Knitting Tutorial: Calico Garden Cat in Floral Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern.

This cheerful knit calico garden cat has a round white-and-orange face, one black ear patch, big green eyes, a red bow collar, floral green-and-brown overalls, a tiny crossbody garden bag, leafy sandals, sprout details on the head, a straw sun hat, and a small watering can. The design is worked as a stuffed toy with shaped pieces, color patches, embroidery, and sewn-on accessories.

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

The finished cat measures about 12 inches tall from the bottom of the sandals to the top of the ears when made with DK weight yarn and firm stuffing. The head is intentionally oversized, the body is compact, and the legs are short and rounded to match the garden doll style shown in the photo.

• Height: about 12 inches.
• Head width: about 5 inches across after stuffing.
• Body length: about 4 inches from neck to lower overalls.
• Leg length: about 3 inches including sandal sole.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate toy knitting.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream white for muzzle, chest, arms, legs, and parts of the face.
• DK weight yarn in warm orange for calico patches, ears, arm patch, leg patch, and tail stripe.
• DK weight yarn in black for one head patch, one ear, arm stripe, and tail tip.
• DK weight yarn in moss green for the overall bib, straps, leaves, and head sprouts.
• DK weight yarn in cocoa brown for the pants, bag, sandals, and shoulder strap.
• DK weight yarn in red for the bow collar.
• Small amounts of pink, blue, yellow, orange, beige, and dark green for flowers and embroidery.
• 2 large green safety eyes, 16 to 18 mm, or embroidered eyes if making for a young child.
• Pink embroidery floss for the small triangular nose.
• Tan embroidery floss, nylon thread, or fine yarn for whiskers.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• US size 2 needles, 2.75 mm, DPNs or circular needle for magic loop.
• US size 1 needles, 2.25 mm, for small accessories if you want tighter details.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, and small buttons.

Gauge

Gauge is important because this cat is a stuffed toy. The stitches should be tight enough that the filling does not show through. Work a small stockinette swatch in the round before beginning. If stuffing shows between the stitches, move down one needle size.

• Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds equal 1 inch in stockinette worked in the round.
• Fabric: firm, smooth, and slightly dense.
• Stuffing style: firm in the head and body, medium firm in arms, legs, tail, bag, and watering can.

Abbreviations

• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• St or sts: stitch or stitches.
• Rnd: round.
• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• Kfb: knit into 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 the back loops.
• M1: make 1 stitch by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting it twisted.
• St st: stockinette stitch.
• Garter stitch: knit every row when working flat.
• Mattress stitch: sewing method used for clean toy seams.

Construction Notes

The cat is knitted mostly in the round from the bottom up, then assembled with invisible seams. The head has a white center face with orange side patches and a black patch on the upper left side. If you are new to color changes in toy knitting, you may knit the head in cream and duplicate-stitch the patches afterward.

The overalls are knitted separately and slipped onto the body before final arm placement. This makes the garden outfit look layered and soft, like the photo. The floral details are embroidered after the outfit is sewn in place so the vines curve naturally across the stuffed body.

Color Layout Guide

• Face center: cream white from forehead down through muzzle.
• Right side of head: warm orange patch covering cheek and ear area.
• Left upper side of head: black patch around one ear, with cream and orange below.
• Muzzle: cream white, wide, rounded, and puffy.
• Body: mostly cream, covered by overalls.
• Arms: cream with one orange band on the right arm and one black band on the left arm.
• Legs: cream with an orange ankle patch on one leg.
• Tail: orange base with black tip.

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Head

Work the head in the round. This shape is a wide, soft sphere with extra cheek fullness. Use cream as the base color. Add orange and black patches using stranded colorwork, intarsia in the round, or duplicate stitch after knitting. For the cleanest beginner result, knit the base in cream and duplicate-stitch the patches.

1. With cream, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round. Place marker for beginning of round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: K all sts.
13. Rnd 12: K5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnd 13: K all sts.
15. Rnd 14: K6, kfb around. 64 sts.
16. Rnd 15: K all sts.
17. Rnd 16: K7, kfb around. 72 sts.
18. Rnds 17 to 28: K all sts for 12 rounds.
19. Rnd 29: K7, k2tog around. 64 sts.
20. Rnd 30: K all sts.
21. Rnd 31: K6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
22. Rnd 32: K all sts.
23. Rnd 33: K5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
24. Rnd 34: K all sts.
25. Rnd 35: K4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
26. Rnd 36: K all sts.
27. Pause here to insert eyes and begin stuffing.

Place the eyes between Rnds 22 and 23, about 12 stitches apart. The eyes should sit high and wide, giving the cat the round, curious garden expression shown in the image. If using safety eyes, add a small felt or knitted green ring behind each eye before securing the washer.

1. Rnd 37: K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
2. Rnd 38: K all sts.
3. Rnd 39: K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 40: K1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
5. Stuff the head firmly, shaping the cheeks outward with your fingers.
6. Rnd 41: K2tog around. 8 sts.
7. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Duplicate-Stitch Calico Patches on Head

The orange patch should cover the right side of the head from the outer eye area around the cheek and up to the ear base. The black patch should cover the upper left side and one ear base area. Keep the cream face panel visible down the center.

• With orange, duplicate stitch over Rnds 15 to 31 on the cat’s right side, covering about 20 stitches wide at the cheek and narrowing toward the forehead.
• With black, duplicate stitch over Rnds 15 to 25 on the cat’s left upper side, covering about 12 stitches wide near the ear base.
• Blend a few orange stitches below the black patch so the calico markings look soft and natural.
• Leave a cream vertical face panel at least 16 stitches wide between the eyes and down to the muzzle.

Puffy Muzzle

The muzzle is worked as two soft oval pads and sewn to the lower front of the head. These pads create the rounded white cheeks seen in the photo. Do not over-flatten them when sewing. The center seam between the pads helps form the cat mouth.

Make 2 Muzzle Pads

1. With cream, CO 8 sts.
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 to 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. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Lightly stuff each muzzle pad. Sew them side by side below the eyes, with their inner edges touching. The upper edge should sit around Rnd 26 of the head and the lower edge around Rnd 35. Shape them into a soft heart-like muzzle.

Nose and Mouth

• Using pink embroidery floss, stitch a small triangle nose at the top center where the two muzzle pads meet.
• Make the triangle about 4 stitches wide and 3 rows tall.
• Stitch one short vertical line down from the nose.
• Add two tiny curved mouth stitches, one to each side, using brown or soft gray floss.
• Do not make the mouth too dark; the photo has a gentle, delicate face.

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Ears

The ears are triangular and upright. One ear is orange, while the other can be black on the outside with a warm orange or cream inner detail. Knit the outer and inner pieces separately, then sew together for structure.

Right Orange Ear Outer

1. With orange, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: SSK, K14, k2tog. 16 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: SSK, K12, k2tog. 14 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Continue decreasing this way on every knit row until 4 sts remain.
9. Next row: P all sts.
10. Next row: SSK, k2tog. 2 sts.
11. Next row: P2tog. 1 st.
12. Fasten off.

Left Black Ear Outer

Repeat the right ear outer using black yarn. This gives the cat the strong calico contrast visible on the upper left side of the head.

Inner Ear Pieces

1. With pale peach or light orange, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: SSK, K10, k2tog. 12 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Continue decreasing every knit row until 2 sts remain.
7. K2tog, fasten off.
8. Make 2 inner ear pieces.

Sew one inner ear piece to each outer ear. Lightly stuff only the base, not the tip. Sew the ears to the head between Rnds 10 and 18, leaning slightly outward. The orange ear should sit on the orange side, and the black ear should sit on the darker patch side.

Body

The body is a rounded pear shape, narrower at the neck and wider at the lower belly. It is mostly hidden by the overalls, but a smooth cream base helps the outfit sit correctly. Work firmly and stuff as you go.

1. With cream, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 50 sts.
10. Rnds 9 to 18: K all sts for 10 rounds.
11. Rnd 19: K8, k2tog around. 45 sts.
12. Rnd 20: K all sts.
13. Rnd 21: K7, k2tog around. 40 sts.
14. Rnd 22: K all sts.
15. Rnd 23: K6, k2tog around. 35 sts.
16. Rnd 24: K all sts.
17. Rnd 25: K5, k2tog around. 30 sts.
18. Rnds 26 to 30: K all sts.
19. Rnd 31: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
20. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the belly rounded.
21. Rnd 32: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
22. BO, leaving a long tail to sew the head to the body.

Legs

The legs are short, plump, and cream colored, with visible white paws below the cuffed pants. Make two. Add one orange ankle patch to match the picture. The feet should angle forward so the sandals sit flat.

Make 2 Legs

1. With cream, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K4, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 8: K all sts.
7. Rnd 9: K6, k2tog around. 21 sts.
8. Rnds 10 to 20: K all sts.
9. For one leg only, work Rnds 15 to 18 with an orange patch over 8 front stitches.
10. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg medium firm.
11. Rnd 21: K1, k2tog around. 14 sts.
12. Rnd 22: K2tog around. 7 sts.
13. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, and secure.

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Sew the legs to the lower body about 8 stitches apart. Angle the feet slightly outward. The sandals will later cover the lower paws, so keep the toe area rounded and visible at the front.

Arms

The arms are long enough to hang beside the overalls. One arm has black calico striping, and the other has an orange patch band. The paws are cream and rounded at the ends.

Make 2 Arms

1. With cream, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 7: K all sts.
5. Rnd 8: K6, k2tog twice. 14 sts.
6. Rnds 9 to 22: K all sts.
7. For the left arm, work Rnds 12 to 15 in black over 8 side stitches to form a dark band.
8. For the right arm, work Rnds 12 to 16 in orange over 8 side stitches to form an orange patch.
9. Stuff the lower paw firmly and the upper arm lightly.
10. Rnd 23: K2tog around. 7 sts.
11. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, and secure.

Sew the arms to the body after the overalls are in place. Position them just below the neck, letting them hang naturally at the sides. The left arm should show black striping, while the right arm should show the orange band.

Tail

The tail peeks from behind the overalls. It is orange with a black tip and should curve gently to one side. Stuff lightly so it remains flexible.

1. With black, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 6: K all sts.
3. Change to orange.
4. Rnds 7 to 24: K all sts.
5. Rnd 25: K3, k2tog around. 8 sts.
6. Stuff very lightly.
7. Rnd 26: K2tog around. 4 sts.
8. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, and secure.

Sew the tail to the back lower body before the overalls are fully secured. Let the black tip point outward so the striped calico tail is visible from the side.

Green Floral Overall Bib

The bib is moss green and sits high on the chest. It has narrow shoulder straps, small buttons, and colorful garden embroidery. Knit it flat so it can be fitted neatly over the stuffed body.

1. With moss green, CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts for a garter stitch lower edge.
3. Row 4: K3, P22, K3.
4. Row 5: K all sts.
5. Rows 6 to 17: Repeat Rows 4 and 5 six times.
6. Row 18: K3, P2tog, P18, P2tog, K3. 26 sts.
7. Row 19: K all sts.
8. Row 20: K3, P2tog, P16, P2tog, K3. 24 sts.
9. Rows 21 to 24: Continue in st st with 3 garter sts at each edge.
10. BO loosely.

Overall Straps

1. With moss green, CO 5 sts.
2. K every row until strap measures 3.5 inches.
3. BO.
4. Make 2 straps.

Sew the straps to the top corners of the bib, cross them slightly over the shoulders, and attach them to the back waistband. Sew one small tan button to each front strap where it meets the bib.

Brown Overall Shorts

The shorts are cocoa brown with soft cuffed legs. They sit below the green bib and cover the round belly. A moss green stitch pattern along the cuffs gives the garden look shown in the image.

Shorts Waist and Seat

1. With cocoa brown, CO 54 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib around.
3. Rnds 5 to 13: K all sts.
4. Rnd 14: K25, BO 4 sts for center gap, K25.
5. Place first 25 sts on holder. Work second leg first.

First Shorts Leg

1. Join cocoa brown to 25 sts and CO 3 sts across the inner gap. 28 sts.
2. Rnds 1 to 5: K all sts.
3. Rnd 6: With moss green, K2, slip 1 with yarn in back around.
4. Rnd 7: With cocoa brown, K all sts.
5. Rnd 8: With moss green, K1, slip 1 with yarn in back, K1 around.
6. Rnds 9 to 11: With cocoa brown, K all sts.
7. Rnds 12 to 15: K1, P1 rib around for cuff.
8. BO loosely in rib.

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Second Shorts Leg

Return held 25 sts to the needles. Pick up 3 sts along the inner gap. Work exactly as for the first leg. Weave in ends and close any small crotch hole with mattress stitch.

Joining Bib and Shorts

Place the shorts on the body first, pulling them up so the waistband sits at the widest part of the belly. Sew the green bib to the front waistband using small stitches. Keep the bib centered under the face and slightly curved over the stuffed body.

• Secure the back waistband with a few hidden stitches.
• Sew the straps over the shoulders after the head is attached.
• Do not pull the straps too tight, or the shoulders will pucker.
• Add two tan buttons at the front strap joins.

Floral Embroidery on the Overalls

The overalls are decorated with tiny flowers, leaves, vines, and a red tulip-like motif. These details are what make the cat look like a garden helper. Use short embroidery stitches and small amounts of color so the bib remains soft and knitted.

• Red tulip: On the upper right bib, stitch a 3-stitch red flower with two dark green stem stitches below it.
• Pink flower: On the left bib, make five lazy daisy petals in pink with a yellow center.
• Blue flower: Near the left side, make four small blue petals with a yellow center.
• Yellow crescent flower: Near the lower bib, stitch a curved yellow petal shape using 5 short stitches.
• Brown vine: Across the bib and shorts, stitch a loose curving line with small green leaves.
• Shorts leaves: Add 6 to 8 green duplicate stitches along the front of the brown shorts.

Red Bow Collar

The collar is bright red and sits just under the chin. It has a small bow shape with a round silver bell at the center. The bow should be wide enough to show on both sides of the muzzle.

Collar Band

1. With red, CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.
4. Wrap around the neck and sew at the back after the head is attached.

Bow Loops

1. With red, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Make 2 pieces.
5. Pinch each rectangle at the center and wrap with red yarn to form bow loops.

Sew the two bow loops to the front of the collar. Add a tiny knitted gray bell or a small safe charm at the center. For a knitted bell, CO 6 sts with gray, knit 4 rows, gather around a tiny ball of stuffing, and sew closed.

Crossbody Strap

The crossbody strap runs from one shoulder across the bib to the opposite hip. It is brown and narrow, with a small flower charm near the lower end. It should lie on top of the outfit, not under the bib.

1. With cocoa brown, CO 4 sts.
2. K every row until the strip measures 7.5 inches.
3. BO and weave in ends.
4. Sew one end near the left shoulder strap and the other end near the right hip.
5. Use small hidden stitches every 1 inch so the strap stays flat.

Tiny Flower Charm

• With cream, CO 5 sts, knit 2 rows, BO. Make 5 tiny petals.
• Arrange petals in a circle and sew together with orange yarn at the center.
• Attach the flower charm near the lower front of the crossbody strap.

Small Brown Garden Bag

The bag sits at the cat’s right hip. It is cocoa brown with a rounded flap, a small button, and a soft stuffed body. The shape should look like a tiny pouch for garden tools or seeds.

Bag Body

1. With cocoa brown, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.
3. Row 4: P all sts.
4. Row 5: K all sts.
5. Rows 6 to 15: Continue in st st.
6. Row 16: SSK, P14, P2tog. 16 sts.
7. Row 17: K all sts.
8. Row 18: SSK, P12, P2tog. 14 sts.
9. BO.

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Bag Back

Make a second piece the same as the bag body. Place both pieces together with wrong sides facing. Sew around the sides and bottom, add a tiny pinch of stuffing, and leave the top edge open for the flap.

Rounded Bag Flap

1. With cocoa brown, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts.
3. Row 5: SSK, K12, k2tog. 14 sts.
4. Row 6: K all sts.
5. Row 7: SSK, K10, k2tog. 12 sts.
6. Row 8: K all sts.
7. BO.

Sew the straight edge of the flap to the top back of the bag. Fold it forward and sew on a tiny tan button. Attach the bag to the lower end of the crossbody strap so it rests against the brown shorts.

Sandals

The sandals have brown soles, lighter rope-like edges, toe straps, ankle straps, and tiny leaf or flower decorations. Make two soles and shape them slightly oval. They should fit over the rounded white paws without hiding all the toes.

Sandal Sole, Make 2

1. With light tan, CO 8 sts.
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. Rows 5 to 12: Work in st st.
7. Row 13: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
8. Row 14: P all sts.
9. BO.

Brown Footbed, Make 2

Repeat the sandal sole using cocoa brown. Sew one cocoa brown piece on top of one light tan piece. The tan edge should show slightly around the brown center, like a woven sandal rim.

Toe and Ankle Straps

• For each toe strap, CO 4 sts with cocoa brown and knit 12 rows. BO.
• For each ankle strap, CO 4 sts with cocoa brown and knit 18 rows. BO.
• Sew one toe strap across the front of each foot.
• Sew one ankle strap around each lower leg, just above the foot.
• Decorate one sandal with a tiny green leaf and orange flower.

Tiny Sandal Leaf

1. With moss green, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: SSK, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 5: Sl1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over. 1 st.
7. Fasten off and sew to the sandal.

Head Sprouts

The cat has playful little garden sprouts on top of the head. One sprout is green and another is a pale mint color. They are stitched into the top of the head between the ears, standing upward like soft plant shoots.

Sprout Stem

1. With green, CO 4 sts.
2. Work i-cord for 8 rows.
3. BO and leave a long tail.
4. Make 2 stems, one in moss green and one in pale mint.

Sprout Leaves

1. With matching sprout yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: SSK, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: Sl1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over. 1 st.
6. Fasten off.
7. Make 2 leaves for each stem.

Sew two leaves to the top of each i-cord stem. Attach the stems to the head between the ears. Stitch the base several times so the sprouts stand up but still look soft.

Small Hair Clip Bow

The photo shows a small brown bow-like detail near one ear with a blue center. This can be knitted flat and sewn to the side of the head, just in front of the orange ear.

1. With cocoa brown, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: K all sts.
3. BO.
4. Pinch the center and wrap 6 times with blue yarn.
5. Sew the bow near the base of the orange ear.

Straw Sun Hat

The little straw hat sits beside the cat in the photo. It is a separate knitted prop with a flat brim, rounded crown, and blue ribbon. Work it in beige yarn using firm stitches so it keeps its shape.

Hat Crown

1. With beige, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 7 to 15: K all sts.
9. BO loosely.

Hat Brim

1. With beige, CO 48 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 3: K all sts.
3. Rnd 4: K5, kfb around. 56 sts.
4. Rnd 5: P all sts for a textured ridge.
5. Rnd 6: K6, kfb around. 64 sts.
6. Rnds 7 to 9: K all sts.
7. BO loosely.

Sew the crown to the center of the brim. With blue yarn, CO 4 sts and knit a strip long enough to wrap around the crown. Sew it in place, then add a small tied-look bow at one side.

Mini Watering Can

The watering can is a small beige garden prop with a pale blue spout end. It rests beside the cat and completes the garden theme. Knit it firmly and stuff lightly.

Can Body

1. With beige, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K4, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 15: K all sts.
7. Rnd 16: K4, k2tog around. 20 sts.
8. Rnd 17: K all sts.
9. Rnd 18: K2, k2tog around. 15 sts.
10. Stuff lightly.
11. Rnd 19: K1, k2tog around. 10 sts.
12. Rnd 20: K2tog around. 5 sts.
13. Draw yarn through remaining sts and secure.

Can Handle

1. With beige, CO 4 sts.
2. Work i-cord for 24 rows.
3. BO.
4. Curve into a handle and sew both ends to one side of the can.

Spout

1. With beige, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 10: K all sts.
3. Change to pale blue.
4. Rnd 11: K all sts.
5. Rnd 12: Kfb around. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 13: K all sts.
7. BO.
8. Lightly stuff the spout and sew it to the opposite side of the handle.

Facial Whiskers

The whiskers are long, fine, and delicate. They extend from both sides of the muzzle and curve outward. Use tan embroidery floss, nylon thread, or split yarn. Do not make the whiskers too thick, because the face should remain soft and expressive.

• Cut 6 strands about 5 inches long.
• Thread one strand through the right muzzle pad and one through the left muzzle pad.
• Make 3 whiskers on each side.
• Secure each strand with a tiny hidden knot inside the muzzle stitches.
• Trim after the final face check so both sides are balanced.

Assembly Order

1. Finish the head, muzzle, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and calico patches.
2. Finish the body, legs, arms, and tail.
3. Sew the legs to the lower body, checking that the cat can sit.
4. Sew the tail to the back lower body.
5. Pull the brown shorts onto the body and secure at the waist.
6. Sew the green bib to the front of the shorts.
7. Attach straps over the shoulders.
8. Sew the head to the neck opening, keeping the face centered.
9. Sew the arms just below the neck, outside the straps.
10. Add collar, bow, bell, bag strap, bag, sandals, sprouts, and hair clip.
11. Finish with embroidery, buttons, whiskers, and final shaping.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Use pins before sewing the head permanently. The head should be large and slightly tilted upward, giving the cat a sweet garden-helper expression. Sew around the neck twice with strong cream yarn, then add a few hidden stabilizing stitches under the chin.

Check the muzzle from the front and side. The two muzzle pads should be rounded, not flat. Add a little extra stuffing through the lower seam if needed. The eyes should look wide, glossy, and evenly placed.

After the eyes and muzzle are balanced, add the pink nose, small mouth, and whiskers. Sew the red bow collar under the chin so it frames the face. Attach the bell at the center of the bow and keep it small enough that it does not cover the muzzle.

Care Notes

• Spot clean only with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if using safety eyes, buttons, charms, or firm accessories.
• Press the toy gently with a towel after cleaning.
• Let the cat air dry fully before storing.
• Reshape the ears, sandals, bag, and sprouts while still slightly damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round, oversized, and firmly stuffed.
• The cream muzzle is puffy and centered.
• The right side of the face has a large orange calico patch.
• The left upper head has a black patch and dark ear.
• The green overalls have brown shorts, straps, buttons, and floral embroidery.
• The red bow collar sits under the chin with a tiny bell.
• The crossbody bag rests at the hip.
• The sandals have straps and tiny leaf or flower decorations.
• The hat and watering can are finished as separate garden props.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the cat away from direct sunlight to protect the orange, green, and red yarn colors. Keep it in a dry place with enough space around the ears, sprouts, and whiskers so the small details are not crushed.

If dust collects on the toy, use a soft clean brush and move gently in the direction of the knitted stitches. For deeper cleaning, dab the area with a damp cloth instead of soaking the toy.

When storing for a long time, wrap the cat loosely in acid-free tissue or clean cotton fabric. Avoid plastic bags if the toy is even slightly damp, because trapped moisture can affect the stuffing and embroidery.

Check buttons, eyes, whiskers, and the bag strap occasionally. If the toy will be handled often, reinforce these details with a few extra hidden stitches so the garden cat stays neat, safe, and display-ready.