Simply Twists Cardigan For 18 Inch Doll

Simply Twists Cardigan For 18 Inch Doll

What Is Being Made

The Simply Twists Cardigan is a sweet hooded cardigan designed specifically for 18 inch dolls. This crochet pattern creates a complete garment featuring a hood and button closures, making it an ideal accessory for doll enthusiasts and collectors. The finished cardigan measures approximately 8 inches from neck down, perfectly proportioned for standard 18 inch doll sizing.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a crochet project rated at intermediate difficulty level, designed by Sonja Otto. The pattern employs post stitch techniques to create textural interest and visual appeal. A step-by-step video tutorial is available on The Pretty Stitch YouTube channel in the Bust My Stash Patterns 2020 playlist, providing additional guidance for crafters working through the pattern.

Stitches Used

The Simply Twists Cardigan utilizes several fundamental and decorative crochet stitches to construct the garment:

• Chain (Ch) - used for foundation and shaping
• Single Crochet (Sc) - provides structure and dense fabric
• Double Crochet (Dc) - creates the primary fabric with good drape
• Single Crochet Decrease (Scdec) - shapes the garment
• Foundation Single Crochet (Fsc) - establishes neat edges
• Back Post Double Crochet (Bpdc) - creates textural twist elements
• Front Post Double Crochet (Fpdc) - works with back post stitches for dimensional effects
• Back Loop (Bl) and Front Loop (Fl) techniques - add stitch definition and texture

Materials Required

This doll cardigan requires minimal yardage, making it an efficient project for stash busting and practicing techniques:

• Yarn: DK weight, approximately 200-225 yards total. The pattern was photographed using Caron Simply Soft in peach (a worsted weight yarn that works closer to DK weight) and Firenza Brushed in pink, though the latter is discontinued.
• Hook: H size (5mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Yarn needle for finishing and weaving in ends, 2 buttons approximately 0.5 inches across for closure

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 8 double crochet stitches across and 4 rows measuring approximately 2 inches. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The cardigan is worked in rounds, as indicated by the pattern abbreviations, creating a seamless construction method suitable for small garments.

Pattern Features

The Simply Twists design incorporates post stitch techniques—specifically the combination of front post and back post double crochets—to create the signature twisted texture that gives this cardigan its name. The hooded construction and button closures add functional and decorative elements, while the intermediate difficulty level makes this pattern accessible to crafters with some crochet experience who are ready to explore post stitch variations.