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Introduction by
Amy R Singer,
Blythe fanatic
[Knitty
editor]

In 1972, Hasbro introduced a big-headed doll with eyes that changed color with the pull of a string.

They scared most kids.

They were only manufactured for a year, and then countless unsold dolls spent decades in discount shops gathering dust. A few girls kept theirs, not caring that the rest of the world found their dolly a little freaky.

In the late 1990s, Gina Garan discovered Blythe for cheap on eBay, started dressing her up and photographing her and blammo -- a modern glamour girl was discovered. Gina is now Blythe's official photographer, and Blythe is her muse.

As the appeal of the original doll grew, CWC arranged with Hasbro to make new Blythe dolls. Since 2000, when the first reproduction was released at the Japanese Parco department store, more than 50 neo-Blythe models have been released, with new models introduced every year.

Formerly worth just a few dollars, original mint-in-box Blythes from the 1970s have sold for as much as $2000 on eBay in the last 6 months.

Blythe is already hugely popular in Asia, and her appeal is spreading. Recently, the Magic Pony gallery in Toronto [Knitty's home town] hosted the opening of Gina Garan's new show of photography and the "Behind Blythe" exhibit, curated by CWC Producer, Junko Wong. The tiny gallery was packed with Blythe fanatics photographing their own dolls alongside the ones on display, and buying new ones to add to their families.

Blythe dolls are not for everyone, but for those who love them, finding things to dress them in is a big part of the fun. For them, we present the following four patterns.

For those that have doll-lovers in their lives, please note: Blythe's body is about 22cm tall, the same size as a standard Skipper doll.

The gorgeous brown silk coat is modelled by Figue, whose stock Blythe body has been replaced by a 27cm Obitsu articulated body -- hence her enhanced ability to pose. This body is about the same size as a standard Barbie. The coat is offered in both original Blythe AND large/Barbie sizes.

To learn more about Blythe, visit Gina Garan's This is Blythe site.

The Blythes shown are not for sale. Try the This is Blythe buy and sell forum.



 
SILK COAT
Blythe Haiku:

Mysterious girl
Fashionable coy girl
Blythe is a dream girl.

SIZE
Blythe [Barbie]. Shown in Barbie size.
 
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Length: 6[7] inches
 
MATERIALS

Jaeger Silk [100% silk; 203 yd/183 m per 50g skein]; Color: Coffee; 1 skein

1 pair US #1/2.5mm straight needles
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
1 small snap

 
GAUGE
28 sts/36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
 
PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations can be found here]

 
DIRECTIONS

Back
CO 36 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [P1, k1] to end.
Repeat Row 1 once more.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.

Shape Skirt:
Next Row [RS]: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Repeat these 2 rows 9 times more. 16 sts rem.

Shape Bodice:

Blythe Size Only:
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 4 rows twice more.]
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Repeat these 2 rows twice more. 28 sts on needle.

Barbie Size Only:
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 4 rows 5 times more. 28 sts on needle.

Shape Armhole:
Both Sizes:
Next Row [RS]: BO 4 sts, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: BO 4 sts, p to end. 20 sts rem.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures 6[7] inches. BO all sts.

Right Front:
CO 20 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [P1, k1] to end.
Repeat Row 1 once more.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1.
Next Row [RS]: K1, p1, k to end.
Work 1 more row in patt as set.

Shape Skirt:
Next Row [RS]: Work in patt as set to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Next Row [WS]: Work in patt as set.
Repeat these 2 rows 9 times more. 10 sts rem.

Shape Neckline and Bodice:

Barbie Size Only:
Work 2 rows in patt as set.

Both Sizes:
Next Row [RS]: K1, k2tog, k to last st, m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1.
Next Row [RS]: K1, k2tog, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1.
Next Row [RS]: K to last st, m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1.
Next Row [RS]: K all sts.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1.
Next Row [RS]: K to last st, m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K to last st, m1, k1.
Work 1[3] rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 2[4] rows twice more. 9 sts on needle.

Shape Armhole:
Next Row [RS]: K all sts.
Next Row [WS]: BO 4 sts, p to end. 5 sts rem.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures 6[7] inches. BO all sts.

Left Front:
CO 20 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [P1, k1] to end.
Repeat Row 1 once more.
Next Row [WS]: P1, k1, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K to last 3 sts, p1, k1, p1.
Work 1 more row in patt as set.

Shape Skirt:
Next Row [RS]: K1, ssk, cont in patt as set.
Next Row [WS]: Work in patt as set.
Repeat these 2 rows 9 times more. 10 sts rem.

Shape Neckline and Bodice:

Barbie Size Only:
Work 2 rows in patt as set.

Both Sizes:
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P1, p2tog tbl, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P1, p2tog tbl, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P1, p2tog tbl, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K all sts.
Next Row [WS]: P1, p2tog tbl, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P1, p2tog tbl, p to end.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to end.
Work 1[3] rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 2[4] rows twice more. 9 sts on needle.

Shape Armhole:
Next Row [RS]: BO 4 sts, k to end.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures 6[7] inches. BO all sts.

Sleeves (Make 2)
CO 14 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [P1, k1] to end.
Repeat Row 1 once more.
Work in stockinette st until work measures 3[3.5] inches.
BO all sts.

 
FINISHING

Sew Back to Front at shoulders.
Sew Sleeves into armholes.
Sew underarm and side seams.

Shawl Collar

With RS facing, pick up and k 13 sts along neckline edge of Right Front, 10 sts along Back Neck, and 13 sts along neckline edge of Left front. 36 sts on needle.
Next Row: K all sts.

Begin Short Rows:
NOTE: When working short rows, pick up wraps as you encounter them and work each wrap together with the st it is wrapped around.
P26, w&t.
K16, w&t.
P17, w&t.
K18, w&t.
P19, w&t.

Continue in this manner, working each short row 1 st longer than the previous short row, until all sts have been worked.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row: [K1, p1] to end.
Next Row: [P1, k1] to end.
BO all sts loosely.
Weave in ends.
Block lightly if desired.

Sew snap to coat just below beginning of neckline shaping.

 
BLYTHIE ROCKSTAR
SIZE
One [Want one that fits you? Try this.]
 
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

11 1/2" long x 3/4" wide

 

MATERIALS

[MC] Koigu PPM [100% merino wool; 176 yd/158 m per 50g skein]; Color: #803; 1 skein
[CC] GGH Apart [100% acrylic; 120 yd/108 m per 50g skein];Color: Black; 1 skein

1 pair US #3/3.25 mm straight needles
Tapestry needle

GAUGE
24 sts = 4 inches in garter stitch
 
DIRECTIONS

Using MC, CO 8 sts.
K 6 rows using MC.
K 2 rows using CC.
Repeat these 8 rows until work measures . Carry yarn not in use loosely up side of work.
Work 6 more rows using MC. BO all sts loosely.

 
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
 
TANK
SIZE
One [can fit Blythe or Barbie]
 
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
5" around
 

MATERIALS

Rowan Handknit Cotton DK [100% cotton; 94 yd/85 m per 50g skein]; Color: #209 Gooseberry; 1 skein

1 set US #3/3.25mm straight needles
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
2 small snaps

 

GAUGE

20sts/28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

 

Back
CO 8 sts.
K 2 rows. Work in stockinette st until work measures .75 inch, ending with a WS row.|
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Repeat these 2 rows once more.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures 1.5 inches, ending with a WS row.
Next Row [RS]: BO 3, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: BO 3, p to end.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K3, place rem sts on hold.
Next Row [WS]: P2tog, p1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st. BO all sts.
With WS facing, place held sts on needle and rejoin yarn. P 1 row.
Next Row [RS]: Ssk, k1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st. BO all sts.

Front
CO 8 sts.
K 2 rows. Work in stockinette st until work measures .75 inch, ending with a WS row.
Next Row [RS]: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Repeat these 2 rows once more.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures 1.5 inches, ending with a WS row.
Next Row [RS]: BO 2, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: BO 2, p to end.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K4, place rem sts on hold.
Next Row [WS]: P2tog, p2.
Next Row [RS]: K all sts.
Next Row [WS]: P2tog, p1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st. BO all sts.
With WS facing, place held sts on needle and rejoin yarn. P 1 row.
Next Row [RS]: Ssk, k2.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: Ssk, k1.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st. BO all sts.

FINISHING

Sew back to front at sides.
Sew snaps to ends of straps, so front straps overlap back straps slightly.
Weave in ends.
Block if desired.

On Blythe, cross straps in back before snapping.
On Barbie, wear as a standard tank.

 
SKIRT
SIZE
One
 
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
3 3/4" around the waist, 3 1/2" long
 

MATERIALS

Rowan Handknit Cotton DK [100% cotton; 94 yd/85 m per 50g skein]
[MC] #202 Oasis; 1 skein
[CC] #209 Gooseberry; 1 skein

1 set US #3/3.25mm straight needles
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
1 small snap

 
DIRECTIONS

Back
Using MC, CO 18 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [K1, p1] to end.

Begin color work:
Next Row [RS]: [K2 using MC, k2 using CC] to last 2 sts, k2 using MC.
Next Row [WS]: [P2 using MC, p2 using CC] to last 2 sts, p2 using MC. Break CC yarn.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Decrease Row [RS]: K2, k2tog tbl, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 4 rows three times more. 10 sts rem.
Next Row [RS]: K2, k2tog tbl, k1, place rem sts on hold.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
K 2 rows. BO all sts.
With RS facing, place held sts on needle and rejoin yarn. K1, k2tog, k2.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
K 2 rows. BO all sts.

Front
Using MC, CO 18 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: [K1, p1] to end.
Row 2 [WS]: [K1, p1] to end.

Begin color work:
Next Row [RS]: [K2 using MC, k2 using CC] to last 2 sts, k2 using MC.
Next Row [WS]: [P2 using MC, p2 using CC] to last 2 sts, p2 using MC. Break CC yarn.
Work 2 rows in stockinette st.
Decrease Row [RS]: K2, k2tog tbl, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 4 rows three times more. 10 sts rem. BO all sts.

 
FINISHING
Sew front to back at side seams.
Sew snap to top of back to close skirt.
Weave in ends.
Block if desired.
 
ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Jillian Moreno loves to watch people obsess. She knits and obsesses in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

 
 
GROOVY BOOGIE

This pattern fits all Takara and Kenner Blythes and Licca bodies, too.

I began collecting Blythe dolls about a year ago and for me it was the most natural thing in the world to start dressing them myself. I made up this simple pattern which I started to construct around the doll's body. The sweater has a ribbed welt around the bottom, a round neckline and flared sleeves.

SIZE
One
 
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust: 3.5 inches
Length: 2.25 inches

 

MATERIALS

Rowan, 4ply Yorkshire Tweed [100% wool; 25g ball] color: Graze; 286[1 ball]

1 set US size 0/2mm straight needles
Waste yarn
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
Sewing thread
2 small snap fasteners

GAUGE
40 sts/48 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
 
PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations can be found here]

1x1 Rib (Worked over an even number of sts):
Row 1: [K1, p1] to end.
Every row is the same.

 
DIRECTIONS

Front
CO 20 sts.
Work in 1x1 Rib for 3 rows.
Work in stockinette st until work measures 1.5 inches (or desired length to underarm), ending with a WS row.

Shape Armhole:
Next Row [RS]: BO 2 sts, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: BO 2 sts, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 14 sts rem.
Work 5 rows in stockinette st.

Shape Neckline:
Next Row [RS]: K3, k2tog, place rem sts on hold on waste yarn.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: K2, k2tog.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: K1, k2tog.
BO rem sts.
Replace held sts on needle. With RS facing, rejoin yarn.
BO 4 sts, ssk, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: Ssk, k to end.
Repeat these 2 rows once more. BO rem sts.

Right Back:
CO 12 sts.
Work in 1x1 Rib for 3 rows.
Work in stockinette st until work measures 1.5 inches (or desired length to underarm), ending with a WS row.

Shape Armhole:
Next Row [RS]: BO 2 sts, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k to end. 9 sts rem.
Work 6 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [WS]: BO 5 sts, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K2, k2tog.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: K1, k2tog.
BO rem sts.

Left Back:
CO 12 sts.
Work in 1x1 Rib for 3 rows.
Work in stockinette st until work measures 1.5 inches (or desired length to underarm), ending with a RS row (Left Back to underarm should be 1 row shorter than Right Back).

Shape Armhole:
Next Row [WS]: BO 2 sts, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K to last 2 sts, k2tog. 9 sts rem.
Work 7 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: BO 5 sts, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: Ssk, k to end.
Repeat the last 2 rows once more. BO rem sts.

Sleeves (Make 2):
CO 20 sts.
Beg with a WS row, work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: [K2tog, k4] to last 2 sts, k2tog.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K2, k2tog, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 14 sts rem.
Cont in stockinette st until work measures 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
Next Row [RS]: BO 2 sts, k to end.
Next Row [WS]: BO 2 sts, p to end.
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk.
Next Row [WS]: P all sts.
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 4 sts rem.
BO rem sts.

FINISHING

Sew backs to front at shoulders.
Sew side seams.
Sew sleeve seams.
Sew sleeves into armholes, beginning at shoulder.
Weave in ends.
Sew snaps to sweater backs, so that backs overlap slightly. Position one snap at neck edge and one snap just above bottom ribbing.

 
ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Liz lives in London, England. She began knitting at an early age and grew up to have her knitted Rock Star dolls featured in the UK Music magazine Mojo in 2000. Since then she has acquired a huge family of Blythe dolls and they have become the main focus of her knitting activities. She has developed many new styles and undertakes private sweater commissions for Blythe dolls and their owners all around the world.

For more information please visit her website.

 

BLYTHE is a trademark of Hasbro. (c)2002 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.
BLYTHE character rights are licensed in Asia to Cross World Connections, Ltd.
Licensed by Hasbro Consumer Products.