RULES TO KNIT BY
 
For successful doll knitting, I have found the following “Rules to Knit By” work every time to produce successful results. 

1. Make a swatch and check your gauge.  I knit up my swatch and let it “rest” over night.  This way the yarn has a chance to relax and be more accurate.  Also, and even more important, check your gauge while you are knitting.  Keep an even tension and correct it early to avoid wasting hours of knitting only to have a sweater that does not quite fit!

2.  Read through the instructions first, before you begin.  Check all the terms and abbreviations used to make sure you understand how the garment is to be made.  If there is a new technique in the pattern, practice it first on a scrap piece before you attempt it on your garment.

3.  For doll knitting, I found knitting only with natural yarns work the best.  I prefer wool, silk, alpaca or blends of these yarns.  I do not like to waste my time on inferior yarns.  I do not recommend "sock" yarn for any of my patterns. 

4.  Steam and block your sweater!  This is like “pressing” when you sew.  I do it several times while knitting.  This insures a wonderful finished product that looks professional.

If you wish to try dyeing your own yarn, you can download an article  I wrote:
 
Dyeing Wool

Doll Measurements

For any questions email me at info@dollswestdesigns.com