Rag Doll Nightgown

I'm always thrilled when I finish off a category for the donation and this week I have the pleasure of posting about two. With this nightgown all the dolls now have night wear going into the 2026 donation. I need to get caught up on swim wear but what better time for swimming than the heat of the summer.

This is the same free pattern I use for the 18 inch girl dolls that you can find here.

Notes:

I had bought a bunch of Big Twist yarn when Joann was going out of business for projects like this one. I find it a bit light for the larger dolls but does well with some of the smaller dolls. I realize the brand has been picked up but I'm still working through my stash and have not needed to refill yet. For my own notes this is Jade Green.

I do need to shorten the rows before the final trim rows for this doll. I would trim it back a few more next time as this felt a bit long.

My notes indicated I should use the suggested hook size but that was with heavier worsted. If I used lighter worsted in the future I'd go with the next size hook up.

I finished the back and closed with a snap.

Now to finish off the swimsuits before the fall hits.

Stacie Nightgown

I like to mix up my patterns from time to time. Last year I used the same pattern for Stacie's nightgown that I used for Chelsea. This year I decided to try the pattern from the out of print Annie's Fashion Doll Sister and Me 87D21.

I finished the first four rows of the sister pattern and could not figure out where the pattern was going in row five. I tried several times and finally after putting way too much time into a doll nightgown decided I needed another path.

There is a pattern for Barbie's nightgown and it was written by a different designer. I decided to take a look and see if I might be able to adapt Barbie's pattern reducing the number of stitches to Stacie's original pattern and see what happened.

Notes:

This was made with size 10 thread and a 1.25mm crochet thread hook.

After finishing first four rows it took me two tries to work the math for adjusting Barbie's row 3 to be Stacie's row 5. Sadly I didn't write the changes so I'm putting notes here for myself to remind me where to start.

I believe I started with 7 sc chained 5 skipped 7 and then crocheted across the front until I had 14 stitches left. These number aren't exact. I originally started with different numbers these are the numbers I think I changed to but I am guessing. I realized I needed to changed my first effort after trying it on and realizing the dress didn't fit well. I suggest trying that again.

The rest of the Barbie directions aren't stitch count specific so I was able to continue the pattern with the starting count I had for Stacie. I continued the pattern until I was with in the length of the last two Barbie finishing sc rows. I wanted to finish the pattern as written and I had an idea of the length required for the two sc rows.

The big draw back for both these patterns is there is no picture of either nightgown. They both have a picture of the nightgown under the robe set that didn't seem a style I wanted to add to my donation. If I had a picture of the little sister outfit I might have been able to understand where the directions were headed. I'd also have loved a picture of Barbie's nightgown.

I used a chain trim rather than ribbon. I've not had great luck with ribbon and small hands so I've tried to use other methods where possible.

Barbie's pattern has trim for the neck and arms that helped tighten the loose parts of the nightgown that I was hoping to adjust.

Chelsea Nightgown

I decided to start with the smallest of dolls to get back to my nightgown challenge. This pattern is actually an AG mini pattern but I found a series of them that adapt well not only for Chelsea but for Stacey and Skipper with some alterations. Since my pattern supply for Barbie's sisters is low I like when I can find patterns that work across the doll range.

This is one of Sweet Silver Creation's patterns that can be purchased here.

I bought one pattern first to see if it would work for the Chelsea with minimal effort and when I realized it would work I went back and bought her pattern set available here because I already use many of these patterns for the 18 inch doll. I hope to get to more of them this year.

Notes:

To make this work for Chelsea I use size 20 thread and a .75mm thread crochet hook.

For my own reference the pink was Omega from Creative Yarn Resources. The contrast was Lizbeth Wildflowers.

Since I do try to check my notes before starting these projects each year I would suggest going with a lighter color for the primary. I made this in a pale pink last year and liked it better. I thought going with a bolder color would work but rather prefer the pale.

I've made alterations on my paper copy of the stich counts which after row 2 don't account for the row increases in the following stitch count. If I have to reprint at any point it will be important to remember that there are changes to rows 3 and 4.

Sweet Silver has a process of stopping for her arm holes. I always continue as this has never worked for me. Therefore when completing row 5 I need to look at the directions for row 6 and chain 4 for the arm holes or Chelsea can't move her arms. I thought I needed to increase hook size only to realize I hadn't read my own notes.

Skirt

Row 1 was changed to a dc in 2 followed by 2dc around. As written the skirt was too large for Chelsea.

Last year I finished the skirt at row 10 and left a note to continue to row 11.

So now the skirt directions are to follow rows 1-11 then skip to row 16.

Rows 17-18 are done in contrast color.

I do not add upper trim.

The nightgown closes with ties. I chain 40 for the ties and follow directions for ties.

I finished the back in sc before adding ties.

I've never had good luck with crocheting shoes for the fashion dolls so no slippers for Chelsea.

Barbie Nightgown

I discovered this negligee pattern when searching for a nightgown for the 2025 challenge. This comes from the out of print newsprint House of White Birches Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch Fashion Dolls Including a complete wedding ensemble and trousseau. I've found this phamplet to be helpful for both Barbie and Ken in finishing their annual donations.

I keep experimenting with different brands of threads to have access to different colors and patterns. I originally tried this with Herrschners size 10 cotton and it was significantly larger than my other brands of 10. I don't have any size 8 in the house but I'm thinking what I have is closer to 8 as it isn't quite as thick as a 3. I just started using it to adapt the Calico Critters sleeping bag for Chelsea. The bag clearly needs to be bigger and why not use the larger thread to help.

I made adaptations to this pattern to fit the modern dolls I'm donating as the original pattern as written would not fit the dolls as written.

Notes:

I used size 10 thread and a 1.25mm hook for this outfit.

Chain 45 After making the math changes to rows 1 and 2 the only additional adjustments were to the row counts as they were now smaller than the original pattern. However the basic pattern worked with the reduced counts.

There is a 3 stitch cluster between each sc set. The cluster being 3 sc in one stitch.

Row 1: sc 6 cluster sc 11 cluster sc 7 cluster sc 11 cluster sc 6 total 53 stitches

Row 2: sc 7 chain 8 skip 14 sc 11 chain 8 skip 14 7 sc

Follow rest of instructions as written with understanding stitch count will differ.

Also as a note to myself clearest way to know you've made a mistake is clusters should not be stacked on top of each other they should alternate rows. If this pattern is not occuring you have made a mistake. I noticed this a couple of times and was able to go back and fix before I'd gone too far.

Glitter Girl Nightgown

I discovered this You Tube pattern last year while searching for a nightgown pattern for the Glitter Girl doll.

I am always grateful for those who make free patterns. I believe when offering a free pattern the format is in the designer's hands.

If you struggle as I do to follow video patterns while crocheting I suggest taking notes and creating your own pattern. I am not free to share it here I don't own the design but I can share the technique.

This year I went back and fixed some things I missed when I wrote my notes from last year. If you love video patterns this clearly doesn't apply.

One challenge I had this year was the puff stitch. I realized the puff stitch wasn't quite right thus the picture below as a reminder of the pattern I want versus the pattern I created on my first attempt this year.

Notes:

I use size 4 Herrschners Baby Worsted 8 Baby Stripes Hydrangea for this outfit with an f hook.

Do not pull any stitches off hook until number of yarn overs complete for puff stitch then yarn over all stitches for puff.

I had done a different stitch a while back that creates a puffier stitch and this was not what was needed here. One of the reasons for the second picture is a reminder of the flatter puffs.

For this doll I do 25 rows to get to the length I wish.

16 Inch Baby Doll Herrschners Nightgown

I generally use Darski's nightgown pattern for both of the donated 16 inch baby dolls. However, over the years I've made it a policy where possible to recycle projects that don't work for one doll by trying to make it work for another in the donation.

My first attempt at the Herrschners Playtime and Pajamas 18 inch Doll Ensemble was clearly not going to work for any of the dolls at the arm hole stage. However, this was my second attempt using Herrschners Cheerful DK Yarn which has the feel of Carron Simply Soft in a DK weight.

I have bought various styles of Herrschners yarns for my stash as they work well for different baby doll projects. I'm not sure I've worked with the DK as I wasn't prepared for the Simply Soft experience. I find it a bit slippery to work with but it did the job for this outfit.

Notes:

I used Parakeet and I believe White Daisy Herrschners DK Cheerful yarn for this project with a D hook. I think the magenta or lemony would be good choices for the future but I had the green in my stash so green it was.

Like the 18 inch doll I used an f hoook for this project. I did not need to add any rows for length.

It was closed with an added button hole in the back.

The pattern for this outfit is an out of print Herrschners Playtime and Pajamas 18" Doll Ensemble Crochet pattern which may originally have been part of a kit. I'm pretty sure I picked it up as a used pattern and not as a kit.

I chose not to add the headband as I was getting close on yarn and didn't have more in my stash.

Our Generation Nightgown

Every year I try to get to patterns I've either never used or infrequently used for the donation. I don't believe I've ever used this Herrschners' Playtime and Pajamas 18 Inch Doll Ensemble pattern. I believe it was likely part of a kit but I found it as a second hand pattern and then never made it.

Years ago when I tried some of their doll kits I found the patterns ran small for me so I went into this one with an experimental attitude. The original pattern called for size 2 afghan yarn and a C hook. I used a mixture of Premier Basix size 3 petal pink and Herschnerrs worsted 4 for this project. When I make it again I'd look for Premier Basix in colors closer to the original as I think it was a good fit for size.

I needed an f hook for this project.

The outfit is closed with a snap.

I'm currently experimenting to see if my second try with this pattern can be rescued for one of the other dolls as it was too small for the Our Generation. The first try was too small for any of my donations.

I would make my own headband pattern next time, but I was playing yarn chicken with the pink and didn't want to lose. It needs to be wider. I did like the flower.

16 Inch Baby Doll Nightgown

This is another one of Darski's free patterns found here.

Notes:

This is made with Herrschners' Worsted 8 Ligonberry.

The hat is still a work in progress made with Herrschners Baby Worsted Stripes Goldfish and an H hook. It is a blend of back and front stitches finished with a sc skip stitch 5 dc shell around.

I did 4 rows for the arms and finished with a sc chain 3 around the arms. I finished the back and neck before adding the closing chains. I then used the sc chain 3 across the neck.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Nightgown

I've adapted the 10 inch baby doll Nightgown from Darski's free Sweetly pattern found here for the Lots to Love 14 inch baby doll.

I made this one while watching the Olympic Figure Skating team competition. I like simple patterns when I'm watching something that requires more of my attention.

Notes:

I use a G hook to get this to fit the larger doll.

This nightgown was made with Bernat Big Baby Sport Tiny Tulips.

I didn't count rows for length but I do crochet until it is about ankle length.

I make a number of these nightgowns so I do play with how I finish them. I chose a shell pattern for the bottom of this one. Sc skip 5dc around.

The ties are 40 sc each. I finished the back before adding the ties. I didn't do anything special with the collar this time.

I finished the arms with a row of sc followed by a row of sc chain 3 skip one sc around.

Lil Cutesies Nightgown

It was almost November before I finished the Lil Cutesie nightgown for the 2025 donation. It feels amazing to be preposting about it in January!

This is the only one of the baby dolls I don't use Darski's Sweetly pattern for the nightgown. For what ever reason her free BBL pattern fits the Lil Cutesie doll better. You can find that pattern here.

Notes:

I read last year's notes that suggested an E hook rather than an f and this worked out well. I would suggest following the directions for additional increase stitches. I fear I missed a couple of these. I would not the next time I make this.

I work at avoiding repeating colors when possible but not a fan of the Ice Cream Lemon Meringue for this project. I've used it for some of the 16 inch dresses and liked it but not a great fit for this smaller project. I had been tempted to repeat Tutti Frutti and I'd go back to that for next year. It was a fun look.

This pattern has directions until row 8 and then make it as long as you want. I stopped a row before the length I wanted and did a sc skip a stitch 5 dc in the next stitch shell to finish the bottom. When complete I finished the back before chaining 30 for the neck closure. This year as I was going across the neck I'd alternated back stitch and front stitch hdc for a little different neck finish rather than the sc chain 3 I've done in previous years.

I also decreased and finished the arms with sc and then added an additional row of sc chain 3 skip one around for a better arm fit and a little decoration.

Lots to Love 10 inch Baby Doll Nightgown

I realized I forgot to add a link last year. This is made using Darski's free pattern set Sweetly found here.

Notes:

To get this to fit the Lots to Love 10 inch Baby doll I used an F hook and Baby Bernat Sport yarn. Reading my previous notes I remembered to return to the baby yarn for this project.

I followed rows 1-17 then completed rows 33-37.

I finished the back and then did the ties as suggested making mine 30 chains.

I finished the arms and added a sc chain 3. I did not attempt longer arms as this sometimes can make it more challenging to get the outfit on and off.

I believe I used Darski's BBL for the Lil Cutesies doll but I will be back with the Sweetly pattern for the Lots to Love 14 inch Doll.

My Life Little Bluebell Nightgown 2

After rushing to finish off the nightgowns and swimsuits for the 2025 donation I've been trying to weave them into the early stages of the 2026 donation and get them off my to do list. With this second My Life nightgown the My Life dolls are complete for 2026. It is a small success but each one is a step forward.

I had mentioned previously that having experimented with nightgowns for the 2025 donation I'd settled on Patricia Klonski's free pattern found here. It's quick and easy and looks nice. It's a great way to use up some of my left over yarn from previous larger projects.

Notes:

I believe this is left over Caron Pounder Lilac that I'm trying to finish off.

The project calls for a g and h hook I substitute an H and I hook to get the fit right.

I finish the back and crochet around the top. I close the back with a snap. This time I did finish the sleeves and added a sc chain 3 sk around the arm holes.