When I first designed my Wood Elf pattern, I wanted the doll's ears to lay flat on the head, so the hooded cape would fit smoothly around the face. So, in this pattern, the ears are knit as a single layer, and then sewed flat to the head (with maybe just the tips sticking out a bit). However, when I designed my Mermaid pattern, I decided to make the ears double-layer, so they would stick out from the head more. I didn't have a hood to work around, and thought they would give the face more character. I found I liked this style of ear better than the Elf one, so when I knit new toys to model the Summer, Autumn, and Winter Elf outfits, I gave them the double-layer ears.
Since then, many people have asked for this modification, so I've decided to share this bit of the pattern here. That way, you don't need to buy the Mermaid pattern as well (unless you'd like to! It is very cute). Eventually, I may update the Wood Elf pattern to have this style of ear, but that will have to wait until I have time to take new photos.
Continue below for the ear instructions. Your yarn and needle requirements, and the stitch abbreviations, can be found in your copy of the Wood Elf doll pattern.
Ears
CO 3 sts with yarn A.
Row 1: Purl.
Row 2: k1, m1, k1, m1, k1. (5 sts)
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: k2, m1, k1, m1, k2. (7 sts)
Row 5: Purl.
Row 6: k3, m1, k1, m1, k3. (9 sts)
Row 7-9: Work 3 rows in st st.
Row 10: [ssk] x 2, k1, [k2tog] x 2. (5 sts)
Row 11: p2tog, p1, p2tog. (3 sts)
Row 12: s1, k2tog, psso.
Cut yarn and pull end through last stitch. Fold in half lengthwise, and sew together open edge. Place the ears on each side of the head in line with the eyes and nose, with the seam towards the head and cast-on tip pointing up, then sew the ears to the head through both layers. Weave the yarn ends into the head, then trim excess.
