Type
Knitting
Difficulty
beginner
Category
hat
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The goal is a classic, stretchy beanie for an 18-inch doll (e.g., American Girl dolls). These dolls typically have a head circumference of approximately 11" (28 cm). Using DK weight yarn on US 6 (4.0 mm) needles creates a supple fabric with good stitch definition. A k2p2 ribbing is selected for the entire body to ensure a snug fit over various doll hairstyles.
2. **Construction Plan**: The hat will be worked seamlessly in the round from the brim up. This eliminates bulky seams that can look out of scale on small dolls. We will use a circular needle (12" or Magic Loop) or Double Pointed Needles (DPNs).
3. **Quality Assurance**: Common pitfalls for doll knits include making the hat too shallow or the cast-on edge too tight. I will specify a stretchy cast-on and provide a height measurement that covers the doll's ears. The crown decreases are calculated to maintain the ribbing logic as long as possible for a professional finish.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* Target circumference: 10" (25.5 cm) (allowing for ~1" negative ease).
* Gauge: 5.5 sts per inch in k2p2 ribbing.
* Calculation: 10" x 5.5 sts = 55 sts.
* Adjustment: To accommodate a k2p2 rib (multiple of 4), we will cast on **56 stitches**.
* Height: 4" (10 cm) total height before crown closure.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: All sections (Materials, Gauge, Instructions, Crown) included.
2. **Consistency**: 56 stitches is a multiple of 4 (56 / 4 = 14 repeats), which works for k2p2 ribbing.
3. **Constraints**: Specifically uses US 6 needles and DK yarn as requested for an 18-inch doll.
4. **Safety**: Math verified: 56 sts at 5.5 spi = 10.18 inches. Crown decreases reduce logically to 7 stitches for a clean closure.
Pattern
# Basic Ribbed Beanie for 18-Inch Dolls A simple, classic wardrobe staple designed to fit 18-inch dolls (such as American Girl). This beginner-friendly pattern uses k2p2 ribbing for excellent stretch and a professional look. ### Materials * **Yarn**: Approximately 40-50 yards of DK weight yarn (Category 3). * **Needles**: US 6 / 4.0 mm circular needles (using Magic Loop) or a set of Double Pointed Needles (DPNs). * **Notions**: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors. Optional: Small pompom. ### Specifications * **Gauge**: 22 sts and 30 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in k2p2 ribbing, slightly stretched. [Math: 22 sts / 4" = 5.5 sts per inch]. * **Size**: To fit 18-inch doll head (approx. 11" circumference). * **Finished Circumference**: 10.2 inches (26 cm) unstretched. ### Abbreviations (US) * **k**: knit * **p**: purl * **k2tog**: knit two stitches together (decrease) * **p2tog**: purl two stitches together (decrease) * **st(s)**: stitch(es) * **rep**: repeat * **rnd(s)**: round(s) --- ### Instructions #### Brim and Body Cast on **56 stitches** using a stretchy method (such as the Long Tail Cast-on). Place marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. [Math: 56 is divisible by 4; 56 / 4 = 14 repeats of k2p2]. **Rnd 1**: *k2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd. Repeat Rnd 1 until the piece measures **3.5 inches (9 cm)** from the cast-on edge. #### Crown Shaping *Note: Switch to DPNs when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles.* **Rnd 1 (Decrease)**: *k2, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. [42 sts remaining]. [Math: 56 sts - 14 decreases = 42 sts]. **Rnd 2**: *k2, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. **Rnd 3 (Decrease)**: *k2tog, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. [28 sts remaining]. [Math: 42 sts - 14 decreases = 28 sts]. **Rnd 4 (Decrease)**: *k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. [14 sts remaining]. [Math: 28 / 2 = 14 sts]. **Rnd 5 (Decrease)**: *k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. [7 sts remaining]. [Math: 14 / 2 = 7 sts]. #### Finishing Cut the yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20 cm) tail. Use a tapestry needle to thread the tail through the remaining 7 stitches. Pull tight to close the top of the hat. Secure the yarn on the inside of the hat and weave in all ends. Block lightly if desired. Attach a small pompom to the top for extra style.
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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