This elegant knitted doll is designed with a romantic vintage garden look, featuring an emerald green bonnet, a lace-trimmed dress, delicate apron layers, tiny Mary Jane shoes, and charming floral accessories. It makes a beautiful handmade gift, collectible decor piece, heirloom nursery doll, or boutique-style display item for shoppers looking for a knitted doll pattern, handmade doll outfit, vintage doll knitting design, or artisan toy inspiration. The finished figure has a soft sculptural shape with graceful proportions and detailed styling, while still being approachable for patient beginners who are ready to follow precise stitch instructions closely.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Pattern Overview
This pattern is written in US English and is worked mostly flat, with some pieces worked in the round on double-pointed needles if preferred. Every visible element from the photo is included: head, hair, torso, arms, legs, shoes, layered dress, bonnet, apron, crossbody bag, flower basket, watering can, and tiny flowerpot.
The doll in the image has a softly oversized head, narrow shoulders, slim arms, a gently shaped waist, and a full layered skirt that spreads outward. The bonnet sits deep over the forehead. The apron is short and ruffled. The accessories are scaled small but still substantial enough to hold shape.
The sample is intended as a decorative doll rather than a toy for rough play. Because of the small accessories and facial embroidery, supervise children carefully if gifting it to a young child.
Finished Size
- Doll height: about 13 inches / 33 cm seated or 15 inches / 38 cm standing with skirt arranged
- Head circumference: about 10 inches / 25.5 cm
- Shoulder width: about 3 inches / 7.5 cm
- Skirt diameter when spread: about 10 inches / 25 cm
- Bonnet depth: about 4 inches / 10 cm
Materials
- DK weight yarn in the following shades:
- Skin tone: 55 g
- Emerald green: 70 g
- Ivory or soft cream: 55 g
- White: 20 g
- Dark brown for hair: 35 g
- Dusty pink, rose pink, lavender, pale blue, yellow, and leaf green scraps for flowers
- Light taupe or oatmeal for watering can and basket
- Terracotta or clay for flowerpot
- Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm straight needles and US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs if working small tubes in the round
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Polyester stuffing
- Thin cardboard circle for skirt support optional
- Pipe cleaner or soft craft wire optional for neck stability
- Small amount of felt or interfacing optional for bag base and basket base
- Embroidery thread in black, pink, and cream
Gauge
28 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on US 2 / 2.75 mm needles after light blocking.
Gauge matters because the doll proportions depend on a firm fabric. The fabric should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through. If your stitches appear loose, go down a needle size.
Abbreviations
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
- dec = decrease
- inc = increase
- k = knit
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- p = purl
- pfb = purl into front and back of stitch
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- st st = stockinette stitch
- WS = wrong side
- yo = yarn over
General Construction Notes
The doll is made in separate pieces and sewn together. The head is worked as two shaped panels and seamed. The body is worked from the neck down. Arms and legs are worked separately, stuffed lightly, and attached firmly. Clothing is built partly into the figure and partly as removable style layers.
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Read each full section before beginning. The dress and accessories depend on correct scale. Keep your tension consistent, especially on the face and skirt edges, because those are visually important in the finished doll.
Head Make 2
Using skin tone yarn, CO 14 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all sts.
- Row 2 RS: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
- Row 3: p all sts.
- Row 4: kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts.
- Row 5: p all sts.
- Row 6: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
- Row 7: p all sts.
- Row 8: kfb, k18, kfb. 22 sts.
- Row 9: p all sts.
- Row 10: kfb, k20, kfb. 24 sts.
- Row 11: p all sts.
- Row 12: kfb, k22, kfb. 26 sts.
- Row 13: p all sts.
- Row 14: kfb, k24, kfb. 28 sts.
- Rows 15-29: work 15 rows in st st, beginning with a purl row.
- Row 30 RS: k2tog, k24, ssk. 26 sts.
- Row 31: p all sts.
- Row 32: k2tog, k22, ssk. 24 sts.
- Row 33: p all sts.
- Row 34: k2tog, k20, ssk. 22 sts.
- Row 35: p all sts.
- Row 36: k2tog, k18, ssk. 20 sts.
- Row 37: p all sts.
- Row 38: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
- Row 39: p all sts.
- Row 40: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
- Row 41: p all sts.
- Row 42: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
- Row 43: p all sts.
- Row 44: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
- BO knitwise.
Leave a long tail on one piece for seaming.
Head Assembly
Place the two head pieces together with RS facing outward. Sew around the curved outer edge and top, leaving the lower straight edge open for the neck. Stuff very firmly, shaping the head into a rounded oval with slightly fuller cheeks and a softly flattened face front.
The image shows a smooth face with no protruding nose. Keep the front plain. Do not overstuff the forehead, because the bonnet must sit close over it.
Neck
Using skin tone yarn, pick up and knit 18 sts evenly across the lower head opening.
- Work 6 rows in st st.
- Next row RS: k2tog across to end. 9 sts.
- Work 3 rows in st st.
- Break yarn, thread through sts, pull closed lightly but do not flatten.
If desired, insert a short wrapped wire or folded pipe cleaner into the neck for extra support before attaching to the torso.
Torso
Using ivory yarn, CO 18 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all sts.
- Row 2 RS: k all sts.
- Row 3: p all sts.
- Row 4: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
- Rows 5-8: work in st st.
- Row 9 RS: kfb, k18, kfb. 22 sts.
- Rows 10-15: work in st st.
- Row 16 RS: k2tog, k18, ssk. 20 sts.
- Rows 17-20: work in st st.
- Row 21 RS: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
- Rows 22-25: work in st st.
- Row 26 RS: k all sts.
- Row 27 WS: p all sts.
- Row 28 RS: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
- Row 29 WS: p all sts.
- Row 30 RS: kfb, k18, kfb. 22 sts.
- Rows 31-34: work in st st.
- BO.
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Make 2 torso pieces. Sew side seams and lower edge, leaving neck opening free. Stuff firmly, shaping the chest narrow and the waist slightly indented. The lower body should be broad enough to anchor the skirt but not bulky.
Legs Make 2
The visible legs are slim and straight, with shoes and short ankle shaping. Use emerald green for shoes and skin tone for legs.
With emerald green, CO 10 sts.
- Rows 1-4: work 4 rows in garter stitch.
- Row 5 RS: k all sts.
- Row 6 WS: p all sts.
- Row 7 RS: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
- Change to skin tone.
- Rows 8-24: work 17 rows in st st.
- BO.
Make 2 pieces for each leg, so 4 panels total. Sew each pair into a narrow tube. Stuff lightly. The shoes should remain softly flattened at the foot and rounded at the toe. Add a small horizontal stitch across the shoe opening in dark green if you want the Mary Jane strap effect more defined.
Arms Make 2
The arms are slim, softly stuffed, and extend from short puffed sleeves. The hands are simple with no separate fingers.
Using skin tone yarn, CO 8 sts.
- Rows 1-14: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
- Row 15 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
- Rows 16-18: work in st st.
- Change to emerald green.
- Row 19 RS: k all sts.
- Row 20 WS: p all sts.
- Row 21 RS: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
- Row 22 WS: p all sts.
- Row 23 RS: k all sts.
- BO.
Make 2 pieces for each arm. Sew and lightly stuff, keeping the wrist narrow and the upper arm just slightly fuller.
Sleeve Ruffles Make 2
Using ivory or white, CO 20 sts.
- Row 1: k all sts.
- Row 2: p all sts.
- Row 3: k2tog across. 10 sts.
- BO loosely.
Sew each ruffle into a ring and attach around the sleeve edge so the frill extends slightly beyond the green sleeve, matching the image.
Petticoat Underskirt
The visible underside is pale mint-ivory and softly flared. This layer supports the upper skirt and helps create the rounded bell shape.
Using very pale ivory or mint-cream, CO 120 sts.
- Rows 1-6: garter stitch.
- Rows 7-26: st st.
- Row 27 RS: k2tog every 10th and 11th st across. 109 sts.
- Row 28 WS: p all sts.
- Row 29 RS: k all sts.
- Row 30 WS: p all sts.
- Row 31 RS: k2tog every 9th and 10th st across. 98 sts.
- Rows 32-35: work in st st.
- Row 36 RS: k2tog every 8th and 9th st across. 87 sts.
- Rows 37-40: work in st st.
- Row 41 RS: k2tog every 7th and 8th st across. 76 sts.
- Rows 42-45: work in st st.
- Row 46 RS: k2tog every 6th and 7th st across. 65 sts.
- Rows 47-49: work in st st.
- BO loosely.
Sew into a tube, gather top edge evenly to fit the doll waist, and attach to the lower torso. Arrange fullness toward front and sides.
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Main Emerald Overskirt
This is the most visually important garment section. The skirt is deep emerald, full, and trimmed with a broad ivory lace-look edging. The hem curves beautifully outward. Work carefully and block before final assembly.
Using emerald green, CO 132 sts.
- Rows 1-8: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
- Row 9 RS: k all sts.
- Row 10 WS: p all sts.
- Row 11 RS: ruffle increase row – k1, m1 across every 3 sts to end. 176 sts approximately.
- Rows 12-24: work in st st.
- Row 25 RS: k all sts.
- Row 26 WS: p all sts.
- Row 27 RS: *k6, kfb* rep across. Add even fullness. 201 sts approximately.
- Rows 28-34: work in st st.
Now begin lower hem transition to ivory lace border.
- Change to ivory.
- Row 35 WS: p all sts.
- Row 36 RS: *k2tog, yo* across to end. Eyelet transition row.
- Row 37 WS: p all sts.
- Row 38 RS: k all sts.
- Row 39 WS: p all sts.
- Row 40 RS: *ssk, yo* across to end.
- Row 41 WS: p all sts.
- Rows 42-49: continue in st st.
For the scalloped lower lace-look panel:
- Row 50 RS: *k3, yo, k2tog, k3, ssk, yo* rep across.
- Row 51 WS: p all sts.
- Row 52 RS: *k2, yo, k2tog, k4, ssk, yo, k1* rep across.
- Row 53 WS: p all sts.
- Row 54 RS: *k1, yo, k2tog, k5, ssk, yo* rep across.
- Row 55 WS: p all sts.
- Row 56 RS: *yo, k2tog, k6, ssk, yo* rep across.
- Row 57 WS: p all sts.
- Row 58 RS: knit.
- Row 59 WS: purl.
- BO loosely on RS.
Sew skirt into a tube. Gather the top edge to the waistline so the front remains very full and the sides drape downward. Attach over the petticoat with the ivory border showing prominently.
Front Dress Panel
The center front panel in the image is ivory and extends downward beneath the overskirt opening. It is decorative and should stay flat.
Using ivory, CO 26 sts.
- Rows 1-8: st st.
- Row 9 RS: k2, yo, k2tog, k18, ssk, yo, k2.
- Row 10 WS: p all sts.
- Rows 11-18: st st.
- Row 19 RS: k all sts.
- Row 20 WS: p all sts.
- Row 21 RS: k2tog, k22, ssk. 24 sts.
- Rows 22-30: st st.
- BO.
Attach this panel at the waist center front, allowing it to peek under the green overskirt.
Bodice Front
Using emerald green, CO 24 sts.
- Rows 1-4: st st.
- Row 5 RS: k2tog, k20, ssk. 22 sts.
- Row 6 WS: p all sts.
- Rows 7-10: st st.
- Row 11 RS: k2tog, k18, ssk. 20 sts.
- Row 12 WS: p all sts.
- Rows 13-16: st st.
- Row 17 RS: k5, BO 10, k5.
- Row 18 WS: p5, CO 10, p5.
- Rows 19-22: st st.
- BO.
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This creates the bodice opening area, which will later be softened by the lace bib and apron. Sew to the upper torso front.
Bodice Back Make 2
Using emerald green, CO 12 sts for each back half.
- Rows 1-14: work in st st.
- Row 15 neck edge shaping:
- Left back: k10, k2tog.
- Right back: ssk, k10.
- Row 16: p all sts.
- BO.
Sew to shoulders and side edges, leaving a neat center back seam. Because the photo shows the doll mostly from the front, a permanent back seam is acceptable.
Lace Bib and Neck Frill
The center chest features a creamy lace bib with delicate edging that softens the bodice. This is a signature detail and should not be skipped.
Using white or ivory, CO 18 sts.
- Row 1 RS: k all sts.
- Row 2 WS: p all sts.
- Row 3 RS: k2, *yo, k2tog* 7 times, k2.
- Row 4 WS: p all sts.
- Row 5 RS: knit.
- Row 6 WS: purl.
- Row 7 RS: k1, yo, k2tog across to last st, k1.
- Row 8 WS: p all sts.
- Rows 9-14: repeat rows 5-8 once, then rows 5-6 once.
- BO loosely.
Shape into a soft V or rounded bib and stitch to the bodice center.
For neck frill, CO 28 sts in white.
- Row 1: k all sts.
- Row 2: p all sts.
- Row 3: kfb across. 56 sts.
- BO loosely on next row.
Attach around neckline just below the bonnet ties.
Apron Skirt
The apron is white and lightly gathered, sitting high at the waist with a ruffled lower edge. In the photo it covers only the front portion of the skirt.
Using white, CO 54 sts.
- Rows 1-4: st st.
- Row 5 RS: *k2tog, yo* across.
- Row 6 WS: p all sts.
- Rows 7-10: st st.
- Row 11 RS: k all sts.
- Row 12 WS: p all sts.
- Row 13 RS: k2tog every 5th and 6th st across. 45 sts.
- Rows 14-18: st st.
- BO loosely.
Gather top edge slightly and stitch only across the front waist. Let the lower edge sit over the green skirt without pulling tight.
Apron Waist Ties
Using white, make 2 narrow i-cords or knitted cords 7 inches / 18 cm long. Stitch to each upper side of apron and wrap to back.
Bonnet Main Piece
The bonnet is emerald green with a rounded back and deep front brim. It frames the head closely and is essential to the look.
Using emerald green, CO 72 sts.
- Rows 1-10: k1, p1 rib.
- Rows 11-28: st st, beginning with a purl row.
- Row 29 RS: k8, k2tog across to last 8 sts, k8. 65 sts.
- Row 30 WS: p all sts.
- Row 31 RS: k7, k2tog across to last 7 sts, k7. 59 sts.
- Row 32 WS: p all sts.
- Row 33 RS: k6, k2tog across to last 6 sts, k6. 53 sts.
- Row 34 WS: p all sts.
- Row 35 RS: k5, k2tog across to last 5 sts, k5. 47 sts.
- Row 36 WS: p all sts.
- Row 37 RS: k4, k2tog across to last 4 sts, k4. 41 sts.
- Row 38 WS: p all sts.
- Row 39 RS: k3, k2tog across to last 3 sts, k3. 35 sts.
- Row 40 WS: p all sts.
- BO.
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Sew side seam and gather back crown gently to form the rounded bonnet shape. The ribbed section becomes the face frame.
Bonnet White Frill
Using white, CO 60 sts.
- Row 1: k all sts.
- Row 2: p all sts.
- Row 3: kfb across. 120 sts.
- Row 4: p all sts.
- BO loosely knitwise.
Whipstitch along the inside front bonnet edge so the frill peeks out generously, matching the image.
Bonnet Ties
Using white, make 2 cords 8 inches / 20 cm long. Attach at lower bonnet edges. Tie in a small bow under the chin.
Hair Cap
The hair is dark brown, center-parted, smooth at the crown, and gathered into low side sections trailing forward. This method gives a neat controlled shape.
Using dark brown, CO 16 sts.
- Rows 1-18: st st.
- Row 19 RS: kfb at each end. 18 sts.
- Rows 20-26: st st.
- BO.
Make 2 pieces. Sew together into a curved cap to fit the back and crown of the head. Stitch onto head with the seam centered at the part line.
Hair Strands
Cut 48 strands of dark brown yarn, each 12 inches / 30 cm long. Fold each strand in half and latch or sew them along the side edges of the cap, concentrating the fullest area at the lower sides and back.
Divide the hair into a center part. Smooth the front sections down under the bonnet. Gather side lengths into low bundles and tack them into place so they resemble the long side-falling hair in the image rather than braided plaits.
Crossbody Bag
The small green crossbody bag sits at the waist and has a rounded flap with a tiny rose detail.
Using emerald green, CO 14 sts.
- Rows 1-10: st st.
- Row 11 RS: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
- Row 12 WS: p all sts.
- Row 13 RS: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
- BO.
Make 2 pieces. Sew side and lower edges, lightly stuff or insert felt. Add flap by knitting separately:
CO 8 sts in emerald green.
- Rows 1-4: st st.
- Row 5 RS: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
- Row 6 WS: p all sts.
- BO.
Sew flap to bag top. Make a long strap cord about 9 inches / 23 cm and attach diagonally across the body. Embroider a tiny pink rosette on flap center.
Flower Basket
The basket is shallow, rounded, and filled with pastel flowers. It sits in the doll’s other hand.
Using taupe or oatmeal, CO 10 sts.
- Rows 1-6: st st.
- Row 7 RS: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
- Rows 8-10: st st.
- BO.
Make 2 pieces plus a base strip:
CO 4 sts.
- Rows 1-16: garter stitch.
- BO.
Sew the strip around the lower edges of the 2 basket sides. Insert a tiny oval of felt or card at base if needed. Add a handle with a twisted cord or knitted strip 4 inches / 10 cm long.
Basket Flowers
Make several tiny flowers in scrap yarn:
- Rose knots: wrap yarn 5 times around needle, knot, and stitch in place
- Daisy buds: CO 3 sts, knit 2 rows, BO
- Leaf tufts: CO 3 sts in green, kfb across, BO next row
Arrange pink, lavender, blue, yellow, and cream accents closely packed inside the basket.
Watering Can
The watering can is soft taupe-gray with a floral accent. It is small but recognizable, with a body, spout, and handle.
Body: using taupe, CO 12 sts.
- Rows 1-8: st st.
- Row 9 RS: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
- Row 10 WS: p all sts.
- BO.
Make 2 body pieces and sew, stuffing very lightly.
Spout: CO 3 sts.
- Rows 1-6: i-cord or knit every row for narrow tube.
- BO.
Handle: CO 14 sts.
- BO immediately as an i-cord style cord or make a twisted cord.
Attach spout to front and handle from upper back to side. Embroider a tiny pink flower on the side of the can.
Flowerpot
The tiny pot is terracotta and holds a compact flowering plant.
Using terracotta, CO 14 sts.
- Rows 1-2: garter stitch.
- Rows 3-7: st st.
- Row 8 RS: k2tog across. 7 sts.
- Break yarn, gather and close.
Sew side seam to form a pot. Stuff base lightly or insert a scrap filling nub.
For plant, use green and pink scraps:
- Make 3 green loops and stitch into the pot opening.
- Add 5-7 French knot style pink flower buds.
- Secure well so the arrangement stays upright.
Shoes Decorative Edge
If you want the shoes to match the image more closely, embroider a tiny pink flower or beadlike knot at the outer ankle edge of each shoe. Keep it very small.
Assembly Order
- Sew and stuff head.
- Complete neck and torso.
- Attach head to torso with strong ladder stitches.
- Sew legs to lower torso, angled slightly forward so the doll can sit naturally.
- Sew arms at shoulder line, angled gently downward.
- Attach front dress panel and bodice pieces.
- Sew on lace bib and neck frill.
- Attach petticoat, then overskirt, then apron.
- Make and attach hair cap and hair strands.
- Fit and sew bonnet in place with front slightly lowered over forehead.
- Attach bag strap diagonally across chest.
- Tack basket to one hand and watering can to the other hand.
- Place flowerpot beside the doll for display.
Facial Embroidery Placement
The face in the image is simple and serene. The eyes are closed, gently curved downward at the outer edge, and placed low on the face center. There is no mouth shown. The cheeks are softly blushed.
- Eyes: embroider each eye over about 4 stitches wide using black thread, placed 6 rows below the forehead curve and 4 stitches out from center line
- Nose: optional tiny horizontal skin-tone stitch at center
- Cheeks: add pale pink blush by dry brushing or a tiny amount of pink embroidery thread shading
Shaping Notes for Accuracy
To match the photo well, focus on silhouette. The head should appear large but not oversized like a cartoon. The torso must stay slim. The skirt should provide the visual volume. The bonnet must sit low enough that the face looks framed and sheltered.
The apron should not cover the whole front skirt. Keep it modest in width. The bag should sit just off center and rest lightly against the dress. The basket should look soft and flower-filled rather than stiff. The watering can should angle downward naturally from the hand.
The hair should remain smooth around the face, with most bulk tucked under the bonnet and longer sections falling to either side. Avoid making the hair too thick at the crown.
Helpful Tips for Newer Knitters
- Use locking markers to note RS rows while making mirrored pieces.
- Keep accessory tension firm so tiny pieces do not collapse.
- Stuff in small amounts rather than one large wad.
- Sew as you go to check scale before finishing every accessory.
- Block flat pieces lightly before assembly, especially skirt and apron.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Once all pieces are attached, sit the doll upright and adjust the skirt folds until the front opening, apron, and underskirt look balanced. Embroider the closed eyes last, after the bonnet is in place, so you can judge the visible face area correctly. Add blush very sparingly.
Care Notes
Display indoors away from strong sunlight and moisture. Spot clean gently with a barely damp cloth. Avoid machine washing because the stuffed body, facial embroidery, and small accessories may lose shape.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head stuffed smooth with no lumps
- Bonnet frill evenly visible
- Hair part centered
- Skirt fullness balanced front to back
- Apron centered
- Bag strap secure
- Basket and watering can firmly attached
- Eyes placed evenly
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Dust the doll regularly with a soft dry brush. For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and keep in a breathable box. Do not seal in plastic for extended periods. If the skirt loses shape, steam lightly from a distance and reshape by hand without soaking the fibers.



