An Introduction from Patricia to Your Island Voyager Princess
Hello, my dear friend, and welcome! It’s Patricia, and I am simply over the moon to share this pattern with you. There's a special kind of joy in creating a character who embodies such strength, curiosity, and a deep connection to the world around her. Crafting this Island Voyager Princess, from her determined gaze to her wonderfully textured skirt and magnificent hair, has been a true adventure in yarn. The journey of making her is as rewarding as the finished doll herself.
I'm delighted to share this Island Voyager Princess pattern with you for free. Your enthusiasm and support, whether by visiting the blog or sharing your finished creations, are what keep my hooks clicking and allow me to design these detailed projects. Thank you for being here. Let's begin this wonderful journey together!
Materials You'll Need for Your Island Voyager Princess
I find that choosing the right materials is the first step to a beautiful finished project. For our princess, the texture and colors are key to her personality. Here’s what I used and recommend.
Absolute Essentials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Weight 4) yarn in the following colors:
- Skin Tone: Warm Beige or Tan (approx. 80 yards)
- Hair: Rich Dark Brown (approx. 100 yards - that hair is voluminous!)
- Top: Coral or Burnt Orange (approx. 20 yards)
- Skirt (Over-layer): Cream or Off-White (approx. 30 yards)
- Skirt (Under-layer): Sandy Tan (approx. 25 yards)
- Skirt Details: Golden Yellow & the same Coral/Burnt Orange (small amounts)
- Flower: White & Golden Yellow (scraps)
- Necklace Stone: Turquoise (scrap amount)
- Crochet Hook: 2.75mm (C) hook, or your preferred size for tight amigurumi stitches.
- Safety Eyes: 2 x 12mm or 14mm black safety eyes.
- Fiberfill: A good quality polyester fiberfill for stuffing.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and assembly.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Embroidery Floss: A small amount of black floss for the eyebrows and nose.
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations
- Stitch Marker: Using a stitch marker for working in continuous rounds is non-negotiable for me! It saves so many headaches and ensures you never lose your place, especially when shaping the head and body.
- Sharp Embroidery Scissors: For snipping the yarn tails on the skirt embroidery and trimming the floss for the face, a pair of small, sharp scissors gives you the cleanest finish.
- Knee-High Stocking: To contain the fiberfill in the head and prevent it from peeking through stitches, you can place your stuffing inside a sheer knee-high stocking. It's my secret to a perfectly smooth finish!
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified
This is an intermediate-level pattern. While the individual stitches are simple, the magic is in the details, the number of components, and the assembly. Don't worry, I'll guide you every step of the way!
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- sc: Single Crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Invisible Decrease (work in front loops only)
- hdc: Half Double Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- BLO: Back Loop Only
- FLO: Front Loop Only
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- Rnd(s): Round(s)
- Row(s): Row(s)
- [...] x ...: Repeat the instructions in the brackets the number of times indicated.
- (...): The number in parentheses at the end of a round or row indicates the total stitch count.
Key Techniques for This Project
- Making Spiral Curls: This is how we create that incredible hair! It's easier than it looks. You'll make a long chain, and then work multiple stitches (in our case, 3 sc) into each chain. This forces the strip to curl tightly into a perfect spiral.
- Surface Embroidery: For the geometric details on her skirt, we'll be adding them after the skirt is crocheted. This gives you complete control and creates beautifully crisp lines. We'll use a tapestry needle and yarn to essentially draw with stitches on the surface.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Island Voyager Princess
Remember, every handmade doll has her own soul. Your tension, yarn choice, and the unique way you embroider her smile will make your voyager one-of-a-kind. Embrace it! She’s a reflection of your creative spirit.
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Island Voyager Princess to life! The full pattern is just ahead.
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The Island Voyager Princess Amigurumi Pattern
A Note on Construction: The legs are made first, then joined to form the body in one continuous piece. The head, arms, and all clothing/accessories are made separately and attached. Work in continuous rounds unless specified otherwise. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
Head
(Use Skin Tone yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x 6. (30)
Rnd 6:
Rnd 7:
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x 6. (48)
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x 6. (54)
Rnds 10-18 (9 rounds): Sc in each st around. (54)
Rnd 19: [7 sc, dec] x 6. (48)
Rnd 20: [6 sc, dec] x 6. (42)
Rnd 21: [5 sc, dec] x 6. (36)
Rnd 22: [4 sc, dec] x 6. (30)
Rnd 23: [3 sc, dec] x 6. (24)
Begin stuffing the head. Insert safety eyes between Rnds 16 and 17, about 9-10 stitches apart. Continue to stuff firmly as you close.
Rnd 24: [2 sc, dec] x 6. (18)
Rnd 25: [Sc, dec] x 6. (12)
Rnd 26: Dec x 6. (6)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing later if you wish, but it's better to close the hole completely. Weave the tail through the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Hide the end.
Legs (Make 2)
(Start with Skin Tone yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnds 4-6 (3 rounds): Sc in each st around. (18)
Rnd 7: 4 sc, dec x 5, 4 sc. (13)
Rnds 8-18 (11 rounds): Sc in each st around. (13)
Stuff the foot and lower leg firmly. Continue to stuff lightly as you go.
Fasten off the first leg. For the second leg, do not fasten off. We will continue from the second leg to join them and form the body.
Body
(Continue from the second leg with Skin Tone yarn)
Rnd 19: Ch 3. Join with a sl st to the last stitch of the first leg. Sc in the same st and in the next 12 sts around the first leg. Sc in each of the 3 ch sts. Sc in each of the 13 sts of the second leg. Sc in the other side of the 3 ch sts. (32)
Rnds 20-27 (8 rounds): Sc in each st around. (32)
Rnd 28: [6 sc, dec] x 4. (28)
Rnds 29-35 (7 rounds): Sc in each st around. (28)
Rnd 36: [5 sc, dec] x 4. (24)
Rnd 37: Sc in each st around. (24)
Rnd 38: [2 sc, dec] x 6. (18)
Rnd 39: Sc in each st around. (18)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the head to the body. Stuff the body firmly.
Arms (Make 2)
(Use Skin Tone yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 5 sc in a MR. (5)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (10)
Rnds 3-15 (13 rounds): Sc in each st around. (10)
Do not stuff, or stuff very lightly only at the hand portion. Flatten the top opening and sc across to close. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Hair Cap
(Use Dark Brown yarn)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x 6.
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x 6. (42)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x 6. (48)
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x 6. (54)
Rnds 10-16 (7 rounds): Sc in each st around. (54)
Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing the cap to the head.
Hair Curls (Make approx. 40-50)
(Use Dark Brown yarn)
Step 1: Ch 31. Step 2: Starting in the second ch from the hook, work 3 sc in each ch across. (90)
The strip will curl tightly on its own. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Repeat to make as many curls as needed for your desired hair volume.
Bandeau Top
(Use Coral/Burnt Orange yarn)
Row 1: Ch 36. Starting in second ch from hook, hdc in each ch across. (35) Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each st across. (35)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the back seam.
Skirt
(This is made in two parts: an under-layer and an over-layer, which are then joined)
Part 1: Under-Skirt (Grass Skirt) (Use Sandy Tan yarn)
Rnd 1: Ch 34, sl st to the first ch to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each ch around. Sl st to join. (34)
Rnd 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st. Skip next st, [2 dc in next st, skip next st] around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (This creates a V-stitch texture).
Rnds 4-6 (3 rounds): Sl st into the space between the first 2-dc group. Ch 3, dc in same space. Work [2 dc] in the space between each 2-dc group from the previous round. Sl st to top of ch 3 to join.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part 2: Over-Skirt (Use Cream/Off-White yarn)
Rnd 1: Ch 34, sl st to first ch to form a ring.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each ch around. Sl st to join. (34)
Rnds 3-4: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to join. (34)
Rnd 5 (Scalloped Edge): [Skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st] repeat around.
Fasten off. Using Coral and Golden Yellow yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider triangular and line patterns onto the over-skirt, using the product image as a guide.
Joining the Skirt: Place the Over-Skirt on top of the Under-Skirt, aligning the top edges. Using cream yarn, sew the two waistbands together.
Flower
(Use White and Yellow yarn)
Petals (White): In a MR, [ch 3, 2 dc, ch 3, sl st] repeat 5 times in the ring. Pull the ring tight. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Center (Yellow): With yellow yarn, make 2-3 french knots in the center of the flower.
Assembly Instructions for Your Island Voyager Princess
Patience during assembly is what separates a good amigurumi from a great one. Pin pieces in place before sewing!
- Face: Using black embroidery floss, stitch simple, slightly arched eyebrows above the eyes, over Rnd 18. Stitch a small, horizontal nose centered between the eyes, over Rnd 16.
- Head to Body: This is the most crucial join. Use the long tail from the body and sew the head securely to the neck opening. Make sure it's centered. Add more stuffing into the neck area just before you close the final gap to ensure good head support.
- Arms: Sew the closed end of each arm to the sides of the body, just below the neck, around Rnds 36-37.
- Hair Cap & Curls: Pin the hair cap to the head, ensuring it's positioned to your liking (a little lower on the forehead is often best). Sew it down securely around the entire edge.
- Now, the fun part! Starting at the bottom edge of the cap, sew on the curls one by one. Work in rows, spiraling upwards and inwards, placing them close together to hide the cap. It’s like tiling a roof! Continue until the entire cap is covered in beautiful, bouncy curls.
- Flower: Sew the small flower onto the hair, tucking it just behind one ear.
- Outfit: Dress the doll. Slide the finished skirt up to her waist. Wrap the bandeau top around her chest and use the yarn tail to sew the back seam tightly. Use a small strand of white or cream yarn to embroider a simple line across the top edge of the bandeau.
- Necklace: Take a strand of dark brown yarn or floss and tie it around her neck. For the stone, use turquoise yarn to crochet a tiny flat oval (e.g., ch 3, work 4 hdc in the 2nd ch from hook, sl st to join, fasten off). Sew this tiny "stone" to the center of the brown necklace cord.
Tips & Tricks for Your Island Voyager Princess
- Troubleshooting:
- Floppy Head?: The number one culprit! Ensure you've stuffed the neck and upper body very firmly. Sewing through each stitch on both the head and body and pulling tight creates a strong join.
- Curls Not Curling?: If your curls seem loose, you may need to go down a hook size, or you can try working 4 sc into each chain instead of 3 for an even tighter spiral.
- Customization Corner:
- Give her a different expression by making her eyebrows flat for a more determined look, or embroider a tiny, sly smirk instead of a simple line for her mouth.
- Add a small oar as an accessory! Crochet a simple brown rod and a flat paddle shape to place in her hand.
- Gifting Your Voyager Princess:
- This doll makes a powerful and inspiring gift. When you give her away, include a little card that says "A reminder to be brave, follow your heart, and explore the great, wide world."
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions
- Q: How many curls do I really need? It seems like a lot!
- A: It is a lot, but it's worth it! I recommend making at least 40-50 curls. The goal is to cover the hair cap completely so no brown scalp shows through. You can always make more if you find you have a sparse area. The volume is what gives her that iconic look!
- Q: My skirt embroidery looks a bit messy. Any tips?
- A: Absolutely! The key is even tension. Try not to pull your embroidery stitches too tight, or the fabric will pucker. For perfect placement, I highly recommend using a water-soluble fabric marker to lightly draw your designs on the cream skirt before you start stitching. The lines wash away with a dab of water and no one will ever know!
- Q: Can I make the body and head all in one piece?
- A: While possible, I designed this pattern with a separate head for a few key reasons. It allows for better shaping of the head and shoulders, gives that classic amigurumi look, and, most importantly, provides a very strong neck joint when sewn properly, which is needed to support the weight of the hair.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Island Voyager Princess
You did it! You have created not just a doll, but a little figure of courage and adventure. Seeing your Island Voyager Princess come to life is the greatest reward for me. I hope you enjoyed every stitch of the journey. Your engagement with these patterns is what makes it possible for me to keep designing and sharing them for free. Thank you so much for your support.
For care, I recommend spot cleaning only to keep her looking her best for years of adventures to come. Happy stitching!