Knitting Tutorial: Woodland Tiger Cub in Mushroom Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern.

Knitting Tutorial: Woodland Tiger Cub in Mushroom Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern.

This woodland tiger cub knit doll has a round striped head, glossy safety eyes, pink embroidered nose, open red mouth, rounded ears, striped arms and legs, a cream short-sleeve shirt, green mushroom overalls, orange woodland sandals, a tiny mushroom head charm, an acorn shoulder bag, a mushroom-trimmed hat, and two small snail friends for the garden-table scene.

 

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 tiger cub: about 12.5 in / 32 cm seated, using DK yarn and 2.75 mm needles.
  • Hat: about 4.25 in / 11 cm wide.
  • Acorn bag: about 2.5 in / 6.5 cm tall.
  • Snails: about 2.25 in / 6 cm long.

Skill Level

This pattern is written for adventurous beginners and intermediate knitters. The shaping is simple, but there are many small details. Most pieces are worked in the round with basic increases, decreases, color stripes, embroidery, and neat sewing.

Materials

  • DK weight yarn in tiger orange, golden yellow, dark brown, cream, forest green, rust, tan, pink, red, mushroom white, mushroom red, olive green, and beige.
  • 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
  • 2.25 mm needles for small accessories and firmer details.
  • 12 mm black safety eyes, or black yarn for embroidered eyes.
  • Polyester fiberfill.
  • Tapestry needle.
  • Two small wooden-look buttons, about 8 mm, for overall straps.
  • Black embroidery floss for mouth outline, whisker dots, and paw lines.
  • Pink embroidery floss or pink yarn for nose.
  • Stitch markers, removable markers, pins, scissors.
  • Optional: pipe cleaner for tail support, only if the finished toy will be decorative and not for a small child.

Gauge

Gauge: 28 sts and 38 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette using 2.75 mm needles. Gauge is not critical, but your knitting must be firm enough that stuffing does not show. If your fabric is loose, go down one needle size.

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 next stitch, 1 stitch increased.
  • m1: make 1 stitch by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting through the back loop.
  • k2tog: knit 2 stitches together, 1 stitch decreased.
  • ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
  • st st: stockinette stitch; knit every round when working in the round.
  • MC: main color, tiger orange.
  • CC1: golden yellow.
  • CC2: dark brown.

Color Placement Notes

The cub in the photo has a warm orange base with golden highlights and dark brown tiger markings. To match that look, use tiger orange as the main yarn and add short brown duplicate-stitch markings after knitting. This gives better control than stranded colorwork on a small shaped doll.

  • Head: orange base, golden cheek blending, brown forehead stripes, side stripes, and small cheek spots.
  • Body under clothing: orange tiger torso partly hidden by shirt and overalls.
  • Arms and legs: orange with dark brown rings.
  • Ears: orange outside, golden inner ear, brown outer edge.
  • Overalls: forest green with rust bands, cream mushroom motifs, and tiny leaf embroidery.
  • Shirt: cream, short sleeves, visible collar at neck.
  • Sandals: rust-orange uppers with beige soles and green leaf decorations.

General Construction

The tiger is made from separate knitted pieces, then stuffed and sewn. The head is large and round, the body is smaller and seated, the legs hang forward over the table edge, and the arms rest down at the sides. The overalls are knitted separately so they look like real clothing.

Stuff each piece firmly but not hard. The head should be round and full. The hands, feet, and ears should be softer so they can be shaped with your fingers before sewing.

Head

Work in the round with tiger orange. Use 2.75 mm needles. The head is a rounded sphere with a slightly full cheek area and a small muzzle patch embroidered later.

  1. Rnd 1: CO 8 sts and join in the round. Place marker for beginning of round.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 4: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  6. Rnd 6: *k2, kfb; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
  7. Rnd 7: k all sts.
  8. Rnd 8: *k3, kfb; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
  9. Rnd 9: k all sts.
  10. Rnd 10: *k4, kfb; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
  11. Rnd 11: k all sts.
  12. Rnd 12: *k5, kfb; repeat from * around. 56 sts.
  13. Rnd 13: k all sts.
  14. Rnd 14: *k6, kfb; repeat from * around. 64 sts.
  15. Rnds 15–18: k all sts.
  16. Rnd 19: k12, work next 8 sts in golden yellow, k8, work next 8 sts in golden yellow, k28. 64 sts.
  17. Rnd 20: repeat Rnd 19.
  18. Rnd 21: k10, work next 12 sts in golden yellow, k4, work next 12 sts in golden yellow, k26. 64 sts.
  19. Rnd 22: repeat Rnd 21.
  20. Rnds 23–28: k all sts in tiger orange.
  21. Rnd 29: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around. 56 sts.
  22. Rnd 30: k all sts.
  23. Rnd 31: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
  24. Rnd 32: k all sts.

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Insert the safety eyes between Rnds 21 and 22, about 13 sts apart. Angle them slightly toward the center so the cub looks cheerful and curious. Begin stuffing the head firmly, shaping the cheeks with your fingers.

  1. Rnd 33: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
  2. Rnd 34: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 35: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
  4. Rnd 36: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 37: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  6. Rnd 38: *k2tog; repeat from * around. 8 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in. Add more stuffing before fully closing if needed. Keep the front round but slightly fuller below the eyes.

Muzzle Patch

The muzzle is not a separate bulky piece in the photo. It appears softly shaped with embroidery over the front of the head. Use golden yellow and pink yarn to create a neat oval muzzle and nose.

  1. With golden yellow yarn, duplicate stitch an oval area centered below the eyes, covering about 16 sts wide and 8 rnds tall.
  2. Start the oval 2 rnds below the eyes and end about 2 rnds above the lower curve of the face.
  3. Use pink yarn to satin stitch a rounded triangle nose over the top center of the golden muzzle. Make it about 5 sts wide and 4 rnds tall.
  4. With black embroidery floss, stitch one straight vertical line from the bottom of the nose down 4 rnds.
  5. Make a curved smile line on each side of the vertical line.
  6. For the open mouth, fill a small oval below the smile with red yarn, about 7 sts wide and 5 rnds tall.
  7. Outline the red mouth with black floss using tiny backstitches.
  8. Add three small black whisker dots on each side of the muzzle.

Head Tiger Stripes

Use dark brown yarn and duplicate stitch. Keep the stripes irregular, like the photo. The forehead has short marks pointing downward, and the cheeks have small curved marks.

  • Forehead center stripe: duplicate stitch a 7-rnd tapered stripe from Rnd 10 to Rnd 17, starting 2 sts wide and ending 1 st wide.
  • Left forehead stripe: duplicate stitch a 6-rnd stripe, 5 sts left of center, angled slightly toward the eye.
  • Right forehead stripe: repeat to mirror the left side.
  • Outer forehead marks: add two short 3-rnd brown dashes on each side between the ears and eyes.
  • Cheek stripes: add three curved marks on each cheek, each 3–5 duplicate stitches long.
  • Chin marks: add two tiny brown stitches under the muzzle, one on each side.

Ears

Make two. Each ear is rounded and slightly cupped. The outside is orange, the inside is golden yellow, and the rim is dark brown.

Outer Ear

  1. With tiger orange, CO 8 sts and work flat.
  2. Row 1: p all sts.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all sts.
  5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  6. Row 5: p all sts.
  7. Row 6: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
  8. Rows 7–12: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
  9. Row 13: p2tog, p10, p2tog. 12 sts.
  10. Row 14: k2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  11. Row 15: p2tog, p6, p2tog. 8 sts.
  12. BO all sts.

Inner Ear

  1. With golden yellow, CO 6 sts and work flat.
  2. Row 1: p all sts.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all sts.
  5. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  6. Rows 5–8: work in st st.
  7. Row 9: p2tog, p6, p2tog. 8 sts.
  8. Row 10: k2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
  9. BO all sts.

Sew each inner ear to an outer ear. With dark brown yarn, work a simple whipstitch around the outer edge. Pin ears to the head between Rnds 10 and 20, about 18 sts apart across the top. Sew the lower edge securely and curve the ears forward slightly.

Body

The body is pear-shaped and smaller than the head. The upper chest is mostly hidden by the cream shirt and green overalls, but a sturdy body makes the seated pose work well.

  1. With tiger orange, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 20 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: *k2, kfb; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 8: *k3, kfb; repeat from * around. 50 sts.
  10. Rnds 9–20: k all sts.
  11. Rnd 21: *k8, k2tog; repeat from * around. 45 sts.
  12. Rnd 22: k all sts.
  13. Rnd 23: *k7, k2tog; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
  14. Rnd 24: k all sts.
  15. Rnd 25: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around. 35 sts.
  16. Rnd 26: k all sts.
  17. Rnd 27: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
  18. Rnd 28: k all sts.
  19. Rnd 29: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around. 25 sts.
  20. Rnd 30: k all sts.
  21. Rnd 31: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 20 sts.

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Stuff the body firmly, keeping the base rounded and the neck narrow. Leave a long tail for sewing the head. Do not close the top completely until the head is attached.

Cream Shirt

The shirt is visible at the neck and sleeves. It sits under the overalls, so it does not need a full lower hem. Work it as a simple removable-looking layer that is sewn onto the body.

  1. With cream yarn, CO 44 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1–3: *k1, p1; repeat from * around for ribbed lower edge.
  3. Rnds 4–12: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 13: k10, BO 4 sts for first armhole, k16, BO 4 sts for second armhole, k10.
  5. Rnd 14: k10, CO 4 sts over gap, k16, CO 4 sts over gap, k10. 44 sts.
  6. Rnds 15–18: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 19: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 33 sts.
  8. Rnd 20: *k1, p1; repeat to last st, k1.
  9. Rnd 21: BO loosely in rib.

Slide the shirt over the body before the head is attached. Sew the top edge lightly to the neck area so it does not twist.

Short Sleeves

Make two cream sleeves. They should look like puffed short sleeves under the striped tiger arms.

  1. With cream yarn, CO 20 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1–2: *k1, p1; repeat from * around.
  3. Rnds 3–8: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 9: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  5. Rnd 10: BO loosely.

Slide one sleeve onto the top of each arm before sewing the arm to the body. Tack the sleeve to the shirt armhole with small stitches.

Arms

Make two. The arms are slim, slightly rounded at the paw, and striped with dark brown rings. They hang beside the overalls.

  1. With tiger orange, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnds 3–6: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 7: switch to dark brown, k all sts.
  6. Rnd 8: switch to tiger orange, k all sts.
  7. Rnds 9–12: k all sts in tiger orange.
  8. Rnd 13: switch to dark brown, k all sts.
  9. Rnd 14: switch to tiger orange, k all sts.
  10. Rnds 15–18: k all sts in tiger orange.
  11. Rnd 19: switch to dark brown, k all sts.
  12. Rnd 20: switch to tiger orange, k all sts.
  13. Rnds 21–24: k all sts.
  14. Rnd 25: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
  15. Rnd 26: k all sts.
  16. Rnd 27: BO, leaving a long tail.

Stuff the paw and lower arm lightly. Leave the upper arm flatter so it sits neatly under the sleeve. With black floss, stitch three short vertical paw lines on each hand.

Legs

Make two. The legs are short and sturdy, with tiger stripes showing between the overalls and sandals. The feet are rounded and point forward.

  1. With tiger orange, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 20 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k6, kfb 8 times, k6. 28 sts.
  6. Rnds 5–9: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 10: k6, k2tog 8 times, k6. 20 sts.
  8. Rnd 11: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 12: dark brown, k all sts.
  10. Rnd 13: tiger orange, k all sts.
  11. Rnds 14–17: tiger orange, k all sts.
  12. Rnd 18: dark brown, k all sts.
  13. Rnd 19: tiger orange, k all sts.
  14. Rnds 20–23: tiger orange, k all sts.
  15. Rnd 24: dark brown, k all sts.
  16. Rnd 25: tiger orange, k all sts.
  17. Rnds 26–29: tiger orange, k all sts.
  18. Rnd 30: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  19. Rnd 31: k all sts.
  20. Rnd 32: BO, leaving a long tail.

Stuff the feet firmly and the upper legs moderately. Shape the toes by pulling the front of the foot wider with your fingers. Embroider four toe lines on each foot with dark brown yarn.

Tail

The tail is narrow, curved upward, and striped. It is visible behind the cub on the right side.

  1. With tiger orange, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1–4: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 5: dark brown, k all sts.
  4. Rnd 6: tiger orange, k all sts.
  5. Rnds 7–10: tiger orange, k all sts.
  6. Rnd 11: dark brown, k all sts.
  7. Rnd 12: tiger orange, k all sts.
  8. Repeat Rnds 7–12 two more times.
  9. Next rnd: *k2tog; repeat from * around. 4 sts.
  10. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight, and weave in.

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Stuff very lightly. For a decorative doll, insert a folded pipe cleaner before closing so the tail can curve upward. Sew the tail to the back right side of the body, just above the seat line.

Green Mushroom Overalls

The overalls are the key clothing detail. They are forest green with wide legs, rust and cream bands, small mushroom motifs, shoulder straps, and two buttons. They should sit high on the chest and puff slightly around the thighs.

Overall Pants

Make two legs first, then join them. Use forest green as the main color.

  1. For first leg, CO 26 sts with forest green and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1–4: *k1, p1; repeat from * around.
  3. Rnds 5–7: k all sts in forest green.
  4. Rnd 8: switch to rust, k all sts.
  5. Rnd 9: switch to cream, k all sts.
  6. Rnd 10: switch to rust, k all sts.
  7. Rnds 11–14: forest green, k all sts.
  8. Rnd 15: *k12, kfb; repeat from * around. 28 sts.
  9. Rnds 16–20: k all sts.
  10. Break yarn and place sts on holder.
  11. Repeat for second leg, but do not break yarn after Rnd 20.

Join Legs

  1. Knit across 28 sts of second leg.
  2. CO 4 sts for center front gusset.
  3. Knit across 28 sts of first leg.
  4. CO 4 sts for center back gusset. 64 sts.
  5. Rnds 1–6 after joining: k all sts in forest green.
  6. Rnd 7: rust, k all sts.
  7. Rnd 8: cream, k all sts.
  8. Rnd 9: rust, k all sts.
  9. Rnds 10–17: forest green, k all sts.
  10. Rnd 18: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around. 56 sts.
  11. Rnd 19: k all sts.
  12. Rnd 20: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
  13. Rnd 21: k all sts.
  14. Rnd 22: BO 12 sts for back opening, k24 for front bib, BO remaining 12 sts. Keep 24 front bib sts live.

Front Bib

  1. Work flat on the 24 front bib sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
  3. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
  4. Rows 3–10: continue in stockinette.
  5. Row 11: p2tog, p20, p2tog. 22 sts.
  6. Row 12: k all sts.
  7. Row 13: p2tog, p18, p2tog. 20 sts.
  8. Rows 14–18: continue in stockinette.
  9. Row 19: *k1, p1; repeat from * across.
  10. Row 20: *p1, k1; repeat from * across.
  11. BO in rib.

Overall Straps

Make two straps in forest green. They cross over the shoulders in the image by hanging slightly inward from the buttons.

  1. CO 5 sts.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Repeat Rows 1–2 until strap measures 4.75 in / 12 cm.
  5. BO all sts.
  6. Make second strap the same.

Sew the back ends of the straps to the upper back of the overalls. Bring the front ends over the shoulders and sew them behind two small buttons placed at the top corners of the bib.

Mushroom and Leaf Embroidery on Overalls

  • On the front bib, embroider three small mushrooms: two red caps and one cream stem near the lower left chest, and one cream mushroom near the right chest.
  • For each mushroom stem, make 3 vertical stitches in cream.
  • For each mushroom cap, make 4 satin stitches in red or rust, shaped like a dome.
  • Add 2 tiny white dots on each red cap.
  • On the rust belly band, add small cream V stitches every 4 sts to look like woodland seeds.
  • On each pant leg, embroider one cream mushroom and one olive leaf near the front.

Neck Collar

The photo shows a cream ribbed collar above the overalls. This collar frames the head and makes the shirt look layered.

  1. With cream yarn, CO 32 sts.
  2. Rows 1–5: *k1, p1; repeat from * across.
  3. BO loosely in rib.

Wrap the collar around the neck after the head is sewn on. Sew the back seam and tack the lower edge to the shirt.

Sandals

The sandals are rust-orange with beige soles and small green leaves on top. Make two soles and two upper bands for each foot.

Beige Soles

  1. With beige yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  4. Row 3: k all sts.
  5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  6. Rows 5–16: k all sts.
  7. Row 17: k2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  8. Row 18: k all sts.
  9. Row 19: k2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  10. BO all sts.

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Rust Upper Strap

  1. CO 7 sts with rust yarn.
  2. Rows 1–12: work in garter stitch, knitting every row.
  3. BO all sts.

Ankle Strap

  1. CO 4 sts with rust yarn.
  2. Knit every row until strap measures 3.25 in / 8 cm.
  3. BO all sts.

Sew the sole under the foot. Sew the upper strap across the toe area. Wrap the ankle strap around the lower leg and stitch closed at the back. Embroider one olive green leaf and one small rust flower on the front of each sandal.

Tiny Mushroom Head Charm

This small mushroom sits on the cub’s head near one ear. It has a red cap with white dots and a cream stem.

Mushroom Stem

  1. With cream yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1–6: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 7: *k2tog; repeat from * around. 3 sts.
  4. Cut yarn, thread through sts, and pull tight.

Mushroom Cap

  1. With red-brown yarn, CO 6 sts and 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. Rnd 4: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
  6. Rnds 5–6: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 7: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
  8. Stuff lightly.
  9. Rnd 8: *k2tog; repeat from * around. 6 sts.
  10. Cut yarn, thread through sts, and close.

Sew the cap to the stem. Add three tiny white French-knot style stitches on the cap. Sew the mushroom to the top right side of the head, just in front of the ear.

Acorn Shoulder Bag

The acorn bag hangs across the cub’s chest with a tan strap. The pouch is beige and the cap is brown, shaped like a woodland acorn.

Acorn Pouch

  1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnds 5–14: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 15: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around. 20 sts.
  8. Rnd 16: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 17: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  10. Rnd 18: BO all sts.

Acorn Cap

  1. With dark brown yarn, CO 24 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1–4: *k2, p2; repeat from * around for a bumpy cap texture.
  3. Rnd 5: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
  4. Rnd 6: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
  5. Rnd 7: *k2tog; repeat from * around. 6 sts.
  6. Rnd 8: k all sts.
  7. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight, and make a small pointed stem with the yarn tail.

Bag Strap

  1. With tan yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Knit every row until strap measures 12 in / 30 cm.
  3. BO all sts.

Stuff the pouch lightly and sew the cap over the top. Attach the strap to both sides of the pouch. Place the strap from the cub’s left shoulder across the chest to the right hip, as shown in the image. Tack the strap in two hidden spots so it stays in place.

Garden Mushroom Hat

The hat sits beside the cub in the photo. It has a soft rounded crown, flat brim, orange-green stripes, and red mushrooms on the brim.

Hat Crown

  1. With olive green yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: switch to rust, k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: switch to olive green, k all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: *k2, kfb; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: switch to rust, k all sts.
  9. Rnd 8: *k3, kfb; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
  10. Rnds 9–13: alternate 1 rnd olive green and 1 rnd rust.
  11. Rnd 14: with olive green, *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
  12. Rnd 15: k all sts.
  13. Rnd 16: BO loosely.

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Hat Brim

  1. With tan yarn, CO 56 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1–3: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 4: *k6, kfb; repeat from * around. 64 sts.
  4. Rnds 5–7: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 8: *k7, kfb; repeat from * around. 72 sts.
  6. Rnds 9–10: k all sts.
  7. BO loosely.

Sew the crown to the center of the brim. Roll the outer brim upward slightly and secure with tiny stitches. Add a tan twisted cord around the base of the crown.

Hat Mushrooms

Make three tiny mushrooms using the same method as the head charm, but use only 5 sts for the stem and 10–14 sts for the cap. Sew them to the front-left brim. Add a few green leaf stitches around them.

Snail Friends

The garden scene includes two tiny snails on the table. One has a beige body and rust shell. The other has a beige body and olive shell. Make one or both to complete the display.

Snail Body

  1. With beige yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1–4: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 5: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
  4. Rnds 6–18: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 19: k2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
  6. Rnd 20: *k2tog; repeat from * around. 3 sts.
  7. Cut yarn, thread through sts, and close.

Stuff lightly before closing. With two short strands of beige yarn, make antennae at the head end. Knot the tips. Use black floss for two tiny eyes.

Snail Shell

  1. With rust or olive yarn, CO 6 sts and work an i-cord for 13 in / 33 cm.
  2. BO all sts.
  3. Coil the i-cord into a flat spiral, sewing as you coil.
  4. Leave the spiral about 1.25 in / 3 cm wide.
  5. Sew the shell to the center back of the snail body.

Detailed Assembly Order

  1. Place the cream shirt on the body first.
  2. Stuff the body fully and close the neck opening enough to hold its shape.
  3. Sew the head to the body with the face centered over the front bib position.
  4. Sew the ears to the head, curving them forward.
  5. Add the collar around the neck.
  6. Place the overalls on the body and legs. Sew the center back seam closed around the doll.
  7. Sew the buttons to the front bib and secure the straps.
  8. Attach the legs at the lower front of the body so the cub sits naturally.
  9. Add sandals to the feet after the legs are attached.
  10. Slide sleeves onto the arms, then sew arms to the shoulders.
  11. Sew the tail to the back right side.
  12. Add the acorn bag strap diagonally across the chest.
  13. Sew the small mushroom charm to the head.
  14. Place the hat and snails beside the cub for the full woodland display.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face before tying off embroidery ends. The eyes should look glossy and open, the pink nose should sit centered, and the red mouth should create the cheerful expression seen in the image.

  • Add a tiny white highlight stitch beside each eye if you used embroidered eyes.
  • Brush the cheek area gently with your fingers to smooth the duplicate stitches.
  • Keep the mouth oval small and neat so it looks joyful, not oversized.
  • Use dark brown duplicate stitches to balance both sides of the face.
  • Pin every clothing piece before sewing so the overalls stay straight.

Care Notes

Spot clean the finished tiger cub with cool water and mild soap. Do not soak if you used safety eyes, buttons, or a pipe cleaner in the tail. Let the doll air dry flat on a towel.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head is round, firmly stuffed, and securely attached.
  • Ears are even and angled forward.
  • Eyes, nose, mouth, whisker dots, and stripes are complete.
  • Overalls have rust bands, mushroom embroidery, straps, and buttons.
  • Arms, legs, tail, sandals, bag, hat, and snails are sewn securely.
  • All yarn ends are woven in and hidden inside seams.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Keep the knitted tiger cub away from direct sunlight for long periods, because warm orange, rust, and green yarns can fade. Store it in a breathable cotton bag or on a clean shelf.

If dust collects, use a soft dry brush and move gently in the direction of the stitches. For deeper cleaning, dab with a damp cloth only. Avoid twisting, wringing, or machine washing, especially because the project has embroidery, buttons, and small accessories.

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