Calico Critter Sister Swimsuit

This is officially the last swimsuit I need for the 2026 donation. I wasn't sure if this would adapt to the smaller doll but it worked out. You can find the free pattern for the Mom Critter here.

Notes:

After making Mom's suit I decided if I was going to use this suit long term I needed to change the top. The bottoms work well for both Mom and Sister but the top wasn't a great option for either. I let it go for Mom but I decided to work some changes for Sister.

This was made with Herrschners size 10 thread and a 2.0mm hook.

For this version I did chain 24 as suggested and followed Row 1.

Row 2 sc 7 chain 5 skip 1 sc 7 chain 5 skip 1 sc 7.

Row 3 sc in each sc and chain finish off sewing in all ends.

Close with snap in the back.

I followed the pants as written just with different fiber and hook.

16 Inch Baby Doll Swimsuit 2

This is the last of the regular doll swimsuits I need to make for 2026. I'm going to experiment and see if I can adapt the Calico Critter Mom pattern to fit the Sister but I consider the Calico swimsuits to be bonuses to the challenge. They were not on my radar when I started this challenge for the year.

This was made using a no longer available 18 inch doll pattern from Stephanie Dygerty.

I am pleased to say the pink is from a ball of yarn in my this yarn really must go pile and I'm thrilled to say only a small amount is left. I do try to attack the left overs over the course of the donation projects.

Notes: I need a K hook to get this to fit the 16 Inch Baby Doll. I used a g hook for the trim.

Since I wanted to use more pink, I did not change to the contrast color for the brim.

I chain 40 for the swimsuit ties.

Calico Critter Mom Swimsuit

I've been writing for a bit about this free pattern that you can find here.

I wasn't sure I could make it work and it took a bit of work but Mom has entered the 2026 swimsuit challenge for the donation.

Still thinking about fiber and hook for the smaller sister Critter but it is a start. I'm mostly through the last 16 inch Baby doll's suit so that just leaves me to see if this can be adapted for the sister.

Notes:

The pattern is written in UK terms and calls for 4 ply wool. As with several patterns I've used recently I worked my way down. I started with Unforgettable Yarn which was clearly too heavy. I decided to try Cotton Fair that I've been using for my ami projects and while a little bulkier than I'd have liked it did the trick. I will be moving to thread for the sister.

The pattern starts with 24 stitches I'd reduce this to 21 as I had to reduce the first row by 3 to get the shaped area to work.

I skipped row 2 as it made the top too wide to fit under the arms. I am considering doing a flat strip across for the sister and seeing how it works.

There is a gap between the arm holes and the top's cluster stitches. I stitched them to the arm holes as I liked the look better than having them be free standing. Generally ties are added to the clusters to tie the top in the back but this has arm holes. This is why I'm thinking of leaving them off for the Sister pattern.

I took a flat picture of the Critter as a reminder that these are made as hip huggers. There is no hole opening for the tail it rests on the back. Without giving away pattern secrets this is a unique way of making pants which I hadn't tried previously.

Calico Critter Brother Swim Trunks

Well the Critter Men are ready for the beach. I have a pattern I've never tried for Mom which might fit the sister if I can get it to work. We shall see. I've never tried the designer's pattern but a free pattern is always worth a shot.

Notes:

You can find the free pattern for the Dad and Brother swim trunks here.

This pattern contains directions for both Dad and brother with the designer directing you clearly to the differences.

I used size 10 thread.

I used a 1.25mm hook for Dad and Brother.

Lesson learned after making Dad's was a reminder not to join after the first row.

I only do one leg row after joining to keep them as swim shorts and not pants.

To finish Brother's shorts and make them accept a snap at the back I needed to finish around the top and the back edge.

With this swimsuit finished I have one more 16 inch baby doll and the experiments to see if the Calico women will have swimsuits for 2026.

16 Inch Baby Doll Swimsuit

With this swimsuit complete I have one more to make for the 16 inch baby doll and then what ever else I can complete for the Calico Critters to finish out the 2026 swimsuit challenge.

This was made using a no longer available 18 inch doll pattern from Stephanie Dygerty.

Notes:

This was a great chance to use up an orphan yarn for the yellow. Not sure what brand this is but the white is Red Heart Super Saver.

I need a K hook to get this to fit the baby doll.

The only part of the swimsuit I have to play with is the top row. I always have to make sure the points are centered. I added a reverse crochet to finish the hat.

I use 40 chains for the ties.

Our Generation Patriotic Swimsuit

I was looking through the flash drive of patterns I bought from Pamela Yarbororough Designs to find swimsuits I hadn't made previously for the donation and found this one.

I have decided I like this top and bottom best. I'd consider rotating the hat, sarong, and color options from the other patterns but this may be my go to starting pattern for the 18 inch dolls for a bit.

You can purchase the pattern here.

I used an H hook for the top and bottoms and an F hook for the accessories. I finally mastered the ss technique she uses while making the headband. I'd use it for future projects.

I'd consider experimenting with an I hook for the top. This top is joined and needs to slide on and off. It is a bit snug for the Our Generation Doll once you add the ss. An I hook might help make it easier to take on and off. I'd just have to check to make sure it doesn't gape open at the front.

The 18 inch doll swimsuits are done for 2026. I am going to experiment with something for the Calico Critters. No promises it will work. I still need two for the 16 inch Baby Dolls and then I will be done with this category for the year.

My Life Swimsuit 2

I've been using Pamela Yarborough's patterns for years and finally decided to invest in her flash drive of patterns for her 18 and 14.5 inch dolls since there were some I'd just not had the chance to buy and the flash drive while an investment gave them to me at the old prices not the current prices. Having some birthday money I made the jump. You can find her flash drive sale options here.

If you are interested in this pattern it can be purchased here.

I'm coming close to finishing the swimsuit challenge for 2026. I only have the Our Generation Doll and the two 16 inch baby dolls to go. I found a free pattern for the Calico Critter female I'm going to experiment with to see if I can get it to fit the Mom or sister. I'm not counting that one as it is iffy on getting it to work.

For future reference I much prefer this swimsuit than the first one I made. The one piece top is a much better project than the two triangles. I found the panties fit better as well. I love the sarong and the hat. I would consider adding the sarong to other swimsuits.

Notes:

I used an H hook for the swim top, bottoms and hat. I used the suggested G for the sandals. One of my projects for the off season is to find a sandal pattern I can use like I use Sweet Silver Creations other shoe patterns. Sandals have less connection with doll feet to keep them on so I've always found them challenging to make and keep them on but it is clear I need to find a pattern that works better for me.

The white is Red Heart I suspect the pink yarn is either Red Heart or Caron Pounder. I've been working on using up left over balls of yarn and this pink was left from previous doll projects.

I don't have much experience with sarongs so I was thrilled that the designer took a picture from the back and front as this helped me to realize I was going in the right direction.

I added 2 additional rows to the hat as it was too small. These rows continued the DC 5 2dc pattern. I continued this DC 5 2DC on the brim.

My Life Swimsuit

I am quite hopeful that before the end of September all of the swimsuits will be finished for the dolls. I have one more My Life, an Our Generation, and two 16 inch baby dolls to go if my count is correct.

Since I make swimsuits every year when possible I try to work through my pattern collections to keep the challenge engaging.

This is one of Pamela Yarbrough's patterns that can be purchased here.

This has been my year to pull out patterns that I haven't tried and my copy actually goes back to when she was first starting out posting free patterns on her blog. I use her patterns for the 18 inch and the 14 inch Glitter girl doll so I finally invested in the flash drive for both sized dolls that she sells on Etsy. I've already printed three patterns and there are more to go.

It is also such a relief to be able to easily find patterns when I misplace one. I've gotten so much better about putting patterns back in their binder when I'm finished but every so often one goes missing and I can sometimes find it from where I purchased it but sometimes it is gone. This gets me the patterns I never purchased and the security of quickly finding the ones I lose.

Notes:

If I choose to go back to this one I would use an H instead of an I hook for the top. The trim with a G hook worked.

I used an H hook for the panties but then needed to chain 3 to join on each side to get them to fit around the waist. I crocheted them closed rather than sewing. I added the trim after that row. I'd consider using a smaller hook for the crotch rows as it is a bit bulky.

I followed the shoe pattern as written.

There is a pattern for a cover up but I chose not to include it.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Baylees Bikini

It was time for the Lots to Love 14 Inch doll to enter the 2026 swimsuit challenge and I chose Amy Carrico's pattern as I'd had really good luck with it last year.

This year it fought me every step of the way so next year I might try Char's pattern that I also have for this doll instead. I do not currently have a link where you can buy this pattern as it is not listed for sale on her Raverly store.

This was made with Herschnerrs baby variegated and I believe Bernat baby yarn. I needed a g hook to get the items to fit.

If I make this again I would decrease the top less.

Stacie Swimsuit

I'm making some real progress with my yearly challenges. I have one more nightgown to make for the Rag doll and those will be complete for the 2026 donation year. I have a considerable number of swimsuits to finish as I pushed through the nightgowns at one point neglecting to alternate with swimsuits.

This is one of Char Caywood's Chelsea patterns that can be purchased here that I've adapted to use for Stacie.

Notes:

I use size 10 crochet thread and a 1.25mm thread hook to get this to fit Stacie.

I need to repeat rows 4 and 5 twice in the front panel before starting row six to get the length required for this outfit. I have previously only repeated it once but the top felt low to me and I decided to go an extra set and I liked it better.

I chain 40 for the ties. It is always a too short too long thing for me with ties but this seems to be the happy medium for me.

The main color is Herrschners Best Crochet Thread size 10 Dusty Pink. The last few years I've been exploring different brands to get more color options for my doll projects. This is a softer thread but I've had good luck with it for my doll clothes. The contrast is from the sample sized box of size 10 I bought from Hobby Lobby for these types of projects.

Lots to Love 10 Inch Baby Doll Swimsuit

The Lots to Love 10 inch Baby Doll was next on my swimsuit list.>

This is a Baby Steps pattern that includes directions for the Lots to Love 10 inch Doll. You can purchase the pattern here.

The version I have has a cover picture of the Baby Steps doll not the Lots to Love doll. I always add this because I find myself thinking there must be another pattern in my binder for this project and there is not.

Notes:

At one of Knit Picks sales I found their Curio size 3 thread and added to my color options. The main color of the suit is size 3 Curio pistachio. The contrast color is Lizbeth size 3 Pastel Petals.

I really like the green for this project.

I used an f hook for everything but the shoes which required an e hook.

Lizbeth was used for all the trims.

A note for future projects I'd consider not doing the trim between the ties next year. I liked the solid green but had made it with the trim previously so decided to go forward. In the future I might drop that trim.

I did finish the legs this year.

Lil Cutesies Swimsuit

I've been alternating week by week to finish off the swimsuits and the sleep wear. Up next is the Little Cutesies' swimsuit.

This outfit was made using one of Char Caywood's patterns that can be purchased here. The pattern includes directions for the Lil Cutesie doll and the Lots to Love 8 inch baby doll.

I use the swimsuit, visor, and sandals from this pattern. I do not include the coverup.

Notes:

This was made with Aunt Lydia size 10 a version of yellow and an unnamed multicolored. I suspect they aren't making it any longer as I looked at a couple of colors online and either there were colors that weren't in this thread or they didn't have all the colors in this thread.

I made a note last time I wish I had read before starting this time there are two visor patterns and the one for the Lil Cutesies is larger due to head size. Choose the Lil Cutesie visor pattern to start future projects. I noted it on the pattern as well this time so that should help.

I used a 1.75 mm hook.

In Row 16 of the bottoms part B I use hdc not sc.

Ruffle I hdc in row 17 not 16. For my own notes row 17 is worked around the complete doll in the back loops. This is the row the ruffle will be added to around the doll.

I do a sc around the legs.

The back is finished with sc as part of the chain process. I mention this because I had forgotten from making this last year. I usually will finish a back even when not in the pattern.

I chained 50 for the ties.

I noticed there is fluff from a previous project that I cleaned off before putting the outfit in the bag to be put in the Lil Cutesies sorting bag.

Glitter Girl Swimsuit

I'm in the middle of three differnt donation projects at the moment. Two have fall/winter deadlines but one has a Spring deadline this year and again next year. Next year will hopefully easier to plan and meet. However, this year I'm putting aside some of my plans for the other projects to submit something for the April deadline for Kits for Kids.

That being said I don't want to completely abandon my doll projects. My hands also need a break from the amigurumi/puppet work. I'm going to try to keep up with the swimsuits, nightwear, and sleeping bag projects while I work on the Kits for Kids items as relief work for my hands.

This was my first relief project. The Glitter Girl has always been one of my favorite swimsuits as it works up quickly.

Notes:

This is a Wellie Wisher pattern that can be purchased here.

This was made with size three Thread Art Slate Blue and Lizbeth Pastel Pedals using an E hook.

I did not edge the legs this year as the fit was better without the edging.

The visor made a comeback this year.

Barbie Swimsuit

I had forgotten when making Skipper's swimsuit that I'd actually purchased some size 5 Omega thread from Creative Yarn source during last year's donation as I dived into some of Annie's pattern club fashion doll patterns and found size 5 worked was needed to complete some of the patterns. I found my stash while looking for the last of the size 5 Bernat Handicrafter I'd purchased for some holiday potholders a few years ago.

Notes:

This size 5 is slightly heavier than the Bernat. I had considered increasing my hook size as Skipper's suit was tight on Barbie. However, the b hook was fine with the Omega thread.

The package says azul for my own efforts in needing to reorder I believe this is deep blue on Creative Yarn's website.

I did finish the sides of the suit for this outfit. I also did both a hdc, followed by a sc border around the legs as the gap was significant without the borders.

This is the crotch from Skipper's suit but I leave it here in case I have questions and start with Barbie instead of Skipper next year. This is one of the few outfits I make that starts this way and the first one of the year can throw me. The legs need to be balanced evenly on both sides of the crotch or the suit doesn't work. I needed to rework Skipper's but Barbie's was a one and done. I think the picture helps.

For my own look back next year this was preposted and finished March 5.

Rag Doll Swim Suit

Another swim suit completed for my 2026 challenge. This is actually a free Dora the Explorer Doll crochet pattern you can find here.

Notes:

I used a J hook for the suit and an I hook for the skirt. I did not add the extra row this year.

I do add a finishing row around the outer arms.

This is the first year I didn't have an issue with the pattern not joining right away. It could be that I've made notes every year to remind myself but it seemed to flow more easily this year.

Skipper Swimsuit

As I was working on my swimsuit challenge for 2025 I had to adapt patterns for Skipper and Stacie as there are very few pattern written specifically for these dolls. I chose the swimsuit pattern from an out of print Leisure Arts leaflet 2132 Hawaiian Honeymoon Fashion Doll Wardrobe for this project and decided to stay with it for 2026.

Notes:

I used a B hook with no longer available size 5 Bernat Handicrafter thread for this project.

I had looked into purchasing more size 5 Artiste from Hobby Lobby but the color selection is a bit low at the moment. However, Creative Yarn Source does carry size 5 in more colors and I'm thinking of getting a supply. I'm discovering I have more Goldilocks projects which are too small with size 10 thread but bulky with size 3. With no color options its been a bit challenging to move to size 5. I'm hoping to correct that soon.

One of the notes I made previously was that the piece needed to be even after row 2. This became clear to me and once again I adjusted as I was off. I took a picture to remind myself of how the crotch needs to be balanced or the whole piece is off center.

After row 1 on shaping don't count slip stitches.

I generally sc around leg openings but this time I opted for hdc and the look was better to close the gaps.

Chelsea Swimsuit

Having finished all the diaper bag items for 2026 I decided to put the swimsuits in there spot to see if I can get them finished off earlier this year along with the night clothes.

Notes:

This is one of Char Caywood's patterns that can be purchased here.

The main portion of the suit is made with Creative Yarn resources size 20 Omega thread I believe in French Blue. The accent is Lizbeth size 20 Wild Flower.

I need a 1.25 mm hook to get this to fit Chelsea. This pattern will also fit Stacie with size 10 thread and the same hook size when I add a few rows.

Last time I made a note to decrease crotch size to 3 stitches which sadly I did not read before making. I am going to write on pattern this time to make sure the next attempt has a smaller crotch area.

Chains for ties as written are correct.