Seven characters, six tails in six colours, and the one detail that decides which size to order.
Who is in the set
The Bubble Guppies crochet doll set is seven: Molly, Gil, Goby, Deema, Oona, Nonny and Bubble Puppy. Six merpeople and a dog, which is what makes the set work on a shelf — six tails in a row, then something round that breaks the line.
The tails
Each tail is worked as its own piece in its own colour and joined at the waist, and the fin is shaped rather than pressed flat. That shaping is the slowest part of the doll and the part people order the set for. At 6 inches the fin keeps its colour but loses its curve; from 8 inches up it holds.
Hair, strand by strand
Molly's pigtails and Deema's swept fringe are stitched in one strand at a time instead of crocheted as a cap, so no two dolls curl exactly alike. Oona's sits closer to the head, and Gil, Goby and Nonny are worked smooth — four different methods inside one set.
Buying one at a time
Every character is sold on its own, and the pattern does not change between orders, so a Molly bought now stands correctly beside a Gil bought next year — as long as the size matches. Most people start with one child's favourite and add to it at birthdays.
Where they come from
Bubble Guppies is a preschool class held underwater. Six young merpeople and a puppy spend each episode on one ordinary question — how a firehouse works, what a dentist does — and the water is scenery rather than plot.
It is written for two- and three-year-olds, and that is exactly who these dolls are bought for. The tails are the only fantastical thing about the characters, which is why they get the most work.
The full set is at Bubble Guppies crochet doll set. More underwater work in cartoon crochet dolls, and if it is a present, choosing a crochet doll as a gift covers the awkward questions.