Knitting Tutorial: Spaniel Dog in Striped Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted spaniel dog is designed as a soft amigurumi-style toy with a rounded puppy head, floppy brown ears, a white muzzle, green textured sweater, brown-and-cream striped overalls, open-toe sandals, a floral crossbody bag, a daisy-trimmed hat, tiny acorns, and a knitted autumn leaf. The finished doll has a cozy garden look with careful shaping, embroidered face details, and small decorative flowers placed just like the image.

 

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

Finished Size

The finished spaniel dog measures about 11 inches tall from the top of the head to the bottom of the sandals when knitted with DK weight yarn and 2.75 mm needles. The head is large and rounded, the body is compact, and the legs are short and slightly tapered to match the soft toy proportions in the image.

• Height: about 11 inches / 28 cm.
• Head width: about 4.5 inches / 11.5 cm after stuffing.
• Body length: about 4 inches / 10 cm from neck to crotch.
• Leg length: about 3 inches / 7.5 cm including feet.
• Hat width: about 4 inches / 10 cm across when relaxed.
• Bag size: about 2 inches wide by 2.25 inches tall.

Skill Level

This pattern is best for confident beginners to intermediate knitters. It uses small pieces, increasing, decreasing, mattress stitch, basic embroidery, color changes for stripes, and simple textured stitches. The toy is knitted mostly flat and seamed, with a few small pieces worked in the round if preferred.

Materials

• Yarn weight: DK or light worsted yarn. Use firm wool or cotton-blend yarn for clear stitch definition.
• Main white yarn: 45 g for face, muzzle, paws, feet, and hand tips.
• Light tan yarn: 20 g for head patches and body shading.
• Medium brown yarn: 35 g for floppy ears, nose, suspenders, stripes, sandals, hat stripes, and acorns.
• Cream yarn: 20 g for overalls stripes and bag background.
• Green yarn: 25 g for the ribbed sweater and headband.
• Olive green yarn: small amount for leaves, flower stems, and the knitted autumn leaf.
• Yellow yarn: small amount for flower centers and acorn body details.
• Pink yarn: small amount for small flowers on the headband and sandals.
• White embroidery yarn: small amount for daisies on the bag and hat.
• Black embroidery floss: for eyes, pupils, mouth line, and light eyebrow shaping.
• Dark brown embroidery floss: for nose shading and paw toe lines.
• 2.75 mm knitting needles: straight needles for most pieces.
• 2.25 mm knitting needles: for tight accessories, flowers, and straps.
• Tapestry needle: for seaming and embroidery.
• Polyester fiberfill: for firm but soft stuffing.
• Four small tan buttons: about 8 mm wide for the sweater and suspender front buttons.
• Two smaller tan buttons: about 6 mm wide for suspender top buttons.
• Two black safety eyes: 8 mm, or embroider the eyes if making the toy for a small child.
• Stitch markers: useful for positioning face patches and limb joins.

Gauge

Gauge is important because the doll should be firm and rounded without stuffing showing through. Work tighter than you would for garments. If your fabric is loose, use smaller needles. If the finished pieces feel stiff and hard to seam, use a slightly larger needle but keep the stuffing hidden.

• Stockinette gauge: 26 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm.
• Ribbed sweater gauge: 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in 2 by 2 rib, lightly stretched.
• Stripe gauge: each 2-row stripe measures about 0.23 inch / 6 mm high.

Abbreviations

• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st / sts: stitch / stitches.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the next stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
• p2tog: purl 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• ssk: slip 1 stitch knitwise, slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through the back loops.
• sl1: slip 1 stitch.
• St st: stockinette stitch; knit RS rows and purl WS rows.
• G st: garter stitch; knit every row.
• MC: main color.

Important Construction Notes

The spaniel is built from separate shaped pieces. The head is a round stuffed form with knitted color patches added through planned color changes and embroidery. The body is hidden under the sweater and overalls, but it still needs firm shaping so the outfit sits cleanly.

The image shows a white face with tan-brown side patches, a brown nose, dark rounded eyes, and soft muzzle shaping. The ears are long, floppy, brown, and attached low on each side of the head. The headband crosses the forehead above the eyes and holds small flowers.

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The overalls are not removable in this version. They are knitted as fitted striped pants with a bib and separate suspenders sewn over the green sweater. This gives the same snug handmade look as the image and prevents bulky layers around the small body.

Color Placement Guide

• Face center: white from forehead down to muzzle.
• Side head patches: light tan on both sides of forehead and around eyes.
• Ears: medium brown, long, oval, and floppy.
• Muzzle: white, protruding oval, centered low on face.
• Nose: dark brown oval triangle shape, embroidered or knitted separately.
• Sweater: green with vertical rib texture and short sleeves.
• Overalls: brown and cream narrow horizontal stripes.
• Suspenders: brown straps with small tan buttons.
• Bag: cream base with tan edging, white daisies, yellow centers, and green stems.
• Hat: tan and brown stripes with embroidered daisies around the lower band.
• Sandals: tan soles, brown top straps, tiny pink and yellow flowers.

Head

The head is worked flat in shaped stockinette and seamed at the back. Use white for the center face and light tan for the sides. For easier knitting, carry the yarn loosely across the back when switching colors, or knit the head in white and duplicate stitch the tan patches afterward.

Head Panel

1. With white yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb in each st across. 24 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k2, kfb, repeat from k2, kfb across. 32 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: k3, kfb, repeat from k3, kfb across. 40 sts.
8. Row 7: p all sts.
9. Row 8: k4, kfb, repeat from k4, kfb across. 48 sts.
10. Row 9: p all sts.
11. Row 10: k5, kfb, repeat from k5, kfb across. 56 sts.
12. Rows 11 to 18: work in St st for 8 rows.

Begin the tan side patches on the next row. Keep the center white panel wide and vertical. The tan sections should frame the forehead and curve down beside the eyes.

1. Row 19 RS: with tan k14, with white k28, with tan k14.
2. Row 20 WS: with tan p14, with white p28, with tan p14.
3. Row 21: with tan k16, with white k24, with tan k16.
4. Row 22: with tan p16, with white p24, with tan p16.
5. Row 23: with tan k17, with white k22, with tan k17.
6. Row 24: with tan p17, with white p22, with tan p17.
7. Rows 25 to 30: repeat the 17 tan, 22 white, 17 tan placement.
8. Row 31 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts using the same colors as established, k2tog. 54 sts.
9. Row 32 WS: p all sts in color pattern.
10. Row 33: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. 52 sts.
11. Row 34: p all sts.
12. Row 35: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. 50 sts.
13. Row 36: p all sts.
14. Row 37: k3, k2tog, repeat from k3, k2tog across. 40 sts.
15. Row 38: p all sts.
16. Row 39: k2, k2tog, repeat from k2, k2tog across. 30 sts.
17. Row 40: p all sts.
18. Row 41: k1, k2tog, repeat from k1, k2tog across. 20 sts.
19. Row 42: p all sts.
20. Row 43: k2tog across. 10 sts.
21. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Shaping the Head

Fold the head panel with RS facing inward. Sew the back seam from the crown down to the lower edge using mattress stitch. Turn RS out. Stuff firmly, adding small pieces of fiberfill at a time so the head becomes smooth, round, and slightly wider across the cheeks.

The bottom of the head should remain slightly open for attaching to the neck. Use a gathering stitch around the lower edge and pull until the opening measures about 1.4 inches wide. Do not close it completely yet.

Muzzle

The muzzle is a separate white oval that sits on the lower half of the face. It should protrude gently and create the soft puppy expression shown in the image.

1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 12: work in St st.
9. Row 13: k2tog, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
10. Row 14: p all sts.
11. Row 15: k2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
12. Row 16: p all sts.
13. Row 17: k2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
14. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

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Run a gathering stitch around the muzzle edge. Add a small amount of stuffing to make a low dome. Pin the muzzle to the face with the top edge placed about 2 rows below the eyes and the lower edge just above the neck opening. Sew around the edge neatly.

Nose

The nose is dark brown and slightly rounded, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. You may embroider it directly or knit a tiny piece and sew it on.

Knitted Nose Option

1. With dark brown yarn and 2.25 mm 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: k2tog, k3, ssk. 5 sts.
6. Row 5: p2tog, p1, p2tog. 3 sts.
7. BO all sts.

Sew the nose to the upper center of the muzzle. Use dark brown embroidery floss to satin stitch over the knitted nose until smooth. Add one vertical line from the lower nose point down 4 rows, then split into a tiny soft mouth curve on each side.

Eyes and Face Embroidery

Place the eyes before closing the head completely. The eyes in the image are large, glossy, dark, and slightly oval, sitting under the tan patches and above the muzzle.

• Place each 8 mm safety eye between Rows 23 and 24 of the head.
• Leave about 13 knitted stitches between the eyes.
• The inner edge of each eye should sit close to the white center face panel.
• Use black embroidery floss to add a tiny upper eyelid line over each eye.
• Use light brown floss to add 2 very soft eyebrow stitches above each eye, angled gently upward.
• Use pale pink or light tan floss to shade 3 tiny dots on each side of the muzzle.

Floppy Ears

The spaniel ears are long, soft, rounded, and medium brown. They start near the side of the head at eye level and hang down to the shoulder area. Each ear has a slightly tapered top and a rounded lower end.

Make 2 Ears

1. With medium brown yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 26: work in St st for 20 rows.
9. Row 27: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
10. Row 28: p all sts.
11. Row 29: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
12. Row 30: p all sts.
13. Row 31: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
14. Row 32: p all sts.
15. Row 33: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
16. BO all sts.

Make a second matching ear. Block lightly by smoothing each ear with your fingers; do not stretch. Sew each ear along its top 7 rows only, leaving the lower section loose and floppy. Attach the ears to the side of the head starting beside Row 22 and ending around Row 30.

Body

The body is a compact pear shape hidden under the green sweater and striped overalls. Knit it in white or tan because only small areas show at the neck and sleeve edges. Stuff firmly so the doll sits flat and the overalls do not collapse.

1. With white yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb in each st across. 36 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k5, kfb, repeat across. 42 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: k6, kfb, repeat across. 48 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 20: work in St st.
9. Row 21: k6, k2tog, repeat across. 42 sts.
10. Row 22: p all sts.
11. Row 23: k5, k2tog, repeat across. 36 sts.
12. Row 24: p all sts.
13. Row 25: k4, k2tog, repeat across. 30 sts.
14. Row 26: p all sts.
15. Row 27: k3, k2tog, repeat across. 24 sts.
16. Row 28: p all sts.
17. Row 29: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 18 sts.
18. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

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Sew the back seam. Gather the lower edge closed, stuff the body firmly, then gather the neck edge until it measures about 1.25 inches wide. Attach the head to the body with the muzzle facing forward and the back seam aligned with the body back seam.

Legs and Feet

The legs are short and white at the lower foot area, but most of the upper leg is covered by the striped overalls. The feet are oval with embroidered toes visible through the open sandals.

Make 2 Legs

1. With white yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb in each st across. 24 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: work in St st.
5. Row 9: k8, k2tog 4 times, k8. 20 sts.
6. Row 10: p all sts.
7. Row 11: k6, k2tog 4 times, k6. 16 sts.
8. Rows 12 to 18: work in St st.
9. Change to brown for the upper hidden leg.
10. Rows 19 to 28: work in St st.
11. Row 29: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 12 sts.
12. Row 30: p all sts.
13. BO all sts.

Sew each leg seam from the foot to the upper edge. Stuff the foot firmly and the upper leg moderately. Flatten the top edge slightly and sew the legs to the lower body, leaving a small center gap so the overalls form a visible crotch line.

Toe Embroidery

• Use light brown embroidery floss.
• Make 4 vertical toe lines on each foot.
• Each line should be about 4 rows long.
• Curve the lines slightly toward the center to create rounded puppy toes.

Arms

The arms show white paw tips and green sweater sleeves. They are softly tapered, sewn to the sides at a slight downward angle, and reach the top of the overalls.

Make 2 Arms

1. With white yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb in each st across. 20 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: work in St st.
5. Row 9: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 15 sts.
6. Row 10: p all sts.
7. Change to green yarn.
8. Rows 11 to 24: work in k2, p1 rib on RS rows and p2, k1 rib on WS rows.
9. Row 25: k1, k2tog, repeat across. 10 sts.
10. BO all sts.

Sew each arm seam. Stuff the paw firmly and the sleeve lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the head, angled down and slightly forward. The white paws should rest near the top half of the striped overalls.

Green Ribbed Sweater

The green sweater is fitted and textured. In the image it has vertical ribs, short sleeves, a high collar, and a button placket down the front. This knitted version is made as a separate open-front cardigan panel sewn around the body.

Sweater Body

1. With green yarn, CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k2, p2 rib across each row as established.
3. Row 5 RS: k2, p2 across 10 sts for right front, k24 in St st with rib columns every 4 sts for back, k2, p2 across 10 sts for left front.
4. Row 6 WS: work stitches as they appear.
5. Rows 7 to 24: continue rib texture, keeping the front edges in k2, p2 rib.
6. Row 25: BO 6 sts, work 32 sts, BO final 6 sts. 32 center sts remain for upper back and shoulders.
7. Row 26: work stitches as they appear.
8. Row 27: k2tog, work to last 2 sts, ssk. 30 sts.
9. Row 28: work stitches as they appear.
10. Row 29: k2tog, work to last 2 sts, ssk. 28 sts.
11. Rows 30 to 34: work even.
12. BO all sts.

Wrap the sweater around the body with the opening centered at the front. Sew the side seams lightly under the arms. The bottom of the sweater should sit under the top of the overalls, with only the upper green texture visible.

Sweater Front Placket

1. With green yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 6 sts.
2. Work 26 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the placket vertically down the center front of the sweater. Add 3 small tan buttons evenly spaced from the collar to the top of the overalls. In the image, the buttons are round, natural tan, and sit clearly on the green sweater.

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Collar

1. With green yarn, CO 30 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 5: k1, p1 rib across.
3. BO loosely in rib.

Sew the collar around the neckline after the head is attached. Keep it snug but not tight. The collar should frame the lower chin and sit above the first button.

Striped Overalls

The overalls are the most recognizable garment in the image. They have narrow horizontal brown and cream stripes, a rounded bib, short puffy pant legs, ribbed cuffs, brown suspenders, and small tan buttons. Work the stripes carefully so they stay even across both legs.

Stripe Sequence

• Use medium brown for 2 rows.
• Use cream for 2 rows.
• Repeat this 4-row stripe sequence throughout the pants.
• Carry the unused color loosely up the side seam if possible.
• Twist colors at the edge every stripe change to prevent gaps.

Left Overall Leg

1. With brown yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib for cuff.
3. Rows 5 to 6: with cream, work St st.
4. Rows 7 to 8: with brown, work St st.
5. Rows 9 to 10: with cream, work St st.
6. Rows 11 to 12: with brown, work St st.
7. Rows 13 to 14: with cream, work St st.
8. Row 15: with brown, kfb, k to last st, kfb. 26 sts.
9. Row 16: p all sts.
10. Rows 17 to 24: continue 2-row stripes in St st.
11. Place stitches on a holder.

Right Overall Leg

1. Work the second leg exactly as the left leg.
2. Do not cut yarn after Row 24.
3. Place both legs on one needle with RS facing, joining at the inner leg.

Joining the Pants

1. Row 25 RS: work across right leg 26 sts, CO 2 sts for center crotch, work across left leg 26 sts. 54 sts.
2. Row 26 WS: p all sts, keeping stripe sequence.
3. Rows 27 to 42: continue 2-row stripes in St st.
4. Row 43: k6, k2tog, repeat to last 6 sts, k6. 48 sts.
5. Row 44: p all sts.
6. Rows 45 to 50: continue stripe sequence.
7. Row 51: k4, k2tog, repeat across. 40 sts.
8. Row 52: p all sts.
9. Rows 53 to 56: continue stripe sequence.
10. BO all sts in brown.

Sew the inner leg seams first, then sew the back seam of the pants. Pull the overalls onto the body and legs before sewing the bib. Use small hidden stitches at the waist and cuffs to secure them permanently.

Overall Bib

1. With brown yarn, CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 2: work in garter stitch.
3. Change to cream.
4. Rows 3 to 4: work in St st.
5. Change to brown.
6. Rows 5 to 6: work in St st.
7. Change to cream.
8. Rows 7 to 8: work in St st.
9. Change to brown.
10. Row 9: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
11. Row 10: p all sts.
12. Row 11: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
13. Row 12: p all sts.
14. Rows 13 to 14: work in garter stitch with brown.
15. BO all sts.

Sew the bib to the front waist of the pants, centered under the sweater buttons. The top of the bib should sit just below the lowest sweater button, leaving the green placket visible above it.

Suspenders

1. With medium brown yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 5 sts.
2. Work 44 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make a second strap the same way.

Cross the straps over the back if desired, or sew them straight over the shoulders as shown from the front. Attach the lower front ends to the top corners of the bib. Sew one small tan button over each front suspender end. Sew two smaller buttons at the upper sides near the shoulders.

Open-Toe Sandals

The sandals have pale soles, brown straps, and tiny flowers. They sit around the white feet, leaving the embroidered toes visible. Make each sandal as a sole piece plus a front strap.

Soles, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: k all sts.
5. Row 9: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 10 to 18: k all sts.
7. Row 19: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
8. Row 20: k all sts.
9. Row 21: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
10. BO all sts.

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Front Straps, Make 2

1. With medium brown yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Work 24 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.

Place each sole under a foot and sew around the edge. Wrap one brown strap over the top of each foot, about 5 rows behind the toes. Sew strap ends to the sides of the sole. Add one tiny pink flower and one yellow flower on each sandal strap.

Headband

The spaniel wears a narrow olive-green headband across the forehead, partly tucked under the floppy ears. It holds small pink and yellow flowers near the top of the head.

1. With olive green yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 56 rows in garter stitch, or until the band fits from one ear base across the forehead to the other ear base.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the headband from one side of the head to the other, placing it about 4 rows above the eyes. Do not pull too tightly; it should follow the curve of the head.

Tiny Knitted Flowers

Use these flowers for the headband, sandals, bag, and hat. The image shows small simple blossoms, mostly pink, yellow, and white, with yellow centers.

Five-Petal Flower

1. With flower petal yarn, CO 15 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: k1, BO 2 sts, repeat across until 5 small petal bumps are formed.
4. Cut yarn and pull through remaining loops.
5. Shape into a small circle and sew the center closed.
6. Add one French knot or small stitch in yellow for the center.

• Make 2 pink flowers for the left side of the headband.
• Make 1 yellow flower for the right side of the headband.
• Make 4 tiny flowers for the sandal straps.
• Make 7 white daisies for the bag.
• Make 8 white daisies for the hat band.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is a small cream rectangle with tan edging, a long diagonal strap, and embroidered daisies. It hangs from the left shoulder across the front body and rests near the right hip, just like the image.

Bag Front

1. With cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 24: work in St st.
4. Rows 25 to 28: k all sts.
5. BO all sts.

Bag Back

1. With cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Work 28 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.

Place the front and back together with wrong sides touching. Sew three sides using tan yarn. Leave the top edge open or lightly stitched closed for a soft pouch look. Add a tan border around the top edge with simple overcast stitches.

Bag Strap

1. With tan yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 82 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one end of the strap to each upper side of the bag. Place the strap over the left shoulder and across the chest. Tack it to the sweater at the shoulder and side waist so it stays in position.

Bag Daisy Embroidery

• Use green floss or yarn to stitch 5 short stems on the front of the bag.
• Add 5 to 7 small white daisies over the stems.
• Each daisy should have 5 tiny straight stitches for petals.
• Add a yellow knot in the center of each flower.
• Keep flowers clustered mostly on the lower right half of the bag.

Striped Daisy Hat

The hat rests beside the dog in the image, but it is designed to fit loosely on the spaniel’s head if desired. It has a ribbed lower band, tan and brown stripes, and white daisies around the side.

Hat Body

1. With medium brown yarn, CO 56 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: k2, p2 rib across.
3. Change to tan yarn.
4. Rows 9 to 12: work in St st.
5. Change to brown yarn.
6. Rows 13 to 14: work in St st.
7. Change to tan yarn.
8. Rows 15 to 18: work in St st.
9. Change to brown yarn.
10. Rows 19 to 20: work in St st.
11. Change to tan yarn.
12. Rows 21 to 24: work in St st.
13. Row 25: k6, k2tog, repeat across. 49 sts.
14. Row 26: p all sts.
15. Row 27: k5, k2tog, repeat across. 42 sts.
16. Row 28: p all sts.
17. Row 29: k4, k2tog, repeat across. 35 sts.
18. Row 30: p all sts.
19. Row 31: k3, k2tog, repeat across. 28 sts.
20. Row 32: p all sts.
21. Row 33: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 21 sts.
22. Row 34: p all sts.
23. Row 35: k1, k2tog, repeat across. 14 sts.
24. Row 36: p all sts.
25. Row 37: k2tog across. 7 sts.
26. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Sew the back seam of the hat. Turn the lower ribbed band slightly upward to create the rolled brim seen in the image. Embroider white daisies around the lower tan area, just above the brim, spacing them about 5 stitches apart.

Acorns

The image includes small knitted acorns around the spaniel. Make three acorns in different brown and golden tones for a matching autumn display.

Acorn Body, Make 3

1. With golden brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb in each st across. 16 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: work in St st.
5. Row 9: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 12 sts.
6. Row 10: p all sts.
7. Row 11: k1, k2tog, repeat across. 8 sts.
8. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight.

Acorn Cap, Make 3

1. With medium brown yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: work in seed stitch by alternating k1, p1 and p1, k1 each row.
3. Row 5: k2tog across. 7 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Row 7: k2tog across to last st, k1. 4 sts.
6. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight.

Sew each acorn body seam, stuff very lightly, and close the bottom. Sew one cap over the top of each acorn. Add a tiny brown stem by stitching 4 short straight stitches at the crown.

Knitted Autumn Leaf

The leaf is worked in olive-gold yarn and shaped with increases and decreases. Add embroidered vein lines to match the decorative leaf near the dog.

1. With olive-gold yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: k all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
6. Row 5: k all sts.
7. Row 6: kfb, k5, kfb. 9 sts.
8. Row 7: k all sts.
9. Row 8: kfb, k7, kfb. 11 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 12: k all sts.
11. Row 13: k2tog, k7, ssk. 9 sts.
12. Row 14: k all sts.
13. Row 15: k2tog, k5, ssk. 7 sts.
14. Row 16: k all sts.
15. Row 17: k2tog, k3, ssk. 5 sts.
16. Row 18: k all sts.
17. Row 19: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts.
18. Row 20: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
19. Cut yarn and fasten off.

Use darker olive yarn to embroider a center vein from base to tip. Add three short diagonal veins on each side. Steam lightly from a distance and shape the leaf while damp.

Assembly Order

Careful assembly is what makes this spaniel look like the image. Pin every piece before sewing. Check the front view often so the eyes, muzzle, ears, sweater, overalls, bag, and sandals stay balanced.

1. Sew and stuff the head, leaving the lower opening slightly gathered.
2. Add safety eyes or embroider eyes before the head is fully closed.
3. Sew the stuffed muzzle onto the lower face.
4. Add the nose, mouth line, muzzle dots, and soft face shading.
5. Sew the ears low on each side of the head so they hang beside the cheeks.
6. Sew and stuff the body, then attach the head firmly to the neck.
7. Sew and stuff both legs, then attach them to the lower body.
8. Sew and stuff both arms, then attach them at the shoulder area.
9. Wrap and sew the green sweater around the upper body.
10. Add the sweater placket, collar, and 3 center buttons.
11. Fit the striped overalls over the legs and body.
12. Sew the overall bib to the front waist.
13. Add suspenders and button details.
14. Attach sandals to the feet and embroider toe lines.
15. Sew the crossbody bag strap diagonally across the body.
16. Sew the bag at the right hip so it rests naturally.
17. Add the headband and small flowers.
18. Make the hat, acorns, and leaf as separate props.

Detailed Placement Notes

The ears should not sit too high. A spaniel look depends on the ears hanging from the side of the head, beginning near the eye line and ending just above the shoulder. Sew the top edge only so the lower part remains soft and loose.

The muzzle should sit centered and slightly low. If it is placed too high, the face will look more like a bear than a dog. Keep the nose on the upper third of the muzzle and let the embroidered mouth line extend downward.

The green sweater sleeves should cover the upper arms, while the white paw tips remain clearly visible. The overalls should begin high on the waist but not hide all of the sweater buttons. Leave three buttons visible above the bib.

The sandals should sit flat under the feet with the open strap placed behind the embroidered toes. The flower decorations on the sandals should be tiny, not bulky, so the feet stay balanced.

Optional Firmness and Safety Adjustments

• For a display doll, stuff the head and body very firmly so the spaniel can hold its shape.
• For a child-safe toy, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes.
• For a softer toy, reduce the amount of stuffing in the ears, arms, and legs.
• For stronger seams, sew each limb twice around the join using matching yarn.
• For removable props, do not sew the hat, acorns, or leaf to the doll.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all pieces are attached, check the spaniel from the front, sides, and top. The head should be centered above the sweater, the ears should hang evenly, and the overalls should sit symmetrically on both legs.

• Eyes: add a tiny white highlight stitch near the upper outer side of each eye if you want a glossy expression.
• Nose: smooth the satin stitches with your needle tip so the surface looks rounded.
• Mouth: keep the center line short and soft, about 4 rows long.
• Cheeks: add very light tan shading with 2 or 3 short stitches on each side of the muzzle.
• Flowers: sew each flower securely through the center so petals stay flat.

Care Notes

Spot clean the finished spaniel with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking the toy because the stuffing, buttons, embroidery, and small flowers may shift. Let the doll air dry completely on a towel, reshaping the head, ears, and overalls while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round, smooth, and firmly stuffed.
• The white center face panel runs vertically down the forehead.
• The tan side patches frame both eyes evenly.
• The muzzle is centered and softly raised.
• The floppy ears are attached low and hang freely.
• The sweater shows green rib texture and three front buttons.
• The overalls have neat brown and cream stripes.
• The suspenders are straight and secured with tan buttons.
• The bag strap crosses the body diagonally.
• The daisies on the bag and hat have yellow centers.
• The sandals leave the toe embroidery visible.
• The acorns and leaf match the autumn garden style.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the spaniel in a dry place away from direct sunlight to protect the soft colors. If dust collects on the stitches, use a clean soft brush and move gently in the direction of the knitted fabric. Keep the doll away from moisture, pets, and rough handling.

If the overalls or sweater become flattened, gently reshape them with your fingers. Do not iron the toy directly. For long-term display, place the spaniel upright with light support behind the body so the head and ears keep their rounded shape.