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.

Another thrift store doll and a special guest!

I found this Lovely Lady in a thrift store.

She had her earrings and some silky PJs.

Her hair is very short in back.

Here are her PJs or are these loungewear?

The top is torn under the arm.

And the pants need new elastic and seam repairs.

She was actually really clean, so I washed her hair

so I could restyle her Hair-do.

She is also a bit faded.

I have removed the old elastic and 

I'm ready to fix those seams.

The sleeve I will fray check and then 

repair with my machine.

I re-pinked her cheeks and matched her lip color as well.

She looks so much brighter.

So, now it's time to get her dressed!!

I borrowed some of my Cissy's clothes...

She looks lovely in this evening gown

I styled her hair in a late fifties look.

I tried to get a little flip in back.

 Here she is ready for a garden party.

I decided to use some blue to add interest to this dress,

but not sure how successful it is.

She does look happier.

Here she is back in her original outfit.

I gave her some new stockings and

these are some of my hand-made shoes.

Much Better!

BUT WAIT!!

I've got more to share!

My friend Janet has shared these lovely photos of her

1939 Debu-teen doll, Emmeline.

These Debu-teen dolls were the pre-cursors

of all the later fashion dolls like the doll above.

Here is Emmeline in Janet's own words:

 "This is my 17 inch, all composition Debu-teen doll. 

She has dark blond human hair , which I love to set  

and soulful brown eyes.  

I love that she has such a serenely serious face. 

I try to dress her in vintage clothes, 

suitable to her era - she is from 1939. 

Her name is Emmeline, and we often 

refer to heras Emmie.

"First - in a vintage dimity dress - I didn't make it, 

it was an Ebay find. 

This is one of our favorite dresses for Summer parties and 

Special occasions - note her pearls!"

"I did knit the Fall tones sweater, and make the orange-red 

gabardine skirt to go with it.  I love her tooled leather shoulder bag, 

it snaps closed securely so she can carry some 

money and a hanky."

"I sewed the yellow pique jumper and made the 

floral jersey blouse to go with it.   

This was a first day of school outfit, 

notice that her hair is newly curled

 ( set using pin curls), it takes a nice curl, 

although, just like people hair, it starts to droop at 

the fist sign of humidity! 

  I often pull back one side with a barrette or a bow. "

Thank you Janet and Emmie!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

PS - don't forget you can share your doll photos too!

just contact me at thesavagedollblog@gmail.com