The real traditional Kokeshi dolls were vintage tourist gifts, brought home from hot springs visits in Japan. Various areas developed particular styles and characteristics within the genre. Wood carved, they feature oversized heads and are armless and legless. I saw some of the wood originals that resembled elegant ladies. This pattern is inspired by them.

The pattern offers many options. Itincludes instructions for two sizes of dolls, several hair/wig styles and several obi (wrap/sash) styles. The smaller doll is about 6 inches using the hook and yarn size prescribed.

Estimated Time to Complete: 4 hours

Tools needed:
3.75mm F hook
yarn/tapestry needle,
stitch marker(s)

Materials needed:
Stuffing or polyfill
4-8 colors of 10-20 yards of worsted weight yarn:
a skin tone ( 10 yds), a hair color (5yds) , a dress color (20yds), and a contrast color at minimum
8 colors for more options (obi, sleeves, multi color dress, wigs)

Optional:
4.0 or 4.25mm G hook,
embroidery thread for face and dress appliqué
muslin/cotton/linen fabric (3”) for face
(and pens, markers, paints for alternate face)
decorative sewing pins for wigs and adornment

Pattern Difficulty: Intermediate
Formats Available: pdf
Pattern Style: Written.