Heirloom Doll Lovey Knitting Pattern Made with Two Unfinished Mitered Squares
There’s something so special about knitting a gift that will be treasured long after babyhood. This Mitered Square Doll Lovey Knitting Pattern combines timeless heirloom charm with a clever construction using two unfinished mitered squares, resulting in a soft, cuddly comforter that’s as enjoyable to knit as it is to give.
With its peaceful, sleepy face, delicate picot edging, and textured bobbles, this knitted doll lovey blanket makes a thoughtful baby shower gift, a comforting nursery companion, or a treasured keepsake for years to come. Whether you’re knitting for a new grandchild, a special little one, or adding to your collection of handmade baby gifts, this free knitting pattern is sure to become a favourite.
At a Glance
| Skill Level | Confident Beginner |
|---|---|
| Knitting Techniques | Mitered squares, stocking stitch, garter stitch, bobbles, eyelets, simple embroidery |
| Yarn Weight | DK (Double Knitting) / Light (Category 3) |
| Needle Size | 4 mm (US 6 / UK 8) |
| Finished Size | Approximately 10 inches (25 cm) from the top of the bonnet to the tip of the blanket |
| Construction | Two unfinished mitered squares joined together |
| Finishing | Optional picot crochet edging and embroidered sleepy face |
| Perfect For | Baby showers, newborn gifts, nursery décor, christening gifts, and keepsakes |
Heirloom knitted baby comforter
Looking for a unique baby knitting pattern? This heirloom-style doll lovey is a handmade gift that parents will cherish, and babies will love to cuddle.
Christmas in July Make Along
The pattern of the Knitted Baby Lovey is featured in the eighth Christmas in July Make Along hosted by Marie of Underground Crafter.
Visit Underground Crafter to learn more about the prizes, enter the giveaway, and get links to each Christmas in July Make Along post as it is released.
This pattern is offered in PDF format, totally FREE to you, on July, 3, 2026. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the LINK.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
✓ Made from two unfinished mitered squares for a unique construction.
✓ Soft bobbles and a delicate picot edging add beautiful texture.
✓ Minimal sewing and relaxing, rhythmic knitting.
✓ A thoughtful handmade baby gift that’s both practical and heirloom-worthy.
Pattern Features
This charming Mitered Square Doll Lovey, perfect for any new baby combines classic knitting techniques with thoughtful details to create a beautiful heirloom keepsake.
Here’s what makes this pattern special:
- Unique construction using two unfinished mitered squares for a beautifully draped comfort blanket.
- Traditional garter stitch borders that add structure, texture, and a timeless handmade look.
- Smooth stocking stitch panels that showcase the elegant mitered shaping, topped with an eyelet row.
- Tiny bobbles scattered across the blanket for gentle tactile interest that babies love to explore.
- Delicate picot edging that gives the lovey a soft, heirloom-inspired finish.
- Sweet knitted doll head with a peaceful embroidered sleepy face.
- Simple knitted bonnet featuring a ribbing at the crown and a delicate embroidery.
- Minimal sewing, making assembly straightforward and enjoyable.
- Relaxing, rhythmic knitting that’s perfect for knitters who enjoy mitered square projects.
- An ideal handmade baby gift for baby showers, newborns, christenings, birthdays, or nursery décor.
- Fully customizable, allowing you to experiment with different yarn colours, ribbons, or embroidery details to make each lovey unique.
Designer Tip: Minimal sewing with straightforward assembly.
MATERIALS NEEDED
You’ll need the following supplies:
- 4mm needles (US size 6 / UK size 8)
- 30g – 50g dk-weight yarn in blush pink (main color)
- 30g – 50g dk-weight yarn in blush moon stone (secondary color) (Optional)
- 20g dk-weight yarn in beige (color of the head)
- Matching ribbon or a narrow strip of fabric (approximately 30 cm / 12″) for the tie
- Embroidery floss for the face (and hat or blanket – optional)
- ±20g Toy filler
- Embroidery floss for the eyes and nose
- Stitch marker (optional)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- An invitation to a baby shower
- US Size Hook G-6, UK – Size 8 and 4.00 mm crochet hook for the picot edge (optional)
KNITTING TECHNIQUE / S USED
You’ll need to know the following knitting techniques:
- Cast on stitches
- Knit stitch
- Knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- Knit 3 stitches together (decrease)
- Slip one stitch, knit the next stitch and pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch (decrease)
- How to purl
- Casting off stitches
GAUGE AND Finished Size
Gauge is not critical for this project. However, using the recommended yarn and needle size will help you achieve a finished lovey similar in size to the sample shown.
Approximately 10 inches (25 cm) from the top of the bonnet to the tip of the blanket.
KNITTING ABBREVIATIONS
bobble – see special stitches note
k – knit
kfb – knit front and back into the same st (increase)
p – purl
rep – repeat st(s) or the sequence between the square brackets by the number indicated
RS – right side
skpso – Slip one, Knit one, pull slip stitch over
st – stitch
sts – stitches
WS – wrong side
CROCHET ABBREVIATIONS
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
PATTERN NOTES
- All patterns are written in standard US terms.
- For neater edges, you can slip (knit-wise) every first stitch of every row.
- Keep in mind: your gauge, yardage used, and finished size may vary depending on if you make any changes to the pattern as written.
SPECIAL STITCHES EXPLAINED
How to Knit a Bobble
In the same stitch: (p1, k1) twice (4 sts made). Take the left needle and wrap the second, third, and fourth stitches one by one over the first stitch (as if casting off)
to return to your original stitch count as you form your bobble.
How to Create a Picot
Picot (ch 3, sl st in first ch)
How It’s Worked
- Chain 3
- Insert the hook into the first chain you’ve made
- Slip stitch
♥ This forms a small decorative bump (the picot)
MITERED SQUARE DOLL LOVEY KNITTING PATTERN
US TERMS
Written Instructions
Here follows the different steps to knit and complete your knitted baby lovey.
Step 1: How to Knit the Doll Head
With beige DK yarn and the recommended needle size, loosely cast on 6 sts
1st Row: kfb in every st (12sts)
Row 2 and all even numbered rows – purl
3rd Row: Repeat [k1, kfb] to end of row (18sts)
5th Row: Repeat [k2, kfb] to end of the row (24sts)
7th Row: Repeat [k3, kfb] to end of the row (30 sts)
9th Row: Repeat (k4, kfb] to end (36sts)
Rows 11 to 20 – in stocking st (knit the RS and purl the WS) (36sts)
Before stuffing, embroider the eyes on Row 16 and the small V-shaped nose on Row 14.
Eyes in Row 16
21rd Row: Rep [k4, k2tog] 5 times, k3, k2 tog, k1 (30sts)
Purl the uneven rows
23th Row: [k3, k2tog] 5 times, k2, k2 tog, k1 (24sts)
27th Row: [k2, k2tog] 5 times, k1, k2tog, k1 (18sts)
29th Row: [k1, k2tog] 5 times, k2tog, k1 (12sts)
31st Row: [K2tog] 6 times (6 sts), cut yarn and leave a long tail. With the needle, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and with right sides facing, join seam, stuffing as you go.
Work a running stitch through the cast-on edges and pull close. Weave in the ends securely.
Step2: How to Knit the Hat for the Heirloom Baby Gift
In Blush Pink, cast on 44 sts.
1st Row: [k2, p2] to end
2nd, 3rd, and 4th Rows: Repeat row 1
Rows 5 to 20 – stockinette stitch (don’t cut yarn)
Leave a long tail and thread through sts, pull tail tight, and, with right sides facing, join seam.
Weave in the ends.
Step 3: How to Knit the Two Unfinished Mitered Squares
First Square in Blush Pink. (I experimented with a second colour, but the choice is yours).
Cast on 67 sts
You’ll knit two identical unfinished mitered squares.
ROWS 1 to 10 CREATE THE GARTER STITCH HEM
1 – Knit row
2 – Knit 33sts, 1 purl, knit 33 sts
3 – Knit 31sts, k2sts tog, knit 1 (middle stitch), skpso, (slip 1, knit 1, pull slip stitch over), knit 31sts (65sts)
4 – Knit 32sts, purl 1, knit 32sts
5 – k30 sts, k2 sts tog, k1, skpso, k30 sts (63sts)
6 – k31sts, pl 1, k31sts
7 – k29 sts, k2 sts tog, k1, skpso, k29 sts (61sts)
8 – k30 sts, p1, k30sts
9 – k28sts, k2tog, k1, skpso, k28 (59sts)
10- k29, p1, k29
11 – k27, k2tog, k1, skpso, k27 (57sts)
12 and every even number row: purl, unless otherwise stated
ROW 13 – BOBBLE ROW
13 – k2, [Bobble, k5] 4 times, k2tog, k1, skpso, [k5, Bobble] 4 times, k2 (55sts)
15 – k25, k2tog, k1, skpso, k25 (53sts)
17 – k24, k2tog, k1, skpso, k24 (51sts)
19 – k23, k2tog, k1, skpso, k23 (49sts)
21 – k22, k2tog, k1, skpso, k22 (47sts)
23 – k21, k2tog, k1, skpso, k21 (45sts)
25 – k20, k2tog, k1, skpso, k20 (43sts)
27 – k19, k2tog, k1, skpso, k19 (41sts)
29 – k18, k2tog, k1, skpso, k18 (39sts)
31 – k17, k2tog, k1, skpso, k17 (37sts)
33 – k16, k2tog, knit1, skpso, k16 (35sts)
35 – k15, k2tog, k1, skpso, k15 (33sts)
37 – k14, k2tog, k1, skpso, k14 (31sts)
EYELET
38 – k15, p1, k15 (31sts)
39 – k1, *yfwd, k2tog* 6 times, k2tog, k1, skpso, *yfwd, k2tog* 6 times, k1 (31sts)
40 – k14, p1, k14 (29sts)
Cast off.
Weave in the ends or use your tails to sew the squares together.
For more mitred squares, refer to the original mitered square pattern post and more mitred square blog posts.
Step 4: Joining the Squares
With RS facing, join the side seams.
Beginner knitters – refer to the video tutorial below.
Step 5: Picot Edging
Starting at one side, crochet the picot edge around the hem of the blanket.
For instructions to complete the picot edge, refer to the Special Stitches above.
If you don’t crochet, simply add a simple border of lace or leave the lovey just as it is.
Designer Tip: Before pulling the gathering thread tight, add a little extra toy stuffing to create a smooth, rounded head. Distribute the filling evenly, then gather the remaining stitches securely and weave in the yarn end.
Step 6: Assemble Your Doll Lovey
- Thread the ribbon or a narrow strip of fabric through the eyelet row of the bonnet. Gently pull the ends to gather the opening until it measures approximately 1½ inches (5.5 cm) in diameter.
- Insert the knitted head into the opening formed by the two unfinished mitered squares. Position it neatly, then stitch the head securely to the blanket all the way around using matching yarn.
- For extra strength and durability, reinforce the attachment by adding a few additional stitches from the inside of the blanket. This will help the head remain firmly in place. (See the image below.)
- If desired, embroider a few delicate flowers along the brim of the bonnet for a charming heirloom finish.
- Embroider the doll’s face following the instructions provided in the Knitted Doll Head Pattern. A simple sleepy face gives the lovey its sweet, peaceful expression.
- For best results when embroidering the face, ensure the eyes are the same size, evenly spaced, and positioned symmetrically.
- To complete your handmade baby gift, lightly dust the cheeks with a soft pink blusher to add a warm, rosy glow.
Designer Tip: Before securing the head permanently, adjust the bonnet so it sits just above the eyebrows. This allows the sleepy face to remain fully visible and gives your doll lovey its gentle, peaceful expression.
Free on 3rd July 2026 – grab your free pdf pattern (as part of the Christmas in July Make Along)
Click the link below. You will be directed to RAVELRY. The page will open with the Coupon Code filled in. Click on USE THIS COUPON CODE, and then you will be able to CHECKOUT NOW to download the pattern.
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What is a Lovey?
A lovey is much more than a knitted toy or comfort blanket—it’s a little companion made with love. It offers comfort during quiet moments, becomes a familiar friend at bedtime, and is often treasured long after childhood has passed.
This knitted doll lovey was designed for a sweet little girl who won’t yet understand the time, care, and love woven into every stitch. One day, tiny hands will reach for it, hold it close, and perhaps even cuddle it to sleep. It may become a constant companion through naps, adventures, and childhood memories.
And if, like me, you enjoy praying as you knit, every stitch can become a quiet blessing. A whispered prayer for protection, joy, health, and a life filled with love is woven into the fabric of this little keepsake.
Sweet little one, this was made just for you. May it always remind you that you are deeply loved. 💕
CONCLUSION
I hope you’ve enjoyed knitting this Mitered Square Doll Lovey as much as I enjoyed designing it. One of my favourite things about this pattern is how two simple unfinished mitered squares come together to create something so soft, elegant, and comforting. It’s proof that classic knitting techniques can still surprise us with beautiful new possibilities.
If you make your own doll lovey, I’d love to see it!
Share your finished project in the comments below or tag #easyonthetongue on social media so we can all admire your beautiful work. Handmade creations are always filled with love, and it’s such a joy to see each knitter’s unique colour choices and finishing touches.
If you enjoyed this pattern, be sure to explore my growing collection of mitered square knitting patterns and heirloom-inspired projects. You may also enjoy knitting matching blankets, nursery accessories, and thoughtful handmade gifts that can be treasured for generations.
Remember, this is a great project to try in your knitting group or as a gift. You may even use the pattern to make and sell doll loveys.
Happy knitting!
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