Knitting Tutorial: Lemon Kitten Garden Doll – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet lemon kitten garden doll is a soft knitted amigurumi-style toy with a cream kitten body, oversized glossy eyes, peach ears, rosy cheeks, a pale yellow sundress, white lace-look hem, lemon sandals, a tiny lemon slice purse, a wide garden hat, a lemonade cup, and a basket of knitted lemons with flowers and leaves.

 

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 Notes

This pattern is written for a doll about 10.5 to 11.5 inches tall when made with DK weight yarn and firm stuffing. The kitten is knitted mainly in the round using stockinette stitch, then shaped with increases, decreases, embroidery, and sewn-on accessories.

The image shows a round kitten head, a smaller straight body, long simple arms, straight legs, pointed ears, and a flared lemon dress. The accessories are important to the final look, so do not skip the hat, purse, cup, basket, lemons, flowers, and green leaf details.

• Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate.
• Main method: Knitting in the round on DPNs or magic loop.
• Finished doll height: About 27 cm or 10.75 inches.
• Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 inch in firm stockinette.
• Stuffing style: Firm but not stretched, so the knit stitches remain neat.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream for the kitten head, body, arms, legs, muzzle, and feet.
• DK weight yarn in pale peach for inner ears, blush details, and nose embroidery.
• DK weight yarn in soft lemon yellow for dress, shoes, lemons, hat, purse, and drink cup.
• DK weight yarn in white for flower petals, lace hem, cup rim, straw stripes, and lemon slice lines.
• DK weight yarn in light green for dress trim, purse strap, leaves, vines, and shoe edging.
• DK weight yarn in tan or light brown for the basket.
• Small amount of black embroidery thread for eyelashes and mouth outline.
• Small amount of dark brown embroidery thread for sleepy eyebrow arches.
• Two 18 mm black safety eyes or glossy toy eyes.
• One pair of 2.75 mm DPNs or long circular needle for magic loop.
• One pair of 3.0 mm needles for the dress skirt and hat brim.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, pins, and polyester fiberfill.
• Optional: pink powder blush or textile pastel for cheeks.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st/sts: stitch/stitches.
• rnd/rnds: round/rounds.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit the slipped stitches together.
• yo: yarn over.
• sl1: slip 1 stitch purlwise.
• M1L: make 1 left.
• M1R: make 1 right.

Important Gauge and Stuffing Tips

For this kitten, a firm gauge is more important than a soft fabric. If your stitches look loose after stuffing, switch to smaller needles. A dense fabric keeps the round head smooth and prevents white stuffing from showing through the cream yarn.

Stuff the head slowly in layers. The face in the photo is round, full, and slightly wider across the cheeks. Add extra stuffing to the lower cheeks, but keep the chin soft so the tiny open mouth can sit naturally below the nose.

• Use invisible increases when possible for the face and body.
• Keep the beginning of round at the back of the head and body.
• Do not overstuff the ears, arms, or dress decorations.
• Pin all pieces before sewing so the kitten stays balanced.

Kitten Head

Use cream yarn and 2.75 mm needles. Work in the round. The head is a large rounded shape with a gentle lower cheek area. The face will be front-centered between rounds 18 and 30.

1. Rnd 1: CO 8 sts using a figure-eight cast on or small circular cast on. Join carefully. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 4: k1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 6: k2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7: knit all sts.
8. Rnd 8: k3, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 9: knit all sts.
10. Rnd 10: k4, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 11: knit all sts.
12. Rnd 12: k5, kfb, repeat around. 56 sts.
13. Rnd 13: knit all sts.
14. Rnd 14: k6, kfb, repeat around. 64 sts.
15. Rnd 15: knit all sts.
16. Rnd 16: k7, kfb, repeat around. 72 sts.
17. Rnds 17-25: knit all sts.
18. Rnd 26: k16, kfb, k8, kfb, k16, kfb, k8, kfb, k20. 76 sts.
19. Rnds 27-29: knit all sts.
20. Rnd 30: k17, k2tog, k8, ssk, k17, k2tog, k8, ssk, k18. 72 sts.
21. Rnd 31: k7, k2tog, repeat around. 64 sts.
22. Rnd 32: knit all sts.
23. Rnd 33: k6, k2tog, repeat around. 56 sts.
24. Rnd 34: knit all sts.
25. Rnd 35: k5, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
26. Rnd 36: k4, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.

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Pause here. Insert safety eyes between rounds 22 and 23, about 13 stitches apart. The eyes should sit low on the face and slightly forward, matching the big bright kitten expression in the image.

1. Rnd 37: k3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
2. Rnd 38: knit all sts.
3. Rnd 39: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.

Stuff the head firmly. Add more stuffing to the cheek area under each eye. Keep the top rounded and smooth. Continue closing.

1. Rnd 40: k1, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 41: k2tog around. 8 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull closed, and weave in securely. Shape the head gently with your hands so the front is round and the cheeks are full.

White Face Panel

The kitten in the image has a soft white cream center running down the forehead and muzzle area. This can be knitted as a small flat oval and sewn on, or embroidered with duplicate stitch. For a clean beginner-friendly finish, knit the panel separately.

• Use very light cream or white yarn.
• Work flat on 2.75 mm needles.

1. Row 1: CO 5 sts.
2. Row 2: purl all sts.
3. Row 3: k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1. 7 sts.
4. Row 4: purl all sts.
5. Row 5: k1, kfb, k3, kfb, k1. 9 sts.
6. Rows 6-12: work stockinette, purl WS rows and knit RS rows.
7. Row 13: k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1. 7 sts.
8. Row 14: purl all sts.
9. Row 15: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. 5 sts.
10. Row 16: purl all sts.
11. Row 17: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
12. Row 18: purl all sts.
13. Row 19: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over. 1 st.

Fasten off. Sew this panel from the top center of the forehead down between the eyes, letting the lower point sit above the mouth. Use tiny stitches and do not pull too tightly.

Muzzle Pads

The muzzle is made with two small rounded pads under the nose. These pads create the kitten smile and make the face look plush like the photo.

Make Two

1. Rnd 1: With cream yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rnds 4-5: knit all sts.
5. Rnd 6: k1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.

Stuff very lightly. Flatten each pad slightly. Sew the pads side by side below the eyes, with the inner edges touching. The top of the pads should sit below the center of the eyes.

Nose and Open Mouth

Use peach yarn for the small heart-like nose. The mouth in the image is a tiny open oval below the muzzle, shaded warm peach inside.

1. Embroider a small triangle nose over the joined top of the two muzzle pads.
2. Make the nose about 5 stitches wide and 4 rows tall.
3. Use black or dark brown thread to stitch a short vertical line from the nose tip.
4. For the mouth, CO 8 sts with peach yarn and work 3 rows in stockinette.
5. BO all sts, roll into a tiny oval, and sew below the muzzle line.
6. Add one black backstitch around the lower edge if you want stronger definition.

Outer Ears

The ears are triangular, tall, and placed at the upper sides of the head. They lean slightly outward. Each ear has a cream outer piece and peach inner piece.

Make Two Outer Ears

1. Row 1: With cream yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 2: purl all sts.
3. Row 3: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
4. Row 4: purl all sts.
5. Row 5: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
6. Row 6: purl all sts.
7. Row 7: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
8. Row 8: purl all sts.
9. Row 9: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
10. Row 10: purl all sts.
11. Row 11: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
12. Row 12: purl all sts.
13. Row 13: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
14. Row 14: purl all sts.
15. Row 15: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
16. Row 16: purl all sts.
17. Row 17: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
18. Row 18: p2tog. 1 st.

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Fasten off. Leave a long tail for sewing. Lightly steam or shape the triangle with your fingers, but do not flatten the texture.

Inner Ears

Make Two

1. Row 1: With peach yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 2: purl all sts.
3. Row 3: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 4: purl all sts.
5. Row 5: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
6. Row 6: purl all sts.
7. Row 7: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
8. Row 8: purl all sts.
9. Row 9: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
10. Row 10: purl all sts.
11. Row 11: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
12. Row 12: purl all sts.
13. Row 13: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
14. Row 14: p2tog. 1 st.

Sew one inner ear to each outer ear, centered with a small cream border visible. Sew ears to the head between rounds 10 and 22. Angle each ear outward and slightly forward.

Body

The body is smaller than the head and shaped like a soft cylinder with a narrow neck. The dress will cover most of the body, but the cream neck should show above the bodice.

1. Rnd 1: With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
5. Rnd 5: k3, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
6. Rnds 6-14: knit all sts.
7. Rnd 15: k8, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
8. Rnds 16-20: knit all sts.
9. Rnd 21: k4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
10. Rnds 22-24: knit all sts.
11. Rnd 25: k3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
12. Rnds 26-29: knit all sts for the neck. 24 sts.
13. Rnd 30: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.

Stuff the body firmly through the top. Keep the base flat enough for the doll to sit or lie nicely. Leave the 18 neck stitches live if you want to sew head to body with extra strength, or bind off and sew normally.

Legs

The legs are straight, cream, and simple, with lemon shoes added later. Make two identical legs. They should be long enough to show under the skirt.

Make Two

1. Rnd 1: With cream yarn, CO 10 sts and join. 10 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k4, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 4-7: knit all sts.
5. Rnd 8: k4, k2tog, repeat around. 20 sts.
6. Rnds 9-28: knit all sts.
7. Rnd 29: k3, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
8. Rnds 30-32: knit all sts.

Stuff the lower foot and leg firmly. Leave the top slightly softer for sewing. BO all stitches. Sew the legs under the body with about 4 stitches of space between them.

Arms

The arms are cream, narrow, and rounded at the hands. They hang down along the dress. Make two.

1. Rnd 1: With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 3-6: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 7: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
5. Rnds 8-26: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 27: k1, k2tog, repeat around. 8 sts.

Stuff the hand firmly and the upper arm lightly. Cut yarn, pull through remaining stitches, and close. Sew arms to the upper body just below the neck, angled slightly downward.

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Lemon Yellow Dress Bodice

The dress has a fitted yellow bodice with green edging and small straps. It sits just below the kitten neck and flares into a wide skirt. Work the bodice flat, then seam at the back.

1. Row 1: With pale yellow yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 34 sts.
2. Row 2: purl all sts.
3. Row 3: k2, M1L, k30, M1R, k2. 36 sts.
4. Row 4: purl all sts.
5. Row 5: knit all sts.
6. Row 6: purl all sts.
7. Row 7: k6, BO 6 sts for first armhole, k12, BO 6 sts for second armhole, k6.
8. Row 8: p6, CO 6 sts over gap, p12, CO 6 sts over gap, p6. 36 sts.
9. Rows 9-14: work stockinette stitch.
10. Row 15: knit all sts.
11. Row 16: purl all sts.

BO loosely. Seam the back after placing it around the body. The bodice should fit snugly but should not squeeze the stuffing.

Green Neck and Waist Trim

• With green yarn, pick up 36 sts around the top edge of the bodice.
• Rnd 1: knit all sts.
• Rnd 2: purl all sts.
• BO knitwise.
• Repeat around the lower waist edge using 38 picked-up sts.

Dress Straps

The image shows green shoulder trim and small yellow shoulder ruffles. These details make the outfit look delicate and garden themed.

Green Straps

1. With green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row for 22 rows.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make a second strap the same way.

Sew each strap from the front bodice over the shoulder to the back bodice. Keep them close to the arm openings.

Yellow Shoulder Ruffles

1. With yellow yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: knit all sts.
3. Row 2: k2tog across. 9 sts.
4. BO all sts.

Make two. Sew one ruffle on each shoulder, slightly gathered, so it sits like a tiny sleeve cap.

Flared Lemon Skirt

The skirt is full, pleated, and lemon yellow. It is knitted separately from the top down and sewn under the bodice waist. Use 3.0 mm needles for softer drape.

1. Rnd 1: With yellow yarn, CO 54 sts and join. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 2: knit all sts.
3. Rnd 3: k2, kfb, repeat around. 72 sts.
4. Rnd 4: knit all sts.
5. Rnd 5: k3, kfb, repeat around. 90 sts.
6. Rnds 6-10: knit all sts.
7. Rnd 11: k4, kfb, repeat around. 108 sts.
8. Rnds 12-24: knit all sts.
9. Rnd 25: purl all sts to create a lower fold line.
10. Rnd 26: knit all sts.
11. Rnd 27: k2tog, yo, repeat around for a small eyelet look.
12. Rnd 28: knit all sts.
13. Rnd 29: purl all sts.
14. BO loosely.

Sew the top of the skirt under the green waist trim. Gently gather if needed. The skirt should flare outward and stop above the knees, just like the image.

White Lace-Look Underskirt

The photo shows a white scalloped lace edge under the yellow skirt. This knitted version gives the same effect without crochet.

1. With white yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 108 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: knit all sts.
3. Rnd 2: purl all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k2tog, yo, repeat around.
5. Rnd 4: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 5: k1, yo, k2tog, repeat around.
7. Rnd 6: purl all sts.
8. Rnd 7: BO loosely.

Sew the white lace-look underskirt beneath the yellow skirt so only the scalloped edge shows. It should peek out evenly around the hem.

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Green Skirt Vine Trim

The green trim sits along the lower edge of the yellow skirt. It looks like a soft garden vine.

1. With green yarn, CO 120 sts.
2. Row 1: knit all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew this narrow green cord around the lower yellow skirt, just above the white lace. Use small stitches every 4 to 5 knitted stitches so the trim follows the curve neatly.

Lemon Slice Applique for Dress

The bodice has a lemon slice motif at the center. It is made with a yellow circle, white outline, and white wedge embroidery.

1. Rnd 1: With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts and join. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k2, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: knit all sts.
6. BO all sts.

With white yarn, embroider a circle around the edge. Stitch one vertical line through the center, one horizontal line, and four diagonal wedge lines. Sew the lemon slice to the center front bodice.

Small Daisy Flowers

The doll has several small white daisies with yellow centers on the hair, dress, purse, shoes, basket, cup, and hat. Make at least 12 flowers for a full matching look.

Each Daisy

1. With yellow yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k2tog around. 5 sts.
4. Cut yarn and close to form a small center.
5. For each petal, pick up 2 sts at the edge with white yarn.
6. Knit 3 rows, then k2tog and fasten off.
7. Make 5 petals around each yellow center.

For a quicker knitted petal method, make five separate white petals by CO 3 sts, knit 2 rows, then sl1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over. Sew the petals around one yellow center.

Green Leaves

Leaves appear beside the flowers and lemons. Make about 18 small leaves in two green shades if available.

1. With green yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: knit all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: purl all sts.
5. Row 4: k1, M1L, k3, M1R, k1. 7 sts.
6. Row 5: purl all sts.
7. Row 6: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. 5 sts.
8. Row 7: purl all sts.
9. Row 8: k1, ssk, k2tog. 3 sts.
10. Row 9: purl all sts.
11. Row 10: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over. 1 st.

Fasten off and use the tails to sew leaves near flowers, lemons, hat trim, and shoes.

Lemon Purse

The purse is a small round lemon-slice bag worn across the body. It hangs at the kitten’s right side and has a green shoulder strap.

Purse Front

1. Rnd 1: With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and join. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
5. Rnd 5: k3, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 6: knit all sts.
7. BO all sts.

Purse Back

Make the same circle again in yellow, but do not add lemon embroidery to the back unless desired.

Purse Side Band

1. With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strip measures around the purse circle edge.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the side band between the front and back circles. Stuff very lightly before closing the final inch. Embroider the front with a white outer ring and lemon wedge lines.

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Green Purse Strap

1. With green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row for 72 rows, or until the strap crosses from shoulder to opposite hip.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one end of the strap to each side of the purse. Place the strap over the kitten’s left shoulder so the purse rests on the right side of the skirt.

Lemon Shoes

The shoes are pale yellow with green soles, small straps, flowers, and leaves. They are rounded and sit over the cream feet.

Make Two Shoe Uppers

1. Rnd 1: With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and join. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 4-6: knit all sts.
5. Rnd 7: k8, BO 8 sts for top opening, k8. 16 working sts remain.
6. Row 8: turn, purl 16 sts.
7. Row 9: turn, knit 16 sts.
8. Row 10: purl 16 sts.
9. Row 11: ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 14 sts.
10. Row 12: purl all sts.
11. Row 13: ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 12 sts.
12. BO all sts.

Slide the shoe over the foot and sew in place. The open top should face upward. Repeat for the second shoe.

Green Sole Trim

1. With green yarn, CO 34 sts.
2. Knit 1 row.
3. BO all sts.

Sew around the lower edge of each shoe. Add a short yellow strap across the top by CO 14 sts, knitting 2 rows, and binding off. Sew one strap to each shoe.

Add one daisy and two green leaves to the front of each shoe. Keep the decorations small so the shoes stay balanced.

Wide Lemon Garden Hat

The hat is a large flat garden hat placed beside the kitten in the photo. It has a round crown, wide brim, green vine trim, flowers, leaves, and a knitted lemon accent.

Hat Crown

1. Rnd 1: With yellow yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 8 sts and join. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
5. Rnd 5: k3, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 6: k4, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
7. Rnds 7-12: knit all sts.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 13: k1, kfb, repeat around. 72 sts.
2. Rnd 14: knit all sts.
3. Rnd 15: k2, kfb, repeat around. 96 sts.
4. Rnd 16: knit all sts.
5. Rnd 17: k3, kfb, repeat around. 120 sts.
6. Rnds 18-23: knit all sts.
7. Rnd 24: purl all sts for a firm edge.
8. Rnd 25: BO loosely.

Lightly stuff only the crown if needed. Do not stuff the brim. Shape it flat and wide with your hands. The brim should look broad, soft, and round.

Hat Decorations

• Make one green cord by CO 120 sts, knitting 1 row, and binding off.
• Sew the green cord around the base of the crown.
• Add 5 small daisies around the vine.
• Add 7 green leaves between the flowers.
• Add one small knitted lemon to the front-left side of the hat.

Knitted Lemons

The lemons are oval, textured, and bright yellow. They appear in the basket, on the hat, and near the hair flower. Make at least 6 lemons.

1. Rnd 1: With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts and join. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: knit all sts.
5. Rnd 5: k2, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 6-10: knit all sts.
7. Rnd 11: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
8. Rnd 12: knit all sts.
9. Rnd 13: k1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
10. Stuff lightly into an oval lemon shape.
11. Rnd 14: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Cut yarn and pull closed. To shape pointed lemon ends, pass the yarn tail through the center from one end to the other and pull gently. Knot securely and weave in.

Basket

The small basket sits beside the kitten and holds several lemons, leaves, and a daisy. It is tan with a rounded base and low sides.

Basket Base

1. Rnd 1: With tan yarn, CO 8 sts and join. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
5. Rnd 5: k3, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 6: purl all sts to make a turning ridge.

Basket Sides

1. Rnds 7-13: knit all sts.
2. Rnd 14: purl all sts.
3. Rnd 15: BO loosely.

For a woven look, use tan yarn to make vertical duplicate stitches around the sides. Add a braided rim by making three 55-row knitted cords, then braiding them and sewing around the top edge.

Basket Handle

1. With tan yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Knit every row for 42 rows.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one end of the handle to each side of the basket. Fill the basket with 3 knitted lemons, several green leaves, and one small daisy.

Lemonade Cup

The cup is a small yellow knitted drink with a white rim, lemon slice decoration, flower, leaf, and striped straw. It sits to the kitten’s left in the image.

Cup Body

1. Rnd 1: With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and join. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
5. Rnds 5-16: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 17: k6, k2tog, repeat around. 28 sts.
7. Rnds 18-20: knit all sts.
8. Rnd 21: purl all sts for top ridge.
9. Rnd 22: BO all sts.

Stuff the cup lightly so it keeps a cylinder shape. Cut a small circle of knitted white fabric for the top if desired, or close the top with a gathered white disk.

White Cup Rim

1. With white yarn, CO 34 sts.
2. Knit 2 rows.
3. BO all sts.

Sew around the top edge of the cup. Add a second white cord around the lower top if you want the raised rim shown in the photo.

Straw

1. With white yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Knit 3 rows white.
3. Switch to yellow and knit 3 rows.
4. Repeat white and yellow stripes until the straw measures 3 inches.
5. BO all sts.

Roll the strip into a narrow tube and sew the long edge closed. Insert it into the top of the cup at a slight angle and secure with a few stitches.

Cup Lemon Slice

Knit a small yellow circle using the first 3 rounds of the lemon slice applique. Embroider a white border and wedge lines. Sew it to the front of the cup. Add one daisy and one green leaf beside it.

Hair Flower and Lemon Accent

The kitten has a small flower and lemon decoration near one ear. Place it on the kitten’s upper right side, close to the ear base.

• Make one small daisy.
• Make one tiny lemon using the lemon pattern but stop after round 11.
• Make two small green leaves.
• Sew the leaves first, then the lemon, then the daisy on top.

This tiny cluster should sit against the head, not float away from the face. Use matching sewing thread if your yarn tails feel too bulky.

Eye Details, Eyelashes, Brows, and Blush

The eyes are oversized and glossy. The photo also shows short black lashes and soft curved brows above the eyes. These small features give the kitten its cheerful expression.

1. Using black embroidery thread, stitch 3 short lashes at the outer edge of each eye.
2. Make each lash about 2 stitches long.
3. Using brown thread, stitch a curved eyebrow above each eye between rounds 16 and 18.
4. Keep the brows soft and sleepy, not sharp.
5. Add peach blush with duplicate stitch or textile pastel under each eye.
6. For knitted blush, make 4 small peach duplicate stitches in an oval on each cheek.

Assembly Order

Assembly is easiest when completed in layers. The body, head, limbs, and dress should be joined before the tiny decorations are added.

1. Sew the head to the body using a strong ladder stitch around the neck.
2. Sew the legs under the body, keeping them straight and parallel.
3. Sew the arms to the upper body so they rest beside the dress.
4. Fit the bodice around the body and seam at the back.
5. Sew the skirt under the bodice waist.
6. Add the white underskirt beneath the yellow skirt.
7. Sew the green hem vine around the skirt.
8. Add the lemon slice applique to the bodice.
9. Place the purse strap over the shoulder and tack it lightly at the shoulder and hip.
10. Sew shoes to the feet and add shoe flowers.
11. Sew ears to the head and add the hair flower cluster.
12. Finish the face with nose, mouth, eyelashes, brows, and blush.
13. Arrange the hat, cup, and basket as separate display accessories.

Optional Stabilizing Tips

If you want the kitten to sit more securely on a shelf, add a small flat fabric weight or plastic doll pellet pouch inside the lower body before stuffing. Keep all weighted materials sealed safely inside a fabric pouch.

For a child-safe version, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes. Do not use beads, wires, hard decorations, or removable tiny accessories for children under 3 years old.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from the front before tying final knots. Both eyes should be level, the muzzle should sit centered, and the ears should angle outward evenly. A tiny adjustment here changes the whole expression.

• Place the peach nose exactly between the two muzzle pads.
• Keep the open mouth small and centered below the nose.
• Add blush lightly so it does not overpower the cream face.
• Use short, neat stitches for eyelashes.
• Secure every flower, leaf, lemon, and strap with at least 3 hidden stitches.

Care Notes

Spot clean the doll with cool water and mild soap. Do not soak the safety eyes or over-wet the stuffed head. Gently press with a towel and let the doll air dry fully before storage.

• Do not machine wash if using glued or delicate decorative parts.
• Keep the wide hat flat while drying.
• Reshape the skirt, ears, and purse while damp.
• Avoid direct sunlight for long storage periods.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is large, round, and softly cheeked.
• The ears are triangular with peach inner panels.
• The eyes are large, glossy, and evenly placed.
• The dress is lemon yellow with green trim and a white lace-look edge.
• The purse has a lemon slice front and green crossbody strap.
• The shoes have green trim, flowers, and leaves.
• The hat has a wide brim, green vine, daisies, leaves, and lemon accent.
• The cup includes a straw, lemon slice, flower, and white rim.
• The basket holds knitted lemons, leaves, and a daisy.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the lemon kitten garden doll in a clean, dry place away from dust and moisture. If displaying it on a wooden table or shelf, place a fabric mat underneath to protect the yarn from rough surfaces.

Use a soft brush to remove dust from the hat brim, skirt hem, and flower details. Brush in the direction of the knit stitches. Do not pull on the small leaves or daisy petals.

For longer preservation, wrap the accessories separately in tissue paper and keep them beside the doll. This prevents the cup straw, hat brim, purse strap, and basket handle from bending during storage.

When refreshing the shape, gently roll the head between your palms, smooth the skirt downward, and pinch the ears back into triangles. The doll should keep the same cheerful lemon garden look with only light maintenance.