An Introduction from Patricia to Your Posy the Gardener Doll
Hello, my dear friend and fellow creator! It’s Patricia. There's a special kind of magic that lives in a garden—a quiet, steady joy that comes from nurturing something from a tiny seed into a wonderful creation. That is the exact feeling I wanted to capture in this pattern for Posy, the Allotment Gardener. She’s more than just a doll; she’s a tribute to every person with a green thumb, every grandmother who smells of sunshine and soil, and every quiet moment spent among the vegetables.
Crafting her, with her sturdy gingham dress and her charming raffia hat, felt like planting a story. I’m absolutely delighted to share this Posy the Gardener pattern with you for free. Your enthusiasm and support, by visiting and sharing my work, are the sunshine and water that keep my hooks clicking and allow me to create these little worlds for you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Materials You'll Need for Posy the Gardener
Choosing the right materials is like picking the perfect soil for your seeds—it sets your project up for success! Here’s what I used and recommend for Posy to give her that authentic, rustic feel.
Absolute Essentials
- Yarn: Worsted Weight (Aran/10-ply) in the following shades. I prefer cotton for dolls as it’s durable and holds its shape beautifully.
- Skin Tone: Warm Peach (approx. 40g)
- Dress: Sage Green & Off-White (approx. 25g each)
- Apron: Denim Blue (approx. 20g)
- Boots: Sunny Yellow (approx. 15g)
- Hair: Silver-Grey (approx. 20g)
- Accessories: Carrot Orange & a scrap of Terracotta for a pot (optional)
- Specialty Yarn: Natural Raffia Yarn (or a beige twine/jute) for the hat (approx. 30g).
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.75mm (C/2) for the doll and clothing (or your preferred amigurumi hook size).
- 4.00mm (G/6) for the raffia hat (a larger hook helps manage the stiff fiber).
- Notions:
- 9mm black safety eyes
- Black embroidery floss for facial details (smile, freckles)
- Toy stuffing (fiberfill)
- Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors
- Approx. 12 inches of fine, pliable craft wire (e.g., 18-20 gauge) for the hat brim.
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations
- A Yarn Bobbin or Two: When doing the tapestry crochet for Posy's dress, having the green and white yarn on separate bobbins can be a lifesaver. It dramatically reduces tangles as you switch colors.
- Pliers for the Hat Wire: A small pair of jewelry pliers makes bending and securing the wire inside the hat brim neat and tidy.
- A Wooden Dowel: To help you stuff her firmly, especially her legs and body, ensuring she can stand proud.
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for Posy the Gardener
This is an intermediate pattern, but a confident beginner ready for a challenge will do wonderfully! The joy is in the learning. We'll primarily use single crochet in a spiral.
- Tapestry Crochet: This is the key to creating Posy’s lovely gingham dress. It involves working with two colors in the same round and crocheting over the strand of yarn you aren't using. My biggest tip? Give the unused yarn a gentle tug before you crochet over it to keep your stitches neat and prevent the color from peeking through.
- Working with Raffia: Crocheting with raffia feels different from yarn—it's stiff and has no stretch. Be patient with yourself! Working with a larger hook and keeping your tension even (but not too tight) is crucial. Your hands may need a few extra breaks.
- Creating Functional Pockets: This is simpler than it sounds! We'll crochet two tiny, separate squares and then carefully stitch them onto the apron on three sides, leaving the top edge open. It's a delightful, practical detail.
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: magic ring
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: invisible decrease (crochet 2 stitches together through the front loops only)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- hdc: half double crochet
- BLO: back loop only
- [...] x N: repeat the instructions in the brackets N times
- (X): The total number of stitches at the end of the round/row.
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Posy
Your finished Posy will be a reflection of your hands and your heart. Handmade items are sisters, not twins! The way you stuff her, the unique curve of her smile—these things will make your Posy entirely your own. Embrace her rustic, one-of-a-kind charm.
Onwards, creative spirit, let's bring our lovely Posy to life! The full pattern awaits you just below.
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The Posy the Gardener Amigurumi Pattern
A Note on the Gingham Pattern:
For the dress, you will use tapestry crochet. When a round specifies [X sc in White, Y sc in Sage Green], you will carry the unused color along, crocheting over it. Change color on the last yarn over of the stitch before the color change.
Legs (Make 2)
Start with Sunny Yellow yarn for the boots.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4-5: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (18)
Rnd 6: Sc in next 5 sts, dec x 4, sc in next 5 sts. (14)
Rnd 7: Sc in next 5 sts, dec x 2, sc in next 5 sts. (12) Change to Skin Tone yarn.
Rnd 8: In BLO, sc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 9-20: Sc in each st around (12 rounds). (12) Stuff the boot and lower leg firmly. Continue stuffing lightly as you go. Fasten off the first leg. For the second leg, do not fasten off. We will join them to create the body.
Body & Head
Continuing with the second leg and Skin Tone yarn.
Rnd 21: Ch 3. Join with a sl st to the first leg (pick a stitch at the inner thigh). Sc in the same st and the next 11 sts around the first leg. Sc in each of the 3 ch sts. Sc in the 12 sts of the second leg. Sc in the other side of the 3 ch sts. (30)
Rnd 22: Sc in each st around. (30) Begin Gingham Pattern. Start with Off-White.
Rnd 23: [3 sc in Off-White, 3 sc in Sage Green] x 5. (30)
Rnd 24: [3 sc in Off-White, 3 sc in Sage Green] x 5. (30)
Rnd 25: [3 sc in Sage Green, 3 sc in Off-White] x 5. (30)
Rnd 26: [3 sc in Sage Green, 3 sc in Off-White] x 5. (30)
Rnd 27-34: Repeat Rnds 23-26 twice more (8 rounds total).
Rnd 35: Switch to Skin Tone yarn and cut the dress colors. In BLO, [sc in next 3 sts, dec] x 6. (24)
Rnd 36: [Sc in next 2 sts, dec] x 6. (18)
Rnd 37: [Sc in next st, dec] x 6. (12) This is the neckline. Continue for the head.
Rnd 38: [Sc in next st, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 39: [Sc in next 2 sts, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 40: [Sc in next 3 sts, inc] x 6. (30)
Rnd 41: [Sc in next 4 sts, inc] x 6. (36)
Rnd 42: [Sc in next 5 sts, inc] x 6. (42)
Rnd 43: [Sc in next 6 sts, inc] x 6. (48)
Rnd 44-52: Sc in each st around (9 rounds). (48) Insert safety eyes between Rnds 47 and 48, about 8-9 sts apart. Begin stuffing the body and continue stuffing the head firmly.
Rnd 53: [Sc in next 6 sts, dec] x 6. (42)
Rnd 54: [Sc in next 5 sts, dec] x 6. (36)
Rnd 55: [Sc in next 4 sts, dec] x 6. (30)
Rnd 56: [Sc in next 3 sts, dec] x 6. (24)
Rnd 57: [Sc in next 2 sts, dec] x 6. (18)
Rnd 58: [Sc in next st, dec] x 6. (12)
Rnd 59: Dec x 6. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Hide the tail inside the head.
Arms (Make 2)
Start with Skin Tone yarn.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: [Sc in next 2 sts, inc] x 2. (8)
Rnd 3-15: Sc in each st around (13 rounds). (8) Do not stuff. Flatten the opening and sc across to close. Leave a long tail for sewing.
Hair Cap & Braids
Use Silver-Grey yarn.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sts, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sts, inc] x 6. (30)
Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sts, inc] x 6. (36)
Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sts, inc] x 6. (42)
Rnd 8: [Sc in next 6 sts, inc] x 6. (48)
Rnd 9-15: Sc in each st around (7 rounds). (48) Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing the cap to the head.
Braids (Make 2): Use Silver-Grey yarn. Ch 45. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Take three strands of yarn (each about 20 inches long) and fold them in half. Pull the loop through the first chain of your 45-ch strip to create a tassel/fringe. Braid these strands tightly together with the chain itself acting as a fourth strand (or just braid the 6 loose strands). Secure the end with a small piece of yarn. Trim the ends. Repeat for the second braid.
Apron
Use Denim Blue yarn. Ch 21.
Row 1: Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (20)
Row 2-10: Hdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn (9 rows). (20) At the end of Row 10, do not fasten off. Ch 35 (for the waist tie), fasten off. Attach yarn to the other top corner of the apron, ch 35, fasten off.
Pockets (Make 2): Use Denim Blue yarn. Ch 7.
Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (6)
Row 2-4: Sc in each st across (3 rows). (6) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Raffia Sun Hat
Use Natural Raffia and a 4.00mm hook.
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] x 6. (18)
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sts, inc] x 6. (24)
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sts, inc] x 6. (30)
Rnd 6-9: Sc in each st around (4 rounds). (30)
Rnd 10 (Brim): In FLO, [sc in next 2 sts, inc] x 10. (40)
Rnd 11: [Sc in next 3 sts, inc] x 10. (50)
Rnd 12: Sc in each st around. (50)
Rnd 13: Sl st in each st around. Before finishing, cut your craft wire to the circumference of this last round. Lay it on top of Rnd 12 and use the slip stitches of Rnd 13 to crochet over the wire. Overlap the wire ends and secure them. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Accessory: Tiny Carrot
Use Carrot Orange yarn.
Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a MR. (4)
Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. (4)
Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x 2. (6)
Rnd 4-5: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (6)
Rnd 6: [Sc, dec] x 2. (4) Fasten off, leaving a tail to close. Add a few short strands of green yarn to the top for leaves.
Assembly Instructions for Your Posy
- Face: Using black embroidery floss, stitch a simple, wide smile under the eyes. Add 3-4 small, single stitches on each cheek for freckles.
- Hair: Place the hair cap on the head, positioning it to your liking (a little tilted can be cute!). Use the long tail to sew it securely all the way around. Take the two braids and position them over the cap in a crown shape, pinning them in place first. Stitch them down securely.
- Arms: Attach the arms on either side of the body, just below the neckline (around Rnd 36).
- Apron: Sew the two pockets onto the front of the apron, stitching along the sides and bottom but leaving the top open. Tie the apron around Posy's waist.
- Finishing Touches: Tuck the tiny carrot into one of her apron pockets! Her hat is removable.
Tips & Tricks for Your Posy
Troubleshooting Common Spots
- Gingham Puckering: If your dress fabric is puckering, your "carried" yarn might be too tight. Try to consciously leave a little slack in the yarn you are crocheting over with each stitch.
- Managing Raffia: If your hands are hurting, take a break! You can also try wrapping your hook with a pencil grip to make it more ergonomic. A metal hook will glide more easily than bamboo or plastic.
- Standing Doll: The key to a standing doll is firm stuffing. Stuff the feet and legs very firmly, then the body. The flat base of the boot shape helps immensely.
Customization Corner
- Seasonal Gardener: Change the dress colors for the season! Pinks and whites for a spring-time Posy, or reds and golds for an autumn harvest version.
- More Veggies: Why stop at a carrot? You could crochet a tiny radish, a little lettuce head, or a small terracotta pot to go in her pockets.
- Hair Style: Instead of a crown, you could stitch the braids to hang down, or create a simple bun at the back of her head.
Gifting Your Posy
- Posy makes a beautiful and thoughtful gift for a gardener or grandmother. Consider presenting her in a small basket with a real packet of seeds and a pair of gardening gloves for a themed gift bundle.
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for Posy
- Q: My tapestry crochet colors are mixing. How do I make it cleaner?
- A: The trick is in the color change. Always complete the last yarn over of the stitch before the change with the new color. Also, consistently keep one color to the "back" of your work and one to the "front" as you carry them. This helps keep the stitches looking uniform.
- Q: Is the wire in the hat brim safe for a toy for a young child?
- A: For safety, if this doll is for a young child, I would omit the wire entirely. The brim will be floppy, but it will be much safer. You could also try using a pipe cleaner, carefully folding the sharp ends inwards. For a collector's doll, the wire is perfectly fine.
- Q: Can I use regular worsted weight yarn for the hat instead of raffia?
- A: Absolutely! It will give a different, softer look, but it will be much easier on your hands. Just use a beige or tan cotton or acrylic yarn and your standard 2.75mm hook, and it will turn out beautifully.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Posy
You’ve done it! You have created not just a doll, but a little keeper of garden stories and sunshine. I hope crafting Posy brought you as much quiet joy as a morning spent tending to seedlings. Seeing your finished Posy come to life is the greatest reward. Your engagement with these patterns—your comments, your shares, your beautiful finished projects—makes it possible for me to keep designing and sharing these detailed patterns with you all for free.
For care, I recommend spot-cleaning only to protect her delicate embroidered details and shape.
Happy stitching, my dear friend.