Knitting Tutorial: Tiger Cub Safari Explorer Doll – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet knit tiger cub safari explorer doll features a rounded tiger head, golden striped face, soft cream muzzle, short khaki safari shirt, matching shorts, tiny sandals, a shoulder satchel, knit camera, canteen, removable explorer hat, and a small white daisy near one ear. The finished doll is designed as a detailed display toy with charming travel-inspired accessories and carefully embroidered tiger markings.

 

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 English knitting terms. The tiger cub is worked mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or with the magic loop method. Small accessories are worked flat or in the round, then sewn into place. The look is inspired by the photo: a seated, soft-bodied tiger cub wearing a khaki safari outfit, belt, sandals, shoulder bag, camera, canteen, straw-style hat, and daisy.

The doll is built with firm stuffing and tight stitches so the body keeps its rounded shape. Use smaller needles than usual for your yarn to prevent stuffing from showing. Keep all sewn seams neat and place details slowly before stitching them permanently.

Finished Size

• Doll height: about 10 to 11 inches from feet to top of head.
• Head width: about 4 inches across the cheeks.
• Body height: about 4 inches from neck to seat.
• Leg length: about 3 inches each, including foot.
• Camera: about 1.5 inches wide.
• Satchel: about 2.25 inches wide.
• Hat: about 3.75 inches across brim.

Materials

• Yarn weight: DK or light worsted yarn.
• Main tiger color: golden yellow or warm ochre.
• Muzzle and paw color: cream.
• Stripe embroidery: dark brown.
• Safari outfit: khaki beige.
• Belt and bag trim: medium brown.
• Hat and satchel base: straw beige.
• Camera: black, gray, and pale blue.
• Canteen: light gray, dark gray, and black.
• Daisy: white and yellow.
• Needles: US 2 or US 3 double-pointed needles, or circular needle for magic loop.
• Flat knitting needles: same size for clothing and flat pieces.
• Safety eyes: 12 mm glossy black eyes, or black embroidery for a child-safe version.
• Buttons: 3 tiny beige buttons for shirt front, 2 tiny buttons for chest pockets, and 2 tiny decorative buttons for sandals.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, row counter, removable markers, and optional pipe cleaner for stronger bag strap shape.

Gauge

• Stockinette in the round: 7 stitches and 10 rounds equals 1 inch.
• Firm toy gauge: the exact gauge is less important than a dense fabric.
• Needle adjustment: if your stitches are loose, go down one needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• St or sts: stitch or stitches.
• Rnd: round.
• Row: worked flat.
• Kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• SSK: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loop.
• M1: make 1 increase.
• St st: stockinette stitch.
• G st: garter stitch, knit every row when worked flat.
• PM: place marker.
• SM: slip marker.
• Rep: repeat.
• Rem: remaining.

Construction Notes

The tiger cub uses separate pieces for the head, muzzle, ears, body, arms, legs, paws, clothing, and accessories. Sew all parts with matching yarn and a tapestry needle. Pin everything before sewing so the face and clothing line up symmetrically.

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The head should be slightly larger than the body, with full cheeks and a round top. The body is short and sturdy under the safari shirt. The arms hang naturally at the sides, and the legs angle slightly outward so the doll can sit or lean nicely.

• Stuff the head firmly, especially around the cheeks and chin.
• Stuff the body medium-firm so the shirt can fit smoothly over it.
• Stuff arms and legs lightly near the top so they can bend naturally.
• Embroider tiger stripes after the head is stuffed but before adding the hat.
• Attach the outfit after the body and limbs are fully assembled.

Body

Work the body in khaki if you want the shirt to be partly integrated, or work it in golden tiger color if you prefer the shirt to be removable. For the pictured look, the visible torso is covered by a khaki safari shirt, so this base body may be worked in golden yarn and dressed later.

1. With golden yarn, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join to work in the round. PM for beginning of rnd.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Rep K1, kfb around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Rep K2, kfb around. 48 sts.
8. Rnds 7-18: K all sts for the rounded belly section.
9. Rnd 19: Rep K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
10. Rnds 20-25: K all sts.
11. Rnd 26: Rep K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
12. Rnds 27-30: K all sts.
13. Rnd 31: Rep K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
14. Rnd 32: K all sts.
15. Rnd 33: Rep K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
16. Stuff the body firmly at the lower belly and medium-firm near the shoulders.
17. Rnd 34: Rep K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
18. Rnd 35: Rep K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
19. Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull tight, and secure.

Head

The head is the most important shape. It should be wide at the cheeks, rounded at the forehead, and slightly tapered at the neck. Work in golden yarn. The face will later receive cream muzzle pieces, dark stripes, glossy eyes, and a brown nose.

1. With golden yarn, CO 10 sts. Divide evenly and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Rep K1, kfb around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Rep K2, kfb around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: Rep K3, kfb around. 50 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: Rep K4, kfb around. 60 sts.
12. Rnds 11-22: K all sts to form the full round forehead and upper head.
13. Rnd 23: K20, kfb, K18, kfb, K20. 62 sts.
14. Rnd 24: K all sts.
15. Rnd 25: K21, kfb, K18, kfb, K21. 64 sts.
16. Rnds 26-30: K all sts for the cheek depth.
17. Place safety eyes between Rnds 20 and 21, about 12 sts apart. The eyes should sit wide and slightly above the center of the face.
18. Rnd 31: Rep K6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
19. Rnd 32: K all sts.
20. Rnd 33: Rep K5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
21. Rnd 34: K all sts.
22. Rnd 35: Rep K4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
23. Begin stuffing the head. Shape the cheeks with extra stuffing on both sides of the muzzle area.
24. Rnd 36: Rep K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
25. Rnd 37: Rep K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
26. Rnd 38: Rep K1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
27. Finish stuffing firmly. Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull closed, and secure.

Cream Muzzle and Cheek Patches

The tiger in the image has a cream muzzle area shaped like two soft cheek pads with a small bridge under the nose. Make two oval cheek patches, then sew them side by side below the eyes.

Left Muzzle Patch

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
7. Rows 6-10: Work in St st, beginning with a purl row.
8. Row 11: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 12: P all sts.
10. Row 13: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. Row 14: P all sts.
12. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

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Right Muzzle Patch

1. Make the same as the left muzzle patch.
2. Pin both patches below the eyes, with inner edges touching at the center.
3. Sew around each patch with small whipstitches, adding a tiny amount of stuffing under each cheek before closing the final inch.

Center Chin Patch

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: K all sts.
3. Row 3: Kfb, K4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Rows 4-6: Work in St st.
5. Row 7: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
6. BO and sew below the two muzzle patches to create a soft rounded chin.

Nose, Mouth, and Whiskers

• Use dark brown yarn for the nose and mouth.
• Embroider a small upside-down triangle nose at the center where the two muzzle patches meet.
• Make the nose about 5 sts wide and 4 rows tall.
• From the bottom point of the nose, embroider one vertical line down about 4 rows.
• Add two curved mouth lines, one curving left and one curving right.
• With dark brown or charcoal yarn, embroider three short whisker lines on each cream cheek.
• Keep the whiskers delicate, about 0.75 inch long each.

Tiger Stripes

The pictured tiger has short, dark brown vertical stripes across the forehead, small cheek markings, and narrow marks near the sides of the face. Embroider these after the muzzle is attached.

• Forehead center: embroider 5 short vertical stripes from Rnds 11-18. Make the middle stripe longest.
• Forehead sides: embroider 2 small angled stripes above each eye.
• Cheeks: add 2 small dash-shaped stripes on each side of the face, outside the cream muzzle.
• Outer head: add 2 tiny brown marks near each ear base.
• Arms and legs: add 3 dark brown claw lines on each paw and 2 narrow tiger stripes on each golden limb.

Ears

The ears are rounded and sit on the upper sides of the head. Each ear has a golden outer ear and a smaller brown inner ear. The ears should curve gently forward.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With golden yarn, CO 8 sts. Work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
7. Rows 6-10: Work in St st.
8. Row 11: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 12: P all sts.
10. Row 13: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. Row 14: P all sts.
12. Row 15: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
13. BO, leaving a long tail.

Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With medium brown yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K4, kfb. 8 sts.
5. Rows 4-7: Work in St st.
6. Row 8: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
7. BO.
8. Sew one inner ear to one outer ear. Repeat for second ear.
9. Fold each ear slightly at the base and sew to the head between Rnds 12 and 20, about 18 sts apart across the top.

Legs and Feet

The feet are cream at the toes, golden through the ankles, and later covered by small sandals. Make two matching legs. The feet should be oval and slightly flattened so the doll has the same stable look as the photo.

Foot and Leg, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K6, kfb 4 times, K6, kfb 4 times. 28 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: K all sts.
7. Rnd 9: K6, k2tog 4 times, K6, k2tog 4 times. 20 sts.
8. Change to golden yarn.
9. Rnds 10-18: K all sts to form the lower leg.
10. Change to khaki yarn for the shorts cuff look.
11. Rnd 19: K all sts.
12. Rnd 20: Rep K4, kfb around. 24 sts.
13. Rnds 21-26: K all sts.
14. Rnd 27: Rep K4, k2tog around. 20 sts.
15. Stuff the foot firmly and the upper leg lightly.
16. Rnd 28: Rep K2, k2tog around. 15 sts.
17. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

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Toe Embroidery

• Use dark brown yarn.
• Embroider 3 short vertical claw lines on each cream foot.
• Place the center claw first, then one on each side.
• Keep the lines slightly curved so they follow the rounded toe shape.

Arms and Paws

The arms are golden with cream paws. They hang from short safari shirt sleeves. The pictured arms are slim at the wrist, rounded at the paw, and lightly curved toward the body.

Arm, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: K all sts.
5. Rnd 7: Rep K2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Change to golden yarn.
7. Rnds 8-22: K all sts.
8. Rnd 23: Rep K1, k2tog around. 8 sts.
9. Stuff paw firmly and arm lightly.
10. BO, leaving a long tail.

Paw Details

• Embroider 3 short dark brown claw lines on each cream paw.
• Add 2 small tiger stripe dashes on each golden forearm.
• Sew arms to the body at the upper sides, just below the neck.
• Angle the arms slightly downward so they frame the safari shirt.

Joining Body, Head, Arms, and Legs

1. Place the body upright with the narrow end at the top.
2. Pin the legs to the lower body, about 8 sts apart at the front.
3. Sew around each leg opening twice for strength.
4. Pin the arms at the side shoulders. Sew securely.
5. Set the head on the body with the face centered over the legs.
6. Sew the head to the neck using a firm ladder stitch. Go around the neck twice.
7. Check that the doll sits evenly before weaving in ends.

Safari Shirt

The safari shirt is khaki, short-sleeved, and has a folded collar, front opening, three buttons, two chest pockets, and a lower hem. It can be sewn permanently to the doll for the cleanest display shape.

Shirt Body

1. With khaki yarn, CO 52 sts. Work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts to create a garter hem.
4. Row 3: K4, P44, K4.
5. Row 4: K all sts.
6. Rows 5-14: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 five more times. Keep the first and last 4 sts in garter for front bands.
7. Row 15: K4, P8, BO 6 sts for armhole, P20, BO 6 sts for armhole, P8, K4.
8. Row 16: K across, casting on 6 sts over each BO gap. 52 sts.
9. Rows 17-22: Continue in St st with garter front bands.
10. Row 23: K4, P8, P2tog, P24, P2tog, P8, K4. 50 sts.
11. Row 24: K all sts.
12. Row 25: K4, P42, K4.
13. Row 26: K all sts.
14. BO loosely.
15. Wrap shirt around the body with opening at the front. Sew side edges lightly to the doll if desired.

Short Sleeves, Make 2

1. With khaki yarn, CO 20 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-2: P all sts for a rolled lower sleeve edge.
3. Rnds 3-8: K all sts.
4. Rnd 9: Rep K3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
5. BO loosely.
6. Slide one sleeve over each arm and sew the upper edge to the shirt armhole.

Collar

1. With khaki yarn, CO 32 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: K all sts.
3. Row 3: K2, P28, K2.
4. Row 4: K all sts.
5. Row 5: K2, P2tog, P24, P2tog, K2. 30 sts.
6. Row 6: K all sts.
7. BO.
8. Sew collar around the neckline, folding the points downward like the photo.

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Button Band and Buttons

• Sew the front shirt opening closed or leave a tiny overlap.
• Attach 3 small beige buttons down the center front.
• Place the top button just below the collar, the second at the belly center, and the third above the belt line.
• Use strong thread if the buttons are decorative and small.

Chest Pockets

The shirt has two small square chest pockets with flaps. They sit evenly on both sides of the button band.

Pocket Base, Make 2

1. With khaki yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: Work in St st, beginning with a knit row.
3. Row 9: K all sts.
4. BO.
5. Sew one pocket on each side of the chest, about 4 sts away from the center button band.

Pocket Flap, Make 2

1. With khaki yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: K all sts.
3. Row 3: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
4. BO.
5. Sew one flap above each pocket.
6. Add one tiny beige button to each flap.

Safari Shorts

The shorts are khaki and sit below the shirt. They have a rounded waistband, short legs, and side cargo details. Work them as a separate garment and sew them to the doll for a fitted look.

Shorts Waist and Seat

1. With khaki yarn, CO 54 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: P all sts for waistband ridge.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnds 3-10: K all sts.
5. Rnd 11: K26, PM, K28.
6. Rnd 12: K all sts.
7. Divide for leg openings: place first 27 sts on one set of needles and second 27 sts on another set.

Left Short Leg

1. Join khaki yarn to first 27 sts.
2. Rnds 1-5: K all sts.
3. Rnd 6: P all sts for cuff ridge.
4. Rnd 7: K all sts.
5. BO loosely.

Right Short Leg

1. Join khaki yarn to second 27 sts.
2. Work same as left short leg.
3. Weave in all ends.
4. Pull shorts onto the body and legs. Sew waistband under the shirt hem with small hidden stitches.

Side Cargo Tabs, Make 2

1. With khaki yarn, CO 7 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: K all sts.
3. BO.
4. Sew one tab on the outside of each short leg.

Belt

The belt is dark brown with a small rectangular buckle at the front. It wraps over the shirt and shorts, just like the image.

Belt Strap

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Work in garter stitch until the strip measures 8.5 inches, or long enough to wrap around the doll waist.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.
4. Wrap around the waist and sew the ends together at the front center.

Buckle

1. With tan yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. BO.
4. Shape the small strip into a rectangle around the belt join.
5. Sew the corners securely so it looks like a buckle frame.

Belt Loops, Make 4

1. With khaki yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-5: K all sts.
3. BO.
4. Sew two loops at the front and two at the sides, crossing over the belt.

Sandals

The sandals sit over the cream tiger feet. Each sandal has a brown sole edge, a greenish-khaki top strap, and a tiny round button detail near the side.

Sandal Sole Edge, Make 2

1. With medium brown yarn, CO 22 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. BO.
5. Wrap the strip around the bottom edge of each foot and sew it in place.

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Top Strap, Make 2

1. With khaki or olive-khaki yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Work garter stitch for 2.25 inches.
3. BO.
4. Lay one strap diagonally over each foot.
5. Sew strap ends to the brown sole edge.
6. Add one tiny decorative button to the outer side of each sandal strap.

Safari Satchel

The satchel is straw beige with brown trim and a long brown shoulder strap. It hangs on the tiger’s left side, crossing over one shoulder. The bag is soft, rounded, and flap-style.

Bag Front

1. With straw beige yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K16, kfb. 20 sts.
5. Rows 4-12: Work in St st.
6. Row 13: SSK, K16, k2tog. 18 sts.
7. Row 14: P all sts.
8. BO.

Bag Back

1. Make the same as the bag front.
2. Place front and back together with wrong sides touching.
3. Sew around sides and bottom, leaving top open.
4. Add a small amount of stuffing only if you want a padded bag shape.

Bag Flap

1. With straw beige yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: Work in St st.
3. Row 9: SSK, K14, k2tog. 16 sts.
4. Row 10: P all sts.
5. Row 11: SSK, K12, k2tog. 14 sts.
6. Row 12: P all sts.
7. BO.
8. Sew flap to the top back of the bag and fold it forward.

Brown Bag Trim

1. With brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work garter stitch until the strip reaches across the front flap.
3. BO and sew vertically down the center of the flap.
4. Make a second strip about 2.25 inches long for the lower front trim.
5. Sew it across the lower front of the bag.

Shoulder Strap

1. With brown yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Work garter stitch until the strap measures about 12 inches.
3. BO.
4. Sew one end to each side of the bag.
5. Place the strap over the doll’s shoulder so the bag rests on the left hip.
6. Tack the strap lightly to the shirt shoulder so it stays in the same position as the photo.

Camera

The camera is black with gray borders, a pale blue lens, and a thin black neck strap. It sits beside the doll in the image, but you may also hang it from the doll’s neck.

Camera Body

1. With black yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: Work in St st.
3. BO.
4. Make a second piece the same way.
5. Place pieces together and sew around edges, adding a tiny amount of stuffing before closing.

Gray Camera Edges

1. With gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work garter stitch until the strip fits across the top of the camera.
3. BO and sew to the top edge.
4. Make a second gray strip for the bottom edge and sew in place.
5. Make two shorter gray strips for the left and right sides.

Lens

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. BO.
6. Sew the blue circle to the center of the black camera front.
7. With white yarn, add one small highlight stitch on the upper left of the lens.

Camera Strap

1. With black yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work an I-cord for 12 inches, or make a simple chain-like knitted cord.
3. BO and sew the ends to the top corners of the camera.

Canteen

The canteen is light gray, oval, and has a dark gray cap with a small black handle. It rests beside the tiger in the photo. It can also be sewn to the belt or satchel strap.

Canteen Body

1. With light gray yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Rep K1, kfb around. 30 sts.
5. Rnds 4-10: K all sts.
6. Rnd 11: Rep K1, k2tog around. 20 sts.
7. Rnd 12: K2tog around. 10 sts.
8. Stuff lightly.
9. Cut yarn and pull through rem sts.

Canteen Cap and Handle

1. With dark gray yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K all sts.
3. BO and sew to the top of the canteen.
4. With black yarn, CO 3 sts and work a 1.5 inch I-cord.
5. Sew both ends of the I-cord to the cap to form a loop handle.

Safari Hat

The hat is straw beige, round, and shallow with a wide brim. It rests near the tiger in the image, but it can be made removable. Add small embroidered leaf-like details in orange and green to match the photo.

Hat Crown

1. With straw beige yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Rep K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: Rep K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 5: Rep K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
7. Rnd 6: Rep K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
8. Rnds 7-12: K all sts.
9. Rnd 13: P all sts to create a turning ridge.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 14: Rep K3, kfb around. 60 sts.
2. Rnd 15: K all sts.
3. Rnd 16: Rep K4, kfb around. 72 sts.
4. Rnd 17: K all sts.
5. Rnd 18: Rep K5, kfb around. 84 sts.
6. Rnds 19-21: K all sts.
7. Rnd 22: P all sts for a firm outer ridge.
8. BO loosely.
9. Weave in ends and gently shape the brim flat with your fingers.

Hat Band and Embroidery

1. With slightly darker beige yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work garter stitch until the strip fits around the crown base.
3. BO and sew around the hat above the brim ridge.
4. With green yarn, embroider two small leaf sprigs on one side of the crown.
5. With orange yarn, embroider two short angled stitches near the green leaves.

Daisy Flower

The daisy sits near one ear, with white petals and a yellow center. It should be small and bright, adding a gentle handmade detail to the tiger’s safari look.

Yellow Center

1. With yellow yarn, CO 5 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st around. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. BO and pull into a small circle.

White Petals

1. With white yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K1, kfb. 5 sts.
5. Rows 4-5: Work in St st.
6. Row 6: SSK, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
7. BO.
8. Make 8 petals.
9. Sew petals around the yellow center.
10. Attach flower beside the tiger’s right ear, slightly overlapping the ear edge.

Safari Shirt Texture Lines

The photo shows a knitted fabric with vertical texture on the shirt. You can add this look by embroidering subtle lines after the shirt is sewn on.

• Use the same khaki yarn or a slightly darker khaki yarn.
• Work vertical duplicate stitches beside the button band.
• Add two short lines on each pocket to create stitched pocket texture.
• Add one horizontal line above the waist to separate shirt from belt.
• Keep the texture soft so it does not overpower the small buttons.

Optional Tail

The tail is not clearly visible from the front view, but a small tiger tail may be added to the back if desired. Keep it slim and curved so it does not distract from the safari outfit.

1. With golden yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-22: K all sts.
3. Add two dark brown embroidered bands around the tail.
4. Stuff very lightly.
5. BO and sew closed.
6. Sew to the lower back, curving it slightly to one side.

Detailed Accessory Placement

• Hat: place beside the doll or gently set on the head at a slight angle.
• Daisy: attach beside the right ear, facing forward.
• Satchel: hang from the doll’s right shoulder across the body so the bag rests on the left side.
• Camera: place beside the doll or hang loosely with the black strap.
• Canteen: place near the opposite side of the doll or sew lightly to the belt.
• Belt: wrap over the lower shirt and keep the buckle centered.
• Sandals: place straps diagonally across the cream feet.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Make sure the body is stuffed and sewn firmly before adding clothing.
2. Sew the head to the body with the face centered over the front opening of the shirt.
3. Attach the ears evenly, then sew the daisy near one ear.
4. Attach the cream muzzle patches and chin patch before embroidering the nose.
5. Embroider the brown nose in a neat triangle shape.
6. Add the center mouth line and two curved mouth lines.
7. Embroider whiskers with thin, even stitches.
8. Add forehead stripes, cheek stripes, arm stripes, and leg stripes.
9. Dress the doll in the safari shirt and shorts.
10. Sew the belt around the waist and center the buckle.
11. Add pockets, flaps, and tiny buttons to match the explorer outfit.
12. Place the bag strap over the shoulder and tack it invisibly.
13. Attach sandals to the feet and sew tiny buttons on the outer straps.
14. Place camera, canteen, and hat around the doll for the final safari display.

Care Notes

• Spot clean the doll with a soft damp cloth.
• Avoid soaking if the doll has safety eyes, buttons, or structured accessories.
• Let the toy air dry completely before storing.
• Do not tumble dry, bleach, or iron the stuffed doll.
• If made for a young child, replace safety eyes and small buttons with embroidery.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is round, firm, and larger than the body.
• Eyes are even and glossy, with the muzzle centered below them.
• Forehead stripes are short, vertical, and balanced.
• Safari shirt has collar, sleeves, pockets, buttons, and belt.
• Shorts fit smoothly under the shirt.
• Satchel hangs on one side with a brown strap.
• Camera has black body, gray borders, blue lens, and black strap.
• Canteen is light gray with a dark cap and black handle.
• Hat has a wide brim, round crown, band, and small embroidered leaves.
• Sandals sit across the cream feet with tiny side buttons.
• Daisy is attached near one ear.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the tiger cub in a dry place away from strong sunlight. Long exposure to direct light can fade golden, khaki, and brown yarn shades. Keep the hat, camera, and canteen near the doll so the full safari display stays together.

For dust removal, use a clean soft brush and work gently around the eyes, buttons, flower, and embroidered stripes. If the satchel strap or camera strap becomes twisted, smooth it with your fingers instead of pulling hard.

When packing the doll, wrap it in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton cloth. Do not press the face flat. Add light support around the hat brim and bag so the accessories keep their shape.

Check sewn details occasionally. Reinforce loose buttons, straps, or embroidered lines with matching thread. With careful handling, this knitted tiger cub safari explorer doll will stay charming, tidy, and ready for display for a long time.