Knitting Tutorial: Black and Tan Garden Puppy in Cozy Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet knitted garden puppy has a black-and-tan face, floppy ears, round glossy eyes, a pink tongue, and a tiny flower crown. The outfit includes a cream cardigan with blue ribbing, blue stripes, cable panels, wooden-look buttons, brown pants, blue sandals with flower accents, a fox crossbody bag, plus a matching blue pom-pom hat, watering can, and tiny red mushroom.

 

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 Construction Style

This pattern is written for a detailed knitted plush puppy approximately 13 inches tall from sandal sole to flower crown. The figure is worked as separate shaped pieces, stuffed firmly, then sewn together at controlled angles so the finished puppy sits upright like the photo.

• Finished puppy height: about 13 inches.
• Head width: about 4.75 inches across the cheeks.
• Body height without head: about 5 inches.
• Leg length including sandals: about 4.75 inches.
• Cardigan length: about 4 inches from shoulder to blue hem.
• Skill level: adventurous beginner to intermediate.

The toy is knitted mostly flat with seams because this gives better control over the black-and-tan face patches, cardigan panels, pants, sandals, and accessories. Small parts may be worked on double-pointed needles if preferred, but flat instructions are provided.

Materials

• Yarn weight: DK weight yarn for the puppy, clothing, and accessories.
• Main puppy colors: black, warm tan, dark brown, and a small amount of pink.
• Cardigan colors: cream and denim blue.
• Pants color: dusty brown.
• Accessory colors: rust orange, ivory, gray, red, white, yellow, blue, pink, and green.
• Needles: US size 3, 3.25 mm, straight needles or circular needles used flat.
• Small needles: US size 2, 2.75 mm, for flowers, sandals, and tight details.
• Eyes: two 12 mm safety eyes or glossy black buttons.
• Buttons: four small tan buttons for the cardigan.
• Stuffing: washable polyester fiberfill.
• Other tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, row counter, black embroidery floss, brown embroidery floss, white sewing thread.

Gauge

Gauge is important for a tidy plush shape, but exact gauge is less important than firm fabric. Your stitches should be dense enough so the stuffing does not show through.

• Stockinette gauge: 24 stitches and 34 rows equal 4 inches after light blocking.
• Rib gauge: 28 stitches and 34 rows equal 4 inches in K1, P1 rib.
• Recommended fabric: firm, springy, and slightly smaller than regular garment gauge.

Abbreviations

• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• St or sts: stitch or stitches.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• P2tog: purl 2 stitches together.
• SSK: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• M1: make 1 stitch by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting through the back loop.
• Inc: knit into the front and back of the stitch.
• Dec: decrease as instructed.
• Sl1: slip 1 stitch purlwise.
• C4F: slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, K2, then K2 from cable needle.
• C4B: slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in back, K2, then K2 from cable needle.

Helpful Pattern Notes

• Use a long-tail cast on unless another cast on is stated.
• Slip the first stitch of every flat piece purlwise for neat seams.
• Stuff gradually as you sew, not after the entire seam is closed.
• Use mattress stitch for visible seams and whipstitch for hidden seams.
• Keep the puppy head large and round, slightly wider than the body.
• The cardigan is designed to sit open at the front with a blue button band.
• The puppy has a black upper face, tan muzzle, tan cheeks, tan brows, and a black nose.

Puppy Head

The head is rounded and oversized with a soft puppy shape. The black portion covers the forehead, crown, and sides. The tan muzzle and cheeks are added separately so the face looks raised like the photo.

Main Head Piece

1. With black yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, M1, K10, M1, K1. 14 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, M1, K12, M1, K1. 16 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 8: Work in stockinette.
7. Row 9 WS: P2, M1, P12, M1, P2. 18 sts.
8. Row 10 RS: K all sts.
9. Row 11: P3, M1, P12, M1, P3. 20 sts.
10. Row 12: K all sts.
11. Row 13: P4, M1, P12, M1, P4. 22 sts.
12. Rows 14 to 20: Work in stockinette.
13. Row 21 WS: P all sts.
14. Row 22 RS: K2, M1, K18, M1, K2. 24 sts.
15. Rows 23 to 32: Work in stockinette.
16. Row 33 WS: P all sts.
17. Row 34 RS: K2, K2tog, K16, SSK, K2. 22 sts.
18. Row 35: P all sts.
19. Row 36: K2, K2tog, K14, SSK, K2. 20 sts.
20. Row 37: P all sts.
21. Row 38: K2, K2tog, K12, SSK, K2. 18 sts.
22. Row 39: P all sts.
23. Row 40: K2, K2tog, K10, SSK, K2. 16 sts.
24. Row 41: P all sts.
25. Row 42: K2, K2tog, K8, SSK, K2. 14 sts.
26. Cut yarn leaving a 16 inch tail. Thread through remaining sts but do not pull closed yet.

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Second Head Half

Make a second matching black head piece. Sew both pieces together around the edge, leaving the lower neck opening unsewn. Pull the top tail gently to round the crown. Stuff until the head is firm, smooth, and almost spherical.

Tan Muzzle and Cheeks

The tan muzzle is wide and heart-shaped, with two rounded cheek pads that meet under the nose. These pieces are essential because they create the friendly black-and-tan puppy expression.

Left Cheek Pad

1. With tan yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, M1, K4, M1, K1. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, M1, K6, M1, K1. 10 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 10: Stockinette.
7. Row 11: P all sts.
8. Row 12: K1, K2tog, K4, SSK, K1. 8 sts.
9. Row 13: P all sts.
10. Row 14: K1, K2tog, K2, SSK, K1. 6 sts.
11. BO all sts.

Right Cheek Pad

Make the right cheek pad exactly the same. Lightly stuff each cheek pad before the final sewing. Place them side by side on the lower front of the head, starting below the eyes and ending at the mouth line.

Center Muzzle Bridge

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in stockinette.
3. Row 5 RS: K2tog, K4, SSK. 6 sts.
4. Row 6 WS: P all sts.
5. Row 7: K2tog, K2, SSK. 4 sts.
6. BO all sts.

Sew the center muzzle bridge between the cheek pads, directly under the nose area. The top edge should tuck slightly under the black nose, while the bottom edge should curve toward the open smiling mouth.

Black Nose

1. With black yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, M1, K4, M1, K1. 8 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 6: Stockinette.
5. Row 7 WS: P all sts.
6. Row 8 RS: K2tog, K4, SSK. 6 sts.
7. Row 9: P all sts.
8. Row 10: K2tog, K2, SSK. 4 sts.
9. Cut yarn, draw through sts, and gather.

Stuff the nose very lightly so it becomes a small rounded oval. Sew it centered above the tan muzzle. Embroider a short vertical black line from the bottom of the nose down between the cheek pads.

Tongue

1. With pink yarn and smaller needles, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 2: Stockinette.
3. Row 3 RS: K1, K2tog, K2. 4 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: P all sts.
5. Row 5 RS: K2tog, K2tog. 2 sts.
6. Row 6 WS: P2tog. 1 st.
7. Fasten off.

Sew the tongue under the muzzle so it hangs slightly forward, just like the photo. Use one tiny stitch at the center top only, allowing the rounded lower part to remain loose and playful.

Eyes, Brows, and Face Markings

• Place the eyes between Rows 21 and 24 of the head, about 9 sts apart.
• Use safety eyes before closing the head, or sew glossy black buttons firmly after stuffing.
• With white thread, add one tiny highlight stitch at the upper outer side of each eye.
• With tan yarn, embroider two short V-shaped eyebrow marks above the eyes.
• With black embroidery floss, add a soft curved smile under each cheek pad.

The tan brows should look like small golden leaf shapes. Do not make them too large; each brow should be about 3 duplicate stitches wide and 2 rows tall.

Floppy Ears

The ears are black, long, rounded, and attached low on each side of the head. They should hang beside the cheeks with a gentle inward curve.

Make 2 Ears

1. With black yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, M1, K6, M1, K1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, M1, K8, M1, K1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 20: Work in stockinette.
7. Row 21 WS: P all sts.
8. Row 22 RS: K1, K2tog, K6, SSK, K1. 10 sts.
9. Row 23: P all sts.
10. Row 24: K1, K2tog, K4, SSK, K1. 8 sts.
11. Row 25: P all sts.
12. Row 26: K1, K2tog, K2, SSK, K1. 6 sts.
13. BO all sts.

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Fold each ear lengthwise with wrong sides together and seam around the curved edge, leaving the cast-on edge open. Do not stuff. Sew the cast-on edge to the side of the head at a slight downward angle.

Body

The body is mostly hidden by the cardigan, but it must be sturdy enough to hold the large head. Knit it in dark brown for the lower torso and black for the upper neck area.

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, M1, K16, M1, K1. 20 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, M1, K18, M1, K1. 22 sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: K1, M1, K20, M1, K1. 24 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 22: Stockinette.
9. Change to black yarn.
10. Rows 23 to 28: Stockinette.
11. Row 29 WS: P all sts.
12. Row 30 RS: K2, K2tog, K16, SSK, K2. 22 sts.
13. Row 31: P all sts.
14. Row 32: K2, K2tog, K14, SSK, K2. 20 sts.
15. Row 33: P all sts.
16. Row 34: K2, K2tog, K12, SSK, K2. 18 sts.
17. BO all sts.

Make a second body piece the same. Sew around the sides and lower edge. Stuff firmly, keeping the front slightly rounded and the back flat enough to sit against the cardigan.

Legs

The legs show tan lower sections, black upper sock bands, and brown pants above. Each leg is knitted as one piece for stability, then sandals are added separately.

Make 2 Legs

1. With tan yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 12: Work K2, P2 rib on RS rows and P2, K2 on WS rows.
3. Rows 13 to 18: Stockinette.
4. Change to black yarn.
5. Rows 19 to 24: Stockinette for the black sock band.
6. Change to dusty brown yarn.
7. Rows 25 to 42: Stockinette for the pants leg.
8. Row 43 RS: K2tog across. 5 sts.
9. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

Seam each leg along the back. Stuff the tan and black portions firmly. Stuff the pants section lightly so it stays soft and slightly wider at the thigh.

Paws and Toes

Make 2 Front Foot Pads

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, M1, K6, M1, K1. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: Stockinette.
5. Row 9 WS: P all sts.
6. Row 10 RS: K1, K2tog, K4, SSK, K1. 8 sts.
7. BO all sts.

Sew one foot pad to the bottom front of each leg, making the foot wider than the ankle. Embroider four short black vertical toe lines across each paw, matching the visible toes in the photo.

Arms

The arms are tan at the paws and covered by cream cardigan sleeves with blue cuffs and blue sleeve stripes. They hang downward at the sides.

Make 2 Arms

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Stockinette.
3. Change to cream yarn.
4. Rows 9 to 18: Stockinette.
5. Change to denim blue yarn.
6. Rows 19 to 22: K1, P1 rib for the cuff.
7. Change to cream yarn.
8. Rows 23 to 26: Stockinette.
9. Change to denim blue yarn.
10. Rows 27 to 28: Stockinette stripe.
11. Change to cream yarn.
12. Rows 29 to 34: Stockinette.
13. Row 35 RS: K2tog across. 4 sts.
14. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

Seam each arm with the color changes aligned. Stuff lightly. The tan paw should remain visible below the blue cuff. Sew arms to the body at the shoulder line after the cardigan is in place.

Brown Pants

The pants are dusty brown, loose, and slightly cropped so the black sock bands and tan legs show clearly. The pants are worked as two flat fronts with a center seam.

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Front Pants Panel

1. With dusty brown yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
3. Rows 5 to 22: Stockinette.
4. Row 23 RS: K10, BO 4 sts, K10.
5. Work left side only for 6 rows in stockinette.
6. BO left side.
7. Rejoin yarn to right side and work 6 rows in stockinette.
8. BO right side.

Back Pants Panel

Make a second pants panel exactly the same. Sew the side seams and inner leg seams. Pull the pants onto the body and legs before attaching the cardigan. Secure at the waist with small hidden stitches.

Cozy Cream Cardigan

The cardigan is the visual centerpiece. It has a cream body, denim blue collar, blue cuffs, blue lower band, narrow blue front bands, cream cable columns, horizontal blue stripes, and four tan buttons.

Back Cardigan Panel

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 34 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work K1, P1 rib.
3. Change to cream yarn.
4. Row 7 RS: K all sts.
5. Row 8 WS: P all sts.
6. Rows 9 to 12: Stockinette in cream.
7. Change to denim blue yarn.
8. Rows 13 to 14: Stockinette for blue stripe.
9. Change to cream yarn.
10. Rows 15 to 18: Stockinette.
11. Change to denim blue yarn.
12. Rows 19 to 20: Stockinette for second blue stripe.
13. Change to cream yarn.
14. Rows 21 to 36: Stockinette.
15. Row 37 RS: K2, K2tog, K26, SSK, K2. 32 sts.
16. Row 38 WS: P all sts.
17. Row 39 RS: K2, K2tog, K24, SSK, K2. 30 sts.
18. Rows 40 to 44: Stockinette.
19. BO all sts.

Left Front Cardigan Panel

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 19 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: K1, P1 rib.
3. Change to cream yarn.
4. Row 7 RS: K4, P2, K4, P2, K7.
5. Row 8 WS: P7, K2, P4, K2, P4.
6. Row 9 RS: K4, P2, C4F, P2, K7.
7. Row 10 WS: P7, K2, P4, K2, P4.
8. Rows 11 to 12: Repeat Rows 7 and 8.
9. Change to denim blue yarn.
10. Rows 13 to 14: Work all sts in stockinette for stripe.
11. Change to cream yarn.
12. Rows 15 to 18: Repeat cable pattern Rows 7 to 10.
13. Change to denim blue yarn.
14. Rows 19 to 20: Stockinette stripe.
15. Change to cream yarn.
16. Rows 21 to 34: Continue cable pattern, crossing cable every 6th RS row.
17. Row 35 RS: K2tog, pattern to end. 18 sts.
18. Row 36 WS: Work in pattern.
19. Row 37 RS: K2tog, pattern to end. 17 sts.
20. Rows 38 to 42: Work in pattern.
21. BO all sts.

Right Front Cardigan Panel

Work the right front panel to mirror the left front panel. Place the cable column near the outer front, so both cream cable panels frame the blue button band evenly.

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 19 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: K1, P1 rib.
3. Change to cream yarn.
4. Row 7 RS: K7, P2, K4, P2, K4.
5. Row 8 WS: P4, K2, P4, K2, P7.
6. Row 9 RS: K7, P2, C4B, P2, K4.
7. Row 10 WS: P4, K2, P4, K2, P7.
8. Rows 11 to 42: Follow the same color stripe placement and shaping as the left panel.
9. BO all sts.

Blue Button Bands

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Work K1, P1 rib for 42 rows.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make a second band the same.

Sew one band to each front edge of the cardigan. On the right front band, sew four tan buttons evenly spaced from collar to lower stripe. The photo shows visible round buttons centered on the blue band.

Cardigan Sleeves

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: K1, P1 rib.
3. Change to cream yarn.
4. Rows 7 to 14: Stockinette.
5. Change to denim blue yarn.
6. Rows 15 to 16: Stockinette stripe.
7. Change to cream yarn.
8. Rows 17 to 20: Stockinette.
9. Change to denim blue yarn.
10. Rows 21 to 22: Stockinette stripe.
11. Change to cream yarn.
12. Rows 23 to 32: Stockinette.
13. BO all sts.
14. Make a second sleeve the same.

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Seam the sleeves and sew them into the armholes. Let the blue cuffs sit low around the tan paws. Use small stitches so the sleeve stripes line up around each arm.

Blue Shawl Collar

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 40 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: K1, P1 rib.
3. Row 9 RS: K all sts.
4. Row 10 WS: P all sts.
5. BO loosely.

Sew the collar around the neckline, overlapping slightly at the front. Fold the rib outward to create the cozy raised collar seen under the puppy’s chin.

Blue Sandals

The sandals have cream soles, blue straps, and tiny yellow flower decorations with white petals. They sit over the tan paws and show the black embroidered toes.

Make 2 Cream Soles

1. With cream yarn and smaller needles, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, M1, K8, M1, K1. 12 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: Stockinette.
5. Row 9 WS: P all sts.
6. Row 10 RS: K1, K2tog, K6, SSK, K1. 10 sts.
7. BO all sts.

Make 2 Blue Front Straps

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts for garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.

Make 2 Blue Back Straps

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one cream sole under each paw. Wrap one blue front strap across the paw just above the toes. Add one back strap around the heel. Secure with firm stitches hidden under the sole edge.

Sandals Flower Details

• For each yellow flower center, CO 3 sts, knit 2 rows, and draw closed into a tiny knot.
• For each white petal, CO 2 sts, knit 2 rows, and fasten off.
• Make 2 yellow centers and 10 white petals total.
• Sew one flower to the outer side of each sandal strap.

Flower Crown

The flower crown sits across the top of the head and includes pastel blue, pink, cream, and yellow flowers with tiny green leaves. Keep the crown small so the floppy ears remain visible.

Base Vine

1. With green yarn and smaller needles, CO 36 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Small Knitted Flowers

1. With flower color, CO 15 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K2tog across to last st, K1. 8 sts.
4. Cut yarn, draw through sts, and roll into a flower.
5. Sew base closed with the tail.

Make one blue flower, one pink flower, one cream flower, and one small yellow flower. Sew them close together along the green vine. Add the crown to the top front of the puppy’s head, just above the brows.

Fox Crossbody Bag

The small fox bag hangs from a brown strap across the cardigan. The fox face is rust orange with ivory lower cheeks, tiny black eyes, and a pointed snout.

Fox Bag Body

1. With rust orange yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette.
3. Row 5 RS: K1, M1, K10, M1, K1. 14 sts.
4. Rows 6 to 12: Stockinette.
5. Row 13 RS: K2tog, K10, SSK. 12 sts.
6. Row 14 WS: P all sts.
7. BO all sts.
8. Make a second rust orange piece the same.

Fox Ivory Muzzle

1. With ivory yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette.
3. Row 5 RS: K2tog, K4, SSK. 6 sts.
4. Row 6 WS: P all sts.
5. BO all sts.

Fox Ears

1. With rust orange yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all sts.
3. Row 2 RS: K2tog, K1, SSK. 3 sts.
4. Row 3 WS: P all sts.
5. Row 4 RS: K3tog. 1 st.
6. Fasten off.
7. Make 2 ears.

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Sew the two fox body pieces together and stuff lightly. Add the ivory muzzle to the lower front. Sew ears to the top corners. Embroider two black eyes and one small black nose.

Crossbody Strap

1. With medium brown yarn, CO 70 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one strap end to each side of the fox bag. Place the strap from the puppy’s left shoulder across to the right hip. Tack it invisibly at the shoulder and under the bag so it stays in place.

Blue Pom-Pom Hat

The hat is a separate accessory placed beside the puppy in the photo. It has a denim blue ribbed brim, rounded stockinette crown, and fluffy pom-pom on top.

Hat Body

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 42 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 10: K2, P2 rib.
3. Rows 11 to 26: Stockinette.
4. Row 27 RS: K4, K2tog, repeat across. 35 sts.
5. Row 28 WS: P all sts.
6. Row 29 RS: K3, K2tog, repeat across. 28 sts.
7. Row 30 WS: P all sts.
8. Row 31 RS: K2, K2tog, repeat across. 21 sts.
9. Row 32 WS: P all sts.
10. Row 33 RS: K1, K2tog, repeat across. 14 sts.
11. Row 34 WS: P all sts.
12. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

Seam the back of the hat. Fold the brim upward. Make a dense pom-pom about 1.5 inches wide and sew it firmly to the top center.

Tiny Watering Can

The gray watering can is a small garden prop sitting beside the puppy. It has a rounded can body, a handle, a spout, and a little rose head.

Can Body

1. With light gray yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
3. Rows 5 to 16: Stockinette.
4. Rows 17 to 20: K1, P1 rib.
5. BO all sts.

Seam the side edge to form a small cylinder. Gather the bottom edge closed. Stuff lightly, then gather the top edge, leaving a small open oval impression.

Handle

1. With gray yarn, CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Curve the handle into a C shape and sew both ends to one side of the watering can.

Spout

1. With gray yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Stockinette.
3. Row 7 RS: K2tog across. 5 sts.
4. BO all sts.

Roll the spout into a narrow cone and seam. Sew the wide end to the opposite side of the can. Add a tiny knitted disk to the tip if you want the rose shape shown in the photo.

Red Garden Mushroom

The mushroom is a small red-and-white accent. It sits near the watering can and helps complete the cozy garden scene.

Mushroom Stem

1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 10: Stockinette.
3. BO all sts.

Seam the stem into a tube and stuff lightly.

Mushroom Cap

1. With red yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette.
3. Row 5 RS: K2, K2tog, repeat across. 14 sts.
4. Row 6 WS: P all sts.
5. Row 7 RS: K1, K2tog, repeat across. 10 sts.
6. Row 8 WS: P all sts.
7. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

Gather the cap into a dome and sew it to the stem. Add several tiny white duplicate stitches or French knots on the cap for the white spots.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff the body first.
2. Attach the legs to the lower body, angling them forward so the puppy sits upright.
3. Put the brown pants on the body and secure them around the waist.
4. Sew the cardigan panels together at shoulder seams and side seams.
5. Place the cardigan on the body before attaching the head.
6. Sew the arms into the sleeves and attach them to the upper body.
7. Attach the head to the neck, using a full circle of firm stitches.
8. Sew the ears to the sides of the head.
9. Add the muzzle, cheeks, nose, tongue, eyes, brows, and smile details.
10. Add the flower crown across the top of the head.
11. Add sandals and flower decorations to the paws.
12. Sew the fox bag strap diagonally across the cardigan.
13. Place the blue pom-pom hat, watering can, and mushroom as separate display props.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from the front before tying off any long yarn tails. The muzzle should sit centered and slightly raised. The eyes should be level, shiny, and framed by small tan brows. The tongue should peek out below the smiling black mouth line.

Use black embroidery floss to deepen the mouth curve if needed. Add tiny tan duplicate stitches around the lower face if you want a softer transition between the black head and tan cheek pads.

Pin the ears before sewing. They should begin near the upper eye line and hang down beside the cheeks. Sew only the top edge firmly, leaving the lower ear flexible and soft.

Care Notes

• Spot clean the puppy with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or small accessories are attached.
• Let the plush air dry fully before storing.
• Keep away from pets and very young children if small buttons are used.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is large, round, and firmly attached.
• The tan muzzle is centered and raised.
• The cardigan has blue ribbing, stripes, collar, button bands, and four buttons.
• The pants are dusty brown and cropped above the black sock bands.
• The sandals have cream soles, blue straps, and tiny flower accents.
• The fox bag sits diagonally across the cardigan.
• The blue hat, watering can, and mushroom are complete display props.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the puppy away from direct sunlight because dark yarn and denim blue yarn may fade over time. Store the accessories in a small fabric bag so the flower crown, fox bag, and tiny garden props do not get lost.

If the cardigan gathers dust, use a soft dry paintbrush to clean around the cables, button band, and collar. Avoid pulling the cable stitches. Gently reshape the sleeves and collar with your fingers after cleaning.

To refresh the flower crown, lightly steam from a distance without touching the yarn with the iron. Let the flowers cool completely before moving the toy. This helps the petals keep their rounded shape.

Your black and tan garden puppy is now ready to sit on a shelf, brighten a handmade nursery display, or become the centerpiece of a cozy knitted garden scene.