Knitting Tutorial: Nautical Summer Puppy – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knitted nautical puppy is designed as a seated summer doll with a warm brown-and-white puppy face, floppy ears, glossy safety eyes, a red bow, a blue-and-white sailor dress, white legs, blue shoes, and a red crossbody bag with a tiny sailboat motif. The finished scene also includes a small beach ball and a straw-style sun hat with a blue ribbon.

 

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 and Construction Style

The finished puppy measures about 12.5 inches tall when seated, from the bottom of the shoes to the top of the head, not including the bow. The doll is worked mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or with the magic loop method, then stuffed firmly for an amigurumi-style knitted shape.

The head is oversized and rounded, the body is shorter and pear-shaped, and the legs are long enough to hang over the edge of a table like the reference image. The dress is knitted separately from the lower hem upward, then fitted over the body and lightly stitched in place.

• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
• Knitting method: Small pieces worked in the round and flat.
• Main texture: Smooth stockinette stitch with small garter and rib details.
• Approximate finished height: 12.5 inches seated.
• Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 inch in stockinette with sport weight yarn.

Materials

• Sport weight yarn in warm puppy brown, about 80 yards.
• Sport weight yarn in white, about 70 yards.
• Sport weight yarn in royal blue, about 90 yards.
• Sport weight yarn in bright red, about 45 yards.
• Sport weight yarn in cream or straw beige, about 35 yards.
• Small amounts of navy blue, yellow, and black yarn for details.
• 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
• 2.5 mm needles for smaller accessories and tighter decorative details.
• Two 12 mm black safety eyes with washers.
• One 14 mm glossy black safety nose, or black yarn for an embroidered nose.
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Scrap yarn or stitch holders.
• Small amount of white felt or firm white yarn for eye highlights if desired.

Abbreviations

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

Important Shaping Notes

The puppy in the image has a rounded head, a white muzzle panel that rises into a narrow white stripe on the forehead, brown sides, and floppy ears attached low at a slight forward angle. The dress has a wide blue skirt with bold white horizontal stripes and a sailor collar around the neck.

Stuff the head firmly but not hard. The muzzle should protrude slightly from the face, while the cheeks stay rounded. The dress should flare outward at the lower hem, so do not sew the skirt tightly to the legs.

• Use small, even stitches when sewing color edges together.
• Keep all carried yarn loose when working stripes.
• Shape the face before closing the back of the head completely.
• Attach ears after the eyes and muzzle are positioned.
• Attach the bag after the dress is sewn onto the body.

Head

The head is worked in warm puppy brown with a separate white front muzzle panel sewn on. This gives better control over the white face shape and helps match the clear white muzzle and forehead stripe shown in the image.

Main Brown Head

1. With brown yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: K4, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: K all sts.
13. Rnd 12: K5, kfb, repeat around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-26: K all sts for 14 rounds.
15. Rnd 27: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
16. Rnd 28: K all sts.
17. Rnd 29: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
18. Rnd 30: K all sts.
19. Rnd 31: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
20. Pause here to place the eyes after the white muzzle panel is positioned.

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Do not close the head yet. The open lower section makes it easier to sew the white muzzle panel smoothly and place the eyes evenly. The eyes in the image sit on the brown face just outside the upper white muzzle curve.

White Muzzle and Forehead Stripe Panel

1. With white yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Work flat.
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. Rows 5-8: Work in St st, beginning with a purl row.
7. Row 9: P all sts.
8. Row 10: K1, kfb, K8, kfb, K1. 14 sts.
9. Rows 11-14: Work in St st.
10. Row 15: P2tog, P10, p2tog. 12 sts.
11. Row 16: K2tog, K8, ssk. 10 sts.
12. Row 17: P all sts.
13. Row 18: K2tog, K6, ssk. 8 sts.
14. Row 19: P all sts.
15. Row 20: K2tog, K4, ssk. 6 sts.
16. Rows 21-31: Work in St st over 6 sts to create the narrow forehead stripe.
17. Row 32: K2tog, K2, ssk. 4 sts.
18. Row 33: P all sts.
19. Row 34: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
20. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts.

Pin the wide rounded end of this panel over the lower front of the head. The narrow stripe should run straight up the center forehead, ending before the top crown. Sew the panel down with small whip stitches, keeping the edges flat and smooth.

Eye and Nose Placement

• Place the safety eyes between Rnds 20 and 21 of the head.
• Leave about 11 sts between the eyes across the front.
• The eyes should sit partly on the brown area and slightly above the widest white muzzle section.
• Place the safety nose centered on the upper rounded part of the white muzzle, about 5 rounds below the eyes.
• If embroidering the nose, satin stitch a rounded black oval about 0.75 inch wide.

After placing the eyes and nose, stuff the head firmly. Shape the cheeks with your fingers while stuffing so the white muzzle projects slightly forward and the head keeps a soft puppy-like roundness.

Closing the Head

1. Continue from Rnd 31 of the head with brown yarn.
2. Rnd 32: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 33: K all sts.
4. Rnd 34: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 35: K2tog around. 8 sts.
6. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure inside.

Mouth Embroidery

The puppy has a simple black mouth under the nose. Use black embroidery yarn or black sport weight yarn split into two thinner strands. Do not make the mouth too large, because the face should remain sweet and toy-like.

1. Bring the black yarn out at the bottom center of the nose.
2. Make one straight vertical stitch downward for 0.35 inch.
3. From the lower point, stitch a small curved smile to the left.
4. Return to the lower point and stitch a matching small curve to the right.
5. Secure the yarn inside the head.

Floppy Ears

The ears are brown, soft, and rounded with a slight fold at the upper inner edge. They are sewn on each side of the head, angled downward and slightly forward. The left ear in the image sits under the red bow.

Make 2 Ears

1. With brown yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 10 sts. Work flat.
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. Rows 5-16: Work in St st.
7. Row 17: P all sts.
8. Row 18: K2tog, K10, ssk. 12 sts.
9. Row 19: P all sts.
10. Row 20: K2tog, K8, ssk. 10 sts.
11. Row 21: P all sts.
12. Row 22: K2tog, K6, ssk. 8 sts.
13. Row 23: P all sts.
14. Row 24: K2tog, K4, ssk. 6 sts.
15. BO all sts loosely.

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Fold each ear slightly lengthwise with the purl side facing inward. Sew the cast-on edge to the side of the head from about Rnd 15 to Rnd 23. The top of each ear should tilt forward so the ear frames the face.

Body

The body is smaller than the head and shaped to sit upright inside the sailor dress. Use brown yarn for the upper arms and neck area, but the torso can be made in white or scrap yarn because most of it is hidden under the dress.

1. With white yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts and 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: K1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 7-17: K all sts.
9. Rnd 18: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 28 sts.
10. Rnd 19: K all sts.
11. Rnd 20: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
12. Rnd 21: K all sts.
13. Change to brown yarn for the neck.
14. Rnds 22-25: K all sts.
15. Rnd 26: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
16. Stuff the body firmly, making the bottom wider than the neck.
17. Rnd 27: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
18. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew the body to the underside of the head. Center the white face panel directly over the front of the body. The head should sit slightly forward, giving the puppy a gentle seated pose.

Legs

The legs are white and straight, visible below the blue-and-white striped dress. They hang down from the seated body and end in blue shoes with cream soles. Make two identical legs before attaching the shoes.

Make 2 White Legs

1. With white yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-24: K all sts.
3. Rnd 25: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 9 sts.
4. Stuff the leg lightly but evenly.
5. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and close.

Flatten the upper edge of each leg slightly and sew to the lower front of the body. Leave about 4 sts of space between the legs. The legs should point downward and slightly forward, like the puppy is sitting on the edge of a table.

Arms

The arms are brown at the top with white paws at the lower ends. They hang down at each side of the dress, with the white paws visible just below the sleeves and skirt line.

Make 2 Arms

1. With white yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-7: K all sts.
3. Change to brown yarn.
4. Rnds 8-25: K all sts.
5. Stuff the white paw firmly and the upper arm lightly.
6. Rnd 26: K2tog around. 5 sts.
7. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and secure.

Sew each arm to the shoulder area just below the head. Angle the arms downward so they rest naturally along the sides of the dress. The white paws should face slightly forward.

Sailor Dress

The sailor dress is one of the most important visual details. It has a royal blue base, wide white stripes around the skirt, a blue bodice, a white stripe near the waist, and a sailor-style collar around the neckline.

Striped Skirt

1. With royal blue yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 72 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: P all sts to create a lower garter ridge.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: P all sts.
5. Rnds 4-7: K all sts in blue.
6. Change to white yarn.
7. Rnds 8-10: K all sts in white.
8. Change to blue yarn.
9. Rnds 11-16: K all sts in blue.
10. Change to white yarn.
11. Rnds 17-19: K all sts in white.
12. Change to blue yarn.
13. Rnds 20-25: K all sts in blue.
14. Change to white yarn.
15. Rnds 26-28: K all sts in white.
16. Change to blue yarn.
17. Rnd 29: K7, k2tog, repeat around. 64 sts.
18. Rnd 30: K all sts.
19. Rnd 31: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 56 sts.
20. Rnd 32: K all sts.
21. Rnd 33: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.

The lower hem should remain wider than the body so the skirt flares out. Do not pull the color changes too tightly, because the skirt needs to stay smooth and round.

Blue Bodice

1. Continue from the skirt with blue yarn over 48 sts.
2. Rnds 34-42: K all sts.
3. Change to white yarn.
4. Rnds 43-45: K all sts for the white waist stripe.
5. Change to blue yarn.
6. Rnds 46-53: K all sts.
7. Rnd 54: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 55: K all sts.
9. Rnd 56: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
10. BO loosely.

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Slide the dress over the body from the legs upward. Place the white waist stripe across the lower torso and keep the skirt centered. Stitch the top edge of the bodice to the body with small hidden stitches.

Sailor Collar

The collar is blue with white edging. It sits around the neck and folds over the upper bodice, forming the nautical style visible in the image.

1. With blue yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 36 sts. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-3: K all sts for a garter edge.
3. Row 4: K all sts.
4. Row 5: P all sts.
5. Rows 6-11: Work in St st.
6. Row 12: K2, k2tog, K to last 4 sts, ssk, K2. 34 sts.
7. Row 13: P all sts.
8. Row 14: K2, k2tog, K to last 4 sts, ssk, K2. 32 sts.
9. Rows 15-16: Work in St st.
10. Change to white yarn.
11. Rows 17-18: K all sts.
12. BO loosely.

Wrap the collar around the neck with the white edge facing outward. Let the front ends overlap slightly at the center chest. Sew the back neckline first, then tack the front points down to the bodice.

White Neck Stripe Detail

The reference puppy has a narrow white line running around the sailor collar and neckline. This detail makes the outfit look finished and clean.

1. With white yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider a chain-style line along the front collar edge.
2. Work one small stitch into every knitted stitch along the blue collar edge.
3. Keep the line even and close to the lower edge of the collar.
4. Secure the ends inside the back neckline.

Red Anchor Motif on the Chest

The tiny red anchor sits at the center front of the blue bodice. It is embroidered directly onto the dress after the collar is attached.

1. Thread a tapestry needle with red yarn.
2. Make a vertical line of 5 small stitches at the center front of the bodice.
3. Add a small horizontal stitch across the top.
4. Add a curved lower anchor line using 3 short angled stitches on each side.
5. Finish with a small red bow shape above the anchor if desired.

Keep the anchor motif compact. It should sit above the red bag and remain visible between the collar points.

Red Crossbody Bag

The red bag is square with a long red strap crossing from the puppy’s shoulder to the opposite hip. A small white sailboat with blue base is embroidered on the front.

Bag Front and Back

1. With red yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 18 sts. Work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Rows 3-20: Continue in St st.
5. Row 21: K all sts.
6. Row 22: K all sts.
7. BO all sts.
8. Make a second identical rectangle for the back.

Bag Gusset

1. With red yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Work in garter stitch for 36 rows.
3. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.

Sew the gusset around the sides and bottom of one red rectangle. Sew the second rectangle to the other edge of the gusset, leaving the top slightly open or closing it with a few small stitches.

Sailboat Motif

1. With white yarn, embroider a small triangular sail on the lower center of the bag.
2. Make the sail about 5 stitches tall and 5 stitches wide at the base.
3. Add a smaller red triangular line beside it if you want a layered sail look.
4. With navy yarn, stitch a short curved boat base under the white sail.
5. Secure all ends inside the bag.

Bag Strap

1. With red yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 17 inches, or long enough to cross the puppy’s body diagonally.
3. BO and sew one end to each upper side of the bag.

Place the strap over the puppy’s left shoulder and let the bag rest at the lower front of the dress. Tack the strap at the shoulder and side waist so it stays flat against the doll.

Red Hair Bow

The bright red bow sits on top of the head, slightly toward one ear. It has two rounded loops and a small wrapped center.

Bow Loops

1. With red yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: Work in St st, beginning with a knit row.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make a second identical rectangle.

Bow Center

1. With red yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: K all sts.
3. BO.

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Pinch each rectangle in the middle to form a bow loop. Sew the two pinched centers together. Wrap the small center strip around the middle and stitch securely at the back. Sew the bow to the top left side of the head, just above the ear.

Blue Shoes with Cream Soles

The shoes are royal blue with rounded fronts, cream soles, small red star-like details, and thin blue straps. They should look like soft knitted summer shoes.

Make 2 Cream Soles

1. With cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-6: K all sts.
5. Row 7: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 8-18: 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.

Make 2 Blue Shoe Uppers

1. With blue yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 18 sts. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
3. Row 5: K6, k2tog 3 times, K6. 15 sts.
4. Row 6: P all sts.
5. Row 7: K5, k2tog 2 times, K6. 13 sts.
6. Rows 8-10: Work in St st.
7. BO all sts.

Sew each blue upper to the front and sides of a cream sole. Leave the back slightly open so the shoe can fit over the bottom of the white leg. Sew the shoe to the leg securely.

Shoe Straps and Red Stars

1. For each strap, CO 3 sts with blue yarn.
2. Work I-cord for 3 inches and BO.
3. Sew one strap across the top of each shoe in an X shape.
4. Use red yarn to make two tiny star stitches on each shoe front.
5. Make each star with one vertical stitch, one horizontal stitch, and two diagonal stitches.

Beach Ball

The small ball beside the puppy is knitted in red, white, blue, and yellow sections. It adds the summer beach feeling seen in the image.

1. With white yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, kfb, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K2, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K3, kfb, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnds 5-10: K all sts, changing colors in vertical wedge sections if comfortable.
7. For a simpler method, knit the ball in white and embroider red and blue wedge panels afterward.
8. Rnd 11: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
9. Rnd 12: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
10. Stuff the ball firmly.
11. Rnd 13: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
12. Rnd 14: K2tog around. 6 sts.
13. Cut yarn and close.

Embroider one red wedge, one blue wedge, and one white wedge around the ball. Add a small yellow circle at the top center using duplicate stitch or a few satin stitches.

Straw-Style Sun Hat

The small hat is placed beside the puppy in the image. It is cream colored, flat-brimmed, and tied with a blue ribbon. It is an accessory rather than part of the doll’s body.

Hat Crown

1. With cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
6. Rnds 5-13: K all sts.
7. Rnd 14: P all sts to mark the base of the crown.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 15: K1, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 16: K all sts.
3. Rnd 17: K2, kfb, repeat around. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 18: P all sts.
5. Rnd 19: K all sts.
6. Rnd 20: P all sts.
7. BO loosely.

Flatten the brim gently with your fingers. Do not overstuff the hat. The crown should hold its shape with only a tiny amount of stuffing or no stuffing at all.

Blue Hat Ribbon

1. With blue yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work garter stitch for 18 rows.
3. BO and wrap around the base of the hat crown.
4. Sew the ends together at one side.
5. Make two short blue ties by crocheting or twisting two 4-inch strands of yarn.
6. Sew the ties at the ribbon join so they hang like a small bow.

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Optional Paw and Face Shaping

To make the puppy look closer to the image, add gentle shaping around the face after stuffing. This step is small but very useful because it makes the eyes sit deeper and gives the muzzle a rounded puppy expression.

1. Thread a long strand of brown yarn through the back lower head.
2. Bring the needle out beside the left eye.
3. Make a tiny stitch beside the eye and return to the back of the head.
4. Pull gently until the eye sinks slightly.
5. Repeat for the right eye with the same tension.
6. Knot securely and hide the yarn end inside the head.

Do not pull too tightly. The face should stay soft, round, and cheerful. A slight indentation around each eye is enough.

Assembly Order

Use the following order for the cleanest finish. This helps avoid sewing the bag or collar in the way before the main body pieces are stable.

1. Sew the white muzzle and forehead stripe to the brown head.
2. Install or embroider the eyes and nose.
3. Stuff and close the head.
4. Embroider the mouth.
5. Sew the body to the head.
6. Sew the legs to the lower body.
7. Slide the sailor dress over the body and stitch it in place.
8. Sew the arms to the sides.
9. Attach the sailor collar and embroider the chest anchor.
10. Sew on the ears at a forward angle.
11. Add the red hair bow.
12. Attach shoes to the legs.
13. Place and tack down the red crossbody bag.
14. Make the beach ball and sun hat as separate accessories.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the puppy from the front before securing the last yarn ends. The white forehead stripe should run straight between the eyes, the nose should be centered, and the ears should sit at matching heights.

• Use black yarn to neaten the mouth curve if needed.
• Add tiny white eye highlights with white yarn if your safety eyes look too plain.
• Make sure the red bow is sewn firmly and does not cover the eye.
• Adjust the sailor collar so the white edge is visible across the front.
• Keep the red bag centered over the lower skirt.

Care Notes

This knitted puppy is best used as a decorative handmade toy. If safety eyes and a plastic nose are used, it is not recommended for children under three years old. For a child-safe version, embroider the eyes and nose with yarn instead.

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if the doll contains safety eyes, a plastic nose, or delicate embroidered details.
• Gently reshape the dress, ears, and bow while damp.
• Let the puppy air dry fully before storage.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and round.
• The white muzzle panel lies flat without puckering.
• The eyes are even and placed above the muzzle curve.
• The floppy ears are angled downward and slightly forward.
• The sailor dress flares at the bottom and is not sewn too tightly.
• The red crossbody bag rests over the front of the skirt.
• The shoes are attached securely to both white legs.
• The beach ball and straw hat match the nautical summer theme.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, store the puppy upright or lying flat in a dry place. Avoid pressing heavy objects against the ears, bow, collar, or bag strap, because these small knitted parts can flatten over time.

• Use a soft lint roller to remove dust from the dress and ears.
• For deeper cleaning, dab gently with a damp cloth instead of rubbing.
• Keep the doll away from direct sunlight for long periods to reduce fading.
• Store the beach ball and hat beside the puppy rather than under it.
• If the dress hem curls, smooth it with damp fingers and let it dry flat.

Your nautical summer puppy is now complete, with a brown-and-white puppy face, floppy ears, red bow, sailor dress, red bag, blue shoes, beach ball, and straw-style hat. The final doll should look playful, bright, and ready for a sunny seaside day.