Maplewood Meadow Doll Cardigan & Boots Free Knitting Pattern

Bring a touch of woodland charm to your 18-inch doll's wardrobe with this cozy cardigan and boot set. The Maplewood Meadow pattern features a delicate leaf-patterned yoke in deep forest green, set against a warm maple and cream palette that captures the essence of autumn. Whether you're a seasoned doll clothes knitter or looking for your next rewarding project, this textured yoke set is sure to become a favorite. The combination of seed stitch ribbing, stockinette body, and a lace leaf trim creates a professional-looking finish that will delight any doll enthusiast.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Maple (brownish-orange) – approximately 40g
  • Cream (off-white) – approximately 40g
  • Forest Green (dark green) – approximately 20g
• Needles:
  • US 5 (3.75 mm) knitting needles for the main fabric
  • US 4 (3.5 mm) knitting needles for ribbing
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, stitch holders or scrap yarn, scissors

Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 5 needles. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit for your 18-inch doll.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cardigan

The cardigan is worked flat in one piece to the armholes, then divided for the yoke. The leaf pattern trim is created separately and sewn on, giving you beautiful definition without complicated intarsia work.

Body (Worked Flat, Bottom Up)

1. With US 4 needles and Maple yarn, cast on 60 stitches.
2. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 8 rows. This creates the seed stitch trim at the bottom edge.
3. Switch to US 5 needles and Cream yarn. Work in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) for 20 rows, ending with a wrong side row.
4. Divide for armholes: On the next right side row, work as follows: K12 (left front), bind off 6 stitches, K24 (back), bind off 6 stitches, K12 (right front). You now have three sections: 12 stitches for each front and 24 stitches for the back. Place the two front sections on stitch holders or scrap yarn.

Back Yoke

1. Continue on the 24 back stitches with Cream yarn. Work even in stockinette stitch for 10 rows.
2. Shape shoulders: Bind off 6 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Bind off the remaining 12 stitches. Cut yarn and set aside.

Left Front Yoke

1. Return the 12 stitches from the holder to your US 5 needle. Attach Cream yarn.
2. Work even in stockinette stitch for 8 rows.
3. Shape neck: At the neck edge (beginning of wrong side rows), bind off 3 stitches once, then bind off 2 stitches once. You should have 7 stitches remaining.
4. Work even for 2 more rows. Bind off all stitches. Cut yarn.

Right Front Yoke

1. Return the 12 stitches from the holder to your US 5 needle. Attach Cream yarn.
2. Work even in stockinette stitch for 8 rows.
3. Shape neck: At the neck edge (beginning of right side rows), bind off 3 stitches once, then bind off 2 stitches once. You should have 7 stitches remaining.
4. Work even for 2 more rows. Bind off all stitches. Cut yarn.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. With US 4 needles and Maple yarn, cast on 24 stitches.
2. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 6 rows.
3. Switch to US 5 needles and Cream yarn. Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each side every 4th row until you have 32 stitches on your needle.
4. Work even until the sleeve measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off all stitches loosely. Cut yarn.

Leaf Pattern Yoke Trim (Worked Separately)

This delicate leaf lace pattern creates the signature woodland look of the Maplewood Meadow set.

1. With US 5 needles and Forest Green yarn, cast on 60 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2: Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: *K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K1* repeat from * to end of row.
5. Row 4: Purl all stitches.
6. Row 5: *K1, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK* repeat from * to end of row.
7. Row 6: Purl all stitches.
8. Row 7: Knit all stitches.
9. Row 8: Purl all stitches.
10. Bind off all stitches. This creates a beautiful leaf lace pattern. Sew this trim around the neckline and down the front edges of the cardigan, overlapping slightly at the bottom for a polished finish.

Finishing the Cardigan

1. Sew the shoulder seams together.
2. Set in the sleeves, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the side and sleeve seams.
3. With Maple yarn, create a crochet chain (or use a knitted I-cord) for a tie belt, approximately 14 inches long. Attach it at the waist on both sides of the cardigan.
4. Weave in all loose ends carefully.

Boots (Make 2)

These adorable ankle boots feature forest green ribbed cuffs and maple knitted foot sections, perfectly complementing the cardigan.

Cuff

1. With US 4 needles and Forest Green yarn, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 6 rows. Cut yarn.

Foot

1. Switch to US 5 needles and Maple yarn. Pick up and knit 20 stitches along one long edge of the cuff.
2. Work in stockinette stitch for 8 rows.
3. Shape toe:
   • Row 1 (RS): K2tog, K6, K2tog, K2tog, K6, K2tog (16 stitches remain)
   • Row 2: Purl all stitches
   • Row 3: K2tog, K4, K2tog, K2tog, K4, K2tog (12 stitches remain)
   • Row 4: Purl all stitches
4. Bind off all stitches. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Finishing the Boots

1. Fold the boot in half with right sides together.
2. Sew the back seam and the bottom foot seam using the long yarn tail.
3. Turn the boot right side out. The cuff will fold down naturally for that cozy boot look.
4. Weave in all ends.

Tips for Success

• Check your gauge: The fit of doll clothes is crucial. Take a moment to knit a small swatch and measure it before starting.
• Use stitch markers: Place markers at the armhole divisions to keep track of your sections.
• Block your pieces: Lightly blocking the cardigan and boots before seaming will give them a professional finish and help the leaf pattern open up beautifully.
• Customize the colors: While the maple and cream palette is perfect for autumn, feel free to experiment with other color combinations to match your doll's personality or the seasons.

Your Maplewood Meadow doll cardigan and boot set is now complete! This charming ensemble will keep your 18-inch doll stylish and cozy through all her autumn adventures. The textured yoke and delicate leaf trim make this set truly special, and the satisfaction of creating such a detailed piece is immensely rewarding. Happy knitting!