This sweet knitted fawn is designed with a gentle woodland look, long soft legs, a textured green sweater, striped shorts, a flower-trimmed hat, a carrot tote, tiny shoes, and playful spring accessories. It is a charming handmade nursery doll, heirloom toy, and gift idea for knitters who love collectible animal dolls, handmade stuffed animals, woodland nursery decor, and boutique-style knitted toys for sale, gift giving, or seasonal display. The finished set is especially lovely for spring styling, baby shower gifting, and anyone searching for a premium handmade deer doll pattern with beautiful wardrobe details.
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 creates the full knitted set shown in the image:
- A sweet fawn doll with a rounded head and narrow muzzle
- Small antlers
- Soft cream cheeks and long cream legs
- A sage green floral sweater with a central cable panel
- Green and cream striped shorts
- A yellow brimmed hat with a blue flower
- A carrot tote bag
- Mary Jane style shoes with white flower trim
- Two separate knitted carrots
- A tiny bee headband decoration
The construction is designed to follow the proportions in the image as closely as possible. The body is slim and childlike, the head is large and rounded, the muzzle projects gently forward, and the legs are long compared with the torso. The outfit is fitted but soft, with the sweater reaching slightly below the waist and the shorts sitting high on the hips.
Skill Level
Advanced beginner to intermediate. A confident beginner can complete the basic pieces, but the sweater finishing, embroidery, cable panel, tiny accessories, and facial shaping will be easier for knitters with some toy-making experience.
Finished Size
- Fawn doll height: about 15 to 16 inches / 38 to 41 cm from top of head to heel
- Hat diameter: about 5 inches / 12.5 cm
- Tote bag width: about 3 inches / 7.5 cm
- Shoes: fit the finished doll feet snugly
- Carrots: about 2 inches / 5 cm each
Size may vary slightly depending on yarn, stuffing density, and gauge. To match the look of the photo, keep stitches firm and stuffing smooth rather than overpacked.
Materials
- DK weight yarn in light brown, cream, sage green, white, mustard yellow, medium brown, pink, blue, orange, black, red, leaf green, and small amounts of yellow and ivory
- Suggested amounts:
- Light brown: 60 to 70 g
- Cream: 50 to 60 g
- Sage green: 60 g
- White: 25 g
- Mustard yellow: 20 g
- Medium brown: 35 g
- Orange: 15 g
- Pink, blue, red, black, yellow, leaf green, ivory: scraps
- 3.0 mm double-pointed needles or preferred needles for knitting small circumference in the round
- 3.25 mm needles for clothing if you prefer slightly softer garments
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Waste yarn
- Toy stuffing
- Two 8 mm black safety eyes or embroidered French knot eyes
- Thin floral wire optional for the bee wings if you want them posed
- Strong sewing thread for sculpting and secure finishing
Gauge
28 sts and 36 rnds = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette worked in the round on 3.0 mm needles.
Gauge matters because the doll proportions depend on firm fabric. The fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through.
Abbreviations
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
- dec = decrease
- dpn = double-pointed needles
- inc = increase
- k = knit
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- M1L = make 1 left
- M1R = make 1 right
- p = purl
- pm = place marker
- psso = pass slipped stitch over
- rem = remaining
- rep = repeat
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- WS = wrong side
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Color Notes
- Main head and body color: light brown
- Muzzle, inner ears, cheeks, hands, legs: cream
- Nose and hoof tips: dark brown or black
- Sweater: sage green with floral embroidery
- Shorts: sage green and white stripes
- Hat: mustard yellow with blue flower and green leaves
- Shoes and tote: medium brown
- Carrots: orange with green tops
Construction Order
- Knit legs
- Knit body from legs upward
- Knit arms
- Knit head and muzzle sections
- Knit ears and antlers
- Knit shorts if worked separately, or continue as integrated garment option
- Knit sweater
- Knit shoes
- Knit hat
- Knit tote bag and carrots
- Knit bee embellishment
- Assemble and embroider details
Legs Make 2
Using cream yarn and dpns, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly and join to work in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: K1, M1R, knit to last st, M1L, k1. 26 sts.
- Rnds 5 to 10: Knit.
- Rnd 11: K5, k2tog, k12, ssk, k5. 24 sts.
- Rnd 12: Knit.
- Rnd 13: K4, k2tog, k12, ssk, k4. 22 sts.
- Rnds 14 to 18: Knit.
Begin shaping the ankle and long slim leg.
- Rnd 19: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 20 sts.
- Rnd 20: Knit.
- Rnd 21: Repeat rnd 19. 18 sts.
- Rnds 22 to 44: Knit.
Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly. Leave the top half of the leg only lightly stuffed so the doll can sit with a natural bend.
Break yarn on first leg and place on waste yarn. Knit second leg the same way but do not break yarn.
Joining the Legs and Knitting the Lower Body
Place both legs on needles. Arrange so the feet point forward. Join by knitting across the second leg, CO 4 sts for the inner bridge, knit across first leg, CO 4 sts for back bridge. 44 sts total.
- Rnd 1: Knit around all sts, placing markers at each bridge if desired.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: K20, M1R, k2, M1L, k20, M1R, k2, M1L. 48 sts.
- Rnd 4: Knit.
- Rnd 5: K21, M1R, k2, M1L, k21, M1R, k2, M1L. 52 sts.
- Rnds 6 to 10: Knit.
The hip area in the image is soft and rounded, not wide. Avoid adding too much bulk. Keep stuffing moderate.
- Rnd 11: K11, k2tog, k13, ssk, k11, k2tog, k13, ssk. 48 sts.
- Rnd 12: Knit.
- Rnd 13: K10, k2tog, k12, ssk, k10, k2tog, k12, ssk. 44 sts.
- Rnds 14 to 18: Knit.
Stuff the lower body gently. The torso should be narrow and upright, with only a slight belly.
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Upper Body
- Rnd 19: K9, k2tog, k10, ssk, k9, k2tog, k10, ssk. 40 sts.
- Rnds 20 to 24: Knit.
- Rnd 25: K8, k2tog, k8, ssk, k8, k2tog, k8, ssk. 36 sts.
- Rnds 26 to 32: Knit.
At this point, the torso should look slim and straight, ending just under the sweater. Stuff firmly but keep the shoulder area a little softer for easier neck shaping.
Neck
- Rnd 33: K2, k2tog around. 27 sts.
- Rnd 34: Knit.
- Rnd 35: K1, k2tog around. 18 sts.
- Rnds 36 to 40: Knit.
Stuff neck firmly. A firm neck is essential because the head is large for the body.
Head
Change to light brown. This section forms the rounded deer head. The face is fuller at the cheeks, narrower at the muzzle, and softly tapered at the forehead.
- Rnd 1: Kfb around. 36 sts.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: K1, M1R around. 54 sts.
- Rnd 4: Knit.
- Rnd 5: K8, M1R; rep around. 60 sts.
- Rnds 6 to 15: Knit.
Insert safety eyes between rnds 11 and 12 of the head, about 10 sts apart. In the photo, the eyes are small, glossy, and slightly low on the face for a sweet expression. If embroidering eyes, wait until final finishing.
The fawn has cream cheek and muzzle areas. These can be worked separately and sewn on, which gives the closest match to the photo. Follow the separate muzzle and cheek pieces below.
Head Shaping
- Rnd 16: K8, k2tog; rep around. 54 sts.
- Rnd 17: Knit.
- Rnd 18: K7, k2tog; rep around. 48 sts.
- Rnd 19: Knit.
- Rnd 20: K6, k2tog; rep around. 42 sts.
- Rnd 21: Knit.
- Rnd 22: K5, k2tog; rep around. 36 sts.
Stuff the head firmly and evenly. Pay extra attention to the crown and side cheeks. Do not overstuff the lower face, because the muzzle piece will add extra dimension.
- Rnd 23: K4, k2tog; rep around. 30 sts.
- Rnd 24: K3, k2tog; rep around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 25: K2, k2tog; rep around. 18 sts.
- Rnd 26: K1, k2tog; rep around. 12 sts.
- Rnd 27: K2tog around. 6 sts.
Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull closed.
Muzzle Piece
Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts.
- Row 1 RS: Knit.
- Row 2 WS: Purl.
- Row 3: K1, M1R, knit to last st, M1L, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: K1, M1R, knit to last st, M1L, k1. 14 sts.
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: Knit.
- Row 8: Purl.
- Row 9: Knit.
- Row 10: Purl.
- Row 11: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 12 sts.
- Row 12: Purl.
- Row 13: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 10 sts.
- Row 14: Purl.
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BO loosely. Sew the side edges lightly together to make a shallow cup. Stuff very lightly. Stitch onto the lower face centered beneath the eyes. The muzzle should be oval and slightly raised, not long and pointed.
Cheek Patches Make 2
Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: K1, M1R, knit to last st, M1L, k1. 10 sts.
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: Knit.
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 8 sts.
- Row 8: Purl.
BO. Shape slightly into rounded half-ovals and sew one to each side of the muzzle area, blending into the face exactly like the image.
Nose
Using black or very dark brown yarn, embroider a rounded triangular nose at the tip of the muzzle. Satin stitch works well. Build the shape gradually, making it slightly bulbous and soft rather than sharply pointed.
Arms Make 2
Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb around. 20 sts.
- Rnds 3 to 5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K4, k2tog, k8, ssk, k4. 18 sts.
- Rnd 7: Knit.
- Change to sage green.
- Rnd 8: Knit.
- Rnd 9: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 16 sts.
- Rnds 10 to 28: Knit.
- Rnd 29: K2tog around. 8 sts.
Stuff hands firmly and arms lightly. Flatten top opening and sew to shoulders angled slightly downward. In the photo, the arms hang naturally and sit low enough that the cuffs align near the upper hips.
Ears Make 2
Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts.
- Row 1 RS: Knit.
- Row 2 WS: Purl.
- Row 3: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 10 sts.
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 8 sts.
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 6 sts.
- Row 8: Purl.
- Row 9: K2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
BO. Fold base slightly and stitch. Sew onto the head sides just below the antlers, with a soft outward angle.
Antlers Make 2
Using medium brown yarn, CO 6 sts and work i-cord for 10 rows. Slip sts to holder for main stem. Make a second short branch: CO 4 sts and work i-cord for 5 rows. Attach the branch to the main stem by knitting the two cords together for 2 rows, then continue the main 6-st i-cord for 3 more rows. BO and leave a tail.
Lightly stuff if needed or insert a tiny pipe cleaner piece. Sew securely to the top head. The antlers in the image are small, simple, and upright, not wide or elaborate.
Striped Shorts
The shorts can be knit separately and pulled onto the doll, which gives the best clean stripe look. Use sage green and white.
Begin at one leg opening. Using sage green, CO 24 sts and join.
- Rnds 1 to 2: K1, p1 rib.
- Rnd 3: Change to white, knit.
- Rnd 4: Change to sage, knit.
- Rnd 5: White, knit.
- Rnd 6: Sage, knit.
- Rnd 7: White, knit.
- Rnd 8: Sage, knit.
- Rnd 9: White, knit.
- Rnd 10: Sage, knit.
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Break yarn and place on holder. Make second leg the same way, leaving yarn attached. Join both legs by knitting across one leg, CO 4 sts, knit across second leg, CO 4 sts. 56 sts.
- Rnd 11: Knit around in sage.
- Rnd 12: White, knit.
- Rnd 13: Sage, knit.
- Rnd 14: White, knit.
- Rnd 15: Sage, knit.
- Rnd 16: K2, p2 rib around in sage.
- Rnd 17: K2, p2 rib.
- Rnd 18: BO loosely in rib.
Sew inner leg openings neatly if needed. Slip the shorts onto the doll. Position them so they sit high and snug, covering the upper thighs. Tack in place with a few hidden stitches.
Green Floral Sweater
This sweater is the signature garment in the set. It is worked from the bottom up in pieces or in the round with sleeves attached later. The easiest way to match the image is to work the body in the round to the armholes, then divide for front and back, adding a decorative center cable on the front.
Sweater Body
Using sage green, CO 64 sts. Join in the round.
- Rnd 1: K2, p2 rib around.
- Rnds 2 to 6: Repeat rnd 1.
Set cable panel on front center 12 sts. The remaining sts are plain stockinette.
Arrangement:
- Back: 26 sts stockinette
- Front side: 13 sts stockinette
- Center cable panel: 12 sts
- Front side: 13 sts stockinette
Cable panel over 12 sts:
- Rnd A: P2, k8, p2
- Rnd B: P2, C4F, C4B, p2
Repeat cable crossing every 6th rnd. Work as follows:
- Rnd 7: Knit body sts as established, work panel rnd A.
- Rnds 8 to 11: Work sts as established, keeping panel as p2, k8, p2.
- Rnd 12: Work panel rnd B.
- Rnds 13 to 17: Work as established.
- Rnd 18: Work panel rnd B.
- Rnds 19 to 24: Work as established.
Continue until body measures about 3 inches / 7.5 cm from cast-on edge. The sweater in the image sits slightly below the waist and looks fitted rather than oversized.
Divide for Armholes
- Next rnd: BO 4 sts, knit 28 sts for front, BO 4 sts, knit 28 sts for back.
Work front and back flat separately.
Back
- Row 1 WS: Purl.
- Row 2 RS: Knit.
- Repeat these 8 rows.
- Neck shaping row RS: K8, BO 12, knit to end.
- Work each side separately for 2 rows.
- BO shoulder sts.
Front
Work same number of rows as back, maintaining cable panel centered.
- Neck shaping row RS: K9, BO 10, knit to end.
- Next row WS: Purl both sides separately.
- Decrease 1 st at each neck edge on next 2 RS rows.
- Work even until same height as back.
- BO shoulder sts.
Sleeves Make 2
Using sage green, CO 20 sts. Work flat or in the round. Flat instructions below.
- Rows 1 to 4: K2, p2 rib.
- Row 5 RS: Knit.
- Row 6 WS: Purl.
- Row 7: K1, M1R, knit to last st, M1L, k1. 22 sts.
- Row 8: Purl.
- Repeat last 4 rows 4 more times. 30 sts.
- Work even in stockinette until sleeve measures about 3 inches / 7.5 cm.
- BO loosely.
Sew sleeve seams and set into armholes. The sleeves in the image are slim and straight with a gentle taper to cream cuffs underneath the sweater line. For the exact look, allow a small cream hand section to show below the cuff.
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Sweater Neckband
Pick up about 36 sts evenly around neckline using sage green.
- Rnd 1: K1, p1 around.
- Rnd 2: K1, p1 around.
- BO loosely in rib.
Floral Embroidery on Sweater
The sweater has small floral motifs and ladybugs near the lower front on both sides of the cable. Add these after blocking and sewing.
- Use pink, yellow, blue, red, black, and green yarn scraps
- Work tiny lazy daisy petals for flowers
- Add French knot centers
- Embroider two ladybugs using red satin stitch with a black split line and black head
- Stitch tiny green stems and leaf dashes around the flowers
- Add one small pink rosette near the lower cable center
Keep all motifs low on the sweater body, matching the placement in the image. Do not overfill the chest area.
Shoes Make 2
Using medium brown, CO 10 sts.
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 12 sts.
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: Kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
- Rows 6 to 12: Work stockinette.
Shape toe.
- Row 13 RS: K4, k2tog, k2, ssk, k4. 12 sts.
- Row 14 WS: Purl.
- Row 15: K3, k2tog, k2, ssk, k3. 10 sts.
- Row 16: Purl.
Fold and seam into a tiny shoe slipper shape. Make an ankle strap by knitting an i-cord of 16 rows on 3 sts. Attach across the top in a Mary Jane style. Embroider or sew a small white daisy with yellow center at the outer strap join.
Brimmed Hat
Using mustard yellow, CO 8 sts onto dpns and join.
- Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: K1, M1R around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 4: Knit.
- Rnd 5: K2, M1R around. 32 sts.
- Rnd 6: Knit.
- Rnd 7: K3, M1R around. 40 sts.
- Rnds 8 to 18: Knit.
Start brim.
- Rnd 19: K4, M1R around. 48 sts.
- Rnd 20: Knit.
- Rnd 21: K5, M1R around. 56 sts.
- Rnd 22: Knit.
- Rnd 23: K6, M1R around. 64 sts.
- Rnd 24: Knit.
- Rnd 25: Purl.
- Rnd 26: Knit.
- BO loosely.
Add a thin pink cord or chain around the crown. Crochet is not required; you may knit a 2-st i-cord for 24 to 26 rows and stitch it in place.
Make one blue flower:
- CO 3 sts in blue and knit a tiny petal strip, or embroider 5 petals directly
- Add two green leaves
- Attach to the brim edge
Carrot Tote Bag
Using medium brown, CO 18 sts.
- Rows 1 to 20: Work stockinette, slipping first st of every row for neat edges.
- BO.
Fold in half and seam sides to form a flat bag. For the handles, pick up 4 sts at one top side and work i-cord for 18 rows. Attach to opposite side. Repeat for second handle.
Embroider 5 hanging carrots on the front using orange satin stitch bodies and green leaf tops. Space them evenly, angling them slightly for a playful handmade look.
Loose Carrots Make 2
Using orange, CO 12 sts and join.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: K2tog around. 6 sts.
- Rnd 3: Kfb around. 12 sts.
- Rnd 4: Knit.
- Rnd 5: K1, k2tog around. 8 sts.
- Rnd 6: Knit.
- Rnd 7: K2tog around. 4 sts.
This quick shaping makes a small plump carrot. For a longer carrot closer to the image, use this improved version instead:
- CO 16 sts and join.
- Rnds 1 to 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: K6, k2tog, k6, ssk. 14 sts.
- Rnd 5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K5, k2tog, k5, ssk. 12 sts.
- Rnd 7: Knit.
- Rnd 8: K4, k2tog, k4, ssk. 10 sts.
- Rnd 9: Knit.
- Rnd 10: K3, k2tog, k3, ssk. 8 sts.
- Rnd 11: K2, k2tog, k2, ssk. 6 sts.
- Rnd 12: K1, k2tog, k1, ssk. 4 sts.
Stuff lightly and close tip. Add three tiny green leaf loops at the top using short i-cords or embroidered loops.
Bee Decoration
Using yellow, CO 6 sts and join.
- Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: Change to black, knit.
- Rnd 4: Yellow, knit.
- Rnd 5: Black, knit.
- Rnd 6: Yellow, knit.
- Rnd 7: K2tog around. 6 sts.
Stuff lightly and close. Embroider two black eyes and a tiny smile. Make two white wings by knitting two tiny leaf shapes:
- CO 4 sts
- Row 1: Knit
- Row 2: Purl
- Row 3: K1, M1R, knit to last st, M1L, k1
- Row 4: Purl
- Row 5: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog
- BO
Attach wings to bee. Stitch bee onto a pink headband cord that sits between the antlers and flower. Add a pink flower on the opposite side of the headband.
Forehead Embroidery
The image shows tiny white decorative marks on the forehead. Embroider three to five small teardrop or petal marks using white yarn. Place them above the eyes and between the antlers for a delicate woodland look.
Blush and Expression
- Embroider tiny curved brows in brown
- Add a short sleepy eyelash line at outer corners if desired
- Use a little pink yarn or fabric blush very lightly on cheeks
- Keep the mouth minimal or omit it, as the image emphasizes the nose and eyes more than the mouth
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew the head securely to the neck if not already worked continuously. Attach ears first, then antlers, then the pink headband with flower and bee. Stitch the arms at the shoulder line angled slightly down. Dress the doll in shorts and sweater, then tack the clothing in a few hidden places so it stays aligned.
Sew the muzzle smoothly with tiny ladder stitches. Add the nose last so you can balance the face. Position the eyes low and wide enough to keep the expression soft and sweet. Finish by placing the shoes on the feet, setting the hat beside the doll, and arranging the tote and carrots as accessories.
Care Notes
- Spot clean whenever possible
- Do not machine wash if the doll contains sculpted details or wired embellishments
- Store away from direct sunlight to protect the yarn colors
- Keep small accessories away from very young children unless all parts are securely embroidered
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head firmly stuffed and centered
- Muzzle attached evenly
- Eyes matched in height
- Antlers secure
- Sweater cable centered
- Floral embroidery balanced on both sides
- Shorts sitting high on hips
- Shoes snug on feet
- Hat flower attached neatly
- Bag handles reinforced
- Carrots and bee fully secured
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Use a barely damp cloth with mild soap for surface cleaning, then blot gently with a dry towel. Reshape while damp and air dry flat. For long-term storage, wrap the doll in clean tissue and keep it in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid sealed plastic containers in humid areas, and never hang the doll by the accessories or antlers.
Your finished Sweet Fawn should have a large gentle head, tiny antlers, long cream legs, a fitted sage floral sweater, striped shorts, soft brown shoes, and matching spring accessories. Take your time with the embroidery and placement details, because those finishing touches create the unmistakable look shown in the image.
