Knitting Tutorial: Bugs Bunny in Garden Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern.

This cheerful knit bunny doll wears blue garden overalls, a yellow and green striped sweater, tan flower sandals, and an orange crossbody garden bag. The design includes tall gray ears with beige centers, a white cheeky muzzle, oval eyes, pink nose, carrot hair clip, tiny flowers, embroidered carrots, plus matching garden accessories: a watering can, straw hat, and produce basket.

 

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 Pattern Style

The finished doll measures about 16 in from sandal sole to tallest ear tip when made with DK weight yarn and US 3 needles. The body is knitted firmly so the stuffing does not show. Most toy parts are worked in the round, while decorative pieces are worked flat and sewn on.

• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
• Main technique: Small toy knitting in the round, simple shaping, mattress stitch, embroidery, duplicate stitch, and I-cord.
• Finished look: A soft gray garden bunny with tall ears, oversized white cheeks, blue overalls, striped sleeves, carrot details, and removable-looking miniature garden props.
• Gauge: 28 sts and 38 rnds = 4 in in stockinette, lightly stuffed.
• Needle size: US 3, 3.25 mm DPNs or magic loop circular needle. Use US 2, 2.75 mm for tiny accessories if you knit loosely.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in medium gray, white, denim blue, leaf green, warm yellow, beige tan, orange, soft pink, black, cream, pale blue, red, and small flower colors.
• US 3 double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
• US 2 needles for the smallest accessories, optional.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Scrap yarn or stitch holders.
• Two 8 mm beige buttons for the overall straps.
• Black embroidery floss for mouth line, tooth split, and sandal toe lines.
• Optional pipe cleaners for ears only if the doll is decorative and not for young children.

Abbreviations

• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st, sts: stitch, stitches.
• rnd, rnds: round, rounds.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together.
• p2tog: purl 2 stitches together.
• m1: make 1 increase.
• sl1: slip 1 stitch.
• psso: pass slipped stitch over.
• St st: stockinette stitch.
• I-cord: knit a narrow cord by sliding stitches back to the opposite needle end after each row.

Construction Notes

This bunny is built from separate knitted pieces. The feet and legs are joined into the lower body, then the striped shirt torso is knitted above the blue pants. The head, ears, arms, cheeks, eyes, overalls details, bag, sandals, flowers, and accessories are sewn on afterward.

Keep the knitting firm. For a toy like this, slightly tighter tension is better than loose tension. Stuff each piece gradually and evenly. The head should be round and slightly large compared with the body, while the ears should stay tall and narrow with a soft outward angle.

Feet, Legs, and Lower Body

White Foot and Blue Pant Leg, Make 2

Begin at the toe using white yarn. The foot is oval and rounded, with the blue pant leg beginning above the ankle. Stuff the foot before the opening gets too narrow.

1. CO 8 sts in white. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5-10: k all sts for the rounded toe.
7. Rnd 11: k6, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6. 22 sts.
8. Rnd 12: k all sts.
9. Rnd 13: k5, k2tog, k8, ssk, k5. 20 sts.
10. Rnd 14: k all sts.
11. Rnd 15: k4, k2tog, k8, ssk, k4. 18 sts.
12. Stuff the toe firmly but keep the upper opening flexible.
13. Change to denim blue.
14. Rnd 16: k all sts through the back loop to create a clean color edge.
15. Rnd 17: p all sts. This forms the rolled cuff ridge.
16. Rnd 18: k all sts.
17. Rnds 19-31: k all sts.
18. Rnd 32: repeat k8, kfb, k1 around. 20 sts.
19. Cut yarn on first leg and place sts on a holder. Make the second leg the same way, but do not cut yarn after the second leg.

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Join Legs and Knit Pants

The overalls are knitted as the lower body in denim blue. The legs sit slightly apart, matching the relaxed garden doll pose in the image.

1. With the second leg on the needle, CO 3 sts for the center front.
2. K across the 20 sts of the first leg.
3. CO 3 sts for the center back.
4. K across the 20 sts of the second leg. 46 sts.
5. Rnd 1: k all sts, twisting the CO sts if needed to close gaps.
6. Rnd 2: k10, kfb, k12, kfb, k10, kfb, k11. 49 sts.
7. Rnd 3: k all sts.
8. Rnd 4: k12, kfb, k12, kfb, k12, kfb, k10. 52 sts.
9. Rnds 5-14: k all sts in denim blue.
10. Rnd 15: repeat k11, k2tog around. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 16: k all sts.
12. Rnd 17: repeat k10, k2tog around. 44 sts.
13. Rnd 18: k all sts.

Striped Sweater Torso

The yellow and green sweater begins above the blue pants. The stripes are narrow and cheerful, just like the picture. Keep the stripe jog at the back so the front remains neat under the bib.

1. Change to warm yellow.
2. Rnd 19: k all sts. 44 sts.
3. Rnd 20: k all sts in yellow.
4. Change to leaf green.
5. Rnds 21-22: k all sts in green.
6. Change to yellow.
7. Rnds 23-24: k all sts in yellow.
8. Change to green.
9. Rnds 25-26: k all sts in green.
10. Change to yellow.
11. Rnd 27: k4, k2tog, repeat around, ending k2. 37 sts.
12. Rnd 28: k all sts.
13. Change to green.
14. Rnd 29: k3, k2tog, repeat around, ending k2. 30 sts.
15. Rnd 30: k all sts.
16. Change to gray for the neck base.
17. Rnd 31: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
18. Rnd 32: k all sts.
19. BO loosely, leaving a long tail for sewing the head.

Stuff the lower body through the neck opening. Shape the pants with more stuffing in the hips and less at the waist. The body should be soft, but it should stand firm enough that the overalls do not collapse inward.

Head

The head is large and rounded, with gray as the main color. The face details are added separately, which creates the raised white cheeks and expressive cartoon-style look.

1. With gray yarn, CO 12 sts. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 48 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 60 sts.
10. Rnds 9-23: k all sts.
11. Rnd 24: repeat k8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
12. Rnd 25: k all sts.
13. Rnd 26: repeat k7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
14. Rnd 27: repeat k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
15. Rnd 28: k all sts.
16. Begin stuffing the head. Keep the face front full and rounded.
17. Rnd 29: repeat k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
18. Rnd 30: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
19. Rnd 31: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
20. Rnd 32: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
21. Rnd 33: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
22. Rnd 34: k2tog around. 6 sts.
23. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

White Cheeks and Muzzle

The bunny has two large white cheek pillows, a small center muzzle area, a pink nose, and two narrow white teeth. These pieces are what create the soft, friendly face, so do not flatten them too much when sewing.

Cheek Pillow, Make 2

1. With white yarn, CO 6 sts. Work flat.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
8. Rows 7-13: work in St st, beginning with a purl row.
9. Row 14: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
10. Row 15: p all sts.
11. Row 16: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
12. Row 17: p all sts.
13. Row 18: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
14. BO, leaving a long tail.

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Center Muzzle Bump

1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-7: work in St st.
5. Row 8: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
6. Row 9: p all sts.
7. BO, leaving a tail.

Pink Nose

1. With soft pink yarn, CO 6 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, k2tog around. 8 sts.
6. Add a tiny amount of stuffing.
7. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 4 sts.
8. Close tightly and leave a tail for sewing.

Teeth, Make 2

1. With white yarn and smaller needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: work in St st.
3. BO neatly.
4. Sew the two teeth side by side below the cheeks.
5. Embroider one fine black vertical line between them.

Eyes and Pupils

The eyes are tall white ovals with small black oval pupils placed low toward the center. This gives the same playful upward face shown in the image.

White Eye Oval, Make 2

1. CO 5 sts in white. Work flat.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k5, kfb. 9 sts.
6. Rows 5-14: work in St st.
7. Row 15: p all sts.
8. Row 16: k2tog, k5, ssk. 7 sts.
9. Row 17: p all sts.
10. Row 18: k2tog, k3, ssk. 5 sts.
11. BO, leaving a tail.

Black Pupil, Make 2

1. CO 3 sts in black.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Rows 3-6: work in St st.
5. Row 7: p all sts.
6. Row 8: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts.
7. BO.

Tall Ears

The ears are long, narrow, and slightly tapered. The gray outer ear frames the beige inner ear. The left ear stands straighter, while the right ear angles outward, matching the relaxed garden style.

Gray Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With gray yarn, CO 8 sts. 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 7-30: work in St st.
9. Row 31: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
10. Row 32: p all sts.
11. Row 33: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
12. Row 34: p all sts.
13. Row 35: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
14. Row 36: p all sts.
15. Row 37: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
16. Row 38: p all sts.
17. Row 39: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
18. Row 40: p all sts.
19. BO.

Beige Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With beige 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: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
6. Rows 5-26: work in St st.
7. Row 27: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
8. Row 28: p all sts.
9. Row 29: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
10. Row 30: p all sts.
11. Row 31: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
12. BO.

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Sew one beige inner ear to each gray outer ear, leaving a visible gray border all the way around. Lightly steam with your hand above the fabric, not pressing directly. Sew ears to the top of the head about 1 in apart.

Arms and Striped Sleeves

The arms have white mitten-like paws and green-yellow striped sleeves. They hang gently at the sides, with the right arm slightly lower to sit beside the orange garden bag.

1. With white yarn, CO 10 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 20 sts.
4. Rnds 3-8: k all sts.
5. Rnd 9: repeat k3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
6. Rnd 10: k all sts.
7. Change to leaf green.
8. Rnd 11: k all sts.
9. Change to warm yellow.
10. Rnds 12-13: k all sts.
11. Change to green.
12. Rnds 14-15: k all sts.
13. Change to yellow.
14. Rnds 16-17: k all sts.
15. Change to green.
16. Rnds 18-19: k all sts.
17. Rnd 20: repeat k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
18. Stuff lightly, keeping the top flat.
19. Rnd 21: k all sts.
20. BO, leaving a long tail.
21. Make the second arm the same way.

Overall Bib, Pocket, Straps, and Cuffs

The blue overalls are the boldest clothing feature. The pants are already knitted into the lower body, so these pieces add the bib, rounded front pocket, shoulder straps, rolled cuffs, and button details.

Front Bib

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 20 sts. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-2: k all sts for garter edge.
3. Row 3: k2, p16, k2.
4. Row 4: k all sts.
5. Repeat Rows 3-4 until piece measures 1.75 in from CO edge.
6. Next row: k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 18 sts.
7. Work 2 more rows even.
8. BO.

Rounded Pocket

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Rows 3-8: work in St st.
5. Row 9: p all sts.
6. Row 10: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
7. BO.
8. Sew to the center lower bib, leaving the top edge open if desired.

Shoulder Straps, Make 2

1. CO 5 sts in denim blue.
2. Work 22 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Sew one end of each strap to the back waist.
5. Cross them gently or keep them straight over the shoulders.
6. Sew front ends to the bib corners.
7. Add one beige button on each front strap end.

Rolled Pant Cuffs

• Using denim blue, pick up 20 sts around the top of one white foot where the pants meet the ankle.
• Rnd 1: p all sts.
• Rnd 2: k all sts.
• Rnd 3: p all sts.
• BO loosely.
• Repeat for the second leg, rolling the cuff outward slightly.

Sweater Embroidery

The sweater in the image has tiny carrot and leaf motifs across the yellow chest. Add these after the body is stuffed so the stitches sit cleanly on the surface.

• Use orange yarn to duplicate stitch three small carrots on the yellow chest.
• Each carrot is 3 sts tall: one orange stitch at the top, two orange stitches in the middle, and one orange stitch at the lower point.
• Use green yarn for two tiny V-shaped leaves above each carrot.
• Add one carrot near the left side of the bib and one near the right shoulder.
• Keep the motifs small so they do not overpower the stripes.

Blue Patch on Pant Leg

The lower left pant leg has a small decorative garden patch. This detail helps match the handmade garden-overalls look from the image.

1. With peach yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-5: work in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Sew to the left pant leg near the knee.
5. With pale blue yarn, embroider three short running stitches beside the patch.
6. With orange yarn, add one tiny carrot stitch above the patch.

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Orange Crossbody Garden Bag

The orange satchel hangs from the left shoulder to the right hip. It is small, rectangular, and bright, with a long cord strap and a tiny carrot charm.

Bag Body

1. With orange yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-18: work in St st.
3. Row 19: p all sts.
4. Rows 20-26: work in St st for the flap.
5. BO.
6. Fold bottom up to Row 18 and sew side seams.
7. Fold the flap down over the front.

Bag Strap

1. With orange yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 13 in.
3. BO.
4. Sew one end to each side of the bag.
5. Place strap diagonally across the body before securing the bag at the hip with a few hidden stitches.

Tiny Carrot Charm

1. With orange yarn, CO 6 sts in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: k all sts.
3. Rnd 4: k2tog around. 3 sts.
4. Cut yarn and pull closed.
5. For leaves, use green yarn to make three 4-st I-cords, each 0.4 in long.
6. Sew leaves to the wide end of the carrot and attach charm to the bag strap.

Sandals and Toe Details

The sandals are beige with rounded soles, a foot strap, and tiny flowers on top. The white toes remain visible in front, just like the photo.

Sandal Sole, Make 2

1. With tan 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 5-16: k all sts.
7. Row 17: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
8. Row 18: k all sts.
9. Row 19: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
10. BO.
11. Sew one sole underneath each white foot.

Sandal Strap, Make 2

1. CO 4 sts in tan.
2. Work garter stitch for 2.4 in.
3. BO.
4. Wrap across the top of the white foot, sewing ends to the sole sides.
5. With black floss, embroider one vertical toe line down the center of each white foot.

Tiny Sandal Flowers

• For each flower, CO 10 sts in pink or cream.
• BO immediately, then coil the strip into a tiny rosette and stitch through the base.
• Add a yellow center with one French knot or a small duplicate stitch.
• Sew one flower to the outer side of each sandal strap.

Carrot Hair Clip and Ear Flowers

The forehead decoration includes a tiny orange carrot, green leaves, and small flowers near one ear. These details should sit between the ears and slightly to one side.

Forehead Carrot

1. With orange yarn, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Rnds 1-2: k all sts.
3. Rnd 3: repeat k2, k2tog around. 6 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k all sts.
5. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 3 sts.
6. Pull closed.
7. Embroider two short yellow lines across the carrot.

Green Leaves

• Make three leaves with green yarn.
• For each leaf, CO 3 sts, k 1 row, kfb, k1, kfb on next row, then BO.
• Pinch the base and sew beside the carrot.

Daisy and Pink Flower

• For a small daisy, CO 5 sts in cream, BO, and fold into one petal. Make five petals.
• Sew petals in a circle and add a yellow center.
• For a pink side flower, CO 12 sts, BO, roll into a rosette, and secure.
• Sew the flower cluster near the base of the right ear.

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Mini Straw Garden Hat

The hat sits beside the bunny in the photo. It is not worn on the head, but it completes the garden scene. Work it in yellow with a soft pink band and two small flowers.

Hat Crown

1. With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 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. Rnds 7-12: k all sts.
9. Rnd 13: p all sts to mark brim fold.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 14: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
2. Rnd 15: k all sts.
3. Rnd 16: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 17: k all sts.
5. Rnd 18: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
6. Rnd 19: p all sts for a textured brim edge.
7. BO loosely.

Hat Band and Flowers

• With soft pink yarn, make a 3-st I-cord long enough to wrap around the crown.
• Sew the band at the base of the crown.
• Add one blue flower and one pink flower using the small rosette method.
• Shape the brim gently with your fingers so it lies flat like a garden sun hat.

Mini Watering Can

The watering can is beige with a side handle, long spout, and a pale blue rose at the spout tip. It is small enough to sit near the bunny’s shoulder.

Can Body

1. With beige yarn, CO 18 sts in the round.
2. Rnds 1-8: k all sts.
3. Rnd 9: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 10: k all sts.
5. Rnd 11: k2tog around. 6 sts.
6. Close top, stuff lightly, and sew the bottom flat.

Can Spout

1. CO 5 sts in beige.
2. Work I-cord for 2 in.
3. BO.
4. Sew one end to the upper side of the can, angling it upward.
5. With pale blue yarn, make a tiny 6-st rosette and sew it to the spout tip.

Can Handle

1. CO 4 sts in beige.
2. Work I-cord for 2.25 in.
3. BO.
4. Sew both ends to the opposite side of the can, forming a curved handle.

Mini Garden Basket with Produce

The basket is tan, softly rectangular, and filled with small red and green produce. It sits near the lower side of the bunny in the photo.

Basket Base

1. With tan yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: k all sts.
3. Pick up 6 sts along first short side, 18 sts along CO edge, and 6 sts along second short side. 48 sts total.
4. Work in the round for 8 rnds in k1, p1 rib to create woven texture.
5. BO loosely.
6. Fold corners square and tack inside with matching yarn.

Basket Handle

1. CO 4 sts in tan.
2. Work I-cord for 4 in.
3. BO.
4. Sew ends to opposite sides of the basket.

Tomato and Leaves

• For the tomato, CO 6 sts in red, kfb around to 12 sts, knit 3 rnds, k2tog around to 6 sts, stuff lightly, and close.
• For each green leaf, CO 3 sts, kfb across to 6 sts, then BO on the next row.
• Sew leaves to the tomato top and place it inside the basket.
• Add two small green I-cords for stems or garden greens.

Face Placement

Pin all facial pieces before sewing. The eyes sit high on the face, close together, with black pupils near the lower inner corners. The white cheek pillows sit below the eyes and should touch at the center. The pink nose sits above the center muzzle bump.

1. Sew both white eye ovals to the front of the head, starting about 1.2 in below the ear base.
2. Sew the black pupils onto the lower inner area of each white eye.
3. Sew the two cheek pillows beneath the eyes, placing them side by side.
4. Add a small amount of stuffing under each cheek as you sew.
5. Sew the center muzzle bump between the cheeks.
6. Sew the pink nose above the center muzzle.
7. Sew the two teeth below the cheeks.
8. With black floss, embroider one straight vertical mouth line from the lower muzzle to the top of the teeth.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Sew the head securely to the gray neck opening, making sure the face points forward.
• Sew the ears to the top of the head with the beige centers facing front.
• Sew arms to the upper sweater sides at a slight downward angle.
• Sew the overall bib to the front body, then attach straps and buttons.
• Place the orange bag strap diagonally from shoulder to hip and tack it lightly in place.
• Sew the carrot clip and flower cluster near the ear bases.
• Add final embroidery: carrot leaves on the sweater, pant patch stitches, sandal toe lines, and small flower centers.

Care Notes

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if buttons, tiny flowers, or decorative props are attached.
• Press out extra moisture with a towel and reshape gently.
• Dry flat away from direct sunlight.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both ears stand tall and angle naturally.
• Cheeks are evenly stuffed and rounded.
• Eyes are symmetrical and pupils face inward.
• Overall straps reach the bib without pulling.
• Orange bag sits diagonally across the sweater.
• Sandals show white toes clearly.
• Hat, watering can, and basket match the garden theme.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

• Store the doll in a dry place with the ears supported so they do not bend permanently.
• Keep the garden props in a small fabric pouch when not displayed.
• If the overalls flatten, fluff the body gently with your fingers instead of pulling the stitches.
• Trim loose yarn ends carefully and never tug decorative embroidery.
• For long-term display, avoid strong sunlight because blue, orange, and green yarns can fade over time.