1. Print out pattern pieces (see Printables Tab up above) and use the guide to make sure it has printed the correct size.
2. Use the TOP portion of an adult sized sock, turning it so that the opening is pointing downward and toe upward before you.
3. Place the Sweater Body piece on what is now the bottom, using the natural sock opening as the waist opening (Line up at Hem A for this option) of your soon to be sweater and cut the top slants and top straight line to form the sleeve holes and neckline ONLY. Do not cut up the sides of the sock, as the tube will be the main portion of the sweater and an adult sock should be more than wide enough for a doll body to fit inside. If you do not wish to use the existing hem/opening of your sock, you can cut if off and use the Hem B option which will leave you more room to add your own binding or simply hem the bottom however you wish.
4. Using the Sleeves pattern piece, cut 2, using the 'foot' portion of the sock and cutting on the existing folds.
5. Open up sleeves and sew first the wrist hem at the smaller/straight end of each sleeve, then continue on to fold each sleeve GOOD side to GOOD side and sew up the length of the sleeve from wrist to armpit where the sleeves begin to slant.
OK, this next part is important so listen up. It will mean the difference between sewing your sleeves on correctly and flubbing it all up as I did the first time. lol
6. Turn the body of the sweater WRONG side out, so the wrong side is facing outward. Then, take your fancy soon to be sleeves and turn them GOOD side out.
7. Take one sleeve at a time and place INSIDE the sweater body, lining up the armpit of the sleeve at the armpit of the sweater body and sew all the way around each sleeve to attach, leaving the smallest bit of the neck fabric (on the body piece) at the top of each shoulder so that it may be folded down and hemmed over at the very end.
8. Once both sleeves are attached, sew a small hem around the neckline, making sure not to pull your thread too tight and cinch it up at all as the doll's head will have to fit through, hence the boat neck rather than turtle.
9. Flip your sweater right side out and try it on your doll.
*Bonus tip: To avoid snagging those tiny doll fingers on the inside of your sweater, place either a small piece of tape on each hand to form little tape flippers, or do as I do and cut the corners out of a ziploc baggie and put them on the doll's hands like mittens before working the hands through the sleeves. This will allow them to slide on through without getting snagged and ruining your hard work. :)
And now, you're finished! Huzzah! Take that other matching sock and maybe make an open front cardigan version? A pillow? A sweater for a friend? You can alter this pattern easily. Want cuffs at the sleeves? Just cut them shorter and add cuffs. Want a collar? Cut a slit down the back (or front) and add a collar and fastenings of your choice. Play with it...winter is coming!
~Mombie
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