Introduction: A Charming Crochet Doll for All Ages
Meet the Back to School Lily Doll—a huggable, 13-inch crochet friend dressed in her cutest first-day outfit! This intermediate-level pattern from Lily Sugar’n Cream® combines simple stitches with clever shaping to create:
- A fully poseable doll with stuffed limbs
- A coordinated school outfit (hoodie, skirt, leggings & backpack!)
- Play-friendly features like embroidered eyes and yarn hair
Why You’ll Love This Pattern:
✔ Great skill-builder—practice increases, decreases, and working in rounds
✔ Customizable colors—make her uniform match your favorite school colors
✔ Perfect for gifting—pair with a mini book or apple for a teacher’s present
Pro Tip: Use cotton yarn for durability during playtime
Materials You’ll Need
Yarn (Lily® Sugar’n Cream®):
- Main Color (MC): Soft Ecru (#01004) – 1 ball (skin tone)
- Contrast A: White (#00001) – 1 ball (shoes/sleeves)
- Contrast B: Hot Pink (#01740) – 1 ball (leggings/backpack)
- Contrast C: Indigo (#01114) – 1 ball (skirt)
- Contrast E: Batik ombre (#02446) – 1 ball (hoodie)
Other Supplies:
- Hooks: 3.5mm (US E/4) and 4mm (US G/6)
- Stuffing (polyfill works great!)
- Embroidery floss: Black (eyelashes) + Red (mouth)
- 2 small black beads (eyes)
- D-ring (for backpack)
Abbreviations Cheat Sheet
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 together |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| blo | back loop only |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Part 1: The Doll’s Head (MC yarn, 3.5mm hook)
- Magic ring: Ch 2, make 8 sc in 2nd ch, join. (8 sc)
- Increase rounds: Follow pattern to expand to 40 sc.
- Shape the head: Work even for 10 rounds, then decrease to close.
- Stuff firmly as you go!
Part 2: Legs & Leggings (MC + Pink B yarn)
- Feet: Start with ch 5, work increases to form oval soles.
- Legs: Decrease to taper, switch to pink for leggings.
- Stuff before closing tops!
Part 3: Body & T-Shirt (MC + White A yarn)
- Torso: Work in continuous rounds, switching to white for sleeves.
- Assembly: Sew legs to body bottom, leaving space for skirt.
Outfit Details
Hoodie (Batik E yarn, 4mm hook)
- Back panel: Ch 18, work rows with shoulder shaping.
- Sleeves: Seam underarm edges for a fitted look.
Skirt (Indigo C yarn)
- Work in expanding rounds for an A-line shape.
- Add hdc ruffles at the hem!
Backpack (Pink B yarn)
- Crochet a tiny box shape, attach D-ring and straps.
Finishing Touches
- Hair:
- Sew yarn fringe to head (see pattern for sewing-machine hack!).
- Add bangs with shorter strands.
- Face:
- Stitch bead eyes with black floss lashes.
- Embroider a smiling mouth in red.
- Style her:
- Tie the hoodie strings, position backpack straps.
- Add a lazy daisy stitch flower to her shirt
Tips for Success
✔ Stuff evenly—use chopsticks to push filling into small areas.
✔ Block pieces before assembly for neater seams.
✔ Safety eyes? Swap beads for child-safe plastic eyes.
Final Thoughts
This Back to School Lily Doll is sure to charm kids and crafters alike! Whether she’s destined for a classroom bookshelf or a child’s loving arms, her handmade details make her extra special.
