Knitting Tutorial: Border Collie in Blue Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knitted Border Collie doll wears bright blue overalls with a flower-patterned bib, a rainbow scarf, a tiny flower crown, soft sandals, and a small crossbody bee bag. The finished toy also includes garden accessories inspired by the image: a matching striped sun hat, a watering can, and a teapot, making the whole set look like a sweet spring garden friend.

 

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

Finished Size

The finished Border Collie measures about 12 inches tall when knitted with DK yarn and 2.75 mm needles. The head is large and rounded, the body is compact, the legs are thick and seated forward, and the arms hang softly beside the overalls. The accessories are small but detailed so the finished toy matches the garden style in the photo.

• Doll height: about 12 in / 30.5 cm from sandal sole to top of flower crown.
• Head width: about 4.25 in / 10.8 cm across the cheeks.
• Body height: about 4 in / 10 cm from neck to lower hip.
• Leg length: about 3.5 in / 9 cm from hip to ankle.
• Overalls bib: about 3 in wide and 2.25 in tall.
• Crossbody bag: about 1.75 in wide and 2 in tall.

Yarn Colors

Use soft DK or light worsted yarn with a slightly fuzzy texture for the dog. The image has a woolly, brushed surface, especially on the black ears, cheeks, and arms. Choose yarns that can be gently brushed after knitting, or use regular DK yarn and lightly tease the surface with a soft pet slicker brush.

• Black: head sides, ears, back of head, arms, body sides, and markings.
• White: center face blaze, muzzle, chest, paws, lower legs, and toe detail.
• Tan caramel: eyebrow spots, cheek patches, inner leg speckles, and front arm markings.
• Denim blue: overalls, straps, pant legs, sandal edging, and hat base.
• Cream: bag, sandal soles, teapot base, watering can accents, and flower centers.
• Variegated rainbow: scarf and small decorative stripes.
• Pink, yellow, red, green, pale blue, white: flower crown, bib flowers, hat flowers, and bee wings.
• Black and yellow: bee applique on the bag.

Tools and Materials

• 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• 2.5 mm needles for small accessories and firm details.
• DK yarn in the colors listed above.
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
• Two 8 mm black safety eyes or embroidered eyes.
• Black embroidery thread for nose, mouth, and muzzle spots.
• Cream or white embroidery thread for face blaze stitching.
• Four tiny 6 mm buttons for overall straps and side accents.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Small scissors.
• Optional slicker brush for a soft fuzzy dog texture.

Gauge

Gauge is important because this toy needs firm knitted fabric that holds stuffing smoothly. Work tightly enough that the fiberfill does not show through. If your stitches are loose, change to a smaller needle size before starting the head.

• Stockinette gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 inch / 2.5 cm.
• Garter stitch gauge: 6.5 stitches and 12 rows = 1 inch / 2.5 cm.
• Small accessory gauge: 8 stitches and 11 rounds = 1 inch / 2.5 cm using 2.5 mm needles.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• Sts: stitches.
• Rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• SSK: slip, slip, knit the 2 slipped stitches together.
• M1L: make 1 left increase.
• M1R: make 1 right increase.
• PM: place marker.
• SM: slip marker.
• I-cord: knitted cord worked by sliding stitches across the needle.

Construction Notes

This pattern is worked as separate pieces and sewn together. This gives better control over the seated pose, large Border Collie head, floppy ears, blue overalls, and small accessories. The dog is knitted mostly in stockinette stitch in the round, while the clothing uses flat pieces and simple colorwork bands.

For the closest image match, keep the head slightly oversized. The dog should have a rounded puppy-like face, a long white blaze down the forehead, tan eyebrow dots, tan cheek patches, a black nose, and soft floppy black ears angled outward.

• Stuff firmly: the head and legs need shape, but the arms should remain slightly soft.
• Use mattress stitch: for smooth seams along the body and clothing.
• Brush lightly: only after all embroidery is finished, and avoid the eyes and small flowers.
• Check symmetry: pin the ears, arms, legs, and straps before sewing permanently.

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Head

The head is knitted from the neck upward in the round. Use black as the main color, while the white blaze and muzzle are embroidered later for better control. This keeps the face smooth and lets you shape the Border Collie markings precisely.

1. With black yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Rnd 1: K all 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Repeat K1, Kfb around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Repeat K2, Kfb around. 48 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: Repeat K3, Kfb around. 60 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: Repeat K4, Kfb around. 72 sts.
12. Rnds 11-24: K all 72 sts for 14 rounds.
13. Rnd 25: K18, M1L, K36, M1R, K18. 74 sts.
14. Rnd 26: K all sts.
15. Rnd 27: K19, M1L, K36, M1R, K19. 76 sts.
16. Rnds 28-32: K all 76 sts.
17. Rnd 33: Repeat K17, K2tog around, ending K0. 72 sts.
18. Rnd 34: K all sts.
19. Rnd 35: Repeat K6, K2tog around. 63 sts.
20. Rnd 36: K all sts.
21. Rnd 37: Repeat K5, K2tog around. 54 sts.
22. Rnd 38: K all sts.
23. Begin stuffing the head firmly, shaping the cheeks wide and rounded.
24. Rnd 39: Repeat K4, K2tog around. 45 sts.
25. Rnd 40: Repeat K3, K2tog around. 36 sts.
26. Rnd 41: Repeat K2, K2tog around. 27 sts.
27. Add more stuffing, keeping the lower face full.
28. Rnd 42: Repeat K1, K2tog around. 18 sts.
29. Rnd 43: K2tog around. 9 sts.
30. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

White Face Blaze

The white blaze runs from the top center of the forehead down between the eyes and widens into the muzzle. In the image, it is not a perfect rectangle. It looks handmade and slightly textured, so embroidered duplicate stitch and satin stitch work best.

1. Thread a tapestry needle with white yarn.
2. Start at the top center of the forehead, about 7 rounds above the eye line.
3. Duplicate stitch a vertical line 3 sts wide for 8 rounds.
4. Widen the blaze to 5 sts wide for the next 5 rounds.
5. At the muzzle area, widen to 11 sts across and cover about 7 rounds.
6. Use short horizontal stitches to soften the edges of the white patch.
7. Add a few tiny black stitches inside the lower white muzzle for speckles.

Tan Face Markings

• For each eyebrow, embroider a small tan oval above each eye, about 3 sts wide and 3 rounds tall.
• For each cheek, embroider a curved tan patch starting beside the muzzle and moving outward toward the lower eye.
• Each cheek patch should be about 8 sts wide and 6 rounds tall.
• Use split stitch around the edge, then fill with small satin stitches.

Muzzle

The muzzle is a small white oval sewn onto the lower front of the head. It gives the Border Collie the soft raised snout seen in the image. Do not overstuff it; the piece should be padded but not round like a ball.

1. With white yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, M1L, K8, M1R, K1. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K2, M1L, K8, M1R, K2. 14 sts.
6. Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
7. Row 10: K2, SSK, K6, K2tog, K2. 12 sts.
8. Row 11: P all sts.
9. Row 12: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
10. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.
11. Place the muzzle across the lower white face patch, centered below the eyes.
12. Add a thin layer of stuffing beneath it and sew around the edge.

Nose and Mouth

The nose is large, black, and rounded, sitting at the front center of the muzzle. The image has a shiny black nose with small dark dots on the white muzzle. Embroidery gives the neatest result and keeps the toy safe for display.

1. With black embroidery thread, satin stitch an oval nose 8 sts wide and 5 rows tall.
2. Work the first layer horizontally, then add a second layer vertically for fullness.
3. Add one straight vertical stitch down from the center bottom of the nose for 3 rows.
4. Make a small curved mouth line on each side using backstitch.
5. Add 5 tiny black speckle stitches on the white muzzle, scattered unevenly.

Eyes

Place the eyes before final face brushing. The eyes sit wide apart, slightly above the widest part of the muzzle. They should look glossy and gentle, with tan eyebrow markings above them.

• Insert 8 mm safety eyes between rounds 25 and 26 of the head.
• Leave about 18 sts between the eyes across the front.
• If embroidering eyes, satin stitch each eye as a 5-st-wide black oval.
• Add one tiny white highlight stitch on the upper outer edge of each eye.
• Gently tighten the eye area by sewing from one eye socket to the other through the head.

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Ears

The Border Collie ears are soft, black, floppy, and slightly folded forward. They sit high on the head but drop outward, framing the flower crown. Knit two matching ears and sew them with the cast-on edge slightly curved.

1. With black yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: Work in garter stitch.
3. Row 4: K all sts.
4. Row 5: P all sts.
5. Row 6: K1, M1L, K16, M1R, K1. 20 sts.
6. Rows 7-13: Work in stockinette.
7. Row 14: K2, SSK, K12, K2tog, K2. 18 sts.
8. Row 15: P all sts.
9. Row 16: K2, SSK, K10, K2tog, K2. 16 sts.
10. Row 17: P all sts.
11. Row 18: K2, SSK, K8, K2tog, K2. 14 sts.
12. Row 19: P all sts.
13. Row 20: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1. 12 sts.
14. Row 21: P all sts.
15. Row 22: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
16. Row 23: P all sts.
17. Row 24: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
18. BO all sts loosely.
19. Fold each ear lightly at the top edge and sew the fold with 3 small stitches.
20. Attach ears between rounds 12 and 20 of the head, angled down and outward.

Body

The body is white at the chest and black at the sides, but much of it will be covered by the blue overalls. Knit the body in a simple oval shape. The upper chest should remain white because it shows above the bib and under the scarf.

1. With white yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Repeat K1, Kfb around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Repeat K2, Kfb around. 48 sts.
8. Rnds 7-12: K all sts in white.
9. Change to black for the back half and keep white for the front 18 sts if working color sections.
10. Rnds 13-24: K all sts, using white for the front chest panel and black for remaining sts.
11. Rnd 25: Repeat K6, K2tog around. 42 sts.
12. Rnd 26: K all sts.
13. Rnd 27: Repeat K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.
14. Rnd 28: K all sts.
15. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the base flat enough for a seated pose.
16. Rnd 29: Repeat K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
17. Rnd 30: Repeat K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
18. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.

Legs

The legs are chunky and covered by blue overall pants. The white paws show at the bottom, with little toe lines visible above the sandals. Make two legs. They are sewn to the lower body in a seated position, angled forward.

White Paws

1. With white yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Repeat K4, Kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: K all sts.
7. Rnd 9: K6, K2tog 6 times, K6. 18 sts.
8. Rnds 10-12: K all sts.
9. Change to denim blue for pants.

Blue Pant Legs

1. Rnd 13: K all 18 sts in blue.
2. Rnd 14: Repeat K2, Kfb around. 24 sts.
3. Rnds 15-31: K all sts.
4. Rnd 32: P all sts to create the cuff ridge.
5. Rnd 33: K all sts.
6. Rnd 34: P all sts to create the second cuff ridge.
7. Rnd 35: K all sts.
8. Stuff the paw and leg firmly, but leave the top 0.5 inch slightly softer.
9. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.
10. Repeat for the second leg.

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Toe Detail

• Use gray or light tan embroidery thread.
• Make 3 vertical toe lines on each white paw, each 4 rows long.
• Pull each line gently so the paw separates into soft rounded toes.
• Add 3 tiny tan speckles above each paw to match the natural dog markings.

Arms

The arms hang straight down at the sides. They are black at the upper arm, tan near the lower forearm, and white at the paw. The finished shape should be slim near the shoulder and rounded at the paw.

1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-7: K all sts.
5. Change to tan yarn.
6. Rnds 8-11: K all sts.
7. Change to black yarn.
8. Rnds 12-27: K all sts.
9. Rnd 28: Repeat K2, K2tog around. 12 sts.
10. Stuff the paw firmly and the arm lightly.
11. Rnd 29: K all sts.
12. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.
13. Repeat for the second arm.

Paw Lines for Arms

• Use gray thread to embroider 3 short vertical lines on each white hand.
• Each line should be about 3 rows long.
• Pull lightly to form soft paw divisions.
• Do not flatten the paws; keep them rounded and plush.

Blue Overalls

The blue overalls are the main clothing feature. They include full pant legs, a front bib, shoulder straps, side buttons, and colorful floral bands. Since the legs are already blue, this section creates the bib, waistband, front panel, straps, and decoration.

Overall Bib

1. With denim blue yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work in garter stitch.
3. Row 5: K all sts.
4. Row 6: P all sts.
5. Rows 7-20: Continue stockinette stitch.
6. Row 21: K2, SSK, K20, K2tog, K2. 26 sts.
7. Row 22: P all sts.
8. Row 23: K2, SSK, K18, K2tog, K2. 24 sts.
9. Rows 24-27: Work in stockinette.
10. Rows 28-31: Work in garter stitch for the top edge.
11. BO all sts.
12. Sew the bib centered on the front body, starting just above the waist and ending below the scarf line.

Overall Waistband

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 54 sts.
2. Rows 1-5: Work garter stitch.
3. BO loosely.
4. Wrap around the body just below the bib.
5. Sew the back seam neatly, hiding it beneath the dog’s body.

Shoulder Straps

1. Make two straps.
2. With denim blue yarn, CO 5 sts.
3. Work 34 rows in garter stitch.
4. BO all sts.
5. Cross each strap from the back waist to the front bib top.
6. Sew a small cream button at the lower front end of each strap.

Side Buttons

• Sew one cream button on each side of the bib where the waistband meets the body.
• Use tan thread so the buttons look rustic and handmade.
• Secure firmly, especially if the toy will be handled often.

Decorative Flower Band on Bib

The bib in the image has small embroidered flowers and green stems. Work these after the bib is sewn on so the flower placement follows the curve of the stuffed body.

1. Use green yarn to stitch 3 short stems, each 4 rows tall, across the lower bib.
2. Add 2 small leaves beside each stem with lazy daisy stitches.
3. For the left flower, use orange yarn and make 5 small petal stitches around a yellow center.
4. For the center flower, use red or pink yarn and make 5 petals around a yellow center.
5. For the right flower, use bright pink yarn and make 5 petals around a yellow center.
6. Keep the flowers small, each about 5 sts wide.

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Striped Fair Isle Band Around Waist

The lower front of the overalls has colorful narrow bands. You can embroider these bands onto the blue waist area, which is easier than knitting full stranded colorwork around the finished body.

• Use yellow yarn to make one horizontal line across the waistband, 1 row below the bib.
• Use red yarn to make a second line 2 rows below the yellow line.
• Use cream yarn to duplicate stitch a small diamond pattern across the center front.
• Use pink and blue yarn to add tiny V-shaped stitches between the lines.
• Use green yarn to add small leaf shapes along the bottom of the band.
• Keep the decoration no taller than 0.75 inch so it matches the photo scale.

Rainbow Scarf

The scarf is wrapped around the neck with a small knot on the viewer’s right side. A self-striping yarn is ideal. If you do not have variegated yarn, change colors every 4 rows using red, yellow, green, blue, and pink.

1. With variegated DK yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Work every row in garter stitch for 64 rows.
3. BO loosely.
4. Block lightly so the scarf lies flat but remains soft.
5. Wrap around the neck after the head is attached.
6. Tie a loose single knot to one side.
7. Tack the knot with 2 hidden stitches so it does not slip.

Flower Crown

The flower crown sits across the top of the head, between the ears. It contains several small flowers in white, blue, pink, cream, and yellow. Make a slim green band first, then attach individual flowers along the front.

Green Crown Band

1. With green yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Work a 4-st I-cord for 42 rows.
3. BO and sew the ends together to make a shallow semicircle.
4. Pin it across the head from one ear base to the other.
5. Sew down with small hidden stitches.

Small Five-Petal Flowers

Make 7 flowers total: one large white center flower, two blue flowers, two pink flowers, one cream flower, and one pale yellow flower. Each flower is made from tiny knitted petals sewn around a center.

1. For one petal, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K1, Kfb. 5 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: SSK, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: Sl1, K2tog, psso. 1 st.
9. Fasten off.
10. Make 5 petals for each flower.
11. Sew the petal bases together in a circle.
12. Add a yellow French knot or small stitched center.

• Place the largest white flower at the center of the crown.
• Place pink and blue flowers on both sides.
• Angle the side flowers slightly downward toward the ears.
• Add a few green straight stitches between flowers for leaves.

Crossbody Bag

The little cream bag hangs from a cord strap across the chest and rests on the dog’s right hip. It has a tiny bee applique on the front. Knit the bag flat, fold it, and sew the sides.

Bag Body

1. With cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work in garter stitch.
3. Rows 5-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 27-30: Work in garter stitch.
5. BO all sts.
6. Fold the lower edge upward so the pouch measures about 2 inches tall.
7. Sew the side seams with cream yarn.
8. Leave the top edge slightly open.

Bag Flap

1. With cream yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: K all sts.
3. Row 4: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1. 12 sts.
4. Row 5: K all sts.
5. Row 6: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
6. Row 7: K all sts.
7. BO all sts.
8. Sew the straight edge of the flap to the back top of the bag.

Bag Strap

1. With tan yarn, work a 3-st I-cord for 68 rows.
2. BO and weave in ends.
3. Sew one end to each upper corner of the bag.
4. Place the strap from the left shoulder to the right hip.
5. Tack invisibly at the shoulder so the bag stays in place.

Bee Applique

1. With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: Work stockinette stitch.
3. Row 7: K2tog, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
4. Row 8: P all sts.
5. BO.
6. Embroider 3 black horizontal stripes across the yellow body.
7. Use black thread for a tiny head and antennae.
8. For each wing, CO 3 sts in pale blue, knit 3 rows, then BO.
9. Sew one wing to each side of the bee.
10. Attach the bee to the lower front of the bag.

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Sandals

The sandals are cream with blue edging and small pink flower decorations. They sit around the white paws and should not hide the toe embroidery. Make two soles and two upper straps.

Sandal Soles

1. With cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, M1L, K6, M1R, K1. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-10: K all sts.
5. Row 11: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
6. Row 12: K all sts.
7. BO.
8. Make a second sole the same way.
9. Use denim blue yarn to whipstitch around the edge of each sole.

Sandal Upper Straps

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 18 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Repeat for the second sandal.
5. Place one strap over each paw, just above the toe lines.
6. Sew each strap to the sides of the sole.

Pink Sandal Flowers

• For each sandal flower, use pink yarn and make 5 tiny straight stitches in a circle.
• Add a pale blue or cream center stitch.
• Place one flower near the outer side of each sandal strap.

Striped Garden Hat

The hat sits beside the doll in the image, so it is a separate accessory. It has a blue crown, a striped brim, and a decorative flower band. Knit it firmly so it keeps its round shape.

Hat Crown

1. With denim blue yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Repeat K1, Kfb around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Repeat K2, Kfb around. 48 sts.
8. Rnds 7-16: K all sts.
9. Change to yellow yarn and K 1 round.
10. Change to red yarn and K 1 round.
11. Change to blue yarn and K 1 round.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 20: Repeat K3, Kfb around. 60 sts.
2. Rnd 21: P all sts.
3. Rnd 22: Change to cream and K all sts.
4. Rnd 23: Change to pink and K all sts.
5. Rnd 24: Change to blue and K all sts.
6. Rnd 25: Repeat K4, Kfb around. 72 sts.
7. Rnd 26: K all sts.
8. Rnd 27: P all sts.
9. BO loosely.
10. Weave in ends and flatten brim gently with your fingers.

Hat Flower Band

• Embroider a green vine around the crown above the brim.
• Add 5 small flowers in pink, yellow, and blue.
• Each flower should be about 4 sts wide.
• Add tiny green leaves between flowers.

Watering Can

The watering can is pale blue with a striped band and curved handle. Knit it as a small stuffed cylinder, then add the spout and handle separately. This piece is decorative and does not need to stand perfectly.

Can Body

1. With pale blue yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 24 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: K all sts.
3. Rnd 4: P all sts to form the base ridge.
4. Rnds 5-14: K all sts.
5. Change to cream yarn and K 1 round.
6. Change to red yarn and K 1 round.
7. Change to yellow yarn and K 1 round.
8. Change back to pale blue.
9. Rnds 18-24: K all sts.
10. Rnd 25: P all sts for top rim.
11. Rnd 26: Repeat K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
12. Stuff lightly.
13. Rnd 27: K2tog around. 9 sts.
14. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, and close.

Watering Can Spout

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-10: K all sts.
3. Rnd 11: Repeat K1, Kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 12-14: K all sts.
5. BO.
6. Stuff very lightly or leave hollow.
7. Sew to one side of the can, angled upward.

Watering Can Handle

1. With pale blue yarn, work a 4-st I-cord for 34 rows.
2. BO.
3. Curve into a handle and sew to the opposite side of the can.

Teapot

The teapot is cream with soft blue stripes and a rounded handle. It sits beside the doll and balances the garden tea-party feel. Keep it small so it does not overpower the main Border Collie doll.

Teapot Body

1. With cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Repeat K1, Kfb around. 36 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: K all sts.
7. Change to pale blue and K 1 round.
8. Change to cream and K 2 rounds.
9. Change to pale blue and K 1 round.
10. Change to cream and K 4 rounds.
11. Rnd 17: Repeat K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
12. Rnd 18: K all sts.
13. Rnd 19: Repeat K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
14. Stuff lightly into a rounded teapot shape.
15. Rnd 20: Repeat K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
16. Rnd 21: K2tog around. 9 sts.
17. Close top and secure.

Teapot Lid

1. With cream yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: P all sts.
4. Rnd 3: Repeat K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K all sts.
6. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 6 sts.
7. Close and sew to top of teapot.

Teapot Handle and Spout

• For the handle, work a 4-st I-cord for 28 rows in cream yarn.
• Curve it and sew to one side of the teapot.
• For the spout, CO 8 sts in cream and knit 9 rounds in a tube.
• BO, flatten slightly, and sew to the opposite side.
• Add one pale blue stripe around the spout with embroidery.

Assembly of the Border Collie Doll

Before sewing, lay all pieces on a table. The head should look large compared with the body. The ears should frame the flower crown. The legs should sit forward with the sandals visible. The bag strap should cross over the scarf area without hiding the flowered bib.

1. Sew the head to the body using the long body tail. Go around the neck twice for strength.
2. Check that the white chest is centered under the face blaze.
3. Sew the legs to the lower body, placing them side by side and angled forward.
4. Sew the arms to the upper sides of the body, just below the neck line.
5. Attach the overall bib and waistband if not already sewn.
6. Sew the straps over the shoulders and add the buttons.
7. Wrap and tack the scarf around the neck.
8. Place the crossbody bag strap over the left shoulder and let the bag rest on the right hip.
9. Attach the flower crown across the top of the head.
10. Slide the sandals onto the paws and tack them in place underneath.

Color Placement Guide

This toy depends on accurate color placement. The black, white, and tan markings create the Border Collie personality, while the blue overalls and garden accessories make the design match the image. Use the following guide before finishing.

• Top head: mostly black with a white stripe down the center.
• Muzzle: white oval with a black nose and small black speckles.
• Eyebrows: tan spots above both eyes.
• Cheeks: tan patches on both lower sides of the face.
• Ears: black, floppy, and slightly fuzzy.
• Chest: white, visible above the bib.
• Arms: black upper arms, tan lower patches, white paws.
• Legs: blue pant legs with white paws showing at the bottom.
• Accessories: colorful but small, keeping the dog as the main focus.

Adding the Soft Fuzzy Finish

The image has a soft felted look, especially on the black fur and face. You can create this texture carefully after the main sewing is finished. Work slowly because too much brushing can blur the embroidered details.

1. Use a clean slicker brush or firm toothbrush.
2. Brush black areas with short outward strokes.
3. Brush the ears slightly more than the face for a fluffy edge.
4. Avoid brushing the eyes, nose, flower crown, bib flowers, and bee bag.
5. If fibers become too long, trim lightly with small scissors.
6. Pat the toy into shape after brushing.

Optional Internal Support

If the doll will be displayed sitting upright, you can add a little support inside the body and legs. This is optional. Do not use wire if the toy is intended for a young child.

• For display only, place a short pipe cleaner inside each leg before closing.
• Fold pipe cleaner ends inward so no sharp point remains.
• Add a small fabric pouch of plastic pellets inside the lower body for weight.
• Keep all weighted materials sealed and away from children and pets.

Beginner Tips

This pattern includes many small details, but you can work it one section at a time. Start with the dog body and head first, then add clothing, then accessories. The toy will still look charming even before every flower and stripe is added.

• Use stitch markers to track round starts.
• Count stitches after every increase and decrease round.
• Stuff gradually instead of waiting until the end.
• Pin accessories before sewing so the final placement looks balanced.
• Use small, neat stitches for the face because the expression depends on them.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from the front before tying final knots. The white blaze should be centered, the eyes should sit evenly, and the tan markings should soften the expression. Add a few tiny black whisker dots around the muzzle if needed.

• Secure all yarn tails inside the body or head.
• Make sure the ears are attached at the same height.
• Reinforce the neck seam so the large head does not wobble.
• Tack the scarf knot, bag strap, and flower crown securely.
• Shape the cheeks with your fingers after the final brushing.

Care Notes

This knitted Border Collie is best treated as a handmade display toy. Because it has small flowers, buttons, scarf ends, and bag details, gentle handling will keep it looking fresh and neat.

• Spot clean only with a slightly damp cloth.
• Do not machine wash.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Let the toy air dry flat if it becomes damp.
• Keep away from direct sunlight for long periods to prevent fading.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is large, round, and securely sewn to the body.
• The white blaze runs from forehead to muzzle.
• The tan eyebrows and cheek patches are visible.
• The floppy black ears frame the flower crown.
• The blue overalls include bib flowers, waistband stripes, straps, and buttons.
• The scarf is wrapped and knotted to one side.
• The cream crossbody bag includes a bee applique.
• The sandals have blue edging and small flower details.
• The hat, watering can, and teapot are finished as matching garden accessories.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, support the head and body when moving the doll. Do not pull the scarf, bag strap, ears, or flower crown. These areas are decorative and should be handled gently.

• Use a soft brush to remove dust from the fur surface.
• For the overalls, dab gently with a damp cloth and avoid rubbing the embroidered flowers.
• For the bag and bee applique, clean around the embroidery instead of scrubbing across it.
• Store the doll upright or lying flat in a breathable cotton bag.
• Add acid-free tissue around the flower crown if storing for a long time.
• Keep the small accessories together in a labeled box so the garden set stays complete.