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# Professional Knit Doll Pants (18-Inch Doll)
**Difficulty Level**: Intermediate (Short rows, knitting in the round)

This pattern provides a professional, seamless fit for 18-inch dolls. It uses basic geometric shapes (cylinders and circles) to create a functional garment with a shaped seat for realistic movement.

### 1. YARN & MATERIALS
*   **Yarn Weight**: DK (3)
    *   *Specifications*: Approx. 100 yards [91 m] of DK weight yarn.
*   **Needle Size**: 
    *   US 3 / 3.25 mm (for waistband)
    *   US 5 / 3.75 mm (for body/legs) - DPNs or 32" circular for Magic Loop.
*   **Essential Materials**:
    *   Stitch markers (one unique for Beginning of Round)
    *   Yarn needle for weaving ends
    *   Waste yarn or stitch holders
    *   Measuring tape

### 2. GAUGE
22 sts and 30 rows = 4" [10 cm] in stockinette stitch on US 5 needles.
[Verification: 1 inch = 5.5 sts | 60 sts = 10.9" | 68 sts = 12.3"]

### 3. BASIC COMPONENT PATTERNS
*Adaptation of simple shapes for garment construction:*

**THE WAISTBAND (Ribbed Ring):**
*   Using US 3 needles, CO 60 sts. Join for working in the round.
*   Rnds 1-6: (k1, p1) around. [60 sts]
*   Switch to US 5 needles.
*   Increase Rnd: (k7, m1, k8, m1) around. [68 sts]

**THE SEAT (Oval/Shaped Section):**
*   To accommodate the doll's seat, we use short rows:
    *   Row 1 (RS): k34, turn.
    *   Row 2 (WS): p34, turn.
    *   Row 3: k28, turn.
    *   Row 4: p28, turn.
*   Resume working in the round. Knit until piece measures 4.5" [11.5 cm] from CO edge at the center front.

**THE LEGS (Cylinders):**
*   **Divide for Legs**:
    *   Place first 34 sts on waste yarn (Leg 1).
    *   CO 4 sts using backward loop method (Gusset), k34 (Leg 2).
    *   Join Leg 2 to work in the round. [38 sts total for leg]
*   **Work Leg**:
    *   Knit in stockinette for 5.5" [14 cm] or desired length.
    *   Switch to US 3 needles. 
    *   Work (k1, p1) ribbing for 4 rounds.
    *   Bind off loosely in pattern.
*   **Finish Leg 1**: 
    *   Transfer 34 sts from waste yarn to US 5 needles.
    *   Pick up and k 4 sts from the gusset CO edge. [38 sts]
    *   Repeat leg instructions.

### 4. POPULAR STYLE VARIATIONS
*   **LEGGINGS**: Decrease 1 st at the beginning and end of the round every 1" [2.5 cm] down the leg for a tapered look.
*   **FLARED JEANS**: Increase 2 sts every 1" [2.5 cm] for the final 3" of the leg.
*   **JOGGERS**: Use a contrasting color for the waistband and the final 1" of ribbing at the ankle.

### 5. CONSTRUCTION TIPS
*   **Work Tightly**: Ensure your gauge is firm so the doll's cloth body doesn't show through the stitches.
*   **Short Rows**: When turning, use the "German Short Row" (double stitch) method or "Wrap and Turn" to prevent holes in the seat.
*   **Gusset**: Picking up the 4 gusset stitches on the second leg prevents a hole at the crotch.
*   **Pinning**: If adding pockets later, pin them while the pants are on the doll to ensure proper placement over the hips.

### 6. SIZE ADJUSTMENTS
*   **For 14.5" Dolls (Wellie Wishers)**: CO 44 sts. Decrease total hip count to 50 sts. Use US 3 needles throughout.
*   **For 20" Dolls**: Add 8 sts to the CO [68 sts total] and increase the rise by 1" [2.5 cm].
*   **Length**: The easiest way to customize is simply knitting the "Cylinder" (Leg) section longer or shorter before starting the cuff ribbing.

### 7. EMBELLISHMENTS
*   **Drawstring**: Thread a length of contrast yarn through the waistband ribbing.
*   **Faux Fly**: Use a yarn needle and matching yarn to duplicate stitch a "J" shape at the center front.
*   **Back Pockets**: Knit two 2" x 2" [5 cm x 5 cm] squares and sew to the seat using a whip stitch.

### 8. ABBREVIATIONS
*   **CO**: Cast on
*   **k**: Knit
*   **p**: Purl
*   **m1**: Make 1 (increase)
*   **sts**: Stitches
*   **Rnd**: Round
*   **RS/WS**: Right Side / Wrong Side