purlJam

<pattern>

# Cute Cheerleader Doll with Crocheted Eyes

A charming amigurumi cheerleader doll complete with uniform, ponytails, and spirit! This advanced pattern features detailed shaping, color work, crocheted eyes, and multiple components for a polished finished product. Perfect for gift-giving or celebrating your favorite team.

**Finished Size:** Approximately 12 inches tall

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  - Skin tone (beige/tan): 100 yards
  - Hair color (yellow, brown, black, etc.): 80 yards
  - Uniform color 1 (main team color): 60 yards
  - Uniform color 2 (accent team color): 40 yards
  - White: 30 yards
  - Black: small amount for pupils
  - White: small amount for eye whites

**Hook:** 
- US size G/6 (4.0 mm) for main work
- US size B/1 (2.25 mm) for crocheted eyes

**Other Supplies:**
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Embroidery floss in black and pink for facial details
- Small amount of wire (optional, for poseable arms)
- Fabric glue (optional)

**Gauge:**
18 sts × 20 rounds = 4 inches in sc with larger hook

*Gauge is important for achieving correct proportions and finished size.*

## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- BLO = back loop only
- FLO = front loop only
- mr = magic ring
- ( ) = work instructions within parentheses in stitch indicated
- [ ] = repeat instructions within brackets specified number of times

## PATTERN NOTES

1. All pieces are worked in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to track beginning of rounds.

2. Do not join or turn at end of rounds unless instructed.

3. Stuff pieces firmly as you go, especially before openings become too small.

4. The turning chain does not count as a stitch.

5. Use invisible decrease method for neat shaping.

6. Stitch count at end of each round is shown in parentheses.

7. For color changes, complete last stitch of old color until 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color and pull through to complete stitch.

## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Loop Stitch (for hair):** Insert hook in stitch, wrap yarn around finger to create loop, pull both strands through stitch (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Pull gently to secure.

## INSTRUCTIONS

### HEAD (Skin Tone)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] 6 times (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30)
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] 6 times (36)
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] 6 times (42)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] 6 times (48)
Rnds 9-16: sc in each st around (48) — 8 rounds even
Rnd 17: [6 sc, dec] 6 times (42)
Rnd 18: [5 sc, dec] 6 times (36)
Rnd 19: [4 sc, dec] 6 times (30)
Rnd 20: [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24)
Rnd 21: [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18)

Stuff head firmly.

Rnd 22: [sc, dec] 6 times (12)
Rnd 23: [dec] 6 times (6)

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

### CROCHETED EYES (Make 2)

Using smaller hook (B/1, 2.25 mm):

**Pupil (Black):**
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)
Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing.

**Iris (Choose eye color - blue, green, brown, etc.):**
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] 6 times (12)
Fasten off, leaving long tail.

**Eye White (White):**
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] 6 times (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times (18)
Fasten off, leaving long tail.

**Assembly:** 
- Center black pupil on iris and sew in place
- Center iris/pupil on white base and sew in place
- Position eyes on head between rnds 11-15, approximately 6-8 sts apart
- Sew securely to head
- Optional: Add small white highlight with white embroidery floss

### BODY

**Lower Body/Skirt Section (Start with Uniform Color 1):**

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] 6 times (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30)
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] 6 times (36)
Rnd 7: sc in each st around (36)
Rnd 8: BLO sc in each st around (36) — creates edge for skirt

**Skirt Ruffle:**
Working in FLO of Rnd 7: Join Uniform Color 2, [3 dc in same st, sl st in next st] 18 times. Fasten off.

Continue on body in Uniform Color 1:

Rnds 9-11: sc in each st around (36) — 3 rounds
Rnd 12: [4 sc, dec] 6 times (30)
Rnds 13-14: sc in each st around (30)

**Top Section (White for midriff, then Uniform Color 1):**

Rnd 15: With White, sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 16: Switch to Uniform Color 1, sc in each st around (30)
Rnds 17-18: sc in each st around (30)
Rnd 19: [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24)
Rnds 20-21: sc in each st around (24)

Stuff body firmly.

Rnd 22: [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18)
Rnd 23: sc in each st around (18)

Fasten off, leaving long tail for attaching head.

**Cheerleader Top Detail:**
With Uniform Color 2, embroider a letter or number on front of top using duplicate stitch or chain stitch embroidery.

### ARMS (Make 2, Skin Tone)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] 6 times (12)
Rnds 3-5: sc in each st around (12) — 3 rounds (hand)
Rnd 6: [2 sc, dec] 3 times (9)
Rnds 7-16: sc in each st around (9) — 10 rounds (arm)

Stuff hand and lower arm lightly. If making poseable, insert wire now.

Rnd 17: [sc, dec] 3 times (6)

Flatten opening and sc through both layers to close (3 sc). Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

**Sleeve (Uniform Color 1):**
Join yarn to Rnd 6 of arm (where it narrows).
Rnd 1: sc in each st around (9)
Rnd 2: [2 sc, inc] 3 times (12)
Rnd 3: [3 sc, inc] 3 times (15)
Rnd 4: With Uniform Color 2, [sl st, ch 2, dc, ch 2, sl st] in same st, skip 2 sts; repeat around for ruffle edge.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

### LEGS (Make 2)

**Shoe (White):**
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] 6 times (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times (18)
Rnd 4: BLO sc in each st around (18)
Rnds 5-6: sc in each st around (18)
Rnd 7: 4 sc, [dec] 5 times, 4 sc (13)
Rnd 8: 4 sc, [dec] 2 times, 5 sc (11)

**Sock (White):**
Rnds 9-10: sc in each st around (11)

**Leg (Skin Tone):**
Rnd 11: Switch to Skin Tone, sc in each st around (11)
Rnds 12-24: sc in each st around (11) — 13 rounds

Stuff leg firmly.

Rnd 25: [sc, dec] 3 times, 2 sc (8)

Flatten opening and sc through both layers to close (4 sc). Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

**Shoe Detail:**
With Uniform Color 1, embroider laces or stripes on shoes using straight stitches.

### HAIR

**Base Cap (Hair Color):**
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)
Rnd 2: [inc] 6 times (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30)
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] 6 times (36)
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] 6 times (42)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] 6 times (48)
Rnds 9-16: sc in each st around (48) — 8 rounds

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

**Ponytails (Make 2):**

Method 1 - Loop Stitch:
Ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 4 ch.
Row 1: Ch 1, working on opposite side of foundation ch, work loop stitch in each of next 5 ch.
Rows 2-10: Ch 1, turn, loop stitch in each st across (5 loop sts per row)
Fasten off. Roll and sew to create ponytail shape.

Method 2 - Fringe (Alternative):
Cut 30-40 strands of yarn, each 8 inches long. Fold in half and attach using fringe method to create fluffy ponytail. Tie with matching yarn 1 inch from base.

**Bangs (Optional):**
Cut 15-20 strands of yarn, each 3 inches long. Attach along front hairline between eyes using latch hook or fringe method. Trim to desired length.

### POM-POMS (Make 2 in Uniform Colors)

Using traditional yarn pom-pom method:

1. Cut two cardboard circles 2 inches in diameter with 0.75 inch hole in center
2. Hold circles together and wrap yarn around repeatedly (mix Color 1 and Color 2)
3. Cut around outer edge between cardboard pieces
4. Tie tightly in center with long strand
5. Remove cardboard and trim to round shape
6. Leave long ties for attaching to hands

Alternative - Crocheted Pom-Pom Base:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)
Fasten off. Attach multiple 3-inch yarn strands all around the circle. Fluff and trim.

### FACIAL FEATURES

**Mouth:** 
With pink embroidery floss, embroider a small smile between rnds 14-16, centered below eyes.

**Eyebrows (Optional):**
With hair color, embroider small curved lines above each eye.

**Cheeks (Optional):**
Lightly apply pink chalk or blush with cotton swab for rosy cheeks.

## ASSEMBLY

1. **Attach head to body:** Position head over body opening, aligning faces. Pin in place. Using yarn needle and long tail from body, sew head securely to body using whip stitch or mattress stitch all around. Weave in ends.

2. **Attach arms:** Position arms at shoulders (rnds 21-23 of body), angled slightly downward. Pin in place. Sew securely, going through body to ensure stability. Weave in ends.

3. **Attach legs:** Position legs at bottom front of body for sitting position, or bottom for standing position. Sew securely to rnds 1-3 of body. For standing doll, ensure legs are positioned to balance weight. Weave in ends.

4. **Attach hair cap:** Position hair cap on head, with front edge just above eyes. Pin in place. Sew all around edge using whip stitch. Weave in ends.

5. **Attach ponytails:** Position one ponytail on each side of head at ear level (approximately rnd 13 of head). Sew securely. Optional: Wrap base of each ponytail with yarn or add small ribbon bow.

6. **Attach pom-poms:** Sew or tie one pom-pom to each