Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
bag
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The goal is to create a miniaturized version of a classic Market Tote Bag suitable for an 18-inch doll (such as American Girl dolls). To maintain the "Market Bag" aesthetic, I will use a simple Eyelet Mesh pattern (yo, k2tog) which provides stretch and visual interest. The DK weight yarn on US 6 needles will create a slightly open, airy fabric that scales well to the doll's size.
2. **Construction Plan**: The bag will be worked from the bottom up in the round to eliminate side seams. We will begin with a flat base or a simple seamed bottom for beginner ease. For this pattern, we will cast on the full circumference, work the body, and use a simple whipstitch to close the bottom at the end, which is the most accessible method for beginners. Handles will be integrated into the final rounds using a bind-off/cast-on method to ensure they are sturdy and cannot be easily pulled off during play.
3. **Quality Assurance**: Common pitfalls in doll accessories include making the handles too long (causing the bag to drag on the floor) or making the mesh too loose (causing small doll accessories to fall out). I will keep the mesh scale tight enough for doll-sized items and limit the handle drop to approximately 1.5 inches.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Gauge**: Approx 20 sts = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette; mesh will expand slightly.
* **Width**: 3.5" (8.9 cm) flat / 7" (17.8 cm) circumference.
* **Stitch count**: 36 stitches (Multiple of 2 required for mesh).
* **Height**: 3.5" (8.9 cm) total including handles.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: All sections (Materials, Gauge, Pattern, Finishing) are included.
2. **Consistency**: 36 stitches at 5 sts/inch = 7.2" circumference, which matches the target size for an 18-inch doll accessory.
3. **Constraints**: Uses US 6 needles and DK yarn as requested. Follows US terminology.
4. **Safety**: Verified that the mesh repeat (yo, k2tog) is a multiple of 2, and 36 is divisible by 2. Verified handle placement: 36 total sts / 2 sides = 18 sts per side. Handle: Bind off 6, leave 6 on each side (6+6+6 = 18). Math is consistent.
Pattern
# Mini Market Tote for 18-Inch Dolls
A tiny, stretchy market bag perfect for doll-sized trips to the farmer's market. This project is a great introduction to lace (yarn overs) and knitting in the round.
**Difficulty Level:** Beginner
**Size:** Fits 18-inch dolls (approx. 3.5" wide by 3" tall, excluding handles)
### Materials
* **Yarn:** DK weight cotton yarn (approx. 20–25 yards). Cotton is recommended for a sturdy, non-stretch handle.
* **Needles:** US 6 (4.0 mm) Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) or a long circular needle for Magic Loop.
* **Notions:** 1 Stitch marker, tapestry needle.
### Gauge
20 sts and 28 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch.
*(Note: Gauge is not critical for this project, but a looser gauge will result in a larger bag.)*
### Abbreviations
* **k:** knit
* **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
* **rnd(s):** round(s)
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **yo:** yarn over (increase)
---
### Instructions
#### Base and Body
Cast on 36 sts. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.
*(Validation: 36 sts / 5 sts per inch = 7.2 inch circumference.)*
**Rnds 1–3:** Knit all sts. (Garter or Seed stitch is not used here to keep it simple for beginners; the bottom will be seamed flat later).
**Rnd 4 (Mesh Round):** *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to end of rnd.
*(Validation: yo + k2tog uses 2 sts. 36 / 2 = 18 repeats.)*
**Rnd 5:** Knit all sts.
Repeat Rnds 4 and 5 until the piece measures 2.5" (6.4 cm) from cast-on edge, ending after a Rnd 5.
**Next 2 Rnds:** Knit all sts.
#### Handles
**Rnd 1 (Setup):** K6, bind off 6 sts, k12 (including the one st already on needle after bind off), bind off 6 sts, k6.
*(Validation: 6 (k) + 6 (off) + 12 (k) + 6 (off) + 6 (k) = 36 sts total.)*
**Rnd 2:** K6, cast on 10 sts using the backward loop method, k12, cast on 10 sts, k6.
*(Validation: 36 - 12 + 20 = 44 sts now on needle.)*
**Rnd 3:** Knit all sts.
Bind off all stitches loosely.
---
### Finishing
1. Turn the bag inside out.
2. Align the cast-on edge flat. Using a tapestry needle and the yarn tail, whipstitch the bottom edge closed.
*(Technical Note: Seaming the bottom ensures the bag can hold small doll accessories without them slipping through a cinched bottom.)*
3. Weave in all ends.
4. Lightly steam or block if desired to open up the mesh pattern.
**Final Dimensions Check:**
* Width: 3.5" (8.9 cm)
* Height: 3" (7.6 cm) body + 1.5" (3.8 cm) handle drop.
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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