Designed for a 19cm tall silicone doll with a 15cm chest circumference. This top-down, sleeveless fairy dress has a fitted bodice, flared skirt and tiny I-cord straps so it slips on/off easily. Includes a simple lace wing option and finishing details. Gauge and stitches are tuned to the measurements below; read notes before starting and adjust length or fullness to taste.
28 sts = 10cm / 2.8 sts per cm in stockinette on 2.75mm needles. If your gauge is different, recalc cast-on: target chest circumference (15cm) x (sts per cm).
1) Calculate cast-on Target chest 15cm x (your sts/cm). Using sample gauge 2.8 sts/cm = 42 sts. Cast on 42 sts (adjust if your gauge differs). 2) Setup and ribbing (use 2.25mm / US 1) CO 42 sts. Join carefully to work in the round, place marker for beginning of round. Work 1x1 rib (k1, p1) for 6 rounds (about 1cm) to form neat waistline/bodice base. 3) Bodice tube (switch to 2.75mm / US 2) K every round (stockinette in the round) for 14 rounds (approx 3.5cm). At this point bodice height from CO is ~4.5cm. Try on doll to check fit; the tube should sit under the doll's arms. 4) Optional slight waist shaping (small, optional) Round 1: *k10, k2tog* repeat around to remove 4 sts (example; only if you prefer slightly fitted waist). New count (if you decreased) = 38 sts. If you do not want shaping, skip this and continue with full cast-on count. 5) Begin skirt shaping — gradual increases for flare Round A (increase round 1): *k2, M1* repeat to end. This increases 1 stitch every 3 sts. Starting from 42 => +14 => 56 sts. Round B: Knit 1 round even. Round C (increase round 2): *k3, M1* repeat to end. This increases 1 stitch every 4 sts. From 56 => +14 => 70 sts. Round D: Knit 2 rounds even. You now have ~70 sts (adjust if you used shaping in step 4). This creates a gentle A-line skirt. If you want a fuller skirt, repeat another increase set: *k4, M1* around to add another ~14 sts (growing to ~84 sts). 6) Skirt length Knit even in the round until skirt measures desired length from bodice seam. For the sample: 14 rounds (~4.5cm). Try on doll and stop when you like the length. 7) Hem / decorative edging (two options) Option A — simple picot (neat small edge): Switch to 2.25mm needles. *k1, (cast on 3 sts using cable cast-on across edge?)* Instead of complex cast-on, a tiny picot via crochet: BO loosely on 2.25mm, then use 2.0mm hook to add single-chain picots spaced evenly. Option B — small eyelet ruffle (worked in the round): Switch to 2.25mm and do one eyelet round: *k2, YO, k2tog* repeat across, then k1 round, then BO loosely in pattern. This gives a scalloped edge. Example sequence for 70 sts: pattern works evenly when multiples align; if necessary adjust with last st. 8) Straps — 4 tiny I-cords (you will make two straps composed of two I-cords each for strength) Using 2.25mm DPNs or small circular and working with the right-side facing, CO 3 sts, work i-cord for 10-14 rows (about 2.5cm / 1") then leave live or BO and sew. Make 4 cords. Attach two cords to the front edge spaced evenly (about 4-6 sts apart), and two cords to the back, matching placement so each front cord lines up with a back cord to form a strap pair. Sew ends securely to inside of bodice. Alternatively, knit longer I-cords and fold to make double-thick straps, then attach. 9) Wings (optional simple lace wings) Cast on 15 sts on 2.25mm and work flat lace panel: Row 1 RS: k1, YO, k2tog, (k3, YO, k2tog) twice, k1 Row 2 WS: p all sts Repeat these 2 rows until panel reaches ~3.5-4cm length, ending on WS. BO loosely. Fold wing panel in half lengthwise and seam the inner curve, then gather slightly at the base and sew to back center of dress. Embellish with small beads or clear glue for sparkle. 10) Finishing Weave in ends. Block gently on a rounded form or foam to shape the skirt and wings (silicone-safe method: pin through foam under the garment; do not soak silicone doll). Attach beads or sequins to the skirt or bodice as desired. If using beads on yarn, thread them during knitting or sew afterward with sewing thread. 11) Fitting and adjustments If chest feels tight: add 2 sts per cm at the cast-on stage. To shorten/lengthen dress, add/subtract skirt rounds. To add sleeves, pick up sts around arm openings and knit tiny cap sleeves or add crochet trim.
Gently handwash garment, reshape and dry flat away from heat. Avoid prolonged contact with oily or coloured surfaces that could stain the yarn or affect silicone.
Pattern by PurlJam. Website: https://purljam.verde.uk. Support: team@verde.uk. Socials: #purljam.
Happy knitting! If you want this adapted for a slightly different chest size or a layered fairy gown version, please ask with your target measurements and I’ll provide modified cast-on and shaping counts.