Topsy-Turvy Knitted Dolls Book Review with Little Red Riding Hood knitting pattern

Did you love to play with topsy-turvy dolls as a kid, or do you have a child or grandbaby who might like their own topsy-turvy doll? Then you’ll want to check out my review of a knitting pattern book that includes 10 topsy-turvy doll patterns. My review also includes an excerpted knitting pattern for the Little Red Riding Hood/Wolf in Granny’s Clothing doll, so read on for details!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. GMC Publications provided me with a free review copy of Topsy-Turvy Knitted Dolls: 10 Fun Reversible Toys to Make (available through independent booksellers or here on Amazon) by Sarah Keen. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Book Review

Topsy-Turvy Knitted Dolls: 10 Fun Reversible Toys to Make (available through independent booksellers or here on Amazon) by Sarah Keen is a knitting pattern book focused on the dual-sided, traditional folk art dolls. Most of the characters in the book are inspired by nursery rhymes and folk tales. The book opens with a brief introduction from Sarah explaining how she loves the idea of including two dolls in one toy.

The Gallery, a 20-page section including a full page picture of each side of the included patterns is the next part. Throughout the book, photos of the dolls are against a plain white background so the details are easy to see.

The Projects section includes all ten dolls, but it feels as though you get more projects as each doll has two characters and an extra like a bag or additional character. For example, the Alice in Wonderland/Queen of Hearts doll has a White Rabbit as an extra, while the Mary, Mary Quite Contrary/Mary Had a Little Lamb doll has both a lamb and a watering can as extras. As a result, you actually end up with more than 10 patterns in this book.

In the Projects section, each pattern also includes full-page photos of each doll character (in different poses that what you already saw in the Gallery) with a brief introduction to the characters. Each doll has a Materials list that includes yarn listed by weight with UK terms (and US terms in parentheses) with required colors in grams and a list of needles and notions. Finished Size is listed in inches (with centimeters in parentheses). Tension (gauge) is usually measured in stocking (stockinette) stitch. The patterns use a single list of abbreviations with reference to the page number of the abbreviations chart in each pattern. Each pattern has instructions for each doll, its garments and accessories, and any extras, along with detailed making up instructions to help guide you through assembly.

The final section of the book is Techniques, which includes information on yarn, safety (if gifting these dolls to small children), and tension (gauge); and instructions for forming a slip knot, casting on, knit and purl stitches with explanations of garter stitch, stocking (stockinette) stitch, and reverse stocking (stockinette) stitch; decreasing; 3 methods for increasing; colorwork using Fair Isle and intarsia methods; casting off; several embroidery and joining stitches including mattress stitch, oversewing stitch, back stitch, running stitch, buttonhole stitch, and chain stitch; and forming twisted cord. As most, but not all, of the instructions include illustrations, this book would be ideal for a knitter who is already comfortable with basic stitches and techniques, or who is willing to do further internet research if necessary. This section ends with a list of the pattern abbreviations used in the book.

Some of my favorite things about this book…

The patterns are adorable and the detailed instructions make them achievable, too.
The clear, uncluttered pictures inspire you to create.
Though this is a paperback, it has flaps that let you mark your page so you can keep track of your pattern while knitting.
Yarn is listed by weight and color, rather than brand, so it is easy to substitute.

As I mentioned, because the technique section is more focused on finishing and decorative stitches, this book would be best suited to a confident knitter (or, an adventurous yet patient beginner). The dolls can easily be customized by changing hair color or skin tones, though this isn’t mentioned in the book.

If you are an intermediate knitter that loves making gift projects for kids, then Topsy-Turvy Knitted Dolls: 10 Fun Reversible Toys to Make (available through independent booksellers or here on Amazon) by Sarah Keen is a fun pattern book to keep you knitting!

Little Red Riding Hood/Wolf in Granny’s Clothing

Knitting Pattern by Sarah Keen

Published in Topsy-Turvy Knitted Dolls: 10 Fun Reversible Toys to Make (available through independent booksellers or here on Amazon).

Little Red Riding Hood has an important delivery of gifts for her grandmother, but when she arrives she finds that Granny isn’t looking quite herself.

Materials

Any DK (US: light worsted) yarn (amounts given are approximate):
- 10g royal blue (A)
- 10g pale pink (B)
- 20g lilac (C)
- 5g black (D)
- 5g silver grey (E)
- 10g dark grey (F)
- 30g white (G)
- 50g red (H)
- 10g deep lilac (I)
- 5g dark brown (J)
- 10g medium brown (K)
- 2g medium pink (L)
- 2g mauve (M)
- 2g lemon yellow (N)
Oddments of black, red and pale pink for embroidery, and dark brown, red and bright green for making up
1 pair of 3.25mm (UK10:US3) needles and 1 pair of 4mm (UK8:US6) needles for basket cloth only.
Knitters’ blunt-ended pins and a needle for sewing up
Acrylic toy stuffing
A red pencil for shading cheeks
A small snap fastener and sewing needle and thread
2 chenille stems

Finished size

Doll stands 7½in (19cm) tall
Basket measures 3½in (9cm) long

Tension

26 sts x 34 rows measure 4in (10cm) square over st-st using 3.25mm needles and DK yarn before stuffing.

Abbreviations

alt – alternate
beg – beginning
cm – centimetres
cont – continue
dec – decrease/decreasing
DK – double knitting
foll – following
g-st – garter stitch: knit every row
g – grams
k – knit/knitting
k2tog – knit two stitches together: if these are the very last in the row, then work though back of loops
kwise – knitwise
m1 – make one stitch: pick up horizontal loop between the needles and work into the back of it
mm – millimetres
patt – pattern
p – purl
p2tog – purl two stitches together: if these stitches are the very first in the row, then work together through back of loops
pwise – purlwise
rem – remaining
rep – repeat(ed)
rev st-st – reverse stocking stitch: purl on the right side, knit on the wrong side
RS – Right side
s1k – slip one stitch knit ways
s1p – slip one stitch purl ways
st(s) – stitch(es)
st-st – stocking stitch: knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side
tog – together
WS – wrong side
yrn – yarn round needle
( ) – repeat instructions between brackets as many times as instructed
* – repeat from * as instructed

Pattern Instructions

Bodice and head for Little Red Riding Hood

Using the thumb method and A, cast on 24 sts, WS facing to beg.
Rows 1 to 11: Beg with a p row, work 11 rows in st-st.
Rows 12 and 13: Change to B for head and work 2 rows in st-st.
Row 14: K2, (m1, k4) to last 2 sts, m1, k2, (30 sts).
Rows 15 to 25: Beg with a p row, work 11 rows in st-st.
Shape top of head
Row 26: (K2tog, k1) to end (20 sts).
Row 27: Purl.
Row 28: (K2tog) to end (10 sts).
Thread yarn through sts on needle, pull tight and secure by threading yarn a second time through sts.

Bodice for Wolf in Granny’s clothing

Using the thumb method and C, cast on 24 sts, WS facing to beg.
Rows 1 to 10: Beg with a p row, work 10 rows in st-st, ending with a RS row.
Row 11: (P2tog, p1) to end (16 sts).
Cast off for neck edge.

Head for Wolf

Beg at nose using the thumb method and D, cast on 8 sts.
Row 1 (RS): Purl.
Join on 2 separate balls of E (second ball 3yd/280cm approx) and F and work in intarsia (see instructions at end of pattern) in blocks of colour, twisting yarn when changing colour to avoid a hole.
Row 2: E-p2, F-p4, E (second ball)-p2.
Row 3: E-k1, m1, k1, F-k4, E-k1, m1, k1 (10 sts).
Row 4: E-p3, F-p4, E-p3.
Row 5: E-k1, m1, k2, F-k4, E-k2, m1, k1 (12 sts).
Row 6: E-p4, F-p4, E-p4.
Row 7: E-k1, m1 k3, F-k1, m1, k2, m1, k1, E-k3, m1, k1 (16 sts).
Row 8: E-p5, F-p6, E-p5.
Row 9: E-k1, m1, k4, F-k6, E-k4, m1, k1 (18 sts).
Row 10: E-p6, F-p6, E-p6.
Row 11: E-k1, m1, k5, F-k1, m1, k4, m1, k1, E-k5, m1, k1 (22 sts).
Row 12: E-p7, F-p8, E-p7.
Row 13: E-k1, m1, k6, F-(k1, m1) 3 times, k2, (m1, k1) 3 times, E-k6, m1, k1 (30 sts).
Row 14: E-p8, F-p14, E-p8.
Row 15: E-k7, F-k16, E-k7.
Row 16: E-p6, F-p18, E-p6.
Row 17: E-k5, F-k20, E-k5.
Rows 18 to 22: Cont in F and beg with a p row, work 5 rows in st-st.
Row 23: (K2tog, k1) to end (20 sts).
Row 24: Purl.
Row 25: (K2tog) to end (10 sts).
Thread yarn through sts on needle, pull tight and secure by threading yarn a second time through sts.

Skirt for Little Red Riding Hood

Beg at lower edge using the thumb method and G, cast on 72 sts, WS facing to beg.
Rows 1 to 9: Beg with a p row, work 9 rows in st-st (this part is turned under).
Rows 10 to 23: Change to H and work 14 rows in g-st.
Rows 24 to 39: Join on A and work 16 rows in st-st in stripes carrying yarn loosely up side of work and beg with a k row, work 2 rows in A then 2 rows in H and rep this.
Cont in stripes patt as set and dec:
Row 40: (K2tog, k4) to end (60 sts).
Rows 41 to 45: Beg with a p row, work 5 rows in stripes.
Row 46: (K2tog, k2) to end (45 sts).
Row 47: Purl.
Row 48: (K2tog, k1) to end (30 sts).
Row 49: Purl.
Cast off in A.

Skirt for Wolf in Granny’s clothing

Beg at lower edge using the thumb method and G, cast on 72 sts, WS facing to beg.
Rows 1 to 10: Beg with a p row, work 10 rows in st-st, ending with a RS row (this part is turned under).
Row 11 (picot edge): P1, k1, (yrn, k2tog) to end.
Rows 12 and 13: K 1 row then p 1 row.
Change to I and join on C and work in stripes carrying yarn loosely up side of work.
Rows 14 and 15: Using B, work 2 rows in g-st.
Rows 16 and 17: Using F, k 1 row then p 1 row.
Rows 18 to 21: Rep rows 14 to 17 once.
Rows 22 and 23: Using B, work 2 rows in g-st.
Rows 24 to 37: Cont in F and beg with a k row, work 14 rows in st-st.
Row 38: (K2tog, k4) to end (60 sts).
Rows 39 to 43: Beg with a p row, work 5 rows in st-st.
Row 44: (K2tog, k2) to end (45 sts).
Row 45: Purl.
Row 46: (K2tog, k1) to end (30 sts).
Row 47: Purl.
Cast off.

Sleeves, cuffs and hands for Little Red Riding Hood (make 2)

Beg at shoulder using the thumb method and H, cast on 10 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2: K1, (m1, k2) to last st, m1, k1 (15 sts).
Rows 3 to 15: Beg with a p row, work 13 rows in st-st.
Change to A for cuff and dec:
Row 16: (K2tog, k3) to end (12 sts).
Row 17: Knit.
Rows 18 to 21: Change to B for hand and beg with a k row, work 4 rows in st-st.
Row 22: (K2tog, k1) to end (8 sts).
Thread yarn through sts on needle, pull tight and secure by threading yarn a second time through sts.

Sleeves and paws for Wolf in Granny’s clothing (make 2)

Beg at shoulder using the thumb method and I, cast on 10 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2: K1, (m1, k2) to last st, m1, k1 (15 sts).
Rows 3 to 11: Beg with a p row, work 9 rows in st-st.
Row 12: (K2tog, k3) to end (12 sts)
Rows 13 to 19: Change to F for paw and beg with a p row, work 7 rows in st-st.
Row 20: (K2tog, k1) to end (8 sts).
Thread yarn through sts on needle, pull tight and secure by threading yarn a second time through sts.

Sleeve frills for Wolf in Granny’s clothing (make 2)

Beg at inside edge of frill and using the thumb method and G, cast on 16 sts, WS facing to beg.
Rows 1 and 2: P 1 row then k 1 row (this part is turned under).
Row 3 (picot edge): P1, k1, (yrn, k2tog) to end.
Rows 4 and 5: K 1 row then p 1 row.
Row 6: Change to C and k 1 row.
Cast off kwise.

Hair for Little Red Riding Hood (make 2)

Beg at lower edge using the thumb method and J, cast on 14 sts and work in g-st.
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2: K2, (m1, k2) to end (20 sts).
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1 (22 sts).
Rows 5 to 18: Rep rows 3 and 4, 7 times more (36 sts).
Row 19: K2, k2tog, (k4, k2tog) to last 2 sts, k2 (30 sts).
Row 20 and foll 2 alt rows: Knit.
Row 21: (K2tog, k3) 3 times, (k3, k2tog) 3 times (24 sts).
Row 23: (K2tog, k1) 4 times, (k1, k2tog) 4 times (16 sts).
Row 25: (K2tog) to end (8 sts).
Row 26: Knit.
Thread yarn through sts on needle, pull tight and secure by threading yarn a second time through sts.

Collar for Little Red Riding Hood

Using the thumb method and H, cast on 26 sts and work in g-st.
Row 1 (RS): K2tog, k5, turn.
Row 2: S1k, k to end (25 sts).
Row 3: K4, turn.
Row 4: S1k, k to end.
Row 5: K across all sts.
Rows 6 to 9: Rep rows 1 to 4 once (24 sts).
Cast off in g-st.

Cloak and hood for Little Red Riding Hood

Beg at lower edge of cloak using the thumb method and H, cast on 76 sts and beg in g-st, RS facing to beg.
Rows 1 to 6: Work 6 rows in g-st.
Row 7: Knit.
Row 8: K4, p to last 4 sts, k4.
Rows 9 to 12: Rep rows 7 and 8 twice more.
Row 13: K14, (k2tog, k4) 4 times, (k4, k2tog) 4 times, k14 (68 sts).
Row 14: As row 8.
Row 15: Knit.
Row 16: As row 8.
Row 17: K10, (k2tog, k2) 6 times, (k2, k2tog) 6 times, k10 (56 sts).
Row 18: As row 8.
Divide for armholes
Row 19: K13, cast off 2 sts, k25, cast off 2 sts, k to end (52 sts).
Work left side
Row 20: K4, p8, k1, turn and work on these 13 sts.
Row 21: Knit.
Row 22: K4, p8, k1.
Rows 23 to 32: Rep rows 21 and 22, 5 times more.
Break yarn and rejoin to rem sts.
Work back
Row 33: K1, p24, k1, turn and work on these 26 sts.
Row 34: K2, (k2tog, k2) to end (20 sts).
Row 35: K1, p18, k1.
Row 36: Knit.
Rows 37 to 45: Rep rows 35 and 36, 4 times more then row 35 once.
Break yarn and rejoin to rem sts.
Work right side
Row 46: K1, p8, k4 (13 sts).
Row 47: Knit.
Rows 48 to 58: Rep rows 46 and 47, 5 times more then row 46 once.
Row 59: Push stitches tog and k12, k2tog, k18, k2tog, k to end (44 sts).
Row 60: K4, p to last 4 sts, k4.
Row 61: K3, (k2tog, k1) to last 2 sts, k2 (31 sts).
Cast off in patt.

Hood

Beg at face edging using the thumb method and H, cast on 32 sts and beg in g-st, RS facing to beg.
Rows 1 to 5: Work 5 rows in g-st ending with a RS row.
Row 6: P2, (m1, p4) to last 2 sts, m1, p2 (40 sts).
Row 7: K35, turn.
Row 8: S1p, p29, turn
Row 9: S1k, k to end.
Row 10: Purl.
Rows 11 to 14: Rep rows 7 to 10 once.
Rows 15 and 16: Work 2 rows in st-st.
Row 17: K18, (m1, k1) twice, (k1, m1) twice, k to end (44 sts).
Rows 18 to 20: Beg with a p row, work 3 rows in st-st.
Cast off.

Mob cap for Wolf in Granny’s clothing

Using the thumb method and G, cast on 24 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2: (K1, m1, k1, m1 k1) to end (40 sts).
Rows 3 to 7: Beg with a p row, work 5 rows in st-st.
Row 8: (K2tog, k2) to end (30 sts).
Row 9 and foll alt row: Purl.
Row 10: (K2tog, k1) to end (20 sts).
Row 12: (K2tog) to end (10 sts).
Thread yarn through stitches on needle, pull tight and secure by threading yarn a second time through sts.

Frill

Using the thumb method and G, cast on 68 sts and work in g-st.
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2: (K2tog) to end (34 sts).
Cast off in g-st.

Ears for Wolf in Granny’s clothing (make 2)

Using the thumb method and F, cast on 8 sts, WS facing to beg.
Rows 1 to 3: Beg with a p row, work 3 rows in st-st.
Row 4: (K2tog) to end (4 sts).
Row 5: Purl.
Thread yarn through sts on needle, pull tight and secure by threading yarn a second time through sts.

Neck frill for Wolf in Granny’s clothing

Using the thumb method and C, cast on 39 sts.
Row 1 (RS): (K2tog, k1) to end (26 sts).
Cast off kwise.

Making up

Note: Sew up all row-end seams on right side using mattress stitch one stitch in from the edge, unless otherwise stated; a one-stitch seam allowance has been allowed for this.

Bodice and head for Little Red Riding Hood and bodice for Wolf in Granny’s clothing

Sew up row ends of bodice and head for Little Red Riding Hood and stuff. Sew up row ends of bodice for Wolf and stuff. Place lower edges of both bodices together matching seams and oversew cast-on stitches leaving a gap. Add more stuffing to waist and sew up gap. To shape neck for Little Red Riding Hood, take a double length of royal blue yarn and sew a running stitch round last row of body at neck, sewing in and out of every half stitch. Pull tight and knot yarn and sew ends into neck.

Head for Wolf in Granny’s clothing

Weave in loose ends around intarsia. Sew up row ends leaving a gap in middle, stuff head pushing stuffing into nose and sew up gap. Pin and sew head to neck of bodice by taking a small horizontal stitch from head, then a small horizontal stitch from bodice, and do this alternately all the way round.

Skirt

Sew up row ends of both skirts and turn under lower edge and hem cast-on stitches to last row of border on wrong side. Place one skirt on doll over head and with seam at centre back sew cast-off stitches at waist to first row of bodice. Turn doll the other way up and pull skirt down to lower edge and place second skirt on doll over head. With seam at centre back sew cast-off stitches at waist to first row of bodice.

Sleeves, cuffs and hands for Little Red Riding Hood

Sew up row ends of hands and place a small ball of stuffing into hands. Sew up row ends of cuffs and sleeves from wrist to ½in (13mm) below shoulder. Stuff sleeves and finish sewing up row ends. With seam at centre of inside edge, sew across cast-on stitches. Sew cast-on stitches of arms to third row below neck at each side by oversewing, so that the arms are ‘hinged’ and can fall below head.

Arms, paws and sleeve frills for Wolf in Granny’s clothing

Sew up row ends of paws and sleeves from paw to ½in (13mm) below shoulder. Stuff paws and sleeves and finish sewing up row ends. With seam at centre of inside edge, sew across cast-on stitches. Fold picot edge of sleeve frills under and sew in place. Place sleeve frills around last row of arms at wrists and sew up row ends. Sew cast-off stitches of sleeve frills to wrist using back stitch on right side. Sew cast-on stitches of arms to third row below neck at each side by oversewing, so that the arms are ‘hinged’ and can fall below head.

Features

Embroider features for Little Red Riding hood, as follows: Mark position of eyes with two pins on 7th row above neck spacing two knitted stitches apart. Embroider eyes in black (see instructions below for how to begin and fasten off the embroidery invisibly) and make a small chain stitch beginning at marked position and ending on row above, and work a second chain stitch on top of first. Embroider mouth in red making a shallow ‘V’ shape on the 3rd and 4th rows below eyes over two stitches. Embroider nose in pale pink on row below eyes making a bundle of five stitches over one stitch. Shade cheeks with a red pencil.
Embroider two eyes in black for Wolf in Granny’s clothing, making a small chain stitch for each eye and a second chain stitch on top of first (see instructions below for how to begin and fasten off the embroidery invisibly).

Hair and plaits for Little Red Riding Hood

Sew up hair and make two plaits using dark brown. Oversew row ends of decreasing rows of hair pieces from crown to forehead. Place hair on head and pull down to neck at back. Pin and sew outside edge of hair to head using back stitch all the way round.

Collar for Little Red Riding Hood

Place collar around neck and sew together beneath chin. Sew collar to neck all the way round and sew points of collar to chest and sew all edges of collar down.

Cloak, hood and bow for Little Red Riding Hood

Note: Cloak is removable.
Fold cast-off stitches of hood in half and oversew. Sew lower edge of hood to cast-off stitches of cloak behind borders, all the way round. To make bow, make a twisted cord out of two strands of red yarn beginning with the yarn 36in (90cm) long. Tie a small bow at centre and stitch this bow to right side of cloak beneath chin and sew through knot to secure. Knot and trim ends of bow to ½in (13mm). Sew a snap fastener to fasten cloak using sewing needle and thread.

Mob cap and ears for Wolf in Granny’s clothing

Sew up row ends of mob cap and stuff. Pin and sew mob cap to top of Wolf’s head. Sew up row ends of ears and with this seam at centre back, sew ears to head in front of mob cap. Place frill around mob cap taking frill in front of ears and oversew row ends. Sew cast-off stitches of frill around lower edge of mob cap.

Neck frill for Wolf in Granny’s clothing

Place neck frill around neck and sew up row ends. Sew cast-off stitches of frill to neck all the way round.

Basket

Using the thumb method and K, cast on 48 sts and beg in rev st-st, RS facing to beg.
Rows 1 to 5: Beg with a p row, work 5 rows in rev st-st.
Rows 6 and 7: Work 2 rows in g-st.
Row 8: (K3, p3) to end.
Row 9: As row 8.
Row 10: (P3, k3) to end.
Row 11: As row 10.
Rows 12 to 17: Rep rows 8 to 11 once, then rows 8 and 9 once.
Row 18: (K2tog, k2) to end (36 sts).
Row 19: Knit.
Rows 20 and 21: P 2 rows.
Row 22: *(K1, k2tog) twice, k6, (k2tog, k1) twice; rep from * once (28 sts).
Row 23: Purl.
Row 24: *(K1, k2tog) twice, k2, (k2tog, k1) twice; rep from * once (20 sts).
Cast off pwise.

Top of basket

Using the thumb method and K, cast on 48 sts, WS facing to beg.
Rows 1 to 3: Beg with a p row, work 3 rows in st-st.
Row 4: *(K1, k2tog) twice, k12, (k2tog, k1) twice; rep from * once (40 sts).
Row 5 and foll alt row: Purl.
Row 6: *(K1, k2tog) twice, k8, (k2tog, k1) twice; rep from * once (32 sts).
Row 8: *(K1, k2tog) twice, k4, (k2tog, k1) twice; rep from * once (24 sts).
Cast off pwise.

Handle

Using the thumb method and K, cast on 30 sts, WS facing to beg.
Rows 1 to 5: Beg with a p row, work 5 rows in st-st.
Cast off.

Cloth

Using the thumb method, 3.25mm needles and L, cast on 22 sts. Change to 4mm needles and join on G and H and work in Fair Isle (see instructions below), carrying non-working yarn loosely across back of work.
Row 1 (RS): L-k2, (G-k2, L-k2) to end.
Row 2: L-p2, (G-p2, L-p2) to end.
Row 3: H-k2, (L-k2, H-k2) to end.
Row 4: H-p2, (L-p2, H-p2) to end.
Rows 5 to 14: Rep rows 1 to 4 twice more, then rows 1 and 2 once.
Row 15: Change to 3.25mm needles and cont in L and k 1 row.
Cast off kwise in L.

Flowers

Make 6 flowers, 3 in each of M and N.
Using the thumb method and M or N, cast on 9 sts.
Thread yarn through sts on needle, pull tight and secure by threading yarn a second time through sts.

Making up

Basket

Fold cast-off stitches of basket in half and oversew, then oversew row ends. Fold rim of basket to outside and hem cast-on stitches in place. Fold cast-off stitches of top of basket in half and oversew, and sew up row ends of top of basket. Stuff basket and sew top of basket to base of rim on inside edge. To make handle take two chenille stems and twist them together and cut to length of handle. Place chenille stems on wrong side of handle and oversew cast-on and cast-off stitches of handle along length enclosing chenille stems inside. Gather round each end of handle, pull tight and secure. Using picture as a guide, bend handle and sew to basket. Weave in loose ends of cloth and sew cloth to basket.

Flowers

Sew together row ends of cast-on stitches of each flower. Make stems of flowers taking lengths of green yarn approximately 10in (25cm) long and tie to underside of flowers in the middle. Place stems in a bundle and tie a knot ¾in (2cm) from flower heads. Trim ends of stems. Sew flowers to cloth on basket.

Fair Isle Instructions

Fair Isle knitting is used for small areas of colour. It uses the stranding technique, which involves picking up and dropping yarns as they are needed and carrying the non-working yarns along the wrong side of the row. These yarns must be carried loosely to avoid puckering.
Start knitting with the main colour (A), which is dropped when you need to change to the second colour (B). To pick up A again, bring A under B and knit again. To pick up B again, drop A and bring B over A and knit again.

On the purl side, the same principle applies: start purling in A and carry B loosely across the back and under A and purl the next stitch. To pick up A again, bring A over B and purl the next stitch.

Intarsia Instructions

Larger blocks of colour can be worked using the intarsia technique. Twist the two different yarns together at the back of the work with each colour change to prevent holes appearing. Once finished, weave in ends at the back of the work.

Embroidering features

To begin embroidery invisibly, tie a knot in the end of the yarn. Take a large stitch through the work, coming up to begin the embroidery. Allow the knot to disappear through the knitting and be caught in the stuffing.
To fasten off invisibly, sew a few stitches back and forth through the work, inserting the needle where the yarn comes out.

Topsy-Turvy Knitted Dolls Book Review with Little Red Riding Hood knitting pattern

Book Review

Little Red Riding Hood/Wolf in Granny’s Clothing

Knitting Pattern by Sarah Keen

1 thought on “Topsy-Turvy Knitted Dolls Book Review with Little Red Riding Hood knitting pattern”

Leave a Comment Cancel reply