This charming knitted storybook princess doll is designed as a soft heirloom toy with romantic cottage-garden details, a layered lavender dress, floral hat, tiny handbag, open book, and sweet woodland friends. The finished design has the look of a collectible knitted doll, storybook nursery decor, and handmade gift all in one. If you love elegant knit doll patterns, handcrafted keepsake toys, and boutique-style princess dolls with delicate embellishment, this project brings that same graceful look in a fully detailed step-by-step pattern.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Materials
- Main skin tone yarn: light peach or warm ivory fingering weight
- Hair yarn: medium gray fingering weight
- Hat and upper dress yarn: soft lavender fingering weight
- Underskirt yarn: cream or pale ivory fingering weight
- Rose yarn: dusty pink and pale mauve
- Leaf yarn: sage green
- Bag accent yarn: cream, berry pink, and green for floral embroidery
- Book yarn: lavender, cream, yellow, green, and red
- Squirrel yarn: warm chestnut, cream, black for eyes
- Bird yarn: sky blue, cream, and tiny gray-blue accent
- Needles: 2.25 mm double-pointed needles, 2.5 mm double-pointed needles, and 2.5 mm straight needles for flat small parts
- Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle, small sharp scissors, stuffing, floral wire for book support if desired, thin cardboard for book cover support if desired
- Safety: if making for a child under 3, embroider eyes securely and avoid loose decorative parts
Finished Size
- Doll: approximately 13 to 15 inches tall seated within the full layered skirt proportion shown in the image
- Hat diameter: about 4.5 inches across brim
- Bag: about 2 inches tall
- Book: about 2 inches tall when open
- Squirrel: about 3 inches tall seated
- Bird: about 2.25 inches long
Gauge
Gauge is not as critical as in garment knitting, but it matters for the final proportions. Work tightly so stuffing does not show through.
- Stockinette in the round on 2.25 mm needles: 10 sts and 14 rnds = 1 inch
- Stockinette on 2.5 mm needles: 9 sts and 13 rnds = 1 inch
- Lace sections: block lightly, but do not overstretch
Abbreviations
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
- dec = decrease
- inc = increase
- k = knit
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
- m1L = make 1 left
- m1R = make 1 right
- p = purl
- pm = place marker
- psso = pass slipped stitch over
- rep = repeat
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- WS = wrong side
- yo = yarn over
Construction Overview
The doll is worked as separate legs, joined for the body, then shaped through torso, neck, and head. Arms are worked separately and sewn in place. Hair is made from attached knitted strands to match the long wavy look in the image.
The dress is made in layers so the finished doll has the same full storybook silhouette seen in the photo. The cream underskirt provides volume, while the lavender overskirt and bodice create the princess shape. The hat, shoes, handbag, book, squirrel, and bird are all separate pieces.
Body and Head
Legs (make 2)
Using skin-tone yarn and 2.25 mm double-pointed needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round. Join carefully without twisting.
- Rnd 1: Knit all sts. (12)
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. (24)
- Rnds 3-8: Knit. (24)
- Rnd 9: K2tog, k8, ssk, k10. (22)
- Rnd 10: Knit.
- Rnd 11: K2tog, k7, ssk, k9. (20)
- Rnds 12-20: Knit. (20)
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Stuff the foot firmly and the ankle lightly. Flatten the top opening of the leg so the decreases point toward the front of the foot. Break yarn on first leg and leave stitches live. Complete second leg the same way.
Join Legs and Form Lower Body
Place legs side by side with feet pointing forward. Using the stitches from the second leg, knit across 20 sts. CO 4 sts between legs. Knit across 20 sts of first leg. CO 4 sts for back join. (48)
- Rnd 1: Knit around all 48 sts.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: K20, k2tog, k2, ssk, k20, k2tog, k2, ssk. (44)
- Rnd 4: Knit.
- Rnd 5: K19, k2tog, ssk, k19, k2tog, ssk. (40)
- Rnds 6-10: Knit.
Stuff both legs well and begin stuffing the pelvis firmly. Make sure the shaping remains narrow enough that the doll can sit centered over the large skirt.
Torso
- Rnd 11: K8, m1R, k4, m1L, k12, m1R, k4, m1L, k8. (44)
- Rnd 12: Knit.
- Rnd 13: K9, m1R, k4, m1L, k14, m1R, k4, m1L, k9. (48)
- Rnds 14-18: Knit. (48)
- Rnd 19: K6, k2tog, k8, ssk, k12, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6. (44)
- Rnd 20: Knit.
- Rnd 21: K6, k2tog, k7, ssk, k10, k2tog, k7, ssk, k6. (40)
- Rnd 22: Knit.
- Rnd 23: K5, k2tog, k6, ssk, k8, k2tog, k6, ssk, k5. (36)
- Rnds 24-30: Knit. (36)
This section forms the slim waist and upper torso hidden under the bodice. Keep stuffing firm but smooth. The body should remain straight, with no hunching at the back.
Chest and Shoulder Line
- Rnd 31: K9, m1R, k8, m1L, k9, m1R, k8, m1L. (40)
- Rnd 32: Knit.
- Rnd 33: K10, m1R, k8, m1L, k10, m1R, k8, m1L. (44)
- Rnds 34-36: Knit. (44)
- Rnd 37: K6, k2tog, k14, ssk, k6, k2tog, k14, ssk. (40)
- Rnd 38: Knit.
- Rnd 39: K5, k2tog, k13, ssk, k5, k2tog, k13, ssk. (36)
The image shows a graceful neck and rounded upper body rather than broad shoulders, so do not overstuff the chest. Shape should be soft and elegant.
Neck
- Rnd 40: K2tog around. (18)
- Rnds 41-45: Knit. (18)
Stuff firmly just below the neck and add extra support if needed. A tightly rolled scrap of batting inside the neck helps the head stay upright beneath the hat.
Head
- Rnd 46: Kfb around. (36)
- Rnd 47: Knit.
- Rnd 48: K1, kfb around. (54)
- Rnd 49: Knit.
- Rnd 50: K2, kfb around. (72)
- Rnds 51-68: Knit. (72)
Begin stuffing firmly from this point and keep the face area especially smooth. The doll in the image has a rounded head with a slightly softened chin, not a pointed face.
- Rnd 69: K10, k2tog, repeat around. (66)
- Rnd 70: Knit.
- Rnd 71: K9, k2tog, repeat around. (60)
- Rnd 72: Knit.
- Rnd 73: K8, k2tog, repeat around. (54)
- Rnd 74: Knit.
- Rnd 75: K7, k2tog, repeat around. (48)
- Rnd 76: K6, k2tog, repeat around. (42)
- Rnd 77: K5, k2tog, repeat around. (36)
- Rnd 78: K4, k2tog, repeat around. (30)
- Rnd 79: K3, k2tog, repeat around. (24)
Finish stuffing very firmly. Draw thread through remaining stitches and close securely. Shape the face with your hands so it stays softly rounded with a small lower face area beneath the fringe.
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Arms (make 2)
Using skin-tone yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit. (10)
- Rnd 2: Kfb around. (20)
- Rnds 3-6: Knit. (20)
- Rnd 7: K2tog, k6, ssk, k10. (18)
- Rnds 8-20: Knit. (18)
- Rnd 21: K2tog, k5, ssk, k9. (16)
- Rnds 22-28: Knit. (16)
Stuff hand firmly and arm lightly. Flatten upper opening and sew closed later to create a gentle curved arm position. The image shows one arm bent inward and one arm lowered toward the book, so wire may be added if desired, but it is optional.
Shoes (make 2)
Using lavender yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 10 sts.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. (20)
- Rnds 3-5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K2tog, k6, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2. (16)
- Rnd 7: Knit.
- Rnd 8: K2tog, k4, ssk, k6, k2tog. (13)
- Rnd 9: Knit.
Bind off loosely. Sew shoe over foot with opening facing upward. Embroider tiny rose at front center using dusty pink yarn and one small sage leaf stitch on each side. Add a tiny cuff edge in purl ridge or backstitch if desired.
Cream Underskirt
This large lower skirt creates the dramatic bell shape seen in the image. It is worked from the waist downward in the round, then finished with layered scalloped lace.
Using cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, pick up 48 sts around the body at waistline. Then increase evenly to 96 sts on first round.
- Rnd 1: *K1, m1R, k1, m1L* repeat around. (96)
- Rnds 2-8: Knit. (96)
- Rnd 9: *K12, m1R* repeat around. (104)
- Rnds 10-16: Knit. (104)
- Rnd 17: *K13, m1R* repeat around. (112)
- Rnds 18-24: Knit. (112)
- Rnd 25: *K14, m1R* repeat around. (120)
- Rnds 26-32: Knit. (120)
The upper part of the underskirt should gently widen without ruffling too soon. This keeps the line smooth beneath the lavender overskirt.
Scalloped Eyelet Border Section
- Rnd 33: *K2tog, yo* repeat around. (120)
- Rnd 34: Knit.
- Rnd 35: *K8, m1R* repeat around. (135)
- Rnd 36: Knit.
- Rnd 37: *K2tog, yo, k7* repeat around. (135)
- Rnd 38: Knit.
- Rnd 39: *K2tog, yo, k7* repeat around. (135)
- Rnd 40: Knit.
Large Lower Petal Lace
Work the following 15-stitch pattern repeat 9 times around.
- Rnd 41: *K3, yo, k2tog, k5, ssk, yo, k3* repeat around. (135)
- Rnd 42: Knit.
- Rnd 43: *K2, yo, k2tog, k7, ssk, yo, k2* repeat around.
- Rnd 44: Knit.
- Rnd 45: *K1, yo, k2tog, k9, ssk, yo, k1* repeat around.
- Rnd 46: Knit.
- Rnd 47: *Yo, k2tog, k11, ssk, yo* repeat around.
- Rnd 48: Knit.
- Rnd 49: *K1, yo, k2tog, k9, ssk, yo, k1* repeat around.
- Rnd 50: Knit.
- Rnd 51: *K2, yo, k2tog, k7, ssk, yo, k2* repeat around.
- Rnd 52: Knit.
- Rnd 53: *K3, yo, k2tog, k5, ssk, yo, k3* repeat around.
- Rnd 54: Knit.
- Rnd 55: Purl all stitches for turning ridge.
- Rnd 56: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 57: BO loosely knitwise.
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Lightly block the lace to reveal the scalloped shape. Sew tiny pink spiral roses evenly around the upper scalloped band exactly as shown in the image, spacing them at the front and sides.
Lavender Overskirt
The lavender overskirt sits higher and shorter than the cream underskirt. It should curve outward and form soft petal folds. Use lavender yarn and 2.5 mm needles.
Pick up 72 sts one round above the start of the cream underskirt so the overskirt sits neatly over it.
- Rnd 1: Knit. (72)
- Rnd 2: *K8, m1R* repeat around. (81)
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: *K9, m1R* repeat around. (90)
- Rnds 5-10: Knit. (90)
- Rnd 11: *K10, m1R* repeat around. (99)
- Rnds 12-15: Knit. (99)
Petal Flare Section
- Rnd 16: *K9, yo* repeat around. (110)
- Rnd 17: Knit.
- Rnd 18: *K10, yo* repeat around. (121)
- Rnd 19: Knit.
- Rnd 20: *K11, yo* repeat around. (132)
- Rnd 21: Knit.
- Rnd 22: Purl all sts.
- Rnd 23: Knit all sts.
- Rnd 24: BO loosely.
Steam very lightly and hand-shape the hem into soft folds. Tack the skirt at 6 evenly spaced points near the waist so it forms separate falling panels rather than a flat circle.
Bodice
The fitted bodice is what makes the doll read clearly as a princess. It sits high on the torso with a rounded neckline and tiny rose trim.
Using lavender yarn and 2.25 mm needles, pick up 32 sts around upper torso front and back, leaving arm areas open.
- Row 1 RS: Knit 32.
- Row 2 WS: Purl 32.
- Row 3: K2, ssk, k24, k2tog, k2. (30)
- Row 4: Purl 30.
- Row 5: Knit 30.
- Row 6: Purl 30.
- Row 7: K2, ssk, k22, k2tog, k2. (28)
- Row 8: Purl 28.
- Row 9: Knit 28.
- Row 10: Purl 28.
Bind off. Sew side edges neatly. Embroider or attach five tiny roses around the neckline with sage leaves between them. Add narrow shoulder straps in lavender i-cord, 10 rows long each, one on each side.
Hat
The hat is a rounded lavender cloche with a soft brim and a floral garland. It should sit low enough to frame the face and fringe exactly as in the image.
Using lavender yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide for working in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb around. (24)
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: *K1, kfb* repeat around. (36)
- Rnd 5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: *K2, kfb* repeat around. (48)
- Rnd 7: Knit.
- Rnd 8: *K3, kfb* repeat around. (60)
- Rnd 9: Knit.
- Rnd 10: *K4, kfb* repeat around. (72)
- Rnds 11-18: Knit. (72)
- Rnd 19: Purl all sts for turning line.
- Rnds 20-24: Knit. (72)
- Rnd 25: *K10, k2tog* repeat around. (66)
- Rnd 26: Knit.
- Rnd 27: *K9, k2tog* repeat around. (60)
- Rnd 28: Knit.
- Rnd 29: *K8, k2tog* repeat around. (54)
Try hat on the doll. It should fit over the crown of the head without squeezing the hair too tightly.
Brim
- Rnd 30: *K5, m1R* repeat around. (64)
- Rnd 31: Knit.
- Rnd 32: *K6, m1R* repeat around. (73)
- Rnd 33: Knit.
- Rnd 34: *K7, m1R* repeat around to 82 sts.
- Rnd 35: Purl.
- Rnd 36: Knit.
- Rnd 37: BO loosely.
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Roll the brim slightly downward. Sew a twisted vine of sage yarn around the hat band and attach three small roses across the front, one centered in lavender and two side roses in pink tones, matching the photo.
Hair
Using gray yarn, create a center-back cap first, then attach long strands. The hair in the image is full, softly waved, and falls below the waist on both sides.
Hair Cap
Using gray yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 12 sts and work in the round exactly like the hat crown until 60 sts are reached. Knit 8 rnds plain. Bind off.
Sew hair cap to head, leaving front edge set back slightly to allow the short straight fringe.
Fringe
- Cut 14 strands, each about 5 inches long
- Latch them along the front hairline
- Trim straight across so fringe rests just above the embroidered eyes
- Stitch each fringe section flat so it does not separate
Long Side and Back Hair
- Cut 45 to 55 strands, each about 10 inches long
- Attach evenly to side and back rows of the cap
- Group strands into soft sections and lightly steam over twisted ropes to create gentle waves
- Let the hair fall forward over both shoulders and down the back
The final silhouette should be soft and slightly voluminous, not tightly curled. Keep more fullness at the lower half so the hair frames the face and shoulders in the same elegant way as the image.
Tiny Rose Motifs
Make as many as needed for hat, neckline, overskirt front, underskirt, and shoes.
Using pink or mauve yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 18 sts.
- Row 1 WS: Purl.
- Row 2 RS: *Kfb* across. (36)
- Row 3 WS: Purl.
- BO loosely.
Roll strip tightly from one end to form a rose. Sew base securely. For leaves, use 4 stitches of simple duplicate-stitch leaf shapes or knit tiny leaves as follows:
- CO 3 sts
- Row 1: Kfb, k1, kfb. (5)
- Row 2: Purl
- Row 3: Ssk, k1, k2tog. (3)
- Row 4: Purl
- Row 5: Sl1, k2tog, psso. (1)
Handbag
The bag is a small lavender shoulder handbag with floral front detail and a curved flap.
Using lavender yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 14 sts.
- Row 1 RS: Knit 14.
- Row 2 WS: Purl 14.
- Rows 3-12: Repeat Rows 1-2.
- Row 13: Knit 14.
- Row 14: Purl 14.
Fold piece in half for bag body. Sew side seams.
Flap
Pick up 14 sts across back top edge.
- Row 1 RS: Knit.
- Row 2 WS: Purl.
- Row 3: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. (12)
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. (10)
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. (8)
- Row 8: Purl.
- Row 9: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. (6)
- Row 10: Purl.
- BO.
Make an i-cord strap over 40 rows. Sew one end to each side. Embroider front floral spray in berry pink, cream, and sage. Add one small cream rose at lower right corner of flap.
Open Book
The princess is holding a lavender storybook with cream pages and a flower on the cover.
Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts.
- Rows 1-14: Work stockinette, slipping first stitch of every row for neat edge.
- BO.
Make 2 identical page pieces.
Using lavender yarn, CO 11 sts.
- Rows 1-16: Work garter stitch.
- BO.
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Make 2 cover pieces. Sew cream pages inside covers, leaving fold open in center. Join page sections at spine so book can open. Embroider a small flower on front cover using yellow center, red petals, green stem, and tiny leaf. Insert thin card if you want the book to stay open more firmly.
Squirrel
This tiny woodland squirrel sits beside the dress and adds to the storybook setting. It is knit in small parts.
Body
Using chestnut yarn, CO 8 sts and join.
- Rnd 1: Kfb around. (16)
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: *K1, kfb* around. (24)
- Rnds 4-10: Knit.
- Rnd 11: K2tog around. (12)
- Rnds 12-14: Knit.
Stuff lightly.
Head
- CO 6 sts, join.
- Rnd 1: Kfb around. (12)
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: *K1, kfb* around. (18)
- Rnds 4-7: Knit.
- Rnd 8: K2tog around. (9)
Stuff and close.
Tail
CO 8 sts, work flat in stockinette 16 rows, increasing 1 stitch each side every 4th row twice, then decreasing each side every 4th row twice. Sew lengthwise, stuff lightly, curve upward, and attach. Add cream tummy patch to front body and tiny paws. Embroider small black eyes.
Blue Bird
Using blue yarn, CO 6 sts and join.
- Rnd 1: Kfb around. (12)
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: *K1, kfb* around. (18)
- Rnds 4-8: Knit.
- Rnd 9: K2tog around. (9)
Stuff lightly and close. Add cream belly patch, tiny beak in warm beige or pale gold, and a raised tail nub worked from 3 picked-up stitches for 4 short rows. Embroider a tiny black eye on each side.
Placement of Floral Details
- Hat: 3 roses across front band with leaf vine running along the brim line
- Bodice neckline: 5 tiny roses spaced across front neckline
- Lavender overskirt: clustered rose spray at center front waist area
- Cream underskirt: 5 to 7 roses evenly spaced along scalloped upper border
- Shoes: one tiny rose each
- Bag: floral embroidery on front flap and body
Face Embroidery
- Embroider two slightly curved closed-lash style eyes or simple oval eyes with long side lashes in black
- Place eyes low on the face, below the fringe, with about 8 to 10 stitches between them
- Add a tiny horizontal nose in skin tone one row below eye center
- Add very soft pink blush using a small amount of yarn shading or textile-safe blush
- Do not add a strong mouth unless you want the same calm expression; the image reads best with an extremely subtle mouth or no visible mouth
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew the arms at the shoulder line with one arm angled inward as if supporting the open book and the other relaxed across the front. Secure the book between hands with a few hidden stitches. Place the handbag to the doll’s right side near the hem.
Dress the doll with the cream underskirt first, then position the lavender overskirt so the front floral cluster sits centered. Add the hat after the hair is fully attached and styled. Check that the face remains visible under the brim and that the fringe falls evenly.
Care Notes
- Display indoors away from strong direct sunlight
- Handle floral details gently
- Keep decorative companions attached only for display if gifting to older children
- Store in a dust-free cabinet or breathable cotton bag
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head stuffed firmly and sitting upright
- Hair balanced on both sides with soft waves
- Hat brim tilted low but not covering eyes
- Lavender overskirt layered neatly over cream lace skirt
- Front rose cluster centered
- Book secure in hands
- Bag, squirrel, and bird positioned as shown
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Spot clean only with cool water and a mild wool-safe soap. Avoid soaking the doll because stuffing and shaped details may distort. Pat gently with a towel and reshape while damp. Dry flat on a clean towel, turning occasionally.
For long-term preservation, keep the doll away from humidity, dust, and rough handling. If the hair or skirt loses shape, use very light steam from a distance and reshape by hand. Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or bleach.
