Knitting Tutorial: Sunflower Garden Dachshund – Free Knitting Pattern.

This Sunflower Garden Dachshund knitting pattern creates a sweet black-and-tan dachshund doll wearing a blue sailor-style garden dress, a red bow, a yellow strawberry shoulder bag, red Mary Jane shoes, and a sunflower with a tiny bee on the head. The set also includes a matching blue beret with a white pom-pom and tiny sailboat detail.

 

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 dachshund is designed to measure about 12.5 inches tall from the bottom of the shoes to the top of the head flower when knitted with DK yarn and firmly stuffed. The body is knitted as a soft doll shape, while the dress, sailor collar, bag, shoes, beret, sunflower, bee, and small garden details are added separately.

The doll is worked mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or magic loop. Small flat pieces such as the sailor collar, bow loops, flower petals, bag flap, and dress decorations are worked back and forth. Keep the fabric firm so stuffing does not show through.

Skill Level

• Confident beginner to intermediate.
• You should know how to knit, purl, increase, decrease, knit in the round, pick up stitches, seam small pieces, and embroider simple details.
• The shaping is detailed, but each section uses simple stitch counts so the toy can be followed step by step.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in black for the head, ears, arms, upper body, and dachshund markings.
• DK weight yarn in warm tan-brown for muzzle, lower face patches, lower arms, legs, and paw details.
• DK weight yarn in royal blue for the dress, beret, and sailor collar base.
• DK weight yarn in white for sailor stripes, collar trim, beret pom-pom, dress stripes, daisies, eye highlights, and tiny sail detail.
• DK weight yarn in red for bow, shoes, cherries, and small sailboat accent.
• DK weight yarn in yellow for the shoulder bag, sunflower petals, and bee body accent.
• Small amounts of brown yarn for sunflower center, mouth line, and bag edging if desired.
• Small amounts of green yarn for leaves, flower stems, strawberry leaves, and cherry stems.
• Small amount of gray yarn for the miniature watering can.
• Small amount of terracotta brown yarn for the tiny flower pot.
• Small amount of black yarn or embroidery thread for bee stripes and facial details.
• 2 black safety eyes, 9 mm, or embroidered eyes if making for a child under 3.
• 1 glossy black safety nose, about 12 mm wide, or black yarn for an embroidered nose.
• 2.75 mm knitting needles for toy pieces.
• 3.0 mm knitting needles for dress, beret, and bag if you want a slightly softer fabric.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Small amount of cardboard or plastic canvas for the base of the yellow bag if desired.
• Optional: blush powder for cheeks, applied very lightly.

Abbreviations

• k = knit.
• p = purl.
• st / sts = stitch / stitches.
• rnd = round.
• RS = right side.
• WS = wrong side.
• kfb = knit into front and back of the same stitch.
• m1 = make 1 stitch by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting into the back loop.
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk = slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together.
• p2tog = purl 2 stitches together.
• BO = bind off.
• CO = cast on.
• sl1 = slip 1 stitch.
• rep = repeat.

Gauge

With 2.75 mm needles in stockinette stitch, aim for about 28 stitches and 38 rounds over 4 inches. Gauge does not need to be exact, but the stitches should be tight enough to hide stuffing. If your stitches look loose, go down a needle size.

Helpful Notes Before Starting

• Stuff each part firmly, but do not overstuff the neck, wrists, ankles, or shoe openings.
• The dachshund face has a long vertical black forehead, tan side muzzle patches, a rounded tan lower muzzle, black floppy ears, and shiny black eyes.
• The dress is royal blue with a flared skirt, white sailor stripes at the hem, small white daisies near the lower skirt, and a wide sailor collar at the shoulders.
• The bag is worn diagonally from the right shoulder toward the left hip in the image, with the yellow bag sitting on the doll’s right side from the viewer’s perspective.
• The sunflower sits slightly off-center on top of the head, with green leaves under the petals and a tiny bee perched on the flower.

Head

The head is shaped like a rounded dachshund head with a slightly long snout area. The black forehead runs down the center, while the tan muzzle patch is added as a knitted oval and sewn on the lower front.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Head Base in Black

1. CO 8 sts in black. Join to work in the round, placing a marker at the beginning.
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 around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnds 11-22: k all sts for 12 rounds.
13. Rnd 23: k10, kfb, k26, kfb, k10. 50 sts.
14. Rnds 24-27: k all sts.
15. Rnd 28: k12, k2tog, k22, ssk, k12. 48 sts.
16. Rnd 29: k all sts.
17. Rnd 30: k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
18. Rnd 31: k all sts.
19. Rnd 32: k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
20. Pause here to place the eyes between Rnds 18 and 19, about 9 sts apart on the front.
21. Place the safety nose later on the muzzle patch, not directly into the black head.
22. Rnd 33: k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
23. Stuff the upper head firmly, keeping the front smooth and rounded.
24. Rnd 34: k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
25. Rnd 35: k2tog around. 8 sts.
26. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Tan Lower Muzzle Patch

This patch creates the warm brown dachshund muzzle visible under the nose. It should sit from just below the eyes to the lower front of the face, forming a soft pear shape.

1. CO 6 sts in tan-brown. Work flat.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
8. Rows 7-11: work stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
9. Row 12: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
10. Row 13: p all sts.
11. Row 14: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
12. Row 15: p all sts.
13. Row 16: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
14. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Lightly stuff under the center of the muzzle patch while sewing it to the front of the head. The top of the patch should begin about 2 rounds below the eyes, and the bottom should reach the lower front curve of the head.

Side Tan Cheek Patches

1. Make 2. CO 5 sts in tan-brown.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
4. Rows 3-7: stockinette.
5. Row 8: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
6. Row 9: p all sts.
7. BO all sts, leaving a tail.

Sew one patch to each side of the muzzle area so the tan color rises along the lower sides of the face. Keep the black center strip visible from the top of the forehead down to the nose bridge.

Nose and Mouth

• Attach the black safety nose to the center of the muzzle patch, about 3 rows down from the top of the patch.
• If embroidering the nose, satin stitch a rounded horizontal oval about 0.6 inch wide.
• With brown or black yarn, embroider a short vertical line down from the nose for 4 stitches.
• Add a small curved mouth line on each side using 2 short backstitches.
• Add tiny white eye highlights with one small stitch near the upper outer edge of each eye.

Long Floppy Ears

The ears are long, black, rounded, and hang down beside the face. They are slightly narrow at the top and wider in the middle, matching the dachshund look in the image.

1. Make 2. CO 8 sts in black. Work flat.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-22: stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
7. Row 23: p all sts.
8. Row 24: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 25: p all sts.
10. Row 26: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. Row 27: p all sts.
12. Row 28: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
13. Row 29: p all sts.
14. Row 30: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
15. BO all sts.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Fold each ear lengthwise with the wrong side inside. Sew around the edge with mattress stitch, leaving the top open. Do not stuff the ears. Sew the top edge to the head between Rnds 12 and 16, angled downward so the ears frame the face.

Body

The body is mostly hidden by the blue dress, but it should be sturdy, pear-shaped, and able to support the head. Knit the upper body in black and the lower body in a hidden neutral or blue if yarn conservation is needed.

1. CO 10 sts in black. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: k2, kfb around. 40 sts.
8. Rnds 7-12: k all sts.
9. Rnd 13: k8, kfb, k22, kfb, k8. 42 sts.
10. Rnds 14-23: k all sts.
11. Rnd 24: k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
12. Rnd 25: k all sts.
13. Rnd 26: k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
14. Rnd 27: k all sts.
15. Rnd 28: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
16. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the bottom broad and the neck area narrow.
17. Rnd 29: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
18. Rnd 30: k all sts.
19. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing the head to the body.

Arms

The arms are black at the top with tan-brown paws. They hang down at the sides of the blue dress. The paws are rounded with small stitched toes.

1. Make 2. CO 8 sts in tan-brown. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: k all sts.
5. Rnd 7: k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Change to black.
7. Rnds 8-22: k all sts.
8. Stuff the paw firmly and the arm lightly.
9. Rnd 23: k1, k2tog around. 8 sts.
10. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Flatten the top opening slightly and sew the arms to the sides of the upper body, just below the collar line. Angle them downward so the tan paws rest against the skirt area.

Legs

The legs are tan-brown and extend below the dress. They are slim and straight, with red shoes attached separately. The shoes should sit at the bottom like rounded Mary Janes.

1. Make 2. CO 10 sts in tan-brown. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnds 1-18: k all sts.
3. Rnd 19: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 20-24: k all sts.
5. Stuff the leg firmly, but keep the top slightly soft for sewing.
6. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Sew the legs to the bottom front of the body, spaced about 8 stitches apart. They should hang straight down below the dress hem.

Red Mary Jane Shoes

The shoes are bright red with a tan sole and small green cherry stems with red cherry balls near the outer side. They are knitted separately and sewn around the bottom of each leg.

Shoe Sole

1. Make 2. CO 8 sts in tan or beige. Work flat.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-7: knit every row.
5. Row 8: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
6. BO all sts.

Red Shoe Upper

1. Pick up and knit 24 sts evenly around one sole using red yarn.
2. Rnd 1: p all sts to create a raised edge.
3. Rnds 2-4: k all sts.
4. Rnd 5: k7, k2tog 5 times, k7. 19 sts.
5. Rnd 6: k6, k2tog 3 times, k7. 16 sts.
6. Rnd 7: k all sts.
7. BO all sts loosely.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Mary Jane Strap

1. CO 12 sts in red.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one strap across the top opening of each shoe. Place the strap slightly forward, leaving the leg visible through the shoe opening.

Cherry Shoe Details

• For each shoe, CO 3 sts in red, kfb each st on the next row, then cut yarn and gather tightly into a tiny ball.
• Make 4 red cherry balls total.
• For each green stem, CO 5 sts in green, BO all sts, and twist lightly.
• Sew two cherries and one green stem to the outer side of each shoe.

Blue Sailor Garden Dress

The dress is the main clothing piece. It has a fitted upper bodice, a gently flared skirt, white sailor-style stripes at the neckline and hem, a large collar, and daisy flowers embroidered around the lower skirt.

Dress Bodice

1. Using royal blue yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 40 sts. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k2, p2 around for ribbing.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k2, p2 around.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all sts.
6. Rnd 5: k6, BO 6 sts for first armhole, k16, BO 6 sts for second armhole, k6.
7. Rnd 6: k6, CO 6 sts over first gap, k16, CO 6 sts over second gap, k6. 40 sts.
8. Rnds 7-12: k all sts.
9. Rnd 13: k4, m1 around. 50 sts.
10. Rnd 14: k all sts.
11. Rnd 15: k5, m1 around. 60 sts.

Flared Skirt

1. Rnds 16-20: k all sts in blue.
2. Rnd 21: k6, m1 around. 70 sts.
3. Rnds 22-30: k all sts.
4. Rnd 31: k7, m1 around. 80 sts.
5. Rnds 32-39: k all sts.
6. Rnd 40: change to white, k all sts.
7. Rnd 41: change to blue, k all sts.
8. Rnd 42: change to white, k all sts.
9. Rnd 43: change to blue, k all sts.
10. Rnd 44: change to white, k all sts.
11. Rnd 45: change to blue, k all sts.
12. Rnd 46: p all sts to create a neat lower edge.
13. BO all sts loosely.

Slide the dress over the body before the head is sewn on, or leave one back seam open if you prefer removable clothing. The hem should flare outward softly and reach just above the tops of the red shoes.

White Neckline Stripes

• With white yarn, embroider 4 horizontal stripes around the upper chest using duplicate stitch.
• Place the first stripe directly under the neck edge.
• Space each stripe 1 knitted row apart.
• Keep the stripes centered across the front so they show clearly under the sailor collar.

Sailor Collar

The collar is a wide blue sailor collar with white trim. It sits around the shoulders, forming a V shape at the front and a rounded square shape at the back.

1. CO 42 sts in royal blue. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: knit every row.
3. Row 5: k all sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Row 7: ssk, k38, k2tog. 40 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Row 9: ssk, k36, k2tog. 38 sts.
8. Row 10: p all sts.
9. Row 11: ssk, k34, k2tog. 36 sts.
10. Row 12: p all sts.
11. Rows 13-16: stockinette.
12. BO all sts.

Collar White Trim

• Using white yarn, work a running stitch line 1 stitch inside the outer collar edge.
• Add a second white line 2 rows above the first line.
• At the front V, stitch carefully so both white lines meet neatly at the center.
• Sew the collar around the neckline after the head and arms are attached.

Red Bow at Chest

The bow is bright red and sits centered at the front of the sailor collar. It has two soft loops and a small wrapped center.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Bow Loops

1. CO 18 sts in red. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-8: stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
3. BO all sts.
4. Fold the rectangle so the cast-on and bind-off edges meet at the back.
5. Gather the center tightly with red yarn to form two loops.

Bow Tails

1. CO 10 sts in red.
2. Rows 1-4: stockinette.
3. BO all sts.
4. Fold lightly and sew behind the bow loops.

Wrap red yarn around the center 8 times. Sew the bow to the front of the collar, just below the white striped neckline.

Daisy Embroidery on Dress

The lower skirt has small white daisies with yellow centers and green stems. Work them around the front half of the skirt, leaving the back simpler.

• Make 5 daisies across the lower front of the skirt.
• For each daisy, use white yarn to make 6 straight stitches radiating from one center point.
• Use yellow yarn to make one small French knot or tiny straight stitch at the center.
• Use green yarn to embroider a 3-row stem below each flower.
• Add two small green leaf stitches beside each stem.
• Keep the flowers above the white hem stripes, not on top of them.

Yellow Strawberry Shoulder Bag

The bag is a small yellow crossbody purse with a rounded flap and a red strawberry decoration. It sits at the doll’s side and hangs from a yellow strap across the blue dress.

Bag Body

1. CO 18 sts in yellow. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: knit every row.
3. Rows 5-16: stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
4. Row 17: knit all sts.
5. Row 18: knit all sts.
6. BO all sts.
7. Make a second identical rectangle.

Place the two rectangles together with wrong sides facing. Sew the side and bottom edges, leaving the top open. Lightly stuff or insert a small piece of plastic canvas to keep the bag square.

Rounded Bag Flap

1. CO 18 sts in yellow.
2. Rows 1-4: stockinette.
3. Row 5: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Row 7: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Row 9: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
8. Row 10: p all sts.
9. BO all sts.

Sew the straight edge of the flap to the top back of the bag. Let the rounded edge fold over the front.

Bag Strap

1. CO 70 sts in yellow.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one end of the strap to each side of the bag. Place the strap diagonally across the doll from shoulder to opposite hip. Tack the strap lightly to the dress at the shoulder so it stays in place.

Strawberry Motif for Bag

1. CO 5 sts in red. Work flat.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k all sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
8. Row 7: p all sts.
9. Row 8: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
10. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts.

• Sew the strawberry to the lower right area of the bag flap.
• Use white yarn to add 4 tiny seed stitches.
• Use green yarn to embroider 3 small leaves at the top.

Sunflower Head Decoration

The sunflower sits on top of the dachshund’s head, slightly to one side. It has a brown center, yellow petals, green leaves, and a tiny bee perched on the flower.

Sunflower Center

1. CO 6 sts in brown. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Lightly stuff with a tiny pinch of fiberfill.
7. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Cut yarn, pull closed, and secure.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Sunflower Petals

1. Make 10 petals in yellow.
2. CO 4 sts.
3. Row 1: p all sts.
4. Row 2: kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts.
5. Rows 3-5: stockinette.
6. Row 6: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
7. Row 7: p all sts.
8. Row 8: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
9. Row 9: p2tog. 1 st.
10. Cut yarn and pull through.

Sew the petals evenly around the brown center. Overlap the petal bases slightly so the flower looks full and rounded.

Green Leaves Under Flower

1. Make 4 leaves in green.
2. CO 3 sts.
3. Row 1: p all sts.
4. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
5. Rows 3-5: stockinette.
6. Row 6: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
7. Row 7: p all sts.
8. Row 8: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
9. Cut yarn and pull through.

Sew the leaves behind the sunflower so they peek out around the yellow petals. Attach the sunflower to the upper right side of the dachshund’s head from the viewer’s perspective.

Tiny Bee

The bee is very small, with a yellow body, black stripes, and white wings. It sits on the sunflower as a playful detail.

Bee Body

1. CO 6 sts in yellow. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: k all sts.
3. Change to black.
4. Rnd 4: k all sts.
5. Change to yellow.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight, and secure.

Bee Wings

1. Make 2 in white.
2. CO 4 sts.
3. Row 1: k all sts.
4. Row 2: p all sts.
5. Row 3: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
6. BO both sts.

Sew the wings to the top of the bee body. Add two tiny black antenna stitches. Sew the bee securely to the sunflower center or to one petal near the top.

Blue Beret with Pom-Pom

The beret sits beside the doll in the image. It is royal blue, round, soft, and slightly flat, with a white pom-pom on top and a tiny sailboat decoration near one edge.

Beret Base

1. CO 8 sts in royal blue. Join in 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 around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts.
13. Rnd 12: k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-17: k all sts.
15. Rnd 18: k5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
16. Rnd 19: k all sts.
17. Rnd 20: k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
18. Rnd 21: p all sts for brim ridge.
19. Rnd 22: k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
20. BO all sts loosely.

Lightly stuff the beret only if you want it to hold a rounded shape. Otherwise, leave it soft and flat like the image.

White Pom-Pom

• Wrap white yarn around two fingers 35 times.
• Tie tightly around the center.
• Cut the loops and trim into a small round pom-pom.
• Sew to the center top of the beret.

Tiny Sailboat on Beret

• With white yarn, embroider a small triangular sail near the lower edge of the beret.
• With red yarn, add a smaller red sail beside it.
• With dark yarn, stitch a short vertical mast.
• Keep the boat small, about 0.5 inch wide.

Mini Watering Can

The small gray watering can is optional, but it helps match the garden scene. It is knitted as a tiny decorative prop rather than a toy for rough play.

Can Body

1. CO 12 sts in gray. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-6: k all sts.
3. Rnd 7: k1, k2tog around. 8 sts.
4. Stuff very lightly.
5. Cut yarn, thread through sts, and pull closed.

Spout

1. CO 5 sts in gray.
2. Rows 1-6: knit every row.
3. BO all sts.

Roll the small strip into a tube and stitch closed. Sew it to one side of the can at an upward angle.

Handle

1. CO 12 sts in gray.
2. BO all sts.

Curve the strip into a handle and sew it to the opposite side of the can. Add a tiny top handle with 6 cast-on stitches if desired.

Tiny Flower Pot

The small terracotta pot with a green sprout can be placed beside the doll for display. It is simple and quick to knit.

Pot

1. CO 14 sts in terracotta brown. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: p all sts for the rim.
3. Rnds 2-6: k all sts.
4. Rnd 7: k5, k2tog twice. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 8: k2, k2tog around. 9 sts.
6. Stuff lightly.
7. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and secure.

Sprout Leaves

1. Make 3 leaves in green.
2. CO 3 sts.
3. Row 1: p all sts.
4. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
5. Row 3: p all sts.
6. Row 4: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
7. Row 5: p all sts.
8. Row 6: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
9. Cut yarn and pull through.

Sew the leaves into the top opening of the pot. Add a few brown stitches across the top to suggest soil.

Facial Eyebrows and Dachshund Markings

The dachshund in the image has small tan eyebrow dots above the eyes. These are important because they give the face a warm and expressive dachshund look.

• With tan-brown yarn, embroider one small curved eyebrow above each eye.
• Each eyebrow should be about 3 stitches wide and sit 3 rounds above the eye.
• Keep the eyebrows slightly angled, with the inner ends lower than the outer ends.
• Add tiny tan stitches near the sides of the muzzle if the transition between black and tan needs softening.

Assembly Order

1. Stuff and close the head.
2. Sew the muzzle patch, cheek patches, nose, mouth, eyes, and eyebrows.
3. Sew the ears to both sides of the head.
4. Stuff and finish the body.
5. Attach the legs to the lower body.
6. Place the dress over the body and adjust the skirt flare.
7. Sew the head to the body with a firm circular seam.
8. Attach the arms to the sides, letting the paws rest beside the dress.
9. Add the sailor collar around the neck and shoulders.
10. Sew the red bow at the front of the collar.
11. Add the yellow shoulder bag and tack the strap in place.
12. Sew the sunflower and bee to the top of the head.
13. Place the shoes on the feet and sew them securely.
14. Make the beret, pom-pom, sailboat detail, watering can, and flower pot as display accessories.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from the front before fastening all yarn ends. The eyes should look level, the nose should sit centered on the tan muzzle, and the long black ears should hang evenly. The sunflower should tilt slightly outward rather than lying flat.

Sew the head to the body using several rounds of firm stitches. Go through the neck edge and the lower head edge at least twice so the head does not wobble. Shape the neck gently with your fingers after sewing.

• Use small hidden stitches to secure the dress at both shoulders.
• Tack the sailor collar at the center back and both front points.
• Sew the bag strap diagonally so it does not slide off the shoulder.
• Trim all yarn tails and hide them inside the doll with a tapestry needle.

Care Notes

This knitted dachshund is best used as a decorative handmade doll. Because it has small accessories such as a bee, cherry details, a bag, and a flower, it should not be given to very young children unless all small parts are embroidered instead of sewn on separately.

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if using safety eyes, safety nose, pom-pom, or delicate sewn decorations.
• Let the doll air dry fully before storing.
• Keep away from strong direct sunlight to protect the blue dress and red shoes from fading.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Face: eyes level, nose centered, mouth neatly embroidered, eyebrows placed above both eyes.
• Ears: long, black, soft, and sewn at a downward angle on both sides of the head.
• Dress: blue skirt flared, white stripes straight, daisies evenly spaced around the lower front.
• Collar: sailor collar sits wide over the shoulders with white trim visible.
• Bow: red bow centered below the neckline.
• Bag: yellow shoulder bag sits at the side with the strawberry motif facing forward.
• Shoes: red Mary Janes are even, with cherry details attached securely.
• Head flower: sunflower has full yellow petals, green leaves, and the tiny bee attached.
• Accessories: beret has white pom-pom and small sailboat detail.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, support the doll under the body when moving it. Do not lift it by the sunflower, ears, bag strap, or arms. These parts are decorative and may stretch if pulled repeatedly.

For dust removal, use a soft dry brush and brush gently in the direction of the knitted stitches. If the white stripes or pom-pom collect dust, dab with a slightly damp cloth rather than rubbing.

• Store the dachshund upright or lying flat in a breathable fabric bag.
• Avoid plastic bags for long storage because trapped moisture can affect yarn texture.
• Place tissue paper lightly around the sunflower and bee if storing with other handmade items.
• Keep the beret separate if you do not want the pom-pom flattened.
• Check sewn accessories occasionally and reinforce loose stitches with matching yarn.

Your Sunflower Garden Dachshund is now complete, with its knitted dachshund face, sailor garden dress, sunflower headpiece, tiny bee, yellow strawberry bag, red shoes, blue beret, and miniature garden props all finished as a coordinated handmade display piece.