Part 1: Clara the Belle · Free CAL

Welcome to Clara the Belle's Crochet-A-Long page!  There are five parts to this CAL.  For Part 1, we will be making Clara's head and upper body.  

Go to the Main Page for: 

• Links to the other parts of the CAL
• The materials list
• Basic info (terms/stitches used, size, difficulty)
• The inspiration behind this doll

If you want...

• All pattern instructions in one convenient, ad-free, and printable PDF file
• Photo references to help with the doll-making process
• To support my blog

...then you're in luck!  The PDF pattern is available on Ravelry and Etsy! 

Click here for the PDF pattern

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You can save this project on Ravelry, or on your Pinterest board.

 

Clara the Belle: Part 1

Terms of Use & Copyright Notice © 2022 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.

Intro

Clara the Belle is an amigurumi girl doll wearing a classic English dress with lace details and puffy long sleeves.  Her design features a slender torso with a bust and a small waist.  Clara also has a matching hair bow to add to her outfit, making her look very sweet!  Children will love playing with this beautiful toy.  Crochet it as the perfect gift for kids birthday or holiday!  The PDF pattern file includes written instructions as well as photo references to guide you through the doll-making process.

Size

Height without hair bow: 8 inches (20 cm)

Level

★★☆☆☆  Easy / Familiar Beginner
Requires familiarity with stitches used (below), changing colors, and sewing parts together.

Stitches/Terms Used (U.S. Terminology)

• FO = fasten off 
• MR = magic ring 
• ch = chain sl st = slip stitch 
• sc = single crochet 
• hdc = half double crochet 
• dc = double crochet 
• tr = triple (“treble”) crochet 
• inc = increase 
• Dec = decrease dc-inc = double crochet increase (insert 2 dc in the same st)

Materials

• Medium weight yarn in desired colors (I used Caron Simply Soft) 
• 7mm plastic safety eyes 
• 2.75mm crochet hook 
• Stuffing 
• Yarn needle 
• Scissors 
• Pipecleaners (for stability)
• Optional: blush powder & q-tip (see my 'Adding Blush' tutorial)

Part 1 of 5: Head & Upper Body

Note: The head and upper body sections are crocheted in one piece.  Do not fasten off until the very end, when instructed to do so.

HEAD

Start with the skin color yarn.

R1: Insert 6 sc in MR. Pull ring tight. (6 sts)

R2: Inc around. (12 sts)

R3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18 sts)

R4: (Sc 2, inc) x 6. (24 sts)

R5: (Sc 3, inc) x 6. (30 sts)

R6-R12: Sc around. (30 sts)

R13: (Sc 3, dec) x 6. (24 sts)

Insert 7mm plastic safety eyes between R9-R10, 6 sts apart. Stuff the head firmly, but be careful not to stretch the stitches.

R14: Dec around. (12 sts)

R15: Dec around. (6 sts)

NECK

R16-R17: Sc around. (6 sts)

UPPER BODY

R18: Inc around. (12 sts)

R19: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18 sts)

R20: (Sc 5, inc) x 3. (21 sts)

Notes: 

1. You must begin the next row at around the mid-back of the doll. If you are not aligned, make a few stitches so that you get to the middle of the doll's back, then continue. (This way, the breasts will face forward in alignment with the eyes.)
2. Underlined portion = center of front.
3. Switch to using dress color yarn.

R21: Sc 8, inc, sc 3, inc, sc 8. (23 sts)

R22: Sc 9, inc 2, sc, inc 2, sc 9. (27 sts)

R23: Sc around. (27)

R24: Sc 9, dec 2, sc, dec 2, sc 9. (23 sts)

R25: Sc 7, dec 2, sc, dec 2, sc 7. (19 sts)

R26: Sc 7, dec 3, sc 6. (16 sts)

R27: (Sc 6, dec) x 2. (14 sts)

R28: (Sc 6, inc) x 2. (16 sts)

FO and weave in the ends. You may insert a folded pipe cleaner (or wire) up the neck to provide stability to the doll's neck.

Remember, you can...

• Go to the Main Page for links to the other parts of the pattern
• Save this project on Pinterest
• Save this pattern on Ravelry
• Purchase the pattern on Etsy 
• Check out ways to support my blog if you'd like to say thank you
• Check out Sweet Softies' free pattern page to see all the patterns offered for free on my blog

Share your work!

I'd love to see your finished creations from my designs.  Here are links for sharing photos of your creations: 

• Sweet Softies Facebook Page 
• Sweet Softies Amigurumi & Crochet Community Facebook Group 
• Instagram, @SweetSofties 

As always, you are more than welcome to share this post with any fellow crocheters who'd like to try this pattern.  Thank you for reading, and I wish you all a happy time crocheting!

Warm wishes,