Hospital and care situations can be stressful to patients and small dolls can provide comfort to anxious patients. My mother passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease last year. While in hospital, I know she received joy from a simple doll to cuddle.

I wanted to create a simple crochet mini doll ideal for patients – small enough to fit in a had or pocket, soft, simple and durable. It also is strongly constructed and has no parts to catch or fall off.

I also wanted to create a pattern that is good to make for the crocheter, using simple shapes stitched together, and also making good use of yarn scraps. This pattern meets all of my requirements.

I’d love people to try it out and share any ideas for personalisation or improvement.

This pattern involves making a sphere for head, but all remaining parts are worked flat and either seamed as you work or whip stitched together.

Pattern is good for using scraps.