Session 8: Arms

It probably doesn't need to be said, but you will be making 2 arms. Shocking, right? The hands will be mirror images of each other, so be sure to follow the directions for the correct hand (As always, left/right will be based on the toes facing you). Some things look difficult in print that are actually quite simple, so rather than filling the post with photos I have included two short videos that I hope clarify how to form the hand and close up the arm.

Special stitches:

Hdc cluster:

yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook)

yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch and pull up a loop (5 loops on your hook)

yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch and pull up a loop (7 loops on your hook)

yarn over and pull through all 7 stitches.

Back post single crochet (bpsc): insert hook behind the cluster and out the opposite side of the cluster stitch rather than in the loops at the top. Yarn over and pull loop behind the cluster stitch. Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook. Do not close with a chain stitch, rather continue on with pattern in next stitch.

Special Stitches and Tips

First Arm (Right arm when facing you)

1. Ch 2. Sc x 6 in the second chain from the hook.

2. (In this round,when you reach your yarn tail, carry it along and work over it.) 2sc in each stitch (12sc )

3. (work over your tail for this round as well.) Sc around (12sc) leave your tail hanging outside your work - we will use it as a landmark.

4. Sc in next 5 stitches. Hdc cluster in next stitch (see special stitches) sc in next 6 stitches. (12 stitches)

5. Sc in next 5 stitches. Bpsc in next (behind the cluster stitch). sc in next, [sc2tog x 2], sc (10 sc).

Tips for Customizing Your Arms:

- My arms are usually 19 rows from this point on (count from the row just above the thumb) and my color changes are as follows:

Long sleeves: Start row 6 by changing colors to the sleeve color.

Short sleeves: Crochet 15 rows in skin color, color change at the underside of the arm and crochet 4 rows in sleeve color.

- These row counts are guidelines. You can have 3/4 length sleeves or longer short sleeves, and your arms don't even have to be 19 rows. If you want longer arms, crochet more rows.

- Keep in mind that closing up the arm will add a row to the length, so plan accordingly when deciding how long you want them to be and know that we will add "row 20" at the very end.

...continuing on from row 5... (For short sleeves, skip to next section)

6. (Long sleeves change color now - Slip first stitch with skin color, sc finished with hoodie color, slip in next with hoodie color). sc in next 7 stitches, working over your tails for a few stitches before knotting them together. (10sc)

For 19 rows:

One sc in each stitch until your arm is the desired length. All rounds end when in line with where you dropped your tail. After you finish a couple of arm rows, stuff your hand firmly. Stuff your arm lightly as you go. Do not stuff the upper portion of the arm at all .

Count up from above the thumb.

Do not fasten off, just loosen your working loop and snip with a long tail - we will need to close the arm with sc's and sew it on with the tail so be generous.

***if your doll will have short sleeves continue the next round with skin color.

6-22 (ish)

Sc in next 10 stitches for the next 15 rounds. Stuff hand firmly. Stuff the arm lightly as you go. Do not stuff the upper portion of the arm at all

After 15 rounds, change colors (in line with the tail of your yarn) with the jogless color change (slip with skin color, sc finished with hoodie color, slip with hoodie color).

23-26.

Continue around with hoodie color working over your tails.

Count up from above the thumb - my arms are usually 19 rows total above the thumb.

Do not fasten off, just loosen your working loop and snip with a long tail - we will need to close the arm with sc's and sew it on with the tail so be generous.

Second arm (Left arm when facing you).

The only round that is different is round 5. We will make the decreases on the other side of the thumb, to create the palm of this hand.

5. Sc in next stitch. [Sc2tog x2]. Bpsc behind the cluster stitch. Sc in next 6 . (10 sc).

Continue to follow the pattern as written above for arm number 1.

Closing up your arms and Stuffing tips