Knitting Tutorial: Little Bee Garden Doll – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Little Bee Garden Doll – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful little bee garden doll is a knitted amigurumi-style project with a round yellow head, striped bee dress body, tiny legs, soft arms, blue wings, black antennae, red shoes, a red-and-white crossbody bag, a flower hair clip, a matching striped hat, a miniature watering can, and a small sunflower pot. The design is worked in small pieces, stuffed firmly, and assembled to match the sweet garden scene shown in 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.

Skill Level

This pattern is best for an adventurous beginner or intermediate knitter. Most pieces use stockinette stitch, simple increases, simple decreases, small seams, and basic embroidery. The doll is made from many small shaped parts, so patience with assembly is just as important as the knitting itself.

  • Main skills used: knit, purl, kfb increase, k2tog decrease, small circular knitting, flat knitting, mattress stitch, gathering edges, stuffing, embroidery, and simple color changes.
  • Construction style: mostly worked in the round for the doll parts, with a few flat pieces for wings, flowers, bag strap, hat brim, and garden accessories.
  • Finished look: soft toy bee doll with a rounded head, short striped dress, dangling legs, red shoes, garden embroidery, and miniature accessories.

Finished Size

Using DK weight yarn and 2.75 mm needles, the seated doll measures about 8.5 inches from the top of the antennae to the bottom of the shoes. The head is about 3.25 inches wide. The body dress is about 4 inches tall from neck to lower hem. The wings measure about 2 inches wide each. The hat is about 3.75 inches across including the brim.

The sizes of the accessories are intentionally small so they sit naturally beside the doll. The crossbody bag is about 1 inch wide and 1.75 inches long. The watering can is about 1.5 inches wide across the body. The sunflower pot is about 2.5 inches tall including the flower.

Materials

  • Yarn weight: DK weight yarn works best for a neat plush finish.
  • Main yellow: about 55 yards for head, body, arms, legs, hat, and bee stripes.
  • Warm brown: about 25 yards for body stripes, nose, shoe soles, hat stripe, and small details.
  • Black: about 8 yards for antennae and mouth embroidery.
  • Red: about 18 yards for shoes, bag, hat ribbon, and strap.
  • White: about 10 yards for eye whites and bag stripes.
  • Light blue: about 18 yards for wings.
  • Soft pink: small amount for cheek blush and flower.
  • Peach or coral: small amount for flower petals.
  • Green: small amount for leaves, stems, and flower embroidery.
  • Sunflower yellow: small amount for sunflower petals.
  • Gray: small amount for watering can.
  • Terracotta orange: small amount for flower pot.
  • Needles: 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or a long circular needle for magic loop.
  • Optional smaller needles: 2.25 mm needles for tighter accessories.
  • Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
  • Safety eyes: two 10 mm glossy black safety eyes, or black embroidery if making for a very young child.
  • Felt or knitted eye whites: white yarn pieces are included in this pattern.
  • Tapestry needle: for seaming and embroidery.
  • Stitch markers: one main marker and several removable markers.
  • Scrap yarn: for holding stitches and marking placement.

Gauge

Gauge is important for firm toy fabric. Work tightly enough that stuffing does not show through. In stockinette stitch, 26 stitches and 36 rounds should measure about 4 inches. If your fabric has visible gaps, go down a needle size. If the fabric is too stiff to shape, go up one needle size.

Abbreviations

  • CO: cast on
  • BO: bind off
  • K: knit
  • P: purl
  • St or sts: stitch or stitches
  • Rnd: round
  • RS: right side
  • WS: wrong side
  • Kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch, increasing 1 stitch
  • K2tog: knit 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch
  • P2tog: purl 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch
  • SSK: slip 1 stitch knitwise, slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through the back loops
  • Rep: repeat
  • PM: place marker
  • SM: slip marker
  • St st: stockinette stitch
  • I-cord: a narrow knitted tube made by sliding stitches back to the needle tip after each row

Pattern Notes

The doll is knitted as a soft structured toy. The head is round and slightly wider than the body. The body is shaped like a simple bee dress, with brown and yellow horizontal stripes and a small flared skirt edge. The arms are slim and rounded. The legs are long and narrow, ending in red shoes with brown soles.

Stuff each body piece gradually. A firm head helps the face keep its rounded shape. The body should be firm enough to support the seated pose, but not so hard that the lower dress becomes square. Roll the stuffed piece between your palms before closing each opening.

Color changes should be carried neatly on the inside of the work. When changing colors in the round, knit the first round of the new color normally. On the second round, lift the right side of the stitch below the first stitch of the round and place it on the left needle, then knit it together with the first stitch. This softens the jog in the stripe.

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Main Doll Head

The head is a large rounded yellow shape with soft cheeks and a slightly narrow lower chin. Work in the round from the top down. Use main yellow yarn.

  1. CO 8 sts. Divide across needles and join in the round, being careful not to twist. Rnd 1: K all sts. You have 8 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. You have 16 sts.
  3. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  4. Rnd 4: Rep K1, kfb around. You have 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 5: K all sts.
  6. Rnd 6: Rep K2, kfb around. You have 32 sts.
  7. Rnd 7: K all sts.
  8. Rnd 8: Rep K3, kfb around. You have 40 sts.
  9. Rnd 9: K all sts.
  10. Rnd 10: Rep K4, kfb around. You have 48 sts.
  11. Rnd 11: K all sts.
  12. Rnd 12: Rep K5, kfb around. You have 56 sts.
  13. Rnds 13-23: K all sts for 11 rounds. This creates the full round forehead and upper face.
  14. Rnd 24: Rep K12, k2tog around. You have 52 sts.
  15. Rnds 25-27: K all sts.
  16. Rnd 28: Rep K11, k2tog around. You have 48 sts.
  17. Rnd 29: K all sts.
  18. Rnd 30: Rep K10, k2tog around. You have 44 sts.
  19. Rnd 31: K all sts.
  20. Rnd 32: Rep K9, k2tog around. You have 40 sts.
  21. Rnd 33: K all sts.
  22. Rnd 34: Rep K8, k2tog around. You have 36 sts.
  23. Pause here to place the eyes. The eyes sit on the front of the head between Rnds 22 and 23, about 8 sts apart. Add white eye patches first, then insert or sew the black eyes on top.
  24. Rnd 35: Rep K4, k2tog around. You have 30 sts.
  25. Start stuffing the head firmly. Shape the cheeks gently with your fingers.
  26. Rnd 36: Rep K3, k2tog around. You have 24 sts.
  27. Rnd 37: Rep K2, k2tog around. You have 18 sts.
  28. Rnd 38: Rep K1, k2tog around. You have 12 sts.
  29. Add more stuffing, especially around the forehead and cheeks.
  30. Rnd 39: K2tog around. You have 6 sts.
  31. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in the end at the lower back of the head.

White Eye Patches

The bee has large oval white eye patches behind the black eyes. Make 2 with white yarn. These are knitted flat, then sewn to the face before adding safety eyes or embroidered pupils.

  1. CO 5 sts.
  2. Row 1, RS: Kfb, K3, kfb. You have 7 sts.
  3. Row 2, WS: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: Kfb, K5, kfb. You have 9 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: K all sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: SSK, K5, k2tog. You have 7 sts.
  9. Row 8: P all sts.
  10. Row 9: SSK, K3, k2tog. You have 5 sts.
  11. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew one eye patch to each side of the face, placing them slightly angled inward so the expression looks gentle and curious. The lower edge of each patch should sit around Rnd 24 of the head. Place the black eye or embroidered pupil in the lower inner half of each white oval.

Brown Inner Eye Circles

The photo shows glossy black eyes sitting in warm brown circles. Make 2 small circles with brown yarn if you want the same layered look.

  1. CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: Kfb in every st around. You have 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
  4. BO loosely. Flatten into a small circle.

Sew each brown circle to the center of a white eye patch. Attach the safety eye through both layers before securing the washer, or embroider a shiny black pupil using satin stitches. Add one tiny white highlight stitch on each pupil for the glossy look.

Small Brown Nose

The nose is a small rounded brown bump centered below the eyes.

  1. With brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. You have 12 sts.
  3. Rnds 2-3: K all sts.
  4. Rnd 4: K2tog around. You have 6 sts.
  5. Cut yarn, lightly stuff, thread through remaining sts, and pull closed.

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Sew the nose between the eyes, about 2 rounds below the lower edge of the eye patches. Keep it centered. The nose should be small and rounded, not flat.

Body and Striped Bee Dress

The body begins at the neck and grows into a short dress shape. It uses yellow and brown stripes like the bee body in the photo. The bottom edge flares slightly and has a small yellow hem.

  1. With yellow yarn, CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Rep K3, kfb around. You have 30 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: Rep K4, kfb around. You have 36 sts.
  6. Rnds 5-7: K all sts in yellow.
  7. Change to brown. Rnds 8-10: K all sts.
  8. Change to yellow. Rnds 11-15: K all sts.
  9. Change to brown. Rnds 16-18: K all sts.
  10. Change to yellow. Rnds 19-23: K all sts.
  11. Change to brown. Rnds 24-26: K all sts.
  12. Change to yellow. Rnds 27-31: K all sts.
  13. Rnd 32: Rep K5, kfb around. You have 42 sts.
  14. Rnd 33: K all sts in yellow.
  15. Change to brown. Rnds 34-36: K all sts.
  16. Change to yellow. Rnds 37-40: K all sts.
  17. Rnd 41: Rep K6, kfb around. You have 48 sts.
  18. Rnds 42-44: K all sts in yellow for the skirt hem.
  19. Rnd 45: P all sts to create a lower ridge.
  20. Rnds 46-47: K all sts.
  21. BO loosely knitwise.

Stuff the body firmly from the neck opening. The upper body should be narrower than the head, and the lower dress should remain slightly wider. Place the body under the head and check the silhouette before sewing. The brown stripes should wrap horizontally and evenly.

Neck Join

The head sits directly on the body with almost no visible neck. This creates the plush doll shape seen in the image. Use yellow yarn and a strong tapestry needle.

  1. Pin the body under the head. The front of the body should align with the face.
  2. Sew around the neck opening using small ladder stitches.
  3. After one full round of sewing, tug gently to close gaps.
  4. Sew a second round for strength, passing through both the body edge and the lower head fabric.
  5. Hide the yarn tail inside the body.

Arms

Make 2 arms with yellow yarn. The arms are narrow, soft, and rounded at the tips. They hang down along the sides of the dress.

  1. CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. You have 16 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-5: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 6: Rep K2, k2tog around. You have 12 sts.
  6. Rnds 7-24: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 25: Rep K1, k2tog around. You have 8 sts.
  8. Lightly stuff the lower hand and arm. Do not overstuff; the arms should remain flexible.
  9. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and pull closed.

Flatten the top opening slightly. Sew each arm to the side of the body at Rnds 7-9 of the body. Angle the arms downward. The hands should reach near the lower yellow hem of the dress.

Legs

Make 2 legs with yellow yarn. The legs are slim and hang from under the dress. The red shoes are made separately and sewn over the ends.

  1. CO 10 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-26: K all sts in yellow.
  3. Rnd 27: Rep K3, k2tog around. You have 8 sts.
  4. Rnds 28-30: K all sts.
  5. Lightly stuff the leg. Keep it slim and even.
  6. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and weave in.

Sew the tops of the legs under the front lower edge of the dress, about 6 sts apart. The doll is designed to sit, so attach the legs at a forward angle. The legs should dangle naturally over the table edge when the doll is seated.

Red Shoes with Brown Soles

Make 2 shoes. Each shoe has a brown sole, a red upper, and a yellow foot opening. Small flower details can be added to the outside edge of each shoe.

Brown Sole

  1. With brown yarn, CO 6 sts.
  2. Row 1, RS: K all sts.
  3. Row 2, WS: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: Kfb, K4, kfb. You have 8 sts.
  5. Rows 4-8: Work in stockinette stitch, purling WS rows and knitting RS rows.
  6. Row 9: SSK, K4, k2tog. You have 6 sts.
  7. Row 10: P all sts.
  8. BO, leaving a sewing tail.

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Red Shoe Upper

  1. With red yarn, pick up and knit 20 sts around the edge of the brown sole.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K7, k2tog, K2, ssk, K7. You have 18 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K all sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K6, k2tog, K2, ssk, K6. You have 16 sts.
  7. Rnd 6: K all sts.
  8. Change to yellow. Rnd 7: K all sts to make the foot opening.
  9. BO loosely.

Slide the shoe over the end of the leg and sew it in place. Add a red ankle strap by embroidering a straight red line around the top of the shoe. Sew a tiny pink flower on the outer side of each shoe using 5 small lazy-daisy stitches and one yellow center knot.

Wings

The wings are pale blue, rounded, and placed behind the upper body. Make 2. They are knitted flat and lightly shaped with increases and decreases. The lower side of each wing tucks behind the arm.

  1. With light blue yarn, CO 6 sts.
  2. Row 1, RS: Kfb, K4, kfb. You have 8 sts.
  3. Row 2, WS: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: Kfb, K6, kfb. You have 10 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: Kfb, K8, kfb. You have 12 sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: Kfb, K10, kfb. You have 14 sts.
  9. Row 8: P all sts.
  10. Rows 9-14: Work in stockinette stitch.
  11. Row 15: SSK, K10, k2tog. You have 12 sts.
  12. Row 16: P all sts.
  13. Row 17: SSK, K8, k2tog. You have 10 sts.
  14. Row 18: P all sts.
  15. Row 19: SSK, K6, k2tog. You have 8 sts.
  16. Row 20: P all sts.
  17. Row 21: SSK, K4, k2tog. You have 6 sts.
  18. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.

For a softer plush wing, make a second matching piece for each wing and seam two pieces together around the edge. Add only a whisper of stuffing or leave flat. Sew the wings to the back of the body at Rnds 8-22, with the rounded sides facing outward.

Antennae

The antennae are black I-cords with rounded knobs. Make 2. They sit high on the head and lean slightly outward.

I-Cord Stem

  1. With black yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Row 1: K4. Do not turn. Slide sts back to the right end of the needle.
  3. Repeat Row 1 until the cord measures 1.75 inches.
  4. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Do not close yet if you are adding the knob directly.

Rounded Knob

  1. Using the 4 sts from the I-cord, knit 1 round and increase by knitting into the front and back of each st. You have 8 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. You have 16 sts.
  3. Rnds 3-5: K all sts.
  4. Rnd 6: K2tog around. You have 8 sts.
  5. Stuff the knob very lightly.
  6. Rnd 7: K2tog around. You have 4 sts.
  7. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and close tightly.

Sew the antennae to the top of the head between Rnds 5 and 8, spaced about 12 sts apart. Curve the stems slightly outward before securing the lower base with several stitches.

Flower Hair Clip

The bee has a small peach-pink flower near one antenna. It sits on the upper right side of the head from the doll’s point of view. Make 1 flower and 2 leaves.

Knitted Flower Center

  1. With yellow yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Kfb in each st. You have 8 sts.
  3. BO tightly and roll into a small dot. Sew the base closed.

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Petals

  1. With peach or soft pink yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Row 1: Kfb, K1, kfb. You have 5 sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: SSK, K1, k2tog. You have 3 sts.
  5. Row 4: P3tog. You have 1 st.
  6. Cut yarn and pull through. Make 5 petals.

Leaves

  1. With green yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Row 1: Kfb, K1, kfb. You have 5 sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: SSK, K1, k2tog. You have 3 sts.
  5. Row 4: P3tog. You have 1 st.
  6. Cut yarn and pull through. Make 2 leaves.

Sew the petals in a circle, add the yellow center, then sew the flower and leaves to the top side of the head. Place it slightly in front of the right antenna so it looks like a garden hair accessory.

Face Embroidery

The face should be sweet and simple. The mouth is a small curved black smile beneath the nose. The eyebrows are short brown slanted stitches above the eyes. The cheeks are soft pink blush circles.

  • Mouth: Use black yarn or embroidery floss. Make a shallow curved smile about 0.75 inch wide, centered 2 rounds below the nose.
  • Eyebrows: Use brown yarn. Make one short angled stitch above each eye patch. The inner ends should sit slightly lower than the outer ends for a gentle expression.
  • Cheeks: Use pink yarn. Make 4 to 5 small horizontal stitches on each cheek, just outside and below the eye patches.
  • Highlights: Add one small white stitch on each black eye to copy the shiny look in the photo.

Garden Flower Embroidery on Dress

The front lower left side of the dress has tiny garden flowers embroidered over the yellow stripe. Use green for stems, blue, red, yellow, white, and pink for flowers.

  1. Mark a space on the lower front of the dress, slightly left of center.
  2. Use green yarn to embroider 4 short stems, each about 0.5 inch tall.
  3. Add small green leaves with single diagonal stitches.
  4. For the blue flower, make 5 small straight stitches radiating from one center.
  5. For the red flower, make 5 short lazy-daisy stitches with a yellow center.
  6. For the white flower, make 5 small stitches with a pale yellow center.
  7. Keep the embroidery flat so the dress still sits nicely.

Crossbody Garden Bag

The bag is a tiny red-and-white striped pouch worn diagonally across the body. It has a red strap and a small bee badge near the lower front.

Bag Body

  1. With red yarn, CO 12 sts.
  2. Row 1, RS: K all sts.
  3. Row 2, WS: P all sts.
  4. Change to white. Rows 3-4: Work in stockinette stitch.
  5. Change to red. Rows 5-6: Work in stockinette stitch.
  6. Change to white. Rows 7-8: Work in stockinette stitch.
  7. Change to red. Rows 9-10: Work in stockinette stitch.
  8. Change to white. Rows 11-12: Work in stockinette stitch.
  9. Change to red. Rows 13-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
  10. Row 17: SSK, K8, k2tog. You have 10 sts.
  11. Row 18: P all sts.
  12. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Fold the piece in half with right sides facing. Seam the sides, leaving the top open. Turn right side out. The lower edge should be red, and the white stripes should sit horizontally across the bag.

Bag Strap

  1. With red yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Work a 3-st I-cord until the strap measures about 8.5 inches.
  3. BO and leave tails for sewing.

Sew one end of the strap to the top left of the bag and the other end to the top right of the bag. Place the strap diagonally from the doll’s left shoulder down to the right hip, as shown in the image. Tack the strap to the shoulder and side of the body with invisible stitches so it stays in position.

Small Bee Badge

  1. With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. You have 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
  4. BO and flatten into a tiny oval.
  5. Use black yarn to embroider 2 short stripes across the oval.

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Sew the bee badge to the lower right front of the bag. Keep it small so it looks like a decorative patch, not another large toy piece.

Striped Bee Hat

The hat rests beside the doll in the photo. It has a flat circular brim, a rounded crown, yellow and brown stripes, and a red decorative band at the base.

Hat Crown

  1. With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. You have 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: Rep K1, kfb around. You have 24 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: Rep K2, kfb around. You have 32 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
  9. Rnd 8: Rep K3, kfb around. You have 40 sts.
  10. Rnds 9-11: K all sts in yellow.
  11. Change to brown. Rnds 12-15: K all sts.
  12. Change to yellow. Rnds 16-19: K all sts.
  13. Change to brown. Rnds 20-22: K all sts.
  14. Change to yellow. Rnds 23-25: K all sts.
  15. BO loosely.

Hat Brim

  1. With yellow yarn, pick up and knit 40 sts around the lower edge of the crown.
  2. Rnd 1: Rep K4, kfb around. You have 48 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: Rep K5, kfb around. You have 56 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K all sts.
  6. Rnd 5: Rep K6, kfb around. You have 64 sts.
  7. Rnd 6: P all sts to make a neat outer brim ridge.
  8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
  9. BO loosely.

Red Hat Band

  1. With red yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Work a 3-st I-cord long enough to wrap around the base of the hat crown.
  3. BO, sew the ends together, and tack the band around the hat just above the brim.
  4. Add tiny white straight stitches along the red band if you want to copy the dotted trim in the image.

Mini Watering Can

The watering can is a small gray garden accessory. It sits beside the bee and has a rounded body, yellow stripe, side handle, top handle, and spout.

Watering Can Body

  1. With gray yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Rep K2, kfb around. You have 24 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-6: K all sts.
  5. Change to yellow. Rnds 7-8: K all sts for the decorative stripe.
  6. Change to gray. Rnds 9-13: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 14: Rep K2, k2tog around. You have 18 sts.
  8. Rnd 15: Rep K1, k2tog around. You have 12 sts.
  9. Stuff lightly so the can stays rounded but not bulky.
  10. Rnd 16: K2tog around. You have 6 sts.
  11. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and close.

Top Opening

  1. With gray yarn, CO 12 sts.
  2. Join in the round and K 3 rounds.
  3. BO loosely.

Sew this small ring to the top center of the watering can body. Leave the center slightly open-looking by not stuffing it.

Side Handle

  1. With gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Work a 4-st I-cord for 2.5 inches.
  3. BO and curve into a handle.
  4. Sew one end near the upper side of the body and one end near the lower side.

Top Handle

  1. With gray yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Work a 3-st I-cord for 2 inches.
  3. BO and arch it over the top opening.
  4. Sew both ends to the upper sides of the can.

Spout

  1. With gray yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-6: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 7: Kfb, K4, kfb. You have 8 sts.
  4. Rnds 8-9: K all sts.
  5. BO, flatten the open end slightly, and sew the base to the side of the can.

Angle the spout upward and outward. Add a few yellow stitches around the can body to match the garden color theme.

Sunflower Pot

The sunflower pot is made from a small terracotta knitted pot, green stem, leaves, yellow petals, and a brown center. It should stand beside the doll and watering can.

Terracotta Pot

  1. With terracotta yarn, CO 20 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-3: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 4: P all sts to make a bottom ridge.
  4. Rnds 5-10: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 11: Rep K3, kfb around. You have 25 sts.
  6. Rnds 12-14: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 15: P all sts for the top rim.
  8. Rnd 16: K all sts.
  9. BO loosely.

Cut a small circle from knitted brown fabric for soil, or knit the soil circle below. Stuff the pot firmly and sew the soil to the top opening.

Soil Circle

  1. With brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. You have 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Rep K1, kfb around. You have 18 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: Rep K2, kfb around. You have 24 sts.
  5. BO and sew to the pot opening.

Stem

  1. With green yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Work a 4-st I-cord for 2.25 inches.
  3. BO, leaving a long tail.
  4. Sew the lower end securely into the soil circle.

Leaves

  1. With green yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Row 1: Kfb, K1, kfb. You have 5 sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: Kfb, K3, kfb. You have 7 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: SSK, K3, k2tog. You have 5 sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: SSK, K1, k2tog. You have 3 sts.
  9. Row 8: P3tog. You have 1 st.
  10. Cut yarn and pull through. Make 2 leaves.

Sew one leaf to each side of the stem. Place them slightly below the sunflower head so the plant looks balanced.

Sunflower Center

  1. With brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. You have 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Rep K1, kfb around. You have 18 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. BO, leaving a tail for sewing.

Sunflower Petals

  1. With sunflower yellow yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Row 1: Kfb, K1, kfb. You have 5 sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: K all sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: SSK, K1, k2tog. You have 3 sts.
  7. Row 6: P3tog. You have 1 st.
  8. Cut yarn and pull through. Make 10 petals.

Sew the petals around the back edge of the brown center. Attach the completed flower head to the top of the green stem. Sew through the stem several times so the flower stands upright.

Small Dress Hem Flowers

The lower front of the bee dress has a little garden detail. If you prefer a fully knitted look instead of embroidery, add tiny knitted flowers to the hem.

  1. For each flower, CO 10 sts in the flower color.
  2. Row 1: Rep K2tog across. You have 5 sts.
  3. Cut yarn, thread through the 5 sts, and pull tight to gather.
  4. Shape into a tiny flower and stitch it to the dress.
  5. Add a small yellow or white center stitch.

Use only 2 or 3 flowers on the dress so the detail remains delicate. Place them near the lower left front, not across the whole body.

Optional White Bag Trim

The little bag in the photo has crisp white bands. To make the stripes stand out after assembly, use white yarn and duplicate stitch over a few stitches if needed.

  • Work duplicate stitch across the second and fourth white stripe rows if the red yarn peeks through.
  • Keep the duplicate stitches flat and even.
  • Do not add bulky seams to the back of the bag, because it needs to sit close to the doll.

Assembly Order

Use this order for the cleanest finish. Assembly matters because the accessories overlap the body and help create the exact garden doll look.

  1. Finish the head, add eye patches, eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, cheeks, and hair flower.
  2. Finish and stuff the body, then sew the head to the body securely.
  3. Sew on the arms at the upper sides of the body.
  4. Sew the wings to the back, making sure they are visible from the front.
  5. Sew the legs under the dress at a forward angle.
  6. Sew the shoes over the leg ends and add shoe flowers.
  7. Place the crossbody bag strap from shoulder to hip, then tack it down.
  8. Add the bag body at the lower front side.
  9. Finish the hat, watering can, and sunflower pot as separate display accessories.
  10. Check the seated pose and adjust stuffing by gently shaping the doll with your hands.

Detailed Placement Guide

The most important part of matching the photographed doll is placement. The head should look large and expressive. The body should look like a short striped bee dress. The wings should peek out from behind the arms. The red bag strap should cross the front diagonally.

  • Eyes: Place between Rnds 22 and 23 of the head, with about 8 sts between the inner edges.
  • Nose: Center under the eyes, about 2 rounds lower than the eye patches.
  • Mouth: Center below the nose, shallow and friendly.
  • Antennae: Attach high on the head, leaning outward.
  • Flower clip: Place near the right antenna, partly forward-facing.
  • Wings: Attach to the back upper body, with rounded edges visible from the front.
  • Arms: Sew downward at the sides, not straight outward.
  • Legs: Attach under the front hem for a seated pose.
  • Bag: Strap crosses from the doll’s left shoulder to the right hip.

Finishing the Knit Fabric

Do not block the stuffed doll with heavy moisture. Instead, smooth the knitted surface with clean hands. If any stripe transitions look uneven, use a tapestry needle to gently adjust the tension from the inside before closing seams.

For tiny accessories, light steam can help flatten petals, wings, and leaves. Hold the iron above the piece without pressing. Let the pieces cool completely before sewing them to the toy.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all knitted pieces are attached, look at the doll from the front, side, and back. The face should be centered over the body. The antennae should be even, and the wings should sit at the same height. Add extra small stitches if any accessory moves too freely.

  • Use black yarn to refine the smile if needed.
  • Add pink cheek stitches only after the eyes and nose are secure.
  • Hide every yarn tail inside the stuffed body or accessory.
  • Trim yarn ends carefully, but do not cut close to a knot on a toy seam.

Care Notes

This bee garden doll is best used as a decorative soft toy. If safety eyes are used, it is not recommended for children under 3 years old. For a baby-safe version, embroider the eyes instead of using plastic parts.

  • Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
  • Do not machine wash if the doll has safety eyes, firm accessories, or embroidered details.
  • Dry flat in a shaded area.
  • Reshape the head, wings, and shoes while damp if needed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • The head is round, firm, and larger than the body.
  • The brown and yellow body stripes are horizontal and even.
  • The eyes have white patches, brown centers, black pupils, and tiny highlights.
  • The nose is centered and raised.
  • The smile is small and curved.
  • The antennae are placed evenly and lean outward.
  • The wings are light blue and visible from the front.
  • The red shoes have brown soles and small flower details.
  • The crossbody bag has red and white stripes with a tiny bee badge.
  • The hat, watering can, and sunflower pot are finished as separate garden accessories.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, keep the doll away from direct sunlight for long periods. Strong sunlight can fade yellow, red, and blue yarn. Store the doll upright or seated so the antennae and wings do not bend permanently.

If dust gathers on the surface, use a soft brush or a lint roller with very gentle pressure. For deeper cleaning, dab the stained area with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking the stuffed pieces, because trapped moisture can affect the filling.

Let every piece air dry completely before storage. Wrap the doll loosely in tissue paper or a cotton cloth if storing for a long season. Do not place heavy objects on top of the doll, hat, sunflower, or watering can.

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