Knitting Tutorial: Lion in Sunflower Dress – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knitted lion doll wears a blue sunflower pinafore dress over a white puff-sleeve shirt, with golden yellow limbs, a cream muzzle, a curly rust-brown mane, green sandals, a straw garden hat, a small sunflower shoulder bag, and tiny gardening accessories. The finished doll is designed as a soft seated toy with rounded proportions, friendly facial details, and layered handmade texture.

 

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 knitted amigurumi-style lion doll made mostly in the round. The body, head, arms, legs, muzzle, dress, bag, sandals, hat, flowers, and small accessories are shaped separately, then sewn together with firm mattress stitch and invisible seams.

The doll in the image has a large rounded head, a tall cream oval muzzle, close-set shiny eyes, a black rounded nose, a full looped mane, a simple blue dress, and handmade garden details. The finished toy is about 12 inches tall when seated, or about 14 inches from top of mane to sandal soles.

Skill Level

• Level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
• Main techniques: Knit, purl, increases, decreases, knitting in the round, short shaping, simple embroidery, looped mane hair, seaming, and small decorative appliqués.
• Construction style: Pieces are knitted separately, stuffed, shaped, and assembled.

Finished Size

• Seated height: About 12 inches from table to top of mane.
• Full length: About 14 inches from mane top to bottom of sandals.
• Head width: About 4.75 inches across before mane.
• Body width: About 3.75 inches across the dress.
• Leg length: About 4.5 inches each.
• Arm length: About 4 inches each.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn in golden yellow for lion head, ears, arms, and legs.
• Worsted weight yarn in cream for muzzle, lower face, paws, and hand tips.
• Worsted weight yarn in rust brown for the curly looped mane.
• Worsted weight yarn in denim blue for the pinafore dress.
• Worsted weight yarn in white for puff sleeves and shirt shoulder area.
• Worsted weight yarn in tan or straw beige for hat brim, hat crown, shoulder bag, and sandal soles.
• Worsted weight yarn in green for sandal straps, hat ribbon, leaves, and plant sprout.
• Small amounts of yellow, dark brown, black, gray, and terracotta yarn for sunflower, nose, bag flower, watering can, flowerpot, and details.
• Pair of 8 mm safety eyes, or black buttons with white embroidery highlights.
• US size 4 double-pointed needles, or size needed to get a firm toy fabric.
• US size 3 needles for smaller accessories and tighter details.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Scrap yarn for holding stitches.
• Small black embroidery thread for mouth curves and paw lines.
• Optional: 2 tiny wooden buttons for the dress straps.

Gauge

Gauge is important because the doll needs a firm fabric that does not show stuffing. Work a stockinette swatch using US size 4 needles. A good gauge is 6 stitches and 8 rounds per inch. If your fabric is loose, go down one needle size. If the fabric is very stiff, go up one needle size.

For the mane, bag, flowers, hat, and sandals, matching the exact gauge is less important than keeping the pieces proportional. The mane should be thick and soft, while the dress should sit smoothly around the body without pulling.

Abbreviations

• BO: Bind off.
• CO: Cast on.
• DPNs: Double-pointed needles.
• K: Knit.
• P: Purl.
• K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together.
• P2tog: Purl 2 stitches together.
• Kfb: Knit into front and back of same stitch.
• M1: Make 1 stitch by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting into the back loop.
• St st: Stockinette stitch.
• Rnd: Round.
• Sts: Stitches.
• Rep: Repeat.
• WS: Wrong side.
• RS: Right side.

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Important Knitting Notes

• Use a firm tension throughout the doll so the stuffing does not show.
• Stuff each piece gradually as you knit or before closing, depending on the shape.
• The head is slightly larger than the body to match the image.
• The cream muzzle is sewn on as a raised oval panel covering the lower front of the face.
• The mane is made from individual knitted loops attached around the head in several rings.
• The blue dress is knitted as a separate garment and sewn lightly to the body at the underarms and back.
• The sandals are built from oval soles with green crisscross straps sewn over the feet.

Color Placement Guide

• Golden yellow: Upper face, back of head, ears, arms, legs, and visible feet.
• Cream: Large oval muzzle, lower face panel, and mitten-like paw tips.
• Rust brown: Looped curly mane around the crown and sides of the head.
• White: Short puff sleeves at shoulders.
• Denim blue: Pinafore dress with skirt, bib, and straps.
• Tan: Hat, bag, sandal soles, and bag strap.
• Green: Hat tie, sandal straps, leaves, and plant sprout.
• Yellow and brown: Sunflowers on dress and shoulder bag.

Head

The head is a rounded oval with a slightly taller front. It is knitted in golden yellow, then the cream muzzle is added separately. Work in the round and place a marker at the beginning of the round.

1. With golden yellow yarn and US size 4 DPNs, CO 8 sts. Divide evenly over 3 needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Rep K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Rep K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: Rep K3, Kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: Rep K4, Kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: K all sts.
13. Rnd 12: Rep K5, Kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-26: K all sts for 14 rounds.
15. Rnd 27: K18, place marker, K20 for front face area, place marker, K18.
16. Rnds 28-31: K all sts, keeping the front face area smooth.
17. Rnd 32: Rep K5, K2tog around. 48 sts.
18. Rnd 33: K all sts.
19. Rnd 34: Rep K4, K2tog around. 40 sts.
20. Rnd 35: K all sts.
21. Rnd 36: Rep K3, K2tog around. 32 sts.
22. Begin stuffing the head firmly, shaping the cheeks round and the forehead smooth.
23. Rnd 37: Rep K2, K2tog around. 24 sts.
24. Rnd 38: K all sts.
25. Rnd 39: Rep K1, K2tog around. 16 sts.
26. Add more stuffing. Keep the face oval, not flat.
27. Rnd 40: K2tog around. 8 sts.
28. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Cream Muzzle and Lower Face Panel

The muzzle in the image is large, soft, and oval. It covers most of the lower face, beginning just below the eyes and ending near the lower head curve. Knit it flat in cream and sew it on with light stuffing underneath.

1. With cream yarn and US size 4 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, Kfb, K4, Kfb, K1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, Kfb, K6, Kfb, K1. 12 sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: K1, Kfb, K8, Kfb, K1. 14 sts.
8. Row 7: P all sts.
9. Row 8: K1, Kfb, K10, Kfb, K1. 16 sts.
10. Rows 9-19: Work in St st, beginning with a purl row and ending with a purl row.
11. Row 20: K1, K2tog, K10, K2tog, K1. 14 sts.
12. Row 21: P all sts.
13. Row 22: K1, K2tog, K8, K2tog, K1. 12 sts.
14. Row 23: P all sts.
15. Row 24: K1, K2tog, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
16. Row 25: P all sts.
17. Row 26: K1, K2tog, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
18. BO all sts loosely.

Pin the cream muzzle to the lower front of the head. The top edge should sit about 2 rounds below the eye line, and the lower edge should curve over the bottom of the head. Sew around the edge using cream yarn. Before closing the last inch, insert a thin layer of stuffing so the muzzle rises gently like the photo.

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Black Nose

The nose is a rounded black oval placed in the center of the cream muzzle. It should be prominent but soft, about 1 inch wide and 0.8 inch tall.

1. With black yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K4, Kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Rows 4-8: Work in St st.
6. Row 9: P all sts.
7. Row 10: K2tog, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
8. Row 11: P all sts.
9. BO all sts.

Sew the nose to the center of the cream muzzle. Add a tiny amount of stuffing under it if you want it raised. Use black embroidery thread to sew a short vertical line down from the nose, then add two small curved smile lines on either side.

Eyes

• Place the eyes on the golden yellow face, just above the cream muzzle.
• Set them about 0.65 inch apart, centered over the nose.
• If using safety eyes, insert them before the head is fully closed.
• If using buttons, sew them on after the muzzle is attached.
• Add one tiny white stitch beside each eye for a shiny highlight.

Ears

The ears are small rounded golden pieces with a slight cup shape. They sit partly hidden under the mane, one on each side of the head.

1. With golden yellow yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K6, Kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K all sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: K2tog, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
8. Row 7: P all sts.
9. Row 8: K2tog, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
10. BO all sts.
11. Make a second ear the same way.

Fold each ear slightly at the lower edge and sew the bottom corners together with 2 stitches to form a shallow cup. Attach the ears at the sides of the head, with the top edge around Rnd 18 and the bottom edge around Rnd 24.

Curly Looped Mane

The mane is the most important lion detail. It is full, rust brown, and looped around the crown, sides, and back of the head. The loops should look soft and playful, like loose curls rather than straight strands.

Mane Loop Strips

1. With rust brown yarn and US size 4 needles, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, make one loop over your index finger about 1.25 inches long, K1 to lock it, repeat across the row until 3 loops are made.
5. Row 4: P all sts, gently pulling each loop to even length.
6. Repeat Rows 1-4 until the strip measures 4 inches for a side strip.
7. BO all sts.
8. Make 2 side strips, 1 crown strip measuring 5 inches, and 1 back strip measuring 6 inches.

Attaching the Mane

• Sew the crown strip across the top of the head from one upper ear area to the other.
• Sew the back strip in a curved horseshoe shape from the right side, around the back, to the left side.
• Sew the side strips vertically from the upper ear area down toward the cheek line.
• Keep the cream muzzle completely visible.
• Do not cover the eyes or nose.
• Add extra individual loops where gaps appear.

Extra Individual Mane Curls

1. Cut rust brown yarn lengths of 7 inches each.
2. Fold one strand in half.
3. Use a crochet hook or tapestry needle to pull the fold through one knitted stitch on the head.
4. Pull the ends through the loop and tighten gently.
5. Twist the two ends loosely together and tie a small knot near the end.
6. Add 20-30 individual curls around the crown and sides for the full look shown.

Body

The body is golden yellow underneath the clothing, but most of it is covered by the blue pinafore dress. Knit the body in the round, with a rounded lower section and a narrower neck.

1. With golden yellow yarn and US size 4 DPNs, CO 10 sts. 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: Rep K1, Kfb around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Rep K2, Kfb around. 40 sts.
8. Rnds 7-22: K all sts.
9. Rnd 23: Rep K8, K2tog around. 36 sts.
10. Rnd 24: K all sts.
11. Rnd 25: Rep K7, K2tog around. 32 sts.
12. Rnd 26: K all sts.
13. Rnd 27: Rep K6, K2tog around. 28 sts.
14. Rnd 28: K all sts.
15. Begin stuffing the body firmly. Keep the lower body rounded and the upper body narrower.
16. Rnd 29: Rep K5, K2tog around. 24 sts.
17. Rnd 30: K all sts.
18. Rnd 31: Rep K4, K2tog around. 20 sts.
19. Rnd 32: K all sts.
20. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing the head to the body.

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Legs

The legs are long golden yellow tubes with rounded feet. The photo shows the legs hanging down below the blue dress, with sandals at the feet. Make two matching legs.

1. With golden yellow yarn and US size 4 DPNs, CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Rep K1, Kfb around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Rep K2, Kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5-10: K all sts to form the rounded foot.
7. Rnd 11: K6, K2tog 6 times, K6. 18 sts.
8. Rnd 12: K all sts.
9. Rnds 13-34: K all sts for the long leg.
10. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg moderately.
11. Rnd 35: Rep K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
12. Rnd 36: K all sts.
13. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.
14. Make the second leg the same way.

Sew the legs to the lower front of the body, slightly angled outward. The legs should hang naturally from under the dress. Leave about 1 inch between the inner thighs so the doll can sit securely.

Arms

The arms have golden yellow upper sections and cream paw tips. In the image, the arms rest at the sides of the blue dress, with small black curved paw lines near the ends.

1. With cream yarn and US size 4 DPNs, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-8: K all sts.
5. Change to golden yellow yarn.
6. Rnd 9: K all sts.
7. Rnds 10-26: K all sts.
8. Stuff the paw firmly and the arm lightly.
9. Rnd 27: Rep K2, K2tog around. 12 sts.
10. Rnd 28: K all sts.
11. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.
12. Make the second arm the same way.

Use black embroidery thread to add two small curved claw lines near the lower outer side of each cream paw. Sew the arms to the shoulders after the white sleeve caps are in place.

White Puff Sleeves

The sleeves are short, rounded, and white. They sit over the upper arms and look like soft shirt sleeves under the blue pinafore straps.

1. With white yarn and US size 4 needles, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K2tog across. 9 sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. BO all sts.
8. Make a second sleeve the same way.

Wrap one sleeve piece around the top of each arm with the decreased edge toward the lower arm. Sew the back seam closed. Lightly gather the top edge and stitch it to the shoulder area.

Blue Sunflower Pinafore Dress

The dress is a simple denim-blue pinafore with a slightly flared skirt, a front bib, two straps, and tiny buttons. It should cover most of the body and sit just above the top of the legs.

Dress Skirt

1. With denim blue yarn and US size 4 circular needles or DPNs, CO 56 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: P all sts to create a lower ridge.
3. Rnds 2-5: K all sts.
4. Rnd 6: Rep K12, K2tog around. 52 sts.
5. Rnds 7-10: K all sts.
6. Rnd 11: Rep K11, K2tog around. 48 sts.
7. Rnds 12-15: K all sts.
8. Rnd 16: Rep K10, K2tog around. 44 sts.
9. Rnds 17-20: K all sts.
10. Rnd 21: Rep K9, K2tog around. 40 sts.
11. Rnds 22-24: K all sts.
12. Rnd 25: P all sts to mark the waist ridge.
13. BO 10 sts for back opening, K20 for front, BO 10 sts for back opening.
14. Place the 20 front sts on the needle for the bib.

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Front Bib

1. Work flat on the 20 front sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, K2tog, K14, K2tog, K1. 18 sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: K all sts.
8. Row 7: P all sts.
9. Row 8: K1, K2tog, K12, K2tog, K1. 16 sts.
10. Rows 9-13: Work in St st.
11. Row 14: K all sts.
12. BO all sts.

Dress Straps

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-34: Knit every row in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make a second strap.

Sew one end of each strap to the upper corners of the front bib. Cross the straps slightly over the shoulders and sew them to the back waistline. Add one small tan or wooden button at each front strap base.

Dress Fit

• Slide the dress over the body before attaching the head if possible.
• The lower hem should flare gently over the thighs.
• The bib should sit centered on the chest.
• The straps should pass over the white sleeves.
• Secure the dress with a few hidden stitches at the side seams and back waist.

Small Sunflower on Dress

The dress has a small sunflower centered on the chest. This tiny knitted appliqué gives the pinafore its garden look.

1. With dark brown yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K3, Kfb. 7 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K all sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: K2tog, K3, K2tog. 5 sts.
8. BO all sts. This is the center.
9. For each yellow petal, CO 3 sts, K 3 rows, then BO. Make 10 petals.
10. Sew the petals around the brown center.
11. With green yarn, CO 4 sts, K 4 rows, BO. Make 2 small leaves.
12. Sew the leaves behind the lower sides of the sunflower.

Sew the sunflower to the center of the blue bib. The flower should sit slightly below the neckline, visible between the dress straps.

Sandals

The sandals have tan soles and green crisscross straps over the golden feet. Small flower accents sit near the outer side of each sandal.

Tan Soles

1. With tan yarn and US size 4 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K6, Kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K8, Kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-16: Work in St st.
7. Row 17: P all sts.
8. Row 18: K2tog, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 19: P all sts.
10. Row 20: K2tog, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
11. BO all sts.
12. Make a second sole.

Sew one tan sole to the bottom of each foot. Use small stitches around the edge and lightly cup the sole upward to match the rounded foot.

Green Sandal Straps

1. With green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures 3.25 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make 4 long straps for the crisscross sections.
5. Make 2 shorter straps measuring 2 inches for the toe bands.

• Sew one short strap across the front of each foot.
• Sew two long straps over each foot in an X shape.
• Anchor the strap ends to the tan sole edge.
• Keep the straps snug but do not flatten the foot.

Small Sandal Flowers

1. With yellow yarn, CO 3 sts and knit 3 rows. BO. Make 4 tiny petals per sandal.
2. With pink or brown yarn, make one French knot or small embroidered center.
3. Sew one small flower to the outer side of each sandal strap.

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Straw Garden Hat

The hat in the image sits beside the lion, not on the head. It has a wide tan brim, rounded crown, and green bow. Knit it separately as a display accessory.

Hat Crown

1. With tan yarn and US size 3 DPNs, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Rep K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Rep K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 7-14: K all sts.
9. Rnd 15: P all sts for crown base ridge.
10. BO all sts.

Hat Brim

1. With tan yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 56 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: Knit every row.
3. Row 7: Rep K5, Kfb across to add a soft flare.
4. Rows 8-12: Knit every row.
5. BO loosely.

Sew the short ends of the brim together to form a ring. Sew the inside edge of the brim to the base ridge of the crown. Shape the brim flat and wide.

Green Hat Ribbon and Bow

1. With green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the ribbon measures 8 inches.
3. BO all sts and sew around the crown base.
4. For each bow loop, CO 5 sts and knit 8 rows. BO. Make 2 loops.
5. For bow tails, CO 4 sts and knit 7 rows. BO. Make 2 tails.
6. Sew loops and tails together at the front side of the hat ribbon.

Sunflower Shoulder Bag

The small tan shoulder bag hangs across the front with a diagonal strap. It has a sunflower on the lower front, matching the dress motif.

Bag Body

1. With tan yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Rows 2-18: Work in St st.
4. Row 19: P all sts.
5. Row 20: K all sts.
6. BO all sts.

Fold the knitted rectangle upward so the lower 8 rows form the front and the upper rows form the back flap. Sew the side seams. Leave the top flap soft and slightly curved.

Bag Strap

1. With tan yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures 13 inches.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one end of the strap to the upper left corner of the bag and the other end to the upper right corner. Place the strap diagonally over the doll from one shoulder to the opposite hip.

Bag Sunflower

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. BO all sts.
6. With yellow yarn, make 8 small petals by CO 2 sts, knitting 2 rows, and binding off.
7. Sew the petals around the brown center.
8. Attach the sunflower to the lower front of the bag.

White Daisy Hair Flower

The lion wears a small white flower with a yellow center on one side of the mane. In the image, it sits near the right side of the head from the viewer’s perspective.

1. With yellow yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. BO all sts. This is the center.
5. With white yarn, CO 3 sts, K 4 rows, BO. Make 8 petals.
6. Sew the petals around the yellow center.
7. With green yarn, CO 4 sts, K 4 rows, BO. Make 1 small leaf.
8. Sew the leaf behind the flower.

Stitch the daisy onto the mane near the upper side of the head. Sew through the flower center several times so it stays secure but does not flatten the surrounding curls.

Gray Watering Can

The tiny watering can is an optional accessory placed beside the doll. It adds to the garden theme and balances the hat and flowerpot.

Watering Can Body

1. With gray yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Rows 2-12: Work in St st.
4. BO all sts.
5. Fold into a small cylinder and sew the side seam.
6. Gather the bottom edge tightly and secure.
7. Lightly stuff the body.
8. Gather the top edge halfway, leaving a small opening.

Spout

1. With gray yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: Knit every row.
3. BO all sts.
4. Roll the strip into a narrow tube and sew the long edge closed.
5. Attach the spout to the side of the watering can at an upward angle.

Handle

1. With gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strip measures 3 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Curve the strip into a handle and sew both ends to the opposite side of the can.

Small Flowerpot

The flowerpot is terracotta with a green sprout. It is simple, small, and slightly tapered, matching the tiny pot shown beside the watering can.

Pot

1. With terracotta yarn and US size 3 DPNs, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: K all sts.
3. Rnd 4: Rep K4, K2tog around. 15 sts.
4. Rnds 5-8: K all sts.
5. Rnd 9: Rep K3, K2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 10: K all sts.
7. BO all sts.

Stuff the pot lightly. Gather the bottom edge closed. Sew a few brown stitches across the top opening to look like soil.

Sprout

1. With green yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Knit 5 rows. BO. This is the stem.
3. For each leaf, CO 3 sts, K 3 rows, BO. Make 3 leaves.
4. Sew the leaves to the top of the stem.
5. Sew the stem into the center of the pot.

Optional White Shirt Front

Only a small amount of white shirt is visible above and beside the dress. Add this piece if you want a cleaner layered look under the pinafore.

1. With white yarn and US size 4 needles, CO 22 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Rows 2-8: Work in St st.
4. Row 9: P all sts.
5. BO all sts.

Place the white shirt front on the upper body before putting on the blue dress. Sew only the top and side edges so it lies flat under the bib and sleeves.

Assembly Order

1. Knit and stuff the body.
2. Knit and attach the legs to the lower front of the body.
3. Knit the head, attach the muzzle, nose, eyes, ears, and facial embroidery.
4. Attach the head to the body with a firm circular seam.
5. Add the mane strips and extra individual curls around the head.
6. Knit and attach the arms, then add the white puff sleeves.
7. Place the dress over the body and secure it with hidden stitches.
8. Add the dress straps and tiny buttons.
9. Sew the sunflower to the dress bib.
10. Add sandals to both feet.
11. Make the shoulder bag and place it diagonally across the front.
12. Add the daisy flower to the mane.
13. Knit the hat, watering can, and flowerpot accessories.

Detailed Body-to-Head Joining

The head should sit directly on the narrow neck of the body, with the muzzle facing forward and slightly downward. Use the long golden yarn tail from the body or a fresh strand of matching yarn.

• Pin the head to the body before sewing.
• The lower center of the head should touch the front neck edge.
• The back of the head should lean back only slightly, not tip forward.
• Use mattress stitch around the full neck opening twice.
• Add extra stuffing into the neck area before closing the last section.

After sewing, gently rotate the head into position with your hands. The doll should have a friendly upright posture, with the face looking forward and the dress bib centered below the muzzle.

Facial Embroidery Details

• Use black embroidery thread for the mouth and paw lines.
• Make one short straight stitch from the bottom of the nose downward.
• Add a soft curved smile to the left and right of that line.
• Keep the mouth small so the nose remains the main facial feature.
• Use two tiny cream or white stitches beside each eye if the eyes need extra shine.

Making the Mane Look Full

The mane should frame the face without hiding it. The upper mane can be dense and rounded, while the cheek sections can hang slightly lower. The photo has a handmade curly texture, so uneven loops are welcome as long as the overall shape stays balanced.

• Add the longest loops at the sides and back.
• Add shorter loops around the forehead.
• Trim only loose yarn ends, not the loops themselves.
• Do not brush the mane, because the knitted loops should stay defined.
• Secure every loop strip firmly so the mane can handle gentle play.

Finishing the Dress Shape

The blue dress should look like a simple garden pinafore. Steam blocking is not required, but you may smooth it with your hands. The bottom edge should flare lightly over the upper legs and sit above the sandals.

• Use small hidden stitches at both side waist points.
• Sew the bib lightly to the white shirt area if it shifts.
• Keep the skirt loose enough for the doll to sit.
• Do not pull the dress too tightly across the belly.

Accessory Placement

• Hat: Place beside the doll on the left side for display, with the green bow facing forward.
• Shoulder bag: Place the strap diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite hip, with the bag resting on the lower front dress area.
• Watering can: Place beside the doll near the flowerpot.
• Flowerpot: Place near the watering can, with the green sprout upright.
• Daisy hair flower: Sew into the mane on the upper side, slightly above one ear.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the doll from the front before making final knots. The muzzle should be centered, the eyes should sit evenly above it, and the mane should frame the face in a rounded lion shape. The dress straps should be equal in length and the sunflower should sit in the middle of the bib.

• Weave in all yarn tails securely inside the nearest seam.
• Reinforce the head and arm seams with a second pass of stitching.
• Make sure the bag strap is attached firmly to the bag corners.
• Adjust the sandal straps so they cross neatly over each foot.
• Shape the feet forward so the doll sits naturally.

Care Notes

This knitted lion is best cleaned gently by hand. Because the toy includes small details, loops, appliqués, and accessories, avoid machine washing unless every part has been sewn very securely and the safety eyes are fully locked.

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not scrub the mane loops.
• Press gently with a towel to remove extra water.
• Air dry flat in a shaded area.
• Reshape the dress, sandals, and bag while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly attached and does not wobble.
• The cream muzzle is centered and softly stuffed.
• The black nose is sewn flat and secure.
• The mane is full around the crown, sides, and back.
• The white flower is attached to one side of the mane.
• The blue dress fits smoothly over the body.
• The sunflower appliqué is centered on the dress bib.
• The arms hang naturally at the sides.
• The legs sit evenly under the skirt.
• The green sandal straps cross neatly over each foot.
• The shoulder bag sits diagonally across the front.
• The hat, watering can, and flowerpot are finished as display accessories.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the lion doll in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the blue dress, yellow yarn, and rust-brown mane over time. Keep the small hat, watering can, and flowerpot together in a soft pouch if the doll is displayed or moved often.

• Use a lint roller gently on the dress and body if dust appears.
• Use your fingers to separate the mane curls instead of a comb.
• Keep the doll away from rough hook-and-loop tape, sharp jewelry, and pet claws.
• If the bag strap stretches, remove it and reattach it with a shorter seam allowance.
• If the sandals loosen, add two small stitches at each strap end.

With careful shaping and secure stitching, your knitted lion in a sunflower dress will have the same cheerful garden personality shown in the image, complete with her curly mane, bright pinafore, flower details, green sandals, straw hat, little bag, watering can, and tiny potted plant.