Rapunzel

Rapunzel Knitted Doll by Phoenixknits

What is Being Made

This is a 14-inch tall knitted doll designed by Phoenixknits, featuring the classic fairy-tale character Rapunzel. The doll is constructed as a single knitted piece from the body through the head, creating a seamless foundation for this intermediate-level knitting project.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. Increases are used extensively throughout the body construction, with multiple increase rounds creating the shaping from a small cast-on to the full width of the torso. Decreases, specifically knit two together (k2tog), are used to shape the waist and define the doll's proportions. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, created through alternating knit and purl rows. The pattern also incorporates slip stitch (ss) rows for structural definition and shaping transitions.

Stitches Used

• Cast on: Foundation row of 10 stitches
• Increase 1 (inc1): Used in multiple rounds to expand stitch count from 10 to 20, then 20 to 30, 30 to 40, and 40 to 50 stitches
• Knit (k): Primary stitch for creating fabric
• Purl (p): Used for texture variation and reverse stockinette sections
• Knit two together (k2tog): Decrease stitch used for waist shaping
• Slip stitch (ss): Used for maintaining stitch definition across multiple rows

Materials Required

This project uses DK/8 ply weight yarns in multiple colors to create the character's distinctive appearance and clothing. The yarn requirements include flesh tone (less than 25g) for the body and head, chosen hair color (50g) for Rapunzel's signature long locks, purple (30g) for the main dress, lilac (25g) for accent details, medium pink (less than 10g) for knickers, and white yarn (scrap quantity) for additional details. A scrap of metallic or contrasting yarn is used for the belt detail.

The pattern calls for 3mm needles used throughout the entire project for consistent gauge and fabric density. Additional materials include two 8mm plastic toy eyes (optional), a small length of black and red yarn for facial features, a small length of 5mm ribbon (optional) for decoration, and a small piece of stiff card for structural support. A small crochet hook is also referenced in the materials list.

Pattern Structure

The body and head are constructed as one continuous piece, beginning with a small cast-on and progressively increasing stitches across multiple rounds to build the torso width. After reaching the maximum stitch count of 50 stitches, the pattern includes 9 rows of slip stitch for body length and definition. Waist shaping is then achieved through decrease rounds using knit two together, reducing the stitch count to 25 stitches. This construction method creates an efficient, seamless doll body that requires minimal finishing work.