Knitting Tutorial: Adorable Dog in Floral Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted puppy is designed with a round cream head, floppy brown ears, a soft little muzzle, floral blue overalls, white legs, tan sandals, and charming garden accessories. The finished set includes the dog doll, a blue-trimmed sun hat, a yellow shoulder bag, a tiny watering can, and a red ladybug, all sized to look like the cozy handmade scene shown 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.

Finished Size and Gauge

This pattern is written for a small display plush with a rounded head, compact body, short arms, straight legs, and separately knitted accessories. When worked with DK yarn and firm stuffing, the finished dog measures about 9.5 in from the top of the head to the bottom of the sandals.

• Finished dog height: about 9.5 in tall.
• Head width: about 4 in across after stuffing.
• Body with overalls: about 4.25 in from shoulder to crotch.
• Leg length: about 3 in before sandals.
• Hat diameter: about 3.75 in across brim.
• Gauge: 6 sts and 8 rnds = 1 in in stockinette, worked firmly.

For the best plush shape, knit tightly enough that the stuffing does not show through. If your fabric feels loose, go down one needle size. The doll should feel firm but still soft, with smooth curves at the head, belly, paws, and accessories.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm cream for head, body, arms, legs, and muzzle.
• DK weight yarn in caramel brown for floppy ears.
• DK weight yarn in sky blue for floral overalls and hat trim.
• DK weight yarn in yellow for headband and shoulder bag.
• DK weight yarn in tan for sandals and watering can.
• Small amounts of pink, white, green, red, yellow, and light blue yarn for flowers, bow, tongue, sandals, and ladybug.
• US 2 or US 3 double-pointed needles, or size needed to make a firm fabric.
• Two 8 mm black safety eyes, or black yarn eyes for a child-safe version.
• One 10 mm black safety nose, or black embroidery yarn.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Four tiny buttons for overall straps and sandal flowers, or embroidered circles for a child-safe version.
• Stitch marker.
• Scrap yarn for holding stitches.

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.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• sl1: slip 1 stitch purlwise.
• yo: yarn over.
• m1: make 1 stitch by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting into the back loop.

General Construction Notes

The dog is knitted in separate pieces and sewn together. This gives better control over the round head, drooping ears, short arms, straight legs, and neatly fitted floral overalls. The overalls are knitted separately so the straps, buttons, and embroidered flowers sit cleanly on top.

Use mattress stitch for most seams. Stuff gradually while sewing so the shape stays smooth. Do not overstuff the ears, sandals, bag, hat, or watering can. The head and body should be the firmest pieces because they hold the doll shape.

Head

The head is a rounded cream sphere with a slightly flattened lower face. It is worked in the round from the top down. Place the eyes before closing the head, then add the nose, mouth, and tongue after stuffing.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Divide over double-pointed needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts.
13. Rnd 12: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-25: k all sts for 13 rnds.
15. Rnd 26: repeat k5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
16. Rnd 27: k all sts.
17. Rnd 28: repeat k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
18. Rnd 29: k all sts.
19. Place safety eyes between Rnds 18 and 19, about 10 sts apart. The eyes should sit high enough to leave room for the small muzzle and nose.
20. Rnd 30: repeat k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
21. Rnd 31: repeat k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
22. Stuff the head firmly, shaping the cheeks wide and the lower face slightly full.
23. Rnd 32: repeat k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
24. Rnd 33: k2tog around. 8 sts.
25. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten securely.

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Muzzle Patch

The muzzle is a small oval cream piece placed under the eyes. It gives the dog the soft, rounded expression visible in the image. Knit it separately and sew it on before adding the black nose.

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
3. Row 2 WS: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
7. Rows 6-10: work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
8. Row 11: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
9. Row 12: p all sts.
10. Row 13: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
11. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew the muzzle centered below the eyes, with the top edge about 3 rnds below the eyes. Add a small amount of stuffing before closing the final side so the muzzle is softly raised but not bulky.

Body

The body is cream underneath, but most of it will be covered by the blue floral overalls. The shape is gently rounded at the belly, narrower at the neck, and wider at the lower torso.

1. With cream yarn, CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k3, kfb around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k4, kfb around. 36 sts.
8. Rnds 7-18: k all sts.
9. Rnd 19: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
10. Rnd 20: k all sts.
11. Rnd 21: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
12. Rnd 22: k all sts.
13. Rnd 23: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
14. Stuff firmly, keeping the lower belly rounded and the neck area narrow.
15. Rnd 24: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
16. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.

Arms

The arms are short cream tubes with rounded paws. They hang slightly outward from the sides of the overalls, just as shown in the image. Make two.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-5: k all sts.
5. Rnd 6: repeat k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Rnds 7-22: k all sts.
7. Stuff the paw firmly and the upper arm lightly.
8. Rnd 23: k2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off.

Legs

The legs are straight cream tubes visible below the overalls. They should be slightly longer than the arms and firm enough to support the doll when laid flat. Make two.

1. With cream yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k1, kfb around. 15 sts.
4. Rnds 3-25: k all sts.
5. Stuff evenly, keeping the legs slim and straight.
6. Rnd 26: repeat k1, k2tog around. 10 sts.
7. Rnd 27: k2tog around. 5 sts.
8. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off.

Floppy Ears

The ears are caramel brown, long, soft, and rounded at the ends. They sit on the sides of the head and droop downward to frame the face. Make two.

1. With brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
3. Row 2 WS: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
7. Rows 6-22: work in stockinette.
8. Row 23: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
9. Row 24: p all sts.
10. Row 25: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
11. Row 26: p all sts.
12. Row 27: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
13. BO all sts.

Fold each ear lengthwise with wrong sides together and sew around the edge, leaving the top open. Do not stuff. Sew the top edge to the head from Rnd 13 to Rnd 19, one ear on each side. The ears should curve outward slightly and hang beside the cheeks.

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Blue Floral Overalls

The overalls are the main clothing piece. They are bright blue, roomy, and embroidered with tiny flowers. The bib sits high on the chest, the shorts cover the lower body, and two straps cross over the shoulders with small tan buttons at the front.

Overall Shorts

1. With sky blue yarn, CO 40 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: repeat k1, p1 around for ribbing.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k1, p1 around.
4. Rnds 3-14: k all sts.
5. Rnd 15: k20, place next 20 sts on scrap yarn.
6. Work first leg opening on 20 sts.
7. Leg Rnd 1: k all sts.
8. Leg Rnd 2: repeat k1, p1 around.
9. Leg Rnd 3: repeat k1, p1 around.
10. BO in rib.
11. Return held 20 sts to needles and repeat Leg Rnds 1-3. BO in rib.

Overall Bib

1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 18 sts from the front waist edge of the shorts.
2. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
4. Rows 3-12: work in stockinette.
5. Row 13: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
6. Row 14: p all sts.
7. Row 15: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
8. Row 16: p all sts.
9. BO all sts.

Overall Straps

1. With blue yarn, CO 5 sts for the first strap.
2. Rows 1-30: knit every row to make garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a sewing tail.
4. Make a second strap the same way.

Sew the straps to the back waist, bring them over the shoulders, and attach them to the front bib. Sew or embroider one small tan button at the end of each strap. The straps should angle slightly outward, matching the image.

Blue Ruffle Sleeves

The overalls have tiny flutter edges at the shoulders. These look like soft blue ruffles beside the arms.

1. With blue yarn, CO 18 sts for one ruffle.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: repeat k1, kfb across. 27 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. BO loosely.
7. Make a second ruffle.

Sew one ruffle to each upper side of the bib, just below where the straps meet. Let the outer edge curl slightly for the soft flutter shape.

Floral Embroidery on Overalls

The overalls in the image are covered with small garden flowers in yellow, pink, red, white, and green. Add embroidery after the overalls are sewn onto the doll, so the flowers sit naturally across the rounded belly and legs.

• Large yellow flower: place one at center front, just below the bib. Make 6 lazy daisy petals with yellow yarn and a small brown or orange center.
• White daisies: stitch 3 small daisies using 5 white straight stitches around a yellow center.
• Pink blossoms: scatter 5 small flowers using 4 tiny pink straight stitches each.
• Red flowers: add 3 small red blossoms near the lower shorts and sides.
• Green stems: use short vertical straight stitches and small angled leaves.
• Blue texture: add a few darker blue duplicate stitches to give the overalls a hand-stitched garden look.

Keep the embroidery light and small. The flowers should look scattered, not arranged in perfect rows. Leave a little open blue space between motifs so the overalls still look soft and readable.

Yellow Headband

The yellow headband rests across the top of the head, just above the eyes and in front of the ears. It holds tiny flowers on one side and a pink bow on the other.

1. With yellow yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-42: knit every row in garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.
4. Wrap the strip over the head from one side to the other, slightly forward of the ears.
5. Sew the ends securely under the ears so the seam is hidden.

Headband Flowers

Make three tiny flowers for the left side of the headband. Use white, red, and pale blue yarn, with yellow centers and small green leaves.

1. For each flower, CO 10 sts with flower color.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail.
4. Thread tail through sts, pull tight to gather into a rosette, and sew the base closed.
5. Add one small yellow stitch at the center.
6. With green yarn, stitch two small leaves behind each flower.

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Pink Bow

The pink bow sits on the opposite side of the headband. It should be small, soft, and slightly raised.

1. With pink yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: knit every row.
3. BO all sts.
4. Wrap yarn around the center 5 times to pinch the rectangle into a bow shape.
5. Sew the bow to the right side of the yellow headband.

Sandals

The dog wears tan sandals with thin straps and tiny flower details near the ankles. Each sandal has a flat sole, a top strap, and a small white or pale blue flower accent. Make two.

Sandal Soles

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
3. Row 2 WS: p all sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Rows 4-10: work in stockinette.
6. Row 11: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
7. Row 12: p all sts.
8. BO all sts.

Toe Strap

1. With tan yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-16: knit every row.
3. BO, leaving a sewing tail.
4. Sew the strap across the front of the sole, leaving enough space for the cream foot to slide under it visually.

Ankle Strap and Flower

1. With tan yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-22: knit every row.
3. BO, leaving a tail.
4. Sew around the lower leg just above the foot.
5. For the small flower, make 5 tiny white straight stitches around one pale blue center.

Sew each sandal to the bottom of a leg. The sole should extend slightly beyond the cream foot, and the toe strap should sit across the front as shown in the image.

Yellow Shoulder Bag

The yellow bag hangs diagonally across the dog from the headband side down to the hip. It has a rectangular pouch and a small white flower on the front.

Bag Body

1. With yellow yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
3. Row 2 WS: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-18: continue in stockinette.
5. Row 19: k all sts.
6. Row 20: k all sts.
7. BO all sts.

Fold the rectangle in half with RS facing out. Sew the side edges together. The garter rows at the top create a slightly firmer opening. Add a tiny pinch of stuffing only if you want the bag to look puffed.

Bag Strap

1. With yellow yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-70: knit every row.
3. BO, leaving a sewing tail.
4. Sew one end to each side of the bag.
5. Place strap diagonally across the doll, then tack lightly at the shoulder and opposite hip to keep it in place.

Bag Flower

1. With white yarn, make 5 lazy daisy petals on the front of the bag.
2. With yellow yarn, add one small center stitch.
3. Keep the flower near the lower right side of the bag front.

Sun Hat

The separate sun hat is cream with blue trim, a rounded crown, a flat brim, and small flowers along the front brim. It sits beside the dog in the display but can also be placed lightly on the doll.

Hat Crown

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 9-16: k all sts.
11. Rnd 17: p all sts to create a turning ridge.

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Hat Brim

1. Rnd 18: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 19: k all sts.
3. Rnd 20: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
4. Rnd 21: k all sts.
5. Rnd 22: repeat k6, kfb around. 64 sts.
6. Rnd 23: k all sts.
7. Change to blue yarn.
8. Rnd 24: k all sts.
9. Rnd 25: p all sts.
10. BO loosely.

Shape the crown with your fingers. The brim should flare outward and lie mostly flat, with the blue edge clearly visible around the outside.

Blue Crown Band and Hat Flowers

1. With blue yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-44: knit every row.
3. BO and sew around the base of the crown, just above the brim ridge.
4. Embroider 4 small flowers at the front: one pink, one yellow, one blue, and one red.
5. Add green stems and tiny leaves beneath each flower.

Watering Can

The watering can is tan with a blue rim and handle. It is small and sits beside the hat. The shape is simple, with a rounded body, a short spout, and a curved handle.

Can Body

1. With tan yarn, CO 16 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 3-10: k all sts.
5. Rnd 11: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 12: k all sts.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Rnd 13: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
9. Rnd 14: k2tog around. 6 sts.
10. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off.

Blue Rim

1. With blue yarn, pick up and knit 16 sts around the top opening edge.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: p all sts.
4. BO loosely.

Spout

1. With tan yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-12: work in stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
3. BO all sts.
4. Roll the piece into a narrow tube and sew the long edge closed.
5. Sew one end to the upper side of the can at a slight upward angle.
6. Add one small cream knob at the tip by wrapping yarn 5 times around the spout end and securing it.

Handle

1. With tan yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-24: knit every row.
3. BO all sts.
4. Curve the strip into a handle and sew both ends to the side opposite the spout.

Ladybug

The tiny ladybug is red with a black head and black spots. It rests near the watering can and adds a playful garden detail to the set.

1. With red yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: k all sts.
5. Rnd 7: k2tog around. 8 sts.
6. Stuff very lightly.
7. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off.
8. With black yarn, embroider a head over one end using satin stitches.
9. Stitch one straight black line down the center of the back.
10. Add 3 small black spots on each side of the center line.

Tongue, Nose, and Mouth

The expression is cheerful and gentle. The eyes are round and glossy, the nose is centered on the muzzle, and the small pink tongue sits below a simple black mouth.

1. If using a safety nose, place it at the center of the muzzle before fully securing the muzzle. If embroidering, satin stitch a small black oval about 0.5 in wide.
2. With black yarn, stitch one short vertical line down from the nose.
3. From the bottom of that line, make two small curved stitches to form a soft smile.
4. For the tongue, CO 4 sts with pink yarn.
5. Rows 1-3: knit every row.
6. BO all sts and round the lower edge with the sewing tail.
7. Sew the tongue under the mouth, centered and slightly visible.

Tiny Facial Highlights

To match the sweet look of the image, add tiny white highlights near the eyes if using embroidered eyes. If you use plastic safety eyes, the natural shine is enough. Keep the face simple so it remains soft and handmade.

• Place the eyes evenly, not too low.
• Keep the muzzle centered under the eyes.
• Sew the tongue small so it looks cute, not oversized.
• Shape the cheeks with gentle pressure after stuffing.

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Putting the Clothes on the Dog

Slide the overalls onto the body before attaching the head, arms, and legs if you want easier fitting. The shorts should sit low enough to show the straight cream legs, while the bib should cover the front chest.

1. Place the blue shorts over the lower body and adjust the leg openings.
2. Sew the back waist closed neatly around the body.
3. Position the bib at center front.
4. Attach the straps over the shoulders and secure at the back waist.
5. Sew the ruffles near the top sides of the bib.
6. After the overalls are secured, embroider the flowers across the front.

Assembly Order

Careful assembly makes the doll look balanced. Pin all pieces first before sewing. View the doll from the front, side, and top to check that the ears, legs, arms, and accessories sit evenly.

1. Sew the muzzle to the head and finish the face.
2. Sew both ears to the sides of the head.
3. Sew the headband around the head, then add flowers and bow.
4. Dress the body in the overalls and secure the bib and straps.
5. Sew the head to the body, keeping the face centered over the bib.
6. Sew the arms to the sides, just below the ruffles.
7. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, spaced evenly.
8. Sew sandals to the feet and add ankle flower details.
9. Add the yellow shoulder bag diagonally across the front.
10. Place the hat, watering can, and ladybug beside the doll for display.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After every piece is attached, smooth the stuffing by gently rolling the doll between your palms. Check that the head is round, the ears hang at matching angles, and the overalls sit neatly on the body. Tighten loose seams with small hidden stitches.

Use black yarn to refine the mouth if needed. A single extra stitch can change the expression, so work slowly. Add one or two tiny cheek-shaping stitches at the lower face if the muzzle needs more definition.

Care Notes

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or delicate embroidery are attached.
• Pat dry with a towel and reshape while damp.
• Keep away from high heat to protect the yarn and stuffing.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and smoothly rounded.
• The ears are sewn evenly and hang downward.
• The overalls have a blue base with scattered floral embroidery.
• The yellow headband includes flowers on one side and a pink bow on the other.
• The shoulder bag crosses the body diagonally and has a white flower.
• The sandals have tan straps and tiny flower accents.
• The hat has cream fabric, blue trim, and small front flowers.
• The watering can has a tan body, blue rim, spout, and handle.
• The ladybug has a red body, black head, center line, and spots.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished set in a dry place away from direct sunlight. If the doll is displayed on a shelf, dust it lightly with a soft brush. Avoid pulling on the bag strap, hat brim, flowers, or ears, because small decorative pieces can loosen over time.

For long-term storage, wrap the doll and accessories in clean tissue paper and place them in a breathable box. Do not compress the head, hat brim, or watering can. A gentle reshaping by hand will keep the knitted pieces looking soft, rounded, and photo-ready.