Knitting Tutorial: Bluebell Garden Doll – Free Knitting Pattern

This romantic knitted doll is designed to closely match the blue garden scene in the photo, complete with a wide scalloped hat, softly blushed face, gray curls, a floral dress, a little handbag, blue shoes, and tiny table accessories. It makes a beautiful heirloom doll, gift for doll lovers, nursery décor piece, craft fair display sample, or handmade collectible. If you enjoy searching for a knitted doll pattern, heirloom toy pattern, handmade gift idea, or boutique-style doll design to make or sell as a finished item, this sweet garden doll is a lovely project to cast on.

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 detailed US English and is intended to recreate the doll and small accessories shown in the image as closely as possible. The doll is worked mostly in the round for a smooth finish. Clothing is knitted separately, then dressed onto the finished body.

The overall look depends on three things: a large rounded head, a small narrow upper body hidden under a full dress, and a very structured outer silhouette created by the skirt, brimmed hat, and placed floral decoration. Do not skip stuffing firmly and shaping carefully.

The flowers on the skirt, bodice, hat, bag, cup, and book are best added with duplicate stitch and tiny embroidered knots after knitting. That gives the closest visual match to the photo and keeps the knitted fabric neat and even.

Skill Level

Intermediate, or confident adventurous beginner.

• You should know how to knit in the round.
• You should be comfortable with increases, decreases, picking up stitches, and simple embroidery.
• The doll itself is not difficult, but the finishing details matter a lot.

Materials

• Skin yarn: light fingering or heavy lace weight, pale cream or porcelain beige, about 35 g.
• Dress and hat yarn: sport or light DK in dusty cornflower blue, about 85 g.
• Lace trim yarn: fingering in soft ivory or cream, about 20 g.
• Hair yarn: fingering in medium cool gray, about 20 g.
• Flower colors: very small amounts of rose pink, blush pink, pale yellow cream, soft sage green, and muted blue.
• Book yarn: rose or dusty mauve for book cover, cream for pages.
• Cup yarn: same blue as dress plus tiny pink and green scraps for motif.
• Needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm double-pointed needles or long magic loop needle for body parts.
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm needles for dress, hat, bag, and accessories if you knit tightly. Stay on US 1 if you knit loosely.
• Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery.
• Stuffing for doll, bag, and lightly for hat crown if needed.
• Two 6 mm black safety eyes or black embroidery thread for stitched eyes.
• Optional: soft pink powder blush or colored pencil for cheeks.
• Optional: thin cardboard insert for book cover and tiny circle of light interfacing for hat brim support.

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge for doll body: 32 sts and 44 rnds = 4 inches in stockinette on US 1 / 2.25 mm, worked in the round and knitted firmly.

Gauge for dress and hat: 28 sts and 38 rnds = 4 inches in stockinette on US 2 / 2.75 mm.

Finished doll size: about 12 to 13 inches tall from shoes to top of hat, depending on stuffing density and yarn choice.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• m1L = make one left
• m1R = make one right
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• yo = yarn over
• rep = repeat
• BO = bind off

Color Notes

Use the skin yarn for head, neck, legs, arms, and hands. The dress, hat, shoes, bag, and cup are blue. The trim on dress and sleeves is cream. Hair is gray. Flowers are embroidered after knitting in rose, blush, cream, pale blue, and green.

Core Doll Body

Legs Make 2

Stuff as you go, but do not overstuff the upper leg. The leg shape in the photo is slim and hidden by the dress. A neat narrow tube works better than a thick leg.

1. Using skin yarn and US 1 needles, CO 10 sts. Divide evenly and join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: kfb, k3, kfb, kfb, k3, kfb. 14 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: k1, m1L, k5, m1R, k1, k1, m1L, k5, m1R, k1. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 5 through 18: Knit 14 rnds.
7. Rnd 19: k7, k2tog, k7, ssk. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 20: Knit.
9. Rnd 21: k6, k2tog, k6, ssk. 14 sts.
10. Rnds 22 through 26: Knit 5 rnds.
11. Cut yarn on first leg and leave live stitches. Make second leg the same, but do not cut yarn.

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Join Legs and Knit Lower Body

The body under the dress is compact and narrow. Keep the torso neat because the bodice sits very close to it. The doll in the photo has a softly rounded chest area, not a broad shoulder line.

1. With second leg on needle, knit across 14 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts, knit across 14 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts. 36 sts.
2. Place beginning of round marker at center back.
3. Rnd 1: Knit, working across all 36 sts.
4. Rnd 2: k14, m1L, k4, m1R, k14, m1L, k4, m1R. 40 sts.
5. Rnd 3: Knit.
6. Rnd 4: Knit.
7. Rnd 5: k18, m1R, k2, m1L, k18, m1R, k2, m1L. 44 sts.
8. Rnds 6 through 14: Knit 9 rnds.
9. Rnd 15: k10, k2tog, k10, ssk, k10, k2tog, k10, ssk. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 16 through 18: Knit 3 rnds.
11. Rnd 19: k9, k2tog, k9, ssk, k9, k2tog, k9, ssk. 36 sts.
12. Rnds 20 through 23: Knit 4 rnds.

Shape Upper Torso

1. Rnd 24: k7, k2tog, k8, ssk, k7, k2tog, k8, ssk. 32 sts.
2. Rnd 25: Knit.
3. Rnd 26: k6, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6, k2tog, k8, ssk. 28 sts.
4. Rnds 27 through 31: Knit 5 rnds.
5. Stuff legs and lower body firmly. Add extra filling in seat and tummy, but keep chest area moderate.

Neck

1. Rnd 32: k2tog around. 14 sts.
2. Rnds 33 through 36: Knit 4 rnds very tightly. This forms a strong neck.
3. If needed, add a tiny roll of extra stuffing into neck area now.

Head

The head is the most important shape in this project. It should be large, round, and slightly wider through the cheeks. The face area should be flat enough to place simple eyes, a tiny nose, and blush without distortion.

1. Rnd 37: k1, m1L around. 28 sts.
2. Rnd 38: Knit.
3. Rnd 39: k2, m1R around. 37 sts. Add 1 extra knit at end of round to make 38 sts.
4. Rnd 40: Knit.
5. Rnd 41: k1, m1L, k2 around. 50 sts.
6. Rnd 42: Knit.
7. Rnd 43: k4, kfb around. 60 sts.
8. Rnds 44 through 58: Knit 15 rnds.

If using safety eyes, insert them between rnds 50 and 51, with 7 visible stitches between the eyes. Center them on the face. Do not place them too high. The doll in the image has low-set eyes and a generous forehead hidden partly by bangs.

1. Rnd 59: k8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 60: Knit.
3. Rnd 61: k7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 62: Knit.
5. Rnd 63: k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 64: Knit.
7. Begin stuffing the head very firmly. Smooth lumps with fingers as you go.
8. Rnd 65: k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
9. Rnd 66: k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
10. Rnd 67: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
11. Rnd 68: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
12. Rnd 69: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
13. Rnd 70: k2tog around. 6 sts.
14. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off.

Arms Make 2

The arms in the photo are simple, slim, and slightly curved inward. The hands are mitten-like rather than fingered. Keep them lightly stuffed so they drape gently beside the skirt.

1. Using skin yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3 through 5: Knit 3 rnds.
5. Rnd 6: k2tog around. 8 sts.
6. Rnd 7: Knit.
7. Rnd 8: k1, m1L around. 12 sts.
8. Rnds 9 through 24: Knit 16 rnds.
9. Rnd 25: k4, k2tog, k4, ssk. 10 sts.
10. Rnd 26: Knit.
11. Rnd 27: k3, k2tog, k3, ssk. 8 sts.
12. Rnds 28 through 31: Knit 4 rnds.
13. Lightly stuff hand and lower arm only.
14. Flatten top opening and graft or whipstitch closed across 4 stitches per side.
15. Leave long yarn tail for sewing to body.

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Hair

The photo shows smooth gray bangs and long loose curls falling to the front. The best way to match that style is to make a knitted cap base, then add strands for curls, and finally stitch a shaped fringe over the forehead.

Hair Cap

1. Using gray yarn and US 1 needles, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4: Knit.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb around. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 6: Knit.
8. Rnd 7: k3, kfb around. 30 sts.
9. Rnd 8: Knit.
10. Rnd 9: k4, kfb around. 36 sts.
11. Rnd 10: Knit.
12. Rnd 11: k5, kfb around. 42 sts.
13. Rnd 12: Knit.
14. Rnd 13: k6, kfb around. 48 sts.
15. Rnds 14 through 20: Knit 7 rnds.
16. BO loosely.

Sew the cap to the head so the front edge sits just above eye level, leaving room for the fringe. The cap should cover the crown, upper back head, and side head, but not come too low over the cheeks.

Bangs

Cut 18 strands of gray yarn, each about 7 inches long. Fold each strand in half and latch or sew them along a horizontal line at the front of the cap. Use 9 placements, each with one folded strand.

Lay the strands forward. Trim into a blunt slightly rounded fringe. The center is shortest. The outer edges angle down just a little. Stitch the bangs flat with tiny hidden sewing stitches so they do not separate.

Curls

Cut 20 to 24 strands of gray yarn, each 10 to 12 inches long. Attach them around the side and lower edge of the cap. Make denser placement at the front sides because the photo shows two visible curls framing the face.

To form knitted-yarn curls, wind each strand around a thin knitting needle, steam lightly, let dry, then release. Alternatively, braid damp strands overnight. Stitch the two front curls into soft spirals that hang to chest level.

Dress

The dress is a separate garment. It has a fitted bodice, wide skirt, cream vertical trim, cream sleeve trim, and embroidered roses. The skirt sits full and rounded, not limp. Use slightly firmer yarn or knit at a tight gauge.

Bodice Worked Flat

The dress opens at the back for dressing the doll. Work flat in rows. Use blue yarn and US 2 needles.

1. CO 36 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: K3, p2, k6, p2, k12, p2, k6, p2, k3.
4. Rows 3 through 8: Work stitches as established, knitting the knit columns and purling the purl columns.

The purl columns create the channels where the cream lace trim will be sewn later. Keep these lines crisp and straight. The center 12 stitches form the front bodice panel.

1. Row 9 RS: K3, p2, k6, p2, k12, p2, k6, p2, k3.
2. Row 10 WS: Same as established.
3. Row 11 RS: K2tog, k1, p2, k6, p2, k12, p2, k6, p2, k1, ssk. 34 sts.
4. Row 12 WS: Work as established.
5. Row 13 RS: K2, p2, k6, p2, k12, p2, k6, p2, k2.
6. Rows 14 through 18: Work even in pattern.
7. Row 19 RS: K2tog, p2, k6, p2, k12, p2, k6, p2, ssk. 32 sts.
8. Rows 20 through 24: Work even.

Armhole Shaping

1. Row 25 RS: BO 2, work in pattern to last 2 sts, BO 2. 28 sts.
2. Row 26 WS: Work even.
3. Row 27 RS: K2tog, work in pattern to last 2 sts, ssk. 26 sts.
4. Row 28 WS: Work even.

Neckline and Shoulders

1. Row 29 RS: Work 9 sts, BO 8 sts, work to end. Work each side separately.
2. Row 30 WS: Work left side only, maintaining pattern.
3. Row 31 RS: BO 2 at neck edge, work to end. 7 sts.
4. Row 32 WS: Work even.
5. Row 33 RS: BO all 7 sts.
6. Rejoin yarn to right side. Row 30 WS: Work even.
7. Row 31 RS: Work to last 2 sts before neck edge, BO 2. 7 sts.
8. Row 32 WS: Work even.
9. Row 33 RS: BO all 7 sts.

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Skirt Picked Up from Bodice

With RS facing and blue yarn, pick up and knit 48 sts evenly across lower bodice edge. Work flat for the skirt so the dress continues to open at the back. The skirt is full and slightly gathered at the waist.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, m1R, knit to last 1 st, m1L, k1. 50 sts.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. Row 4 RS: K2, m1R, knit to last 2 sts, m1L, k2. 52 sts.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 eight more times. 68 sts.
6. Work 8 rows even in stockinette.
7. Next RS row: K2, yo, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, yo, k2. Decorative side detail.
8. Next WS row: Purl.
9. Continue stockinette for 20 more rows.

To achieve the wide lower shape seen in the image, increase more near the hem.

1. Increase Row RS: K4, m1R, rep from previous to last 4 sts, k4. 84 sts.
2. WS row: Purl.
3. Work 10 rows even.
4. Increase Row RS: K5, m1R, rep from previous to last 5 sts, k5. 96 sts.
5. WS row: Purl.
6. Work 12 rows even.

Hem Edging

The photo shows a cream lace line peeking beneath the blue hem. Knit a separate cream edging and sew it under the skirt.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 9 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Knit.
3. Row 2 RS: K2, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, k2.
4. Row 3 WS: Knit.
5. Row 4 RS: K1, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog.
6. Repeat Rows 1 through 4 until strip fits around lower skirt edge with slight tension.
7. BO and sew to inside of hem so 1/4 to 3/8 inch shows below the blue skirt.

Back Finishing

Sew shoulder seams. Add two or three tiny snaps or sewn loops along the back opening. The dress should sit close at the bodice and spread wide over the lower body.

Front and Skirt Trim

Using cream yarn or narrow knitted braid, make three trim strips. Two go down the skirt front in slightly angled lines. One goes around the bodice center front in a rectangular frame.

For each trim strip, CO 3 sts in cream and work i-cord or garter strip to desired length. Sew one strip along each front skirt line, beginning at waist and ending near hem. Sew shorter strips around center bodice panel and sleeve edges.

Bodice Flowers

Duplicate stitch three small flowers stacked vertically at the center front bodice. Use one rose pink flower, one pale cream flower, and one dusty blue flower. Add tiny green leaves at the sides.

Skirt Floral Border

Embroider the lower hem flowers after the dress is assembled on the doll. Place one central cluster at the middle front hem and one smaller cluster near each side front. Keep the arrangement balanced and low on the skirt, just above the cream lace edge.

• Use lazy-daisy petals or duplicate stitch satin petals for flowers.
• Use French knots or wrapped knots for rose centers.
• Use tiny V-shaped stitches for leaves.
• Mix blush, rose, cream, and pale blue flowers for the closest photo effect.

Sleeves Make 2

The sleeves are softly shaped and end with cream trim. They are not oversized puff sleeves, but they do have a gentle rounded upper cap.

1. Using blue yarn, CO 22 sts.
2. Work flat in stockinette for 8 rows, beginning with a WS purl row.
3. Row 9 RS: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
4. Row 10 WS: Purl.
5. Rows 11 through 16: Work even.
6. Row 17 RS: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
7. Row 18 WS: Purl.
8. Rows 19 through 22: Work even.
9. BO loosely.

Sew sleeve seam. Add narrow cream trim near the wrist opening and again slightly higher, to mimic the layered lace band look in the photo. Set sleeves into the armholes. The lower edge should flare a little over the hands.

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Hat

The hat is broad, rounded, and deeply ruffled all around the brim. The crown sits low over the gray fringe. This hat is a major part of the silhouette, so take your time with it.

Hat Crown

1. Using blue yarn and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: Knit.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: Knit.
8. Rnd 7: k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 8: Knit.
10. Rnd 9: k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
11. Rnds 10 through 20: Knit 11 rnds.

Brim Base

1. Rnd 21: k3, m1R around. 60 sts.
2. Rnd 22: Knit.
3. Rnd 23: k4, m1R around. 72 sts.
4. Rnd 24: Knit.
5. Rnd 25: k5, m1R around. 84 sts.
6. Rnd 26: Knit.
7. Rnd 27: k6, m1R around. 96 sts.
8. Rnds 28 through 32: Knit 5 rnds.

Scalloped Ruffle Brim

The brim edge in the image has a pronounced rounded ripple. This section creates that effect without crochet.

1. Rnd 33: k1, yo around. 192 sts.
2. Rnd 34: Knit.
3. Rnd 35: purl.
4. Rnd 36: Knit.
5. Rnd 37: purl.
6. Rnd 38: *k6, k2tog; rep from * around. 168 sts.
7. Rnd 39: Knit.
8. BO loosely knitwise.

Steam lightly over a towel and finger-shape the scallops. If you want the hat to keep a dramatic wavy outline, tack a very thin ring of soft interfacing under the brim base, not under the ruffle itself.

Hat Flowers

Embroider or knit three small flowers and attach them to the right front side of hat crown. Place one larger blush flower at center, one cream flower above, and one dusty pink flower below. Add small green leaves beneath the cluster.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are tiny blue Mary Jane style slippers. They sit neatly under the hem, with rounded toes visible from the front.

1. Using blue yarn and US 1 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3 WS: Purl.
5. Row 4 RS: k1, m1R, k8, m1L, k1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 through 9: Work 5 rows in stockinette.
7. Row 10 RS: k4, k2tog, k2tog, k4. 10 sts.
8. Row 11 WS: Purl.
9. Row 12 RS: k3, k2tog, k2tog, k3. 8 sts.
10. Fold sides and seam slipper shape.

Make a strap by CO 8 sts on one side of opening, BO all on next row, and sew opposite end down. Slip the finished shoes onto the doll and tack in place with a couple of hidden stitches.

Handbag

The handbag is a soft blue pouch with cream trim and tiny flowers. It hangs from the doll’s left arm and should be proportionally small.

1. Using blue yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Work 16 rows in stockinette, beginning with a WS purl row.
3. BO.
4. Fold in half and seam sides to form a pouch.
5. For strap, CO 28 sts in blue, BO on next row, and sew both ends to bag top corners.

Add a small cream trim strip across the lower bag and embroider two or three tiny flowers to match the dress. Lightly stuff or line the bag so it holds its shape. Sew the strap to the hand and forearm if desired.

Teacup

This accessory is tiny and decorative. It does not need to be functional, but it should resemble the small blue cup in the photo.

1. Using blue yarn and very small needles, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 through 4: Knit.
3. Rnd 5: purl.
4. Rnd 6: Knit.
5. BO loosely.

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Close the bottom with a stitched circle. For the handle, CO 6 sts, BO on next row, curve into a handle, and sew to side of cup. Add one tiny pink flower and green leaf with embroidery on the cup side.

Book

The little floral book beside the doll is made as a small padded rectangle.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Knit 12 rows in garter stitch. BO. This is the page block.
3. Using rose yarn, CO 12 sts.
4. Knit 14 rows in garter stitch. BO. Fold around the cream page block like a cover.
5. Sew side edges, insert a tiny cardboard rectangle if desired, and close.

Embroider a miniature floral spray on the top cover in pink and green. Keep it delicate. The book should look soft and handmade, not rigid and oversized.

Assembly

1. Sew arms to the body at upper torso level, just below the neck. Angle them slightly downward and forward.
2. Dress the doll in the finished bodice and skirt. Close the back with snaps or sewn loops.
3. Slide shoes onto feet and secure.
4. Place hat over hair and tack invisibly at two side points and one back point.
5. Hang the bag from the left arm and stitch lightly in place.
6. Place teacup and book as display props.

Face Embroidery

The face in the image is simple and gentle. Avoid overworking it. Small eyes, tiny nose, blush cheeks, and no large mouth produce the closest result.

• Eyes: If not using safety eyes, embroider with black thread as two tiny vertical satin stitches or small French knots.
• Nose: Use one short horizontal stitch in skin or light beige thread, centered 3 to 4 rows below the eyes.
• Cheeks: Add soft pink blush in circular patches under the eyes.
• Mouth: Optional. If added, make one faint single stitch in pale peach, placed very low and short.

Styling Notes for Accuracy

For the closest photo match, the doll should look slightly front-heavy because of the wide skirt and large hat. Keep the head large and the hands small. The brim should frame the face but not hide the eyes.

The most visible floral details are on the front skirt hem, bodice center, hat cluster, bag, cup, and book. Use muted antique-style shades, not bright modern tones. Dusty rose, cream, and pale blue are the most important accents.

The cream trims should be narrow and refined. They are accents, not dominant features. If the cream lace is too wide, the dress will lose the delicate balance shown in the image.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head is centered, the bangs sit evenly, and the front curls fall symmetrically. Place the hat slightly forward so the brim frames the fringe. Keep the eyes low and small, the cheeks soft, and the nose minimal for the sweetest expression.

Care Notes

Display this doll indoors and away from prolonged direct sun. If giving it to a child, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes and secure every accessory firmly. The hat, bag, cup, and book are best treated as decorative details.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head stuffed firmly with no dents
• Neck strong and stable
• Bangs trimmed and anchored
• Front curls matched in length
• Dress closes neatly at back
• Skirt trim placed evenly
• Flowers balanced across all accessories
• Hat brim ripples evenly all around
• Shoes secured to feet
• Bag hangs naturally from arm

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak unless absolutely necessary, because stuffing and embroidered shaping may shift. If washed, reshape while damp and dry flat on a towel away from heat.

Store the doll upright or wrapped in acid-free tissue in a dry place. Avoid crushing the hat brim. For long-term display, dust gently with a soft brush and keep dark or strongly dyed items away from the pale face fabric.