Knitting Tutorial: Red Panda in Fox Sweater – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet red panda is designed as a collectible handmade knitted doll with a soft woodland look, a detailed fox sweater, cream shorts, floral shoes, and charming forest accessories. It works beautifully as a giftable plush toy, nursery shelf accent, seasonal woodland decor piece, or artisan market item. If you love searching for knitted animal doll, handmade stuffed panda, woodland plush, or heirloom knit toy, this design brings all of those cozy details together in one polished project with an outfit and props that closely match the image.

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

Materials

• Main red panda fur color: light rust brown DK yarn, about 70 to 90 g
• Cream: DK yarn for muzzle, ear lining, shorts, shoe straps, mushroom stem, and hedgehog face, about 45 to 60 g
• Sage green: DK yarn for sweater, about 35 to 45 g
• Rust orange: small amount for sweater fox motif, bow, purse body, berries, and mushroom cap
• Dark brown or black: small amount for paw cuffs, nose embroidery, hedgehog nose, and ear edging
• Leaf green: small amount for leaves and acorn top
• Tan or camel: small amount for basket, purse flap, sandal soles, and acorn base
• Pink: tiny amount for shoe flowers
• Navy, plum, berry shades: tiny amounts for basket berries
• Needles: 2.5 mm double-pointed needles and 3 mm double-pointed needles
• Optional circular needles: 2.5 mm and 3 mm for working small circumference with magic loop
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Toy stuffing
• 8 mm black safety eyes, or embroidered/French-knot eyes if preferred
• Thin craft wire optional for basket handle and purse strap stability
• Small buttons: 2 tiny brown buttons for purse flap if desired

Finished Size

The finished red panda measures about 9 to 10 inches tall seated and about 11 to 12 inches tall standing including the acorn headpiece, depending on yarn, stuffing, and tension.

Gauge

On 3 mm needles in stockinette, 26 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches. Tight gauge is important so stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back
• kfb = knit front and back
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• sl = slip
• rep = repeat

Pattern Notes

This doll is made in separate pieces and sewn together for the closest match to the picture. The head is large and rounded, the body is compact, the legs are short and softly bent, and the arms are lightly angled downward. The muzzle is a separate cream insert for a clean face shape.

The sweater is knitted separately and slipped onto the doll before final neck closing if you want the neatest fit. The shorts are also separate. Shoes are built over the feet as decorative coverings. Accessories are optional but included so the finished display matches the image as closely as possible.

Color Placement Summary

• Head: mostly rust brown with large cream cheek and muzzle panels
• Ears: brown outside, cream inside, dark outer tip edging
• Body and limbs: rust brown body under clothing, dark cuffs at wrist area, brown feet
• Sweater: sage green with small centered fox motif and tiny leaf details
• Shorts: soft cream, slightly puffy
• Shoes: brown tops, cream straps, tan sole trim, tiny pink flowers and green leaves
• Head trim: tan acorn with green leaf and rust bow

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Legs Make 2

Using rust brown and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly over 3 needles. Join for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: k all
2. Rnd 2: inc in each st around = 24 sts
3. Rnd 3 to 8: k all
4. Rnd 9: k6, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6 = 22 sts
5. Rnd 10 to 12: k all
6. Rnd 13: k5, k2tog, k8, ssk, k5 = 20 sts
7. Rnd 14 to 18: k all

Stuff foot firmly, shaping it slightly oval and flat at the bottom.

1. Rnd 19: k8, place next 4 sts on waste yarn for heel base shaping if desired, k8
2. Rnd 20 to 28: k all over 20 sts
3. Rnd 29: k2tog, k6, k2tog, k2tog, k6, ssk = 16 sts
4. Rnd 30 to 34: k all

Lightly stuff lower leg only. Keep upper leg softer so the shorts sit naturally.

1. Rnd 35: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1, k1, inc, k6, inc, k1 = 20 sts
2. Rnd 36 to 40: k all

BO loosely. Leave a long tail. Make the second leg the same.

Joining Legs and Lower Body

Place both legs side by side with feet pointing forward. Using rust brown and 2.5 mm needles, knit across the first leg, CO 4 sts for crotch bridge, knit across second leg = 44 sts.

1. Rnd 1: knit around, working across bridge sts = 44 sts
2. Rnd 2: k all
3. Rnd 3: k20, M1R, k4, M1L, k20 = 46 sts
4. Rnd 4 to 8: k all
5. Rnd 9: k all
6. Rnd 10: k9, k2tog, k3, k2tog, k18, ssk, k3, ssk, k9 = 42 sts
7. Rnd 11 to 14: k all
8. Rnd 15: k8, k2tog, k3, k2tog, k16, ssk, k3, ssk, k8 = 38 sts
9. Rnd 16 to 19: k all

Begin stuffing the hips and seat. Keep the shape compact, not round like a sphere. The lower body should be softly rectangular from front view so the sweater hangs in the same gentle way as the image.

Upper Body

1. Rnd 20: k all
2. Rnd 21: k6, inc, k7, inc, k8, inc, k7, inc, k6 = 42 sts
3. Rnd 22 to 28: k all
4. Rnd 29: k5, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k10, ssk, k7, ssk, k5 = 38 sts
5. Rnd 30 to 32: k all
6. Rnd 33: k4, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k8, ssk, k7, ssk, k4 = 34 sts
7. Rnd 34 to 36: k all
8. Rnd 37: k all

BO loosely. Leave a long tail for attaching the head or keep stitches live if you prefer a knitted join. Stuff body firmly but do not overstuff the chest. The red panda in the image has a cuddly, slightly soft torso rather than a rigid upright body.

Arms Make 2

Using dark brown or black, CO 8 sts on 2.5 mm needles and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 4: k all
2. Change to rust brown
3. Rnd 5: inc in each st around = 16 sts
4. Rnd 6 to 10: k all
5. Rnd 11: k2tog, k4, k2tog, k2tog, k4, ssk = 12 sts
6. Rnd 12 to 24: k all
7. Rnd 25: k1, inc, k4, inc, k1, k1, inc, k4, inc, k1 = 16 sts
8. Rnd 26 to 28: k all

Stuff hand and lower arm lightly. Flatten upper arm slightly. BO loosely, leaving long tail for sewing. When attaching later, angle each arm downward and outward just a little so one hand can rest near the berry basket and the other near the purse strap.

Tail

The tail is mostly hidden in the image, but a short soft tail helps balance the silhouette.

Using rust brown, CO 10 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 6: k all
2. Rnd 7: k1, inc, k3, inc, k1, k1, inc, k3, inc, k1 = 14 sts
3. Rnd 8 to 16: k all
4. Rnd 17: k2tog around = 7 sts

Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight. Stuff lightly. Sew low on back, mostly covered by sweater hem.

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Head Main Shell

The head is the most important shaping element in this pattern. It should be generously oversized, almost a rounded cube with softened edges. The cheeks are broad, the chin is short, and the top is smooth enough to support the acorn headpiece.

Using rust brown and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: inc in every st = 24 sts
2. Rnd 2: k all
3. Rnd 3: k1, inc around = 36 sts
4. Rnd 4: k all
5. Rnd 5: k2, inc around = 48 sts
6. Rnd 6: k all
7. Rnd 7: k3, inc around = 60 sts
8. Rnd 8 to 20: k all

At this stage, begin planning the face placement. The eyes sit low on the face and fairly wide apart, with a cream muzzle inserted between them and extending into tall cheek areas.

1. Rnd 21: k13, k2tog, k30, ssk, k13 = 58 sts
2. Rnd 22: k all
3. Rnd 23: k12, k2tog, k30, ssk, k12 = 56 sts
4. Rnd 24 to 28: k all

Stuff very firmly now, especially the side cheeks and forehead.

1. Rnd 29: k6, k2tog around = 49 sts
2. Rnd 30: k all
3. Rnd 31: k5, k2tog around = 42 sts
4. Rnd 32: k all
5. Rnd 33: k4, k2tog around = 35 sts
6. Rnd 34: k all
7. Rnd 35: k3, k2tog around = 28 sts
8. Rnd 36: k2, k2tog around = 21 sts

Finish stuffing. Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches, draw closed. Do not sew the head to the body yet.

Muzzle and Cheek Insert

This separate piece gives the face the exact soft triangular-oval cream area seen in the image. It should reach upward between the eyes and widen at the cheeks.

Using cream and 2.5 mm needles, work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: CO 9 sts
2. Row 2 WS: p all
3. Row 3: k1, M1L, k7, M1R, k1 = 11 sts
4. Row 4: p all
5. Row 5: k1, M1L, k9, M1R, k1 = 13 sts
6. Row 6: p all
7. Row 7: k1, M1L, k11, M1R, k1 = 15 sts
8. Row 8: p all
9. Row 9: k1, M1L, k13, M1R, k1 = 17 sts
10. Row 10: p all
11. Row 11: k all
12. Row 12: p all
13. Row 13: k2tog, k13, ssk = 15 sts
14. Row 14: p all
15. Row 15: k2tog, k11, ssk = 13 sts
16. Row 16: p all
17. Row 17: k2tog, k9, ssk = 11 sts
18. Row 18: p all
19. Row 19: k2tog, k7, ssk = 9 sts
20. Row 20: p all
21. Row 21: k2tog, k5, ssk = 7 sts

BO. Lightly steam or block. Sew centered on lower face. Stretch side sections into vertical cheek panels. Add a tiny pinch of stuffing under the muzzle only, not under the cheeks.

Eye Placement and Face Embroidery

Place the eyes about 8 to 9 stitches apart, slightly above the midpoint of the muzzle insert. In the image, the expression is calm and a little wistful, so keep the eyes low and level rather than wide and surprised.

• Eyes: insert 8 mm black safety eyes before fully securing the muzzle if using safety eyes
• Eyebrows: embroider two short cream slanted dashes above the eyes
• Nose: using dark brown, embroider a small horizontal satin-stitched nose
• Mouth: bring a vertical line 3 to 4 rows downward from the nose center, then make two short angled stitches for a subtle split mouth

Take time with this step. The doll becomes the pictured red panda mainly through the broad cream face shape, closely set downward muzzle, and small dark embroidered nose-mouth line.

Ears Make 2 Outer Pieces and 2 Inner Pieces

Outer ear, using rust brown, work flat:

1. Row 1: CO 3 sts
2. Row 2: p all
3. Row 3: k1, M1L, k1, M1R, k1 = 5 sts
4. Row 4: p all
5. Row 5: k1, M1L, k3, M1R, k1 = 7 sts
6. Row 6: p all
7. Row 7: k1, M1L, k5, M1R, k1 = 9 sts
8. Row 8: p all
9. Row 9: k1, M1L, k7, M1R, k1 = 11 sts
10. Row 10: p all
11. Row 11 to 14: work even in stockinette
12. Row 15: k2tog, k7, ssk = 9 sts
13. Row 16: p all
14. Row 17: k2tog, k5, ssk = 7 sts
15. Row 18: p all
16. Row 19: k2tog, k3, ssk = 5 sts
17. Row 20: p all
18. Row 21: k2tog, k1, ssk = 3 sts
19. Row 22: p all
20. Row 23: k3tog = 1 st

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Inner ear, using cream: work same as outer ear through Row 17 only, then BO. Sew inner ear onto lower two-thirds of outer ear. Embroider or whipstitch a narrow line of dark yarn around the outer top tip only, matching the black-tipped ear look in the image.

Fold each ear slightly at base and sew to the upper sides of the head so they angle outward, not straight up.

Acorn Headpiece

This tiny top decoration is a major detail in the photo. It is placed at the top center of the head, with a green leaf on one side and a rust bow near the opposite ear.

Acorn nut, using tan:

1. CO 6 sts and join
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st = 12 sts
3. Rnd 2: k all
4. Rnd 3: k1, inc around = 18 sts
5. Rnd 4 to 6: k all
6. Rnd 7: k1, k2tog around = 12 sts
7. Rnd 8: k all
8. Rnd 9: k2tog around = 6 sts

Stuff lightly. Draw closed.

Acorn cap, using brown:

1. CO 6 sts and join
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st = 12 sts
3. Rnd 2: k all
4. Rnd 3: k1, inc around = 18 sts
5. Rnd 4: p all for ridge
6. Rnd 5 to 6: k all

BO loosely. Sew over top of nut. Add a tiny i-cord stem of 3 stitches for 4 rows.

Leaf: CO 8 sts in leaf green and work flat.

1. Row 1 WS: p all
2. Row 2 RS: k all
3. Row 3: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1 = 6 sts
4. Row 4: p all
5. Row 5: k1, ssk, k, k2tog, k1 = 4 sts
6. Row 6: p all
7. Row 7: ssk, k2tog = 2 sts
8. Row 8: p2tog = 1 st

Make a small rust bow by knitting a tiny rectangle: CO 6 sts, work 8 rows stockinette, BO. Cinch center with yarn. Sew acorn at head top, leaf near left ear, and bow near right ear.

Cream Shorts

Using cream and 3 mm needles, make 2 legs first.

Short leg make 2: CO 20 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1 to 3: k1, p1 rib
2. Rnd 4 to 10: k all
3. BO first leg

Make second leg but do not BO. Join to first leg with 4 CO sts between = 44 sts.

1. Rnd 11 to 15: k all
2. Rnd 16: k10, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k10, ssk, k8, ssk = 40 sts
3. Rnd 17 to 19: k all
4. Rnd 20: p all for waistband turn line
5. Rnd 21 to 24: k all

BO loosely. Fold waistband to inside and sew down, leaving a little stretch. Dress the doll with shorts before attaching head if that is easier. The shorts should sit high, rounded, and slightly roomy like bloomer-style knit pants.

Sweater Base

The sweater is slightly oversized with dropped shoulders and a centered fox motif. Sleeves are roomy and stop just above the dark wrist cuffs. Work flat in pieces for easiest motif control.

Back

Using sage green and 3 mm needles, CO 44 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: k all
2. Row 2 WS: p all
3. Repeat these 2 rows until piece measures 3 inches
4. Next RS row: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows for armholes = 38 sts
5. Work even for 18 rows
6. Next RS row: k11, BO 16, k11
7. Work each side separately for neck
8. BO 2 sts at neck edge once, then work 2 rows even
9. BO shoulder

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Front

CO 44 sts in sage green. Work 10 rows stockinette. Begin fox motif centered on front panel over 18 stitches. Continue background in sage green using intarsia or duplicate stitch.

For a neat Blogger-friendly written pattern, the fox motif is easiest worked as duplicate stitch after knitting. That gives the cleanest little fox seen in the image. Continue the front plain, then embroider the fox and leaves later.

1. Work front to same length as back until armhole shaping
2. BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows = 38 sts
3. Work 10 rows even
4. Next RS row: k14, BO 10, k14
5. Work each side separately, BO 2 sts at neck edge once, then 1 st once
6. Work to same height as back and BO shoulders

Sleeves Make 2

Using sage green, CO 24 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: k all
2. Row 2 WS: p all
3. Row 3: k1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1 = 26 sts
4. Work 5 rows even
5. Repeat increase row every 6th row until 36 sts
6. Work even until sleeve measures 3.25 inches
7. BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows
8. BO remaining sts

Fox Motif and Leaf Embellishment

After blocking the sweater lightly, embroider or duplicate-stitch the fox at center front. Keep the motif compact, about 1.5 inches tall. The fox in the image has a rust body, cream cheeks and chest, tiny black eyes, and a white-tipped tail effect implied within the motif.

• Fox head: 8 stitches wide in rust, with cream inner cheek points
• Fox body: 10 to 12 stitches wide, tapering slightly downward
• Chest: cream diamond or heart-shaped patch
• Eyes: two black horizontal stitches
• Leafs beside fox: embroider one small olive-green leaf motif on each side near lower front

This duplicate-stitch approach makes the sweater easier for beginners while still matching the picture closely.

Sweater Assembly

Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves. Sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up about 30 to 34 sts around the neckline using sage green and work 3 rounds k1, p1 rib in the round or 3 rows rib flat, then BO loosely.

The sweater should look relaxed and slightly boxy, not fitted. Slip it onto the doll. The hem should fall at the high hip area and partly cover the top of the shorts.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are decorative coverings sewn over the feet. They are brown with cream straps, tan sole trim, and tiny pink floral accents.

Shoe top, using brown, work flat:

1. CO 10 sts
2. Row 1 RS: k all
3. Row 2 WS: p all
4. Row 3: k1, M1L, k8, M1R, k1 = 12 sts
5. Row 4: p all
6. Row 5: k1, M1L, k10, M1R, k1 = 14 sts
7. Row 6 to 10: work even in stockinette

BO. Sew curved over foot top.

Strap: using cream, CO 16 sts and work 2 rows garter. BO. Sew across front ankle. Add a twisted tan cord or embroidered chain stitch around sole edge. Make two tiny flowers from pink knots and green leaf stitches at outer sides.

Purse

This small shoulder bag is a key detail in the photo. The body is rust, the flap is tan, and the strap is brown.

Bag body, using rust, work flat:

1. CO 18 sts
2. Rows 1 to 20: stockinette, ending with WS row
3. BO

Fold in thirds to form pouch and sew side seams.

Flap, using tan:

1. CO 18 sts
2. Rows 1 to 8: garter stitch
3. BO

Sew flap to back top edge. Add 2 tiny brown buttons to flap front. Make a long i-cord strap of 3 stitches for about 14 inches and sew securely to bag sides. Drape across body from shoulder to opposite hip.

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Berry Basket

Using tan, CO 8 sts on dpns and join.

1. Rnd 1: inc in each st = 16 sts
2. Rnd 2: k all
3. Rnd 3: k1, inc around = 24 sts
4. Rnd 4: p all for base edge
5. Rnd 5 to 12: k all

BO loosely. Shape as little open basket. Make handle by knitting an i-cord of 3 stitches for 4 inches. Sew handle ends inside basket rim. Add tiny knitted or wound berry balls in cream, navy, plum, red, and blue shades.

Mushroom Cushion

The mushroom at the left side of the image looks like a soft knitted toadstool seat or cushion.

Cap top, using rust:

1. CO 8 sts and join
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st = 16 sts
3. Rnd 2: k all
4. Rnd 3: k1, inc around = 24 sts
5. Rnd 4: k all
6. Rnd 5: k2, inc around = 32 sts
7. Rnd 6 to 12: k all

Make a matching underside circle in cream to 32 sts. Sew together with light stuffing. Add white duplicate-stitched spots to cap.

Stem ring: knit a cream strip 8 stitches wide and 18 rows long. Sew into ring and attach under cap.

Hedgehog

This tiny hedgehog can be made quickly to complete the display.

Face, using cream:

1. CO 6 sts and join
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st = 12 sts
3. Rnd 2: k all
4. Rnd 3: k1, inc around = 18 sts
5. Rnd 4 to 6: k all

Back, using taupe or brown textured yarn if available, otherwise standard brown:

1. Pick up 18 sts around face edge
2. Rnd 1 to 4: k all
3. Rnd 5: k1, k2tog around = 12 sts
4. Rnd 6: k all
5. Rnd 7: k2tog around = 6 sts

Stuff lightly and close. Embroider tiny black nose and eyes.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Sew head firmly to body with the chin slightly forward so the doll looks downward in a gentle way
• Sew arms at upper body sides with a relaxed downward slant
• Sew ears high and slightly outward
• Add the acorn, leaf, and bow at the crown exactly as shown
• Dress doll in shorts first, then sweater, then attach purse and shoes
• Place basket in one hand area and hedgehog near foot for display
• Check that cream face panels remain symmetrical and centered

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible
• If needed, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap
• Do not wring the knitted doll or accessories
• Reshape while damp and dry flat away from heat
• Store with tissue support inside accessories to keep their shape

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head: round and full, not narrow
• Face: cream muzzle centered, eyes even, nose tiny
• Ears: cream inside, dark tips visible
• Sweater: fox motif centered on front
• Shorts: soft and slightly puffy
• Shoes: floral details added
• Top trim: acorn, leaf, and bow attached
• Props: purse, basket, mushroom, hedgehog completed if desired

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term preservation, keep the doll away from direct sun, moisture, and rough friction. If displaying on a shelf, support the body in a seated or lightly reclined pose so the neck seam is not strained. Avoid hanging the purse by itself for storage.

For collector-quality results, brush textured yarns very lightly with clean fingers only, never a stiff brush. Store wrapped in breathable cotton or acid-free tissue. If packed seasonally, remove accessories and keep all small pieces in a separate pouch so the embroidery and shaping stay crisp.