The Seashell Stitch Summer Cardigan: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Open-Front Doll Jacket

Introducing the Seashell Stitch Summer Cardigan

Bring a touch of seaside charm to your 18-inch doll's wardrobe with this delicate, open-front cardigan. Knit in a unique seashell stitch, this pattern creates a beautiful, textured fabric that is perfect for warm-weather adventures. The soft, airy design features a gentle A-line shape and delicate shell buttons, making it a charming addition to any doll's collection. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a stunning, textured garment that captures the essence of summer.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Fingering weight cotton or cotton blend yarn (approx. 100-150 yards). Shown in a soft coral pink.
• Needles: US Size 2 (2.75 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for working flat).
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, 3 small pearlescent shell-shaped buttons (or similar), stitch markers (optional).
• Gauge: 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Achieving gauge is crucial for proper fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: Fits most 18-inch dolls (American Girl, etc.). Finished chest circumference: approximately 12 inches (unstretched).

Abbreviations:

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• YO: Yarn over
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• BO: Bind off
• Kfb: Knit front and back (increase)
• M1: Make one (increase)

Special Stitch: Seashell Stitch (worked over a multiple of 6 + 1 sts)

This stitch creates the beautiful textured pattern. Repeat rows 1-12 for the pattern.

• Row 1 (RS): K1, *YO, K1, YO, K1, P3tog, K1; repeat from * to last 0 sts, end K1.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: K1, *K1, YO, K1, YO, K2, P3tog; repeat from * to last 0 sts, end K1.
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• Row 5: K1, *K2, YO, K1, YO, K3, P3tog; repeat from * to last 0 sts, end K1.
• Row 6: Purl all stitches.
• Row 7: K1, *K3, YO, K1, YO, K4, P3tog; repeat from * to last 0 sts, end K1.
• Row 8: Purl all stitches.
• Row 9: K1, *K4, YO, K1, YO, K5, P3tog; repeat from * to last 0 sts, end K1.
• Row 10: Purl all stitches.
• Row 11: K1, *K5, YO, K1, YO, K6, P3tog; repeat from * to last 0 sts, end K1.
• Row 12: Purl all stitches.

Back

1. CO 49 sts.
2. Knit 4 rows (garter stitch edge).
3. Begin Seashell Stitch pattern, working Rows 1-12 as established. Repeat pattern until piece measures approximately 4 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
4. Shape Armholes: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows (43 sts remain).
5. Continue in pattern until armhole measures approximately 1.5 inches from bind-off, ending with a WS row.
6. Shape Shoulders: BO 5 sts at beginning of next 4 rows (23 sts remain). BO remaining 23 sts for back neck.

Left Front

1. CO 25 sts.
2. Knit 4 rows (garter stitch edge).
3. Begin Seashell Stitch pattern, working Rows 1-12 as established. Repeat pattern until piece measures approximately 4 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
4. Shape Armhole: At armhole edge (beginning of RS rows), BO 3 sts once (22 sts remain).
5. Continue in pattern until armhole measures approximately 1 inch from bind-off, ending with a RS row.
6. Shape Neck: At neck edge (beginning of WS rows), BO 4 sts once, then BO 2 sts once, then BO 1 st once (15 sts remain).
7. Continue in pattern until armhole measures same as back (1.5 inches from bind-off), ending with a WS row.
8. Shape Shoulder: At armhole edge (beginning of RS rows), BO 5 sts twice (5 sts remain). BO remaining 5 sts.

Right Front

1. Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping (armhole decreases on WS rows, neck decreases on RS rows).

Sleeves (make 2)

1. CO 31 sts.
2. Knit 4 rows (garter stitch edge).
3. Begin Seashell Stitch pattern, working Rows 1-12 as established. At the same time, increase 1 st at each end of every 4th row (by working Kfb or M1) until you have 37 sts.
4. Continue in pattern until sleeve measures approximately 3 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
5. BO all sts loosely.

Finishing

1. Block all pieces to measurements. This is essential for the stitch pattern to open up and the garment to fit properly.
2. Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves, matching center of sleeve top to shoulder seam. Sew side and sleeve seams.
3. Button Band (Left Front): With RS facing, pick up and knit approximately 1 st for every row along left front edge. Knit 4 rows. BO loosely.
4. Buttonhole Band (Right Front): With RS facing, pick up and knit same number of sts along right front edge. Knit 2 rows. On next RS row, work buttonholes: K3, *YO, K2tog, K6; repeat from * to last 5 sts, YO, K2tog, K3. Knit 1 more row. BO loosely.
5. Sew 3 small buttons opposite buttonholes. Weave in all ends.

Your Seashell Stitch Summer Cardigan is now complete! Enjoy the delicate texture and charming details that make this a perfect piece for your doll's summer wardrobe.