purlJam

# Pattern: The Simple Shapes Doll Ensemble
**Difficulty**: Intermediate
**Scale**: Sized for a 12" (30 cm) doll or plushie.

### 1. YARN & MATERIALS
*   **Yarn Weight**: DK (3) Light Worsted.
*   **Hook Size**: US E-4 (3.5 mm).
*   **Essential Materials**: 
    *   Yarn needle for assembly.
    *   Stitch marker.
    *   1 small button (approx. 10 mm) for tunic back.
*   **Gauge**: 5 sc = 1" (2.5 cm).

### 2. ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)
*   **ch**: chain
*   **sc**: single crochet
*   **inc**: increase (2 sc in one stitch)
*   **dec**: invisible decrease (sc2tog)
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **sl st**: slip stitch

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### 3. THE "SIMPLE SHAPE" BEANIE (Modified Sphere)
*This uses the Sphere logic from the template, stopped halfway to create a cap.*

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6].
**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12].
**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18].
**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24].
**Rnd 5**: (3 sc, inc) around [30].
**Rnd 6**: (4 sc, inc) around [36].
**Rnds 7–12**: sc around [36]. (6 rounds of even sc to create depth).
**Rnd 13**: sl st in each st around for a clean edge. 
Fasten off and weave in ends.

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### 4. THE "SIMPLE SHAPE" TUNIC (Modified Cylinder)
*This uses the Cylinder logic, modified with a split opening for the head and armholes.*

**Bodice (Worked in Rows)**:
**Row 1**: Ch 21. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [20]
**Row 2**: Ch 1, turn. (4 sc, inc) 4 times. [24]
**Row 3**: Ch 1, turn. (3 sc, inc) 6 times. [30]
*Math Check: (3+1) * 6 = 24... wait, (3+1) * 6 = 24. For 30: (4 sc, inc) 6 times = 30.* 
**Correction**: Row 3: (4 sc, inc) 6 times. [30]

**Armhole Row**:
**Row 4**: Ch 1, turn. 4 sc (back panel), ch 6, skip 6 sts (armhole), 10 sc (front panel), ch 6, skip 6 sts (armhole), 4 sc (back panel). [30 sts including chains]

**Transition to Rounds**:
**Rnd 5**: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc and each ch around. At the end of the row, do NOT turn. Sl st to the first sc of Row 5 to join. [30]
*Note: From here, you are working in a continuous Cylinder.*

**The Skirt**:
**Rnd 6**: (4 sc, inc) around [36].
**Rnds 7–15**: sc around [36].
**Rnd 16**: (5 sc, inc) around [42].
**Rnds 17–18**: sc around [42].
Fasten off. 

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### 5. CONSTRUCTION & FINISHING
*   **Tunic Closure**: Attach a small button to the top left of the back opening (Row 1). The stitches on the opposite side are naturally loose enough to act as a buttonhole, or you can sew a small yarn loop.
*   **Embellishments**: 
    *   **Surface Slip Stitch**: Using a contrasting color, add a line of surface slip stitches around Rnd 15 of the tunic for a decorative border.
    *   **French Knots**: Add three French knots to the center-front of the bodice to mimic "buttons."
*   **Pro-Tip**: When working the skirt, keep your stitches tight to maintain the "Simple Shape" structure, ensuring the cylinder doesn't warp.

### 6. SIZE ADJUSTMENTS
*   **For 18" Dolls (Larger)**: Follow the Beanie pattern until Rnd 8 (48 sts) before working even rounds. For the Tunic, start with a Ch 31 and increase proportionally.
*   **For Keychains**: Use the Sphere pattern exactly as written in the template (Rnds 1–11) to create a tiny "pom-pom" style hat for a miniature figure.