Nurse Mates

Nurse Mates Knitting Pattern by Esther Braithwaite

What is Being Made

Nurse Mates is a knitted doll pattern designed by Esther Braithwaite. The project creates a small stuffed doll figure, with an optional knitted face mask accessory. This is an ideal beginner-friendly knitting project suitable for crafters new to doll making and construction techniques.

Construction Method

The Nurse Mates doll is constructed using a bottom-up knitting approach, worked as a single continuous piece. Crafters have flexibility in their knitting method: the body can be knit flat on straight needles with seaming required afterward, or knit in the round using double-pointed needles (dpns) for a seamless construction. The optional face mask accessory is knit flat on two needles. After the knitted pieces are completed, simple sewing techniques are employed to define and shape the arms and legs, creating distinct limbs from the main body.

Stitches and Techniques

This pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for beginner crafters. The straightforward stitch work combined with basic construction methods makes Nurse Mates accessible to those learning doll knitting. Seaming techniques are used when working flat pieces, while the in-the-round option eliminates seaming for the main body. Hand sewing is used to attach and define limbs, making this pattern suitable for developing multiple skill areas in a single project.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed for DK and Sport weight yarns, offering flexibility in yarn choice. Suggested yarns include Paintbox Simply DK in colors Paper White (100), Washed Teal (132), Vanilla Cream (107), and Coffee Bean (110), as well as Stylecraft Special DK in White (1001), Lincoln (1834), Stone (1710), and Walnut (1054). Needle sizes range from US 1 (2.25 mm) to US 5 (3.5 mm), depending on the yarn weight selected. The pattern recommends choosing needles 2 or 3 sizes smaller than the yarn ball band recommendation to create a dense, compact fabric that effectively contains the stuffing. Finished doll sizes vary based on yarn and needle selection, ranging from approximately 4¾ inches to 5¼ inches in height.

Gauge Considerations

Exact gauge is not critical for this project, making it forgiving for beginners. The pattern provides approximate gauge references at different needle and yarn weight combinations: 8 stitches and 11 rows per inch with US 1 needles, 6.5 stitches and 9 rows per inch with US 3 needles, and 5 stitches and 7 rows per inch with US 5 needles. This flexibility allows crafters to work with their preferred yarn and needle combination while achieving a successful finished doll.