Knitting Tutorial: Cocker Spaniel Dog in Green Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted cocker spaniel is designed with long curly ears, a rounded puppy face, glossy safety eyes, a black nose, green overalls, a striped shirt, a sun hat with a bow, tiny sandals, a flower tote, a small garden basket, a carrot, and delicate floral embroidery. The finished toy has a soft garden picnic style, just like the photo.

 

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

• Finished height: About 13 inches from hat brim to sandal sole when made with DK yarn and 2.75 mm needles.
• Seated height: About 9 inches.
• Head width: About 4.25 inches across the cheeks.
• Ear length: About 4.75 inches from top attachment to lower curl tips.
• Skill level: Intermediate, but written carefully so a confident beginner can follow each section.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm beige for the dog body, head, legs, arms, muzzle, ears, and hat.
• DK weight yarn in sage green for the overalls and sandal straps.
• DK weight yarn in cream, soft brown, and pale blush for the striped shirt.
• Small amounts of pink, red, yellow, orange, green, lavender, and white yarn for embroidery and garden details.
• Small amount of black yarn for the nose and mouth.
• 2.75 mm double pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• 2.75 mm straight needles if you prefer to knit some flat pieces.
• 10 mm black safety eyes or black embroidered eyes.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Four small tan buttons for the overall straps and tote decoration.
• One small pink round bead or knitted pendant for the necklace.
• Three tiny gold beads or embroidered gold knots for the collar.

Gauge

Gauge is important because this toy needs firm fabric. Loose stitches let stuffing show through and change the shape of the face.

• Gauge: 28 stitches and 36 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
• If your fabric is loose, use smaller needles.
• If your toy becomes very stiff and difficult to shape, use slightly larger needles.

Abbreviations

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

Construction Notes

This cocker spaniel is worked as a soft seated toy. The body and head are knitted in the round for a smooth plush look. The long ears use looped strands added after knitting to copy the full curly texture in the image.

The overalls are knitted separately and fitted over the body before final arm placement. The shirt sleeves are attached under the straps, so the toy looks layered rather than flat.

• Stuff firmly in small amounts as you work.
• Shape the cheeks with extra stuffing before closing the head.
• Keep the muzzle slightly forward and rounded.
• Place the ears low and wide so they frame the cheeks.
• Use small embroidery stitches for the floral details instead of large knots.

Main Body

Use warm beige yarn for the inner base. The body will later be covered by the green overalls, but the neck and lower areas still need the dog color.

1. CO 8 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
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. Rnds 11-22: k all sts for 12 rounds.
13. Rnd 23: repeat k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
14. Rnds 24-27: k all sts.
15. Rnd 28: repeat k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
16. Rnds 29-31: k all sts.
17. Rnd 32: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
18. Rnds 33-34: k all sts.
19. Rnd 35: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
20. Rnd 36: k all sts.

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Stuff the body firmly. Make the lower belly rounded and the upper chest slightly narrower. Do not close yet. Leave the 24 sts live on a spare needle or yarn holder for joining the head later.

Head

The head is large, rounded, and slightly longer from forehead to muzzle area than a simple ball. This gives the dog a soft cocker spaniel expression.

1. With warm beige yarn, CO 8 sts 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.
15. Rnd 26: k18, kfb 2 times, k16, kfb 2 times, k18. 60 sts.
16. Rnds 27-30: k all sts.
17. Rnd 31: repeat k8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
18. Rnd 32: k all sts.
19. Rnd 33: repeat k7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
20. Rnd 34: k all sts.
21. Rnd 35: repeat k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
22. Rnd 36: repeat k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
23. Rnd 37: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
24. Rnd 38: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.

Insert the safety eyes between Rnds 22 and 23, about 13 sts apart. Place them slightly forward, not too high. This creates the gentle puppy look in the photo.

Stuff the head. Add a little extra stuffing at the forehead and cheeks. Keep the lower face soft enough to sew the muzzle on smoothly.

Muzzle

The muzzle is oval, soft, and forward-facing. It should sit below the eyes and create a gentle slope from the forehead to the black nose.

1. With warm beige yarn, CO 8 sts and 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. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
8. Rows 7-11: work stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
9. Row 12: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
10. Row 13: p all sts.
11. Row 14: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
12. Row 15: p all sts.
13. Row 16: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
14. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Lightly stuff the muzzle. Sew it centered on the lower front of the head, with the top edge just below the eyes. Shape it into a smooth oval as you stitch.

Nose

The nose is black, oval, and slightly raised. It sits at the front tip of the muzzle.

1. With black yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. BO all sts.

Sew the nose horizontally on the muzzle tip. Use black yarn to embroider a short vertical line down from the nose, then make two tiny curved mouth stitches.

Head and Body Join

Place the head on top of the body with the muzzle facing forward. Use the 24 live head sts and 24 live body sts if available, or sew the two openings together with mattress stitch.

• Keep the neck short and strong.
• Check that the head tilts very slightly forward.
• Add more stuffing into the neck before fully closing.
• Sew twice around the neck for strength.

Long Cocker Spaniel Ears

The ears in the image are long, full, and curly. The knitted base gives shape, while added loop strands create the thick spaniel texture.

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Ear Base

Make 2.

1. With warm beige yarn, CO 10 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
8. Rows 7-34: work stockinette stitch.
9. Row 35: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
10. Row 36: p all sts.
11. Row 37: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
12. Row 38: p all sts.
13. Row 39: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
14. Row 40: p all sts.
15. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Curly Loop Texture

• Cut many beige yarn strands, each 7 inches long.
• Fold one strand in half.
• Use a tapestry needle or small hook to pull the fold through one stitch on the ear edge.
• Pull the two loose ends through the fold to make a lark’s head knot.
• Add loops along both side edges and across the lower half of each ear.
• Trim only the longest strands lightly, keeping a natural wavy shape.

Sew each ear from the top side of the head, beginning just behind the eye line. The ears should fall along the cheeks and reach the shoulder area.

Arms

The arms are slim with rounded paws. They hang naturally at the sides, with one arm close to the tote handle in the photo.

Make 2.

1. With warm beige yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-7: k all sts.
5. Rnd 8: repeat k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Rnds 9-30: k all sts.
7. Rnd 31: repeat k2, k2tog around. 9 sts.
8. Stuff the paw firmly and the upper arm lightly.
9. Rnd 32: k all sts.
10. BO, flatten the top, and sew closed.

Sew the arms to the upper sides of the body after the shirt sleeves and overall bib are in place. Angle them slightly forward.

Legs

The legs are long enough to hang over the bench edge. The feet are rounded and visible inside the small garden sandals.

Make 2.

1. With warm beige yarn, CO 8 sts 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: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnds 4-8: k all sts.
6. Rnd 9: k8, k2tog 4 times, k8. 20 sts.
7. Rnd 10: k6, k2tog 4 times, k6. 16 sts.
8. Rnds 11-34: k all sts.
9. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg evenly.
10. Rnd 35: repeat k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
11. Rnd 36: k all sts.
12. BO, leaving a long tail.

Sew the legs to the lower front of the body so the dog sits with both legs hanging forward. Keep the feet facing upward slightly, like the photo.

Striped Shirt

The shirt is mostly hidden under the green overalls, but the short sleeves and upper chest stripes show clearly. Use cream, soft brown, and pale blush.

Shirt Body Band

1. With cream yarn, CO 44 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Change to soft brown.
5. Rows 3-4: work stockinette stitch.
6. Change to cream.
7. Rows 5-6: work stockinette stitch.
8. Change to pale blush.
9. Rows 7-8: work stockinette stitch.
10. Change to cream.
11. Rows 9-12: work stockinette stitch.
12. BO all sts.

Wrap the band around the upper body under the arms. Sew the back seam. The green overall bib will cover the center front, so keep the neatest stripes visible at the shoulders.

Short Sleeves

Make 2.

1. With cream yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Change to soft brown.
5. Rows 3-4: work stockinette stitch.
6. Change to cream.
7. Rows 5-6: work stockinette stitch.
8. Change to pale blush.
9. Rows 7-8: work stockinette stitch.
10. BO all sts.

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Sew each sleeve into a small tube. Slide over the top of each arm before attaching the arms to the body. Secure the sleeve top to the shoulder with tiny stitches.

Green Overalls

The overalls are sage green with a front bib, shorts-style legs, straps, rolled hems, two small buttons, and embroidered flowers on the bib and lower leg.

Overall Shorts Base

1. With sage green yarn, CO 52 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: repeat k2, p2 around for ribbing.
3. Rnds 5-16: k all sts.
4. Rnd 17: k26 sts, place remaining 26 sts on holder for second leg.
5. Work first leg on 26 sts.
6. Leg Rnds 1-8: k all sts.
7. Leg Rnds 9-12: repeat k2, p2 around.
8. BO loosely.
9. Return held 26 sts to needles.
10. Work second leg the same as first leg.

Pull the shorts over the body from the bottom before the legs are fully fixed, or sew the back seam around the body if your toy is already assembled. The shorts should sit high on the belly.

Front Bib

1. With sage green yarn, pick up and knit 20 sts across the front waist.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k all sts.
4. Rows 3-16: work stockinette stitch.
5. Row 17: ssk, k16, k2tog. 18 sts.
6. Row 18: p all sts.
7. Row 19: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
8. Row 20: p all sts.
9. Rows 21-22: work stockinette stitch.
10. BO all sts.

Overall Straps

Make 2.

1. With sage green yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-34: k all sts for garter stitch straps.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the straps to the back waist, cross them gently over the shoulders, and sew the front ends to the upper bib. Attach one small tan button at each front strap end.

Overall Rolled Hems

• Pick up 26 sts around each leg opening with sage green yarn.
• Knit 3 rounds.
• BO loosely so the edge curls outward slightly.
• This creates the soft rolled cuff shown at the knees.

Overall Embroidery

Use small straight stitches and lazy daisy stitches to copy the little garden flowers on the bib and lower shorts.

• On the bib center, embroider three tulip shapes: red, orange, and pink.
• Use green vertical stitches for stems.
• Add two tiny green leaves beside each stem.
• On one shorts leg, embroider a small pink flower with a green stem.
• On the other leg, add two tiny light green leaf stitches near the hem.

Sun Hat

The hat is beige with a soft rounded crown, a shallow brim, and a bow on the front left side. It sits slightly tilted forward.

Hat Crown

1. With beige yarn, CO 8 sts 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. Rnds 9-16: k all sts.
11. Rnd 17: repeat k8, k2tog around. 36 sts.
12. Rnd 18: k all sts.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 19: kfb in each st around. 72 sts.
2. Rnds 20-23: k all sts.
3. Rnd 24: repeat k7, k2tog around. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 25: p all sts to create a brim ridge.
5. BO loosely.

Place the hat on the head after the ears are attached. Tack it down with a few hidden stitches at the back, sides, and under the brim.

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Hat Bow

1. With beige yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: work garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. Wrap yarn tightly around the center 8 times to pinch the bow.
5. Sew the bow to the front left side of the hat brim.

Necklace and Pink Pendant

The necklace sits at the neck above the overalls. It has small gold accents and a round pink pendant with a tiny tassel.

• With gold yarn, embroider three small knots at the front neckline.
• Use pink yarn to knit or embroider a round pendant.
• For a knitted pendant, CO 6 sts, knit 4 rows, BO, then gather the edges into a circle.
• Sew the pendant at the center front of the neck.
• Add 3 short white or cream yarn strands below it as a tassel.

Sandals

The sandals are beige soles with green straps and small flower embroidery. They should look open and garden-ready, matching the outdoor style of the toy.

Sandal Soles

Make 2.

1. With beige yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: k all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-18: k all sts.
7. Row 19: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 20: k all sts.
9. Row 21: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO all sts.

Sandal Straps

Make 4 short straps and 2 ankle straps.

1. For each short front strap, CO 4 sts with sage green yarn.
2. Knit 18 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. For each ankle strap, CO 4 sts with sage green yarn.
5. Knit 24 rows in garter stitch.
6. BO all sts.

Sew one front strap across each foot near the toes. Sew one ankle strap around each lower leg. Attach the sandal sole under the foot with small stitches.

Sandal Flowers

• Add one pink rose knot on the top of each sandal.
• Add two tiny white or lavender stitches beside the rose.
• Use green yarn for two leaf stitches.
• Keep the flowers small so they do not hide the sandal shape.

Flower Tote Bag

The tote bag is beige, square, and soft with two handles. It has floral embroidery across the front and matches the garden theme in the image.

Tote Body

1. With beige yarn, CO 24 sts and work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: k all sts for a garter base.
3. Rows 5-28: work stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 29-32: k all sts.
5. BO all sts.
6. Make a second matching panel.

Place panels together with wrong sides facing. Sew the side and bottom edges. Leave the top open. Lightly steam shape if needed, but do not flatten the texture completely.

Tote Handles

Make 2.

1. With beige yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Knit 36 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one handle to each side of the tote opening, curving the handle upward. Attach the tote near one paw or let it sit beside the dog.

Tote Embroidery

• Use green yarn for short stems and leaves.
• Make a pink lazy daisy flower near the center.
• Add one blue flower on the lower left side.
• Add one cream rose knot on the right side.
• Add lavender and yellow tiny knots between the larger flowers.
• Sew one small tan button near the top corner if desired.

Small Garden Basket

The small basket sits beside the dog and holds a carrot. It is beige-brown with a simple handle and an open top.

Basket Base

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts 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: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: p all sts to create a turning ridge.
6. Rnds 5-14: k all sts.
7. Rnds 15-17: repeat k1, p1 around for a textured rim.
8. BO loosely.

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Basket Handle

1. With tan yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Knit 34 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew one end to each side of the basket rim.

Knitted Carrot

The carrot is small, bright orange, and slightly tapered, with green leafy tops.

1. With orange yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
3. Rnd 5: repeat k4, k2tog around. 10 sts.
4. Rnds 6-8: k all sts.
5. Rnd 9: repeat k3, k2tog around. 8 sts.
6. Rnds 10-11: k all sts.
7. Rnd 12: repeat k2, k2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

For the leafy top, cut three 3-inch green yarn strands. Tie them at the carrot top and trim unevenly for a natural garden look.

Optional Small Watering Can

The image includes a small beige garden accessory near the tote. You can make it as a soft watering can or tiny garden bucket.

Can Body

1. With beige yarn, CO 20 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-10: k all sts.
3. Rnd 11: repeat k3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 12: k all sts.
5. BO loosely.

Spout and Handle

• For the spout, CO 5 sts and knit 12 rows. Roll into a tube and sew to one side.
• For the handle, CO 4 sts and knit 24 rows. Curve and sew to the opposite side.
• Embroider a small gray-blue circle on the side to suggest a metal flower detail.

Facial Shaping

Facial shaping makes the dog look close to the image. Use beige yarn and a long needle to gently sculpt the eyes and cheeks.

1. Insert the needle at the back of the head and come out beside the right eye.
2. Take a tiny stitch beside the eye and return to the back of the head.
3. Pull gently until the eye sinks slightly.
4. Repeat for the left eye.
5. Bring the yarn out under the muzzle and make one small tightening stitch to lift the mouth area.
6. Knot securely and hide the tail inside the head.

Flower Details on the Dog

The toy has small floral accents on the overalls, tote, sandals, and accessories. These tiny stitches give the finished dog the same cheerful garden style.

• Use lazy daisy stitches for petals.
• Use French knots or wrapped knots for rose centers.
• Use straight stitches for stems.
• Use two small diagonal stitches for each leaf.
• Keep all flowers smaller than 0.4 inch across.
• Place flowers asymmetrically for a handmade natural look.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Attach the head, body, arms, and legs first. Add the shirt sleeves before sewing the arms fully in place. Dress the toy in the green overalls, then secure the straps and buttons.

Sew the ears low on the sides of the head and add the looped strands after the ear bases are attached. Place the hat slightly forward, then tack it down invisibly.

Add the muzzle, nose, mouth, necklace, pendant, and facial shaping last. This order helps you adjust the expression before the final details are locked in.

• Check that both eyes are level.
• Make sure the nose is centered on the muzzle.
• Trim the ear loops only after both ears are finished.
• Keep the hat brim above the eyes.
• Place the tote and basket near the paws for the garden display look.

Care Notes

This knitted cocker spaniel is a decorative handmade toy. If you used safety eyes, check that they are firmly attached before gifting. For very young children, embroidered eyes are safer than plastic eyes.

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if beads, buttons, or embroidery are attached.
• Let the toy air dry completely.
• Reshape the ears and hat while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round with softly shaped cheeks.
• The muzzle is oval and centered under the eyes.
• The long ears frame the face and reach the shoulders.
• The hat has a brim and front bow.
• The overalls include a bib, straps, buttons, cuffs, and flower embroidery.
• The shirt stripes show at the sleeves and upper chest.
• The sandals have green straps and tiny flowers.
• The tote has handles and floral embroidery.
• The basket holds a small carrot.
• The necklace has gold accents and a pink pendant.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished toy away from direct sunlight to protect the soft beige and green yarn colors. Long exposure can fade the flowers, overalls, and ears.

If dust collects on the ears, shake them gently or use a clean soft brush. Do not pull hard on the looped strands because they create the cocker spaniel texture.

For long-term display, keep the toy seated upright so the legs, sandals, and accessories keep their shape. Place tissue inside the tote and basket if they need support.

• Refresh flattened stuffing by gently squeezing the body back into shape.
• Protect bead details from moisture.
• Do not iron the toy.
• Keep away from pets that may chew small buttons or beads.
• Store in a breathable cotton bag when not on display.

Finishing Note

Your knitted cocker spaniel is complete when the dog sits securely, the ears fall softly, the overalls fit snugly, and every small garden detail is attached neatly. The finished piece should feel warm, charming, and full of handmade personality.