If you’re a beginner knitter, a plush enthusiast, or someone with a cake of Premier Sweet Roll yarn laying around, this pattern is for you! It’s also a fabulous introduction to simple shirt making, so you can get a feel of things before you begin a large project. If you would prefer a printable, ad-free copy of this pattern, a high quality PDF version is available on my Ravelry and Etsy stores. Your onetime purchase supports the livelihood of this site
Sometimes plushies just need a little something extra, am I right? Mr. Sloth here looks like he was sold with this shirt on!
This free knitting pattern is fast, simple, and can be dressed up or down according to your tastes. Change the colorway up, add ribbons, or if you can crochet as well, add a beautiful crochet border to fancy things up! The only limit to the customization is your own imagination; that said, have fun with it, and make this pattern your own!
All suited up… 
…and ready for adventure!
The arm hole sizes can be adjusted for any doll you have in mind. This is an excellent first shirt project. I hope you enjoy my free knitting pattern, and if you do, please share it with all your crafty friends, and pin this pattern onto your Pinterest boards!
This free knitting pattern will introduce you to basic neckline shaping and basic strap shaping. It is knitted in two pieces, and seamed together at the edges.
Recommended Supplies
- 1 Cake of Premier Yarns Sweet Roll Yarn or equivalent, available here: Premier Yarns 1047-09 Sweet Roll Yarn-Wild Cherry Swirl
- US size 9 (5.5mm) knitting needles
Method
Cast on 32 stitches
- Rows 1 through 6 – k2, p2 all the way across
- Row 7 – k across
- Row 8 – p across
- Row 9 – k across
Repeat, Knitting one row, then Purling the next, to create 35 rows of Stockinette.
Creating A Basic Neckline
Row 36 – p 11 stitches, cast off the next 10 stitches, then purl across (11) stitches
You will now begin shaping the first strap of the tunic. This is done by knitting on one side of the shirt, and not the other, back and forth. You will finish shaping the adjacent strap later.
- Row 37 – *k2tog, k7, k2tog
- Row 38 – p across (9)
- Row 39 – k across
- Row 40 – p across
- Row 41 – k across
- Row 42 – p2tog, p5, p2tog
- Row 43 – k across (7)
- Row 44 – p across
- Row 45 – cast off the 7 stitches.*
Your first strap is complete. Next, repeat from * ( beginning at Row 37) for the remaining strap on the other side of the tunic.
The Back Of The Shirt
Now we will begin knitting the reverse side of the shirt. This side is easiest, because aside from your 6 rows of ribbing, there will be nothing but a rectangle of stockinette!
Cast on 32 stitches.
- Rows 1 through 6 – k2, p2 all the way across
- Row 7 – k across
- Row 8 – p across
- Row 9 – k across
Repeat, Knitting one row, then Purling the next, to create 35 rows of Stockinette.
Cast Off.
Assembly
Congratulations! I hope you’ve enjoyed this free knitting pattern to this point, because you’re nearly done! Now you should have two pieces, like so
Weave in your ends, then hold the pieces together, with the right side of the fabric facing in, and the wrong side facing out. This will be easy for anyone who has any experience in sewing.
Use your preferred method for seaming pieces together. I will be the first to admit, it isn’t my strongest point. I crocheted my pieces together with a single crochet, but sewing with a yarn darner (tapestry needle) would be fine as well. Sew the straps onto your cast off rectangle, leaving a few centimeters open in the sides for arm holes.
Your tunic should now be complete! I would love to see the special touches you add to the project, and see the dolls this helps dress up. I hope you enjoyed this free knitting pattern, and as always, happy crafting. Love,
