1:12th scale Ladies Underwear c. 1920

1:12th Scale Ladies Underwear c. 1920s Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern by Frances Powell creates authentic 1920s-style ladies underwear for 1:12th scale dolls house dolls, specifically designed to fit 5½-inch (14 cm) tall figures. The pattern includes three coordinating pieces: stockings, knickers, and a vest, allowing crafters to create a complete miniature undergarment set representative of early twentieth-century fashion.

What Is Being Made

The pattern comprises three separate garments that work together as a cohesive underwear set for miniature dolls:

• Stockings – Finished length of 2½ inches (6.25 cm) with a width of ¾ inch (2 cm) at the widest point
• Knickers – Measuring 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the waist, ¾ inch (2 cm) at the base of the leg, and standing 1½ inches (4 cm) tall
• Vest – A fitted undergarment measuring 1¾ inches (4.5 cm) tall by 1¼ inches (3 cm) wide

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This advanced-level pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques adapted for miniature scale work. The primary stitch used throughout the garments is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as sst), which is created by alternating knit rows and purl rows to produce a smooth, flat fabric with a characteristic V-pattern appearance on the right side. This classic stitch provides an appropriate finish for period-accurate 1920s undergarments.

The pattern utilizes standard knitting abbreviations including k for knit stitches, p for purl stitches, st for individual stitches, and parentheses to indicate sections that should be repeated according to specific instructions within the pattern text. Working at such a diminutive scale requires precision and careful attention to stitch counts and row counts.

Materials and Tools

Creating these miniature garments demands specialized materials suited to 1:12th scale work. The pattern calls for size 19 (1.00 mm/US size 5/0) knitting needles, which are extremely fine needles designed specifically for delicate, small-scale projects. These needles are significantly smaller than standard knitting needles and allow for the tight gauge necessary to achieve proper proportions on dolls house dolls.

Yarn requirements are minimal, with each of the three garments requiring approximately 28 yards (25 metres) of 1-ply wool or cotton in a cobweb weight. Cobweb weight yarn is among the finest yarn weights available, consisting of a single thin strand that creates delicate, gossamer-like fabric ideal for miniature knitting. The use of either wool or cotton provides flexibility based on crafter preference and desired fabric characteristics.

The vest component requires the addition of narrow ribbon for straps, which adds authentic period detail and structural support to the finished garment.

Sizing and Gauge Considerations

The pattern notes that gauge is not critical for this project, as dolls house dolls vary considerably in size and proportions, much like human figures. This flexibility allows crafters to adapt the finished garments to fit their specific dolls without the need for precise gauge swatching, though careful attention to stitch and row counts remains important for achieving the intended proportions relative to the doll.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, reflecting the challenges inherent in working with cobweb-weight yarn on miniature needles. Success requires steady hands, good eyesight or magnification, patience, and experience with fundamental knitting techniques. The combination of extremely fine materials and small scale makes this project suitable for experienced knitters rather than beginners.