purlJam

# Simple Knitted Shapes & Doll Leggings

This is a beginner-friendly pattern designed for 12-inch (30.5cm) soft-bodied dolls and simple knitted objects. It uses basic knitting techniques (Knit, Purl, K2tog) and simple construction.

### Essential Materials
*   **Yarn**: DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn (approx. 25-50g)
*   **Needles**: 3.25mm (UK 10 / US 3) - using a slightly smaller needle than the ball band suggests creates a firmer fabric for toys.
*   **Extras**: Fibre puff/Polyester stuffing (for shapes), yarn needle, stitch markers, and a stitch holder or spare length of yarn.

### Tension (Gauge)
24 sts and 32 rows = 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch on 3.25mm needles.
*(Note: Tension is critical for the leggings to fit the doll; for shapes, a tight fabric is more important than exact size.)*

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## 1. Basic Shape Patterns (Flat-Knitted)

### SPHERE (for balls, heads, round objects)
*   Cast on 6 sts.
*   **Row 1 (WS)**: Purl.
*   **Row 2 (RS)**: (Inc 1 in every st) to end [12 sts].
*   **Row 3**: Purl.
*   **Row 4**: (K1, inc 1) to end [18 sts].
*   **Row 5**: Purl.
*   **Row 6**: (K2, inc 1) to end [24 sts].
*   **Rows 7-13**: Work in stocking stitch (K on RS, P on WS).
*   **Row 14**: (K2, k2tog) to end [18 sts].
*   **Row 15**: Purl.
*   **Row 16**: (K1, k2tog) to end [12 sts].
*   **Row 17**: Purl.
*   **Row 18**: (K2tog) to end [6 sts].
*   Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and sew side seam, stuffing before closing.

### CYLINDER/TUBE (for limbs or simple bodies)
*   Cast on 12 sts.
*   Work in stocking stitch until piece measures desired length.
*   Cast off.
*   Fold lengthways and sew seam to create a tube; stuff firmly.

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## 2. Featured Pattern: 12-Inch Baby Doll Leggings

**Difficulty Level**: Beginner
**Sizing**: Fits standard 12-inch (30.5cm) soft-bodied baby dolls.

### Waist and Body
Cast on 52 sts using 3.25mm needles.
*   **Rows 1-4 (Ribbing)**: (K1, P1) to end.
*   **Row 5 (RS)**: Knit.
*   **Row 6 (WS)**: Purl.
*   Continue in stocking stitch until work measures 8cm (approx. 3.2 inches) from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

### Divide for Legs
*   **Next Row (RS)**: K26, turn, leaving remaining 26 sts on a stitch holder or spare length of yarn.

### First Leg
*   Work on these 26 sts only.
*   **Next Row (WS)**: Purl.
*   Work in stocking stitch until leg measures 9cm (3.5 inches) from the division.
*   **Next Row (RS)**: (K1, P1) rib for 4 rows.
*   Cast off loosely in rib.

### Second Leg (Incorporating User Snippet)
**Leaving a long yarn tail to use for finish work later, pick up stitches from holder or spare length of yarn, starting at crotch, and knit as for first leg.**

*   **Setup**: With RS facing, rejoin yarn at the crotch edge. K26 from the holder. [Stitch count: 26 sts].
*   **Row 1 (WS)**: Purl.
*   Work in stocking stitch until leg measures 9cm (3.5 inches) from the division.
*   **Next Row (RS)**: (K1, P1) rib for 4 rows.
*   Cast off loosely in rib.

### Finishing
*   **Weave in all loose ends.**
*   **At crotch area, use yarn tail** to sew the inner leg seams and the back body seam using mattress stitch for a professional finish. Ensure you close the small gap at the crotch where the legs divided by taking a few extra small stitches there.
*   Turn right side out and fit onto doll.

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## 3. Construction Tips
*   **Invisible Seams**: Use mattress stitch to join knitted pieces. It creates a seamless look essential for professional-grade doll clothes.
*   **Stuffing Shapes**: For the "Sphere" or "Cylinder," tease the fibre fill apart before stuffing to avoid lumps.
*   **Tight Knitting**: If you can see the needles through your stitches, your tension is too loose. Drop down to a 3.0mm needle to ensure the doll's "skin" doesn't show through the fabric.
*   **Safety**: If making these for a child under 3, ensure all seams are double-reinforced and do not use safety eyes (embroider the features instead).