Knitting Tutorial: Spaniel Dog in an Autumn Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted spaniel dog is dressed for a cozy autumn walk, wearing a cream and moss-green cable cardigan, brown shorts, embroidered sandals, a tiny crossbody bag, and a striped pom-pom hat. The design also includes floppy spaniel ears, a soft white muzzle, brown face patches, a pink flower near one ear, and a small pile of knitted acorns and leaves for a complete seasonal display.

 

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 spaniel dog measures about 12 inches tall from the bottom of the sandals to the top of the head, not including the loose pom-pom hat. The body is worked firmly so the doll can stand with gentle support. The proportions are rounded and plush, with a large head, short body, soft puppy muzzle, slim arms, straight legs, and oversized sandals.

• Finished height: approximately 12 inches tall.
• Head width: approximately 4 inches across after stuffing.
• Body height: approximately 4 inches from neck to hip.
• Leg length: approximately 3 inches from hip to sandal.
• Cardigan length: approximately 3 inches from shoulder to lower ribbing.
• Recommended skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.

Materials

Use smooth worsted or DK-weight yarn with firm tension. The sample look is best when the stitches are dense and neat, because the doll needs enough structure to hold the rounded face, cardigan texture, and small accessories clearly.

• Yarn A: warm white or ivory for face center, muzzle, hands, legs, socks, and cardigan yoke.
• Yarn B: soft taupe-gray for top head and side face patches.
• Yarn C: medium chocolate brown for ears, nose, shorts trim, hat stripes, and sandal details.
• Yarn D: moss green for cardigan body, sleeves, bag, strap, and one knitted leaf.
• Yarn E: dusty pink for flower, light muzzle shading, and tiny sandal embroidery.
• Yarn F: tan or caramel for acorns and small autumn leaf.
• Yarn G: rust brown for one autumn leaf and acorn caps.
• Yarn H: pale yellow for one small leaf accent.
• Safety eyes: two glossy black eyes, 8 mm to 9 mm.
• Buttons: five tiny brown buttons for cardigan and bag, plus two small tan buttons for sandals.
• Needles: US 3 or 3.25 mm double-pointed needles, or size needed for firm toy fabric.
• Optional needle: US 2 or 2.75 mm for bag strap, sandal straps, and flower.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Tools: yarn needle, stitch markers, embroidery needle, pins, scissors, row counter, and small pom-pom maker or fork.

Gauge

Gauge is important for a balanced doll, but exact gauge is less important than firm fabric. The stitches should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through. If the fabric stretches open, go down one needle size.

• Stockinette gauge: 24 stitches and 34 rounds = 4 inches.
• Cardigan cable gauge: about 26 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches after light blocking.
• Small accessory gauge: firm and compact, with no visible holes.

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.
• M1L: make 1 left-leaning increase.
• M1R: make 1 right-leaning increase.
• SSK: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together.
• St st: stockinette stitch.
• Sts: stitches.
• Tbl: through back loop.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, K2, then K2 from cable needle.
• C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, K2, then K2 from cable needle.

Pattern Notes

This spaniel is knitted in separate pieces and sewn together. The head and body are shaped with increases and decreases, while the clothing is worked separately for a fitted, layered appearance. The cardigan sits over the shoulders, the shorts stop above the knees, and the sandals wrap around the white feet with small floral embroidery.

The dog has a rounded puppy head with a white blaze down the center of the face. Taupe-brown patches frame the eyes and forehead. Long chocolate-brown floppy ears hang down the sides, with a narrow white inner edge. The muzzle is softly protruding and shaded with pale pink near the cheeks.

• Use mattress stitch for most seams.
• Stuff the head firmly, especially around the muzzle and cheeks.
• Stuff arms and legs lightly near the top so they hang naturally.
• Sew all clothing with small hidden stitches so the outfit looks clean.
• Keep the cardigan slightly open in front so the tiny buttons are visible.

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Head

The head is worked from the lower neck upward in the round. Color placement creates the white center face and taupe-brown side patches. Use intarsia in the round or work the head flat and seam it at the back. For beginners, working flat is easier and gives better control over the face markings.

Head Worked Flat

1. With Yarn A, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: P all sts.
3. Row 2, RS: K1, M1R, K16, M1L, K1. You now have 20 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K2, M1R, K16, M1L, K2. You now have 22 sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: K3, M1R, K16, M1L, K3. You now have 24 sts.
8. Row 7: P all sts.
9. Row 8: K4, M1R, K16, M1L, K4. You now have 26 sts.
10. Row 9: P all sts.
11. Row 10: K5, M1R, K16, M1L, K5. You now have 28 sts.

Begin the face color placement. The white section remains in the middle, while the side patches grow in taupe-gray. Twist yarns neatly at each color change to avoid holes.

1. Row 11, WS: P all sts with Yarn A.
2. Row 12, RS: K6 Yarn B, K16 Yarn A, K6 Yarn B.
3. Row 13: P6 Yarn B, P16 Yarn A, P6 Yarn B.
4. Row 14: K7 Yarn B, K14 Yarn A, K7 Yarn B.
5. Row 15: P7 Yarn B, P14 Yarn A, P7 Yarn B.
6. Row 16: K8 Yarn B, K12 Yarn A, K8 Yarn B.
7. Row 17: P8 Yarn B, P12 Yarn A, P8 Yarn B.
8. Row 18: K9 Yarn B, K10 Yarn A, K9 Yarn B.
9. Row 19: P9 Yarn B, P10 Yarn A, P9 Yarn B.
10. Row 20: K10 Yarn B, K8 Yarn A, K10 Yarn B.

The next rows make the rounded forehead. The center white blaze narrows toward the top, matching the image where the white stripe climbs between the eyes and soft taupe fur surrounds it.

1. Row 21: P10 Yarn B, P8 Yarn A, P10 Yarn B.
2. Row 22: K11 Yarn B, K6 Yarn A, K11 Yarn B.
3. Row 23: P11 Yarn B, P6 Yarn A, P11 Yarn B.
4. Row 24: K12 Yarn B, K4 Yarn A, K12 Yarn B.
5. Row 25: P12 Yarn B, P4 Yarn A, P12 Yarn B.
6. Row 26: K all sts with Yarn B.
7. Row 27: P all sts.
8. Row 28: K2, SSK, K20, K2tog, K2. You now have 26 sts.
9. Row 29: P all sts.
10. Row 30: K2, SSK, K18, K2tog, K2. You now have 24 sts.

Continue decreasing for the crown. The top of the head should look softly domed, not pointed. Do not overstuff the top; save firm stuffing for the cheeks and muzzle area.

1. Row 31: P all sts.
2. Row 32: K2, SSK, K16, K2tog, K2. You now have 22 sts.
3. Row 33: P all sts.
4. Row 34: K2, SSK, K14, K2tog, K2. You now have 20 sts.
5. Row 35: P all sts.
6. Row 36: K2, SSK, K12, K2tog, K2. You now have 18 sts.
7. Row 37: P all sts.
8. Row 38: K1, K2tog across to last 1 st, K1. You now have 10 sts.
9. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through remaining sts and pull closed.

Sew the back head seam using mattress stitch. Stuff firmly, shaping the head into a rounded oval. The forehead should be broad, the chin slightly narrower, and the cheeks gently full.

Muzzle

The muzzle is an oval white piece sewn onto the lower face. It protrudes gently and gives the spaniel a soft puppy expression. Add pale pink shading with duplicate stitch or very light embroidery near the upper muzzle.

1. With Yarn A, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, M1R, K6, M1L, K1. You now have 10 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, M1R, K8, M1L, K1. You now have 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 9: Work in St st, beginning with a P row.
7. Row 10: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
8. Row 11: P all sts.
9. Row 12: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. You now have 8 sts.
10. BO loosely.

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Run a small gathering thread around the edge of the muzzle. Add a small amount of stuffing under the center, then pin it to the lower face. Sew it between Rows 5 and 18 of the head, centered under the white blaze.

Nose and Mouth

The nose is knitted as a tiny oval and sewn to the top center of the muzzle. The mouth is embroidered in dark brown with a short vertical line and two soft curves.

1. With Yarn C, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, M1R, K3, M1L, K1. You now have 7 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K all sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: K1, SSK, K1, K2tog, K1. You now have 5 sts.
8. BO, leaving a long tail.

Sew the nose horizontally to the upper center of the muzzle. With dark brown yarn, embroider one straight stitch down from the bottom of the nose, then make two shallow curved stitches to form the mouth. Keep the expression gentle and slightly sleepy.

Eyes and Eye Shaping

Place the eyes before the head is fully closed if using safety eyes. The eyes sit wide apart on the taupe-brown side areas, slightly above the top edge of the muzzle. The glossy black eyes are an important part of the spaniel’s gentle expression.

• Insert the left eye between Rows 16 and 17, about 5 stitches from the center white blaze.
• Insert the right eye between Rows 16 and 17, about 5 stitches from the center white blaze.
• Use a long needle and matching yarn to pull the eye area inward slightly.
• Add one tiny white embroidery highlight beside each eye if desired.

Ears

The ears are long, floppy, and rounded at the lower ends. Each ear has a chocolate-brown outer section and a narrow white inner edge that shows along the face side, similar to the image.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With Yarn C, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, M1R, K8, M1L, K1. You now have 12 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, M1R, K10, M1L, K1. You now have 14 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 24: Work in St st.
7. Row 25: P all sts.
8. Row 26: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1. You now have 12 sts.
9. Row 27: P all sts.
10. Row 28: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
11. Row 29: P all sts.
12. Row 30: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. You now have 8 sts.
13. BO loosely.

Inner White Ear Edge, Make 2

1. With Yarn A, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 22: Work in St st.
3. Row 23: K1, SSK, K2. You now have 4 sts.
4. Row 24: P all sts.
5. Row 25: K1, K2tog, K1. You now have 3 sts.
6. BO.

Sew each white inner strip along the front edge of each brown ear. Sew the ears to the sides of the head between Rows 21 and 27. Angle the top of each ear slightly backward so the ears frame the face and hang down to the upper cardigan.

Body

The body is mostly hidden by the cardigan and shorts, but it must be shaped well so the clothing sits correctly. Use Yarn A for the upper chest and Yarn C for the lower body under the shorts if desired.

1. With Yarn A, CO 24 sts and divide evenly over DPNs.
2. Round 1: K all sts.
3. Round 2: K2, M1R, K8, M1L, K4, M1R, K8, M1L, K2. You now have 28 sts.
4. Round 3: K all sts.
5. Round 4: K2, M1R, K10, M1L, K4, M1R, K10, M1L, K2. You now have 32 sts.
6. Rounds 5 to 12: K all sts.
7. Round 13: K8, M1R, K16, M1L, K8. You now have 34 sts.
8. Rounds 14 to 22: K all sts.
9. Change to Yarn C for the hidden lower belly.
10. Rounds 23 to 30: K all sts.
11. Round 31: K2, K2tog around to last 2 sts, K2. You now have 26 sts.
12. Round 32: K all sts.
13. Round 33: K1, K2tog around to last 2 sts, K2. You now have 18 sts.
14. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the neck opening stable.
15. Round 34: K2tog around. You now have 9 sts.
16. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and secure.

Sew the head to the body with the chin slightly tucked forward. Use several rounds of stitching around the neck so the large head stays upright.

Arms

The arms are white at the hands and moss green at the sleeves, matching the cardigan sleeves shown in the image. They are slim and hang slightly outward from the shoulders.

1. With Yarn A, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 6: K all sts.
3. Round 7: K1, M1R, K8, M1L, K1. You now have 12 sts.
4. Rounds 8 to 11: K all sts.
5. Change to Yarn D for the green sleeve.
6. Round 12: K all sts.
7. Round 13: K1, P1 rib around.
8. Rounds 14 to 27: K all sts.
9. Round 28: K2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
10. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and secure.

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Stuff the hands lightly and leave the upper sleeves only lightly filled. Sew the arms to each side of the body just under the cardigan yoke, angled down toward the hips.

Legs

The legs are white below the shorts and should look like soft puppy legs inside the sandals. Make two identical legs. Keep them straight so the doll can stand with support.

1. With Yarn A, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 16: K all sts.
3. Round 17: K3, M1R, K6, M1L, K3. You now have 14 sts.
4. Rounds 18 to 24: K all sts.
5. Stuff the lower leg firmly.
6. Round 25: K2tog around. You now have 7 sts.
7. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts.

Sew the legs to the lower body with about 4 stitches of space between them. The feet and sandals will be added separately, so keep the leg bottoms facing forward.

Feet

The feet are oval white pieces that fit into the open-toe sandals. Each foot has subtle toe lines embroidered at the front.

1. With Yarn A, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, M1R, K6, M1L, K1. You now have 10 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, M1R, K8, M1L, K1. You now have 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 12: Work in St st.
7. Row 13: P all sts.
8. Row 14: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
9. Row 15: P all sts.
10. Row 16: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. You now have 8 sts.
11. BO.

Sew each foot into a shallow oval, stuff lightly, and attach to the bottom of each leg. Embroider three short vertical toe lines at the front of each foot using Yarn A doubled or a slightly darker ivory thread.

Brown Shorts

The shorts are soft taupe-brown and stop above the white legs. They have a ribbed waist and simple straight legs. The fit should be snug enough to sit under the cardigan without bulk.

1. With Yarn C, CO 36 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib around.
3. Rounds 5 to 13: K all sts.
4. Round 14: K18 sts, place remaining 18 sts on holder for second leg.
5. First leg Rounds 1 to 8: K all 18 sts in the round.
6. First leg Round 9: K1, P1 rib around.
7. First leg Round 10: K1, P1 rib around. BO in rib.
8. Return held 18 sts to needles.
9. Second leg Rounds 1 to 8: K all 18 sts in the round.
10. Second leg Round 9: K1, P1 rib around.
11. Second leg Round 10: K1, P1 rib around. BO in rib.

Slip the shorts onto the body before sewing the legs completely closed if desired. Stitch the waistband to the body at the back with two tiny hidden stitches so the shorts do not slide.

Autumn Cardigan

The cardigan is the main clothing feature. It has a cream upper yoke, moss-green lower body, textured cable panels, ribbed edges, and small brown buttons down the front. It is worked flat from the bottom up and seamed at the sides.

Cardigan Back

1. With Yarn D, CO 34 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 5: K2, P2 rib across, ending K2.
3. Row 6, RS: K4, P2, C4F, P2, K6, P2, C4B, P2, K4.
4. Row 7, WS: P4, K2, P4, K2, P6, K2, P4, K2, P4.
5. Rows 8 to 11: Work sts as they appear.
6. Row 12: Repeat Row 6.
7. Rows 13 to 17: Work sts as they appear.
8. Row 18: Repeat Row 6.
9. Rows 19 to 21: Work sts as they appear.
10. Change to Yarn A for cream yoke.
11. Rows 22 to 31: Work in K2, P2 rib, keeping the fabric lightly textured.
12. Row 32: BO 6 sts, work 22 sts, BO 6 sts for shoulders and neck shaping.
13. BO remaining center 22 sts loosely.

Left Cardigan Front

1. With Yarn D, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 5: K2, P2 rib across, ending K2.
3. Row 6, RS: K4, P2, C4F, P2, K6.
4. Row 7, WS: P6, K2, P4, K2, P4.
5. Rows 8 to 11: Work sts as they appear.
6. Row 12: K4, P2, C4F, P2, K6.
7. Rows 13 to 17: Work sts as they appear.
8. Row 18: K4, P2, C4F, P2, K6.
9. Rows 19 to 21: Work sts as they appear.
10. Change to Yarn A for cream yoke.
11. Rows 22 to 28: Work in K2, P2 rib.
12. Row 29: BO 5 sts at neck edge, work to end.
13. Row 30: Work back across.
14. Row 31: BO 3 sts at neck edge, work to end.
15. Row 32: BO remaining shoulder sts.

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Right Cardigan Front

1. With Yarn D, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 5: K2, P2 rib across, ending K2.
3. Row 6, RS: K6, P2, C4B, P2, K4.
4. Row 7, WS: P4, K2, P4, K2, P6.
5. Rows 8 to 11: Work sts as they appear.
6. Row 12: K6, P2, C4B, P2, K4.
7. Rows 13 to 17: Work sts as they appear.
8. Row 18: K6, P2, C4B, P2, K4.
9. Rows 19 to 21: Work sts as they appear.
10. Change to Yarn A for cream yoke.
11. Rows 22 to 28: Work in K2, P2 rib.
12. Row 29: Work to neck edge and BO 5 sts.
13. Row 30: Work back across.
14. Row 31: Work to neck edge and BO 3 sts.
15. Row 32: BO remaining shoulder sts.

Cardigan Sleeves, Make 2

1. With Yarn D, CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 5: K1, P1 rib across.
3. Rows 6 to 22: Work in St st.
4. Row 23: K1, M1R, K18, M1L, K1. You now have 22 sts.
5. Rows 24 to 27: Work in St st.
6. BO loosely.

Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves into the armholes with the sleeve seam under the arm. Sew side seams from underarm to lower ribbing. Place the cardigan on the doll and overlap the fronts slightly. Sew four tiny brown buttons down the front, starting at the cream yoke and ending near the lower green ribbing.

Button Band and Neck Edge

The cardigan in the image has a neat front edge with visible buttons. To copy this, add a narrow knitted band on each front edge after the cardigan is assembled.

1. With Yarn D, pick up 24 sts along the right front edge.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts for garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Repeat along the left front edge.
5. With Yarn A, pick up 30 sts around the neck opening.
6. Rows 1 to 3: K1, P1 rib.
7. BO loosely.

Sew buttons on the viewer’s right side of the cardigan. The buttonholes can be decorative, because the cardigan may be stitched closed after dressing the doll.

Crossbody Bag

The little moss-green bag rests at the dog’s right hip and has a long diagonal strap across the cardigan. The front flap has a tiny brown button.

Bag Body

1. With Yarn D, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 18: Work in St st.
4. Rows 19 to 22: K all sts for the flap fold.
5. Row 23: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1. You now have 12 sts.
6. Row 24: K all sts.
7. Row 25: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
8. Row 26: K all sts.
9. BO.

Fold the lower section up to create a pouch and sew side seams. Fold the flap over the front. Sew a tiny brown button centered near the lower edge of the flap.

Bag Strap

1. With Yarn D and smaller needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Work an I-cord for 15 inches, or long enough to cross from the left shoulder to the right hip.
3. BO and sew the strap ends securely to each side of the bag.

Place the strap diagonally from the dog’s left shoulder to the right hip. Tack the strap at the shoulder and under the bag with tiny hidden stitches.

Striped Pom-Pom Hat

The soft hat is loose and placed to the side of the doll. It has warm white and taupe-brown stripes with a fluffy pom-pom on top. Work it separately as a display accessory.

1. With Yarn A, CO 40 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 5: K2, P2 rib around.
3. Change to Yarn C.
4. Rounds 6 to 8: K all sts.
5. Change to Yarn A.
6. Rounds 9 to 11: K all sts.
7. Change to Yarn C.
8. Rounds 12 to 14: K all sts.
9. Change to Yarn A.
10. Rounds 15 to 17: K all sts.
11. Change to Yarn C.
12. Rounds 18 to 20: K all sts.
13. Round 21: K6, K2tog around. You now have 35 sts.
14. Round 22: K all sts.
15. Round 23: K5, K2tog around. You now have 30 sts.
16. Round 24: K all sts.
17. Round 25: K4, K2tog around. You now have 25 sts.
18. Round 26: K3, K2tog around. You now have 20 sts.
19. Round 27: K2, K2tog around. You now have 15 sts.
20. Round 28: K1, K2tog around. You now have 10 sts.
21. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and secure.

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Make a small pom-pom using Yarn A and Yarn C together. Trim it into a round shape and sew it firmly to the top of the hat. Fold the ribbed brim upward slightly.

Pink Flower Hair Accent

The pink flower sits above one eye near the base of the ear. It has rounded petals and a pale center. Keep it small so it does not cover the spaniel’s face.

1. With Yarn E, CO 30 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K2tog across. You now have 15 sts.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: K2tog across to last 1 st, K1. You now have 8 sts.
6. Cut yarn, thread through sts, and pull gently to curl the strip.
7. Coil the strip into a five-petal flower and sew through the center.
8. With pale pink or ivory yarn, make 4 small French knots in the center.

Sew the flower to the upper left side of the head, just above the ear attachment. Angle it slightly outward so it appears pinned to the fur.

Open-Toe Sandals

The sandals are brown with front straps, ankle straps, side buttons, and tiny embroidered flowers. They are worked as small flat pieces and sewn around the white feet.

Sandal Sole, Make 2

1. With Yarn C, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, M1R, K6, M1L, K1. You now have 10 sts.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, M1R, K8, M1L, K1. You now have 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 13: K all sts.
7. Row 14: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
8. Row 15: K all sts.
9. Row 16: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. You now have 8 sts.
10. BO.

Toe Strap, Make 2

1. With Yarn C, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 18: K all sts.
3. BO.

Ankle Strap, Make 2

1. With Yarn C, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 22: K all sts.
3. BO.

Sew one sole to the underside of each foot. Wrap one toe strap over the front of each foot, leaving the white toes visible. Wrap one ankle strap around the upper foot and sew a tiny tan button to the outside edge of each sandal.

Use pink, green, ivory, and yellow embroidery thread or fine yarn to add tiny flower stitches on the toe straps. Make each flower with three small straight stitches and one center knot.

Autumn Leaves

The small pile of knitted leaves sits beside the dog. Make three or four leaves in rust, green, tan, and golden yellow. These are decorative but help match the cozy autumn theme in the image.

Basic Leaf, Make 4

1. CO 3 sts with chosen leaf color.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, M1R, K1, M1L, K1. You now have 5 sts.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, M1R, K3, M1L, K1. You now have 7 sts.
6. Row 5: K all sts.
7. Row 6: K1, M1R, K5, M1L, K1. You now have 9 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 9: K all sts.
9. Row 10: K1, SSK, K3, K2tog, K1. You now have 7 sts.
10. Row 11: K all sts.
11. Row 12: K1, SSK, K1, K2tog, K1. You now have 5 sts.
12. Row 13: K all sts.
13. Row 14: K1, SSK, K2. You now have 4 sts.
14. Row 15: K2tog twice. You now have 2 sts.
15. BO.

Embroider one center vein down each leaf with a slightly darker yarn. Add two short angled side veins on each side. Lightly steam the leaves flat without pressing them completely flat.

Acorns

The acorns are small oval pieces with textured caps. Make three acorns in tan, caramel, and brown, then group them near the leaves.

Acorn Body, Make 3

1. With Yarn F or Yarn C, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 3: K all sts.
3. Round 4: K1, M1R, K6, M1L, K1. You now have 10 sts.
4. Rounds 5 to 9: K all sts.
5. Round 10: K2tog around. You now have 5 sts.
6. Stuff very lightly.
7. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts.

Acorn Cap, Make 3

1. With Yarn G, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Round 1: P all sts.
3. Round 2: K all sts.
4. Round 3: P all sts.
5. Round 4: K2tog around. You now have 5 sts.
6. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Sew one cap to the top of each acorn. Add a short twisted yarn stem if desired. Place the acorns in a small cluster beside the doll and hat.

Facial Color Shading

To match the image, add very light dusty-pink shading around the lower muzzle. This can be done with a few duplicate stitches or gentle surface embroidery. Avoid heavy color, because the muzzle should still look mostly white.

• Make 3 short pale pink stitches on the left cheek area of the muzzle.
• Make 3 short pale pink stitches on the right cheek area of the muzzle.
• Blend the stitches by keeping them loose and short.
• Add two tiny dark brown dots above the mouth if you want a softer puppy look.

Cardigan Texture Details

The cardigan should look thick and cozy. After the main cardigan is sewn, use a yarn needle and moss-green yarn to sharpen the cable lines if needed. Run a short vertical duplicate stitch beside each cable twist to make the texture more visible.

• Keep the lower green body slightly longer than the cream yoke.
• Place the cream yoke across the shoulders and upper chest.
• Let the green sleeves end just above the white hands.
• Sew the cardigan closed only at hidden points so it still looks like a real garment.

Assembly Order

Assembling in the correct order keeps the clothing neat and prevents bulky seams. Pin each piece first and check the doll from the front, side, and back before sewing permanently.

1. Sew and stuff the head.
2. Sew the muzzle to the lower face.
3. Add the nose, mouth, eyes, and face shaping.
4. Sew the ears to both sides of the head.
5. Knit, stuff, and close the body.
6. Sew the head firmly to the body.
7. Sew the arms to the shoulders.
8. Sew the legs and feet to the lower body.
9. Dress the doll in the shorts.
10. Fit the cardigan over the body and sew hidden anchor points.
11. Add cardigan buttons.
12. Add sandals and embroidered flowers.
13. Add the crossbody bag and strap.
14. Sew the pink flower to the head.
15. Arrange the hat, leaves, and acorns beside the doll.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Final shaping is what makes this spaniel look gentle and handmade. Use both hands to round the cheeks, smooth the muzzle, and position the ears so they hang evenly. The ears should frame the face and reach almost to the shoulder line.

Check that the white blaze is centered between the eyes. If the muzzle tilts, gently remove a few stitches and resew it. The nose should sit horizontally, with the mouth line centered below it.

• Secure all buttons firmly.
• Hide all yarn tails inside the doll or clothing.
• Brush the cardigan lightly with your fingers to lift the texture.
• Make sure the bag rests at the right hip.
• Place the hat and autumn pieces nearby for display.

Care Notes

Spot clean the doll with cool water and mild soap. Do not soak if safety eyes, buttons, or embroidery are attached. Press the cleaned area gently with a towel and let the doll air dry completely.

• Keep away from rough play if small buttons are used.
• Do not machine wash.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Store flat or standing with light support.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and securely attached.
• The white muzzle is centered and softly rounded.
• The floppy ears hang evenly on both sides.
• The cardigan has a cream yoke, green body, cable texture, and brown buttons.
• The shorts sit neatly under the cardigan.
• The sandals show white toes and tiny floral embroidery.
• The crossbody bag crosses from shoulder to opposite hip.
• The pink flower sits near one ear.
• The striped hat has a full pom-pom.
• The leaves and acorns complete the autumn scene.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the spaniel away from direct sunlight so the soft green, brown, pink, and cream colors stay clear. Dust gently with a clean dry cloth or soft brush.

If the doll is stored seasonally, wrap it in acid-free tissue or plain cotton fabric. Avoid plastic bags for long storage, because trapped moisture may flatten the stitches or affect the buttons.

• Refresh the shape by gently squeezing the stuffing back into place.
• Straighten the ears and bag strap after storage.
• Keep the hat, leaves, and acorns together in a small labeled pouch.
• Check embroidery and buttons once in a while and tighten if needed.