Knitting Tutorial: Tiger in Striped Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knitted tiger doll wears soft blue and yellow striped overalls, matching blue slippers with yellow pom-poms, a small crossbody flower bag, and a separate rounded sun hat with a yellow brim. The tiger has a round head, cream muzzle, glossy safety eyes, embroidered black stripes, rounded ears, a curved tail, and a small white daisy near one ear.

 

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 creates a seated-style plush tiger with a soft toy body, rounded head, short arms, small legs, striped overalls, sandals, a crossbody bag, and a removable hat. The construction is worked mostly in the round for smooth shaping, with embroidered details added after stuffing.

The tiger is designed with a large head, compact body, short limbs, and visible handmade stitch texture. The overalls are knitted separately enough to show clear blue and pale yellow horizontal stripes, while the tiger body uses orange, cream, and black surface embroidery to match the image.

Finished Size

• Finished tiger height: About 10.5 in / 27 cm from top of head to bottom of slippers.
• Head width: About 4.25 in / 11 cm across the cheeks.
• Body height: About 4.5 in / 11.5 cm from neck to bottom of overalls.
• Hat diameter: About 5 in / 13 cm across brim.
• Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 in / 2.5 cm in stockinette, worked firmly for toys.

Skill Level

Intermediate beginner to intermediate. The knitting is simple, but the shaping, color placement, embroidery, and assembly require patience. A confident beginner can complete this pattern by following the stitch counts carefully and stuffing each piece gradually.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in tiger orange, about 45 g.
• DK weight yarn in cream, about 25 g.
• DK weight yarn in black, about 8 g for stripes and embroidery.
• DK weight yarn in sky blue, about 35 g for overalls, hat, and slippers.
• DK weight yarn in pale yellow, about 20 g for stripes, hat trim, and pom-poms.
• DK weight yarn in warm brown, about 12 g for nose, bag, sandals, and bow.
• Small amount of white yarn for daisies.
• Small amount of green yarn for leaves.
• Small amount of yellow yarn for flower centers.
• Set of 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
• Set of 3.0 mm needles for overalls and hat if you want a slightly softer fabric.
• Pair of 10 mm black safety eyes.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Two tiny flower buttons for overall straps, or embroider the buttons if preferred.
• Small pom-pom maker or fork for yellow slipper pom-poms.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on.
• BO: Bind off.
• k: Knit.
• p: Purl.
• st / sts: Stitch / stitches.
• rnd / rnds: Round / rounds.
• RS: Right side.
• WS: Wrong side.
• kfb: Knit into the front and back of the same stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
• k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• ssk: Slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• M1L: Make 1 left increase.
• M1R: Make 1 right increase.
• St st: Stockinette stitch.
• G st: Garter stitch, knit every row when worked flat.

Important Construction Notes

The tiger body is knitted in firm stockinette so the stuffing does not show through. Work with even tension and stuff gradually. The head should be rounded and slightly wider across the cheeks, while the body should be narrower and hidden partly under the striped overalls.

• Use orange for most tiger body pieces.
• Use cream on the front muzzle, inner ears, lower face, belly edge, and foot pads.
• Use black embroidery after assembly for the tiger stripes.
• Use blue and yellow stripes for the overalls exactly as written to create the bright, playful look.
• Place the eyes before closing the head, but add eyelid embroidery and face details after the head is stuffed.

Color Stripe Guide for Overalls

The overalls in the image have repeated horizontal stripes in bright blue and pale yellow. The blue bands are slightly wider visually, while the yellow rows create cheerful contrast. Carry the unused yarn neatly inside when possible, but do not pull too tightly.

• Stripe A: 2 rounds sky blue.
• Stripe B: 2 rounds pale yellow.
• Repeat: Continue alternating 2 blue rounds and 2 yellow rounds.
• Leg cuffs: Blue with one yellow edge round.
• Straps: Solid sky blue.

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Tiger Head

The head is worked from the lower neck upward, creating a round plush head with a full forehead and soft cheeks. Use orange for the main head and add cream face panels by duplicate stitch or by knitting the front stitches in cream as instructed.

Head Base

1. With orange yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round, placing a marker for the beginning of 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.

Cream Cheek and Muzzle Placement

The front 22 stitches form the cream lower face. To keep the tiger accurate, place the cream panel centered on the face, from just below the eyes to the chin. The rest of the head remains orange, with black stripes added later.

1. Rnd 15: k21 orange, k22 cream, k21 orange. 64 sts.
2. Rnd 16: k20 orange, k24 cream, k20 orange.
3. Rnd 17: k19 orange, k26 cream, k19 orange.
4. Rnd 18: k18 orange, k28 cream, k18 orange.
5. Rnd 19: k18 orange, k28 cream, k18 orange.
6. Rnd 20: k17 orange, k30 cream, k17 orange.
7. Rnd 21: k17 orange, k30 cream, k17 orange.
8. Rnd 22: k18 orange, k28 cream, k18 orange.
9. Rnd 23: k19 orange, k26 cream, k19 orange.
10. Rnd 24: k20 orange, k24 cream, k20 orange.
11. Rnd 25: k21 orange, k22 cream, k21 orange.

Insert the safety eyes between Rnds 20 and 21, about 10 sts apart, centered above the cream muzzle. Angle them slightly inward so the tiger has the sweet rounded expression shown in the image.

Upper Head Shaping

1. Rnd 26: With orange only, k all sts.
2. Rnd 27: k all sts.
3. Rnd 28: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around. 56 sts.
4. Rnd 29: k all sts.
5. Rnd 30: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
6. Rnd 31: k all sts.
7. Rnd 32: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 33: k all sts.
9. Rnd 34: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
10. Begin stuffing the head firmly. Shape the cheeks with extra stuffing on both sides of the cream muzzle.
11. Rnd 35: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
12. Rnd 36: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
13. Add final stuffing to keep the forehead round and smooth.
14. Rnd 37: k2tog around. 8 sts.
15. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure inside the head.

Muzzle Pad

The raised muzzle gives the tiger its soft animal face. It sits over the lower cream area and creates two rounded cheeks with a small brown nose at the center.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k7, kfb, k8, kfb, k7. 26 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: *k11, k2tog; repeat from * twice. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.
10. Lightly stuff the muzzle and sew it centered over the cream face panel, with the top edge just below the eyes.

Nose and Mouth

• With warm brown yarn, embroider a rounded triangle nose over the center top of the muzzle. Make it about 6 sts wide and 5 rows tall.
• Satin stitch the nose until fully covered and slightly raised.
• With black yarn, embroider one straight vertical line down 5 rows from the nose point.
• Embroider a small curved mouth line to the left and right, each about 4 sts wide.
• Keep the expression gentle and symmetrical, matching the soft toy face in the image.

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Ears

The ears are round, open-looking, and placed high on the head. Each ear has an orange outside, cream inner ear, and a black embroidered rim around the edge.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With orange yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: *k2, kfb; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
5. Rnds 4-6: k all sts.
6. Rnd 7: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
7. BO loosely, leaving a long sewing tail.

Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
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. Row 5: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
7. Rows 6-8: Work in St st.
8. Row 9: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
9. Row 10: p all sts.
10. Row 11: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
11. BO, leaving a sewing tail.
12. Sew one cream inner ear onto each orange outer ear.

Sew ears to the head between Rnds 27 and 32, one on each side. Angle the ears slightly outward. Use black yarn to backstitch around the outer rim, giving the dark ear outline seen in the image.

Body

The body is compact and slightly pear-shaped, with the top narrower at the neck and the lower body wider under the overalls. Use orange for the back and sides. The front belly can be lightly cream near the upper chest where it peeks above the overalls.

1. With orange yarn, CO 10 sts. 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 from * around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: *k2, kfb; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: *k3, kfb; repeat from * around. 50 sts.
10. Rnds 9-16: k all sts.
11. Rnd 17: k14 orange, k22 cream, k14 orange.
12. Rnd 18: k14 orange, k22 cream, k14 orange.
13. Rnd 19: k15 orange, k20 cream, k15 orange.
14. Rnd 20: k all sts in orange.
15. Rnd 21: *k8, k2tog; repeat from * around. 45 sts.
16. Rnd 22: k all sts.
17. Rnd 23: *k7, k2tog; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
18. Rnd 24: k all sts.
19. Rnd 25: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around. 35 sts.
20. Rnd 26: k all sts.
21. Rnd 27: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
22. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the bottom rounded and the neck narrow.
23. Rnd 28: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
24. Rnd 29: k all sts.
25. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing the body to the head.

Legs

The legs are short, rounded, and mostly covered by the striped overall legs and blue slippers. Make two orange legs first, then cover them with the overall legs and footwear.

Tiger Leg, Make 2

1. With orange yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 3-5: k all sts.
5. Rnd 6: k8, switch to cream for 8 sts, switch to orange for 8 sts.
6. Rnd 7: k8 orange, k8 cream, k8 orange.
7. Rnd 8: k all sts in orange.
8. Rnd 9: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
9. Rnds 10-13: k all sts.
10. Stuff lightly. The leg should stay soft enough to sit inside the overalls.
11. Rnd 14: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
12. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

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Arms

The arms are short and rounded, with orange tiger coloring and black embroidered stripes. They sit slightly down from the shoulders and angle gently outward, as shown in the image.

1. With orange yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 2-5: k all sts.
4. Rnd 6: k6 orange, k4 cream, k6 orange.
5. Rnd 7: k6 orange, k4 cream, k6 orange.
6. Rnds 8-16: k all sts in orange.
7. Rnd 17: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
8. Stuff the paw end firmly and the upper arm lightly.
9. Rnd 18: k2tog around. 6 sts.
10. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and leave a sewing tail.
11. Make a second arm the same way.

Tail

The tail is slim, gently curved, and visible on one side behind the overalls. It has orange and black striping, ending in a dark tip.

1. With black yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: k all sts in black.
3. Switch to orange.
4. Rnds 4-6: k all sts in orange.
5. Switch to black.
6. Rnds 7-8: k all sts in black.
7. Switch to orange.
8. Rnds 9-12: k all sts in orange.
9. Switch to black.
10. Rnds 13-14: k all sts in black.
11. Switch to orange.
12. Rnds 15-19: k all sts in orange.
13. BO, leaving a sewing tail.
14. Insert a small amount of stuffing with a blunt needle, keeping the tail flexible.
15. Sew the tail to the lower back left side, curving it outward.

Black Tiger Stripe Embroidery

The black stripes are essential for matching the tiger in the image. Embroider them after the head and limbs are stuffed so you can control the placement. Use short satin stitches and duplicate stitch, not long loose strands.

Face Stripes

• On the forehead, embroider one center stripe from Rnd 31 down to Rnd 25, about 2 sts wide.
• Add two shorter stripes on each side of the forehead, each 4 to 5 rows long.
• Add three small cheek stripes on each orange cheek, slanting downward toward the muzzle.
• Keep all face stripes narrow and slightly irregular for a natural tiger look.
• Do not cover the cream muzzle with black stripes except for the mouth line.

Body, Arm, and Leg Stripes

• On each arm, embroider 3 black bands, each 2 rows tall, wrapping halfway around the arm.
• On each leg or exposed foot, embroider 3 short vertical black marks across the orange toe area.
• On the body sides above the overalls, add 2 short black slanted stripes per side.
• On the tail, use the knitted black bands as the main stripes and add duplicate stitch if the bands need more definition.

Striped Overalls

The overalls are the main clothing piece. They are bright blue and yellow, shaped with two rounded legs, a wider torso, and two blue shoulder straps. The front bib sits just below the tiger’s cream chest and fastens with two flower buttons.

Right Overall Leg

1. With sky blue yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 28 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts in sky blue.
3. Rnd 2: p all sts in sky blue to create a small cuff ridge.
4. Switch to pale yellow.
5. Rnds 3-4: k all sts in pale yellow.
6. Switch to sky blue.
7. Rnds 5-6: k all sts in sky blue.
8. Switch to pale yellow.
9. Rnds 7-8: k all sts in pale yellow.
10. Switch to sky blue.
11. Rnds 9-10: k all sts in sky blue.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts in pale yellow.
13. Rnd 12: k all sts in pale yellow.
14. Place sts on a holder. Do not cut yarn if you prefer to continue after joining.

Left Overall Leg

1. Work exactly as for the right overall leg through Rnd 12.
2. At the end of Rnd 12, keep the stitches on the needles.
3. Join the two legs by knitting across the left leg, CO 4 sts for the crotch, knit across the right leg, then CO 4 sts for the back crotch. 64 sts total.

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Overall Body

1. Rnd 13: Knit all 64 sts in sky blue.
2. Rnd 14: Knit all sts in sky blue.
3. Switch to pale yellow.
4. Rnds 15-16: k all sts.
5. Switch to sky blue.
6. Rnds 17-18: k all sts.
7. Switch to pale yellow.
8. Rnds 19-20: k all sts.
9. Switch to sky blue.
10. Rnds 21-22: k all sts.
11. Switch to pale yellow.
12. Rnds 23-24: k all sts.
13. Switch to sky blue.
14. Rnd 25: *k14, k2tog; repeat from * around. 60 sts.
15. Rnd 26: k all sts.
16. Switch to pale yellow.
17. Rnds 27-28: k all sts.
18. Switch to sky blue.
19. Rnd 29: *k13, k2tog; repeat from * around. 56 sts.
20. Rnd 30: k all sts.
21. BO 18 sts for back opening, k10 sts for first side, BO 18 sts for front side shaping, k10 sts for second side. Keep the front center bib area separate as described below.

Front Bib

The bib is a square blue panel with a striped lower edge. It sits on the front chest of the tiger and connects to the straps. Work it flat using the front center 18 sts from the overalls.

1. Pick up 18 sts across the front upper edge of the overalls with sky blue.
2. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
3. Row 2 WS: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-8: Continue in St st.
5. Row 9: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
6. Row 10: p all sts.
7. Rows 11-14: Work in St st.
8. Row 15: k all sts.
9. Row 16: k all sts to create a garter top edge.
10. BO loosely.

Shoulder Straps

1. With sky blue yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-34: k every row for garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a sewing tail.
4. Make a second strap.
5. Sew straps to the back waist edge, cross them slightly over the shoulders if desired, and attach them to the top corners of the bib.
6. Sew one tiny flower button onto each front strap end.

Blue Slippers with Yellow Pom-Poms

The slippers are bright blue with yellow trim and a round yellow pom-pom on top. The orange tiger toes show through the front opening, with small black toe stripes embroidered across them.

Slipper Sole, Make 2

1. With sky blue yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: k all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-16: k all sts.
7. Row 17: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 18: k all sts.
9. Row 19: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO, leaving a sewing tail.

Slipper Upper, Make 2

1. With sky blue yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: k all sts.
3. Row 3: k all sts.
4. Row 4: p all sts.
5. Row 5: k5, BO 14 sts, k5. This creates the toe opening.
6. Row 6: p5, CO 14 sts over the gap, p5. 24 sts.
7. Rows 7-10: Work in St st.
8. Switch to pale yellow.
9. Rows 11-12: k all sts for garter trim.
10. BO.
11. Sew the upper around the sole, leaving the front opening centered over the tiger toes.

Pom-Poms

• Make two small yellow pom-poms, each about 0.75 in / 2 cm wide.
• Trim them into round balls.
• Sew one pom-pom to the top center of each slipper.
• Use several stitches so the pom-poms stay secure during display.

Crossbody Flower Bag

The small brown bag hangs across the tiger’s chest on a diagonal strap. It rests on one side of the overalls and has a white flower with a yellow center and green leaves on the front.

Bag Body

1. With warm brown yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-16: Continue in St st.
5. Row 17: k all sts.
6. Row 18: k all sts.
7. BO.
8. Fold the piece in half with WS together, forming a small pouch about 1.5 in / 4 cm tall.
9. Sew side seams with brown yarn.
10. Add a small flap by picking up 12 sts along the back top edge and knitting 5 rows in garter stitch. BO.

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Bag Strap

1. With warm brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures about 11 in / 28 cm.
3. BO and sew each end to the upper sides of the bag.
4. Place strap over one shoulder and let the bag sit on the opposite hip.

Bag Flower

• With white yarn, embroider 5 small lazy-daisy petals on the front of the bag.
• With yellow yarn, make 4 satin stitches in the center.
• With green yarn, embroider 2 small leaves beside the flower.
• Keep the flower small so it fits neatly on the tiny bag flap.

Separate Blue Sun Hat

The hat is knitted as a removable accessory. It has a rounded blue crown, a yellow decorative stripe around the lower crown, and a soft yellow brim edge. The hat in the image sits to the side, so it should hold its shape even when not worn.

Hat Crown

1. With sky blue yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 8 sts. 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 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. Rnds 13-22: k all sts.

Yellow Hat Stripe and Brim

1. Switch to pale yellow.
2. Rnd 23: p all sts to create a raised yellow ridge.
3. Rnd 24: k all sts.
4. Switch to sky blue.
5. Rnd 25: k all sts.
6. Rnd 26: *k6, kfb; repeat from * around. 64 sts.
7. Rnd 27: k all sts.
8. Rnd 28: *k7, kfb; repeat from * around. 72 sts.
9. Rnd 29: k all sts.
10. Switch to pale yellow.
11. Rnd 30: k all sts.
12. Rnd 31: p all sts for the yellow brim ridge.
13. Rnd 32: k all sts.
14. BO loosely. Weave in ends.

Head Daisy

The little daisy sits near one ear and gives the tiger a sweet handmade garden look. Make it small and raised, with white petals, yellow center, and one green leaf.

1. With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Cut yarn, pull through sts, and flatten into a small center circle.
4. For each white petal, CO 4 sts, knit 2 rows, then BO. Make 6 petals.
5. Sew petals around the yellow center.
6. With green yarn, CO 5 sts, k 1 row, BO to form a tiny leaf.
7. Sew the daisy and leaf to the upper right side of the tiger’s head, close to the ear.

Brown Bow Near the Ear

The brown bow on the opposite side adds balance to the flower. It looks soft, slightly crinkled, and handmade rather than perfectly flat.

1. With warm brown yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: Work in garter stitch.
3. BO and weave in ends.
4. Pinch the center tightly.
5. Wrap brown yarn around the center 8 to 10 times.
6. Sew the bow near the opposite ear, slightly above the ear base.

Mini Yarn Balls and Rectangular Yarn Bundles

The image includes small craft accessories beside the tiger. These are optional display pieces, but they complete the scene beautifully. Make one brown yarn ball and two tiny rectangular yarn bundles in brown and green.

Small Yarn Ball

1. With warm brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
4. Rnds 3-5: k all sts.
5. Rnd 6: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
6. Stuff firmly.
7. Rnd 7: k2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Close the ball. Wrap extra brown yarn randomly around the outside to create the wound yarn look.

Rectangular Yarn Bundles, Make 2

1. With brown or green yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1-14: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. BO.
4. Fold into a small rectangle and sew the side edges.
5. Wrap the same color yarn around the center several times to imitate a wrapped skein.
6. For the paper band, knit a tiny strip with white yarn: CO 5 sts, knit 12 rows, BO, then wrap around the bundle and sew closed.

Assembly Order

Assembly is what makes this tiger look accurate. Take your time with placement before sewing permanently. Use pins first, check the face from the front, then sew with small hidden stitches.

1. Sew the muzzle to the lower face and finish the nose and mouth embroidery.
2. Sew the ears to the head between Rnds 27 and 32, angled outward.
3. Sew the body to the lower head, making sure the tiger faces forward and does not tilt.
4. Sew arms to the upper sides of the body, about 2 rounds below the neck seam.
5. Sew legs to the lower body, spacing them so the overalls fit neatly over them.
6. Put the overalls onto the body, adjusting the leg openings around the legs.
7. Sew the overall straps in place and add flower buttons.
8. Attach slippers over the feet and add yellow pom-poms.
9. Sew the tail to the back lower side, keeping it visible behind the overalls.
10. Place the crossbody bag over one shoulder and secure it with a few hidden stitches.
11. Add the head daisy and brown bow.
12. Finish all black tiger stripes after the main body is assembled.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face first because the expression is the most important part of the tiger. The eyes should be level, the muzzle centered, and the nose placed directly between the eyes. Add small black stitches above the eyes if you want the soft outlined look shown in the photo.

• Use black yarn to outline the upper eyelids with one curved stitch above each eye.
• Add cream or white highlight stitches beside the safety eyes only if needed.
• Brush the muzzle gently with your fingers to round the stuffing.
• Pin the ears before sewing so they sit evenly and frame the face.
• Keep the daisy close to the ear, not too far forward on the forehead.

Care Notes

This knitted tiger is best used as a decorative plush or gentle handmade gift. Because it includes safety eyes, small pom-poms, buttons, and stitched accessories, it is not recommended for children under 3 years old.

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if you used glued or delicate accessories.
• Press excess water with a towel instead of wringing.
• Reshape the hat, overalls, ears, and slippers while damp.
• Air dry flat away from direct sunlight.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round, firm, and slightly wider than the body.
• The cream muzzle is centered below the eyes.
• Black tiger stripes are balanced on the forehead, cheeks, arms, legs, and tail.
• The blue and yellow overalls have clear horizontal stripes.
• The straps sit neatly over the shoulders with flower buttons at the bib.
• The slippers have yellow trim and one pom-pom on each foot.
• The crossbody bag hangs diagonally and rests at the side.
• The blue hat has a rounded crown, yellow ridge, and yellow brim edge.
• The white daisy and brown bow are placed near opposite ears.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, store the tiger upright or lying flat with the hat beside it. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top because the ears, hat brim, pom-poms, and bag can flatten over time.

• For dust removal, use a soft dry cloth or a clean makeup brush.
• For small stains, dab gently with a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Do not rub the embroidered stripes, because repeated friction can loosen the surface stitches.
• Keep the doll away from pets that may pull on the bag strap or pom-poms.
• If storing long term, wrap it in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton cloth.

Finishing Thought

This tiger works best when every small accessory is included: the striped overalls, pom-pom slippers, flower bag, daisy, bow, and blue sun hat. Together, these details create the same cheerful handmade character shown in the image, with a playful craft-room feeling and a soft knitted finish.