Clothes only- Lilly and May Sweet dreams set

Lilly and May Sweet Dreams Set by Claire Fairall

Overview

The Lilly and May Sweet Dreams Set is a collection of knitted doll clothes designed to fit Lilly and May dolls. Created by independent designer Claire Fairall, this downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for making a complete sleepwear and loungewear wardrobe in intermediate-level knitting. The set includes five coordinating pieces that can be made individually or as a complete collection.

Garments Included

• Nightdress – A sleepwear piece requiring 34g of yarn (approximately 100m/110yds)
• Pyjama Top – A coordinating upper garment using 20g of yarn (approximately 60m/65yds)
• Pyjama Bottoms – A matching lower garment using 20g of yarn (approximately 60m/65yds)
• Dressing Gown – A layering piece requiring the most yardage at 46g (approximately 137m/150yds)
• Slippers – A finishing accessory using 12g of yarn (approximately 36m/39yds)

The pyjama set can be made with an alternate colour yarn for the top and bottoms combined, requiring approximately 10g/30m/32yds of contrasting yarn.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed for DK weight yarn, with Paintbox Yarns Simply DK specifically recommended. Any similar DK or worsted weight yarn is suitable as an alternative. Knitting needles in 4mm (UK8/US6) size are required. The tension is worked at 28 stitches by 30 rows over a 10cm stocking stitch square, which is essential to achieve the correct fit for the doll garments.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Sweet Dreams Set uses fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The primary stitch throughout is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), created by knitting one row and purling one row alternately to produce two rows per pattern repeat. This creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for fitted doll clothing.

The pattern employs several essential shaping techniques:

• Yarn over (YO) – Used to create decorative eyelets or lace details. The yarn is brought to the front between the needles and then taken over the needle to create an intentional hole in the fabric.
• Knit front and back (kfb) – A stitch increase method where the knitter works into both the front and back of the same stitch to add one stitch to the row.
• Knit two together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease that combines two stitches into one.
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches knitwise and purlwise respectively, then inserting the left needle from left to right through both slipped stitches and knitting them together as one stitch.

These shaping techniques allow the knitter to create fitted garments with proper shaping at waistlines, armholes, and necklines appropriate for doll proportions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes the knitter is comfortable with basic knitting techniques including casting on, working in stocking stitch, and executing increases and decreases. The small scale of doll clothing and the precision required for proper fit make this suitable for knitters with some experience, though the individual pieces are relatively quick projects.

Pattern Format

The Sweet Dreams Set is provided as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible for digital viewing and printing. The pattern includes a comprehensive abbreviations guide and tension specifications to ensure accurate results.