Swaddle Babies · Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern
I'm thrilled to share with you my newest pattern, the Swaddle Babies!
The PDF pattern is a 3-in-1 pattern bundle that includes the three different doll sizes below. If you'd like to see them in action with a quick run-down, check out my Pattern Preview Video!
- Baby doll (SMALL)
- Original doll (MEDIUM)
- Tall doll (LARGE)
From left to right: Original, Baby, Tall
These adorable little figures are shaped like Japanese kokeshi dolls. Traditionally, these are dolls that don't have any arms or legs -- just the head and body.
My Swaddle Babies are technically baby dolls that are supposed to be "swaddled", so the arms and legs are tucked inside the wrap. I also made little bonnets, hoods, and hairbands to keep their heads warm (and fashionable)!
This is a no-sew design, which I LOVE because it seems to work up that much faster! The body and head (along with the hair) are cleverly made in one continuous spiral, and there's no fastening off until the very end! This pattern is worked bottom up, starting from the base of the body to the top of the head.
This is such a great stashbuster project for using up scrap yarn. It's also fun to customize with different color combinations. You can make a "mini me" for the little one you're gifting this doll to by using the same skin and hair color as the child, and the child's favorite colors for the body and head accessories.
The color changes I made here are what I call heart-shaped color changes, where I simply alternate the yarn color every three stitches. If you're curious to see how that's done, here's my heart-shaped color change video tutorial!
For this project, I've decided to post the BABY DOLL size for free on my blog. The other two sizes, Original and Tall, will be included in the 3-in-1 PDF pattern that is available for purchase for a small price. Due to difficulties with the upkeep of my blog recently, I've decided to offer more premium incentives...so if you'd like to purchase the pattern, that'd really help me in supporting my work and allowing me to create more freebies like this sweet, baby doll!
This pattern is...
- Beginner-friendly
- Quick to work up
- 100% crocheted (no sewing needed!)
- Great for using up scrap yarns (in other words, an awesome "stashbuster"!)
- Has a fairytale and woodland vibe
- Fun toy for kids to play with
- Unisex, for both boys and girls and everyone in-between!
- Perfect as party favors, birthday presents, holiday or Christmas gifts, craft fairs, and more!
The Yarn I Used
For this project, I used the Brava Mini Packs from KnitPicks. I got it in the "Rainbow" color scheme, which included 24 gorgeous colors, ranging from pastels to vibrant, jewel-toned shades! As an amigurumi artist who often needs to use a large variety of colors, this was the PERFECT product for me because I can so conveniently pursue my color cravings...without having to buy full skeins! In addition, it's also soft and easy to work with. It's seriously the perfect solution and I know I'm sticking to Brava for my amigurumi needs!
Make this project for...
The little one(s) in your life! This cute toy makes a wonderful baby shower gift, nursery decor, children's play toy, Christmas holiday gift or stocking stuffer, birthday present, kids party favors, and more. They even make great crafts fair products as well. I also love that it's a unisex, gender neutral doll that can be enjoyed by both girls and boys.
If you like this design of mine, you can check out the other Amigurumi Patterns I have on my site, or click to see all my Free Crochet Patterns!
Want the PDF pattern?
If you would like to download the beautifully-formatted, ad-free, and easy-to-read PDF version with photo references, you can get a copy from my shop, Ravelry or Etsy shop. The PDF pattern includes ALL THREE doll sizes!
(Thank you for supporting Sweet Softies designs! These funds help offset my craft materials cost and allows me to design more free patterns to share with you all on my blog!)
SWADDLE BABIES
Free Crochet Pattern
Copyright Notice -- © 2021 Sweet Softies (www.sweetsofties.com). You have permission to sell finished products made from this pattern, but you must credit Sweet Softies as the owner/creator of this pattern by linking to my website (www.sweetsofties.com). No wholesale. You may not translate, copy, alter, or sell my patterns in part or in whole in any way. My patterns may not be used in video tutorials or teaching online classes. My patterns may be used in teaching in-person classes ONLY with written consent from me. You may link to this pattern but you may not copy any part of the pattern instructions on other websites.
Introduction:
The Swaddle Babies Pattern is a 3-in-1 pattern that includes three different sizes: Baby doll (small), Original doll (medium), and Tall doll (large)! These adorable little figures are shaped like Japanese kokeshi dolls with no arms or legs. They come with dress-up accessories, including cute hoods, pixie bonnet hats, and headbands. This is a no-sew design, meaning everything is worked up with crochet methods only! For instance, the head and body of the doll is worked in one piece. This is a great stashbuster project for using up scrap yarn and is also fun to customize with different color combinations. Both girls and boys will enjoy this unisex/gender neutral toy. They make lovely birthday presents for children, holiday or Christmas gifts, kids party favors, and more. The PDF pattern file includes complete written instructions for all three doll sizes and accessories, photo references, and links to video tutorials to help guide the crochet process.
Size: (Approximate Heights)
Baby doll: 3.5 in (9 cm)
Original doll: 5.5 in (14 cm)
Tall doll: 6.5 in (16.5 cm)
Level of Difficulty:
★★☆☆☆ Easy / Familiar Beginner
Requires familiarity with stitches used (below), attaching yarn, changing yarn colors, and attaching safety eyes.
Stitches/Terms Used:
- FO: fasten off
- MR: magic ring
- Ch: chain
- Sl st: slip stitch
- Sc: single crochet
- Dc: double crochet
- Inc: increase
- Dec: decrease
- BLO: back loops only
- Surface sl st
- Drop stitch
Materials:
- Medium weight 4 yarn in desired colors (I used Brava Mini Packs from KnitPicks)
- 2.75mm hook for doll
- 5mm hook for head accessories (hood, bonnet, headband)
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Black thread for sewing eyes, or plastic safety eyes (9mm for Original/Tall dolls, 6mm for Baby doll)
Below are video tutorials that go with the trickier parts of this pattern. If you haven't already, don't forget to check out my Pattern Preview video to see different doll sizes and get a quick run-down of this project!
Note: Videos are available for the trickier parts of this pattern. Scroll down to the 'Video Tutorials' section for more information.
BABY DOLL
R1: In MR, insert 6 sc. (6 sts)
R2: Inc 6. (12 sts)
R3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18 sts)
R2: Inc 6. (12 sts)
R3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18 sts)
R4: (Sc 2, inc) x 6. (24 sts)
R5-R7: Sc around. (24 sts)
R8: Sc around, but alternate with C2 every three stitches. (24 sts)
R9: Sc around. (24 sts)
R10: Sc around, but alternate with C2 every three stitches. (24 sts)
R11: (Sc 6, dec) x 3. (21 sts)
R12: Sc around, but alternate with C2 every three stitches. (21 sts)
R13: (Sc 5, dec) x 3. (18 sts)
R14: (Sc, dec) x 6. (12 sts)
R15: Sc around. (12 sts)
Stuff the body well. Switch to skin color.
R16: In FLO, (sc, inc) x 6. (18 sts)
R17: (Sc 2, inc) x 6. (24 sts)
R18-R23: Sc around. (24 sts)
Switch to C4 (hair color) yarn. If desired, insert 6mm plastic safety eyes between R19-R20, 5 sts apart. (Alternatively, you can embroider the eyes using needle and thread). Stuff the doll’s body well and continue stuffing as you work.
R24: Use the drop-stitch method by inserting your hook 3 rounds below (between R20-R21). Pull yarn through and finish off the sc normally. Do this around the entire round. (24 sts)
R25: Sc around. (24 sts)
R26: (Sc 6, dec) x 3. (21 sts)
R27: (Sc 5, dec) x 3. (18 sts)
R28: (Sc, dec) x 6. (12 sts)
R29: Dec around. (6 sts)
FO and use the yarn end to sew the top of the head closed.
BONNET
Use the 5mm hook. Start with C1 yarn.
R1: Fdc 18 (or however long would comfortably fit when you place it over the doll’s head like headphones.)
R2: Ch 3, turn. Dc across. (18 dc)
R3-R5: Repeat R2.
Follow the directions below for finishing:
- Fold the rectangle in half. Stitch one end together by sl st through both layers. (Alternatively, you can FO with a long tail and sew the edge together.)
- Attach C2 yarn to the side of the pixie hat’s opening. If you want a strap for tying, start with a long yarn tail.
- Sc across in BLO around the front edge of the hat’s opening. (If desired, sc 2 sts together to make a dec at the very center of the row to cinch the opening of the hood a little tighter.)
- FO with a long yarn tail the same length as the first strap to make the second strap.
Congratulations on finishing your Swaddle Baby! Have fun making this cute doll in different color combinations and putting on their bonnets!
Want the PDF pattern?
If you would like to download the beautifully-formatted, ad-free, and easy-to-read PDF version with photo references, you can get a copy from my shop, Ravelry or Etsy shop. The PDF pattern includes ALL THREE doll sizes!
If you enjoyed this project, you might like my other designs! Simply click on the image below for the pattern, or check out all my free patterns here.
If you made this project and would like to share photos, I'd absolutely love to see! Here are links for sharing your finished creation:
- Sweet Softies Facebook Page
- Sweet Softies Amigurumi & Crochet Community Facebook Group
- Instagram, @SweetSofties
- Email: sweetsofties [at] gmail.com
Best wishes,
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