Free Knitting Patterns for the American Girl Doll

UPDATED:  12/27/2008 - I have updated this list by a) removing the dead-end links that went to an expired About.com page and b) adding several new patterns I created.

Many of you have asked me for all sorts of free patterns for the American Girl Doll and other 18" dolls.  I'm currently working on assembling my own patterns, but in the meantime, I searched the net for free patterns and found these freebies.  I've tried to credit the designer in each case.  I hope I didn't omit anyone.  Of course, I placed my own patterns first - which you can find HERE.

1. Jennifer Jackson's American Girl Doll Poncho
2. Jennifer Jackson's Shawl with Garter Stitch Stripes
3. Jennifer Jackson's Simple Prayer Shawl - Vertical
4. Jennifer Jackson's Triangular Shawl with Eyelet
5. Jennifer Jackson's Alma Mater Sweater - Top Down
6. Jennifer Jackson's Crew Neck Sweater - Top Down
7. Jennifer Jackson's How To Knit Top Down Sweater Tutorial
8. Jennifer Jackson's Collared Striped Poncho
9. Mary J. Saunders’ Summer Dress
10. Myra Arnold's Felt Slippers for Kirsten (no picture)
11. Craftfinder’s Western Vest and Skirt (no picture)
12. Margaret K.K. Radcliffe’s Sarah's Shawl
13. Donna Koenig’s Doll Mittens
14. Donna Koenig’s Beret Pattern

I also found a few sites that sell kits and patterns.

• Scotty Maloney is a really interesting site that sells kits to knit doll clothes on microscopic needles sized 00000 to 1 in marvelous adult style fashions.  If you have the patiences, I think the finished products are worth the investment of time and eyesight.  (Update -Since the original post in 2005, it appears that the company no longer has 18" doll patterns.  Their kits for 11.5 and 14-16" dolls are still quite amazing!)
• I also found this cool Measurement Chart for Dolls for just about any doll you could want to design for - including 18" dolls.
• And finally, here are just a few more sites that had items for sale and good references for all things related to designing for dolls.
  1. Doll Designs
  2. Erica's Dolls
  3. Woolworks
  4. Craft Finder 

Good luck.  Please let me know what you think of the list or if you have any other suggestions.  Happy knitting!

Comments

[Gail Bonath]

You have the colors right for the Alma Mater sweater. Go Hawks!

[Deb]

Hi Jennifer,

I've knit up a few of your designs for the american girl doll and they are adorable. I was wondering if you've gotten around to printing up the directions for the red sweater you showed on your website. I think you made it for Christmas. I would like to give that one a try.

Thank you

[Kat]

Love this! My younger son is into Build a Bear and I think these would work for those.

[Deb]

This is so helpful and a great site; however, I also couldn't get to the American Girl patterns. I had the same problem others have referenced - the links take me to About.com: Knitting, but no amount of searching seems to bring them up. I was particularly interested in Hazel Spencer's Red Dress pattern (as well as the American Girl poncho pattern from our host, which I COULD access).

Anyone figure this out?

Thanks!

[Pat Kilcoyne]

I was so happy to see the American Girl knitting patterns, but when I click on some of the links - it takes me to the About.com website, and it's a dead end. How can I find these patterns?

[gwen hermansen]

Thanks for the great website. I'm adding it to my favorites. However, several of the AG patterns I click on send me to about.com and from there I am lost. Nowhere can I find them. Can you help me. Thanks again. gwen

[MARSHA LEWITAS]

I AM TRY9ING TO GET THE PATTERNS YOU LIST FOR JANICE HELGE AMERICAN GIRL PONCHO, ETC. BUT WHEN I CLICK ON THE LINK IT BRINGS ME TO ABOUT.COM'S SITE - BUT NO MENTION OF ANY OF THOSE PATTERNS. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO SEARCH THE WEBSITE FOR "JANICE HELGE" OR AMERICAN GIRL PONCHO - IT COMES UP "O" - CAN YOU DIRECT ME TO THE PATTERN? OR WHERE IT MIGHT BE IN ARCHIVES? YOU SITE IS WORTH REMEMBERING - THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. SINCERELY, MARSHA LEWITAS (MARSHLEW1@AOL.COM)

[janice]

I was interested in the free American doll hat patterns and etc. to knit for charitable groups and am unable to open them on your site. thanks you

[Virginia Porter-James]

Karen, I have enjoyed your web site, I have 9 grandchildren and I'm having a lot of fun knitting for them and their dolls and teddy bears. Thanks for putting all of this information together ! Ginny

[Sandra Mills]

This is a great site!!!

[Suzanne King]

Thank you so much for the measurment chart for the different dolls ...what a time saver !!!
Suzanne

[Karen]

Thanks so much for the patterns for the American Girl Doll. I was hunting for some to knit for my granddaughter.That was so nice of you to take the time to get all those patterns together. I am new at this computer business but I am trying. Thanks again. Karen