Knitting Tutorial: Tiger in Forest Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

This friendly knitted tiger sits in a cozy woodland outfit with an orange striped body, rounded white cheeks, black nose, soft ears, and a tiny acorn cap on top. The main feature is the forest cardigan, worked in green, cream, and brown with tree motifs, mushroom bands, leaf buttons, and a small crossbody flower bag. The finished tiger also wears brown sandals with leaf accents and has a separate green pom-pom hat beside it.

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 written for a detailed knitted amigurumi-style tiger made mostly in the round with small sewn-on details. The tiger has a large rounded head, a short seated body, long dangling legs, small rounded arms, and a highly decorated forest cardigan. The shape is soft and plush, with visible stockinette texture and firm stuffing.

The instructions use small needles and tight gauge so the stuffing does not show through. Most pieces are worked in stockinette in the round. Flat pieces such as the cardigan fronts, bag flap, sandal straps, and leaf buttons are worked back and forth.

Finished Size

• Finished seated height: about 11.5 in / 29 cm from seat to top of acorn cap.
• Full length with legs: about 15 in / 38 cm from top of head to toes.
• Head width: about 5.5 in / 14 cm across the cheeks.
• Body width with cardigan: about 5 in / 12.5 cm.
• Leg length: about 5.5 in / 14 cm each.
• Bag size: about 2.25 in wide by 2.75 in tall / 5.5 cm by 7 cm.

Skill Level

Intermediate. A confident beginner can make the tiger if they are comfortable knitting small pieces in the round, increasing, decreasing, changing colors, sewing amigurumi parts together, and embroidering simple details.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in tiger orange, about 90 yd / 82 m.
• DK weight yarn in white, about 55 yd / 50 m.
• DK weight yarn in black, about 12 yd / 11 m.
• DK weight yarn in forest green, about 55 yd / 50 m.
• DK weight yarn in cream, about 35 yd / 32 m.
• DK weight yarn in dark brown, about 30 yd / 27 m.
• DK weight yarn in tan or oatmeal beige, about 35 yd / 32 m.
• DK weight yarn in red, about 10 yd / 9 m for mushrooms.
• Small amounts of yellow, rust orange, pale green, and white for flowers, leaves, and buttons.
• 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• 3.00 mm needles for cardigan and hat if you want a softer fabric.
• Two 9 mm black safety eyes or glossy sew-on eyes.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Yarn needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Removable markers or scrap yarn.
• Small amount of black embroidery thread for whisker dots and stripes.
• Optional: pipe cleaners or soft craft wire for arms if you want gentle posing.

Gauge

• Body gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 in / 2.5 cm in stockinette in the round on 2.75 mm needles.
• Cardigan gauge: 6.5 stitches and 9 rows = 1 in / 2.5 cm in stockinette on 3.00 mm needles.
• Important: Exact gauge is less important than a tight fabric. If stuffing shows through, use smaller needles.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• St/sts: stitch/stitches.
• Rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• Kfb: knit into front and back of the same stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• SSK: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• St st: stockinette stitch.
• Garter st: knit every row when worked flat.
• MC: main color.

Important Construction Notes

The tiger is built from separate knitted shapes. The head is large and rounded, with white cheek panels sewn to the lower face. The snout is knitted separately and shaped into a smooth oval. The ears are double-layered so they look thick and plush like the image.

The cardigan is not simply painted on. It is a real knitted garment worked separately, wrapped around the body, and sewn lightly in place. The tree shapes, mushroom band, leaf buttons, and edging are added with colorwork and embroidery after the cardigan is finished.

• Work the tiger body firmly so it sits upright on a bench or shelf.
• Stuff the head strongly in the cheeks and forehead, but keep the neck firm.
• Use mattress stitch for neat joins.
• Place all facial details before fully closing the head if using safety eyes.
• For a handmade toy for a child under 3 years old, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes.

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Head

Work the head in tiger orange. This piece starts at the top of the head and grows into a broad round shape, then narrows slightly at the lower face. The finished head should look larger than the body, with a gentle forward tilt.

1. Using orange yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: *K1, kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: *K2, kfb; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: *K3, kfb; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: *K4, kfb; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: K all sts.
13. Rnd 12: *K5, kfb; repeat from * around. 56 sts.
14. Rnd 13: K all sts.
15. Rnd 14: *K6, kfb; repeat from * around. 64 sts.
16. Rnds 15-25: K all sts for 11 rounds.
17. Rnd 26: *K14, k2tog; repeat from * around. 60 sts.
18. Rnds 27-30: K all sts.
19. Rnd 31: *K8, k2tog; repeat from * around. 54 sts.
20. Rnds 32-34: K all sts.
21. Rnd 35: *K7, k2tog; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
22. Rnd 36: K all sts.
23. Rnd 37: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * around. 42 sts.
24. Rnd 38: K all sts.
25. Rnd 39: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * around. 36 sts.
26. Pause here to place eyes and add face pieces before final closing.

Place the eyes between Rnds 24 and 25, about 12 sts apart. The eyes should sit slightly above the white cheek area, giving the tiger a sweet, alert expression. Do not close the head yet.

White Cheek Panels

The image shows two large white lower cheek shapes that meet under the nose and curve upward beside the eyes. Knit two identical panels flat in white. These are sewn onto the lower front of the orange head.

1. CO 6 sts in white.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, K2, kfb, K1. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K1, kfb, K4, kfb, K1. 10 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: K1, kfb, K6, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
9. Rows 8-16: Work in St st, beginning with a purl row.
10. Row 17: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
11. Row 18: P all sts.
12. Row 19: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
13. Row 20: P all sts.
14. Row 21: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
15. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Sew the two cheek panels onto the lower front of the head with their inner edges touching. The top outer corners should sit just below the eyes. The lower points should meet at the center under the nose area. Use tiny whip stitches around the edges.

Muzzle and Nose

The muzzle is a white oval set over the center join of the cheek panels. The black nose is a separate rounded oval sewn at the top front of the muzzle.

White Muzzle

1. CO 8 sts in white and work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
7. Rows 6-12: Work in St st.
8. Row 13: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 14: P all sts.
10. Row 15: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Lightly stuff the muzzle as you sew it onto the center front of the head. Place it over the lower middle of the white cheeks. The top of the muzzle should sit just below the eyes, and the bottom should point toward the chin.

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Black Nose

1. CO 6 sts in black.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K4, kfb. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Rows 5-8: Work in St st.
7. Row 9: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
8. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Sew the black nose to the upper center of the muzzle. Shape it into a slightly vertical oval, wider at the top and rounded at the bottom. With black yarn, embroider one straight line from the bottom of the nose down 4 rows.

Finish Closing the Head

1. Return to the live head stitches after the face pieces are positioned.
2. Rnd 40: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
3. Stuff the head firmly, especially the cheeks, forehead, and back of head.
4. Rnd 41: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 42: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
6. Add more stuffing until the head is round and smooth.
7. Rnd 43: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
8. Rnd 44: K2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure inside the head.

Ears

The ears are round, plush, and placed high on each side of the head. Each ear has an orange outer layer and a slightly smaller rust-orange inner layer. Make two ears.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. CO 8 sts in orange and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: *K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: *K2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 7-11: K all sts.
9. Rnd 12: *K2, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
10. Rnd 13: *K1, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
11. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Inner Ear, Make 2

1. CO 6 sts in rust-orange or darker orange and work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb in every st. 12 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: *K1, kfb; repeat across. 18 sts.
7. Rows 6-10: Work in St st.
8. Row 11: *K1, k2tog; repeat across. 12 sts.
9. BO all sts.

Sew one inner ear patch to the front of each outer ear. Lightly stuff each ear, flatten the base slightly, and sew to the head between Rnds 13 and 25. The ears should angle outward, with the lower edge attached firmly and the rounded tops leaning away from the face.

Body

The body is shorter than the head and slightly pear-shaped. The lower body is orange and mostly hidden under the cardigan, but a small orange waist and seated bottom are visible.

1. Using orange yarn, CO 8 sts. Divide evenly and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: *K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: *K2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: *K3, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 9-18: K all sts.
11. Rnd 19: *K8, k2tog; repeat around. 36 sts.
12. Rnds 20-23: K all sts.
13. Rnd 24: *K4, k2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
14. Rnds 25-27: K all sts.
15. Rnd 28: *K3, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
16. Stuff the body firmly with a flat seated base.
17. Rnd 29: *K2, k2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
18. Rnd 30: *K1, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
19. BO or draw closed, leaving a long tail for sewing the head.

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Sew the body to the bottom of the head. The head should lean very slightly forward, as if the tiger is sitting and looking ahead. Use a strong circular seam and pass around the neck twice for stability.

Legs

The legs are long orange tubes with black tiger stripes. The feet are large and white at the toes, with brown sandal straps wrapped around the front. Make two legs.

White Toes and Foot Base, Make 2

1. CO 10 sts in white and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: *K1, kfb; repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnds 5-9: K all sts.
7. Rnd 10: K10, k2tog 5 times, K10. 25 sts.
8. Rnd 11: K all sts.
9. Rnd 12: K8, k2tog 4 times, K9. 21 sts.
10. Change to orange.
11. Rnd 13: K all sts through the back loop to make a firm color-change ridge.

Orange Leg Tube, Continue for Each Leg

1. Rnds 14-18: K all sts in orange. 21 sts.
2. Rnd 19: K all sts, working 3 black sts at the outer side for the first stripe.
3. Rnds 20-22: K all sts in orange.
4. Rnd 23: K all sts, working 5 black sts at the front outer side for the second stripe.
5. Rnds 24-27: K all sts in orange.
6. Rnd 28: K all sts, working 4 black sts at the outer side for the third stripe.
7. Rnds 29-33: K all sts in orange.
8. Rnd 34: K all sts, working 6 black sts at the front side for the fourth stripe.
9. Rnds 35-39: K all sts in orange.
10. Stuff the foot and leg firmly, leaving the top 0.5 in slightly softer.
11. Rnd 40: *K5, k2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
12. Rnd 41: K all sts.
13. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

For a clean image-matching look, make the stripes on the two legs slightly uneven. On the right leg, place the black dashes more toward the center front. On the left leg, place them more toward the outer side. This creates the natural hand-stitched tiger-stripe effect shown in the picture.

Toe Divisions

Use white yarn to sculpt three toe bumps on each foot. Insert the needle at the sole, bring it up between the first and second toe area, wrap the yarn over the front edge, and return to the sole. Pull gently to indent. Repeat between the second and third toe. Secure firmly underneath.

Arms

The arms are small and rounded with white paws, orange upper arms, and green cardigan sleeves placed over them. Make two arms.

1. CO 8 sts in white and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-7: K all sts.
5. Rnd 8: *K2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
6. Change to orange.
7. Rnds 9-14: K all sts.
8. Change to forest green for visible cuff edge.
9. Rnds 15-17: K1, P1 rib around.
10. Change back to orange if the cardigan sleeve will not fully cover the arm, or continue green if sewing the sleeve directly over the arm.
11. Rnds 18-22: K all sts.
12. Stuff lightly, keeping the top flat.
13. Rnd 23: K2tog around. 6 sts.
14. Cut yarn, draw closed, and leave a long tail.

Sew arms to the sides of the body just below the neck, angled downward. The white paws should hang just below the cardigan sleeves, matching the relaxed seated pose in the image.

Tail

The tail is mostly black and curves out from behind the cardigan on the right side. It should be narrow and slightly tapered.

1. CO 8 sts in black and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
3. Change to orange.
4. Rnds 5-8: K all sts.
5. Rnd 9: Work 3 black sts, then knit remaining sts in orange.
6. Rnds 10-13: K all sts in orange.
7. Rnd 14: Work 4 black sts at the outer side, then knit remaining sts in orange.
8. Rnds 15-18: K all sts in orange.
9. Stuff lightly with a thin strand of stuffing.
10. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Sew the tail to the back right side of the body, low enough to peek from behind the cardigan. Curve it gently upward and secure with one hidden stitch near the body.

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Forest Cardigan

The cardigan is the signature garment. It has a dark green ribbed hem, a green base, cream yoke with green trees, a dark brown mushroom band, red mushroom caps, green cuffs, and small leaf buttons down the front. It is worked flat from the bottom up and seamed at the shoulders.

Cardigan Body

1. Using forest green and 3.00 mm needles, CO 54 sts.
2. Row 1: *K1, P1; repeat across.
3. Row 2: *P1, K1; repeat across.
4. Rows 3-6: Continue K1, P1 rib.
5. Row 7 RS: Knit all sts.
6. Row 8 WS: Purl all sts.
7. Rows 9-12: Continue St st in forest green.
8. Row 13 RS: Change to dark brown and knit all sts.
9. Row 14 WS: Purl all sts in dark brown.
10. Row 15 RS: Begin mushroom band: K4 brown, *K3 red, K6 brown; repeat from * to last 5 sts, K5 brown.
11. Row 16 WS: Purl the colors as established.
12. Row 17 RS: K4 brown, *K1 white, K1 red, K1 white, K6 brown; repeat from * to last 5 sts, K5 brown.
13. Row 18 WS: Purl the colors as established.
14. Row 19 RS: Knit all sts in dark brown.
15. Row 20 WS: Purl all sts in dark brown.
16. Change to cream.
17. Row 21 RS: Knit all sts.
18. Row 22 WS: Purl all sts.
19. Row 23 RS: Tree row: K5 cream, *K1 green, K7 cream; repeat from * to last 1 st, K1 cream.
20. Row 24 WS: Purl colors as established.
21. Row 25 RS: K4 cream, *K3 green, K5 cream; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2 cream.
22. Row 26 WS: Purl colors as established.
23. Row 27 RS: K3 cream, *K5 green, K3 cream; repeat from * to last 3 sts, K3 cream.
24. Row 28 WS: Purl colors as established.
25. Row 29 RS: K4 cream, *K3 green, K5 cream; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2 cream.
26. Row 30 WS: Purl colors as established.
27. Change to forest green.
28. Row 31 RS: Knit all sts.

Divide Cardigan for Fronts and Back

The cardigan is open at the front. Divide the 54 stitches into right front, back, and left front. Keep the edge stitches neat because they will form the cardigan opening.

1. Right front: Work 13 sts, place next 28 sts on holder for back, place final 13 sts on another holder for left front.
2. Right Front Row 1 WS: P13.
3. Right Front Row 2 RS: K13.
4. Rows 3-8: Continue St st.
5. Row 9 RS: K2, ssk, K9. 12 sts.
6. Row 10 WS: P all sts.
7. Row 11 RS: K2, ssk, K8. 11 sts.
8. Rows 12-14: Work St st.
9. BO all sts.
10. Back: Rejoin green yarn to 28 sts.
11. Work 10 rows in St st.
12. BO all sts.
13. Left front: Rejoin yarn to remaining 13 sts.
14. Left Front Row 1 WS: P13.
15. Left Front Row 2 RS: K13.
16. Rows 3-8: Continue St st.
17. Row 9 RS: K9, k2tog, K2. 12 sts.
18. Row 10 WS: P all sts.
19. Row 11 RS: K8, k2tog, K2. 11 sts.
20. Rows 12-14: Work St st.
21. BO all sts.

Cardigan Front Bands

1. With forest green, pick up and knit 28 sts along the right front edge.
2. Rows 1-4: Work K1, P1 rib.
3. BO in rib.
4. Repeat for the left front edge.

Sew the shoulder seams. Place the cardigan onto the tiger before adding sleeves. The front opening should meet at the center but not overlap too much. The leaf buttons will visually close the front.

Cardigan Sleeves

Make two sleeves. Each sleeve has a green cuff, a brown and red mushroom section, and a cream-and-green upper area. The sleeves are sewn into the armholes and can be lightly stitched to the arms.

1. Using forest green, CO 24 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: Work K1, P1 rib.
3. Rnds 6-8: K all sts in forest green.
4. Change to dark brown.
5. Rnd 9: K all sts.
6. Rnd 10: K4 brown, *K3 red, K5 brown; repeat from * around.
7. Rnd 11: K4 brown, *K1 white, K1 red, K1 white, K5 brown; repeat from * around.
8. Rnd 12: K all sts in dark brown.
9. Change to cream.
10. Rnd 13: K all sts.
11. Rnd 14: K3 cream, *K2 green, K4 cream; repeat from * around.
12. Rnd 15: K2 cream, *K4 green, K2 cream; repeat from * around.
13. Rnd 16: K3 cream, *K2 green, K4 cream; repeat from * around.
14. Change to forest green.
15. Rnds 17-20: K all sts.
16. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

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Sew one sleeve to each cardigan armhole. Slide the tiger arms through the sleeves. If the sleeve is loose, use two small hidden stitches at the cuff to keep the white paw visible below the green cuff.

Leaf Buttons

The cardigan has three leaf-shaped buttons down the front. Make one rust-orange leaf, one pale green leaf, and one golden yellow leaf. The leaves are small, flat, and embroidered with a center vein.

1. CO 3 sts in leaf color.
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: Kfb, K3, kfb. 7 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: SSK, K3, k2tog. 5 sts.
9. Row 8: P all sts.
10. Row 9: SSK, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
11. Row 10: P3tog. 1 st.
12. Cut yarn and pull through.

Embroider a center vein with dark brown yarn. Sew the leaves vertically down the left front edge of the cardigan, spacing them about 0.75 in / 2 cm apart. The top leaf sits near the chest, the middle leaf at the mushroom band, and the bottom leaf near the hem.

Black Tiger Stripes

The stripes are embroidered after the head and limbs are stuffed. Use black yarn or black embroidery thread. Keep them short, slightly curved, and irregular rather than perfectly even.

• On the forehead, embroider two short vertical curved stripes above the right eye area.
• On each cheek side, add two tiny black whisker dots and one slightly larger dot.
• On each leg, embroider three to four horizontal black dashes, each 4 to 7 stitches long.
• On the side of the head near each ear, add one small curved stripe if desired.
• Keep the stripes flat and do not pull too tightly, or the knitted fabric will pucker.

Acorn Cap on Head

The tiny acorn sits on top of the tiger’s head. It has a tan nut base and a darker brown ribbed cap with a small stem. It should be sewn slightly off-center toward the back top of the head.

Acorn Nut

1. CO 8 sts in tan and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: K all sts.
5. Rnd 7: *K2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
6. Stuff lightly.
7. Rnd 8: K2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Draw closed.

Acorn Cap

1. CO 18 sts in dark brown and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K1, P1 rib around.
3. Rnd 5: *K1, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 6: K all sts.
5. Rnd 7: K2tog around. 6 sts.
6. For the stem, work an I-cord on 3 sts for 4 rows.
7. Cut yarn and pull through.

Sew the cap to the tan nut. Then sew the finished acorn to the top of the tiger’s head between the ears. Angle it slightly forward so it looks perched naturally on the rounded head.

Crossbody Bag

The small tan crossbody bag hangs from the tiger’s left shoulder to the right hip. It has a textured pouch, a flap, a twisted strap, and three flower decorations on the front.

Bag Body

1. Using tan yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work garter st.
3. Row 5 RS: K all sts.
4. Row 6 WS: P all sts.
5. Rows 7-22: Continue St st.
6. Rows 23-26: Work garter st for the top flap ridge.
7. BO all sts.

Fold the lower edge upward to form a pouch about 2 in / 5 cm tall. Sew both side seams. Fold the upper garter section down as the flap. Tack the flap corners with tiny stitches.

Bag Strap

1. Cut three strands of tan yarn, each 28 in / 71 cm long.
2. Knot one end and braid tightly until the braid measures 16 in / 40.5 cm.
3. Knot the second end.
4. Sew one end to each upper corner of the bag.

Place the strap diagonally over the cardigan, from the tiger’s right shoulder to the bag at the left hip, or reverse it to match the angle in your finished pose. Secure the strap with one hidden stitch at the shoulder and one behind the bag.

Bag Flowers

Make three tiny flowers: one white, one orange, and one pale yellow or green-centered flower. Each flower is made with simple looped petals.

1. For each flower, CO 15 sts.
2. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.
3. Coil the strip into a tiny flower shape.
4. Stitch through the base several times to secure.
5. Add a contrasting center with two small embroidery stitches.

Sew the flowers to the lower front of the bag. Place the white flower near the left side, the orange flower near the lower right, and a small green or yellow accent near the upper right corner.

Sandals

The sandals are brown and sit over the large white feet. Each sandal has a sole edge, a front strap, a back strap, and one little leaf accent on the outside.

Sandal Sole Edge, Make 2

1. Using dark brown yarn, CO 30 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: Knit all sts.
3. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Wrap one strip around the lower edge of each white foot, just above the sole line. Sew it in place so it creates a brown border around the foot.

Front Strap, Make 2

1. CO 9 sts in dark brown.
2. Rows 1-5: Work garter st.
3. BO all sts.

Sew each strap across the top of the white toes. The strap should sit behind the toe bumps, not over the front edge. Curve it slightly so the foot remains rounded.

Side Leaf Accent, Make 2

1. CO 3 sts in golden yellow.
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: P3tog. 1 st.
8. Cut yarn and pull through.

Sew one leaf to the outer side of each sandal. Embroider a short center vein with brown yarn. The leaf should sit at a slight angle, matching the rustic woodland style of the outfit.

Green Pom-Pom Hat

The image includes a separate green knitted hat beside the tiger. It has a ribbed brim and two round pom-poms. This small accessory is optional but completes the scene.

Hat Body

1. Using sage green yarn and 3.00 mm needles, CO 48 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-10: Work K1, P1 rib.
3. Rnds 11-24: K all sts.
4. Rnd 25: *K6, k2tog; repeat around. 42 sts.
5. Rnd 26: K all sts.
6. Rnd 27: *K5, k2tog; repeat around. 36 sts.
7. Rnd 28: K all sts.
8. Rnd 29: *K4, k2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
9. Rnd 30: *K3, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
10. Rnd 31: *K2, k2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
11. Rnd 32: *K1, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
12. Rnd 33: K2tog around. 6 sts.
13. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in ends.

Pom-Poms, Make 2

1. Wrap sage green yarn around two fingers 45 times.
2. Tie tightly around the center with a 10 in / 25 cm strand.
3. Cut loops and trim into a round pom-pom about 1.25 in / 3 cm wide.
4. Make a second matching pom-pom.
5. Sew both pom-poms to the upper sides of the hat.

Small Woodland Mushrooms

The tiny mushrooms on the bench are optional scene pieces. They echo the mushroom pattern on the cardigan and can be placed beside the tiger for display.

White Mushroom Stem, Make 2

1. CO 6 sts in white and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-7: K all sts.
3. Stuff very lightly.
4. Rnd 8: K2tog around. 3 sts.
5. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Mushroom Cap, Make 1 Red and 1 Orange

1. CO 8 sts in cap color and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-5: K all sts.
5. Rnd 6: *K2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
6. BO all sts, leaving a sewing tail.

Lightly stuff each cap and sew it onto a white stem. Add two or three white duplicate stitches to the red cap to form small spots.

Small Leaves for Display

Make two small green leaves to place beside the mushrooms. These are worked flat and lightly shaped with steam or by hand.

1. CO 3 sts in pale green.
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: Kfb, K3, kfb. 7 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: SSK, K3, k2tog. 5 sts.
9. Row 8: P all sts.
10. Row 9: SSK, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
11. Row 10: P3tog. 1 st.
12. Cut yarn and pull through.

Embroider one center vein and two tiny side veins on each leaf. Place them near the mushrooms or sew one to the bag if you prefer a permanent detail.

Assembly Order

1. Knit the head, cheeks, muzzle, nose, ears, body, legs, arms, and tail.
2. Install or embroider the eyes before closing the head.
3. Sew cheek panels to the lower face.
4. Sew muzzle and nose over the center of the cheeks.
5. Close and stuff the head firmly.
6. Sew ears to the upper sides of the head.
7. Sew head to body with a strong circular seam.
8. Sew legs to the lower front of the seated body, angled downward.
9. Sew arms to the upper sides of the body.
10. Sew tail to the back right side.
11. Dress the tiger in the cardigan and sew the cardigan lightly in place.
12. Add sleeves if not already attached to the cardigan.
13. Sew leaf buttons down the cardigan front.
14. Add the crossbody strap and bag.
15. Sew sandal straps and leaf accents to the feet.
16. Add tiger stripes, whisker dots, and mouth detail.
17. Sew the acorn to the top of the head.
18. Make the green hat, mushrooms, and display leaves.

Detailed Placement Guide

Place the legs at the lower front of the body with about 5 stitches between them. They should hang naturally from the seated base. Sew through the top 6 rounds of each leg and the lower body several times, then hide the yarn tail inside the body.

The arms should sit beneath the shoulder line, not directly at the neck. The cardigan sleeves cover the top half of the arms, while the white paws show clearly below the cuffs. Angle the arms slightly outward so the bag and cardigan details remain visible.

The head should be centered over the body but not pushed too far back. A slight forward tilt gives the tiger the same gentle seated character as the image. Use extra stitches at the back of the neck if the head feels too heavy.

The cardigan should sit high around the neck with the green ribbed collar touching the lower head. The cream tree section belongs across the upper chest and shoulders. The brown mushroom band should sit at mid-chest, visible above the lower green hem.

Cardigan Embroidery Details

After knitting the cardigan, sharpen the design with duplicate stitch embroidery. Use forest green over the cream yoke to make tree tips clearer. Use red over the mushroom caps if any colorwork stitches look uneven.

• For each tree, embroider a trunk with one vertical brown stitch at the base.
• Add two small diagonal green stitches on each side of the tree for branch definition.
• On each red mushroom cap, add two tiny white V stitches.
• Use olive green embroidery along the lower edge of the brown band to suggest grass.
• Add one short horizontal stitch at each cuff to create the ribbed sleeve look.

Facial Embroidery

The face is simple but expressive. Use black yarn or embroidery floss. Keep all facial stitches smooth and secure, and avoid pulling too tightly across the stuffed head.

• Make a vertical line from the bottom of the nose to the center of the muzzle.
• Add three black dots on each white cheek, placing them in a loose triangle.
• Add two short black brow accents above the eyes if desired.
• Place forehead stripes slightly to one side, not perfectly centered.
• For a softer look, use split black yarn instead of full-thickness DK yarn.

How to Keep the Tiger Sitting Upright

Firm stuffing is important in the lower body. Add a little extra stuffing to the back lower body so the tiger can sit against a surface. The legs should be firmly stuffed at the feet and more lightly stuffed at the upper thighs.

If your tiger tips forward, add a small fabric pouch of plastic pellets inside the lower body before closing. Keep the pouch fully sealed. Do not use loose pellets if the toy is intended for a young child.

Beginner-Friendly Tips

• Use stitch markers at the beginning of every round.
• Count stitches after every increase and decrease round.
• Stuff gradually instead of waiting until the final round.
• Pin all pieces in place before sewing.
• Use the photo-style placement: large head, small body, long legs, and relaxed arms.
• For neat colorwork, keep floats loose on the inside of the cardigan.
• If colorwork feels difficult, knit the cardigan plain and add all trees and mushrooms with duplicate stitch afterward.

Optional Adjustments

To make a smaller tiger, use sport weight yarn and 2.25 mm needles. To make a larger plush, use worsted weight yarn and 3.5 mm needles. Keep the same stitch counts, but expect the finished size to change.

If you prefer a removable cardigan, do not sew it to the body. Add three small yarn loops to one front band and use the leaf buttons as functional closures. Keep the sleeves slightly wider so the paws can slide through easily.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the tiger from the front before securing final knots. The eyes should be even, the white cheeks should curve upward symmetrically, and the nose should sit centered above the mouth line. The ears should be level but softly angled outward.

• Brush the orange fabric lightly with your fingers to smooth the stockinette.
• Trim any long embroidery tails after hiding them inside the head.
• Make sure the acorn is attached firmly at the top.
• Adjust the bag strap so it lies diagonally across the cardigan.
• Shape the toes and sandals with gentle hand pressure.

Care Notes

Spot clean the tiger with cool water and mild soap. Avoid soaking if you used safety eyes, pellets, or any wire support. Press with a towel to remove moisture and let the toy air dry flat.

• Do not machine wash if the cardigan has delicate embroidered details.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Keep away from high heat and direct sunlight for long periods.
• Reshape ears, paws, and bag while damp if needed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is firmly stuffed and securely sewn to the body.
• White cheek panels are even on both sides.
• Nose and mouth line are centered.
• Both ears are placed high and angled outward.
• Cardigan sits neatly around the neck and shoulders.
• Mushroom band and tree yoke are visible.
• Leaf buttons are sewn down the front.
• Bag strap crosses the body cleanly.
• Leg stripes are short and slightly irregular.
• Sandals are attached firmly to the feet.
• Acorn cap is secure on the head.
• Optional hat, mushrooms, and leaves are finished for display.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the tiger in a dry place away from dust. If displaying it on a shelf, place it upright with the legs hanging naturally. Support the back of the body so the head does not lean over time.

For long-term storage, wrap the tiger loosely in acid-free tissue or clean cotton fabric. Do not compress the ears, bag flowers, acorn, or cardigan sleeves. Keep the small mushrooms and hat in a separate pouch so they are not lost.

• Freshen the toy by gently patting it with a dry towel.
• Remove dust with a soft brush or lint roller used very lightly.
• Repair loose embroidery immediately with matching yarn.
• Check the bag strap and leaf buttons after handling.
• Keep the piece away from pets that may pull on small accessories.

Your knitted tiger in a forest cardigan is now complete, with its cozy woodland sweater, tiny acorn topper, soft white paws, striped orange legs, little crossbody bag, brown sandals, and matching garden accessories.