Knitting Tutorial: Safari Tiger Costume Teddy Bear – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knitted teddy bear wears a full safari tiger costume with orange striped hood, rounded tiger ears, a tiny tiger face on top, blue embroidered overalls, green sandals, and a cream backpack decorated with a daisy. The finished doll has a soft garden-adventure look, with a small safari hat, floral details, and chunky knitted texture that matches the handmade toy style in 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.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written for a seated-style knitted teddy bear with a rounded cream face, compact body, short arms, sturdy legs, and a removable-look tiger costume knitted directly around the bear shape. The bear is designed to stand about 10.5 inches tall when made with the yarn and needle size listed below.

The main bear is worked in small knitted pieces, shaped with increases and decreases, then seamed and stuffed firmly. The tiger hood frames the face with an orange border, tiger ears, black stripes, and a small plush tiger muzzle on top. The blue overalls are worked as fitted garment pieces and sewn onto the body for a neat toy finish.

Finished Size

• Height: approximately 10.5 inches from sandal sole to top of safari hat.
• Head width: approximately 4.25 inches across the cheeks after stuffing.
• Body height: approximately 4 inches from neck to lower body.
• Leg length: approximately 3 inches including foot.
• Hat brim width: approximately 4.25 inches across.
• Backpack size: approximately 2.25 inches high by 2 inches wide.

Skill Level

Confident beginner to intermediate. The pattern uses knit, purl, simple increases, decreases, seaming, picking up stitches, color changes, duplicate stitch, embroidery, and small shaping. Beginners can complete it slowly by checking stitch counts at the end of each shaped row.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream for teddy bear head, face, arms, legs, and belly.
• DK weight yarn in orange for tiger hood, costume sleeves, tail, and tiger ears.
• Small amount of black DK yarn for tiger stripes and hood details.
• DK weight yarn in denim blue for overalls.
• DK weight yarn in beige straw color for safari hat.
• DK weight yarn in light green for sandals.
• Small amount of brown yarn for sandal soles and bear nose.
• Small amount of white yarn for tiger face panel, backpack trim, and daisy petals.
• Small amount of pale pink or peach yarn for tiger nose.
• Small scraps of yellow, pink, purple, red, and green for tiny flowers.
• Pair of 3 mm straight knitting needles.
• Set of 3 mm double-pointed needles for small round details, optional but helpful.
• 2.75 mm needles for tighter accessories, optional.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• Two 9 mm black safety eyes for the teddy bear.
• Two 5 mm black beads or embroidered French knots for the little tiger face.
• One small brown safety nose or brown embroidery yarn for the bear nose.
• Two tiny tan buttons for overall straps.
• Two small green buttons for sandal fronts.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Black sewing thread for securing eyes and details if needed.

Gauge

• Stockinette gauge: 24 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches using 3 mm needles.
• Toy fabric gauge: knit firmly so stuffing does not show through.
• Best texture match: slightly dense, rounded stockinette with visible vertical knit columns like the doll in the image.

If your stitches are loose, go down to 2.75 mm needles. If your fabric is too stiff to shape neatly, go up to 3.25 mm needles, but keep the stuffing firm and smooth.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• St or sts: stitch or stitches.
• 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 the back loop.
• St st: stockinette stitch, knit on RS and purl on WS.
• Garter st: knit every row.
• Rep: repeat.

Important Construction Notes

The bear in the image has a large rounded head, a smaller compact body, short cylindrical arms, and rounded feet. The head is about one third of the total height, so do not under-stuff it. A firm head helps the tiger hood sit correctly around the face.

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The tiger costume should look like a hooded suit, not a flat hat. The orange frame sits around the bear’s face like a soft ring. The hood ears are attached high on each side, and the tiny tiger face rests on the top center above the teddy bear forehead.

• Use mattress stitch for vertical seams whenever possible.
• Stuff all pieces firmly but avoid lumps around the cheeks and muzzle.
• Keep the overalls slightly snug so they hug the belly and legs.
• Place black tiger stripes asymmetrically, as shown in the image.
• Use small embroidery stitches for flowers so they do not overpower the overalls.

Teddy Bear Head

Use cream yarn and 3 mm needles. Work flat in stockinette stitch. The head is shaped as a rounded oval with a slightly wider cheek area and a soft lower muzzle zone.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb in each st across. 20 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, kfb, rep from beginning to end. 30 sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: K2, kfb, rep across. 40 sts.
8. Row 7: P all sts.
9. Row 8: K4, kfb, rep across. 48 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 23: Work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
11. Row 24: K10, kfb, K26, kfb, K10. 50 sts.
12. Rows 25 to 31: Work in st st.
13. Row 32: K8, k2tog, K30, ssk, K8. 48 sts.
14. Row 33: P all sts.
15. Row 34: K4, k2tog, rep across. 40 sts.
16. Row 35: P all sts.
17. Row 36: K3, k2tog, rep across. 32 sts.
18. Row 37: P all sts.
19. Row 38: K2, k2tog, rep across. 24 sts.
20. Row 39: P all sts.
21. Row 40: K1, k2tog, rep across. 16 sts.
22. Row 41: P all sts.
23. Row 42: K2tog across. 8 sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull gently, and seam the back of the head from top to lower neck. Stuff the head firmly. Shape the cheeks by adding a little extra stuffing on both lower sides.

Teddy Bear Muzzle

The teddy bear has a small cream muzzle area that blends softly into the face. Use the same cream yarn, but shape it separately so the nose and mouth sit forward slightly.

1. CO 8 sts.
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 to 9: Work in st st.
7. Row 10: K2tog, K8, ssk. 10 sts.
8. Row 11: P all sts.
9. Row 12: K2tog, K6, ssk. 8 sts.
10. BO all sts.

Place the muzzle low on the front of the head, centered between the eyes. Lightly stuff behind the muzzle before closing the final edge. Sew it down with small invisible stitches.

Eyes, Nose, and Mouth Placement

• Place the black teddy eyes between Rows 23 and 24 of the head.
• Leave 9 stitches between the eyes.
• Place the muzzle below the eyes with its top edge about 3 rows under the eye line.
• Embroider a dark brown triangular nose at the center top of the muzzle, about 4 stitches wide.
• Embroider one short vertical line from the nose downward for the mouth.
• Add two tiny angled mouth stitches at the base if you want a soft smiling look.

Do not make the mouth too large. In the image, the face is gentle and simple, with the costume providing most of the decoration.

Teddy Bear Body

The body is mostly hidden by blue overalls and the orange tiger costume. Use cream yarn for the base body because the upper chest and lower leg areas remain visible.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb in each st across. 28 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K3, kfb, rep across. 35 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 15: Work in st st.
7. Row 16: K6, kfb, K21, kfb, K6. 37 sts.
8. Rows 17 to 25: Work in st st.
9. Row 26: K5, k2tog, K23, ssk, K5. 35 sts.
10. Row 27: P all sts.
11. Row 28: K3, k2tog, rep across. 28 sts.
12. Row 29: P all sts.
13. Row 30: K2, k2tog, rep across. 21 sts.
14. Row 31: P all sts.
15. Row 32: K1, k2tog, rep across. 14 sts.
16. BO, leaving a long seam tail.

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Seam the back of the body. Stuff firmly, making the lower body round but not wider than the head. Sew the head to the body with the head tilted very slightly forward, just like a plush toy sitting on a garden bench.

Arms

Make two arms. Each arm has a cream paw at the bottom and orange tiger-costume sleeve above it. Work each piece flat, then seam into a short tube.

Cream Paw Section

1. With cream yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: Work in st st.

Orange Sleeve Section

1. Change to orange yarn.
2. Rows 9 to 20: Work in st st.
3. Row 21: K2, k2tog, rep across. 9 sts.
4. Row 22: P all sts.
5. BO all sts.

Seam each arm from wrist to shoulder. Stuff the paw firmly and stuff the sleeve lightly. Sew arms to the upper body at a downward angle of about 35 degrees. The hands should rest near the front sides of the overalls.

Legs and Feet

Make two legs. The cream feet are rounded, and the upper legs are partly covered by the blue overall shorts. The visible cream section should look like soft teddy legs coming out of the short legs.

Foot and Lower Leg

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb in each st across. 16 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K3, kfb, K8, kfb, K3. 18 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 12: Work in st st.
7. Row 13: K4, k2tog 5 times, K4. 13 sts.
8. Row 14: P all sts.
9. Rows 15 to 24: Work in st st.
10. BO all sts.

Seam each leg along the back. Stuff the foot firmly and the ankle moderately. Sew the legs to the bottom front of the body so the bear can sit or stand supported. Keep the feet pointing slightly outward.

Blue Overall Shorts

The overalls are a very important part of the image. They are knitted in denim blue with a bib front, straps, short legs, small buttons, and floral embroidery. Work the main shorts as one wrap piece and sew it onto the body.

Main Overall Body

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 42 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Knit all rows for a garter stitch lower edge.
3. Row 5: K all sts.
4. Row 6: P all sts.
5. Rows 7 to 18: Continue in st st.
6. Row 19: K8, BO 6 sts, K14, BO 6 sts, K8.
7. Row 20: P8, CO 6 sts over gap, P14, CO 6 sts over gap, P8. 42 sts.
8. Rows 21 to 28: Work in st st.
9. Rows 29 to 32: Knit all rows.
10. BO all sts.

Wrap this piece around the lower body so the two leg openings sit around the cream legs. Seam the back. Use small stitches to tack the waistband to the body, but do not pull too tightly.

Overall Bib

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: Knit all rows.
3. Rows 4 to 16: Work in st st.
4. Row 17: K1, ssk, K10, k2tog, K1. 14 sts.
5. Row 18: P all sts.
6. Row 19: K1, ssk, K8, k2tog, K1. 12 sts.
7. Rows 20 to 22: Work in st st.
8. BO all sts.

Sew the bib to the center front of the overalls. The lower edge should overlap the waistband slightly. The top edge should sit below the bear’s chin but not cover the muzzle.

Overall Straps

Make two straps.

1. CO 5 sts with denim blue yarn.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures 3.25 inches.
3. BO all sts.

Sew each strap to the back waistband, bring it over the shoulder, and attach it to the top corners of the bib. Sew one small tan button at each front strap point.

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Overall Cuffs

Make two short cuffs for the bottom of the overall legs.

1. CO 18 sts with denim blue yarn.
2. Knit 4 rows.
3. BO all sts.

Wrap one cuff around each short leg opening and sew in place. The cuff should look slightly raised and rounded like the knitted trim in the image.

Floral Embroidery on Overalls

The overalls have tiny garden flowers on the front pocket area and one leg. Use short embroidery stitches and keep everything miniature.

• For each flower stem, use green yarn and make 2 straight stitches, each about 2 rows tall.
• For pink flowers, make 5 tiny straight stitches radiating from one center point.
• For yellow flower centers, make one small French knot.
• For red buds, make one small vertical stitch and one tiny side stitch.
• Add 2 to 3 green leaf stitches beside the stems.

Place one small floral cluster on the bib pocket area. Place a second cluster on the lower left overall leg. Keep the flowers uneven and natural, like hand-stitched garden embroidery.

Orange Tiger Costume Hood

The tiger hood frames the teddy bear face with a thick orange border. It sits around the head like a soft costume cap, leaving the cream face visible. Work the hood flat, then seam around the back.

1. With orange yarn, CO 56 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Knit all rows for a soft rolled-looking front edge.
3. Row 5: K all sts.
4. Row 6: P all sts.
5. Rows 7 to 22: Work in st st.
6. Row 23: K8, k2tog, K36, ssk, K8. 54 sts.
7. Row 24: P all sts.
8. Row 25: K7, k2tog, K36, ssk, K7. 52 sts.
9. Row 26: P all sts.
10. Row 27: K6, k2tog, K36, ssk, K6. 50 sts.
11. Row 28: P all sts.
12. Row 29: K5, k2tog, K36, ssk, K5. 48 sts.
13. Rows 30 to 34: Work in st st.
14. Row 35: K4, k2tog, rep across. 40 sts.
15. Row 36: P all sts.
16. Row 37: K3, k2tog, rep across. 32 sts.
17. Row 38: P all sts.
18. Row 39: K2, k2tog, rep across. 24 sts.
19. Row 40: P all sts.
20. Row 41: K1, k2tog, rep across. 16 sts.
21. Row 42: P all sts.
22. Row 43: K2tog across. 8 sts.

Cut yarn and draw through the remaining stitches. Seam the back of the hood. Place it over the bear head and adjust the front opening so the orange edge frames the face. Sew the hood to the head with tiny stitches around the lower edge and back only, leaving the front edge raised and plush.

Orange Face Frame Trim

The orange trim around the face is thicker than the rest of the hood. This gives the costume the rounded tiger-head shape shown in the image.

1. With orange yarn, CO 52 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Knit every row.
3. BO all sts loosely.

Curve this garter strip around the face opening. Sew it from one lower cheek, up around the forehead, and down to the other cheek. Slightly overlap the ends under the chin area. This creates the soft tiger costume border.

Tiger Hood Ears

Make two orange ears with cream inner ear patches. The ears sit high on the sides of the hood, slightly forward, like rounded tiger ears.

Outer Ear

1. With orange yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Rows 4 to 8: Work in st st.
6. Row 9: P all sts.
7. Row 10: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
8. Row 11: P all sts.
9. Row 12: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
10. Row 13: P all sts.
11. Row 14: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
12. BO all sts.

Inner Ear

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in st st.
3. Row 7: K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.
4. BO all sts.

Sew one cream inner patch to each orange ear. Fold the base of each ear slightly to cup it. Sew ears to the hood at about the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions.

Black Tiger Stripes

The tiger costume has bold black stripes on the hood, sleeves, and tail. Work these as duplicate stitch or sewn-on short knitted strips. The image shows the stripes as thick and slightly raised.

Short Stripe Strips

1. With black yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit 10 rows for a long stripe, 7 rows for a medium stripe, or 5 rows for a short stripe.
3. BO all sts.

• Make 2 long stripes for the left side of the hood.
• Make 1 medium stripe for the right side of the hood.
• Make 4 medium stripes for the sleeves, 2 per arm.
• Make 3 short stripes for the tail.

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Sew the hood stripes at slight diagonal angles. Do not place them perfectly parallel. Tiger markings look more natural when one stripe sits higher and the next leans in a slightly different direction.

Small Tiger Face on Top of Hood

The tiny tiger face on top is a key feature. It looks like a small plush tiger head resting above the teddy bear’s forehead. It has a cream face panel, black eyes, pale peach nose, and a little beige safari hat.

Tiny Tiger Head Base

1. With orange yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K14, kfb. 18 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K16, kfb. 20 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 12: Work in st st.
7. Row 13: K2, k2tog, rep across. 15 sts.
8. Row 14: P all sts.
9. Row 15: K1, k2tog, rep across. 10 sts.
10. Row 16: P all sts.
11. Row 17: K2tog across. 5 sts.

Cut yarn and draw through the remaining stitches. Seam and lightly stuff the tiny head so it becomes a shallow oval dome.

Tiny Cream Face Panel

1. With cream yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in st st.
3. Row 7: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
4. Row 8: P all sts.
5. BO all sts.

Sew the cream panel to the front of the tiny tiger head. Add two small black bead eyes or embroidered French knots. Sew a pale peach oval nose at the center.

Tiny Tiger Ears

Make two.

1. With orange yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in st st.
3. Row 5: K1, k2tog, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.
4. BO all sts.

Sew the ears to each side of the tiny tiger head. Add a short black embroidered line on one side of the face if desired.

Sew the finished tiny tiger face to the top front of the hood, centered above the bear’s eyes. Use several secure stitches because this detail should sit upright.

Safari Hat for Tiny Tiger

The hat is beige with a small brim and a tiny flower on the side. It sits on top of the little tiger face, giving the costume its safari-garden personality.

Hat Crown

1. With beige yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: Knit all rows.
3. Rows 4 to 10: Work in st st.
4. Row 11: K2, k2tog, rep across. 21 sts.
5. Row 12: P all sts.
6. Row 13: K1, k2tog, rep across. 14 sts.
7. Row 14: P all sts.
8. Row 15: K2tog across. 7 sts.

Draw the yarn through the remaining stitches and seam the back. Stuff very lightly, only enough to keep the crown rounded.

Hat Brim

1. With beige yarn, CO 42 sts.
2. Knit 5 rows.
3. BO loosely.

Curve the brim into a circle and sew the short ends together. Sew the crown into the center of the brim. Attach the hat to the tiny tiger head at a slight angle.

Tiny Hat Flower

• With lavender yarn, make 5 small straight stitches as petals.
• With yellow yarn, make one French knot in the center.
• Place the flower on the front-left side of the hat brim.

Tiger Tail

The tail is orange with black stripes and extends from behind the overalls. It curves slightly downward and to one side.

1. With orange yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 28: Work in st st.
3. Row 29: K2tog across. 4 sts.

Cut yarn and pull through the remaining stitches. Seam the tail into a tube and stuff lightly. Add three black knitted stripe strips or embroider three black rings around the tail. Sew the tail to the back lower body, partly under the overall waistband.

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Cream Backpack

The backpack is cream and sits behind the teddy bear. It has soft rounded corners, shoulder straps, a flap, and a daisy on one side. The backpack should be visible from the sides, just like in the image.

Backpack Main Piece

1. With cream yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Knit all rows.
3. Rows 5 to 24: Work in st st.
4. Rows 25 to 28: Knit all rows.
5. BO all sts.

Fold the piece so it forms a pouch about 2.25 inches tall. Seam the side edges. Add a small amount of stuffing to make it gently rounded, not bulky.

Backpack Flap

1. With cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work in st st.
3. Rows 9 to 11: Knit all rows.
4. BO all sts.

Sew the flap across the top back of the backpack, letting it fold over the front. Add one small stitch at the lower center to keep it in place.

Backpack Straps

Make two straps.

1. CO 4 sts with cream yarn.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures 3.5 inches.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the straps to the top and bottom of the backpack. Then attach the backpack to the bear’s back, placing the straps over the shoulders but under the visible outer edges of the tiger hood when possible.

Daisy on Backpack

• Use white yarn to make 6 straight stitches radiating from one center point.
• Use yellow yarn to make a French knot in the center.
• Place the daisy on the lower side of the backpack so it is visible from the front-left angle.

Green Garden Sandals

The sandals are light green with brown soles and small green buttons. They sit over the cream feet and have an open-toe look. Make two sandals.

Brown Sole

1. With brown yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: Knit all rows.
5. Row 9: K2tog, K8, ssk. 10 sts.
6. Row 10: Knit all sts.
7. BO all sts.

Green Upper Strap

1. With light green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Knit every row for 18 rows.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the strap across the top of each foot, leaving the front of the cream paw visible. Sew the brown sole under the foot. Add a small green button to the outer side of each sandal strap.

Heel Strap

1. With light green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row for 16 rows.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one end of the heel strap to each side of the sandal, curving it behind the ankle. The sandal should look secure but soft.

Large Straw Hat Accessory

The image includes a separate large straw hat resting beside the teddy bear. This accessory is optional, but it completes the scene. The hat is beige with blue stripes and a flower decoration.

Hat Crown

1. With beige yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb in each st across. 24 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K3, kfb, rep across. 30 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 12: Work in st st.
7. Row 13: K4, k2tog, rep across. 25 sts.
8. Row 14: P all sts.
9. BO all sts.

Seam the crown into a shallow dome. Stuff very lightly or leave it hollow if you prefer a soft hat.

Wide Brim

1. With beige yarn, CO 70 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Knit all rows.
3. Rows 5 and 6: Change to blue yarn and knit both rows.
4. Rows 7 to 10: Change to beige yarn and knit all rows.
5. Rows 11 and 12: Change to blue yarn and knit both rows.
6. Rows 13 to 18: Change to beige yarn and knit all rows.
7. BO loosely.

Join the short ends to form a ring. Sew the crown into the center. Shape the brim flat with your hands. Do not over-stuff the hat because the brim should rest naturally on a table.

Flower on Large Hat

1. With tan or pale pink yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. BO all sts.

Make five small petals using the same method. Sew the petals in a circle on the brim. Add a yellow center with a French knot. Add two small green leaf stitches under the flower.

Mini Cactus Props

The background includes small knitted cactus props. These are optional scene pieces, but they match the garden-table display and make the finished project look closer to the image.

Tall Green Cactus

1. With dark green yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 22: Work K2, P2 rib across each row.
3. Row 23: K2tog across. 6 sts.

Draw yarn through the remaining stitches. Seam the cactus into a tube and stuff lightly. Embroider tiny yellow dots using short stitches.

Cactus Arms

Make two small arms.

1. With dark green yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 10: Work K1, P1 rib.
3. BO all sts.

Seam each arm into a tiny tube. Sew one arm to each side of the cactus, angled upward. Place the cactus in a small knitted pot.

Small Pot

1. With brown yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Knit all rows.
3. Rows 5 to 12: Work in st st.
4. Row 13: K2, k2tog, rep across. 14 sts.
5. Row 14: P all sts.
6. BO all sts.

Seam into a short pot shape. Add stuffing and sew the cactus into the top. Make a second smaller cactus by using 8 cast-on stitches and 14 rib rows.

Seaming and Shaping Tips

The success of this toy depends on careful shaping. Before sewing any costume piece permanently, pin it in place and check the front view. The hood should surround the face evenly, and the overalls should sit centered under the chin.

• Use cream yarn to seam cream parts and orange yarn to seam orange costume parts.
• Use denim blue yarn to sew the overalls so the stitches disappear into the fabric.
• Use small, repeated stitches around heavy details like the backpack and tiny tiger head.
• Shape the head by rolling it gently between your palms after stuffing.
• Do not flatten the muzzle; it should remain softly raised.

Detailed Step-by-Step Assembly

1. Sew and stuff the teddy head, then attach the muzzle, eyes, nose, and mouth.
2. Sew and stuff the body, then attach the head firmly to the neck opening.
3. Sew the arms and legs, stuff them, and attach them to the body.
4. Wrap the blue overall shorts around the body and sew the back seam.
5. Attach the bib to the front center of the overalls.
6. Sew the straps from the back waistband to the front bib corners.
7. Add the tan buttons to the strap ends.
8. Embroider the small flowers on the bib and one shorts leg.
9. Place the orange tiger hood over the head and sew the back and lower edges.
10. Add the thick orange face frame around the opening.
11. Sew on the tiger hood ears and black stripes.
12. Make the tiny tiger face and sew it to the top of the hood.
13. Knit and attach the tiny safari hat to the tiger face.
14. Sew the orange striped tail to the back lower body.
15. Make the backpack, add the daisy, and sew it to the bear’s back.
16. Make the sandals and attach them securely around the cream feet.
17. Make the large straw hat and cactus props if using them for display.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from the front before tying off the last threads. The teddy eyes should look evenly spaced, and the nose should sit centered on the muzzle. If the face looks too flat, gently add a little more stuffing behind the lower cheeks through the neck seam before closing completely.

Add a tiny black vertical stitch under the bear nose. Keep the expression simple. The charm of this design comes from the soft teddy face framed by the bright tiger costume and garden details.

• Brush loose fibers gently away from the eyes.
• Secure all buttons with several passes of strong thread.
• Hide yarn tails inside the body using a tapestry needle.
• Steam lightly from a distance if the overalls curl, but do not press the toy flat.

Care Notes

This knitted teddy bear is a decorative handmade toy. Because it includes buttons, small eyes, and embroidered details, it is best displayed or given to older children and adults. For younger children, embroider the eyes and replace buttons with stitched circles.

• Spot clean only with a damp cloth.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or glued decorations are used.
• Let the toy air dry completely after cleaning.
• Keep away from direct sunlight for long periods to protect the yarn colors.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round, firm, and larger than the body.
• The orange hood frames the cream face evenly.
• The tiger ears sit high and slightly forward.
• Black stripes are placed on the hood, sleeves, and tail.
• The tiny tiger face and safari hat are centered on top.
• The blue overalls fit snugly and have visible straps and buttons.
• Flower embroidery appears on the bib and lower overall leg.
• The cream backpack sits behind the shoulders with a daisy detail.
• The green sandals fit over the cream feet and include small buttons.
• All yarn tails are hidden securely inside the toy.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, clean the doll gently and avoid soaking. Use a soft cloth with cool water and mild soap only on stained areas. Blot the surface instead of rubbing, especially around embroidered flowers and tiger stripes.

After cleaning, place the teddy bear on a dry towel and reshape the head, hood, arms, and sandals with your fingers. Let it dry naturally in a shaded place. Do not use a dryer, iron, or strong heat, because heat can flatten the stuffing and distort the knitted fabric.

• Store the doll in a breathable cotton bag when not displayed.
• Add tissue paper around the hat brim to keep it flat.
• Keep the backpack and tiny hat from being crushed under heavier items.
• Check buttons and eyes occasionally and resew them if they loosen.

Your safari tiger costume teddy bear is now complete, with its orange tiger hood, garden-blue overalls, tiny safari hat, cream backpack, green sandals, and handmade floral details ready for a cheerful knitted display.