Knitting Tutorial: Woodland Sid Explorer – Free Knitting Pattern

Bring a charming woodland traveler to life with this detailed knit stuffed animal pattern. Woodland Sid Explorer is a long-necked forest friend with a leafy cardigan, crossbody satchel, cozy hat, tiny sandals, a miniature camera, and a takeaway coffee cup. The finished toy has the look of a collectible knitted doll, a thoughtful handmade gift, and a beautiful heirloom nursery toy. This design is written to help you create the same gentle shape, soft earthy palette, and sweet explorer styling shown in 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.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is worked as a fully styled knitted character with separate clothing and accessories. The toy has a slim ribbed neck, a rounded lower body, oversized side-set eyes, a large black nose, buck teeth, embroidered smile, and small claws.

The cardigan is short and slightly boxy with a shallow shawl-like collar, seed-texture edges, and scattered leaf motifs. The satchel hangs diagonally across the front. The hat is soft, rounded, and finished with a pom-pom. Tiny sandals, a camera, and a coffee cup complete the scene.

The instructions below are written in US English and aim to match the proportions in the image as closely as possible. Keep your stitches firm and even. This is especially important for the head, eyes, nose, body, and accessories.

Finished Size

• Main character: about 13 to 14 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including antenna hairs
• Cardigan: cropped and waist length
• Hat: sized to sit beside the figure as a removable accessory
• Sandals: about 2 inches long each
• Camera: about 1.5 inches wide
• Coffee cup: about 1.75 inches tall
• Satchel: about 2.25 inches wide with a long strap

Skill Level

Intermediate. A confident beginner can complete it with patience, careful counting, and neat finishing. Most shaping uses basic increases and decreases, but the overall look depends on clean assembly and correct placement.

Materials

• Yarn weight: light DK or fine sport for the main toy and accessories
• Main body color A: pale oatmeal beige
• Contrast body color B: soft taupe for shading on feet and lower body if desired
• Eye white color C: cream or soft white
• Pupil color D: black
• Nose color E: black
• Tooth color F: white
• Cardigan and hat base color G: sage green
• Cardigan and hat contrast color H: natural cream
• Leaf accent color I: olive green
• Berry accent color J: muted rust brown
• Flower accent color K: white
• Flower center color L: daisy yellow
• Satchel color M: sage green and cream
• Camera color N: brown, gray, black, and white
• Cup color O: brown, white, olive
• Needles: US 2 and US 3 double-pointed needles or short circular plus DPNs for small pieces
• Tapestry needle
• Small buttons: 4 to 6 tiny wooden buttons
• Stuffing: firm polyester fiberfill
• Optional weighted pellets: for the lower body only, sealed in a pouch
• Black embroidery thread
• Matching sewing thread

Gauge

On larger needles in stockinette, 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches. For toys, exact gauge is less important than fabric density. Your knitted fabric should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• dpn = double-pointed needle
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• m1 = make 1 stitch
• p = purl
• pm = place marker
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st = stitch
• st st = stockinette stitch
• WS = wrong side

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Helpful Notes Before You Begin

• Use a firm cast on for the feet and accessories.
• Stuff gradually, especially in the neck and head.
• The neck is intentionally long and narrow. Keep it tightly stuffed.
• Eyes are large and slightly protruding, attached wide on the sides of the head.
• The nose sits high between the eyes, not low on the snout.
• The body is pear-shaped, fuller at the bottom and slimmer at the upper chest.
• Hands and feet are small and simple, with embroidered claw divisions.

Main Body and Legs

The body and legs are worked from the feet upward as two separate legs, then joined. This gives the standing seated shape shown in the image, with small feet angled outward and a broad rounded lower section.

Leg 1

1. Using color A and smaller needles, CO 12 sts. Divide onto 3 dpns. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all.
5. Rnd 4: k8, kfb, k6, kfb, k8. 26 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 8: k all.
7. Rnd 9: k8, k2tog, k6, ssk, k8. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 10: k all.
9. Rnd 11: k6, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6. 22 sts.
10. Rnd 12: k all.
11. Rnd 13: k5, k2tog, k8, ssk, k5. 20 sts.
12. Work 10 rnds in k1, p1 rib for the lower leg tube.
13. Switch to larger needles and work 6 rnds in st st.
14. Place sts on hold.

Leg 2

Work as for Leg 1, but do not break yarn after the final round.

Join Body

1. Knit across Leg 2, CO 4 sts for center bridge, knit across held sts of Leg 1, CO 4 sts. 48 sts.
2. Place marker at each side. The center front and back bridges help create the soft belly and seated lower shape.
3. Rnds 1 to 8: k all.
4. Rnd 9: k to 2 sts before side marker, k2tog, slip marker, ssk. Rep at second side marker. 44 sts.
5. Rnds 10 to 13: k all.
6. Rnd 14: rep dec rnd. 40 sts.
7. Rnds 15 to 18: k all.
8. Rnd 19: rep dec rnd. 36 sts.
9. Rnds 20 to 25: k all.

At this stage, begin stuffing the feet and lower body firmly. If using weights, place a small fabric pouch with pellets in the base only. Do not put loose pellets directly into the knitting.

1. Rnd 26: k6, m1, k6, m1, k6, m1, k6, m1, k12. 40 sts.
2. Rnds 27 to 34: k all.
3. Rnd 35: k8, k2tog, k8, ssk, k18. 38 sts.
4. Rnd 36: k all.
5. Rnd 37: k7, k2tog, k8, ssk, k17. 36 sts.
6. Rnds 38 to 45: k all.

The body should now look like a soft pear with a rounded tummy and narrower upper section. Keep stuffing smooth and even so the front looks full but not lumpy.

Neck

The neck is the most distinctive shape in this toy. It is narrow, tall, and worked in ribbing so it stretches visually upward, matching the image.

1. Change to k1, p1 rib on 36 sts.
2. Work 20 rnds in k1, p1 rib.
3. Rnd 21: k1, p1 around, decreasing 4 sts evenly over the round. 32 sts.
4. Work 16 more rnds in k1, p1 rib.

Stuff the neck very firmly in small amounts as you go. Use a narrow tool to push stuffing down evenly. A loosely stuffed neck will bend too much and lose the upright explorer look.

Head

The head widens from the neck into a rounded face, then closes smoothly at the top. The eyes and nose add most of the expression, so the knitted base should stay simple and symmetrical.

1. Switch to st st.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every 4th st around. 40 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: k4, m1 around. 48 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all.
6. Rnd 5: k5, m1 around. 56 sts.
7. Rnds 6 to 14: k all.
8. Rnd 15: k6, k2tog around. 49 sts.
9. Rnd 16: k all.
10. Rnd 17: k5, k2tog around. 42 sts.
11. Rnd 18: k all.
12. Rnd 19: k4, k2tog around. 35 sts.
13. Rnd 20: k all.

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Stuff the head firmly, especially the forehead and cheek area. The front of the face should feel smooth. Do not overfill the crown or the head will become too spherical and lose the slightly elongated look.

1. Rnd 21: k3, k2tog around. 28 sts.
2. Rnd 22: k all.
3. Rnd 23: k2, k2tog around. 21 sts.
4. Rnd 24: k1, k2tog around. 14 sts.
5. Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten.

Arms

The arms are short, narrow, and lightly bent downward. They should reach to about the lower edge of the cardigan. Make two.

1. Using color A, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st around. 20 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 4: k all.
4. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 10 sts.
5. Work 14 rnds in st st.
6. Rnd 20: k1, m1 around. 15 sts.
7. Rnds 21 to 23: k all.
8. Stuff only the hand end lightly.
9. Flatten top opening and BO using 5 stitches each side together, or thread-gather closed.

Use a few stitches at the wrist to define a soft hand shape. Later, embroider two short claw divisions at each hand tip using matching beige or taupe yarn.

Eye Bulbs

The eyes are large separate knitted pieces attached high and wide on the head. Their slight outward bulge is important for the exact character look. Make two outer eye bulbs, then knit pupils and eye whites separately.

Outer Eye Bulbs

1. Using color A, CO 6 sts onto dpns and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: k1, m1 around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all.
6. Rnd 5: k2, m1 around. 24 sts.
7. Rnds 6 to 8: k all.
8. Rnd 9: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
9. Rnd 10: k all.
10. Rnd 11: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
11. Stuff lightly so the front remains rounded.
12. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Eye Whites

1. Using color C, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: k1, m1 around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all.
6. BO loosely.

Pupils

1. Using color D, CO 4 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. BO.

Sew each black pupil slightly off-center on the white circle to create the lively sideways gaze shown in the image. Then sew the eye white onto the outer eye bulb front.

Nose

The nose is oversized, oval, and prominent. It sits between the eyes and projects from the face. Work it tightly and stuff it firmly.

1. Using color E, CO 8 sts onto dpns and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: k3, m1 around. 20 sts.
5. Rnds 4 to 8: k all.
6. Rnd 9: k3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
7. Rnd 10: k all.
8. Rnd 11: k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
9. Stuff firmly.
10. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

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Teeth

The two front teeth are small but very visible, so keep them neat and squared. Make two identical little tabs.

1. Using color F, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 5: work in st st, slipping first stitch of each purl row for neat edges.
3. BO.
4. Make a second tooth.

Sew side by side under the center smile line, leaving a narrow split between them. They should sit just below the embroidered mouth curve.

Ears

This character has minimal ear definition in the image, with the eye placement dominating the side head silhouette. If you want a closer match, keep ears tiny or omit separate ears entirely.

For a subtle suggestion, make two tiny half-moons.

1. CO 6 sts in color A.
2. Row 1: k.
3. Row 2: p.
4. Row 3: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
5. Row 4: p.
6. BO.

Cardigan

The cardigan is one of the key design pieces. It is short, softly structured, and worked flat in one piece to the armholes, then divided. The edge texture and scattered leafy motifs are more important than exact chart perfection.

Use colors G and H as the background shades. Scatter small duplicate-stitched leaves in color I and tiny berry dots in color J after knitting if you prefer a cleaner method than stranded knitting.

Back and Lower Body of Cardigan

1. Using smaller needles and color G, CO 42 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: work seed stitch.
3. Switch to larger needles.
4. Rows 7 to 10: k on RS, p on WS in color H.
5. Rows 11 to 14: work 6 sts seed stitch border each side, st st center, change color sections softly between G and H for mottled bands.
6. Rows 15 to 24: continue as established.

At the same time, add leaf motifs. Each leaf can be embroidered later over a 3 stitch by 4 row area. Place them irregularly, but keep the shoulders and fronts fairly balanced.

Divide for Fronts and Back

1. Row 25 RS: work 10 sts for left front, BO 6 sts for armhole, work 16 sts for back, BO 6 sts, work 10 sts for right front.

Left Front

1. Work 10 sts, maintaining 4 edge sts in seed stitch for front band.
2. Work 10 rows straight.
3. Neck shaping, RS rows: k to last 2 sts, k2tog. Rep this neck dec every other RS row 3 more times. 6 sts.
4. Work straight until front matches back shoulder height.
5. BO.

Right Front

1. Work to match left front, reversing neck shaping with ssk at the start of RS shaping rows.

Back

1. Work 16 sts straight for 12 rows.
2. BO center 6 sts.
3. Work each shoulder separately, BO 5 sts each shoulder.

Sleeves

1. Using smaller needles and color G, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 5: seed stitch.
3. Switch to larger needles.
4. Rows 6 to 20: st st with gentle striped or marled sections of G and H.
5. Inc 1 st each side every 6th row twice. 22 sts.
6. Rows 21 to 23: work even.
7. BO loosely.

Sew shoulder seams first, then attach sleeves. Sew side and sleeve seams. The cardigan should sit open at the lower front with a slightly overlapping collar effect.

Collar and Trim

1. Using smaller needles and color G, pick up and knit 40 to 48 sts evenly around the neckline and front opening.
2. Work 4 rows seed stitch.
3. On row 5, make one small button loop near the upper chest if desired.
4. Work 2 more rows seed stitch.
5. BO neatly.

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Sew one small wooden button to the opposite front. The cardigan in the image closes softly near the chest rather than all the way down, so keep the lower front open.

Leaf and Berry Embellishment

After cardigan and hat are finished, embroider leaf motifs using duplicate stitch in olive green. Each leaf can be made over 1 central stitch with slanted side stitches to create a pointed shape.

• Make 10 to 16 scattered leaves over the cardigan.
• Add tiny berry knots in rust brown in small clusters.
• Keep the embellishment delicate, not crowded.
• Leave a little open space near the button and underarm seams.

Satchel

The satchel is a small striped crossbody bag with a flap, button, and tiny floral trim. It hangs from one shoulder to the opposite hip, so the strap must be long and flexible.

Bag Body

1. Using color M, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 24: work in st st, alternating 2-row stripes of sage and cream.
3. Fold piece in half so it measures about 2.25 inches tall.
4. Sew side seams.

Flap

1. Pick up 16 sts along one top edge.
2. Rows 1 to 4: st st.
3. Row 5 RS: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
4. Row 6: p.
5. Row 7: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
6. Row 8: p.
7. BO.

Strap

1. CO 70 sts in sage green.
2. Work 3 rows garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Sew each end securely to the top inside of the bag.

Decorations

• Sew one tiny wooden button to the flap point.
• Add a small white flower with yellow center near the lower right front.
• Add a tiny rolled rust flower beside it for the same clustered look as the image.

Beanie Hat

The hat is knitted separately and shown beside the character. It has a folded ribbed brim, colorwork-inspired leafy patterning, and a full pom-pom. Keep it soft but structured enough to hold its shape off the head.

1. Using smaller needles and color G, CO 56 sts and join.
2. Work 14 rnds in k2, p2 rib.
3. Switch to larger needles.
4. Rnd 15 onward: work 6 rnds in color H.
5. Add small leaf motifs in color I using duplicate stitch after knitting, spacing them evenly around.
6. Work 10 more rnds in soft striped or mottled sage and cream.

1. Dec rnd 1: k6, k2tog around. 49 sts.
2. Rnd 2: k all.
3. Dec rnd 3: k5, k2tog around. 42 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k all.
5. Dec rnd 5: k4, k2tog around. 35 sts.
6. Rnd 6: k all.
7. Dec rnd 7: k3, k2tog around. 28 sts.
8. Dec rnd 8: k2, k2tog around. 21 sts.
9. Dec rnd 9: k1, k2tog around. 14 sts.
10. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight.

Make a medium pom-pom in mixed sage, cream, and beige. Tie securely and sew to the crown. Fold the brim upward for the same chunky lower edge seen in the image.

Sandals

These tiny sandals are a fun finishing detail. They have pale soles, sage uppers, ankle straps, and white daisy decorations. Make two.

Sole

1. Using color A, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
3. Row 2: p.
4. Row 3: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
5. Rows 4 to 8: work in st st.
6. BO.

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Upper Strap

1. Using color G, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
3. BO.

Ankle Strap

1. CO 14 sts in color G.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. BO.

Sew upper strap across front third of sole. Attach ankle strap at side edges so it curves around the opening. Add one tiny wooden button on the outer side. Finish each sandal with a small daisy made from 5 looped white stitches and a yellow French knot center.

Camera

The tiny camera is blocky and playful with a brown body, gray top, white lens ring, and black center. Make it firmly stuffed or lightly padded.

1. Using brown yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Work 14 rows in st st.
3. Sew into a small rectangular box and stuff lightly.
4. For the top panel, pick up or sew a separate gray strip 12 sts by 4 rows.
5. For the lens, make a small white circle, then sew on a smaller black circle in the center.

Attach the lens to the front. If desired, embroider a tiny side button and strap detail in black. Keep the proportions slightly chunky, as in the image.

Coffee Cup

The cup has a brown lower body, white foamy lid, and a tiny green oval logo patch. It should sit upright beside the character and feel like a cozy explorer accessory.

1. Using brown yarn, CO 8 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 8: k all.
4. Change to white.
5. Rnd 9: k all.
6. Rnd 10: k1, p1 around for textured lid edge.
7. Rnd 11: k all.
8. Rnd 12: k2tog around. 8 sts.
9. Stuff lightly and close.

Sew a tiny green oval badge to the front with a darker stitched center ring if desired.

Small Flower Bow

The head decoration is a tiny beige flower bow attached near one eye. It softens the face and balances the large nose and eyes.

1. CO 12 sts in beige.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Wrap the center tightly with matching yarn to create a bow shape.
5. Sew a tiny pinkish center wrap over the middle.

Antenna Hairs

Use black embroidery thread or fine yarn to add two short upward hairs above the eyes. Each should be slightly curved and sparse, not thick.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Sew arms to the upper body just below the neck transition.
• Attach eyes high and wide on the head, angled slightly outward.
• Sew the nose between and slightly below the eyes, projecting forward.
• Attach teeth centered below the nose.
• Embroider a long curved smile in black.
• Add tiny nostril shaping stitches if needed.
• Embroider claw divisions on hands and feet.
• Dress the character in cardigan and satchel.

For the best likeness, position the eyes first, then pin the nose, then test the mouth curve with a loose thread before stitching permanently. The smile should be broad and gentle, sitting fairly high on the face.

Care Notes

• Spot clean when possible.
• If a deeper clean is needed, hand wash gently in cool water.
• Do not twist or wring.
• Reshape while damp and dry flat.
• Remove or protect delicate accessories before washing.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Neck firmly stuffed
• Eyes placed wide and even
• Nose centered and prominent
• Teeth aligned neatly
• Smile curve balanced
• Cardigan button secure
• Satchel strap length correct
• Hat pom-pom attached tightly
• Sandals decorated with daisies
• Camera and cup scaled small

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

• Store away from direct sunlight to protect the earthy colors.
• Keep in a dry space to prevent odor and fiber damage.
• If displaying long term, support the neck and body gently.
• Brush surface fibers lightly with clean dry hands only.
• Check sewn decorations and buttons occasionally.

Finishing Thoughts

Woodland Sid Explorer looks best when the shaping stays slender through the neck, rounded through the belly, and expressive through the face. Take extra time with the eye spacing, nose size, and cardigan styling, since those details define the finished character.

The accessories are small, but they complete the full story of the design. The beanie, satchel, sandals, camera, and coffee cup turn the knitted toy into a warm woodland traveler with exactly the cozy personality shown in the image.