American Girl Simple Top

This simple top is quick and easy to work up. It's top down, one piece construction means only 2 ends to weave in. The pattern consists of alternating rows of sc and dc to give added texture. It's the American Girl version of my Journey Girl Simple Top

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American Girl Simple Top

Written pattern copyright Kimberly Saunders 2014

Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share with others.

Do not sell or reproduce this written pattern. If you sell anything made from this pattern, please give credit to me for the design 

and include a link to either the free pattern or my blog. Thank you!

Supplies:

Worsted Weight Yarn 

Crochet hook size H (5mm)

4   3/8 -5/8" buttons for back closure

Gauge:   Working in pattern: 9 sts = 2" and 6 rows = 2"

Special Stitches:

Starting Double Crochet: SDC = Pull chain to almost as high as a dc, yo and pull up a loop in the first stitch, yo and pull through one loop, yo and pull through 2 loops. Click HERE for a photo tutorial.

Notes:

*The top is worked from the top down, turning after every row.

*Work all sc in row 1 in the back ridge of the loop for a more finished look at the neck edge.

*I do not chain 1 at the beginnings of the sc rows. If you would like to, you can.

*Start the dc rows with the SDC. If you would rather do a ch 3, or other method, at the beginning of rows 2, 4, 6 and 8 you can.

*Either side can be the right side, depending on your preference. For a striped shirt, I prefer the dc rows to be right side.

Top:

Ch 37 + 4 for button loop. 

Row 1:  Sc in back ridge of 5th ch from hook, and in the back ridge of each ch across. Turn. (37 sc)

Row 2: Dc in next 5 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 9 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts. Turn. (45 dc)

Row 3: Sc in next 6 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts. Turn. (53 sc)

Row 4: Dc in next 7 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 13 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts, dc in next 7 sts. Turn. (61 dc)

Row 5: Ch 4 for button loop and sc in each st across. Turn. (61 sc)

This next row will form the armholes.

Row 6: Dc in next 10 sts, skip 9 sts, dc in next 19 sts, skip 9 sts, dc in next 10 sts. Turn. (39 dc)

Row 7: Sc in each st across. Turn. (39 sc)

Row 8: Dc in each st across. Turn. (39 dc)

Row 9: Ch 4 for button loop and sc in each st across. Turn. (39 sc)

Row 10: Dc in each st across. Turn. (39 dc)

Row 11: Sc in each st across. Turn. (39 sc)

Row 12: Dc in each st across. Turn. (39 dc)

Row 13: Ch 4 for button loop and sc in each st across. Finish off.

Weave in ends and attach buttons to left back opposite of button loops.

American Girl Basic DC Short Sleeve Top

This top is very simple and quick to make  It's top down, seamless, one piece construction means less ends to weave in. It's an adjusted version of my Journey Girl Basic DC Short Sleeve Top.

The following 18" dolls have tried this top on and approve: American Girl, Gotz, Our Generation, Madame Alexander, and Springfield.  It also fits a bit big, but wearable, on Journey Girl.

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American Girl Basic DC Short Sleeve Top

Written pattern copyright Kimberly Saunders 2014

Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share with others.

Do not sell or reproduce this written pattern. If you sell anything made from this pattern, please give credit to me for the design 

and include a link to either the free pattern or my blog. Thank you!

Supplies:

Worsted Weight Yarn 

Crochet hook size H (5mm)

3   3/8 -5/8" buttons for back closure

Gauge: 9dc = 2" and 5 rows = 2"

Special Stitches:

Starting Double Crochet: SDC = Pull chain to almost as high as a dc, yo and pull up a loop in the first stitch, yo and pull through one loop,  yo and pull through 2 loops.  

Click HERE for a photo tutorial.

Notes:

*The top is worked from the top down, turning after every row.

*Work all dc in row 1 in the back ridge of the loop for a more finished look at the neck edge.

*The first row is the right side.

*I don't put a starting dc at the beginning in the pattern for ease in reading and keeping track of the number of stitches.

*I use the Starting Double Crochet at the beginning of row. If you prefer another method, substitute it.

Top

Chain 37 + 4 for the button loop.

Row 1: Working in the back ridge of chain, dc in the 5th ch from hook and in next 4 chs, *3 dc in next ch, dc in next 7 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 9 chs, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 7 chs , 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 5. Turn. (45 dc)

Row 2: Dc in next 6 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 9 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 9 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts. Turn. (53 dc)

Row 3: Dc in next 7 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 13 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 11 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts. Turn. (61 dc)

This next row will form the armholes.

Row 4: Dc in next 10 sts, skip 11 sts, dc in next 19 sts, skip 11 sts, dc in next 10 sts. Turn. (39 dc)

Row 5: Ch 4 for button loop, dc across. Turn. (39 dc)

Row 6-8: Dc across. Turn. (39 dc)

Row 9: Ch 4 for button loop, dc across. Turn. (39 dc)

At this point you can finish off or continue with row 10 for a bit of a lacy trim.

Row 10: With right side facing (sc, ch 1, dc) in every other st. Finish off.

Finishing:  Weave in ends. Attach buttons to left side, opposite of button loops.

American Girl Basic SC Short Sleeved Top

I thought it would be easy converting the Journey Girl Basic SC Short Sleeved Top into American Girl size. I kept trying different things and it was becoming not as simple. I had forgotten to take into account that not only is AG a bit bigger, but her body shape is different, too. When I realized that I needed to change the ratios and not just make it bigger, it wasn't long before I had this figured out. 

The following 18" dolls have tried this top on and approve: American Girl, Gotz, Our Generation, Madame Alexander, and Springfield.  It also fits a bit big, but wearable, on Journey Girl.

 Please add to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites

American Girl Basic SC Short Sleeved Top

Written pattern copyright Kimberly Saunders 2014

Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share with others.

Do not sell or reproduce this written pattern. If you sell anything made from this pattern, please give credit to me for the design 

and include a link to either the free pattern or my blog. Thank you!

Supplies:

Worsted Weight Yarn 

Crochet hook size H (5mm)

4  3/8 -5/8" button for back closure

Gauge:  8.5 sc = 2" and 12 rows = 2"

Notes:

*The top is worked from the top down, turning after every row.

*Work all sc in row 1 in the back ridge of the loop for a more finished look at the neck edge.

*The first row is the right side.

*I do not chain 1 at the beginnings of the rows. If you would like to, you can.

*For ease in putting on and taking off, there are four buttons down the back. It is possible to put on with only 2 buttons, but it takes a bit of wiggling. If you decide to do 2 buttons, join at the end of Row 12. Omit the remaining 2 button loops, continue turning and joining at the end of each row. There will be an extra stitch at the end of Row 21, just skip it, and join to first sc in row.

Top

Chain 37 + 4 for the button loop.

Row 1: Working in the back ridge of beginning chain, sc in the 5th ch from hook and in the next 36 chs. Turn. (37 sc)

Row 2: Sc in next 5 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts. Turn. (45 sc)

Row 3: Sc in next 6 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts. Turn. (53 sc)

Row 4: Sc in each st across. Turn. (53 sc)

Row 5: Sc in next 7 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 13 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts. Turn. (61 sc)

Row 6: Sc in next 8 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 13 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 15 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 13 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 8 sts. Turn. (69 sc)

Row 7: Ch 4 for button loop, Sc in each st across. Turn. (69 sc)

Row 8: Sc in next 9 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 15 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 17 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 15 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts. Turn. (77 sc)

Row 9: Sc in next 10 sts, *(sc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st* repeat 9 times, sc in next 20 sts, *(sc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st* repeat 9 times, sc in next 11 sts. Turn. 

This next row forms the armholes:

Row 10: Sc in next 11 scs, ch 1, skip the next 9 ch 1 spaces, sc in next 21 scs, ch 1, skip the next 9 ch 1 spaces, sc in next 11 scs. (43 sc and 2 ch)

Row 11: Sc in each st and ch across. Turn. (45 sc)

Row 12: Sc in each st across. Turn. (45 sc) 

Row 13: Ch 4 for button loop, Sc in each st across. Turn. (45 sc)

Row 14-18: Sc in each st across. Turn. (45 sc)

Row 19: Ch 4 for button loop, Sc in each st across. Turn. (45 sc)

Row 20: Sc in each st across. Turn. (45 sc) 

Row 21: *(Sc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st* repeat across row, sc in last stitch. Finish off.

Finishing:  Weave in ends. Attach buttons to the left side opposite of the button loops.

Nessa's Sweater

 My little one decided to join us early. She was born at 29 1/2 weeks. I wanted to make her some sweaters but was unable to find a pattern that I liked. So I decided to design one for her. Then a few weeks ago I wondered how many sizes I could make using the same stitch counts and  there are quite a few. This pattern will make sweaters ranging from a small preemie to 12 months.

Today marks the one year anniversary of her coming home and I'm celebrating by offering this pattern for free! This sweater has a very simple construction. It is top down and seamless, which is my favorite part!

Please add to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites!

Nessa's Sweater

Written pattern copyright Kimberly Saunders 2014

Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share with others.

Do not sell or reproduce this written pattern. If you sell anything made from this pattern, please give credit to me for the design 

and include a link to either the free pattern or my blog. Thank you!

Supplies:

Sport Weight or Worsted Weight Yarn 

Crochet hook sizes G through K

Buttons Optional: Find some that fit through the spaces between dc.

Sizes and Gauges:

Small preemie: 

 12-13" Chest finished measurement 

 Hook G 

 Sport Weight Yarn

 10 dc and  6 rows = 2" x 2"

Preemie: 

 14" Chest finished measurement

 Hook H

 Sport Weight Yarn

 8.5 dc and 5.5 rows = 2" x 2"

Small Newborn: 

 15" Chest finished measurement

 Hook I                         

 Sport Weight Yarn

 8 dc and 5 rows = 2"x 2"

Newborn:

 16" Chest finished measurement

 Hook H

 Worsted Weight Yarn

 4.5 dc and 4.5 rows = 2" x 2"

3 Month:

 18" Chest finished measurement

 Hook I

 Worsted Weight Yarn

 7 dc and 4.25 rows = 2" x 2"

6 Month:

 19" Chest finished measurement

 Hook J

 Worsted Weight Yarn

 6.5 dc and just over 4 rows = 2" x 2"

12 Month:

 20" Chest finished measurement

 Hook K

 Worsted Weight Yarn

 6 dc and 4 rows = 2" x 2"

Special Stitches:

V Stitch: (dc, ch 1, dc) in same stitch

Cluster: 3 dc in same stitch

Picot: Ch 2, slip stitch in sc just made

Notes:

*The sweater is worked from the top down, turning after every row.

*The first row is the right side.

*All rows begin with a dc. For ease in counting stitches, starting on row 2, I did not include the beginning dc part in the instructions. You can start the rows with whichever method you like best, I use my Starting DC.  

*When working the sleeves, I turn after every row to keep the look the same as the lower half of the sweater which alternates right and wrong side rows. And to keep the seam straight.

*If desired, you can elimate the picots and just sc around the bottom of sweater and sleeves.

Yoke

Chain 41 

Row 1: Ch 2, dc in 4th ch from hook and in next 3 chs, V Stitch in next ch, dc  in next 8 chs, V Stitch in next ch, dc in next 11 chs, V Stitch in next ch, dc in next 8 chs, V Stitch in next ch, dc in next 5 chs. Turn. (45 dc)

Row 2: Dc in next 6 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 10 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 13 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 10 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 6 sts. Turn. (53 dc)

Row 3: Dc in next 7 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 12 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 15 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 12 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 7 sts. Turn. (61 dc)

Row 4: Dc in next 8 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 14 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 17 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 14 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 8 sts. Turn. (69 dc)

Row 5: Dc in next 9 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 16 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 19 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 16 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 9 sts. Turn. (77 dc)

Row 6: Dc in next 10 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 18 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 21 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 18 sts, V Stitch in ch 1 space, dc in next 10 sts. Turn. (85 dc)

This next row will form the armholes.

Row 7: Dc in next 11 sts and the ch 1 space, ch 3, skip 20 dc, dc in next ch 1 space and next 23 sts, dc in ch 1 space, ch 3, skip 20 dc, dc in ch 1 space and the next 11 sts. (49 dc)

Row 8: Dc, * skip next st, Cluster, skip next st, V Stitch* repeat to end, dc in last st.Turn.

Row 9: Dc, *Cluster in ch 1 space, V Stich in middle st of Cluster* repeat to end, dc in last st. Turn.

Row 10- 19: Repeat row 9, ending on a right side row.

Edging. Do not turn. With right side facing, sc evenly up the side, around the neck, down the other side, with 2 to 3 sc in the corners. (I had about 28 sc per side.) Along the bottom: sc to center of Cluster, Picot, *sc in next 3 sts, Picot,* repeat across bottom.sc in last 2 sts. Join, finish off.

Sleeves:

Row 1: With right side up and neck towards you, working in the same pattern as the lower half of the sweater, and starting with a Cluster, evenly space 5 Clusters and 5 V Stitches around armhole. Join to first st, Turn.

Note: Hope these pictures explain better than I could find words. I put my first Cluster in the space shown below, then the V Stitch in the ch 1 space, then skipped 2 sts between. 

Row 2: Slip stitch to center of V Stitch, *Cluster in V Stitch, V Stich in middle st of Cluster* repeat around. Join to first st. Turn.

Row 3-12: Repeat row 2. 

Edging. Do not turn. With right side facing, sc to center of Cluster, Picot, *sc in next 3 sts, Picot,* repeat around. sc in last st. Join, finish off.

Finishing:

Weave in all ends. Add a button or 3 if desired. Enjoy!

Working on Sweater Pattern

I've been working on writing up the pattern to Nessa's Preemie Sweater over the past week and a half. Today, I got curious and decided to see how many sizes I could do without changing any of the stitch counts. These are the eight that I'm working on. The third smallest (lavender) is the original size. And I'm hoping that the largest one will be a 6 month size. But, we'll see. 

I'm starting with the smallest and it's looking like it'll be a micro preemie size. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to complete these within the next few days, but my kids just got out on Spring Break.

Journey Girl Simple Top

This top is a cross between the Basic DC Short Sleeved Top and the Basic SC Short Sleeved Top It has alternating sc and dc rows. Also looks very cute when striped.

Please add to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites

Journey Girl Simple Top

Written pattern copyright Kimberly Saunders 2014

Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share with others.

Do not sell or reproduce this written pattern. If you sell anything made from this pattern, please give credit to me for the design 

and include a link to either the free pattern or my blog. Thank you!

Supplies:

Worsted Weight Yarn 

Crochet hook size H (5mm)

3/8 -5/8" button for back closure

Gauge:  Working in pattern 9 sts = 2" and 6 rows = 2"

Special Stitches:

Starting Double Crochet: SDC = Pull chain to almost as high as a dc, yo and pull up a loop in the first stitch, yo and pull through one loop, yo and pull through 2 loops. Click HERE for a photo tutorial.

Notes:

*The top is worked from the top down, turning after every row.

*Work all sc in row 1 in the back ridge of the loop for a more finished look at the neck edge.

*I do not chain 1 at the beginnings of the sc rows. If you would like to, you can.

*Start the dc rows with the SDC. If you would rather do a ch 3, or other method, at the beginning of rows 2, 4, and 6 you can.

*Either side can be the right side, depending on your preference. For a striped shirt, I prefer the dc rows to be right side.

Top

Chain 41 + 4 for the button loop.

Row 1: Working in the back ridge of beginning chain, sc in the 5th ch from hook and in the next 40 chs. Turn. (41 sc)

Row 2: Dc in next 5 sts, *3 dc in next ch, dc in next 9 sts,* repeat 3 times, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 5. Turn. (49 dc)

Row 3: Sc in next 6 sts, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts,* repeat 3 times, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts. Turn. (57 sc)

Row 4: Dc in next 7 sts, *3 dc in next st, dc in next 13 sts,* repeat 3 times, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts. Turn. (65 dc)

Row 5: Sc in each st across. (65sc)

This next row will form the armholes. 

Row 6: Dc in next 10 sts, skip 13 sts, dc in next 19 sts, skip 13 sts, dc in next 10 sts, Join with a sl st to first dc. Turn. (39 dc)   

Row 7: Sc in each st across. Join with a sl st to first sc. Turn. (39sc)

Row 8: Dc in each st across. Join with a sl st to the first dc. Turn. (39dc)

Row 9-13: Repeat rows 7 and 8. End on a sc row. (39 sts)

Finishing:  Weave in ends. Attach button to top left corner of the back of top.

Journey Girl Basic SC Short Sleeved Top

This cute top is made using sc. It has a tighter look than the JG Basic DC Short Sleeve Top. The sleeves and bottom are edged with a lacy stitch, which can be substituted with plain sc if desired.

Please add to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites

Journey Girl Basic SC Short Sleeved Top

Written pattern copyright Kimberly Saunders 2014

Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share with others.

Do not sell or reproduce this written pattern. If you sell anything made from this pattern, please give credit to me for the design 

and include a link to either the free pattern or my blog. Thank you!

Supplies:

Worsted Weight Yarn 

Crochet hook size H (5mm)

3/8 -5/8" button for back closure

Gauge:  8.5 sc = 2" and 12 rows = 2"

Notes:

*The top is worked from the top down, turning after every row.

*Work all sc in row 1 in the back ridge of the loop for a more finished look at the neck edge.

*The first row is the right side.

*I do not chain 1 at the beginnings of the rows. If you would like to, you can.

Top

Chain 41 + 4 for the button loop.

Row 1: Working in the back ridge of beginning chain, sc in the 5th ch from hook and in the next 40 chs. Turn. (41 sc)

Row 2: Sc in next 5 sts, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts,* repeat 3 times, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts. Turn. (49 sc)

Row 3: Sc across row. Turn. (49 sc)

Row 4: Sc in next 6 sts, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts,* repeat 3 times, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts. Turn. (57 sc)

Row 5: Sc across row. Turn. (57 sc)

Row 6: Sc in next 7 sts, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 13 sts,* repeat 3 times, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts. Turn. (65 sc)

Row 7: Sc in next 9 sts, *(sc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip 1 st* 7 times, sc in next 18 sts, *(sc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip 1 st* 7 times, sc in next 10 sts. Turn.

Alternate Row 7: Sc across row. (65 sc)

This next row will form the armholes. If you are using the Alternate Row 7 skip 13 stitches as instructed in the ().

Row 8: Sc in next 10 sts, ch 3, skip 7 ch-1 spaces (or 13 sts), sc in next 19 sts, ch 3, skip 7 ch-1 spaces (or 13 sts), sc in next 10 sts, Turn. (39 sc)   

Row 9: Sc in each st and ch across. Turn. (45 sc)

Row10: Sc in each st across. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Turn. (45 sc)

Row 11-20 : Sc in each st across, join with a sl st to first sc. Turn. (45 sc)

Row 21: With right side facing (sc, ch 1, dc) in every other st. There will be an extra stitch at the end, just skip it. Join with a sl st to first sc. Finish off.

Alternate Row 21: Sc across row. Join with a sl st to first sc. Finish off.

Finishing:  Weave in ends. Attach button to top left corner of the back of top.