Knitting Tutorial: Basset Hound Bee Picnic Doll – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted basset hound doll is dressed for a sunny picnic day with a blue, cream, and mustard striped outfit, long floppy brown ears, oversized black nose, flower sandals, a daisy crossbody bag, a tiny bee headband, a picnic basket, sandwich, and matching striped sun hat. The design is worked in small shaped pieces and assembled into a seated soft doll.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written for knitters who enjoy toy making with detailed shaping. Most pieces are worked in the round on double-pointed needles or a long circular needle using the magic loop method. A few accessories are worked flat, then seamed neatly.

The finished doll is designed to sit with the legs hanging forward, just like the picture. The head is large and expressive, the muzzle projects forward softly, and the long ears are attached high on the sides of the head so they drape beside the face.

• Finished doll height: about 13 in / 33 cm seated from foot to top of head.
• Head width: about 4.75 in / 12 cm across the cheeks.
• Ear length: about 6.5 in / 16.5 cm from top attachment to rounded tip.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate toy knitting.
• Construction: knitted pieces, stuffed, seamed, embroidered, then dressed with knitted accessories.

Materials

• Yarn weight: DK or light worsted yarn for the doll and clothing.
• Cream yarn: 85 yd for face, body, legs, arms, paws, muzzle, and toe sections.
• Warm brown yarn: 70 yd for ears, face patches, side head patches, and sandal soles.
• Black yarn: 15 yd for nose, eye pupils, mouth, and paw lines.
• White yarn: 20 yd for eye highlights, daisy petals, and bee wings.
• Sky blue yarn: 75 yd for cardigan, shorts, sleeve cuffs, hat stripes, and outfit edging.
• Mustard yellow yarn: 35 yd for outfit stripes, hat stripes, bee body, and flower centers.
• Tan yarn: 55 yd for bag, strap, headband cord, basket, sandwich bread, and sandal straps.
• Green, red, and pale yellow scraps: for sandwich filling.
• Soft pink yarn scraps: for sandal flowers.
• Needles: US 3 / 3.25 mm double-pointed needles or circular needle for magic loop.
• Smaller needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm for tighter accessories if desired.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Tapestry needle: for seaming and embroidery.
• Stitch markers: for round beginning and shaping points.
• Optional: removable stitch holders, straight pins, small amount of cardboard or plastic canvas for basket firmness.

Gauge

Gauge is important for a firm toy fabric. The stitches should be tight enough that stuffing does not show. In stockinette stitch using US 3 needles, aim for about 6 stitches and 8 rows per 1 inch. Adjust needle size if your fabric is loose.

• Toy fabric: firm stockinette, worked mostly in the round.
• Clothing fabric: slightly flexible stockinette with ribbed edges.
• Accessory fabric: firm flat knitting or small circular knitting.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• Sts: stitches.
• Rnd: round.
• Row: row.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• SSK: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through the back loop.
• M1L: make 1 left increase.
• M1R: make 1 right increase.
• Inc: increase by knitting into front and back of next stitch.
• Dec: decrease.
• PM: place marker.
• SM: slip marker.
• Rep: repeat.
• WS: wrong side.
• RS: right side.

Important Knitting Notes

The basset hound has a very specific look. The face is cream in the center, with warm brown patches framing both sides and a long cream muzzle. The ears are not pointed; they are long, soft, narrow at the top, wider through the middle, and rounded at the bottom.

The outfit should look like one cheerful picnic set. The jacket and shorts use the same stripe sequence: blue, cream, mustard, cream, and blue. Keep the blue edges visible at the cuffs, hem, and front opening so the doll matches the image closely.

• Stuff the head firmly, especially around the cheeks and muzzle base.
• Stuff the limbs more lightly so the doll sits naturally.
• Use mattress stitch for neat seams on flat pieces.
• Pin all face details before sewing so both eyes sit evenly.
• Keep accessory pieces small and snug so they look proportional.

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Color Stripe Sequence for Clothing

Use this stripe sequence for the cardigan, shorts, sleeves, and hat unless a section gives special instructions. Carry colors loosely on the inside when working narrow stripes, or cut and weave ends if you prefer a cleaner inside.

1. 2 rounds or rows sky blue.
2. 2 rounds or rows cream.
3. 1 round or row mustard yellow.
4. 2 rounds or rows cream.
5. 3 rounds or rows sky blue.
6. Repeat this sequence as needed.

Head

The head is knitted in the round from the lower neck upward, widening into round cheeks and then narrowing at the top. The center of the face is cream. Brown side patches are added separately later so the shaping remains smooth and beginner friendly.

Head Base in Cream

1. CO 12 sts in cream. Divide evenly over needles and join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1L, rep around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K2, M1L, rep around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K3, M1L, rep around. 48 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K4, M1L, rep around. 60 sts.
10. Rnds 9 to 18: K all sts for the full cheek height.
11. Rnd 19: K18, M1L, K24, M1R, K18. 62 sts.
12. Rnd 20: K all sts.
13. Rnd 21: K19, M1L, K24, M1R, K19. 64 sts.
14. Rnds 22 to 30: K all sts. Begin stuffing lightly after Rnd 25.
15. Rnd 31: K6, K2tog, rep around. 56 sts.
16. Rnd 32: K all sts.
17. Rnd 33: K5, K2tog, rep around. 48 sts.
18. Rnd 34: K all sts.
19. Rnd 35: K4, K2tog, rep around. 40 sts.
20. Rnd 36: K all sts.
21. Rnd 37: K3, K2tog, rep around. 32 sts.
22. Rnd 38: K2, K2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
23. Stuff the head firmly, shaping the cheeks with your fingers.
24. Rnd 39: K1, K2tog, rep around. 16 sts.
25. Rnd 40: K2tog around. 8 sts.
26. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Long Muzzle

The muzzle is the most important shape for the basset hound face. It is oval and protrudes forward from the lower front of the head. Knit it in cream, stuff it firmly, and sew it on horizontally with the widest part centered below the eyes.

1. CO 8 sts in cream and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, Inc, rep around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, Inc, rep around. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 7 to 15: K all sts.
9. Rnd 16: K6, K2tog, K16, SSK, K6. 30 sts.
10. Rnd 17: K all sts.
11. Rnd 18: K5, K2tog, K16, SSK, K5. 28 sts.
12. Rnd 19: K all sts.
13. Rnd 20: K2, K2tog, rep around. 21 sts.
14. Stuff firmly, keeping the front rounded and the back slightly flat.
15. Rnd 21: K1, K2tog, rep around. 14 sts.
16. Rnd 22: K2tog around. 7 sts.
17. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, close securely.

Attaching the Muzzle

1. Place the head with the neck opening side downward.
2. Position the muzzle across the lower front of the face, beginning about 8 rounds above the neck edge.
3. The muzzle should cover about 26 sts across the front width.
4. Pin the muzzle so the lower edge sits slightly forward, creating the hound’s soft drooping expression.
5. Sew around the muzzle with cream yarn using small ladder stitches.
6. Add extra stuffing before closing the final 1 in of seam.

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Black Nose

The nose is oversized, rounded, and slightly oval. It sits on the very front of the muzzle and points forward. Use black yarn and knit it tightly so it appears plush and smooth like the image.

1. CO 6 sts in black and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Inc in each st around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, Inc, rep around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K2, Inc, rep around. 24 sts.
5. Rnds 4 to 8: K all sts.
6. Rnd 9: K2, K2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
7. Rnd 10: K1, K2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
8. Stuff lightly so the nose is firm but not stretched.
9. Rnd 11: K2tog around. 6 sts.
10. Cut yarn, draw closed, and secure.
11. Sew the nose to the front tip of the muzzle, slightly tilted downward.

Brown Face Patches

The brown patches frame the cream face and create the basset hound expression. Each patch is worked flat and sewn to the head before attaching the ears. Shape them with curved edges so they sit beside the eyes and run down toward the muzzle.

Right Face Patch

1. CO 8 sts in warm brown.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, M1L, K6, M1R, K1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K1, M1L, K8, M1R, K1. 12 sts.
7. Rows 6 to 12: Work in stockinette.
8. Row 13: K2, SSK, K4, K2tog, K2. 10 sts.
9. Row 14: P all sts.
10. Row 15: K2, SSK, K2, K2tog, K2. 8 sts.
11. Row 16: P all sts.
12. BO loosely.

Left Face Patch

1. Work the same as the right patch.
2. When sewing, mirror the shape so the rounded wide part sits around the eye.
3. Leave a cream stripe down the center of the face, about 10 sts wide at the forehead.
4. Let the lower inside edge curve around the muzzle without covering the front of it.

Eyes

The eyes are large, glossy-looking, and placed above the muzzle. Use knitted ovals for a soft toy-safe finish. If making the doll for a very young child, avoid plastic safety eyes and use only sewn details.

Eye Whites

1. Make 2. CO 6 sts in white.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, M1L, K4, M1R, K1. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K all sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1. 6 sts.
9. Row 8: P all sts.
10. BO.

Black Pupils and Highlights

1. With black yarn, embroider a large oval pupil over the lower center of each white eye.
2. Use satin stitches until the pupil looks full and dark.
3. Add one tiny white highlight stitch at the upper outside edge of each pupil.
4. Sew the eyes partly over the brown patches, about 3 sts above the muzzle seam.

Mouth and Face Embroidery

1. Thread a tapestry needle with black yarn.
2. Bring the needle out below the center of the nose.
3. Make one straight vertical stitch down the front of the muzzle, about 1.25 in / 3 cm long.
4. At the bottom, make a tiny curved stitch to the left and then to the right for a gentle mouth.
5. Do not pull too tightly, because the muzzle should remain rounded.

Long Floppy Ears

The ears are long, warm brown, and hang down beside the face. They are worked flat with garter-stitch edges and stockinette centers. The top is narrow, the middle is wide, and the lower end is softly rounded.

Ear Pattern

1. Make 2. CO 8 sts in warm brown.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts for a firm top edge.
3. Row 5: K2, M1L, K4, M1R, K2. 10 sts.
4. Row 6: K2, P6, K2.
5. Row 7: K2, M1L, K6, M1R, K2. 12 sts.
6. Row 8: K2, P8, K2.
7. Row 9: K2, M1L, K8, M1R, K2. 14 sts.
8. Row 10: K2, P10, K2.
9. Rows 11 to 42: Continue with K2 edge sts, stockinette center, K2 edge sts.
10. Row 43: K2, SSK, K6, K2tog, K2. 12 sts.
11. Row 44: K2, P8, K2.
12. Row 45: K2, SSK, K4, K2tog, K2. 10 sts.
13. Row 46: K2, P6, K2.
14. Row 47: K2, SSK, K2, K2tog, K2. 8 sts.
15. Rows 48 to 50: K all sts.
16. BO loosely.

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Attach the Ears

1. Place each ear high on the side of the head, just behind the eye patch.
2. The top edge should sit around Rnds 28 to 32 of the head.
3. Sew only the top 1 in / 2.5 cm of each ear to the head.
4. Let the remaining length hang freely beside the cheeks.
5. Fold the top slightly forward before securing to create the soft droop in the image.

Body

The body is cream and shaped as a soft seated torso. It will be mostly covered by the striped outfit, but the cream chest should show at the center opening of the cardigan. Knit firmly and stuff enough to hold the head upright.

1. CO 12 sts in cream and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K2, Inc, rep around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K3, Inc, rep around. 40 sts.
8. Rnds 7 to 18: K all sts.
9. Rnd 19: K8, K2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
10. Rnds 20 to 24: K all sts.
11. Rnd 25: K4, K2tog, rep around. 30 sts.
12. Rnds 26 to 29: K all sts.
13. Rnd 30: K3, K2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
14. Stuff the body firmly at the lower base and moderately through the upper chest.
15. Rnd 31: K2, K2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
16. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.

Legs and Feet

The legs are cream with large oval feet. The doll sits with the feet forward, so the feet should be stuffed firmly and the upper legs more softly. Black toe lines are embroidered after the sandals are attached.

Foot and Leg, Make 2

1. CO 8 sts in cream and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K1, Inc, rep around. 24 sts.
5. Rnds 4 to 8: K all sts.
6. Rnd 9: K8, K2tog 4 times, K8. 20 sts.
7. Rnd 10: K6, K2tog 4 times, K6. 16 sts.
8. Rnds 11 to 24: K all sts for the leg.
9. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly.
10. Rnd 25: K2, K2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
11. BO, leaving a long tail.

Attach the Legs

1. Place the body in a seated position.
2. Sew each leg to the lower front of the body, with the feet pointing forward.
3. Leave a small gap between the legs so the shorts will sit naturally.
4. Use several firm stitches at the hip seam so the legs do not swing too loosely.

Arms

The arms are cream at the paws and partly covered by the blue striped sleeves. Knit the arm shape first in cream. The sleeves are added separately as small tubes so the cuffs look clear and neat.

Arm, Make 2

1. CO 8 sts in cream and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 8: K all sts.
5. Rnd 9: K2, K2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
6. Rnds 10 to 24: K all sts.
7. Stuff the paw firmly and the upper arm lightly.
8. Rnd 25: K2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn, draw closed, and secure.

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Attach the Arms

1. Sew the arms to the upper sides of the body, about 3 rounds below the neck edge.
2. Angle them slightly downward so the paws rest beside the cardigan.
3. Keep the arms close to the body to match the sitting doll in the image.

Striped Shorts

The shorts are knitted as a small high-waisted garment that fits over the lower body and tops of the legs. Use the blue, cream, and mustard stripe sequence. The blue hem is visible at each leg opening.

Shorts Body

1. CO 44 sts in sky blue and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 3: K1, P1 rib.
3. Rnd 4: Change to cream and K all sts.
4. Rnd 5: K all sts.
5. Rnd 6: Change to mustard and K all sts.
6. Rnds 7 to 8: Change to cream and K all sts.
7. Rnds 9 to 11: Change to sky blue and K all sts.
8. Rnd 12: K22 sts, place next 22 sts on holder for second leg.

First Shorts Leg

1. Work on first 22 sts in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 2: K in cream.
3. Rnd 3: K in mustard.
4. Rnds 4 to 5: K in cream.
5. Rnds 6 to 8: K in sky blue.
6. Rnds 9 to 10: K1, P1 rib in sky blue.
7. BO in rib.

Second Shorts Leg

1. Return held 22 sts to needles.
2. Join yarn at inner leg.
3. Work the same as first shorts leg.
4. Weave in all ends inside the shorts.
5. Slide shorts over legs and body before attaching cardigan if desired.

Striped Cardigan

The cardigan is open at the front with blue edging and short sleeves. It should sit over the cream chest and align with the shorts. Work it flat from the lower back upward, then shape fronts and back. The sleeves are knitted separately.

Cardigan Body

1. CO 50 sts in sky blue.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts for garter hem.
3. Row 5: Change to cream. K all sts.
4. Row 6: P all sts.
5. Row 7: Change to mustard. K all sts.
6. Row 8: Change to cream. P all sts.
7. Row 9: K all sts.
8. Rows 10 to 12: Change to sky blue and work stockinette.
9. Rows 13 to 24: Repeat the clothing stripe sequence in stockinette.
10. Row 25: K12 for right front, BO 4 sts for armhole, K18 for back, BO 4 sts for armhole, K12 for left front.

Right Front

1. Work on first 12 sts only.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Continue stripe sequence in stockinette, keeping front edge in garter for 2 sts.
3. Row 9: At neck edge, K2tog once. 11 sts.
4. Row 10: Work even.
5. Row 11: At neck edge, K2tog once. 10 sts.
6. Rows 12 to 14: Work even.
7. BO.

Back

1. Work on center 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 14: Continue stripe sequence in stockinette.
3. BO.

Left Front

1. Work on final 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Continue stripe sequence, keeping front edge in garter for 2 sts.
3. Row 9: At neck edge, SSK once. 11 sts.
4. Row 10: Work even.
5. Row 11: At neck edge, SSK once. 10 sts.
6. Rows 12 to 14: Work even.
7. BO.

Shoulder Seams and Front Edging

1. Sew shoulder seams with mattress stitch.
2. Pick up 38 sts along the right front, back neck, and left front using sky blue.
3. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.
4. BO loosely.
5. Place cardigan on the doll and check that the cream chest remains visible.

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Sleeves, Make 2

1. CO 20 sts in sky blue and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 3: K1, P1 rib.
3. Rnds 4 to 5: Change to cream and K all sts.
4. Rnd 6: Change to mustard and K all sts.
5. Rnds 7 to 8: Change to cream and K all sts.
6. Rnds 9 to 12: Change to sky blue and K all sts.
7. BO loosely.
8. Sew each sleeve into the cardigan armhole.

Tan Crossbody Bag with Daisy

The small tan bag hangs across the chest from the dog’s shoulder to the opposite hip. It has a square pouch, long strap, and white daisy on the front. The bag should sit over the striped outfit as a visible picnic accessory.

Bag Pouch

1. CO 16 sts in tan.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 18: Work stockinette.
4. Rows 19 to 22: K all sts.
5. BO.
6. Fold the piece in half with garter edges at the top.
7. Sew side seams, leaving the top open.
8. Lightly stuff or insert a small folded yarn scrap to give the pouch shape.

Bag Strap

1. CO 4 sts in tan.
2. Work an I-cord for 18 in / 46 cm.
3. BO and sew one end to each upper corner of the pouch.
4. Place strap diagonally from the dog’s right shoulder to left hip.
5. Tack the strap to the cardigan with two hidden stitches so it stays in place.

Daisy Decoration

1. For each petal, CO 3 sts in white.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K3tog. One st remains.
5. Cut yarn and pull through.
6. Make 8 petals.
7. Sew petals in a circle on the front of the bag.
8. Use mustard yarn to make 6 small satin stitches in the center.

Flower Sandals

The sandals are tan and brown with a front strap and a small pink flower on each side. They sit around the cream feet, leaving the toes visible. Black embroidered toe lines show clearly on the front paws.

Sandal Sole, Make 2

1. CO 8 sts in warm brown.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, M1L, K6, M1R, K1. 10 sts.
5. Rows 4 to 14: K all sts.
6. Row 15: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
7. Rows 16 to 18: K all sts.
8. BO.

Tan Foot Strap, Make 2

1. CO 5 sts in tan.
2. Work garter stitch for 1.75 in / 4.5 cm.
3. BO.
4. Wrap across the top of the foot and sew ends under the foot.
5. Sew the brown sole to the bottom of each foot after positioning the strap.

Pink Side Flowers

1. With pink yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Knit 2 rows, then K3tog and fasten off to make one petal.
3. Make 5 petals for each sandal flower.
4. Sew petals beside the tan strap on the outer side of each foot.
5. Add a small mustard center using 3 embroidery stitches.

Toe Lines

1. Use black yarn and a tapestry needle.
2. Make 3 vertical toe lines on each cream foot.
3. Begin each line near the front top of the foot and end at the sandal edge.
4. Keep the center line slightly longer than the side lines.

Bee Headband

The tiny bee sits on a tan cord headband across the top of the head. It is small but very visible, with yellow and black stripes, white wings, and a rounded body. Sew it securely so it looks perched above the brow.

Headband Cord

1. CO 3 sts in tan.
2. Work an I-cord for 10 in / 25 cm.
3. BO.
4. Wrap over the top of the head between the ears.
5. Sew the ends behind the ears so the cord is snug but not tight.

Bee Body

1. CO 6 sts in mustard and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Inc in each st around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts in mustard.
4. Rnd 3: Change to black and K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Change to mustard and K all sts.
6. Rnd 5: Change to black and K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Change to mustard and K all sts.
8. Stuff very lightly.
9. Rnd 7: K2tog around. 6 sts.
10. Cut yarn, draw closed, and secure.

Bee Wings

1. Make 2. CO 4 sts in white.
2. Rows 1 to 2: K all sts.
3. Row 3: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
4. BO.
5. Sew both wings to the top of the bee body.
6. Use black yarn to add two tiny eyes at the front.
7. Sew the bee to the center top of the headband.

Striped Picnic Sun Hat

The hat in the image sits beside the doll, not on the head. It has a rounded crown and flat brim with blue, cream, and mustard stripes. Knit it firmly so it can hold its shape on the picnic table display.

Hat Crown

1. CO 8 sts in sky blue and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Inc in each st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: K1, Inc, rep around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: Change to cream and K all sts.
6. Rnd 5: K2, Inc, rep around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: Change to mustard and K all sts.
8. Rnd 7: Change to cream and K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, Inc, rep around. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 9 to 10: Change to sky blue and K all sts.
11. Rnds 11 to 12: Change to cream and K all sts.
12. Rnd 13: Change to mustard and K all sts.
13. Rnds 14 to 15: Change to cream and K all sts.
14. Rnds 16 to 18: Change to sky blue and K all sts.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 19: K1, M1L, rep around. 80 sts.
2. Rnd 20: P all sts to create a crisp brim turn.
3. Rnds 21 to 22: K in cream.
4. Rnd 23: K in mustard.
5. Rnds 24 to 25: K in cream.
6. Rnds 26 to 28: K in sky blue.
7. Rnd 29: P all sts.
8. BO loosely.
9. Weave in ends and flatten brim gently with your fingers.

Picnic Basket

The basket is a small rectangular knitted prop in tan with a curved handle. A touch of red inside suggests the picnic lining seen in the image. Work the fabric tightly and add a firm insert if you want crisp sides.

Basket Base and Sides

1. CO 18 sts in tan.
2. Rows 1 to 8: K all sts for the base.
3. Pick up 8 sts along first short side, 18 sts along cast-on edge, and 8 sts along second short side. 52 sts total.
4. Join to work in the round.
5. Rnds 1 to 12: K all sts.
6. Rnd 13: P all sts for upper rim texture.
7. Rnds 14 to 15: K all sts.
8. BO loosely.
9. Fold corners into a rectangle and tack them inside with tan yarn.

Basket Lid Flaps

1. Make 2. CO 16 sts in tan.
2. Rows 1 to 10: K all sts.
3. BO.
4. Sew one lid flap to each long upper edge of the basket.
5. Leave a narrow opening between the flaps to show the picnic lining.
6. With red yarn, embroider a thin line inside the opening.

Basket Handle

1. CO 4 sts in tan.
2. Work I-cord for 7 in / 18 cm.
3. BO.
4. Sew one end to each short side of the basket.
5. Curve the handle upward and secure it firmly.

Knitted Sandwich

The sandwich is a small stacked accessory beside the basket. It includes two tan bread slices and visible layers of lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Keep the piece flat and slightly padded so it looks like a soft toy picnic sandwich.

Bread Slices, Make 2

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

Filling Layers

1. For lettuce, CO 14 sts in green and K 2 rows. BO loosely.
2. For tomato, CO 12 sts in red and K 2 rows. BO loosely.
3. For cheese, CO 13 sts in pale yellow and K 2 rows. BO loosely.
4. Stack one bread slice, green strip, red strip, yellow strip, and second bread slice.
5. Sew around the back edge only, leaving the front layers visible.

Outfit Fitting and Doll Dressing

Dress the doll before adding the bag and final headband details. Pull the shorts gently over the legs and lower body. Then place the cardigan around the shoulders. The cardigan fronts should remain open, showing the cream chest and a narrow line of the striped shorts.

1. Put the shorts on first and tack the waistband to the body at the back.
2. Place the cardigan on the body and sew underarms lightly if needed.
3. Slide each arm through a sleeve or sew the sleeves around the arms after dressing.
4. Position the crossbody bag strap over the right shoulder and across the chest.
5. Let the bag pouch rest near the left hip.
6. Place sandals on the feet and sew them invisibly to prevent shifting.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Final assembly gives the doll its character. Take your time with placement. The head should be slightly oversized compared with the body, the nose should point forward, and the ears should hang long enough to frame the cardigan shoulders.

1. Sew the body to the bottom of the head using cream yarn.
2. Reinforce the neck seam with two full rounds of stitching.
3. Attach the legs to the lower front of the body in a seated angle.
4. Attach the arms after the cardigan is fitted, so the sleeves align neatly.
5. Sew the brown face patches before attaching the eyes.
6. Sew the muzzle to the lower face and then sew the black nose to the muzzle.
7. Add the vertical black mouth line below the nose.
8. Attach the ears high and slightly behind the eyes.
9. Sew the bee headband in place across the top of the head.
10. Arrange the basket, sandwich, and hat beside the doll for the complete picnic display.

Care Notes

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if the doll includes cardboard or plastic inserts.
• Press out water gently with a towel if cleaning larger areas.
• Air dry flat away from direct heat.
• Reshape the ears, nose, hat brim, and bag while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The cream center face is visible between both brown patches.
• The black nose is large, rounded, and centered on the muzzle.
• The ears are long, brown, soft, and attached high on the head.
• The cardigan and shorts share the blue, cream, and mustard stripe pattern.
• The tan bag crosses the body diagonally and has a white daisy.
• Both sandals have tan straps, brown soles, toe lines, and pink flowers.
• The tiny bee sits securely on the headband.
• The hat, basket, and sandwich are finished as separate picnic props.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished basset hound doll in a dry place where the ears can lie naturally without being crushed. If the doll is displayed on a shelf, keep the sun hat brim flat and place the sandwich and basket nearby so the picnic scene stays complete.

To freshen the doll, use a soft lint roller or clean makeup brush. Avoid strong rubbing over the embroidered eyes, daisy, bee wings, and toe lines. For long-term storage, wrap the doll loosely in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton cloth.

• Keep away from pets that may pull the small accessories.
• Avoid hanging the doll by the bag strap or headband.
• Check seams occasionally if the doll is handled often.
• Repair loose embroidery immediately with matching yarn.
• Do not iron the stuffed pieces; steam only lightly and from a distance if needed.

Optional Display Ideas

For a finished look close to the image, place the doll in a seated position on a wooden bench or picnic table. Set the striped hat to one side, place the basket and sandwich near the opposite side, and let the long ears fall naturally beside the face.

The doll is especially cute when styled with the head tilted slightly upward. This shows the large nose, soft muzzle, bright eyes, bee headband, striped cardigan, daisy bag, and flower sandals all at once.