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Did you watch the inauguration of Joe Biden? No matter your political leanings, one has to admire the incredible performance of Amanda Gorman, the 22 year old National Youth Poet Laureate who recited her original poem, “The Hill We Climb”. She is the youngest inaugural poet in USA history. I was transfixed by the words, the rhythm and the charisma of this amazing young woman and of course by her striking beauty. I knew right away I wanted to create an Amanda Gorman doll to honor this incredible day, and I knew exactly what patterns to use to create it: Amourfou Crochet’s “Crochet Iconic Women” book.
I bought this book in the fall because I could not pick just one of these adorable dolls to make – but I knew Ruth Bader Ginsburg would be the first doll I would make! She turned out just perfectly:
The patterns in this book are extremely well written, clear and easy to follow. There are 15 patterns in the book, but the author encourages readers to use her patterns as a template of sorts to create your own iconic figures – and that is exactly what I did. Here is my Amanda Gorman doll in all her inauguration glory:
I will outline here exactly which patterns I used from the book, but will only write out detail patterns for additions I created or adjusted myself out of respect for the original designer.
Amanda Gorman Amigurumi Doll Pattern
Skill level: Intermediate
Abbreviations:
- sl st – slip stitch
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- trc – triple crochet
Materials required:
Yarn – I Love This Cotton yarn – White, Black, Curry, Red, Brown
Scissors
Crochet hook C (2.75mm) – I used my favorite custom Clover Amour hook created by Sophari Crochet
Gold Spacer Beads and jump rings for doll jewelry
Pliers
Yarn needle
Pattern:
Legs, body, head and skirt – Rosa Parks pattern:
Follow the legs and body pattern exactly as written but using black yarn instead. Do not change colors as instructed until round 20 for the shirt; use white yarn instead. Continue as written until the skin color begins to be incorporated in the neck; use brown yarn for skin color. Follow head pattern exactly as written using brown for skin color and white for the shirt. Follow skirt pattern exactly as written using black yarn.
Hair – Marie Curie pattern:
Follow the hair pattern as written using black yarn through round 15.
Round 16: *ch 25, slst in 2nd ch from the hook and in each stitch of chain, sc in next stitch of the round, ch 25, slst in 2nd ch from the hook and in each stitch of chain, 2sc in next 2 stitches of the round*. Repeat between * until hair strands are all around the head (30 strands in total). Fasten off, leaving long tail to sew to the head. Follow hairbun pattern as written using black yarn and attach to hair. Sew hair to head at a slight angle, using tail to attach. Thread beads onto three strands of hair above the face. Gather hair strands up over hairbun and tie in place with a piece of black yarn. The ends of the hair should curl slightly over the hairbun, style as desired.
Ears – Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
Follow ears pattern as written using brown yarn. Attach to head just under the hair line, approximately in line with the nose. Attach jump rings to ears with pliers.
Coat and arms – Emmeline Pankhurst pattern:
Left Collar: Using yellow yarn, ch 10, slst in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, ch 3, slst in next space of original chain, ch 4, slst in 2nd ch from hook, trc next space of original chain, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, sc in next ch, slst in last ch, fasten off.
Right Collar: Using yellow yarn, ch 10, slst in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next chain, trc in next ch, ch 2, sc three times into side of trc, sc in next space of original chain, ch 3, slst in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next space of original chain, sc in next ch, slst in last ch, fasten off.
Follow coat pattern as written using yellow yarn through row 17. If you want coat any longer, repeat row 17 as desired.
Row 18: 1 sc in each st, rotate coat and start working 9 sc evenly along side of coat. Place left collar on top of coat and stitch another 8 sc along side of coat, attaching collar as you go. Crochet 20 sc along top of coat. Place right collar on top of coat and sc 9 sc evenly along side of coat. Finish side of coat with last 8 sc evenly spaced. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Follow arms pattern as written using brown for skin color and yellow for the arms of coat. Fasten off and leave long tail for attaching to body.
Headband pattern:
Row 1: using red yarn, ch 23, sc in 2nd ch from hook and sc in next 5 ch, hdc in next 10 ch, sc in last 6 ch, ch 1, turn.
Row 2: 6 sc, 10 hdc, 6 sc, ch 1, turn.
Row 3: 6 sc, 10 hdc, 6 sc, ch 1, turn.
Row 4: 22 sc, turn and place 4 sc along side of headband, turn, 22 sc along bottom edge, turn, 4 sc along side, slst to first st in corner. Fasten off, leaving long tail for attaching to head.
I placed headband over hair along the top and sides where the hairbun is attached and loosely stitched through the hair strands. Hide end of yarn in hair.
Assemble all the pieces and you have an adorable Amanda Gorman! I love that I’m able to adapt these patterns as new iconic women emerge in our culture. Thank you for visiting my blog!
Note: purchase of the crochet book I’ve linked here supports both the original artist as well as me, by providing a small affiliate commission through Amazon. Thank you for your support and I hope you enjoy your very own Amanda Gorman doll!