An Introduction from Patricia to Your Lina, the Sketchbook Dreamer
Hello, my dear creator! It’s Patricia Poltera. I am just so smitten with this project, and I think you will be, too. Meet Lina, the Sketchbook Dreamer. She’s a thoughtful artist who finds beauty in the little things and captures them in her treasured sketchbook. Her story is one of quiet observation and creative joy, and our goal is to weave that personality into every single stitch. From her chic Breton-striped shirt to her jaunty red beret, this pattern is an ode to the artistic spirit.
I am absolutely delighted to share this Lina the Sketchbook Dreamer pattern with you for free. Your enthusiasm and support, simply by visiting, sharing, and creating, are what keep my hooks clicking and allow me to design these detailed characters. Thank you for being here. Let's bring this lovely artist to life!
Materials You'll Need for Lina
Choosing the right materials is like an artist choosing their paints! For Lina's clean lines and detailed accessories, I suggest a sport or DK weight cotton yarn. It provides wonderful stitch definition, which is essential for that crisp tapestry crochet.
Absolute Essentials
- Yarn: Sport or DK Weight (Size 3) in the following colors:
- A (Skin Tone): Fair Peach (approx. 50g)
- B (Hair): Chocolate Brown (approx. 20g)
- C (Shirt): Cream (approx. 15g)
- D (Shirt): Navy Blue (approx. 15g)
- E (Dungarees): Mustard Yellow (approx. 30g)
- F (Beret & Boots): Cherry Red (approx. 20g)
- Crochet Hook: 2.5mm (or a size that gives you tight, neat stitches with your chosen yarn)
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 10mm black safety eyes.
- Notions: Stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill stuffing.
- Miniature Buttons: Two 6mm buttons for the dungarees.
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations
- Stiff Felt: A small sheet of stiff white felt for the sketchbook pages. This gives the accessory a realistic structure that soft yarn alone can't achieve.
- Fabric Paint or Blush: A touch of pink for her cheeks. It adds a permanent, soft glow that brings her face to life.
- A Yarn Bobbin or Two: When doing the tapestry crochet for the shirt, having the navy yarn wrapped on a small bobbin can be a lifesaver for preventing tangles.
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Lina
This is an advanced pattern, but every technique is a brushstroke in our final masterpiece! The key is patience, especially with the colorwork. Remember to read through the instructions carefully before you begin.
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: Chain
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- sc: Single Crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: Decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- hdc: Half Double Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- BLO: Back Loop Only
- FLO: Front Loop Only
- Rnd(s): Round(s)
- [...]: Repeat instructions in brackets as directed
- (...): Stitch count at the end of a round
Techniques at a Glance
- Tapestry Crochet: This is how we'll create Lina's iconic striped shirt. It involves carrying the unused color under your active stitches to create seamless color changes. The trick for Lina is to keep your tension consistent so the carried yarn doesn't show through.
- Working in a Continuous Spiral: The head, body, and most parts are worked in a spiral. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round to keep your place!
- Miniature Construction: Creating the sketchbook requires delicate work with both yarn and felt. It’s a wonderful final touch that truly defines her character.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Lina
Your Lina will be a one-of-a-kind creation! Slight variations in tension and stuffing will give her a unique personality. Embrace it! She is a testament to your personal artistic touch.
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our Lina, the Sketchbook Dreamer to life! The full pattern is right ahead.
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The Lina, the Sketchbook Dreamer Amigurumi Pattern
A Note on Tapestry Crochet: For the shirt, you will use two colors in the same round. When you see a color change, complete the final yarn over of the stitch before the change with the new color. Carry the unused color along the top of your work, crocheting over it.
Head and Body (Starting with Color A - Skin Tone)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc,
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] 6 times. (36)
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] 6 times. (48)
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] 6 times. (54)
Rnd 10-16: sc in each st around. (54) - 7 rounds
Rnd 17: 20 sc, place marker for eye 1, 9 sc, place marker for eye 2, 25 sc. (54)
Rnd 18: sc in each st around. (54) Insert 10mm safety eyes at the marked stitches. Embroider a small ‘V’ shaped nose with Color A yarn, centered one round below the eyes.
Rnd 19: [7 sc, dec] 6 times. (48)
Rnd 20: [6 sc, dec] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 21: [5 sc, dec]
Rnd 22: [4 sc, dec] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 23: [3 sc, dec] 6 times. (24) Begin stuffing the head firmly. Continue stuffing as you go.
Rnd 24: [2 sc, dec] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 25: sc in each st around. (18) - This forms the neck.
Rnd 26: [2 sc, inc] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 27: [3 sc, inc] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 28-34: sc in each st around. (30) - 7 rounds
Rnd 35: [3 sc, dec] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 36-45: sc in each st around. (24) - 10 rounds
Rnd 46: [2 sc, dec] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 47: [sc, dec] 6 times. (12) Finish stuffing the body firmly.
Rnd 48: Dec 6 times. (6)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in the end.
Arms (Make 2, with Color A)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: [sc, inc] 3 times. (9)
Rnd 3-5: sc in each st around. (9) - 3 rounds
Rnd 6-20: sc in each st around. (9) - 15 rounds Stuff the hand part lightly, leaving the top half of the arm unstuffed so it can sit flat against the body. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Hair Cap (with Color B - Brown)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc,
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] 6 times. (36)
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] 6 times. (48)
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] 6 times. (54)
Rnd 10-15: sc in each st around. (54) - 6 rounds
Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing.
Striped Shirt (Removable)
Work in joined rounds. Ch 1 and turn at the end of each round does not count as a stitch. Start with Color C (Cream).
Row 1: Ch 37. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. (36) Join with a sl st to the first sc to form a loop, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (36) Switch to Color D (Navy).
Rnd 3-4: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (36) Switch to Color C (Cream).
Rnd 5-6: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (36) Switch to Color D (Navy).
Rnd 7-8: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (36) Switch to Color C (Cream).
Rnd 9-10: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (36)
Divide for Armholes: Row 11 (Color C): Ch 1, turn. 5 sc, ch 6, skip 6 sts, 12 sc, ch 6, skip 6 sts, 7 sc. (24 sc, 12 ch)
Row 12 (Color C): Ch 1, turn. sc in each st and ch around. (36) Switch to Color D (Navy).
Rnd 13-14: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (36) Fasten off and weave in ends.
Shirt Colorwork Chart (Rounds 3-10):
Sleeves (Make 2): Join Color C (Cream) at the bottom of an armhole.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc 12 sts evenly around the armhole opening. Join with a sl st. (12)
Rnd 2: sc in each st around. (12) Switch to Color D (Navy).
Rnd 3-4: sc in each st around. (12) Repeat the 2-round stripe pattern (2 cream, 2 navy) until the sleeve is your desired length (approx. 8-10 rounds total). Fasten off, weave in ends.
Dungarees (with Color E - Mustard)
Leg 1:
Rnd 1: Ch 13, join with a sl st to form a ring. Ch 1, sc in each ch around. (12)
Rnd 2-10: sc in each st around. (12) - 9 rounds Fasten off.
Leg 2 & Body:
Rnd 1-10: Repeat instructions for Leg 1, but
do not fasten off. Rnd 11: Ch 2. Join to the first leg with a sc. Sc 11 more times around Leg 1. Sc in each of the 2 ch sts. Sc 12 times around Leg 2. Sc in the other side of the 2 ch sts. (28)
Rnd 12-20: sc in each st around. (28) - 9 rounds
Rnd 21: [12 sc, dec] 2 times. (26)
Rnd 22: sc in each st around. (26) Do not fasten off. We will now work the bib in rows.
Bib: Row 1: sc in the next 8 sts. Ch 1, turn. (8)
Row 2-5: sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (8) - 4 rows Fasten off at the end of Row 5.
Straps: From the back of the dungarees, count 4 stitches in from one side. Join yarn.
Row 1: Ch 25. Fasten off. Repeat on the other side. Sew the ends of the straps to the top corners of the bib. Sew the two tiny buttons onto the front of the bib where the straps meet.
Beret (with Color F - Red)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5: [3 sc,
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] 6 times. (36)
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] 6 times. (48)
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] 6 times. (54)
Rnd 10-12: sc in each st around. (54) - 3 rounds
Rnd 13: BLO [7 sc, dec] 6 times. (48)
Rnd 14: [6 sc, dec] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 15: sc in each st around. (42)
Fasten off, leaving a tail to weave in.
Boots (Make 2, with Color F - Red)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3-5: sc in each st around. (12) - 3 rounds
Rnd 6: 3 sc, dec 3 times, 3 sc. (9)
Rnd 7-9: sc in each st around. (9) - 3 rounds Fasten off, weave in ends.
Sketchbook Accessory
Cover (with Color B - Brown):
Row 1: Ch 7. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 6. Ch 1, turn. (6)
Row 2-10: sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (6) - 9 rows You now have a small rectangle. Ch 1 and sc evenly around the entire piece. Sl st to join. Fasten off.
Pages: Cut 3-4 small rectangles of stiff white felt, slightly smaller than your crocheted cover. Stack them together and place them inside the folded cover. Using a length of brown yarn and your needle, sew down the "spine" of the book to secure the felt pages inside.
Assembly Instructions for Your Lina
- Hair: Place the hair cap on the head, positioning it to your liking (a little off-center can be cute!). Using the long tail, sew the cap to the head around the entire edge. For the bob, cut strands of brown yarn (about 4 inches long), fold them in half, and use your crochet hook to pull the loop through a stitch on the hair cap. Yarn over and pull the ends through the loop to create a lark's head knot. Add strands along the hairline and part-line, then trim them into a chic bob shape.
- Arms: Sew the open ends of the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck (around Rnd 26-27).
- Face: Apply a small, circular patch of pink blush or fabric paint to the cheeks, just under and slightly outside the eyes.
- Final Tilt: This is the magic touch! When you display her, gently tilt her head to one side to give her that sweet, contemplative look. The structure of the neck will hold it in place.
Tips & Tricks for Your Lina
Troubleshooting Your Tapestry Crochet
- Peeking Yarn: If the carried color is peeking through, your tension might be a bit loose. Try going down a hook size or consciously pulling the carried yarn a little tighter as you crochet over it.
- Tangles: Keep your two yarn colors on opposite sides of your work. Using a yarn bobbin for the color you use less frequently in a section can be a huge help.
Customization Corner
- New Outfits: You can use the shirt and dungaree patterns as a base to create a whole wardrobe! Try different colors or even add some simple embroidery to the dungaree bib.
- Art Supplies: Why stop at a sketchbook? You could crochet a tiny paintbrush or a pencil to go with her theme.
- Different Hair: Instead of a bob, you could give her long pigtails or a cute pixie cut using the same hair cap method.
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Lina
- Q: My beret isn't flat, it's cone-shaped. What did I do wrong?
- A: That usually happens if the increases aren't spaced out enough. Double-check your stitch counts for Rnds 3-9. The goal is to create a flat circle first, so ensure you're following the
[X sc, inc]pattern correctly before moving on to the straight and decreasing rounds.
- A: That usually happens if the increases aren't spaced out enough. Double-check your stitch counts for Rnds 3-9. The goal is to create a flat circle first, so ensure you're following the
- Q: How do I get the hair strands so neat for the bob?
- A: The secret is a sharp pair of scissors and patience! Attach all the strands first, then give Lina her haircut. Start by trimming longer than you think you need, then slowly snip away until you have the perfect, clean edge.
- Q: Can I make the clothes non-removable?
- A: Absolutely! To do this, you would put the shirt and dungarees on the doll before sewing on the arms and head (if you were making the head separate). You can add a few stitches to tack the clothing in place permanently at the waist and shoulders.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Lina
You’ve done it! You’ve created not just a doll, but a character with a story and a soul. Seeing your finished Lina, with her thoughtful expression and artistic flair, is the greatest reward for me as a designer. Your engagement with these projects and your willingness to share your beautiful work makes it possible for me to keep creating these detailed free patterns. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
For care, I recommend spot cleaning only to preserve her shape and her charming blushed cheeks.
Happy stitching, my dear friend!