Dammit Doll

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(A friend made a Dammit Doll for me out of fabric when I had a particularly frustrating job. I thought a knitted version would be a good way to use up leftover scraps of yarn since the doll isn't fussy about her looks. I also used her to explore a double knitting technique that creates a 2-ply fabric, stockinet stitch on both sides, like a pocket, that can be stuffed. When finished, you can take your frustrations out on her by grabbing her by the head and hitting her against any unbreakable, inanimate object while uttering your favorite epithet.)

Yarn: The example shown was made of leftover scraps of sport weight yarn, any length that can be knotted together. (You can experiment with your leftover scraps.)

Needles: The example shown was made on #4 straight needles. You will also need a cable needle and 2 dp needles also #4. Gauge really isn't important. The example is 11 ½” tall and 7" wide, at the widest point. (Since the double knit has a tendency to be loose, use a needle at least one size smaller that you normally would for the type of yarn used.)

Explanation of abbreviations:

Wyif: with yarn in front means to hold the yarn in front of the piece as you would when purling.

Wyib: with yarn in back means to hold the yarn in back of the piece as you would when knitting.

Note: Move the yarn from front to back under your right-hand needle. Do not take it over the needle as in a yarn over or you will create an extra stitch.

Slip 1: Move a stitch from one needle to the other without working it. Always slip stitches purl wise. (If you accidentally work the stitch that is to be slipped you will connect the 2 sides and not have a pocket.)

PSSO: Pass slipped stitch over.

Leg (make 2):

CO 10 sts (I use the thumb cast on here). Work each row: * wyif slip 1, wyib k1, repeat from * to end. Continue in this manner for approximately 3" or the length of your index finger.

Body:

With another piece of yarn CO 16 sts (also thumb cast on); work across one leg (following pattern as established); CO 10 sts (here the knitted cast on works best); work across other leg (in pattern as established); CO 17 sts (again using the knitted cast on). Total 63 sts. Row 1: K1, * wyif slip 1, wyib k1, repeat from * to end. Row 2: * wyif slip 1, wyib k 1, repeat from * to end. Row 3: repeat row 1. Row 4: repeat row 2. Row 5, decrease row: slip first st from left-hand needle to cable needle and hold in front; wyif slip next st from left-hand needle to right-hand needle; return st from cable needle to left-hand needle. Wyib slip 1, k1, psso, * wyif slip 1, wyib k1, repeat from * to last 3 sts. Slip next st from left-hand needle to right-hand needle; slip next st from left-hand needle to cable needle and hold in back; return st from right-hand needle to left-hand needle and wyib k2 tog; wyif slip st from cable needle to right-hand needle. Repeat rows 3-5 until 19 sts remain. Repeat rows 3 & 4 once more. Next row: slip first st from left-hand needle to cable needle and hold in front; wyif slip next st from left-hand needle to right-hand needle; return st from cable needle to left-hand needle. Wyib slip 1, k1, psso, * wyif slip 1, wyib k1, repeat from * to end, 18 sts.

Head:

With 18 remaining sts work each row * wyif slip 1, wyib k1, repeat from * to end, until head section measures 3 ½ - 4". Using 2 stitch holders: place 1^st and every odd numbered st on one holder (I use a contrasting piece of yarn for holders because it gives me flexibility) 2^nd and every even numbered st on another holder. You will now see that you have created a pocket. There is no need for fancy finishing, just pull all yarn ends to the inside. Embroider features as desired. Stuff loosely with polyester filling. You can finish now by placing sts from each holder on a dp needle and weaving sts together using Kirchner stitch. The doll's head will have sharp corners almost like cat ears. Or you can round the corners of the head by carefully returning all sts from holders alternately to your main needle (like they were before being placed on the holders). Next 2 rows: Wyif slip 1, wyib k1, psso, continue in pattern as established to end. Next 2 rows: Slip 1^st st, wyif slip1, pass 1^st slipped st over, continue in pattern to end. Place 1^st and every odd numbered st on one pd needle. Place 2^nd and every even numbered st on another dp needle. Put in a little more filling if needed. Weave remaining 14 sts together using Kirchner stitch.

(Do not mass reproduce or distribute this pattern, post it to another web site, or use the pattern in any way for a profit without my written permission. To do so is a violation of copyright.)

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Last revised 09/02/00