Boleros & Hats for 16-22” doll/newborn/0-3m baby

Boleros & Hats for 16-22" Doll/Newborn/0-3m Baby

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern by Claire Topping from Baby & Doll Handknit Designs provides instructions for creating a collection of small garments and accessories designed for 16-22" dolls, newborn babies, and infants aged 0-3 months. The pattern set includes boleros (short cardigans), hats, and shoes, with multiple size options to accommodate different doll and baby dimensions.

Available Sizes

• 21-22" Doll/0-3m Baby
• 16-18" Doll/Premature/Small Newborn Baby
• 19-20" Doll/Newborn Baby

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs fundamental hand-knitting techniques suitable for crafters with basic to moderate experience. The designs utilize classic knitting construction methods including increases and decreases for shaping, yarn-over techniques for decorative elements, and both flat and potentially in-the-round knitting depending on the specific garment component.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (G-st) — a textured, reversible stitch created by knitting every row
• Stocking Stitch (St-st) — the fundamental smooth stitch combining knit and purl rows
• Knit (K) — the basic knit stitch
• Purl (P) — the basic purl stitch
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) — a right-leaning decrease
• Purl 2 Together (P2tog) — a purl-based decrease
• Yarn Twice Over Needle (Y2on) — a yarn-over technique creating decorative eyelet holes
• Knit into Back of Stitch (KB1) — a twisted stitch variation

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern accommodates two yarn weight options depending on size selection. For larger dolls and older babies (21-22" doll/0-3m baby and 19-20" doll/newborn), use 150g of double knitting yarn (also labeled as light worsted in US terminology). For smaller dolls and premature/small newborn babies (16-18" doll/premature), use 100g of 4-ply yarn (US: sport weight).

Needles: Multiple needle sizes are specified for different pattern sizes, ranging from 2¾mm (UK 12, US 2) to 4mm (UK 8, US 6). The specific needle size used depends on which size garment is being knitted, allowing for proper gauge and fabric drape appropriate to each yarn weight.

Additional Notions: The pattern calls for ribbon for bonnets and beanies, and two buttons for the shoe components.

Pattern Details

This comprehensive pattern set, originally published in 2010 and amended in 2015, provides multiple design options within a single downloadable document. The inclusion of boleros, hats, and shoes creates a complete coordinated wardrobe suitable for gift-giving or creating matching sets for dolls and babies. The intermediate difficulty level indicates that knitters should be comfortable with basic shaping techniques and following written pattern instructions with abbreviations.