Sweater For 18 Inch Dolls Step 1

The above doll is the American Girl doll by Pleasant company. I think (Hasbro?) someone bought the Pleasant company a few years ago. She can't bend her elbows so when knitting for this style of doll, keep that in mind when you work the sleeves.


This pattern is "free" and not copyrighted so please use as you wish. I am not a writer, a great knitter and can help if needed, so if you have questions, please ask! I hope it's in time for you to knit Christmas presents, Ruk! the sweater is knit from the neck down and is virtually seamless. It can be worn as a cardigan or the doll can button it in back, if that style is preferred.

Needle size is your choice, as is sleeve length and size of torso. If you want it looser, just increase an extra row or two. 18" dolls vary slightly as shown below. If you don't have a doll to use (the owner doesn't live with you and has the doll, then go a bit looser so there's no struggle to dress the doll), you can still knit for someone's doll.

Using straight needles, begin by casting on (any method is fine) 60 stitches on size two needles, 58 stitches on size 3 needles, 48 on size 5 needles............

The sample is for an American Girl doll, to be worn over her outfit so it is not a slim fit. I'm using fine sock yarn, called Christmas.

STEP 1:

My sample: using size 3 needles, cast on 58 stitches and k1p1 in ribbing for six rows. (For turtleneck, knit the ribbing for approximately 2 inches; for shorter crew neck, rib for four rows) There are no increases yet.

Before increasing, place a marker so that the 58 stitches are divided: work 12 stitches, place marker, work next 9 stitches, place marker, work next 16 stitches, place marker, work next 9 stitches, place marker, and then work the remaining 12 stitches. (12 + 9 + 16 + 9 + 12 = 58) The 12 stitches = the right and left fronts. The 9 stitches are the sleeves, and the 16 stitches = the back of the sweater.

I love sock yarn, and self-patterning sock yarns for doll sweaters. This is how your sweater should appear with just the neck band and no increases yet.
Here are examples of 18" dolls.
Meet Nicolette, a Sylvia Natterer doll that I purchased at Tuesday Morning. Her arms are slimmer than the other dolls' arms.
Meet Ann Estelle; her arms are almost as slim as Nicolette's. Her torso is a wee bit slimmer than the American Girl.
This is Maria, a Gotz doll, also purchased at Tuesday Morning.
This is Kitti Himstedt, being hugged by numerous little dolls waiting for clothes, and is about the size as the American Girl.