purlJam

# Seamless Baby Doll Trousers
This is a beginner-friendly knitting pattern for doll trousers, following the "Simple Shapes" philosophy. By treating the garment as a series of cylinders, we eliminate complex shaping and sewing.

### 1. Yarn & Materials
*   **Yarn weight**: DK (Light Worsted / Group 3)
*   **Needle size**: 4.0 mm (UK 8) circular needles (80 cm for Magic Loop) or a set of 4.0 mm Double Pointed Needles (DPNs).
*   **Tension**: 22 sts and 30 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in Stocking Stitch.
*   **Essential materials**:
    *   Stitch markers
    *   Yarn needle for weaving in ends
    *   Measuring tape

### 2. Basic Shape Logic: The Double Cylinder
This pattern uses the **CYLINDER** shape from the template:
*   **Main Body**: One large cylinder (52 sts) worked for the torso.
*   **Legs**: Two smaller cylinders (26 sts each) worked for the limbs.

### 3. Pattern Instructions

**Waistband**
Using 4.0 mm needles, cast on **52 stitches**. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker for the beginning of the round (BOR).
*   **Rnds 1-6**: (k1, p1) ribbing around. [52 sts]
*(Verification: 52 sts / 2.2 sts per cm = 23.6 cm circumference)*

**Body**
*   **Rnds 7-22**: Knit all stitches (Stocking Stitch).
*   Continue until the piece measures **7 cm (approx. 2.75 inches)** from the cast-on edge.
*(Note: Soft-bodied dolls need a high rise to cover their cloth bottoms.)*

**Leg Division**
You will now split the work into two legs.
*   **Next Rnd**: Knit 26 stitches. Place the remaining 26 stitches on a stitch holder or scrap yarn. 

**First Leg**
Work only on the first 26 stitches. If using Magic Loop, adjust your cable; if using DPNs, divide them across 3 needles.
*   **Rnd 1**: Knit 26 sts. At the end of the round, cast on **2 new stitches** using the backward loop method (this creates the crotch bridge). [28 sts]
*   **Rnds 2-15**: Knit all stitches until the leg measures **5 cm (2 inches)** from the division point, or desired length.
*   **Rnd 16**: (k1, p1) ribbing around.
*   **Cast off** loosely in rib.

**Second Leg**
Reattach yarn to the remaining 26 stitches on the holder.
*   **Rnd 1**: Knit 26 sts. Pick up and knit **2 stitches** from the cast-on bridge of the first leg to prevent a hole. [28 sts]
*   **Rnds 2-15**: Knit all stitches until the leg matches the first.
*   **Rnd 16**: (k1, p1) ribbing around.
*   **Cast off** loosely in rib.

### 4. Construction Tips
*   **The Crotch Gap**: Even with picking up stitches, a tiny hole may appear at the join. Use the yarn tail from the leg attachment to sew this closed from the inside.
*   **Seamlessness**: Working in the round ensures there are no bulky seams to irritate the doll or catch on its soft body.
*   **Tension Check**: Beginners often knit loosely. If your fabric looks "holey," move down to 3.75 mm needles.

### 5. Size Adjustments
*   **Larger (15-inch doll)**: Cast on 60 stitches. Increase the body length to 9 cm.
*   **Shorts version**: Work only 3 rounds of knitting for the legs before switching to the final ribbing.

### 6. Embellishments
*   **Faux Drawstring**: Thread a length of contrasting yarn through the waistband ribbing and tie in a bow.
*   **Colour Blocking**: Change yarn colour at the leg division for a "leggings and socks" look.
*   **Knee Patches**: Use a yarn needle to embroider small squares of Duplicate Stitch on the knees after finishing.

### 7. Technical Summary
*   **Cast on**: 52 sts
*   **Body circumference**: 23.6 cm
*   **Leg circumference**: 12.7 cm (after bridge increase)
*   **Total Height**: ~12 cm (approx. 4.75 inches)