Crochet Tutorial: Sunflower Giraffe Garden Doll – Free Crochet Pattern.

This cheerful sunflower giraffe garden doll features a tall yellow giraffe body, oversized smiling muzzle, white rounded teeth with black brace lines, purple flower brackets, big blue eyes, brown horns, spotted neck, sunflower dress, green sandals, a woven shoulder bag, a straw sun hat, a sunflower basket, and a tiny striped watering can. It is a bright amigurumi display piece full of garden charm.

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 in US crochet terms and is designed to recreate the sunflower giraffe garden doll shown in the image. The doll is worked mostly in continuous rounds, with small sewn-on appliqués for the flowers, spots, bag, hat, and garden accessories.

The finished piece is intended as a decorative handmade doll. Because the image includes small parts, long straps, wire-style brace lines, and sewn embellishments, make all safety adjustments if gifting to a child.

• Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate.
• Finished doll height: About 15 to 17 inches when made with DK cotton yarn and a 2.5 mm hook.
• Main construction: Legs, body, neck, head, muzzle, teeth, eyes, ears, horns, dress, accessories.
• Recommended style: Tight amigurumi tension with firm stuffing.

Materials

• DK cotton yarn in golden yellow for the giraffe body.
• DK cotton yarn in soft pink for the inner mouth and large mouth panel.
• DK cotton yarn in white for teeth, eye whites, watering can details, and tiny highlights.
• DK cotton yarn in sky blue for eye iris and watering can stripe.
• DK cotton yarn in black for pupils, eyelashes, mouth lines, and brace lines.
• DK cotton yarn in dark brown for horns, spots, hooves, flower centers, and inner ears.
• DK cotton yarn in sunflower yellow for petals and flower trim.
• DK cotton yarn in leaf green for dress trim, leaves, sandals, and vines.
• DK cotton yarn in cream or beige for dress base, bag, straw hat, basket, and watering can body.
• Small amount of lavender or purple yarn for flower brace brackets.
• 2.5 mm crochet hook for main doll pieces.
• 2.0 mm crochet hook for flowers, teeth details, and appliqués.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Stitch markers.
• Yarn needle.
• Embroidery needle.
• Optional thin floral wire or black embroidery thread for brace lines.
• Optional cardboard or plastic canvas for strengthening the hat brim and basket base.
• Optional pipe cleaner for the watering can spout if this is for display only.

Abbreviations

• MR: magic ring
• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tr: treble crochet
• inc: 2 sc in the same stitch
• dec: invisible decrease over 2 stitches
• BLO: back loop only
• FLO: front loop only
• FO: fasten off
• R: round or row
• st: stitch

Gauge and Tension

Gauge is not critical, but firm tension is very important. The stitches should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through. For this doll, 6 sc across and 6 rounds high should measure about 1 inch with the main hook.

If your doll becomes floppy, go down half a hook size. If your pieces curl too tightly or become hard to stuff, go up half a hook size. The long neck and large head need firm shaping, so consistent tension matters.

Finished Size Guide

• Head and mouth width: About 5 inches across at the widest point.
• Neck length: About 5 inches from dress neckline to head base.
• Body length: About 4 inches from shoulders to skirt hem.
• Leg length: About 5 inches including sandals.
• Arm length: About 4.5 inches.
• Hat width: About 4.5 inches across the brim.
• Basket width: About 3 inches across.
• Watering can width: About 2 inches including spout and handle.

Important Construction Notes

The doll in the image has a very distinctive oversized open smile. The head is not a simple ball. It is shaped as a rounded yellow giraffe head with a large protruding pink mouth panel and a thick yellow lip border wrapping around it.

The teeth sit across the front of the mouth as five rounded white tooth pads. The black brace lines run horizontally and vertically across the teeth, with small purple flower brackets placed on the intersections.

The neck is tall and narrow with brown spots. The body wears a sunflower garden dress with cream skirt panels, green trim, and multiple sunflower appliqués. The sandals are green with yellow toe bumps and tiny sunflower decorations.

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Main Giraffe Legs

Make two legs. Start with dark brown for the hoof base, then change to golden yellow. Stuff firmly as you go, especially the lower legs. The feet should angle slightly forward like the seated doll in the image.

Foot and Leg, Make 2

1. With dark brown, R1: 6 sc in MR. Do not join. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. R5: BLO sc around. 24 sts.
6. R6: sc 7, dec 5 times, sc 7. 19 sts.
7. R7: sc 5, dec 4 times, sc 6. 15 sts.
8. Change to golden yellow. R8: BLO sc around. 15 sts.
9. R9-R25: sc around for 17 rounds. 15 sts each round.
10. R26: sc 3, inc, repeat 3 times, sc 3. 18 sts.
11. R27-R29: sc around. 18 sts.

For the first leg, FO and weave in the end. For the second leg, do not fasten off. Continue into the body joining round.

Joining the Legs and Body

The body is small compared with the tall neck and head. It should sit behind the flared skirt, with a narrow waist and rounded upper torso. The dress will cover most of the body, but the yellow shoulders and neckline remain visible.

1. With the second leg still on the hook, ch 4.
2. Attach to the first leg with sc in any stitch.
3. R1: sc 18 around first leg, sc 4 across chain, sc 18 around second leg, sc 4 across opposite side of chain. 44 sts.
4. R2-R4: sc around. 44 sts.
5. R5: sc 9, dec, repeat around. 40 sts.
6. R6-R8: sc around. 40 sts.
7. R9: sc 8, dec, repeat around. 36 sts.
8. R10-R12: sc around. 36 sts.
9. R13: sc 4, dec, repeat around. 30 sts.
10. R14-R15: sc around. 30 sts.
11. R16: sc 3, dec, repeat around. 24 sts.
12. R17-R18: sc around. 24 sts.
13. R19: sc 2, dec, repeat around. 18 sts.

Stuff the hips and body firmly. Shape the waist gently with your fingers so the dress can sit flat around the lower body. Do not overstuff the waist, because the skirt needs a clean flare.

Tall Neck

The long giraffe neck is one of the most important features. It should rise straight from the small body and support the large head. Use firm stuffing in small portions so the neck stays cylindrical and does not buckle.

1. Continue from body R19. R20: BLO sc around. 18 sts.
2. R21-R47: sc around for 27 rounds. 18 sts each round.
3. R48: sc 5, inc, repeat around. 21 sts.
4. R49-R51: sc around. 21 sts.
5. R52: sc 6, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
6. R53: sc around. 24 sts.

Stuff the neck very firmly. Insert stuffing gradually with the back of a hook. The top of the neck should be slightly wider than the lower neck because it supports the head.

Head Base

The head is worked separately so the large mouth can be shaped cleanly. The back of the head is yellow and rounded. The front will be covered by the pink mouth panel and thick lip border.

1. With golden yellow, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. R5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. R6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. 36 sts.
7. R7: sc 5, inc, repeat around. 42 sts.
8. R8: sc 6, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
9. R9-R16: sc around. 48 sts.
10. R17: sc 6, dec, repeat around. 42 sts.
11. R18-R19: sc around. 42 sts.
12. R20: sc 5, dec, repeat around. 36 sts.
13. R21: sc around. 36 sts.
14. R22: sc 4, dec, repeat around. 30 sts.
15. R23: sc 3, dec, repeat around. 24 sts.
16. R24: sc 2, dec, repeat around. 18 sts.

Stuff firmly, but leave the front face slightly flatter where the mouth panel will be attached. FO with a long tail for sewing. Do not close the head completely if you want to add extra stuffing after attaching the muzzle.

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Large Pink Mouth Panel

The mouth panel is an oval pink pad that covers the lower front of the head. It should look like a big open smile. The top edge tucks under the yellow lip roll, and the lower edge sits slightly forward.

1. With soft pink, ch 13.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook, sc 10, 3 sc in last ch. Work on opposite side: sc 10, inc in last ch. 26 sts.
3. R2: inc, sc 10, inc 3 times, sc 10, inc 2 times. 32 sts.
4. R3: sc 1, inc, sc 10, sc 1, inc, repeat 3 times around the curved end, sc 10, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc. 40 sts.
5. R4: sc 2, inc, sc 10, sc 2, inc, repeat 3 times around the curved end, sc 10, sc 2, inc, sc 2, inc. 48 sts.
6. R5-R7: sc around. 48 sts.
7. R8: sc around loosely, sl st to finish. 48 sts.

Lightly stuff behind the pink panel only when sewing it to the head. It should puff forward, but not become a separate ball. Pin it across the lower front of the head before sewing.

Thick Yellow Lip Border

The image shows a thick yellow rim wrapping around the pink mouth. This border gives the giraffe its wide, cartoon garden-doll smile. Work it as a soft tube, then sew it around the mouth opening.

1. With golden yellow, ch 46.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook and across. 45 sts.
3. R2-R5: ch 1, turn, sc across. 45 sts.
4. Fold the strip lengthwise with wrong sides together.
5. Sl st the long edges together through both layers to make a padded lip tube.
6. FO with a very long tail for sewing.

Before sewing, curve the strip around the pink mouth panel. The thickest part should sit above the teeth like an upper lip. Sew the ends together neatly at one lower side.

White Rounded Teeth Pads

Make five rounded white tooth pads. The middle tooth is slightly larger, and the side teeth overlap a little. These teeth form the exaggerated bright smile shown in the image.

Center Tooth, Make 1

1. With white, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. R5-R6: sc around. 24 sts.
6. R7: sc 2, dec, repeat around. 18 sts.
7. FO, leaving a long tail. Flatten gently without heavy stuffing.

Side Teeth, Make 4

1. With white, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. R4-R5: sc around. 18 sts.
5. FO, leaving a long tail. Flatten gently.

Arrange the five teeth across the lower half of the pink mouth panel. Place the largest tooth in the center. Sew the side teeth close together so they look like a row of rounded puffy teeth.

Brace Lines and Purple Flower Brackets

The braces are decorative and should be created with black embroidery thread for a child-safe version. For a display piece, thin craft wire can be shaped carefully and sewn down at the sides.

• Embroider one horizontal black line across the upper third of the teeth.
• Embroider one horizontal black line across the lower third of the teeth.
• Add vertical black lines between each tooth to separate the rounded pads.
• Keep the lines slightly curved so they follow the smile shape.

Purple Flower Brackets, Make 7

1. With purple yarn and 2.0 mm hook, R1: 5 sc in MR, sl st to first sc.
2. R2: ch 2, sl st in same st, repeat in each st around to make 5 tiny petals.
3. FO with a sewing tail.

Sew three purple flowers along the upper brace line and four along the lower line. Place them on the tooth centers and brace intersections. Add one tiny white stitch in each purple flower center if desired.

Eyes

The eyes are large, round, and slightly uneven in a cute handmade style. The white eye circles sit high above the mouth. The blue irises face forward, giving the doll a surprised and happy garden expression.

Eye White, Make 2

1. With white, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. R5: sc around. 24 sts.
6. FO with a long tail.

Blue Iris, Make 2

1. With sky blue, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Sl st to finish and FO.

Black Pupil, Make 2

1. With black, R1: 5 sc in MR.
2. Sl st to finish and FO.

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Sew each black pupil onto a blue iris. Sew the blue iris onto the white eye. Add a tiny white highlight stitch on each pupil. Attach the eyes above the lip border, with the right eye slightly higher for a playful look.

Ears

The ears are yellow with brown inner centers. They are long, oval, and slightly pointed at the outer tip. Sew them to the sides of the head so they angle outward and upward.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With golden yellow, ch 9.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook, hdc 2, dc 3, hdc 1, 5 hdc in last ch. Work on opposite side: hdc 1, dc 3, hdc 2, sc 1. 22 sts.
3. R2: sc 2, hdc 3, dc 4, inc hdc in next 5 sts, dc 4, hdc 3, sc 1. 27 sts.
4. R3: sc around. 27 sts.
5. FO with a long tail.

Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With dark brown, ch 7.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook, hdc 2, dc 2, 4 hdc in last ch. Work on opposite side: dc 2, hdc 2, sc 1. 17 sts.
3. FO with a long tail.

Sew each brown inner ear centered on a yellow outer ear. Fold the base slightly before sewing to the head. This gives the ears the cupped shape seen in the image.

Horns

The giraffe has two short brown horns with rounded knobs. The lower part is yellow, and the top cap is dark brown. Place them between the ears near the top of the head.

Horn, Make 2

1. With dark brown, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. R3-R5: sc around. 12 sts.
4. R6: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 8 sts.
5. Change to golden yellow. R7-R12: sc around. 8 sts.
6. FO with a long tail. Stuff lightly.

Sew the horns upright on the head, about 1 inch apart. The brown rounded caps should sit above the sunflower decorations.

Head Sunflower Decorations

The image shows small sunflowers near the horns and ears. Make one larger sunflower near the right ear and two smaller sunflowers near the top of the head.

Sunflower Center, Make 3

1. With dark brown, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Sl st to finish and FO.

Sunflower Petals

1. Join sunflower yellow to any center stitch.
2. Ch 3, dc in same st, ch 3, sl st in same st.
3. Sl st in next stitch.
4. Repeat around for 12 petals.
5. FO and weave in the petal end.

Small Green Leaves, Make 4

1. With green, ch 5.
2. Sl st in second ch from hook, sc 1, hdc 1, dc 1.
3. FO with a sewing tail.

Sew the largest sunflower beside one horn and one smaller sunflower near the opposite horn. Add leaves behind the flowers so the green peeks out like the picture.

Brown Giraffe Spots

The neck and body have scattered dark brown spots. Keep them round and slightly irregular. Sew the spots mainly along the front and sides of the long neck, plus a few on the shoulders and body.

Small Spot, Make 6

1. With dark brown, R1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Sl st to finish and FO with a sewing tail.

Medium Spot, Make 7

1. With dark brown, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. FO with a sewing tail.

Large Spot, Make 3

1. With dark brown, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. FO with a sewing tail.

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Place two medium spots down the front neck, three along the right side, two along the left side, and several smaller spots near the shoulders. Do not make the pattern perfectly symmetrical.

Arms

The arms are slim and yellow, with dark brown hands. They hang down beside the dress. Slightly bend the arms forward when sewing so they frame the sunflower skirt and shoulder bag.

Arm, Make 2

1. With dark brown, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 9 sts.
3. R3-R5: sc around. 9 sts.
4. Change to golden yellow. R6: BLO sc around. 9 sts.
5. R7-R24: sc around. 9 sts each round.
6. Stuff the lower half lightly. Leave upper arm nearly flat.
7. R25: fold top flat and sc 4 across both layers.
8. FO with a long tail.

Sew each arm to the side of the upper body just below the neckline. The hands should rest near the skirt hem, with one arm partly hidden behind the bag strap.

Sunflower Garden Dress

The dress has a fitted brown and green bodice, a cream skirt, green lower trim, and several sunflower appliqués. It is worked separately and placed over the body before the final head assembly if possible.

Bodice

1. With dark brown, ch 31.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook and across. 30 sts.
3. R2-R5: ch 1, turn, sc across. 30 sts.
4. Change to green. R6: ch 1, turn, sc across. 30 sts.
5. R7: ch 1, turn, sc 4, ch 5, skip 5, sc 12, ch 5, skip 5, sc 4. This creates arm openings.
6. R8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc and ch across. 30 sts.
7. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing the back seam.

Wrap the bodice around the upper body. Sew the back seam closed. The green neckline should sit at the base of the long yellow neck.

Cream Skirt

1. Join cream yarn to the lower edge of the bodice.
2. R1: ch 1, work 2 sc into each row end around the bottom edge. Aim for 60 sts.
3. R2: sc around. 60 sts.
4. R3: sc 4, inc, repeat around. 72 sts.
5. R4-R8: sc around. 72 sts each round.
6. R9: sc 5, inc, repeat around. 84 sts.
7. R10-R13: sc around. 84 sts each round.
8. Change to green. R14: sc around. 84 sts.
9. R15: ch 1, reverse sc around for a textured hem, or work regular sc if preferred. FO.

The skirt should flare softly and sit just above the knees. If it is too straight, block it gently with steam from a distance. Do not press the flower appliqués flat after attaching.

Green Vine Stitches on Skirt

• Using green yarn, embroider loose vertical vine lines from bodice to hem.
• Make 7 vine lines spaced around the cream skirt.
• Add tiny leaf stitches by making a small V shape beside each vine.
• Keep the vines uneven and natural, like a garden apron.

Sunflowers for Dress

Make six sunflowers for the skirt and one small flower for the bodice. The flower centers are brown and the petals are bright yellow. Use green leaves behind several of them.

Dress Sunflower, Make 6

1. With dark brown, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Change to sunflower yellow.
4. R3: ch 3, dc in same st, ch 3, sl st in same st, sl st in next st. Repeat around for 12 petals.
5. FO with a sewing tail.

Small Bodice Flower, Make 1

1. With dark brown, R1: 5 sc in MR.
2. Change to sunflower yellow.
3. Ch 2, sl st in same st, repeat in each stitch around.
4. FO with a sewing tail.

Dress Leaves, Make 10

1. With green, ch 5.
2. Sl st in second ch from hook, sc 1, hdc 1, dc 1.
3. FO with a sewing tail.

Sew the sunflowers around the skirt, placing one large flower at the front center, two on each side, and one near the lower back. Add the small flower to the bodice near the chest.

Green Sandals and Yellow Toes

The sandals have beige soles, green straps, yellow toe bumps, and small sunflower decorations. Work them separately and sew them around the feet after the legs are complete.

Sandal Sole, Make 2

1. With beige, ch 10.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook, sc 7, 4 sc in last ch. Work on opposite side: sc 7, 3 sc in last ch. 22 sts.
3. R2: inc, sc 7, inc 4 times, sc 7, inc 3 times. 30 sts.
4. R3: sc around. 30 sts.
5. FO with a long tail.

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Green Sandal Strap, Make 2

1. With green, ch 16.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook and across. 15 sts.
3. FO with a sewing tail.

Toe Bumps, Make 6

1. With golden yellow, R1: 5 sc in MR.
2. R2: sc around. 5 sts.
3. FO with a sewing tail.

Tiny Sandal Flower, Make 2

1. With dark brown, R1: 5 sc in MR.
2. Change to sunflower yellow.
3. Ch 2, sl st in same st, repeat in each stitch around.
4. FO with a sewing tail.

Sew each beige sole under a foot. Sew one green strap across the top of each foot. Attach three yellow toe bumps to the front of each sandal. Sew one tiny sunflower to the outer side of each strap.

Shoulder Garden Bag

The bag is a small beige woven pouch with a flap, flower decoration, and long strap crossing the giraffe body. It hangs at the front of the dress, slightly to one side.

Bag Body

1. With beige, ch 12.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook and across. 11 sts.
3. R2-R10: ch 1, turn, sc across. 11 sts.
4. R11: ch 1, turn, BLO sc across. 11 sts.
5. R12-R16: ch 1, turn, sc across. 11 sts.
6. FO with a long tail.

Fold the lower part upward to form a pouch, leaving R12-R16 as the flap. Sew both side seams closed. Fold the flap down over the front.

Bag Strap

1. With beige, ch 75.
2. R1: sl st in second ch from hook and across.
3. FO with long tails.

Sew one strap end to each upper side of the bag. Place the strap over one shoulder and across the chest, then secure the bag at the opposite hip.

Bag Flower

1. With dark brown, R1: 5 sc in MR.
2. Change to sunflower yellow.
3. Ch 2, sl st in same st, repeat around.
4. FO and sew to the bag flap.

Straw Sun Hat

The straw hat sits on the table in the image, but it can also be placed on the doll. It has a flat crown, wide brim, green band, and sunflower accent.

Hat Crown

1. With beige, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. R5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. R6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. 36 sts.
7. R7: BLO sc around. 36 sts.
8. R8-R12: sc around. 36 sts each round.

Hat Brim

1. R13: FLO sc 2, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
2. R14: sc 3, inc, repeat around. 60 sts.
3. R15: sc 4, inc, repeat around. 72 sts.
4. R16: sc 5, inc, repeat around. 84 sts.
5. R17: sc around. 84 sts.
6. R18: sl st loosely around. FO.

Hat Band

1. With green, ch 40.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook and across. 39 sts.
3. FO with a sewing tail.

Sew the green band around the hat crown. Make one sunflower using the dress sunflower pattern and sew it to the side of the hat band. Add two small green leaves behind the flower.

Sunflower Basket

The basket is beige and round with a curved handle. It is filled with tall yellow sunflowers and green leaves. It should sit beside the doll as a matching garden accessory.

Basket Base and Sides

1. With beige, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. R5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. R6: BLO sc around. 30 sts.
7. R7-R13: sc around. 30 sts each round.
8. R14: sc 3, dec, repeat around. 24 sts.
9. R15: sc around. 24 sts.
10. FO and weave in end.

Basket Handle

1. With beige, ch 32.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook and across. 31 sts.
3. R2: ch 1, turn, sc across. 31 sts.
4. FO with long tails.

Sew the handle to opposite sides of the basket. Curve it over the top. Add a second beige strand around the handle with slip stitches if you want it thicker like the image.

Basket Sunflowers, Make 5

1. Use the dress sunflower pattern for five flowers.
2. For taller flowers, attach each flower to a green stem made with ch 10, sl st back across.
3. Make 8 leaves using the small leaf pattern.

Stuff the basket lightly. Sew or tuck the flower stems inside. Place the sunflowers at different heights, with two leaning to the front and three standing behind.

Mini Watering Can

The tiny watering can is beige with a pale blue stripe, a rounded body, a short spout, and a loop handle. It sits beside the basket and completes the garden theme.

Watering Can Body

1. With beige, R1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. R2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. R5-R7: sc around. 24 sts.
6. Change to sky blue. R8: sc around. 24 sts.
7. Change to beige. R9-R11: sc around. 24 sts.
8. R12: sc 2, dec, repeat around. 18 sts.
9. R13: sc 1, dec, repeat around. 12 sts.
10. Stuff lightly.
11. R14: dec around. 6 sts.
12. FO and close.

Watering Can Spout

1. With beige, R1: 5 sc in MR. 5 sts.
2. R2-R8: sc around. 5 sts each round.
3. FO with a long tail.

Stuff very lightly or leave hollow. Sew the spout to the side of the can at a slight upward angle. Add a small white circle at the spout tip if desired.

Watering Can Handle

1. With beige, ch 18.
2. R1: sl st in second ch from hook and across.
3. FO with long tails.

Sew one end of the handle near the upper back of the can and the other end near the lower back. Shape the handle into a rounded loop.

Bee Appliqué on Bodice

The dress bodice in the image includes a small bee-like yellow and black detail near the chest. This tiny appliqué adds extra garden character and balances the sunflower theme.

1. With sunflower yellow, ch 5.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook, sc 2, 3 sc in last ch. Work opposite side: sc 2, inc. 10 sts.
3. Change to black and sl st around the oval, placing two black surface stripes across the body.
4. With white, make two tiny wings: ch 3, sl st back into the same side stitch for each wing.
5. FO with a sewing tail.

Sew the bee to the brown bodice slightly off center. Use one small black stitch for the bee head if needed.

Attaching the Head to the Neck

The large head must be firmly attached to the neck. Pin the head first and check the balance from every side. The mouth should face slightly upward, creating the joyful expression shown in the photo.

1. Place the neck opening against the lower back of the head.
2. Use the long head tail to sew around the neck opening twice.
3. Add extra stuffing through any gap before closing fully.
4. Secure with several hidden knots.
5. Shape the neck so it leans only very slightly forward.

If the head feels heavy, insert a firm rolled felt tube or child-safe support inside the neck before closing. Do not use wire if the doll is intended for young children.

Facial Embroidery

The face is what makes this doll recognizable. Take time with placement. The mouth is large, the eyes are round and bright, and the braces create the funny garden character expression.

• Sew the pink mouth panel to the lower front of the yellow head.
• Sew the padded yellow lip border around the mouth panel.
• Attach the white teeth over the lower half of the pink mouth.
• Add black brace lines across and between the teeth.
• Sew purple flower brackets over the brace line intersections.
• Sew the eyes above the mouth, close together but not touching.
• Add short black eyelashes or brows above each eye if desired.
• Sew a small brown oval nose between the eyes and mouth.

Small Brown Nose

1. With dark brown, ch 5.
2. R1: sc in second ch from hook, sc 2, 3 sc in last ch. Work opposite side: sc 2, inc. 10 sts.
3. FO with a sewing tail.

Sew the nose vertically between the eyes, just above the yellow lip border. It should be small and soft, not a large muzzle piece.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew the ears to the sides of the head, angled outward.
2. Sew the horns between the ears.
3. Add head sunflowers and leaves around the horns.
4. Sew brown giraffe spots to the neck and body.
5. Attach the arms just below the shoulders.
6. Place the dress around the body and secure the back seam.
7. Sew dress flowers and green vines in place.
8. Attach sandals, toe bumps, and sandal flowers.
9. Place the shoulder bag strap diagonally across the chest.
10. Finish the hat, basket, and watering can as separate accessories.

Check the doll from the front. The oversized mouth should be the main focus. The dress, bag, sunflowers, hat, basket, and watering can should all support the garden theme without hiding the giraffe shape.

Shaping Tips

• Use small amounts of stuffing at a time for smoother curves.
• Stuff the neck more firmly than the arms and dress-covered body.
• Flatten the teeth slightly before sewing so they sit cleanly on the mouth.
• Curve the lip border with pins before sewing it permanently.
• Place the ears after the eyes so the face stays balanced.
• Use matching yarn tails for sewing whenever possible.

Care Notes

Spot clean the doll with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking if the piece includes wire, cardboard, or plastic canvas. Let it air dry completely in a shaded place.

If the doll is made for display, keep it away from direct sunlight for long periods. Bright yellow, green, and blue yarn can fade if placed near a sunny window.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The neck is firmly stuffed and can support the head.
• The mouth panel is centered and puffed forward.
• The yellow lip border wraps evenly around the pink mouth.
• All five teeth are sewn securely.
• Brace lines and purple flower brackets are attached neatly.
• Eyes are level enough to look cute but still playful.
• Ears, horns, sunflowers, and leaves are balanced on the head.
• Dress flowers, vines, bag, sandals, basket, hat, and watering can are complete.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, store the giraffe upright or lying flat with the head supported. Do not crush the mouth, teeth, hat brim, basket handle, or watering can spout.

For dust removal, use a soft brush or cool air from a distance. Avoid hot air, strong detergents, bleach, and machine washing. Re-shape the ears, petals, and brim gently with your fingers after cleaning.

If any flower or brace detail loosens, reattach it with a yarn needle and matching thread. Small appliqués are decorative, so checking them regularly helps the doll stay neat and photo-ready.