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# Marilyn Monroe Amigurumi Doll (Seven Year Itch)

This advanced-level crochet pattern will guide you in creating an iconic Marilyn Monroe amigurumi doll, standing approximately 6 inches (15 cm) tall, dressed in her famous white "Seven Year Itch" dress. This project involves detailed shaping, multiple small parts, and precise assembly, perfect for experienced crocheters.

**Difficulty Level:** Advanced

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**Materials**

*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Size 4, Medium)
    *   Color A: Skin Tone (approx. 30 yards / 27 meters)
    *   Color B: White (approx. 50 yards / 45 meters)
    *   Color C: Blonde/Yellow (approx. 20 yards / 18 meters)
    *   Color D: Red (small amount for lips)
    *   Color E: Black (small amount for embroidery)
*   **Hook:** US C/2 (2.75 mm) or US D/3 (3.25 mm) – *Choose a hook size that gives you a very tight fabric to prevent stuffing from showing through.*
*   **Stuffing:** Polyester fiberfill
*   **Notions:**
    *   Stitch markers (at least 2)
    *   Tapestry needle
    *   Embroidery needle
    *   Small scissors
    *   Optional: Wire for arm posing (if desired, use thin floral wire)

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**Gauge**

8 sc and 8 rows = 1 inch (2.54 cm) using the specified hook and worsted weight yarn.
*Ensure your gauge is tight for amigurumi to prevent stuffing from showing.*

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**Finished Size**

Approximately 6 inches (15 cm) tall.

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**Abbreviations (US Terminology)**

*   **MR:** Magic Ring
*   **ch:** Chain
*   **sl st:** Slip Stitch
*   **sc:** Single Crochet
*   **hdc:** Half Double Crochet
*   **dc:** Double Crochet
*   **inc:** Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
*   **dec:** Decrease (sc2tog – single crochet two stitches together)
*   **invdec:** Invisible Decrease (insert hook into front loop of first stitch, then into front loop of second stitch, yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
*   **FLO:** Front Loop Only
*   **BLO:** Back Loop Only
*   **F.O.:** Fasten Off
*   **Rnd(s):** Round(s)
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **(\_)\_x:** Repeat instruction in parentheses the specified number of times.
*   **[ ]:** Stitch count at the end of the round/row.

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**Pattern Notes**

*   Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified. Do not join rounds with a slip stitch or chain unless instructed. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.
*   For a neater finish in amigurumi, use the invisible decrease (invdec).
*   Stuff parts firmly as you go, ensuring a smooth, even shape.
*   All parts are worked in Color A (Skin Tone) unless specified.
*   Turning chains do NOT count as a stitch unless specified.

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**Instructions**

**HEAD (Color A)**

Start with Color A.
**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. [6 sts]
**Rnd 2:** (inc) x 6. [12 sts]
**Rnd 3:** (1 sc, inc) x 6. [18 sts]
**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) x 6. [24 sts]
**Rnd 5:** (3 sc, inc) x 6. [30 sts]
**Rnd 6:** (4 sc, inc) x 6. [36 sts]
**Rnd 7-13:** Sc in each st around. (7 rounds) [36 sts]
*At this point, the head measures approx. 1.6 inches (4 cm) from the top. Begin stuffing firmly.*
**Rnd 14:** (4 sc, invdec) x 6. [30 sts]
**Rnd 15:** (3 sc, invdec) x 6. [24 sts]
**Rnd 16:** (2 sc, invdec) x 6. [18 sts]
**Rnd 17:** (1 sc, invdec) x 6. [12 sts]
**Rnd 18:** (invdec) x 6. [6 sts]
F.O. leaving a long tail for closing and sewing. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.
*Head height approx. 2.25 inches (5.7 cm).*

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**HAIR (Color C - Blonde)**

Start with Color C. Work in rounds, shaping to be a "wig cap".
**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. [6 sts]
**Rnd 2:** (inc) x 6. [12 sts]
**Rnd 3:** (1 sc, inc) x 6. [18 sts]
**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) x 6. [24 sts]
**Rnd 5:** (3 sc, inc) x 6. [30 sts]
**Rnd 6:** (4 sc, inc) x 6. [36 sts]
**Rnd 7-10:** Sc in each st around. (4 rounds) [36 sts]
*This forms the base of the wig cap. Try it on the head. It should cover the top half.*
**Rnd 11:** (For shaping the front/side curls)
*   Sc in next 3 sts, (hdc, dc) in next st, (dc, hdc) in next st, sc in next 2 sts.
*   (sl st in next st, ch 2, dc in same st, ch 2, sl st in same st) x 2 – *This creates two small "swoops" for side curls.*
*   Sc in next 2 sts, (hdc, dc) in next st, (dc, hdc) in next st, sc in next 3 sts.
*   Sc in remaining 18 sts. [Approx 36 sts, some may be hidden under curls]
F.O. leaving a long tail for sewing.

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**BODY & DRESS**

Start with Color A.
**Neck:**
**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. [6 sts]
**Rnd 2:** (inc) x 6. [12 sts]
**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) x 6. [18 sts]
**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) x 6. [24 sts]
**Rnd 5:** Sc in each st around. [24 sts]
**Rnd 6:** (2 sc, invdec) x 6. [18 sts]
**Rnd 7:** (sc, invdec) x 6. [12 sts]
**Rnd 8:** Sc in each st around. [12 sts]
*Stuff the neck firmly.*

**Torso:**
**Rnd 9:** (1 sc, inc) x 6. [18 sts]
**Rnd 10:** (2 sc, inc) x 6. [24 sts]
**Rnd 11:** Sc in each st around. [24 sts]
**Rnd 12:** (3 sc, inc) x 6. [30 sts]
**Rnd 13:** Sc in each st around. [30 sts]
**Rnd 14:** Sc in each st around. [30 sts]
*Stuff torso firmly as you go.*

**Dress - Skirt Flare (Color B - White)**
*Switch to Color B at the end of Rnd 14.*
**Rnd 15 (waistline):** In BLO, sc in each st around. [30 sts] *This creates a subtle ridge for the waist.*
**Rnd 16:** (4 sc, inc) x 6. [36 sts]
**Rnd 17:** (5 sc, inc) x 6. [42 sts]
**Rnd 18:** (6 sc, inc) x 6. [48 sts]
**Rnd 19:** (7 sc, inc) x 6. [54 sts]
**Rnd 20:** Sc in each st around. [54 sts]
**Rnd 21:** (8 sc, inc) x 6. [60 sts]
**Rnd 22-30:** Sc in each st around. (9 rounds) [60 sts]
*Continue stuffing the body and the top of the dress skirt firmly as you go.*
F.O. and weave in ends.
*Body & Dress height approx. 3.75 inches (9.5 cm). Total height with head approx. 6 inches (15.2 cm).*

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**ARMS (Make 2 - Color A)**

Start with Color A.
**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. [6 sts]
**Rnd 2:** (inc) x 6. [12 sts]
**Rnd 3:** Sc in each st around. [12 sts]
**Rnd 4:** (invdec) x 2, sc in next 8 sts. [10 sts] *Creates a slight thumb bump.*
**Rnd 5:** Sc in each st around. [10 sts]
**Rnd 6:** (invdec) x 1, sc in next 8 sts. [9 sts]
**Rnd 7-14:** Sc in each st around. (8 rounds) [9 sts]
*Lightly stuff the hand and lower arm. Leave the upper arm unstuffed or very lightly stuffed for easier attachment.*
F.O. leaving a long tail for sewing.

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**Finishing**

1.  **Attach Head to Body:** Using the tail from the Head, sew the Head to the Neck opening. Ensure the head is centered and securely attached, allowing for good posture. Add more stuffing if needed before fully closing.
2.  **Attach Hair:** Position the wig cap (Hair piece) onto the Head. The "swoops" from Rnd 11 should frame the face. Sew the hair securely to the head, making sure it sits correctly.
3.  **Attach Arms:** Pin the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck. Ensure they are evenly placed. Sew them securely using the long tails, weaving in any remaining ends.
4.  **Facial Features (Embroidery):**
    *   **Eyes:** Using Color E (Black) embroidery floss, embroider small, closed "V" or "U" shaped eyes, or simple horizontal lines, representing eyelashes, approx. on Rnd 9 or 10 of the Head.
    *   **Eyebrows:** Embroider thin, slightly arched eyebrows above the eyes with Color C (Blonde) floss.
    *   **Lips:** Using Color D (Red) embroidery floss, embroider small, pouty lips just below the eyes. Aim for a classic "Marilyn" shape.
    *   **Beauty Mark:** Using Color E (Black) floss, embroider a tiny French knot or small dot above the lip, slightly to one side.
5.  **Final Adjustments:** Inspect your doll for any loose threads or uneven stuffing. Gently shape the dress and arms as desired.

Your Marilyn Monroe Amigurumi Doll is complete!

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*(This pattern is for personal use only. Please do not sell or distribute this pattern. Finished items made from this pattern may be sold with credit to the designer.)*