Franklin Habit Dolores Dolly Demolish Ensemble Knitting

Franklin Habit Dolores #22 Dolly DeMolish Ensemble

Project Overview

The Dolores #22 Dolly DeMolish Ensemble is a charming knitted doll outfit collection designed by Franklin Habit. This downloadable knitting pattern set includes multiple coordinated pieces inspired by roller derby gear, creating a complete ensemble for a doll. The collection features a striped dress, pants, helmet with pigtails, and socks, all worked using flat knitting techniques with classic stockinette stitch construction.

What Is Being Made

• Dress: A fitted doll dress with finished bust circumference of 17 inches and length of 5¼ inches
• Pants: Doll-sized overalls or pants with a finished waist circumference of 15 inches
• Helmet: A protective helmet accessory with finished circumference of 12 inches, featuring attached pigtails measuring 5 inches in length and an 8-inch chin strap
• Socks: Coordinating socks with a finished circumference of 5½ inches

Techniques and Construction Methods

This ensemble utilizes flat knitting as the primary construction technique, meaning pieces are worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The pattern incorporates stripe work throughout the design, creating visual interest and color blocking using two coordinating yarn colors. The construction involves fundamental shaping techniques including decreases (ssk and k2tog decreases) and increases (M1 make-one increases) to achieve proper fit and shaping for the doll garments.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the ensemble, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease used for shaping
• K2tog (knit two together): A right-leaning decrease for shaping and decreasing stitch counts
• M1 (make one): An increase technique used to add stitches where needed for garment shaping
• Bind off and cast on: Foundation and finishing techniques for all pieces

Materials and Tools Required

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Northampton, a 100% wool yarn available in two colors for this ensemble: Color 53 Stratosphere (A) and Color 21 Dahlia (B). You will need 2 skeins total (one skein of each color), with each skein weighing 100 grams and containing 247 yards of yardage. Knitting is worked on US size 4 (3.25 mm) circular knitting needles measuring 16 inches long, though the pattern notes you should use the needle size needed to achieve proper gauge. A crochet hook in size E or F is also included in the materials list, likely for finishing details such as edging or securing elements. Additional supplies include stitch markers, stitch holders or scrap yarn for holding stitches, locking stitch markers or safety pins for securing work, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the doll garments to fit correctly at their finished measurements.

Design Inspiration

This ensemble is a whimsical recreation of roller derby gear, designed as a tribute to the designer's skating days with the Peck, Idaho Lady Lumberjacks roller derby team. The helmet features a distinctive horn detail, adding character and playfulness to the doll outfit collection.