50 Knitted Dolls Book Review with Skateboarder knitting pattern

If you love to knit adorable dolls, you’ll want to check out my review of a knitting pattern book for fifty cute characters that each measure about 6” (15 cm).

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 50 Knitted Dolls 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

50 Knitted Dolls by Sarah Keen is a collection of fifty dolls that each measure about 6” (15 cm). The book opens with a short introduction by Sarah and then dives right into the patterns. Each pattern includes a materials list. The patterns are made with DK (US: light or #3 weight) yarn and yarn requirements are listed by color, not brand, so it’s easy to substitute. Fellow haters/fearers of double pointed needles (DPNs) will be happy to know the patterns are knit flat and seamed. Each pattern also includes the Finished Size, Tension (gauge), and reference to the Abbreviations used (including the page number). Each pattern includes instructions for making the doll, its wardrobe, and any accessories like wands or tennis rackets. Finally, the patterns include instructions for Making Up (also known as assembly).

The book concludes with the Techniques section. In this section, you’ll find information about yarn; safety advice (as many of the project contain small pieces which may present a danger for infants and toddlers); information about tension; written and illustrated instructions for creating a slip knot, casting on with the long tail method, the knit and purl stitches (with photographs of several stitch combinations), decreasing and increasing, working in color with both Fair Isle and intarsia methods, casting (binding) off, and several embroidery stitches helpful for embellishment; and a list of pattern abbreviations.   

Some of my favorite things about this book…

• Each pattern includes multiple pictures of each doll against a white background, including front, back, and side views. Not only are these adorable and fun to look at, but it helps you to understand how the final 3D project will look.
• The flaps on the front and back cover. While this is a paperback, the flaps help you to keep track of the pages you are working from, even though the book doesn’t lay flat while you’re reading.
• The patterns. The various characters are so cute! There are great ideas for all children including a variety of professions (nurse, farmer, firefighter, postman, etc.), seasonal characters (Santa and Mrs Clause, pilgrims), and childhood dress up favorites (superheros, fairy, pirates).

As with all pattern collections, if you don’t like the patterns, there isn’t much to like about the book. While there is no Ravelry page for the collection, you can see many of the designs on the front cover. If you like to knit dolls, or to knit for children, check out 50 Knitted Dolls!