In both the above photos the toy on the left is 1:24th scale and the toy on the right is 1:12th scale. Also in both cases the toys have been knitted using a 1:12th scale pattern
1:16th scale
All 1:12th scale patterns can very easily be adapted for 1:16th scale by knitting with needles two sizes smaller than the size knitting needles stated in the pattern. This is because using two sizes larger or two sizes smaller knitting needles than that specified in the pattern, will generally give an overall increase or decrease of ¼-inch (0.35 cm) respectively on the item you are knitting.
In the same way men’s patterns can be knitted for 1:12th scale ladies or youths by using size 21 needles instead of size 19 needles.
1:24th scale
Please remember that some 1:12th scale patterns will not adapt well to 1:24th scale. There are even certain restrictions to designing knitting patterns in 1:24th scale such as:
1. Only a small number of stitches can be used, which makes children’s and baby clothes extremely difficult to design effectively.
2. There are not many dolls available in this scale that can easily be dressed in miniature knitting or crochet. As the garments are so tiny there is very little room to manoeuvre arms and legs into the garments.
3. Sewing up garments on the doll does not always work with knitting and crochet, as stitches often need to be picked up for neckbands, etc.
This said some 1:12th scale knitting patterns can be adapted for 1:24th scale by using knitting needles SEVEN times smaller and No 80 crochet cotton or No 70 Tatting thread or No 100 crochet cotton, instead of 1-ply wool or cotton. So, if the 1:12th scale pattern states size 17 knitting needles and 1-ply wool you would need to use size 24 knitting needles, and No 80 crochet cotton for a 1:24th scale version. However most 1:12th scale items are usually knitted using size 19 knitting needles and 1-ply wool, which means you would need to use size 28 knitting needles and size 100 crochet cotton or a very fine cotton sewing thread. If you are adapting patterns for this small scale for the first time try a VERY simple pattern to see if it works first.
Unless you fancy knitting on extremely thin knitting needles it is perhaps best to use knitting patterns that are designed especially for 1:24th scale.
1:24th scale crochet
Some items do not adapt well to this small scale and the stitches will look too large on the finished item, this is particularly the case with crochet work, where gaps between stitches would be several inches/cms in real size.
It is best to stick to items like bedding and shawls where stitch size does not matter as much. There is no simple formula for crochet hook sizes as there is with knitting needles. This is because the tension of crochet work varies more from person to person than with knitting. The best way to find the correct hook size is by experimentation.
