Crochet Doll Sweater and Bonnet Tutorial

Let me begin by saying I have never learned how to crochet properly.

I don't know how to read a pattern and I may get the names of stitches wrong!

What I do have is a way to make a sweater and bonnet for any size doll

or stuffed animal.

This is a sweater and bonnet I made for

my 9" Patsyette doll.

Here she is looking very warm and cozy.

I start all my sweaters with a single chain that

fits the neck of the doll.

Then I go back over my chain with a single crochet.

After that I double crochet increasing slightly

(I add an extra crochet here and there) until I have

this arc that fits the shoulders of my doll.

Next I continue double crochet back again 

until I reach the front of the doll's arm.

At this point I crochet a chain and reattach it making 

an opening for the doll's arm.

Here is the beginning of the second arm hole.

I keep my doll near and fit the sweater as I work.

Both arm holes complete.

(Ignore my hook position in this photo)

Now I start doing 2 double crochets, 

Then skip a stitch. 

On the next row, I crochet into the 

openings I have created.

I do this until the sweater length is right.

On larger dolls I may do 3 double crochets

to make a scallop pattern.

OK, I know, same picture.

But now I am starting the sleeve.

I begin single crochet around the arm opening.

I continue this until I reach the right arm length.

Here is the completed sleeve.

I like to do a scallop stitch to finish all my edges.

My friend Janet asked for more clarity regarding the scallop stitch

so I took some pictures .

There are 2 double crochets put into a single chain... 

Then a slip stitch by itself. in the next.

This is a very basic scallop.

I hope this helps.

Here is the whole sweater.

I added the collar first then a scallop stitch all around.

My scallop on this small sweater is 2 double crochets in one stitch.

Then a basic crochet in the next stitch and repeat.

OK! Now I'll show you how I make a doll bonnet.

This is the bonnet I will be making.

I chain a length, cheek to cheek,

 just above the doll's cheek line.

Then I crochet a rectangle shape from 

my starting chain length.

I fold the rectangle over and close one side

with a basic chain stitch. 

I flip my bonnet so the stitch is inside.

You should end up with this.

Next I scallop stitch around all the edges.

For the string I cut 3 long lengths of yarn.

Then I separate them into pairs like this.

I braid my yarn pairs into the chin tie.

I tie a knot and leave a tassel.

Last, I make a tassel on the top.

VOILA! Super easy doll bonnet.

Here are some of my dolls 

wearing sweaters sets I made.

This bonnet I closed flat across the back to make 

two ear points.

I hope you enjoyed my sweater and bonnet tutorial.

It is so much fun making cute clothes for dolls.