knit toy pattern: it is both detailed and flexible enough for you to make the storybook doll you want to make. That’s why this pattern includes the basic Storybook Doll template and detailed patterns to make three different storybook characters: Pippi Longstocking, Alice and Wonderland, and Peter Pan. Make any or all of these three, and then use the knowledge the pattern gives you as a jumping off point to make your dream doll (or your child’s dream doll).

This pattern is 14 pages long, written in English, and illustrated with over a dozen photographs -both in-progress and of the finished dolls, so it’s easy to follow. For your convenience, your purchase includes a second file -the entire pattern without photos- just in case you want to print it out without using as much ink and paper.

MATERIALS NEEDED:
~Four 3.25mm (US size 3) double pointed knitting needles, or size needed for gauge
~Four 5mm (US size 8) double pointed knitting needles, or size needed for gauge
~Darning needle
~Embroidery needle
~50m (55 yds) skin-tone worsted weight yarn.
~10-50m (11-55 yds) each of worsted weight yarn in your chosen colors for each doll and clothing*
~Stuffing
~Small lengths of brown and red embroidery thread

This is a GREAT pattern for using up scraps in your stash

GAUGE:
Doll/Hair/Hat: 24 stitches and 30 rows = 10cm/4 inches in stockinette stitch on smaller needles
Dress/Shirt: 18 stitches and 22 rows = 10cm/4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles
Since final size is not important for this project, you can use any needles and scrap yarn that you have, just make sure that the yarn knits up into a tight, firm fabric so that the final toy holds its shape. Often, this means you should pick needles one or two sizes smaller than the recommended size for your yarn. If you choose not to follow the gauge, your doll may be smaller or larger than the size given.

SIZE:
When knit with recommended yarn and gauge, Simple Storybook Doll is approx. 22cm/8.5 inches from head to toe.

SKILLS USED:
Simple Storybook Doll is worked in the round, on double pointed needles. Clothing and hair are worked both in the round, and flat.

In order to knit this doll you should be able to: cast on, bind off, knit, purl, increase and decrease stitches, work an icord, work a 3-needle bind off.

Furthermore, the pattern includes short rows, and kitchener stitch. Links to illustrated tutorials for both these techniques are included in the pattern, if these techniques are new to you.