Knitting Tutorial: Valentine Giraffe with Heart Balloons – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet Valentine giraffe is knitted as a soft display doll with a cream body, rounded muzzle-style head, small brown ossicones, wide ears, red bow, heart balloons, striped romper shorts, red mittens, green crossbody bag, red shoes with tiny white bows, and a matching red Valentine hat. The finished design is full of small knitted details, making it a charming handmade gift or seasonal decoration.

 

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 doll is knitted mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or with the magic loop method. Smaller decorations are knitted flat, then sewn on carefully so the finished giraffe matches the soft handmade look shown in the image.

The finished giraffe measures about 12 inches tall from shoe soles to the top of the ossicones, not including the balloon strings. The body is slim with rounded hips, short legs, a long neck, a large oval head, and small decorative accessories.

• Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate
• Finished height: About 12 inches tall
• Main technique: Knitting in the round, simple shaping, embroidery, seaming
• Needles: US 2.5 / 3 mm double-pointed needles or circular needle for magic loop
• Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 inch in stockinette with DK yarn
• Stuffing style: Firm but still soft, with extra shaping in the head, belly, shoes, and balloons

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm cream for giraffe body, head, legs, arms, ears, and muzzle
• DK weight yarn in red for bow, shoes, mittens, shorts stripes, hearts, balloons, and hat
• DK weight yarn in soft green for romper stripes, crossbody strap, green balloon, and bag
• DK weight yarn in brown for ossicones, hair tufts, ears spots, and tail
• Small amount of white yarn for shoe bows, balloon heart marks, and hat band accents
• Pair of 6 mm black safety eyes or black embroidery yarn
• Black embroidery floss for nostrils
• Pink blush powder or pink yarn for cheek blush
• Polyester fiberfill
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers
• Small red heart buttons for the bag flap, or embroidered red heart shapes
• Thin white cotton cord or white yarn for balloon strings
• Optional pipe cleaner or floral wire for standing balloon strings, fully covered and secured

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 front and back of the same stitch
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together
• SSK: slip, slip, knit
• M1: make 1 stitch
• Sl1: slip 1 stitch
• St st: stockinette stitch
• Garter st: knit every row when working flat

Important Notes Before You Begin

Work with a firm gauge so the stuffing does not show through the knitted fabric. The pictured doll has smooth, tight stitches, so avoid loose tension. If your stitches look open, change to smaller needles.

The giraffe is made in separate knitted pieces. The legs and body are joined, while the head, arms, ears, ossicones, accessories, balloons, shoes, bag, and hat are made separately and sewn on. This gives better control over the exact shape.

• Use cream yarn for all main giraffe pieces unless another color is stated.
• Stuff each piece gradually as you knit or before closing.
• Keep the face centered by marking the front of the head with a removable marker.
• Sew all accessories with small hidden stitches.
• For the neatest Valentine look, place all hearts symmetrically where possible.

Body and Legs

First Leg

Start at the bottom of one cream leg. The legs are narrow, straight, and visible between the shorts and shoes.

1. With cream yarn, CO 12 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Rnds 1-3: K all sts.
3. Rnd 4: Kfb in each st around. You now have 24 sts.
4. Rnds 5-8: K all sts.
5. Rnd 9: K2tog around. You now have 12 sts.
6. Rnds 10-22: K all sts.
7. Change to red yarn for the shoe cuff line.
8. Rnd 23: K all sts in red.
9. Change back to cream yarn.
10. Rnds 24-26: K all sts.
11. Break yarn and place sts on a holder.

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Second Leg

Make the second leg the same way, but do not break the yarn after Rnd 26. You will now join both legs to form the lower body and romper shorts.

1. Work the second leg through Rnd 26.
2. K 12 sts of the second leg.
3. CO 4 sts for the center front gap.
4. K 12 sts from the first leg holder.
5. CO 4 sts for the center back gap.
6. You now have 32 sts for the lower body.

Striped Romper Shorts and Lower Body

The shorts in the picture are cream with narrow red and green horizontal stripes. The legs are puffy and end just above the cream lower legs.

1. Rnd 1: With cream yarn, K all 32 sts.
2. Rnd 2: K all sts.
3. Rnd 3: Change to red yarn, K all sts.
4. Rnd 4: With red yarn, K all sts.
5. Rnd 5: Change to cream yarn, K all sts.
6. Rnd 6: With cream yarn, K all sts.
7. Rnd 7: Change to green yarn, K all sts.
8. Rnd 8: With green yarn, K all sts.
9. Rnds 9-10: With cream yarn, K all sts.
10. Rnd 11: With red yarn, K all sts.
11. Rnd 12: With red yarn, K all sts.
12. Rnds 13-14: With cream yarn, K all sts.
13. Rnd 15: With green yarn, K all sts.
14. Rnd 16: With green yarn, K all sts.
15. Rnds 17-18: With cream yarn, K all sts.

Now shape the rounded hips and upper body. The pictured giraffe has a slightly wider lower body, then a narrow waist and long neck.

1. Rnd 19: K7, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 36 sts.
2. Rnds 20-24: K all sts in cream.
3. Rnd 25: K4, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 30 sts.
4. Rnd 26: K all sts.
5. Rnd 27: K3, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 24 sts.
6. Rnds 28-31: K all sts.
7. Rnd 32: K2, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 18 sts.
8. Rnds 33-42: K all sts to form the long cream neck.
9. Rnd 43: K1, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 12 sts.
10. Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Do not close yet. Stuff the legs, shorts, body, and neck firmly.

Romper Bib Panel

The front bib is cream with tiny red heart details. It sits on the front body from the waist to the lower neck.

1. With cream yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Rows 3-4: Repeat Rows 1-2.
5. Row 5: With red yarn, K all sts.
6. Row 6: With red yarn, P all sts.
7. Rows 7-12: With cream yarn, work in St st.
8. Row 13: With red yarn, K all sts.
9. Row 14: With red yarn, P all sts.
10. Rows 15-18: With cream yarn, work in St st.
11. BO all sts.

Sew the bib to the front of the body. Embroider three small red hearts on the lower half of the bib. Each small heart is made with two lazy-daisy stitches at the top and one straight stitch downward.

Head

The head is large, oval, and slightly pear-shaped. It is wider at the lower muzzle and narrower near the top where the ears, ossicones, bow, and hair are attached.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st around. You now have 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: K1, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K all sts.
6. Rnd 5: K2, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: K all sts.
8. Rnd 7: K3, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 40 sts.
9. Rnd 8: K all sts.
10. Rnd 9: K4, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 48 sts.
11. Rnds 10-18: K all sts.
12. Rnd 19: K10, Kfb, K4, Kfb, K10, Kfb, K4, Kfb, K16. You now have 52 sts.
13. Rnds 20-28: K all sts. This creates the fuller muzzle area.
14. Rnd 29: K11, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 48 sts.
15. Rnd 30: K all sts.
16. Rnd 31: K4, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 40 sts.
17. Rnd 32: K all sts.
18. Rnd 33: K3, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 32 sts.
19. Rnd 34: K all sts.
20. Rnd 35: K2, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 24 sts.
21. Pause and stuff the head firmly, shaping the lower face wider than the top.
22. Rnd 36: K1, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 16 sts.
23. Rnd 37: K2tog around. You now have 8 sts.
24. Break yarn, draw through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

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Face Placement

Place the eyes between Rnds 20 and 21, about 10 stitches apart. The face should look gentle and centered, with the eyes high enough to leave room for the soft muzzle shape below.

• Place black safety eyes before fully closing the head, or embroider black eyes after finishing.
• Use black embroidery floss to sew two short vertical nostrils on the lower face, about 8 stitches apart.
• Add pink blush on both cheeks, just below and slightly outside the eyes.
• Embroider two red heart patches near the upper sides of the face, one on each cheek area above the blush.

Ears

The ears are large, cream, soft, and leaf-shaped. They sit horizontally out from the sides of the head, with a gentle fold at the base.

Make 2 Outer Ears

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, Kfb, K2, Kfb, K1. You now have 8 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K1, Kfb, K4, Kfb, K1. You now have 10 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: K1, Kfb, K6, Kfb, K1. You now have 12 sts.
9. Rows 8-14: Work in St st.
10. Row 15: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
11. Row 16: P all sts.
12. Row 17: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. You now have 8 sts.
13. Row 18: P all sts.
14. Row 19: K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1. You now have 6 sts.
15. Row 20: P all sts.
16. Row 21: K1, SSK, K2tog, K1. You now have 4 sts.
17. BO all sts.

Ear Inner Texture

For the slightly raised inner look, knit two smaller cream inner panels or embroider a central line. The image shows soft pale ears without strong contrast, so keep the inner detail subtle.

1. With cream yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: Work in St st.
3. Row 11: SSK, K2tog. You now have 2 sts.
4. Row 12: P2.
5. BO all sts.

Sew one inner panel to each outer ear. Fold the cast-on edge of each ear slightly inward and sew the fold closed. Attach the ears to the sides of the head between Rnds 30 and 33.

Ossicones and Brown Hair Tufts

The giraffe has two short brown ossicones with rounded tops and several thin brown hair strands standing between them.

Ossicones, Make 2

1. With brown yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-6: K all sts.
3. Rnd 7: Kfb in each st around. You now have 12 sts.
4. Rnd 8: K all sts.
5. Rnd 9: K2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
6. Stuff lightly.
7. Break yarn, draw through remaining sts, and close.

Sew the ossicones on top of the head, about 6 stitches apart. Angle them slightly outward, matching the playful handmade look in the photo.

Hair Tufts

• Cut 8 strands of brown yarn, each 4 inches long.
• Fold each strand in half and pull through a stitch at the crown between the ossicones.
• Knot securely at the base.
• Trim some strands to 1 inch and leave a few slightly longer for the spiky tufted effect.

Neck Hearts and Body Spots

The giraffe has tiny red Valentine markings on the neck and upper body. These are embroidered after the body is stuffed and before the arms and accessories are attached.

• Embroider one red heart centered on the front neck.
• Embroider one smaller red heart on each side of the neck.
• Add two tiny red hearts on the upper front body above the bib.
• Add scattered small red hearts on the romper front and shorts, keeping them neat and balanced.

Each heart uses three stitches: two diagonal stitches meeting at the lower point, then one small stitch at the top center to round the shape. Keep the hearts small so they match the delicate scale of the image.

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Arms and Red Mittens

The arms are cream and slender, ending in round red mittens. In the image, the arms hang forward and meet near the center, holding the balloon strings.

Make 2 Arms

1. With red yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st around. You now have 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2-6: K all sts.
4. Rnd 7: K2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
5. Change to cream yarn.
6. Rnds 8-26: K all sts.
7. Stuff the red mitten firmly and the arm lightly.
8. Break yarn, draw through remaining sts, and close.

Mitten Thumb, Make 2

1. With red yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
3. Break yarn, thread through sts, pull tight, and sew into a tiny thumb shape.

Sew one thumb to the side of each mitten. Attach the arms to the upper body just below the neck, angled downward and slightly forward. Sew the mitten tips close together at the center front so they appear to hold the balloon strings.

Red Bow on Head

The bow sits near the left side of the giraffe’s head, in front of the ossicones. It is bright red, plump, and shaped like a classic Valentine bow.

1. With red yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: Knit every row in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.
4. Wrap the tail tightly around the center of the rectangle 8 times.
5. Pull firmly to pinch the bow shape.
6. Sew through the wrapped center several times to secure.
7. Attach the bow to the upper left front of the head, just below one ossicone and slightly above the ear.

Striped Romper Straps

The green straps cross from the front bib to the back body, creating the same playful suspender look seen in the image.

Make 2 Green Straps

1. With green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-38: Knit every row.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one strap from the top left of the bib over the shoulder to the back waist. Sew the second strap from the top right of the bib over the shoulder to the back waist. Angle the straps neatly so they frame the neck.

Red Mary Jane Shoes

The shoes are red, rounded at the toe, and have cream foot openings. Each shoe has a small white bow on the outer front side.

Make 2 Shoes

1. With red yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st around. You now have 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: K1, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 24 sts.
5. Rnds 4-8: K all sts.
6. Rnd 9: K6, K2tog 6 times, K6. You now have 18 sts.
7. Rnd 10: K all sts.
8. Rnd 11: K4, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 15 sts.
9. Rnds 12-14: K all sts.
10. BO loosely.

Stuff the toe lightly. Slide each shoe over the bottom of a leg and sew the shoe opening to the cream leg. The rounded red toe should point forward.

Shoe Strap, Make 2

1. With red yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one strap across the front of each shoe like a Mary Jane shoe. Keep the strap flat and secure both ends on the sides.

Tiny White Shoe Bows, Make 2

1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: Knit every row.
3. BO all sts.
4. Wrap yarn around the center 4 times to pinch into a bow.
5. Sew one bow to the outside front of each red shoe.

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Green Crossbody Bag

The small green bag hangs at the giraffe’s right hip. It has a flap, two red heart buttons, and a long green strap crossing the body diagonally.

Bag Body

1. With green yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
3. Rows 5-18: Work in St st.
4. Rows 19-22: Knit every row.
5. BO all sts.

Fold the piece upward so it forms a small pouch about 1.5 inches tall. Sew the side seams. Leave the top open.

Bag Flap

1. With green yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
3. Row 5: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1. You now have 12 sts.
4. Row 6: K all sts.
5. Row 7: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. You now have 10 sts.
6. Row 8: K all sts.
7. BO all sts.

Sew the flap to the back top edge of the bag and fold it over the front. Add two small red heart buttons. If buttons are not available, embroider two red hearts on the flap.

Bag Strap

1. With green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-70: Knit every row.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the strap to both upper sides of the bag. Place it across the giraffe from the left shoulder to the right hip, then tack it in place with a few hidden stitches.

Valentine Hat

The hat rests to the giraffe’s right side in the photo. It is red with a cream decorative band and tiny red dots. Knit it as a separate prop so it can be displayed beside the doll or lightly sewn to the hand.

1. With red yarn, CO 48 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rnd 5: P all sts to create a fold line.
4. Rnds 6-9: K all sts.
5. Change to cream yarn.
6. Rnds 10-14: K all sts.
7. Change to red yarn.
8. Rnd 15: K all sts.
9. Rnd 16: K6, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 42 sts.
10. Rnd 17: K all sts.
11. Rnd 18: K5, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 36 sts.
12. Rnd 19: K all sts.
13. Rnd 20: K4, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 30 sts.
14. Rnd 21: K all sts.
15. Rnd 22: K3, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 24 sts.
16. Rnd 23: K all sts.
17. Rnd 24: K2, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 18 sts.
18. Rnd 25: K1, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 12 sts.
19. Rnd 26: K2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
20. Break yarn, draw through remaining sts, and close.

Fold the lower red edge slightly outward to make a brim. Embroider small red dots evenly along the cream band. Add a thin cream line just below the band if you want the hat edge to look more defined.

Heart Balloons

The giraffe holds three knitted heart balloons: two red hearts and one green heart. They have tiny white heart-like stitches scattered on the surface. Each balloon is knitted from two flat heart panels and seamed together with light stuffing.

Large Heart Panel, Make 4 in Red

These four panels make two red balloons.

1. With red yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K1, Kfb. You now have 5 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Kfb, K3, Kfb. You now have 7 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: Kfb, K5, Kfb. You now have 9 sts.
9. Row 8: P all sts.
10. Row 9: Kfb, K7, Kfb. You now have 11 sts.
11. Row 10: P all sts.
12. Row 11: Kfb, K9, Kfb. You now have 13 sts.
13. Rows 12-16: Work in St st.
14. Row 17: K6, turn. Work left lobe only.
15. Row 18: P6.
16. Row 19: SSK, K2, K2tog. You now have 4 sts.
17. Row 20: P4.
18. Row 21: SSK, K2tog. You now have 2 sts.
19. Row 22: P2tog. Fasten off first lobe.
20. Rejoin yarn to remaining 7 sts.
21. Row 17 second lobe: BO center 1 st, K6.
22. Row 18: P6.
23. Row 19: SSK, K2, K2tog. You now have 4 sts.
24. Row 20: P4.
25. Row 21: SSK, K2tog. You now have 2 sts.
26. Row 22: P2tog. Fasten off.

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Small Green Heart Panel, Make 2

1. With green yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K1, Kfb. You now have 5 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Kfb, K3, Kfb. You now have 7 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: Kfb, K5, Kfb. You now have 9 sts.
9. Rows 8-12: Work in St st.
10. Row 13: K4, turn.
11. Row 14: P4.
12. Row 15: SSK, K2tog. You now have 2 sts.
13. Row 16: P2tog. Fasten off.
14. Rejoin yarn to remaining 5 sts.
15. BO center 1 st, K4.
16. Next row: P4.
17. Next row: SSK, K2tog. You now have 2 sts.
18. Next row: P2tog. Fasten off.

Seaming the Balloons

• Place two matching heart panels together with wrong sides facing.
• Sew around the edge using matching yarn and mattress stitch.
• Leave a small opening at the lower point.
• Stuff lightly so the heart stays plump but not round like a ball.
• Close the opening neatly.
• Use white yarn to embroider tiny V-shaped heart marks across the front of each balloon.

Balloon Strings

• Cut three white yarn strands or cotton cords, each about 8 inches long.
• Attach one string to the lower point of each heart balloon.
• Gather the three strings together near the giraffe’s mittens.
• Sew the gathered point between the red mittens so the doll appears to hold the balloons.
• Optional: Insert a covered thin wire inside each string for upright display.

Tiny Red Balloon Bow

A tiny red bow sits where the balloon strings meet, matching the small decorative bow visible near the strings.

1. With red yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
3. BO all sts.
4. Wrap yarn around the center 4 times.
5. Sew the bow over the gathered balloon strings.

Tail

The tail is short and brown, peeking from behind the striped shorts.

• Cut 6 strands of brown yarn, each 5 inches long.
• Fold them together and knot at one end.
• Pull the folded end through the back body at the shorts line.
• Sew securely from inside or with hidden stitches.
• Trim the tail to about 1.5 inches, leaving a small tassel at the end.

Small Red Heart Appliqués

Use these tiny knitted hearts for the neck, romper, and optional bag decoration if you prefer knitted appliqués instead of embroidery.

1. With red yarn, CO 2 sts.
2. Row 1: Kfb in each st. You now have 4 sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K2, Kfb. You now have 6 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K3, turn.
7. Row 6: P3.
8. Row 7: Sl1, K2tog, pass slipped st over. Fasten off.
9. Rejoin yarn to remaining 3 sts.
10. Next row: P3.
11. Next row: Sl1, K2tog, pass slipped st over. Fasten off.

Block each tiny heart lightly with steam from a safe distance. Sew hearts on with matching yarn or fine thread. Keep the hearts flat so they do not overpower the delicate face and outfit.

Assembly Order

Use this order for the cleanest finish. The shape of the giraffe depends on careful placement, especially the head, neck, ears, and accessories.

1. Stuff the legs, shorts, body, and neck firmly.
2. Close the top of the neck with the long tail, but leave it slightly flat for head attachment.
3. Position the head on the neck and pin in place.
4. Sew around the neck twice, using small firm stitches.
5. Attach ears on both sides of the upper head.
6. Sew ossicones to the top of the head and add hair tufts between them.
7. Add the red bow near the left ossicone.
8. Attach arms below the neck, angled toward the center front.
9. Sew the romper bib and green straps in place.
10. Add shoes, shoe straps, and white bows.
11. Add the bag and crossbody strap.
12. Attach balloon strings to the mittens.
13. Place the Valentine hat beside the doll or sew it lightly to one hand for display.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the face is centered before making permanent stitches. The black eyes should sit evenly, the nostrils should be short and vertical, and the blush should be soft. Add only a little blush at first, then build up gently.

• Sew the head firmly so it does not wobble.
• Shape the muzzle with your hands while the stuffing is still adjustable.
• Keep both ears symmetrical and slightly lifted.
• Place the red face hearts evenly on both sides.
• Sew all loose yarn tails into the inside of the doll.

Care Notes

This knitted giraffe is best used as a decorative handmade item. Because it includes small buttons, embroidered details, and attached accessories, it is not recommended for babies or pets.

• Spot clean only with a damp cloth.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or wires are used.
• Let the doll air dry completely before storing.
• Keep away from rough play to protect the balloons and bag strap.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is oval with a fuller lower muzzle.
• Large cream ears are attached at the upper sides of the head.
• Brown ossicones and hair tufts are centered on top.
• Red bow sits near the left ossicone.
• Romper has red and green stripes with small red hearts.
• Red mittens meet at the center to hold the balloon strings.
• Green crossbody bag hangs at the right hip.
• Red shoes have small white bows.
• Two red heart balloons and one green heart balloon are attached.
• Red Valentine hat has a cream band and red dot details.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, store the giraffe upright or lying flat in a dry box. Do not crush the heart balloons or bend the neck sharply. If dust collects on the surface, use a soft brush and gentle strokes.

For long-term storage, wrap the doll in acid-free tissue or clean cotton fabric. Keep it away from direct sunlight, strong humidity, and sharp objects. Refresh the shape by gently pressing the stuffing back into place with your fingers.

If any accessory loosens, reattach it with matching yarn and small stitches. Check the balloon strings, bag strap, shoe bows, and head bow first, since these tiny details receive the most movement during handling.