Knitting Tutorial: Purple Garden Frog with Sunflower Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted frog is designed as a soft woodland-style doll with a calm garden look, long floppy limbs, simple black safety eyes, pale cream top, sage green overalls, embroidered daisy and sunflower motifs, tiny flower sandals, and matching miniature gardening accessories. If you love collectible knitted dolls, handmade nursery decor, spring cottagecore toys, gift ideas for frog lovers, or artisan stuffed animal patterns to knit and sell as finished items, this design brings all of those cozy details together in one charming project.

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 a seated purple frog doll with a tall triangular frog head, narrow neck, long tube arms, long tube legs, cream folded neckline, short cream sleeves, sage overalls with straps and buttons, floral leg embroidery, tan sandals with tiny daisies, a yellow flower hat, a small basket of tools, a watering can, and a tiny hand trowel.

The overall style is intentionally delicate and neat. The body is slim rather than round. The overalls sit high on the chest and look slightly roomy through the hips. The legs are long and relaxed, and the doll is meant to sit naturally with the feet angled slightly forward.

The frog head is not worked as a round ball. It is shaped more like a soft triangle or tapered hood, with the broad lower section sitting over the neck and the upper section narrowing gently toward the top. The eyes are placed on the side edges near the top third of the head.

Materials

• Main frog color: light lavender DK yarn
• Top color: soft cream DK yarn
• Overalls color: sage green DK yarn
• Sandal color: light tan or flax DK yarn
• Daisy petals: white yarn
• Sunflower petals: golden yellow yarn
• Flower centers: dark brown yarn
• Leaves and stems: olive and leaf green yarn
• Watering can: light gray yarn
• Basket: natural straw or light brown yarn
• Tool handles: tan and brown yarn scraps
• Polyester stuffing
• Two 8 mm to 10 mm black safety eyes
• 2 tiny buttons for overall straps
• Tapestry needle
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop needles in size US 2 to US 3
• Optional: thin craft wire for tools only, not for the doll

Finished Size

The finished frog, seated like the sample, is approximately 10 to 12 inches tall from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. If measured with the legs extended downward, total height may reach about 13 inches depending on yarn thickness and stuffing density.

Gauge

Gauge is not critically important for a display doll, but your knitted fabric should be firm enough that stuffing does not show through.

• Stockinette in the round: approximately 7 stitches and 10 rounds per inch using DK yarn
• Work tightly and evenly
• If your stitches look open, go down a needle size

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• yo = yarn over
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• BO = bind off
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

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Notes Before You Begin

This pattern mixes flat knitting and knitting in the round. The limbs are easiest worked in the round. The overalls can be made separately and sewn on, but for the cleanest fit in this design, they are worked as structured pieces and sewn neatly to the body.

Stuff lightly in the arms, moderately in the legs, and firmly in the lower body and head. Do not overstuff the neck, or the top opening will look too thick. Keep the frog soft enough to sit naturally.

The flower details in the image are decorative surface embellishments. They are best added after the overalls are finished and lightly blocked. This gives cleaner placement and makes it easier to match the image.

Color Placement Summary

• Head, neck, arms, and legs: lavender
• Top and folded neckline: cream
• Overalls: sage green
• Footwear: tan with white and yellow daisy trim
• Hat: tan brim, yellow petals, brown center
• Basket: natural brown
• Watering can: gray

Body

Lower Torso

Using lavender, CO 24 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

1. Rnds 1-6: K all sts.
2. Rnd 7: K3, M1R, repeat around. 30 sts.
3. Rnds 8-14: K all sts.
4. Rnd 15: K4, M1R, repeat around. 36 sts.
5. Rnds 16-24: K all sts.

This section forms a slim lower body rather than a round belly. The sample has a slightly elongated torso, so avoid making it too wide.

Stuff the lower torso now with firm but not tight stuffing.

Upper Torso and Neck Base

1. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
2. Rnds 26-28: K all sts.
3. Rnd 29: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 30-32: K all sts.
5. Rnd 33: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 34-36: K all sts.

Stuff lightly through this upper section. The torso should taper cleanly into the neck without becoming bulky.

Leave sts on needles or waste yarn. You will attach the head directly if desired, or seam later.

Legs

Make 2 in lavender. The legs are long, narrow, and softly stuffed. They should look relaxed and slightly floppy when seated.

1. CO 12 sts and join to work in the round.
2. Rnds 1-18: K all sts.
3. Rnd 19: K6, M1R, k6, M1R. 14 sts.
4. Rnds 20-36: K all sts.

Stuff lightly from the ankle upward. Keep the lower 2 inches a bit softer so the feet angle naturally.

Flatten top of leg and graft or seam closed. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Leg Placement

Sew both legs to the underside front of the lower torso, spaced about 4 stitches apart. Angle them forward rather than straight down, so the frog sits like the sample photo.

The thighs should emerge slightly from the front lower body and drape down. Do not place them too far apart or too close to the sides.

Arms

Make 2 in lavender. The arms are very slim and long, ending without shaped hands. The look is intentionally simple and understated.

1. CO 10 sts and join to work in the round.
2. Rnds 1-26: K all sts.
3. Rnd 27: K2tog around. 5 sts.
4. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight.

Stuff only the upper two-thirds very lightly. Leave the hand end nearly unstuffed for the relaxed soft shape seen in the image.

Sew the arms later after the sleeves are completed.

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Head

The frog head is the most important shaping feature. It is not spherical. It is worked flat in two mirrored side panels, then seamed to form a tapered frog head with side eye placement.

Head Panel A

Using lavender, CO 18 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): P all.
2. Row 2 (RS): K all.
3. Rep Rows 1-2 until piece measures 1 inch.
4. Next RS row: K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, K1. 20 sts.
5. Work 3 rows even in St st.
6. Next RS row: K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, K1. 22 sts.
7. Work 5 rows even.
8. Shape crown row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. 20 sts.
9. Work 1 WS row even.
10. Rep last 2 rows 5 times more. 10 sts.
11. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
12. Work 1 WS row.
13. Next RS row: K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
14. BO knitwise.

Head Panel B

Work the same as Panel A.

Head Gusset

Using lavender, CO 8 sts.

1. Work in St st for 14 rows.
2. Next row: K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, K1. 10 sts.
3. Work 6 rows even.
4. Next row: K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, K1. 12 sts.
5. Work 10 rows even.
6. Next row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
7. Work 1 row even.
8. Rep last 2 rows until 6 sts remain.
9. BO.

Seaming the Head

Sew the gusset between the two side panels, matching the wider end to the lower head opening and the narrow end to the crown. This creates the long tapered frog shape seen in the image.

Before closing the final seam, insert safety eyes. Place them on the side edges of the head, approximately 8 rows down from the top point and about 2 stitches back from each front edge. The eyes should look slightly lateral, not centered on the face.

Stuff the head firmly in the lower half and more softly toward the tip. The head should hold its triangular shape but still appear plush.

Close the final seam and attach the head to the neck opening. Ease the lower head edge evenly around the 18-stitch neck opening. Stitch securely.

Cream Top and Folded Neckline

The cream top is visible at the shoulders, upper chest, neckline, and sleeves. It should look simple, clean, and slightly loose under the overalls.

Neck Collar Band

Using cream, pick up 24 sts evenly around the neck base where head meets torso.

1. Rnds 1-6: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rnds 7-12: K all.
3. BO loosely.

Fold this section outward to create the soft rolled collar shown in the image. Tack down lightly at the back and side points if needed.

Front and Back Upper Shirt Panels

Make 2 using cream.

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: Work in St st, slipping first stitch of every row for a neat edge.
3. Row 11: K5, BO 6, K5.
4. Next row: P5, CO 6 over bound-off sts, P5.
5. Rows 13-18: Work even in St st.
6. BO.

These panels create the shirt body hidden beneath the bib overalls. Sew one to front upper torso and one to back upper torso, centered below the collar.

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Sleeves

Make 2 using cream.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K1, P1 rib.
3. Rows 5-10: St st.
4. Row 11: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. 12 sts.
5. Row 12: P all.
6. Rows 13-16: St st.
7. BO.

Sew each sleeve into a small tube. Attach at each shoulder so the sleeve sits angled downward and slightly outward. Then sew each lavender arm inside the sleeve opening. The arm should extend well beyond the short sleeve.

Overalls

The overalls are a defining feature of this frog. They are sage green, slightly loose through the hips, high-waisted, and decorated with flowers. The bib covers the center chest, the straps are narrow, and the legs are cropped above the ankles.

Left Overall Leg

Using sage green, CO 20 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rows 7-32: St st.
3. Row 33: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, K2. 18 sts.
4. Rows 34-38: Work even.
5. BO.

Right Overall Leg

Work same as Left Overall Leg.

Join Legs for Pants

Place both legs side by side with RS facing. Sew inner leg seams from cuff to top, leaving a center rise opening at the top edge. Sew outer leg seams as usual if you worked them flat.

Once both legs are closed into tubes, attach them to the doll by sewing around the upper edge of each pant leg directly onto the body legs. The cuffs should sit just above the sandals and look slightly turned or softly edged.

Bib Section

Using sage green, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1-18: Work in St st.
2. Row 19: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, K2. 14 sts.
3. Rows 20-24: Work even.
4. BO.

Sew bib centered on the front torso over the cream shirt. The lower edge should overlap the pant waistline slightly.

Back Waist Panel

Using sage green, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1-10: Work in St st.
2. BO.

Sew this panel across the back waist to give the overalls a finished shape.

Straps

Make 2 using sage green.

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Work i-cord for 16 rows, or knit flat for 16 rows slipping first stitch and knitting every row.
3. BO.

Sew one end of each strap to the back waist panel. Bring straps over shoulders and sew to top corners of the bib. Add a tiny button at the front strap attachment point on each side.

The straps in the image sit slightly angled outward, not perfectly vertical. Match that look when sewing.

Floral Embellishment on Overalls

The left pant leg shows white daisies with green stems. The right pant leg shows two sunflowers with green leaves. A small daisy also appears on the bib. These should be added after the overalls are fully sewn in place.

Bib Daisy

• Embroider one small white daisy in the center of the bib
• Use 6 detached straight stitches for petals
• Add a small yellow French-knot-style center or tightly stitched round center
• Add no stem on the bib flower

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Left Leg Daisy Cluster

Arrange three medium daisies and one smaller daisy on the lower left pant leg. The flowers should climb diagonally upward from outer calf toward inner knee.

• Use white yarn for petals
• Use yellow yarn for centers
• Use green duplicate stitch or embroidered stem stitch for stems
• Add two to three narrow leaves stitched in light olive green

For each medium daisy, make 8 petals. For the small daisy, make 6 petals. Keep petals narrow and elongated rather than round.

Right Leg Sunflowers

Add two sunflowers on the lower right pant leg, one slightly above and behind the other.

• Make each flower center with brown circular stitching
• Add 10 to 12 long yellow petals around each center
• Embroider stems in medium green
• Add paired leaves in olive green near the lower stem area

The lower sunflower should be a little larger than the upper one. Keep them bold and bright so they visually balance the more delicate daisies on the opposite leg.

Sandals

Make 2 in tan. These are tiny open sandals that sit over the lavender feet. The toes remain visible, which helps preserve the whimsical handmade style of the image.

Base Sole

1. Using tan, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: K all.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
6. Rows 5-8: Garter stitch.
7. BO.

Make 2 soles for each sandal and seam together lightly for a thicker base if desired.

Toe Strap

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.

Sew across front third of sole in a slight curve.

Ankle Strap

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. BO.

Sew around side edges and back of ankle area. Fit directly on the foot before fastening permanently.

Sandal Daisy

Make 2 tiny daisies with 5 white petals and yellow centers. Sew one to the outer front edge of each sandal. Add one green leaf beneath each flower.

Sew finished sandals directly to the ends of the frog legs.

Sunflower Hat

The hat is flat and decorative, placed beside the frog in the image. It resembles a shallow straw sunhat with a sunflower on top.

Brim

Using tan, CO 10 sts and join to work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, repeat around. 30 sts.
5. Rnd 5: K all.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
7. Rnds 7-10: K all.
8. BO loosely.

Center Crown Disc

Using tan, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. BO.

Sew disc to center of brim.

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Sunflower Applique

• Make one brown center circle about 1 inch wide
• Add 12 yellow petals around it
• Sew sunflower onto hat center

Basket

The basket is small, low, and cylindrical, with a curved handle and visible tiny tools inside.

Basket Base

Using light brown, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnds 5-12: P all for a basket-like texture, or work seed stitch if preferred.
6. BO loosely.

Handle

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Knit 2 rows garter or make a narrow i-cord.
3. BO.

Sew to opposite inner sides of basket. Lightly stuff the base only if you want it to stand more easily.

Tiny Garden Tools for Basket

These are miniature decorative accessories. They do not need to be exact working replicas, but the shapes should echo the image clearly.

Tool 1: Gray Fork

• Make a narrow gray shaft with 8 rows of i-cord over 2 stitches
• Embroider 3 fork prongs at one end
• Wrap lower end in tan yarn for handle grip

Tool 2: Gray Trowel

• Make one tiny gray leaf shape using 4 sts, increasing to 6 then decreasing back to 2
• Sew to a short brown i-cord handle

Tool 3: Carrot-Like Tool Accent

• Use rust orange for a short pointed piece
• Add small green top stitches
• Place inside basket as shown

Watering Can

The watering can is a soft knitted accessory in pale gray, with a rounded body, short top opening, side handle, and angled spout.

Can Body

Using gray, CO 12 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 24 sts.
3. Rnds 3-10: K all.
4. Rnd 11: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 12: K all.
6. Rnd 13: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.

Stuff very lightly only at the lower base. Do not overstuff.

Top Rim

1. Pick up 10 sts around upper opening.
2. Work 3 rnds in K1, P1 rib.
3. BO.

Spout

1. CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1-8: K all.
3. Rnd 9: K2tog around. 3 sts.
4. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight.

Sew to one side of can at an upward angle.

Handle

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 2-row i-cord or garter strip.
3. BO.

Sew as a side handle opposite the spout.

Tiny Hand Trowel Beside the Frog

This accessory lies on the bench in the image. It has a brown handle and gray metal blade.

• Make a 6-row brown i-cord handle over 2 stitches
• Make a gray blade by CO 3 sts, increase to 5 sts on Row 2, work 1 row even, then decrease to 1 st
• Sew blade to handle

Detailed Assembly Order

1. Sew legs to lower torso
2. Sew head to neck
3. Add cream shirt front and back panels
4. Attach sleeves
5. Sew arms into sleeves
6. Make and attach overalls pants, bib, back panel, and straps
7. Sew sandals to feet
8. Add all floral embroidery to bib and pant legs
9. Make hat, basket, tools, watering can, and separate trowel

Take your time during assembly. This doll depends more on clean placement than on difficult stitch techniques. Neat alignment is what gives the finished frog its garden character.

Shaping Tips for an Accurate Look

• Keep the head tapered and slightly tall, not round
• Use very slim limbs
• Do not overstuff the arms
• Angle the legs forward for a seated pose
• Let the overalls sit loose at the hips and flatter at the bib
• Place the eyes on the side edges of the head, not on the front center
• Keep the cream collar folded and soft
• Use floral decoration generously but neatly on the overalls only

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the head so it leans very slightly forward. The frog should look gentle and relaxed rather than upright and stiff. Insert or secure the black eyes evenly on both sides. Do not add a large mouth. If you want extra expression, use one tiny horizontal stitch in lavender or cream thread low on the face for a subtle mouth line.

Check that the sleeves cover the upper arm joins cleanly. Adjust the collar fold, straighten the bib, and lightly steam only the accessories if needed. Arrange the basket, hat, watering can, and trowel close to the doll for the full garden scene.

Care Notes

• Display indoors away from constant direct sunlight
• Spot clean first whenever possible
• Handle floral embroidery gently
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes or miniature accessories are attached
• Store flat or seated to preserve the head shape

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both eyes level and secure?
• Do the legs sit evenly when the frog is posed?
• Is the cream collar folded neatly?
• Are the strap buttons aligned?
• Do the daisies and sunflowers balance visually on both legs?
• Are the sandals attached firmly?
• Are all accessory ends woven in securely?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For dust, use a soft dry brush with light strokes. For small marks, dab gently with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry fully. Avoid soaking the doll, especially if accessories are attached. To preserve shape, keep tissue inside the overalls and around the head during long-term storage. Store in a clean, dry box away from humidity, heat, and rough friction.