Knitting Tutorial: Gardener Basset Hound in Denim Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted gardener basset hound is designed with a soft white body, tan droopy ears, a rounded puppy muzzle, expressive brown eyes with lavender eyelids, denim-style overalls, embroidered garden flowers, a tiny crossbody satchel, sandals with ladybug accents, and a yellow flower tucked beside one ear. The finished doll also includes charming garden props such as a straw hat with a blue ribbon, a potted sunflower, and miniature watering cans for a complete handmade garden display.

 

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

The finished basset hound measures about 12 inches tall when worked with worsted weight yarn and 3.25 mm double-pointed needles or a small circular needle. The body is rounded and seated-looking, with short legs, long soft ears, a broad puppy head, and a slightly oversized outfit to match the gentle handmade style shown in the image.

• Height: About 12 inches from top of head to bottom of sandals.
• Head width: About 5 inches across the ears.
• Body width: About 4 inches across the overalls.
• Gauge: 6 stitches and 8 rounds = 1 inch in stockinette, worked firmly.
• Knitting style: Most pieces are knitted in the round, then stuffed and sewn together.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn in warm white: head, muzzle, body, arms, legs, feet.
• Worsted weight yarn in tan caramel: long ears, ear patches, sandal soles, straw hat.
• Worsted weight yarn in denim blue: overalls, legs of overalls, bib, straps.
• Worsted weight yarn in medium brown: crossbody bag, bag strap, sandal straps.
• Small amount of black yarn: nose and mouth embroidery.
• Small amount of lavender yarn: soft eyelids around eyes.
• Small amounts of yellow, green, red, pink, and cream yarn: flower clip, sunflower, embroidered flowers, ladybug details.
• Small amount of dark brown yarn: sunflower center, freckles, bag edging.
• 3.25 mm double-pointed needles: for body parts.
• 3.0 mm needles: for small accessories and firmer details.
• Two 12 mm brown safety eyes: or embroidered eyes if making for a young child.
• Three small tan buttons: two for overall straps and one for the satchel flap.
• Polyester fiberfill: for stuffing.
• Tapestry needle: for sewing and embroidery.
• Stitch markers: to mark round beginnings.
• Black sewing thread: optional for securing buttons.

Abbreviations

• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• Sts: stitches.
• Rnd: round.
• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• KFB: knit into front and back of the same stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• SSK: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• P2tog: purl 2 stitches together.
• Stockinette in the round: knit every round.
• Stockinette flat: knit right-side rows and purl wrong-side rows.
• Garter stitch flat: knit every row.

Pattern Notes

This doll is knitted firmly so the stuffing does not show through. Use smaller needles than the yarn label suggests. The basset hound has a white central face, tan side head patches, large tan ears, a rounded snout, and short soft limbs. The overalls are worked separately and fitted over the body so they look like clothing rather than part of the body.

The shaping is written with exact stitch counts. Stuff gradually while working the body, head, legs, and arms. Do not overstuff the ears or accessories. The ears should remain soft, flat, and floppy, with enough weight to hang along the side of the head like the image.

Main Body

Use warm white yarn and 3.25 mm needles. Work in the round. This body is pear-shaped, slightly wider at the lower belly, so the overalls sit naturally over it.

1. CO 8 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Rnd 1: K all 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 11-23: K all sts for 13 rounds.
13. Rnd 24: K10, K2tog around. 44 sts.
14. Rnds 25-28: K all sts.
15. Rnd 29: K9, K2tog around. 40 sts.
16. Rnds 30-33: K all sts.
17. Rnd 34: K8, K2tog around. 36 sts.
18. Rnds 35-38: K all sts.
19. Rnd 39: K7, K2tog around. 32 sts.
20. Rnd 40: K all sts.
21. Rnd 41: K6, K2tog around. 28 sts.
22. Rnd 42: K all sts.
23. Rnd 43: K5, K2tog around. 24 sts.

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Stuff the lower body firmly but keep the top slightly flexible so the head can be sewn on neatly. Leave a long tail and BO all stitches. The top opening should be flat enough to support the head without wobbling.

Head

The head is larger than the body, with a rounded forehead and full cheeks. Use warm white yarn. The tan patches and muzzle are added separately so the face has the distinct basset hound look.

1. CO 8 sts in warm white. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: KFB around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, KFB 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 13-24: K all sts for 12 rounds.
15. Rnd 25: K12, K2tog around. 52 sts.
16. Rnd 26: K all sts.
17. Rnd 27: K11, K2tog around. 48 sts.
18. Rnd 28: K all sts.
19. Rnd 29: K10, K2tog around. 44 sts.
20. Rnd 30: K all sts.
21. Rnd 31: K9, K2tog around. 40 sts.
22. Rnd 32: K all sts.
23. Rnd 33: K8, K2tog around. 36 sts.
24. Rnd 34: K all sts.
25. Rnd 35: K7, K2tog around. 32 sts.
26. Rnd 36: K all sts.
27. Rnd 37: K6, K2tog around. 28 sts.
28. Rnd 38: K all sts.

Insert safety eyes between Rnds 20 and 21, placing them 10 stitches apart. Keep the eyes slightly low on the face to create the sad, gentle basset expression. Stuff the head firmly, shaping the forehead round and the cheeks full.

1. Rnd 39: K5, K2tog around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 40: K4, K2tog around. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 41: K3, K2tog around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 42: K2tog around. 8 sts.
5. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

White Muzzle

The muzzle sits over the lower front of the head and gives the dog a soft rounded snout. It should be oval, not pointed. Use warm white yarn and knit flat.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: 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. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Rows 7-12: Work stockinette flat.
9. Row 13: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
10. Row 14: P all sts.
11. Row 15: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
12. Row 16: P all sts.
13. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Lightly stuff under the muzzle as you sew it to the face. Place the top of the muzzle just below the eyes, centered on the white face. The bottom edge should curve softly toward the chin.

Black Nose

The nose is rounded and glossy-looking in the image. You can knit a small oval or embroider it thickly. For the most accurate shape, knit it first and then add satin stitches over it.

1. With black yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: KFB, K4, KFB. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K all sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
9. BO all sts, leaving a tail.

Sew the nose to the upper center of the muzzle. Use black yarn to embroider a short vertical line from the nose downward, then add a small curved mouth on each side. Keep the mouth subtle and gentle.

Tan Face Patches

The basset hound in the image has caramel-tan patches around both sides of the face, framing the eyes and connecting visually to the ears. Make two mirrored patches.

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Right Patch

1. CO 10 sts in tan yarn.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: KFB, K8, KFB. 12 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Rows 5-10: Work stockinette flat.
7. Row 11: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 12: P all sts.
9. Row 13: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO all sts.

Left Patch

Work the same as the right patch. When sewing, angle each patch slightly downward beside the eyes so the white center stripe remains visible from forehead to muzzle. The patches should not cover the safety eyes completely.

Lavender Eye Lids

The soft lavender eyelids are an important detail. They sit around the brown eyes and create the tired, sweet expression typical of a basset hound. Work two small crescent pieces.

1. CO 12 sts in lavender yarn.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K2tog, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. BO loosely.

Curve each piece around the lower and side edge of one eye. Sew with tiny stitches. The lavender should show clearly under the eye, while the upper eye remains open and glossy.

Freckles and Nose Spots

Use dark tan or light brown yarn to embroider the small freckles scattered across the white muzzle and upper snout. These dots make the dog match the image and add handmade charm.

• Place 3 small dots on the bridge between the eyes and nose.
• Place 4 dots on the right side of the muzzle.
• Place 4 dots on the left side of the muzzle.
• Use one short duplicate stitch or French-knot-style yarn wrap for each dot.
• Keep the dots uneven and natural, not perfectly lined up.

Long Droopy Ears

The ears are long, tan, rounded at the bottom, and hang almost to the shoulders. They are knitted flat in stockinette with a garter-stitch edge to help reduce curling.

Make Two Ears

1. CO 12 sts in tan yarn.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K2, P8, K2.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: K2, P8, K2.
6. Row 5: K1, KFB, K8, KFB, K1. 14 sts.
7. Row 6: K2, P10, K2.
8. Row 7: K all sts.
9. Row 8: K2, P10, K2.
10. Row 9: K1, KFB, K10, KFB, K1. 16 sts.
11. Rows 10-34: Work K2, purl to last 2 sts, K2 on wrong-side rows; knit all sts on right-side rows.
12. Row 35: K1, SSK, K10, K2tog, K1. 14 sts.
13. Row 36: K2, P10, K2.
14. Row 37: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1. 12 sts.
15. Row 38: K2, P8, K2.
16. Row 39: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
17. Row 40: K2, P6, K2.
18. Row 41: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
19. BO loosely.

Do not stuff the ears. Block them lightly by smoothing with your fingers. Sew the top of each ear to the side of the head, beginning just above eye level. The ears should hang forward and slightly inward, framing the face.

Arms

The arms are white, slim, and hang down along the sides of the overalls. Make two. Work in the round.

1. CO 8 sts in warm white yarn.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: KFB around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-8: K all sts.
5. Rnd 9: K2, K2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Rnds 10-25: K all sts.
7. Rnd 26: K2, K2tog around. 9 sts.
8. Stuff the paw lightly and the arm very lightly.
9. Rnd 27: K all sts.
10. BO, leaving a sewing tail.

To shape the paw, use white yarn to make two shallow vertical indentations at the rounded end of each arm. Sew the arms at the upper body sides before dressing the doll in overalls.

Legs and Feet

The white legs peek below the cropped denim overalls. The feet are rounded, with visible toe shaping. Make two legs.

1. CO 8 sts in warm white yarn.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: KFB around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K3, KFB around. 20 sts.
6. Rnds 5-10: K all sts.
7. Rnd 11: K3, K2tog around. 16 sts.
8. Rnds 12-22: K all sts.
9. Stuff foot and leg firmly enough to hold shape.
10. Rnd 23: K2, K2tog around. 12 sts.
11. Rnd 24: K all sts.
12. BO, leaving a tail.

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Use white yarn to make three toe lines on the front of each foot. Pull gently so the toes become rounded and separated. Sew the legs to the bottom front of the body, spaced about 1 inch apart.

Denim Overall Pants

The overalls are knitted in denim blue. They should look slightly textured, like soft knitted denim. Work the two pant legs first, then join them into the lower body section.

First Pant Leg

1. CO 24 sts in denim blue.
2. Join in the round.
3. Rnds 1-4: K1, P1 rib around.
4. Rnds 5-15: K all sts.
5. Break yarn and place stitches on a holder.

Second Pant Leg

1. CO 24 sts in denim blue.
2. Join in the round.
3. Rnds 1-4: K1, P1 rib around.
4. Rnds 5-15: K all sts.
5. Do not break yarn.

Join Pants

1. K24 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts for center front, K24 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts for center back. 56 sts.
2. Rnds 1-8 after joining: K all sts.
3. Rnd 9: K12, K2tog around. 52 sts.
4. Rnds 10-15: K all sts.
5. Rnd 16: K11, K2tog around. 48 sts.
6. Rnds 17-22: K all sts.
7. Rnd 23: K10, K2tog around. 44 sts.
8. Rnds 24-26: K all sts.
9. BO loosely.

Slide the overalls onto the doll from the feet upward before sewing the arms completely flat. Adjust the waistband so it rests just under the upper chest. The pant legs should stop above the white ankles, just like the cropped rolled look in the image.

Front Bib

The bib is a rectangular denim panel with a slightly rounded top. It sits high on the chest and is decorated with small embroidered flowers.

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K all sts for garter bottom edge.
3. Row 5: K all sts.
4. Row 6: P all sts.
5. Rows 7-18: Continue stockinette flat.
6. Row 19: SSK, K14, K2tog. 16 sts.
7. Row 20: P all sts.
8. Row 21: SSK, K12, K2tog. 14 sts.
9. Row 22: K all sts for a neat top ridge.
10. BO all sts.

Sew the lower edge of the bib to the front waistband of the pants. Leave the upper corners free until the straps are added. The bib should cover the white belly and reach toward the lower neck.

Overall Straps

The straps are narrow denim strips that pass over the shoulders. They are held with two tan buttons at the front.

1. CO 5 sts in denim blue.
2. Rows 1-34: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make a second strap the same way.

Sew one end of each strap to the back waistband. Bring each strap over the shoulder and sew it to the front bib corner. Attach one small tan button on each front corner. Place the buttons visibly, as in the image.

Rolled Cuffs

The pant cuffs have a slightly thick, finished edge. Add this after dressing the doll.

• With denim blue yarn, pick up 24 sts around the lower edge of one pant leg.
• Rnds 1-2: P all sts to create a raised rolled line.
• Rnd 3: K all sts.
• BO loosely.
• Repeat on the second pant leg.

Push each cuff upward gently so it sits like a soft folded hem above the white ankle.

Flower Embroidery on Overalls

The front of the overalls has small garden-style embroidered details. These tiny flowers make the outfit look like the image and help connect the doll to the gardener theme.

• Center bib: embroider one tiny yellow dot flower, one green leaf, and one red dot flower across the upper bib.
• Right lower bib: add three pale yellow dots, two green leaves, and one pink flower.
• Left lower bib: add one red flower, one cream flower, two green leaves, and one pink stitch.
• Side detail: place the small flowers unevenly, as if hand-stitched onto denim.
• Stitch method: use duplicate stitch, tiny straight stitches, and small yarn knots.

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Keep the embroidery delicate. Use short lengths of yarn so the wrong side does not become bulky. The flowers should look scattered and handmade, not like a repeating border.

Crossbody Garden Satchel

The small brown satchel is worn across the front, with a diagonal strap from shoulder to hip. It has a flap and one tan button centered on the flap.

Bag Body

1. CO 16 sts in medium brown yarn.
2. Rows 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rows 5-18: Work stockinette flat.
4. Rows 19-22: K all sts.
5. BO all sts.

Bag Back and Flap

1. CO 16 sts in medium brown yarn.
2. Rows 1-16: Work stockinette flat.
3. Row 17: K all sts.
4. Row 18: K all sts.
5. Row 19: SSK, K12, K2tog. 14 sts.
6. Row 20: K all sts.
7. Row 21: SSK, K10, K2tog. 12 sts.
8. Row 22: K all sts.
9. BO all sts.

Sew the bag front to the back along the side and bottom edges. Leave the flap free to fold over. Sew one small tan button to the center of the flap.

Satchel Strap

1. CO 4 sts in medium brown yarn.
2. Work garter stitch for 70 rows, or until the strap crosses from one shoulder to the opposite hip.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one strap end to each upper side of the bag. Place the bag on the dog’s lower front, slightly to one side, and angle the strap across the chest. Tack the strap lightly to the shoulder so it stays in position.

Garden Sandals

The sandals have tan soles, brown straps, and tiny red-and-black ladybug accents near the outer edge. Make two soles and two strap sets.

Sandal Soles

1. CO 8 sts in tan yarn.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. Row 3: KFB, K6, KFB. 10 sts.
5. Rows 4-14: K all sts.
6. Row 15: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
7. Row 16: K all sts.
8. BO all sts.
9. Make a second sole the same way.

Brown Front Straps

1. CO 4 sts in medium brown yarn.
2. Rows 1-18: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make four straps total, two for each sandal.

Sew one strap across the front of each foot and one strap across the ankle area. Secure the straps to the tan sole edges so the white toes remain visible. The sandals should look open and soft.

Ladybug Accents

• With red yarn, make two tiny circles by CO 4 sts, knitting 2 rows, and gathering the edges closed.
• Sew one red circle to the outer side of each sandal strap.
• Use black yarn to add one center line and one small head dot on each ladybug.
• Add one tiny white stitch for a shine spot if desired.

Yellow Flower Hair Clip

The flower sits on the upper right side of the dog’s head, near the ear. It has yellow petals, a darker center, and two green leaves.

Flower Center

1. CO 6 sts in dark brown yarn.
2. K one row.
3. Cut yarn, thread through stitches, pull tight, and stitch into a small round center.

Yellow Petals

Make six small petals.

1. CO 4 sts in yellow yarn.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
5. Row 4: P2tog. 1 st.
6. Cut yarn and pull through.

Sew the six petals around the brown center. Keep them slightly cupped. The flower should look cheerful and handmade, not too flat.

Green Leaves

1. CO 5 sts in green yarn.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: SSK, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Slip 1, K2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
7. Cut yarn and pull through.
8. Make two leaves.

Sew the leaves behind the flower. Attach the flower securely to the head near the top of one tan ear. Angle it outward so it is visible from the front.

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Straw Garden Hat

The hat shown beside the dog is a sweet extra prop. It is knitted in tan yarn with a flat brim, rounded crown, and blue ribbon. It can be placed on the table or gently set on the dog’s head.

Hat Crown

1. CO 8 sts in tan yarn. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: KFB around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, KFB around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, KFB around. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 7-15: K all sts.
9. Rnd 16: P all sts to form the base ridge.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 17: K1, KFB around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 18: K all sts.
3. Rnd 19: K2, KFB around. 64 sts.
4. Rnds 20-23: K all sts.
5. Rnd 24: P all sts.
6. BO loosely.

Flatten the brim with your fingers. If you want a stronger brim, sew a second brim underneath or add a line of firm running stitches around the edge.

Blue Ribbon

1. CO 4 sts in blue yarn.
2. Knit 44 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. Wrap around the hat crown and sew at the back.
5. For the bow, CO 5 sts and knit 12 rows. Tie tightly in the center with blue yarn and sew to the ribbon.

Potted Sunflower Prop

The small potted sunflower completes the garden scene. It is optional, but it helps match the image beautifully. The pot is worked in terracotta yarn, the stem in green, and the flower in yellow and brown.

Small Pot

1. CO 18 sts in terracotta yarn. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: K1, P1 rib around.
3. Rnds 4-9: K all sts.
4. Rnd 10: K4, K2tog around. 15 sts.
5. Rnd 11: K all sts.
6. Rnd 12: K3, K2tog around. 12 sts.
7. BO all sts.

Stuff the pot lightly. Sew a small dark brown circle over the top to look like soil. To make the soil circle, CO 8 sts, KFB around, knit one round, then bind off.

Sunflower Stem and Leaves

1. CO 4 sts in green yarn.
2. Knit 18 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. For each leaf, CO 5 sts, K one row, P one row, then decrease to 1 st over the next 3 rows.
5. Make two leaves and sew them to the stem.

Sunflower Head

• Make one brown center using the same method as the hair flower center.
• Make eight yellow petals using the same petal instructions as the hair flower.
• Sew petals around the brown center.
• Sew the flower head to the top of the green stem.
• Insert and stitch the stem into the soil circle on the pot.

Mini Watering Cans

The background includes small watering cans, one pale pink and one soft blue. These are display props and do not need to be large. Knit them as simple rounded cans with tiny handles and spouts.

Watering Can Body

1. CO 16 sts in pale pink or pale blue yarn.
2. Join in the round.
3. Rnds 1-3: K1, P1 rib around.
4. Rnds 4-10: K all sts.
5. Rnd 11: K2, K2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 12: K all sts.
7. Rnd 13: K2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and close.

Spout

1. CO 5 sts.
2. Knit 10 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. Roll slightly and sew into a narrow tube.
5. Attach to one side of the can at an upward angle.

Handle

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Knit 18 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.
4. Curve into a handle and sew to the opposite side.

For the pink can, angle the spout slightly upward. For the blue can, keep the handle rounded and visible. These tiny props are best used for display, not play.

Optional White Neck Ridge

The image shows a subtle knitted ridge around the neck where the head meets the body. This helps hide the seam and gives the dog a soft sweater-like transition.

1. With warm white yarn, pick up 28 sts around the neck seam after attaching the head.
2. Rnd 1: K1, P1 rib around.
3. Rnd 2: K1, P1 rib around.
4. BO loosely.

Keep the ridge small and neat. It should not look like a collar; it is only a soft finishing detail.

Assembly Order

1. Knit and stuff the body.
2. Knit, stuff, and close the head.
3. Sew the muzzle to the lower face with light stuffing underneath.
4. Add the nose, mouth, freckles, and lavender eyelids.
5. Sew tan face patches beside the eyes.
6. Sew the long tan ears to the sides of the head.
7. Knit arms, legs, and feet, then attach legs to the body.
8. Dress the body in denim overall pants.
9. Sew the bib and straps in place, then add buttons.
10. Attach arms so they hang naturally at the sides.
11. Sew the head to the body with a strong circular seam.
12. Add the neck ridge if desired.
13. Attach the satchel diagonally across the front.
14. Add sandals and ladybug accents to the feet.
15. Sew the yellow flower to the head near one ear.
16. Make the straw hat, potted sunflower, and watering cans as display props.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

When all parts are sewn together, check the face from the front. The white center stripe should run from the forehead down to the muzzle. The tan ears should hang evenly, and the lavender eyelids should make the eyes look soft and slightly sleepy.

Use small stitches to adjust the cheeks if needed. Pull a strand of white yarn gently from one side of the muzzle to the other to shape the snout. Add extra brown freckles only after the muzzle is fully sewn, so the dots stay balanced.

The overalls should sit high on the chest, with the bib centered and the straps crossing neatly over the shoulders. The embroidered flowers should be small and colorful. Do not make them too large, or they will overpower the soft denim texture.

Position the satchel so it rests over the lower front of the overalls. The strap should run from one shoulder down to the opposite hip. Secure it with hidden stitches at the shoulder and bag edge.

Care Notes

• Spot clean the doll with a slightly damp cloth.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or detailed embroidery are used.
• Let the doll air dry flat after cleaning.
• Keep the flower, bag, and props away from rough pulling.
• If making for a small child, embroider the eyes and replace buttons with stitched circles.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round and larger than the body.
• The ears are long, tan, flat, and floppy.
• The muzzle is white, oval, lightly stuffed, and centered.
• The eyes have lavender eyelids and a gentle expression.
• The overalls are denim blue with a bib, straps, cuffs, and two front buttons.
• The flower embroidery is scattered across the bib and lower front.
• The brown satchel has a flap, button, and diagonal strap.
• The sandals have brown straps and red ladybug details.
• The yellow flower sits near one ear with green leaves behind it.
• The straw hat, sunflower pot, and watering cans complete the gardener display.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, store the knitted basset hound sitting upright or lying flat in a dry place. Avoid compressing the ears for long periods, because they are designed to hang softly beside the face.

Dust the doll gently with a soft brush. For small stains, use cool water and mild soap on a cloth, then dab the area carefully. Do not soak the satchel, buttons, flower, or embroidered overalls.

If the straw hat brim curls, reshape it with your fingers and let it rest flat overnight. If the overalls loosen over time, add tiny hidden stitches at the sides to keep them fitted.

Keep the potted sunflower and watering cans as display pieces. Their small stems, handles, and spouts are delicate. Store all accessories together so the full gardener basset hound scene stays complete and ready to enjoy.