It is now officially confirmed, I have fallen down a very deep and all consuming rabbit hole regarding all things DIY dollhouses, and only just realized that it is even funnier that the main characters for my 1/6 (or 1/8 scale) dollhouse are rabbits! A lot of these characters have names, sometimes even human sounding ones like Sue Diller! Yes, my art practice has taken a back seat (sadly, but will get back to it) as creating things for dollhouses and assembling them is just so very fun, what can I say? I have learned so very very much, which I'm planning to share here for others who might like to navigate the world of dollhouses, whether for themselves or for children or grandchildren. I have so much to say on the topic, so stay tuned! In the mean time, lets get our toes wet with the idea of crocheting items for dollhouses, in this case a 1/6 or 1/8 scale dollhouse that is Maileg style, using animals as dolls, which I just adore! (And friends, you can pick up some very inexpensive rabbit keychains like this one to use as dolls!)
One thing that I have discovered, is that a great way to add personality to any dollhouse (I am going the route of wood and metal, not plastic) is with small crocheted items like blankets, rugs and pillows. I have done this for both of my dollhouses, by using up all my bits and bobs and stash, and wow, it is truly so much fun and just a bit of texture on a simple bed or wooden couch via pillows or blankets makes all the difference! In most cases you want to use no thicker than sport weight yarn otherwise the pieces become too chunky and look out of place, and some folks with very good eyesight and patience crochet with thread to produce tiny granny square blankets to scale! (I think I'd rather do needlepoint or embroidery for tiny items, but who knows?)
Dollhouse rugs can be crocheted with doily patterns, and I've crocheted some poufs as well. The pattern swatches that I made for a filet crochet baby blanket are now blankets in the dollhouses and looking amazing. I used twine to crochet baskets, some of which hold plants. Got the picture?
For dollhouse scale you simply divide the true measurement of the item by 6, 8, or 12, depending on what scale dollhouse you are making. Traditional dollhouses with lots of detail are generally 1/12, which is a good scale for using Calico Creatures (Syllvanian Families) while Maileg style dollhouses for young children are 1/6 or 1/8 scale. Items for this larger scale dollhouse (especially the kitchen) are very costly, so if you go this route plan on just winging it and getting creative rather than creating a true replica of a home.
Quick 1/6 Scale Crocheted Doll Pillow Pattern:
My final pillow dimensions are 8.5cm x 9.5cm once stuffed, which miracle of miracles is actually true 1/6 scale for a standard pillow that measures 51cm x 56cm! pillow 8.5 x 9.5
The rabbit is 15cm high not counting the ears.
Using sport weight yarn and a 3mm hook, or smaller, crochet two rectangles each measuring around 8.5 and 9.5. I alternated rows of hdc with sc to create a more interesting look than just sc.
The two rectangles are then crocheted together using sc, and when you are halfway through closing the third side, add stuffing the amount depends on your preference, but for my needs they look best somewhat flat.
The pillows could then benefit from some tassels at the corners, an embroidered letter, striped crocheted into the pillow, or maybe close the pillow with a different color? So many ways to go, and while yes, sewing the little pillows would be quicker, the crochet adds nice texture.
