Knitting Tutorial: Tiger Autumn School Day Cardigan Doll – Free Knitting Pattern

This cozy knitted tiger doll is dressed for an autumn school day with a moss-green button cardigan, cream collared shirt, brown shorts, ribbed socks, dark Mary Jane shoes, a matching school satchel, a green pom-pom hat, a tiny acorn cap, a basket of apples, a cup, and a small folded notebook. The tiger has a rounded head, soft muzzle, large glossy eyes, white cheek patches, and black hand-stitched stripes.

 

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

• Main doll: about 14 inches tall from shoe sole to top of head when made with worsted weight yarn and firm stuffing.
• Head: about 5 inches wide, round and slightly taller than it is deep.
• Body with clothing: about 5 1/2 inches tall from neck to shorts hem.
• Legs and shoes: about 4 inches from shorts hem to sole.
• Cardigan: removable-look style, sewn closed at shoulders and side seams, with five visible buttons on the right front.
• Accessories: hat, satchel, acorn, apple basket, cup, and notebook are knitted separately.

Yarn, Needles, and Notions

• Worsted weight yarn: tiger orange, white, black, cream, moss green, warm brown, dark brown, tan, light blue, red, apple green, and a small amount of beige.
• Needles: US 4, 3.5 mm, double-pointed needles for small tubes and straight or circular needles for flat pieces.
• Gauge: 6 stitches and 8 rows per inch in stockinette stitch, knitted firmly so stuffing does not show.
• Safety eyes: two black 14 mm glossy eyes, or embroidered eyes if making for a child under 3 years.
• Buttons: five small tan buttons for the cardigan, three smaller tan buttons for the shirt, and one tiny buckle or embroidered buckle for the satchel.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill, packed firmly but not stretched through the stitches.
• Other tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, row counter, removable stitch holders, black embroidery floss, and scissors.

Abbreviations

• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• St or sts: stitch or stitches.
• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• P2tog: purl 2 stitches together.
• M1: make 1 stitch by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting through the back loop.
• SSK: slip 1, slip 1, knit the slipped stitches together through the back loops.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• St st: stockinette stitch, knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side when worked flat.
• Garter stitch: knit every row when worked flat.
• Seed stitch: Row 1, K1, P1 across. Row 2, P over K and K over P.

Construction Notes

The doll is built from separate knitted pieces and sewn together. The head is worked as a shaped oval sphere, the body is a tapered stuffed form, and the clothing layers are knitted as separate panels. This gives the finished tiger the thick, plush, handmade look shown in the photo.

Keep the knitting firm. If your fabric feels loose, go down one needle size. The photographed doll has dense stitches, rounded seams, and smooth stuffing. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time and shape each part with your fingers before sewing.

The tiger face depends on careful placement. The eyes sit low and wide on the head, the white eye patches curve upward, the muzzle is rounded and centered, and the orange forehead carries narrow black stripes. Pin all face pieces before sewing permanently.

Main Tiger Head

Orange Head Base

Work this piece flat in stockinette stitch, then seam at the back. The increases make a wide rounded cheek area, while the decreases close the top smoothly under the acorn cap area.

1. With orange yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: P across.
3. Row 2, RS: K1, M1, K10, M1, K1. 14 sts.
4. Row 3: P across.
5. Row 4: K1, M1, K12, M1, K1. 16 sts.
6. Row 5: P across.
7. Row 6: K2, M1, K12, M1, K2. 18 sts.
8. Row 7: P across.
9. Row 8: K2, M1, K14, M1, K2. 20 sts.
10. Continue increasing 2 sts every RS row in this way until you have 48 sts.
11. Work 16 rows in stockinette stitch without shaping.
12. Next RS row: K4, K2tog, repeat from beginning across. 40 sts.
13. Next WS row: P across.
14. Next RS row: K3, K2tog, repeat from beginning across. 32 sts.
15. Next WS row: P across.
16. Next RS row: K2, K2tog, repeat from beginning across. 24 sts.
17. Next WS row: P across.
18. Next RS row: K1, K2tog, repeat from beginning across. 16 sts.
19. Next WS row: P across.
20. Next RS row: K2tog across. 8 sts.
21. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and seam the back from crown to lower neck opening.

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Stuff the head very firmly. Shape the lower front into a soft muzzle platform by pressing the stuffing forward and slightly downward. The head should look round, with full cheeks and a gently narrow crown.

White Eye Patches

The tiger has two tall white patches beside the nose bridge. They begin near the muzzle and rise toward the outer forehead in a curved almond shape. Make two mirrored pieces.

1. With white yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: K across.
3. Row 2: P across.
4. Row 3: K1, M1, K3, M1, K1. 7 sts.
5. Row 4: P across.
6. Row 5: K1, M1, K5, M1, K1. 9 sts.
7. Rows 6 to 10: Work in stockinette stitch.
8. Row 11: SSK, K5, K2tog. 7 sts.
9. Row 12: P across.
10. Row 13: SSK, K3, K2tog. 5 sts.
11. Row 14: P across.
12. Row 15: SSK, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
13. Row 16: P3tog. 1 st.
14. Fasten off and weave in the tail.

Sew one patch on each side of the face, leaving a narrow orange strip between them. The widest part should sit around the eye area. The pointed top should lean slightly outward, just like the upward white markings in the image.

White Muzzle and Cheeks

The muzzle is made from two small cheek pads and one center bridge. This layered method creates the soft plush curve around the mouth.

1. For each cheek, with white yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K across.
3. Row 2: P across.
4. Row 3: K1, M1, K6, M1, K1. 10 sts.
5. Rows 4 to 8: Work in stockinette stitch.
6. Row 9: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
7. Row 10: P across.
8. Row 11: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
9. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

1. For the center muzzle bridge, with white yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work stockinette stitch.
3. Row 9: SSK, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
4. Row 10: P across.
5. BO all sts.

Sew the two cheek pads side by side under the eyes, slightly overlapping at the center. Sew the bridge vertically above the cheek join. Lightly stuff under the cheeks while sewing to make the muzzle rounded but not bulky.

Nose and Mouth

1. With warm brown yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K across.
3. Row 2: P across.
4. Row 3: SSK, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
5. Row 4: P across.
6. Row 5: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
7. Row 6: P2tog. 1 st.
8. Fasten off.

Sew the nose at the top center of the white muzzle, point downward. With black yarn or embroidery floss, stitch a short vertical line from the nose point to the center of the mouth, then stitch a gentle curved smile on both sides.

Eyes

• Place the eyes on the widest area of the white patches, about 8 sts apart across the face.
• The eyes should be low, glossy, and slightly tilted outward, giving the tiger the sweet school-day expression shown in the photo.
• If using safety eyes, insert them before the head is completely closed or open a small back seam carefully to attach washers.
• If embroidering, satin stitch each eye in black and add a tiny white highlight with two small stitches.

Black Tiger Stripes

The stripes are embroidered after the head is stuffed. Use black yarn split into thinner strands or black embroidery floss so the markings sit flat on the knitted surface.

• Center forehead: Stitch one vertical broken stripe from crown toward nose, about 9 rows long, made of three short V-shaped dashes.
• Upper forehead: Add two angled stripes on each side, leaning toward the center line.
• Outer cheeks: Stitch three short triangular dashes on each orange cheek below the eye patch.
• Side head: Add scattered small dash stripes around the temples, keeping them irregular like natural tiger markings.
• Chin outline: Add a few tiny black stitches around the lower muzzle for whisker dots and expression.

Tiger Ears

The ears are round, orange outside, and slightly darker inside. They sit high on the head, just behind the eye patches, angled outward.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With orange yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: K across.
3. Row 2: P across.
4. Row 3: K1, M1, K8, M1, K1. 12 sts.
5. Row 4: P across.
6. Row 5: K1, M1, K10, M1, K1. 14 sts.
7. Rows 6 to 10: Work stockinette stitch.
8. Row 11: SSK, K10, K2tog. 12 sts.
9. Row 12: P across.
10. Row 13: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
11. Row 14: P across.
12. Row 15: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
13. BO all sts.

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Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With warm brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work stockinette stitch.
3. Row 9: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
4. Row 10: P across.
5. BO all sts.

Sew each inner ear onto each outer ear. Fold the lower edge slightly to cup the ear, then sew to the head between rows 12 and 20 from the crown. Angle the ears out and forward.

Body

The body is hidden under the shirt, cardigan, and shorts, but it must be firm enough to support the large head. Knit it in cream or light tan because only small areas near the neck and wrists may show.

1. With cream yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Row 1: P across.
3. Row 2: K2, M1, repeat across. 36 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 12: Work stockinette stitch.
5. Row 13: P across.
6. Row 14: K5, M1, repeat 6 times. 42 sts.
7. Rows 15 to 30: Work stockinette stitch.
8. Row 31: P across.
9. Row 32: K5, K2tog, repeat across. 36 sts.
10. Rows 33 to 38: Work stockinette stitch.
11. Row 39: P across.
12. Row 40: K4, K2tog, repeat across. 30 sts.
13. Row 41: P across.
14. Row 42: K3, K2tog, repeat across. 24 sts.
15. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Seam the back. Stuff the body firmly, making the lower belly round and the shoulder area narrower. Sew the body to the bottom of the head using a ladder stitch. Check that the tiger sits upright before fastening the final stitches.

Legs, Socks, and Shoes

The legs are knitted as stacked color sections so the shorts, cream socks, dark brown shoe straps, and tan soles match the image. Make two identical legs.

Leg and Sock Tube, Make 2

1. With tan yarn for the sole edge, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K across for garter ridges.
3. Change to dark brown yarn.
4. Rows 5 to 10: Work stockinette stitch.
5. Change to cream yarn for the shoe opening and sock.
6. Rows 11 to 18: Work stockinette stitch.
7. Change to tiger orange yarn.
8. Rows 19 to 22: Work stockinette stitch to show a narrow ankle band.
9. Change to brown shorts yarn.
10. Rows 23 to 38: Work stockinette stitch.
11. Row 39: K2, K2tog, repeat to last 2 sts, K2. 14 sts.
12. Row 40: P across.
13. BO all sts.

Seam each leg from sole to thigh, stuffing as you go. The feet should be wider and flatter at the bottom, while the leg above the shoe should stay cylindrical.

Mary Jane Shoe Toe Patches, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work stockinette stitch.
3. Row 5: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
4. Row 6: P across.
5. BO all sts.

Sew one cream patch to the top front of each dark brown shoe. Place it centered and slightly oval. With dark brown yarn, embroider a strap across the upper foot from side to side.

Shorts Cuffs

1. With brown yarn, pick up 18 sts around the top of each leg where the shorts begin.
2. Rounds 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
3. BO loosely in rib.

Attach both legs to the lower body so the feet point forward and sit slightly apart. The doll in the photo has a stable seated-standing pose, so flatten the soles gently before final sewing.

Arms and Paws

The arms show green cardigan sleeves, orange wrist bands, and white paws. They hang down at the sides with rounded mitten-like hands.

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Arm, Make 2

1. With white yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: K across.
3. Row 2: P across.
4. Row 3: K1, M1, K8, M1, K1. 12 sts.
5. Rows 4 to 10: Work stockinette stitch.
6. Change to orange yarn.
7. Rows 11 to 14: Work stockinette stitch.
8. Change to moss green yarn.
9. Rows 15 to 34: Work stockinette stitch.
10. Row 35: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
11. Row 36: P across.
12. BO all sts.

Seam each arm, stuff lightly at the paw and less firmly at the upper sleeve. Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck, angling them downward so the white paws rest near the shorts.

Cream School Shirt With Collar

The cream shirt sits under the open green cardigan. It has a textured center front, three buttons, and a folded pointed collar. Knit the shirt body as a front panel because the cardigan covers the sides.

Shirt Front Panel

1. With cream yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib across.
3. Row 5: K6, P2, K8, P2, K6.
4. Row 6: P6, K2, P8, K2, P6.
5. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until the panel measures 3 1/2 inches from CO edge.
6. Next RS row: K6, P2, K3, K2tog, K3, P2, K6. 23 sts.
7. Next WS row: Work stitches as they appear.
8. BO all sts.

Sew the shirt panel to the front body from waist to neck. Keep the ribbed hem tucked slightly under the shorts waistband. Sew three small tan buttons down the center textured section.

Collar, Make 2 Pieces

1. With cream yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K across.
3. Row 4: K2, P10, K2.
4. Row 5: K across.
5. Row 6: K2, P10, K2.
6. Row 7: SSK, K10, K2tog. 12 sts.
7. Row 8: K2, P8, K2.
8. Row 9: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
9. BO all sts.

Sew the two collar pieces around the neck with the points facing outward and downward. The collar should sit over the top edge of the green cardigan and frame the tiger’s face.

Brown Shorts

The shorts are high-waisted, warm brown, and lightly ribbed at the waistband. They cover the lower body and sit above the cream socks. The leg openings should be wide and soft.

Shorts Front

1. With brown yarn, CO 32 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: K1, P1 rib across.
3. Rows 7 to 20: Work stockinette stitch.
4. Row 21: K14, BO 4 sts, K14.
5. Work left leg on 14 sts for 6 rows in stockinette stitch.
6. BO left leg loosely.
7. Rejoin yarn to right leg and work 6 rows in stockinette stitch.
8. BO right leg loosely.

Shorts Back

1. Make the same as the front, but work 2 extra rows before dividing for the legs.
2. Seam side edges.
3. Seam inner leg edges around the tops of the doll legs.

Pull the shorts over the body and legs before final waist sewing. Sew the top waistband to the body with tiny hidden stitches. The shorts should look slightly gathered, like soft knitted school shorts.

Moss Green Cardigan

The cardigan is the main clothing feature. It is moss green, thick, slightly oversized, and open at the front. It has ribbed edges, textured front bands, rounded sleeves, and five tan buttons on one side.

Cardigan Back

1. With moss green yarn, CO 38 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: K1, P1 rib across.
3. Row 7: K across.
4. Row 8: P across.
5. Continue in stockinette stitch until piece measures 3 3/4 inches from CO edge.
6. Armhole shaping Row 1: BO 3 sts, K to end. 35 sts.
7. Armhole shaping Row 2: BO 3 sts, P to end. 32 sts.
8. Rows 3 to 14: Work stockinette stitch.
9. Shoulder Row 15: BO 8 sts, K16, BO 8 sts.
10. Place center 16 sts on holder for back neck.

Left Front

1. With moss green yarn, CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: K1, P1 rib across.
3. Row 7: K16, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 for textured front band.
4. Row 8: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, P16.
5. Repeat Rows 7 and 8 until piece measures 3 3/4 inches.
6. Armhole row: BO 3 sts at arm edge, work to end. 19 sts.
7. Work 6 rows even, keeping front band in seed texture.
8. Neck shaping RS row: Work to last 6 sts, place 6 band sts on holder. 13 sts remain.
9. Next RS row: K2tog at neck edge, work to end. 12 sts.
10. Work 3 rows even.
11. BO shoulder sts.

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Right Front With Button Band

1. With moss green yarn, CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: K1, P1 rib across.
3. Row 7: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K16.
4. Row 8: P16, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1.
5. Repeat Rows 7 and 8 until piece measures 3 3/4 inches.
6. Armhole row: Work to last 3 sts, BO 3 sts. 19 sts.
7. Work 6 rows even, keeping front band in seed texture.
8. Neck shaping RS row: Place first 6 band sts on holder, work to end. 13 sts remain.
9. Next RS row: Work to last 2 sts at neck edge, K2tog. 12 sts.
10. Work 3 rows even.
11. BO shoulder sts.

Cardigan Sleeves, Make 2

1. With moss green yarn, CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: K1, P1 rib across.
3. Row 7: K across.
4. Row 8: P across.
5. Row 9: K2, M1, K16, M1, K2. 22 sts.
6. Rows 10 to 14: Work stockinette stitch.
7. Row 15: K2, M1, K18, M1, K2. 24 sts.
8. Rows 16 to 24: Work stockinette stitch.
9. Row 25: SSK, K20, K2tog. 22 sts.
10. Row 26: P across.
11. Row 27: SSK, K18, K2tog. 20 sts.
12. BO all sts.

Cardigan Assembly

1. Sew shoulder seams.
2. Sew sleeves into armholes, matching sleeve center to shoulder seam.
3. Sew sleeve and side seams in one continuous line.
4. Place cardigan on doll and tack invisibly at the shoulder and underarm so it stays neat.
5. Sew five tan buttons down the right front band, evenly spaced from chest to lower hem.

The cardigan in the image has decorative buttonholes or dark dots on the opposite band. Embroider five small black or dark green vertical dashes on the left band to mirror buttonhole placement.

Green Winter Hat With Pom-Pom

The hat sits beside the doll in the photo. It has a folded ribbed brim, rounded crown, and full pom-pom on top. Knit it as a separate accessory.

1. With moss green yarn, CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 12: K2, P2 rib across.
3. Rows 13 to 28: Work stockinette stitch.
4. Row 29: K4, K2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, K2. 37 sts.
5. Row 30: P across.
6. Row 31: K3, K2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, K2. 30 sts.
7. Row 32: P across.
8. Row 33: K2, K2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, K2. 23 sts.
9. Row 34: P across.
10. Row 35: K1, K2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, K2. 16 sts.
11. Row 36: P across.
12. Row 37: K2tog across. 8 sts.
13. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and seam back.

Fold the ribbed brim upward. Make a dense pom-pom about 1 1/2 inches wide and sew it securely to the crown. Trim the pom-pom round.

Green School Satchel

The satchel rests beside the doll and matches the cardigan. It has a rectangular body, flap, strap, and small buckle detail.

Bag Body

1. With moss green yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K across.
3. Rows 5 to 28: Work stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 29 to 32: K across.
5. BO all sts.

Fold the lower edge up 3 inches to form the bag pocket. Sew the side seams. Leave the top flap free so it folds over the front.

Bag Flap Texture

1. With moss green yarn, pick up 22 sts along the back top edge.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K across.
3. Rows 5 to 12: Work stockinette stitch.
4. Row 13: K2, SSK, K14, K2tog, K2. 20 sts.
5. Rows 14 to 16: K across.
6. BO all sts.

Strap and Buckle

1. With moss green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. K every row until strap measures 13 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew strap ends to bag sides.
5. With tan yarn, embroider a small square buckle on the flap.
6. Add one vertical green tab below the buckle using 5 sts and 8 rows of stockinette stitch.

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Small Acorn Cap

The acorn sits on top of the tiger’s head at an angle. It has a tan nut body, darker brown cap, and short stem.

Acorn Body

1. With tan yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work stockinette stitch.
3. Row 9: K1, K2tog, repeat across. 12 sts.
4. Row 10: P across.
5. Row 11: K2tog across. 6 sts.
6. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight, and seam side.
7. Stuff lightly.

Acorn Cap

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K across for bumpy garter texture.
3. Row 5: K2, K2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, K2. 17 sts.
4. Row 6: K across.
5. Row 7: K1, K2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, K2. 12 sts.
6. Row 8: K across.
7. Row 9: K2tog across. 6 sts.
8. Cut yarn and pull tight.

Stem

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 5 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO and roll into a tiny stem.

Sew cap to acorn body, sew stem to cap, then sew the acorn to the top right of the tiger head. Angle it slightly backward as shown in the image.

Apple Basket

The basket is small, tan, and textured, with red and green apples inside. It sits near the doll’s left side.

Basket Base and Sides

1. With tan yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: K across.
3. Rows 7 to 20: Work seed stitch.
4. Rows 21 to 24: K across.
5. BO all sts.

Fold the piece into a small cylinder, seam the side, and gather the bottom edge with a running stitch. Flatten the base gently so the basket stands.

Basket Handle

1. With tan yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. K every row until handle measures 4 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew each end to opposite sides of the basket.

Apples, Make 4

1. With red or green yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work stockinette stitch.
3. Row 5: K2tog across. 4 sts.
4. Cut yarn, gather, seam, and stuff with a tiny pinch of fiberfill.
5. Use brown yarn to stitch a tiny stem on top.

Place the apples in the basket and tack them inside with small hidden stitches so they do not fall out.

Blue Cup and Saucer

The tiny cup adds the cozy school table feeling. It is light blue with a cream saucer and a brown drink surface.

Cup

1. With light blue yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K across.
3. Rows 5 to 12: Work stockinette stitch.
4. BO all sts.
5. Seam into a small cylinder.
6. Gather the bottom edge and secure.

Drink Surface

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K across.
3. Row 2: P across.
4. Row 3: K1, M1, K4, M1, K1. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: P across.
6. BO all sts and sew inside the cup opening.

Cup Handle and Saucer

1. For handle, with light blue yarn, CO 3 sts and knit 10 rows. BO and sew into a curved handle.
2. For saucer, with cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
3. Rows 1 to 6: K across.
4. BO all sts and round the corners while sewing under the cup.

Folded Notebook

The notebook is a small tan rectangle with a soft folded look. It sits near the cup and echoes the school-day theme.

1. With beige yarn, CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 24: K across for garter stitch texture.
3. BO all sts.
4. Fold the piece in half.
5. Sew one short edge closed to create a spine.
6. With tan yarn, embroider two horizontal lines on the front cover.

Tail

The tail is visible behind the doll near the satchel. It is long, slim, and green in the photo shadow because it lies beside the cardigan-colored accessory, but for an accurate tiger doll use orange with black rings, or moss green if you want the photo-matched side silhouette.

1. With orange yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work stockinette stitch.
3. Change to black yarn.
4. Rows 9 to 10: Work stockinette stitch.
5. Change to orange yarn.
6. Repeat 8 orange rows and 2 black rows until tail measures 7 inches.
7. BO all sts.
8. Seam into a tube and stuff very lightly.
9. Sew the tail to the back lower body, curving it gently to one side.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew the head to the body securely, circling the neck twice with matching yarn.
2. Attach the legs evenly at the lower body, making sure the shoes face forward.
3. Sew the arms at shoulder level, with the cardigan sleeves angled down.
4. Dress the body with the cream shirt, brown shorts, and green cardigan.
5. Add the collar last so it sits neatly over the cardigan neckline.
6. Sew on the ears after the face is finished so you can balance the expression.
7. Attach the acorn to the top right side of the head.
8. Place all accessories around the doll: basket at left, cup and notebook at front left, hat and satchel at right.

For the sweetest expression, add tiny black whisker dots on the white cheeks, three on each side. Add a few orange or tan shading stitches near the muzzle edge if needed. Keep all embroidery shallow so the face remains soft and rounded.

Care Notes

• Spot clean only with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if the doll includes safety eyes, buttons, or a buckle.
• Let the doll air dry flat on a towel.
• Reshape the head, cardigan, shoes, and accessories while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is round, firm, and larger than the body.
• White eye patches are symmetrical and curve upward.
• Eyes are glossy, low, and evenly spaced.
• Muzzle is centered, stuffed lightly, and shaped into two soft cheeks.
• Black stripes are irregular, narrow, and placed on forehead, cheeks, and sides.
• Cardigan has ribbed edges, seed-textured front bands, and five tan buttons.
• Collar points sit over the cardigan neckline.
• Shorts, socks, and Mary Jane shoes are visible and balanced.
• Acorn, basket, cup, notebook, hat, and satchel are complete.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the tiger doll away from direct sunlight to protect the orange, green, and brown yarn colors. Keep it in a dry place with good airflow. If displayed on a shelf, gently dust it with a soft brush every few weeks.

For long-term storage, wrap the doll loosely in acid-free tissue or clean cotton fabric. Do not compress the head or accessories. Keep buttons and small pieces checked regularly, especially if the doll is handled often.

If the cardigan or satchel becomes flattened, steam lightly from a distance without touching the yarn directly. Shape with your fingers and let dry completely. Avoid high heat, bleach, and strong detergent.