We Three Kings

We Three Kings Knitted Dolls by Andrew Lucas

What Is Being Made

We Three Kings is a downloadable knitting pattern for creating a set of three decorative knitted dolls, each approximately 14 centimeters in height. These beginner-friendly toys are designed as standalone pieces or collectible figures, perfect for holiday decoration or as handmade gifts. The pattern provides instructions for constructing complete dolls with distinct body and head sections.

Craft and Technique Overview

This project uses fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The construction method involves working from the bottom up, starting with a cast-on foundation and building the body through increases and decreases to create shape and form. The dolls are worked primarily in stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, finished fabric appearance ideal for toy construction. Shaping techniques include strategic increases to expand the fabric for the head section and decreases to narrow the shoulders and refine facial proportions.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base of the fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used in alternation with knit to create stocking stitch
• Stocking stitch (st st) – alternating rows of knit and purl stitches, creating a smooth, professional-looking fabric surface
• Garter stitch (gs) – knit every row, producing a textured, ridged fabric
• Increase (inc) – adding stitches to expand the fabric width, used to shape the head and create fullness in the body
• Decrease (dec) and knit two together (k2tog) – reducing stitch count to narrow sections and define shoulders and facial features
• Slip stitch (sl) – passing stitches from one needle to another without working them
• Bind and tie (B and T) – a finishing technique using a tapestry needle to thread the wool end through remaining stitches, drawing them tight and securing the work

Materials Required

The pattern calls for 3.25mm knitting needles as the primary tool. Yarn is worked in double knitting weight wool in a variety of colors to create the different sections of each doll—allowing crafters to choose distinct colors for the body, head, and any additional details. A small amount of polyester stuffing is needed to fill the dolls and give them dimension and shape. A tapestry needle is required for the bind and tie finishing technique and for weaving in yarn ends.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The doll body begins with casting on 25 stitches, which are immediately increased in the first row to 50 stitches, creating a wider base. The body is then worked in stocking stitch for 21 rows, establishing the main torso. Shoulder shaping is achieved through a knit two together row that reduces the stitches back to 25, creating a narrower neck area before transitioning to the head section.

The head construction involves a significant increase row where stitches are expanded to 37 stitches, allowing for the larger circumference needed for facial features. After 17 rows of stocking stitch, the head is shaped through two successive decrease rows that gradually reduce the stitch count to 13 stitches, which are then drawn closed using the bind and tie technique.

Difficulty Level

Rated as beginner, this pattern is accessible to knitters new to the craft. The techniques employed—casting on, basic stitches, simple increases and decreases—are foundational skills. The repetitive nature of stocking stitch and the straightforward shaping make this an ideal first toy project for building confidence and understanding how increases and decreases create three-dimensional forms.