Crochet Tutorial: Dog in a Sunflower Dress – Free Crochet Pattern

This charming amigurumi puppy is designed to look like a handmade collectible toy with a sweet floral outfit, sunflower purse, tiny bee friends, and a soft garden style that crochet lovers often search for when looking for a cute handmade dog doll, boutique nursery toy, or giftable amigurumi pattern.

The finished design creates a standing long-eared dog in a sunflower dress with matching sandals, a flower headband, a straw-style hat, and three decorative bees. It has the look of a premium handmade crochet doll that would fit beautifully in a craft shop, toy display, or seasonal handmade gift collection.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English and is designed to match the image as closely as possible.

The doll has a slim neck, rounded head, narrow muzzle, long floppy ears, simple tapered arms, short sturdy legs, and a slightly rounded lower body that supports the dress.

The outfit is a separate sunflower dress with a yellow bib, green skirt, sunflower motifs, tiny red button details, and scalloped edging.

The accessories include a sunflower crossbody bag, a flower headband, sunflower sandals, a straw-style hat with a bee detail, and three small bee ornaments.

Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate

Construction style: Mostly worked in continuous rounds, with some rows for clothing details and flat decorative parts

Materials

• Main dog color: medium brown cotton yarn
• Muzzle / nose shaping support: same medium brown yarn
• Dress bib: warm sunflower yellow yarn
• Dress skirt: soft olive green yarn
• Sunflower petals: rich yellow yarn
• Sunflower centers: dark brown yarn
• Bag and hat: beige or light tan yarn
• Headband base: pale yellow or yellow-green yarn
• Flower blossoms: white yarn
• Bee stripes: black and yellow yarn
• Bee wings: white yarn
• Cheeks: pale pink yarn or pink felt circles
• Nose: black yarn for embroidery
• Eyes: black safety eyes, about 8 mm to 10 mm
• Buttons: two tiny red beads, buttons, or crocheted button dots
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill
• Optional: floral wire or pipe cleaner for strap support if you want a firmer bag strap

Tools

• 2.25 mm to 2.75 mm crochet hook, depending on yarn weight
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small scissors
• Straight pins for assembly

Finished Size

The doll will be approximately 10 to 12 inches tall from feet to top of headband flowers, depending on yarn, hook, and stuffing tension.

The proportions should remain consistent even if your final size changes. The head should be slightly larger than the upper torso, the neck should look long and slim, and the ears should fall nearly to shoulder level.

Abbreviations

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• inc = 2 sc in same stitch
• dec = invisible decrease
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• ( ) x n = repeat sequence n times

Gauge and Tension Notes

Use a hook small enough to keep the stitches tight.

The image shows a dense, neat amigurumi surface with very little visible stuffing. If your stitches are too open, size down your hook.

The dog’s face and dress look polished because the rounds are even and firm.

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Important shaping note: Stuff gradually and firmly, but do not overstuff the muzzle, ears, or arms. The head should stay rounded, the muzzle should project gently forward, and the ears should hang softly instead of standing out.

Color Placement Summary

• Dog body, head, neck, arms, legs, and ears in medium brown
• Dress bib in yellow
• Dress skirt in green
• Sunflower motifs in brown centers with yellow petals
• Bag in beige with one sunflower on front
• Hat in beige with brown band and bee decoration
• Sandals in yellow with tiny sunflower accent

Head

Start with medium brown yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
9. Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
10. Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) x 6. (60)
11. Rnd 11: (9 sc, inc) x 6. (66)
12. Rnd 12-20: sc around. (66)

The top of the head should be smooth and evenly domed.

Place the eyes between Rnds 13 and 14 with about 12 visible stitches between them.

Adjust slightly if needed so the face stays centered after the muzzle is attached.

13. Rnd 21: (9 sc, dec) x 6. (60)
14. Rnd 22: sc around. (60)
15. Rnd 23: (8 sc, dec) x 6. (54)
16. Rnd 24: (7 sc, dec) x 6. (48)
17. Rnd 25: (6 sc, dec) x 6. (42)

Begin stuffing the head firmly.

18. Rnd 26: (5 sc, dec) x 6. (36)
19. Rnd 27: (4 sc, dec) x 6. (30)

Do not fasten off yet if you prefer to join directly to the neck after checking the muzzle placement.

Muzzle

With medium brown yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5-7: sc around. (24)
6. Rnd 8: (2 sc, dec) x 6. (18)
7. Rnd 9: sc around. (18)

Fasten off with a long tail.

Lightly stuff the muzzle so it stays softly rounded, not hard.

Sew it centered between Rnds 14 and 20 of the head.

The muzzle should sit low enough to create a long dog face, but not so low that it touches the neck area.

Nose Embroidery

Using black yarn, embroider a horizontal oval nose across the upper center of the muzzle.

The nose should be broad and softly triangular-oval, wider than tall.

Add one short vertical stitch downward from the center if desired, but keep it subtle because the image shows a simple, clean nose emphasis.

Neck

The dog in the image has a noticeably long, slim neck. Make it separate for better control.

With medium brown yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3-12: sc around. (12)

Stuff firmly so the neck can support the head.

Fasten off with a long tail.

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Body

With medium brown yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
7. Rnd 7-12: sc around. (36)
8. Rnd 13: (4 sc, dec) x 6. (30)
9. Rnd 14-17: sc around. (30)
10. Rnd 18: (3 sc, dec) x 6. (24)
11. Rnd 19-21: sc around. (24)

Stuff the body firmly at the base and medium-firm in the upper section.

The lower body should be stable enough to help the doll sit or stand when supported by the legs and dress.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Legs Make 2

With medium brown yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4-5: sc around. (18)
5. Rnd 6: (4 sc, dec) x 3. (15)
6. Rnd 7-11: sc around. (15)
7. Rnd 12: (3 sc, dec) x 3. (12)
8. Rnd 13-14: sc around. (12)

Stuff the foot firmly and the upper leg lightly to medium.

Flatten the top opening and close with 6 sc through both sides, or sew closed after stuffing.

Fasten off with sewing tail.

The legs should be short and slightly angled outward when attached.

Arms Make 2

With medium brown yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: (sc, inc) x 3. (9)
3. Rnd 3-4: sc around. (9)
4. Rnd 5: (2 sc, inc) x 3. (12)
5. Rnd 6-12: sc around. (12)
6. Rnd 13: (2 sc, dec) x 3. (9)
7. Rnd 14-16: sc around. (9)

Lightly stuff only the lower half.

Flatten and close the opening.

The arms should taper gently and rest close to the body.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, rounded, and softly floppy.

With medium brown yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
6. Rnd 6-14: sc around. (30)
7. Rnd 15: (3 sc, dec) x 6. (24)
8. Rnd 16-22: sc around. (24)
9. Rnd 23: (2 sc, dec) x 6. (18)
10. Rnd 24-26: sc around. (18)

Do not stuff.

Flatten lightly and sew the opening closed enough to shape the top edge.

Sew to the sides of the head around Rnds 11 to 14.

The ears should hang low beside the face and reach about the shoulder line.

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Tail

The tail is mostly hidden by the dress, so keep it simple.

With medium brown yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
2. Rnd 2-8: sc around. (5)

Lightly stuff or leave unstuffed.

Fasten off and sew low on the back body.

Dress Bib

Use yellow yarn.

The dress is separate and slips over the body before the head is fully secured, or can be sewn in place after dressing.

Start at the upper front bib.

1. Ch 13.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (12)
3. Row 2-6: ch 1, turn, sc across. (12)

This forms the rectangular yellow bib front.

Dress Straps Make 2

1. Attach yarn to top corner of bib.
2. Ch 16.
3. Row 1: starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 15.

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Repeat on other side.

The straps should fit over the shoulders and attach to the back waistband.

Dress Waistband and Skirt Base

Continue in yellow for waistband, then switch to green.

Work a strip that wraps around the body comfortably.

1. Ch 37.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (36)
3. Row 2-4: ch 1, turn, sc across. (36)

Join the bib centered to the front of this waistband strip.

Sew or crochet the bib onto Rows 1 to 4 so the top edge sits above the waistband.

Now switch to green and work the skirt downward along one long edge of the waistband.

1. Row 5: attach green yarn evenly across the lower edge, 36 sc. (36)
2. Row 6: ch 1, turn, (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
3. Row 7: sc across. (42)
4. Row 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
5. Row 9: sc across. (48)
6. Row 10: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
7. Row 11: sc across. (54)
8. Row 12: (8 sc, inc) x 6. (60)
9. Row 13: sc across. (60)

This gives a gentle flared skirt like the image.

Do not make it too full. The skirt should look shaped but not heavily ruffled.

Scalloped Hem

Switch to yellow.

1. Edge Row: (sl st in next st, skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st) repeat around the skirt hem, adjusting at the end as needed.

This creates the soft yellow scalloped trim shown in the picture.

Dress Side Closure

Sew or slip stitch the waistband ends together at the back after fitting it on the doll.

Attach the straps to the back waistband.

The bib should sit high on the chest, and the waistband should sit slightly above the natural waist of the body.

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Sunflower Motifs for Dress Make 3

Each sunflower is sewn to the green skirt front.

Make 3 centers in dark brown.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: sc around. (24)

Fasten off brown.

Join yellow for petals.

1. Petal round: (sl st in next st, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st in same st, sl st in next st) repeat 12 times around.

Fasten off with long tail.

Sew the 3 sunflowers evenly across the lower front of the skirt.

The center sunflower should sit in the middle. The other two should sit slightly angled toward the side seams.

Red Button Details Make 2

You may use tiny red buttons, beads, or crochet mini circles.

If crocheting them:

1. With red yarn, 6 sc in MR.
2. Fasten off.

Sew one button to the top of each strap where it meets the bib.

Sunflower Crossbody Bag

With beige yarn, make 2 oval panels.

1. Ch 7.
2. Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4, 3 sc in last ch, work on opposite side of chain, sc 4, 2 sc in last st. (14)
3. Rnd 2: inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc, 2 inc. (20)
4. Rnd 3: sc, inc, 4 sc, (sc, inc) x 3, 4 sc, (sc, inc) x 2. (26)
5. Rnd 4: sc around. (26)

Fasten off first panel.

Make second panel the same.

Bag Gusset

1. Ch 6.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. (5)
3. Row 2-20: ch 1, turn, sc across. (5)

Sew the gusset around the edge of one oval panel, then sew the second panel on.

Leave the top partially open if desired, but for display it may be fully sewn closed.

Bag Strap

1. Ch 46.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (45)

Fasten off and sew to upper sides of the bag.

The strap should be long enough to cross from one shoulder to the opposite hip.

Bag Sunflower Front

Make 1 smaller sunflower using the same method as the dress sunflower, but stop the brown center at 18 stitches:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)

Add yellow petals around all 18 stitches using the same petal style but scaled naturally.

Sew to the front center of the bag.

Flower Headband

With pale yellow yarn:

1. Ch 36.
2. Row 1: sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across, or sc across for a sturdier band. (35)

Test around the head.

Adjust length if needed so it sits snugly above the eyes and under the ears.

Sew ends together.

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White Flowers Make 3

1. With white yarn, 5 sc in MR.
2. Petals: (ch 3, sl st in ring) x 5.

Or for fuller flowers:

1. In ring: (ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st) x 5.

Sew the three blossoms clustered across the top front of the headband.

Sandals Make 2

With brown yarn, make the sole first.

1. Ch 5.
2. Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch, sc 2, 3 sc in last ch, opposite side sc 2, 2 sc in last. (10)
3. Rnd 2: inc, 2 sc, 3 inc, 2 sc, 2 inc. (16)
4. Rnd 3: sc around. (16)

Fasten off one sole.

Make a second sole for each sandal if you want a thicker base, then stitch together.

Sandal Strap

With yellow yarn:

1. Attach to one side of the sole near the front.
2. Ch 7, skip across foot width, attach to opposite side with sl st.
3. Work back across strap with 6 sc if you want a thicker strap.

Fasten off.

Mini Flower for Sandal Make 2

1. With yellow yarn, 5 sc in MR.
2. Petals: (ch 2, sl st in next st) x 5.

Sew one flower to each sandal strap.

Straw-Style Hat

With beige yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
8. Rnd 8-11: sc around. (42)

This forms the crown.

For the brim:

9. Rnd 12: BLO, (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
10. Rnd 13: sc around. (48)
11. Rnd 14: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
12. Rnd 15: sc around. (54)
13. Rnd 16: (8 sc, inc) x 6. (60)
14. Rnd 17: sc around. (60)

Fasten off.

The hat should be shallow and rounded with a gently flared brim.

Hat Band

With brown yarn:

1. Ch enough to wrap around the hat crown, about 24 to 28 chains depending on your size.
2. Row 1: sl st or sc back across.

Sew around the crown base.

Hat Bee Applique

Make one mini bee from the bee instructions below and sew it to the front band of the hat.

Bees Make 3

These are decorative and small.

Start with yellow yarn.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc around in yellow. (12)
4. Rnd 4: switch to black, sc around. (12)
5. Rnd 5: switch to yellow, sc around. (12)
6. Rnd 6: switch to black, sc around. (12)
7. Rnd 7: switch to yellow, (sc, dec) x 4. (8)

Lightly stuff before closing.

8. Rnd 8: dec around to close. (4)

Fasten off.

Bee Wings Make 6

With white yarn:

1. Ch 4.
2. In 2nd ch from hook: 2 hdc, in next ch: 2 dc, in next ch: 1 hdc.

Fasten off.

Make two wings for each bee and sew to the top.

Bee Face

Use tiny black knots, embroidered dots, or miniature safety eyes if safe for display use.

Assembly

1. Sew the muzzle to the head and embroider the nose.
2. Add the eyes if not already installed.
3. Add pink cheek circles below and slightly outside the eyes.
4. Sew the ears to the sides of the head so they hang vertically.
5. Sew the neck to the body center top.
6. Sew the head to the neck, making sure the face looks straight forward.
7. Sew the arms to the upper body just below the neck line.
8. Sew the legs to the lower body, angled slightly outward.
9. Sew the tail to the back.
10. Dress the doll in the sunflower dress and close the back neatly.
11. Sew the sunflower bag strap across the body from shoulder to opposite hip.
12. Place the sandals onto the feet and tack them in place with a few stitches.
13. Sew the headband around the crown of the head, placing flowers at the top front.
14. Set the hat beside the doll as a separate accessory, or lightly tack it if you prefer.
15. Arrange the three bees around the doll for the same garden display feeling as the image.

Placement Notes for Accuracy

Head shape: The head is not perfectly spherical. It is rounded at the crown, gently narrowed at the lower face, and extended forward by the muzzle.

Ear placement: The ears begin high on the side of the head and hang close to the cheeks. They should not flare outward too much.

Arm angle: The arms angle slightly down and away from the shoulders.

Dress fit: The bib is snug and straight across the chest. The skirt begins just below the bib and flares enough to show the three sunflowers clearly.

Bag placement: The bag rests low on one hip, with the sunflower front fully visible.

Footwear: The sandals are flat and decorative, showing a bright yellow top detail and tiny flower centers.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the eyes sit level and the muzzle is centered before tightening all sewing stitches. Add the cheeks low and soft for a gentle expression. The nose should be broad, smooth, and slightly raised with embroidery layers. Keep the mouth minimal or omit it to preserve the sweet look.

Care Notes

Display pieces with beads, buttons, or safety eyes are best kept as decorative items. Store away from direct moisture and heavy sunlight. If gifting to a child, replace all small parts with securely embroidered details and double-stitch every accessory attachment.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head centered on neck
• Ears hanging evenly
• Dress bib straight
• Three skirt sunflowers aligned
• Bag strap sitting diagonally
• Sandals secured neatly
• Headband flowers centered
• Hat brim smooth
• Bee wings balanced

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap when needed. Do not soak pieces that include glued cheeks, beads, or structured accessories unless everything is stitched securely. Reshape while damp and air dry fully on a towel. Store in a dust-free box or display case to preserve stitch definition and color.