Knitting Tutorial: Garden Leopard Cub in Floral Dress and Bee Jacket – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet knitted garden leopard cub wears a cream floral dress, a soft blue bee jacket, blue flower sandals, a braided flower crown, and a yellow striped shoulder bag. The set also includes a straw-style sun hat with a blue tie, a tiny gray watering can, and a woven-look garden basket filled with red tomatoes. The finished toy is designed as a soft display doll with many charming embroidered details.

 

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 leopard cub is worked mainly in the round with small needles to create a firm fabric that holds stuffing well. The clothing and accessories are knitted separately, then sewn onto the doll so the final piece looks like the photographed garden cub.

The design uses a rounded head, short body, oval muzzle, large white eye patches, small rounded ears, spotted limbs, a tapered tail, a gathered floral dress, a cropped blue jacket, sandals, a flower crown, and miniature garden props. Work slowly, check your stitch counts, and stuff each piece firmly but gently.

Finished Size

• Leopard cub height: about 9 in / 23 cm from ears to sandal soles.
• Head width: about 4.5 in / 11.5 cm after stuffing.
• Body height: about 4 in / 10 cm before dress hem.
• Sun hat: about 3.5 in / 9 cm across the brim.
• Watering can: about 1.5 in / 4 cm tall.
• Basket: about 1.75 in / 4.5 cm wide.

Materials

• Yarn weight: DK or light worsted yarn. Use smooth cotton, cotton blend, or acrylic.
• Main leopard color: warm beige or tan, about 45 g.
• Muzzle and inner ear color: cream, about 12 g.
• Dress color: ivory or soft cream, about 22 g.
• Jacket and sandal strap color: pale sky blue, about 18 g.
• Bag color: yellow and white, about 8 g total.
• Hat color: straw beige, about 12 g.
• Tail tip and nose color: medium brown, about 6 g.
• Watering can color: light gray, about 6 g.
• Basket color: tan brown, about 5 g.
• Small accent yarns: pink, yellow, green, red, black, white, blue, and dark brown.
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• Flat knitting needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm for dress skirt, jacket pieces, and accessories.
• Optional smaller needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm for tiny flowers and straps.
• Safety eyes: two 10 mm black safety eyes, or embroider eyes with black yarn.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Other supplies: tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, small buttons, embroidery needle.

Gauge

Gauge: 28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette stitch, worked firmly in the round. Exact gauge is not critical, but tight stitches are important so stuffing does not show through.

For the photographed look, keep the fabric dense and smooth. If your stitches are loose, move down one needle size. If your fabric feels stiff and difficult to stuff, move up one needle size.

Abbreviations

• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• dec: decrease.
• DPNs: double-pointed needles.
• inc: increase.
• k: knit.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• m1: make 1 stitch by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting through the back loop.
• p: purl.
• p2tog: purl 2 stitches together.
• PM: place marker.
• rem: remaining.
• rep: repeat.
• rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• sl1: slip 1 stitch purlwise.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit the 2 slipped stitches together through the back loops.
• st / sts: stitch / stitches.
• WS: wrong side.

Construction Notes

• The head, body, arms, legs, ears, and tail are knitted separately and sewn together.
• The leopard spots are embroidered after stuffing so their placement looks natural.
• The large white eye patches are knitted flat and sewn to the face before the eyes are added.
• The floral dress is knitted as a skirt and bodice combination, then embroidered with tiny flowers.
• The blue jacket is knitted flat in small panels and decorated with bee embroidery.
• The hat, shoulder bag, basket, and watering can are separate knitted props.

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Leopard Cub Head

Work the head in the round using the main tan yarn. This head is wide and rounded, with a soft forehead and full cheeks. Stuff firmly as you go, especially before closing the top.

1. CO 8 sts. Divide across DPNs and join to work in the round. PM for beginning of round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 4: rep k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 6: rep k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts. 32 sts.
9. Rnd 8: rep k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts. 40 sts.
11. Rnd 10: rep k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts. 48 sts.
13. Rnd 12: rep k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-23: k all sts. 56 sts.
15. Rnd 24: rep k12, k2tog around. 52 sts.
16. Rnd 25: k all sts. 52 sts.
17. Rnd 26: rep k11, k2tog around. 48 sts.
18. Rnd 27: k all sts. 48 sts.
19. Rnd 28: rep k10, k2tog around. 44 sts.
20. Rnd 29: k all sts. 44 sts.
21. Rnd 30: rep k9, k2tog around. 40 sts.
22. Rnd 31: k all sts. 40 sts.
23. Rnd 32: rep k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
24. Rnd 33: rep k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
25. Stuff the head, shaping it into a round cub face. Add extra stuffing at the cheeks.
26. Rnd 34: rep k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
27. Rnd 35: k2tog around. 8 sts.
28. Cut yarn, thread through rem 8 sts, pull tight, and weave in end.

White Eye Patches

The eye patches are large white ovals placed high on the face. They overlap slightly toward the nose area and give the cub the wide-eyed expression seen in the image.

Make 2

1. With white yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts. 6 sts.
3. Row 2: k1, m1, k4, m1, k1. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: k1, m1, k6, m1, k1. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts. 10 sts.
7. Row 6: k1, m1, k8, m1, k1. 12 sts.
8. Rows 7-11: work stockinette, beginning with a purl row. 12 sts.
9. Row 12: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
10. Row 13: p all sts. 10 sts.
11. Row 14: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
12. Row 15: p all sts. 8 sts.
13. Row 16: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
14. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Sew the patches to the head between Rnds 13 and 27, leaving about 3 sts between them at the center. Angle the inner lower edges slightly toward the muzzle.

Blue Eye Rings and Black Eyes

The image shows large glossy black eyes with pale blue knitted or embroidered rings. To recreate this look, sew each safety eye through the center of the white patch, then embroider a blue ring around it.

1. Place the safety eyes between head Rnds 18 and 19, centered on the white patches.
2. Keep about 12 sts between the eyes measured across the face.
3. Before locking the washers, check that both eyes look level and bright.
4. With pale blue yarn, work a loose chain-style embroidery ring around each eye.
5. With white yarn, add one small catchlight stitch on the upper outer side of each black eye.
6. With black embroidery thread, add three short eyelashes at the outer edge of each eye.

Muzzle Patch

The muzzle is a soft cream oval sitting below the eyes. It is wider at the cheek area and slightly rounded at the bottom.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts. 8 sts.
3. Row 2: k1, m1, k6, m1, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: k1, m1, k8, m1, k1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-9: work stockinette, beginning with a purl row. 12 sts.
7. Row 10: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 11: p all sts. 10 sts.
9. Row 12: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
10. Row 13: p all sts. 8 sts.
11. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

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Pin the muzzle below the eyes with the top edge touching the lower edges of the eye patches. Sew around the edge neatly. Add a tiny amount of stuffing under the center before closing the final inch.

Brown Nose

The nose is heart-like and rounded, sitting at the top center of the muzzle. Knit it small and sew it on, or embroider it directly. The knitted version gives a raised look.

1. With brown yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts. 5 sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts. 7 sts.
5. Row 4: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts. 5 sts.
7. Row 6: sl1, k2tog, psso, k2tog. 2 sts.
8. Cut yarn, pull through both sts, and sew to the top of the muzzle.

Use dark brown embroidery thread to stitch a vertical line down from the nose. Split the line into two curved mouth stitches, one curving left and one curving right.

Rounded Ears

The ears are round and placed on the upper sides of the head. Each ear has a tan outer piece and a cream inner piece. Sew them with a slight curve so they cup forward.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts. 8 sts.
3. Row 2: k1, m1, k6, m1, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: k1, m1, k8, m1, k1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-9: work stockinette. 12 sts.
7. Row 10: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 11: p all sts. 10 sts.
9. Row 12: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
10. BO all sts.

Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts. 6 sts.
3. Row 2: k1, m1, k4, m1, k1. 8 sts.
4. Rows 3-7: work stockinette. 8 sts.
5. Row 8: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
6. BO all sts.

Sew one cream inner ear to each tan outer ear. Fold each ear slightly at the base and sew to the head between Rnds 8 and 17. Position them about 8 sts away from the center top on each side.

Leopard Body

The body is shorter than the head, with a softly rounded belly. The dress covers most of it, but the shoulders and neckline should be sturdy enough to support the jacket and arms.

1. With tan yarn, CO 12 sts. Divide across DPNs and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: rep k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4: rep k2, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 6: rep k3, kfb around. 30 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts. 30 sts.
9. Rnd 8: rep k4, kfb around. 36 sts.
10. Rnds 9-20: k all sts. 36 sts.
11. Rnd 21: rep k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
12. Rnd 22: k all sts. 30 sts.
13. Rnd 23: rep k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
14. Rnd 24: k all sts. 24 sts.
15. Rnd 25: rep k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
16. Stuff body firmly, keeping the base flat enough for the cub to sit or lean.
17. Rnd 26: rep k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
18. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.

Arms

The arms are short and rounded. The tan paw shows below the blue jacket sleeve. Make both arms the same, then sew them downward from the shoulders so they rest beside the dress.

Make 2

1. With tan 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. 16 sts.
5. Change to pale blue yarn for sleeve.
6. Rnds 7-15: k all sts. 16 sts.
7. Rnd 16: rep k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
8. Stuff the paw and arm lightly. Do not overstuff the sleeve.
9. Rnd 17: k2tog around. 6 sts.
10. Cut yarn, draw through rem sts, pull tight, and weave in.

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For the cuff line, use pale blue yarn and embroider one row of backstitch around the sleeve opening where blue meets tan.

Legs and Feet

The legs are tan with dark leopard spots. The feet are rounded and fitted into blue sandals with beige soles. The legs peek out below the floral dress, matching the image.

Make 2 Legs

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: rep k1, kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 3-12: k all sts. 12 sts.
5. Break yarn and set leg aside.
6. Make the second leg the same, but do not break yarn after Rnd 12.

Join Legs

1. With working yarn from second leg, k12 across second leg.
2. CO 4 sts for center front.
3. K12 across first leg.
4. CO 4 sts for center back. 32 sts total.
5. Work 6 rnds in stockinette for the lower hip area.
6. BO all sts. Stuff legs lightly and sew the joined top under the body.

Feet, Make 2

1. With tan 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. 20 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k6, kfb, k6, kfb, k6. 22 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: k all sts. 22 sts.
7. Rnd 9: k4, k2tog 3 times, k4, k2tog 3 times. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 10: k all sts. 16 sts.
9. Stuff foot firmly.
10. Rnd 11: k2tog around. 8 sts.
11. Cut yarn, draw through rem sts, and close.

Sew one foot to the bottom of each leg, angling the toes forward. The feet should sit slightly wider than the legs for a cute cub stance.

Tail

The tail is slim, spotted, and ends with a brown tip. In the image, it curves out from behind the dress on the left side.

1. With brown yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Change to tan yarn.
4. Rnds 6-22: k all sts. 8 sts.
5. Stuff very lightly using a small amount of fiberfill or yarn scraps.
6. Rnd 23: k2tog around. 4 sts.
7. Cut yarn, pull through rem sts, and close.

Sew the tail to the back lower body before adding the dress, or sew it through the dress opening if your clothing is already attached. Curve the tail gently to one side and secure it with two small stitches.

Leopard Spots

The cub has small brown spots scattered across the forehead, cheeks, legs, and tail. Place the spots after stuffing, because embroidery will sit more naturally on the finished shape.

• Forehead: embroider 18 to 22 short brown dash spots between the ears and above the eyes.
• Cheeks: embroider 5 to 7 small round spots on each side of the muzzle.
• Muzzle freckles: add 4 tiny brown dots on each side of the cream muzzle.
• Legs: add 8 to 10 spots on each visible leg.
• Tail: add 5 small spots along the tan part, avoiding the brown tip.

To make one spot, bring the needle up, make two tiny straight stitches crossing each other, and bring the yarn to the inside. Keep spots irregular, not perfectly lined up, so the cub looks natural.

Floral Dress

The dress has a cream base, a gathered skirt, small pink and yellow flowers, and green stems. The skirt flares softly under the blue jacket. It should sit high under the cub’s arms and cover the top of the legs.

Skirt

1. With cream yarn, CO 72 sts using flat needles.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-4: rep Rows 1-2.
5. Row 5: k all sts.
6. Row 6: p all sts.
7. Row 7: k all sts.
8. Row 8: p all sts.
9. Row 9: k2tog across. 36 sts.
10. Row 10: p all sts.
11. Rows 11-16: work stockinette. 36 sts.
12. Row 17: k4, k2tog, rep to end. 30 sts.
13. Row 18: p all sts. 30 sts.

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Bodice

1. Row 19: k5, BO 4 sts for armhole, k12, BO 4 sts for armhole, k5. You now have left back, front, and right back sections.
2. Work left back over 5 sts for 4 rows in stockinette. BO.
3. Rejoin yarn to front 12 sts. Work 4 rows in stockinette.
4. Next row: k2, k2tog, k4, ssk, k2. 10 sts.
5. Work 1 purl row. BO.
6. Rejoin yarn to right back 5 sts. Work 4 rows in stockinette. BO.

Wrap the dress around the cub’s body with the seam at the back. Sew the back seam from hem to waist, leaving the upper back open enough to fit around the neck. Stitch shoulder edges to the front bodice.

Dress Hem Edge

1. With cream yarn, pick up 72 sts along the bottom hem.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. BO loosely knitwise.

Flower Embroidery on Dress

• Use pink yarn to make 14 tiny flowers across the skirt.
• Use yellow yarn to make 10 tiny flowers between the pink flowers.
• For each flower, make three short straight stitches meeting at one center point.
• Use green yarn to make one short stem beneath each flower.
• Keep the embroidery scattered, with more flowers near the lower skirt and fewer near the bodice.

Blue Bee Jacket

The jacket is cropped, soft blue, and open in the front. It has short sleeves, a neat lower edge, tiny buttons, and embroidered bees on both front panels. The jacket should sit over the floral dress without covering the whole skirt.

Back Panel

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 28 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-14: work stockinette. 28 sts.
5. Row 15: k3, k2tog, k18, ssk, k3. 26 sts.
6. Row 16: p all sts.
7. Row 17: k3, k2tog, k16, ssk, k3. 24 sts.
8. Rows 18-22: work stockinette. 24 sts.
9. BO all sts.

Left Front Panel

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-12: work stockinette. 14 sts.
5. Row 13: k3, k2tog, k9. 13 sts.
6. Row 14: p all sts.
7. Row 15: k3, k2tog, k8. 12 sts.
8. Rows 16-20: work stockinette. 12 sts.
9. BO all sts.

Right Front Panel

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-12: work stockinette. 14 sts.
5. Row 13: k9, ssk, k3. 13 sts.
6. Row 14: p all sts.
7. Row 15: k8, ssk, k3. 12 sts.
8. Rows 16-20: work stockinette. 12 sts.
9. BO all sts.

Sleeves, Make 2

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
3. Row 5: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Rows 7-12: work stockinette. 18 sts.
6. BO all sts.

Jacket Assembly

1. Sew the front panels to the back panel at the shoulders.
2. Sew the sleeves to the armhole edges, centering the top of each sleeve at the shoulder seam.
3. Sew sleeve seams and side seams.
4. Place the jacket on the cub and secure it with small hidden stitches at the shoulders.
5. Sew three tiny cream buttons down the right front edge.

Bee Embroidery

• Make three bees on each front panel.
• For each bee, use yellow yarn to make one small oval stitch group.
• Add two black horizontal stripes over the yellow oval.
• Add two tiny white wing stitches above each bee.
• Place the bees unevenly, like the image, with one near the shoulder, one near the middle, and one near the lower front.

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Blue Sandals

The sandals have tan soles, blue straps, and tiny pink flower decorations near the outer sides. Sew them to the feet after the legs are attached.

Soles, Make 2

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts. 8 sts.
3. Row 2: k1, m1, k6, m1, k1. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-7: work stockinette. 10 sts.
5. Row 8: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 9: p all sts.
7. BO all sts.

Blue Straps, Make 2

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: k all sts.
4. BO all sts.

Sew one sole under each foot. Wrap one blue strap over the top of each foot and stitch both ends to the sole sides. With white yarn, embroider a small line around the lower sole edge to copy the light trim in the image.

Pink Sandal Flowers, Make 2

1. With pink yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Cut yarn and pull through all 3 sts.
4. Use the tail to cinch the stitches into a tiny petal cluster.

Sew one flower to the outer side of each sandal strap. Add one yellow stitch to the center of each flower.

Yellow Striped Shoulder Bag

The small crossbody bag is yellow and white striped with a long yellow strap. It hangs from one shoulder across the blue jacket and rests near the skirt.

Bag Body

1. With yellow yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work stockinette. 18 sts.
3. Change to white yarn.
4. Rows 5-6: work stockinette. 18 sts.
5. Change to yellow yarn.
6. Rows 7-10: work stockinette. 18 sts.
7. Change to white yarn.
8. Rows 11-12: work stockinette. 18 sts.
9. Change to yellow yarn.
10. Rows 13-18: work stockinette. 18 sts.
11. BO all sts.

Fold the rectangle in half with RS facing out. Sew the side seams. Lightly stuff the bag so it looks rounded but still small.

Bag Flap

1. With yellow yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work stockinette. 14 sts.
3. Row 5: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. BO all sts.

Sew the flap to the top back of the bag and fold it over the front. Add one tiny white stitch as a button.

Bag Strap

1. With yellow yarn, CO 56 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew strap ends to the top corners of the bag. Place the strap diagonally from the cub’s right shoulder to left hip, then secure lightly with hidden stitches so it stays in place.

Flower Crown

The cub wears a delicate crown of pastel flowers across the forehead between the ears. Use green for the base vine and small pieces of pink, yellow, white, lavender, and blue yarn for flowers.

Green Vine

1. With green yarn, CO 34 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. BO all sts, leaving long tails.

Pin the vine across the top front of the head, slightly curved from ear to ear. Sew it with tiny stitches, leaving the flowers raised.

Tiny Flowers, Make 9

1. CO 4 sts in any flower color.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Cut yarn and pull through all sts.
4. Roll the small knitted strip into a little bud and secure the base with the tail.

• Make 2 yellow flowers.
• Make 2 white flowers.
• Make 2 pink flowers.
• Make 2 lavender flowers.
• Make 1 blue flower.

Sew the flowers along the green vine. Add tiny green leaf stitches between some flowers to match the garden style.

Straw Sun Hat

The hat is a flat round straw-colored garden hat with a shallow crown, wide brim, and blue tie. It sits beside the cub in the photo, but you can also make it wearable by leaving the underside open.

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: k all sts through back loop to create a turning ridge.
8. Rnds 7-11: k all sts. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 12: p all sts for lower crown ridge.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 13: rep k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 14: k all sts. 48 sts.
3. Rnd 15: rep k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
4. Rnd 16: k all sts. 56 sts.
5. Rnd 17: rep k6, kfb around. 64 sts.
6. Rnd 18: k all sts. 64 sts.
7. Rnd 19: p all sts for a firm brim edge.
8. BO loosely.

Flatten the brim gently with your hands. With blue yarn, embroider one line around the crown base. Make a small bow from two 8 in / 20 cm blue yarn strands and sew it to the side of the hat.

Gray Watering Can

The tiny watering can is light gray with a round body, short spout, top handle, and side handle. Knit the pieces firmly and sew them together with matching yarn.

Can Body

1. With gray yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-8: k all sts. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 9: rep k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
4. Stuff lightly.
5. Rnd 10: k2tog around. 6 sts.
6. Cut yarn, pull through rem sts, and close.
7. Thread yarn through the cast-on edge, pull slightly to close the base, and flatten it.

Spout

1. With gray yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-6: k all sts. 6 sts.
3. Rnd 7: k2tog around. 3 sts.
4. Cut yarn and close.

Sew the spout to one side of the can, angled slightly upward. Add three tiny straight stitches at the spout end to suggest the rose opening.

Handles

1. For the top handle, CO 14 sts with gray yarn.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. BO all sts and sew both ends to the top of the can.
4. For the side handle, CO 12 sts with gray yarn.
5. Row 1: k all sts.
6. BO all sts and sew both ends to the side opposite the spout.

Garden Basket

The basket is small, tan brown, and filled with bright red tomatoes. It sits beside the watering can in the image and adds the garden theme.

Basket Base and Sides

1. With basket brown yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k all sts to create garter stitch texture.
3. Rows 5-12: work stockinette. 24 sts.
4. Row 13: k all sts.
5. Row 14: k all sts.
6. BO all sts.

Fold the knitted piece into a small cup shape. Sew the side seam, then gather the lower edge tightly to form the base. Flatten the base so the basket sits upright.

Basket Handle

1. With basket brown yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the handle to opposite sides of the basket. Use a second strand of brown yarn to twist around the handle if you want a thicker woven look.

Tomatoes, Make 5

1. With red yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2-3: k all sts. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k2tog around. 6 sts.
5. Stuff very lightly.
6. Cut yarn, pull through rem sts, and close.

With green yarn, embroider a small star on top of each tomato. Sew the tomatoes into the basket so several red tops show above the rim.

Facial Embroidery Details

The face depends on careful embroidery. Use small stitches and do not pull too tightly. The goal is a soft handmade expression with round eyes, delicate lashes, freckles, and a gentle smiling mouth.

• Eyebrows: With dark brown thread, add one short curved stitch above each white eye patch.
• Eyelashes: With black thread, add three stitches at each outer eye corner.
• Muzzle freckles: Add four small dots on each side of the muzzle.
• Mouth: Stitch one vertical line down from the nose, then two rounded smile curves.
• Cheek spots: Add small brown dots around the outer muzzle and cheek area.

Joining the Doll

1. Sew the head to the body using the long body tail. Go around the neck twice for strength.
2. Position the arms at the upper body sides, slightly angled downward. Sew firmly.
3. Sew the joined legs under the body so the feet face forward.
4. Add the tail at the back lower body, curving it to one side.
5. Put the dress on the body and sew the back seam closed around the cub.
6. Place the jacket over the dress and secure at shoulders and underarms.
7. Add sandals, bag, flower crown, and final embroidery.

Positioning Guide for Image Accuracy

• The head should be larger than the body, about half the total height of the dressed doll.
• The ears sit high and wide, not directly on top of the head.
• The eye patches should be oversized and oval, giving a bright cub expression.
• The jacket should stop above the widest part of the skirt.
• The dress should flare gently and cover the hips and top of the legs.
• The bag strap should cross diagonally over the front of the jacket.
• The blue sandal straps should sit across the tops of the feet, with flowers on the outer sides.
• The sun hat, watering can, and basket should remain separate display accessories.

Optional Button Details

The image shows small light buttons on the jacket front. Use tiny wooden, cream, or yellow buttons if this doll is for display only. For a child-safe toy, embroider button circles instead of using loose buttons.

1. Thread cream yarn through the jacket front at the button position.
2. Make a small circle with 4 short stitches.
3. Add one horizontal stitch across the center.
4. Repeat for 3 buttons along the jacket opening.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check every sewn seam before finishing. The head should be secure, the limbs should not wobble, and the accessories should sit naturally. Add extra tiny stitches under the jacket, behind the bag strap, and around the flower crown if the doll will be handled often.

Steam blocking is not required. Instead, shape the dress skirt with your fingers and smooth the jacket edges. Add final leopard spots only after clothing placement, so no important details are hidden under the outfit.

Care Notes

Spot clean gently with cool water and mild soap. Do not soak the doll if you used safety eyes, buttons, or delicate embroidery. Press with a towel to remove moisture and let the doll air dry flat.

Keep the flower crown, hat, watering can, and basket away from rough play if they are made as display accessories. Small parts may not be suitable for very young children.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is round, firmly stuffed, and securely attached.
• White eye patches are even and large.
• Blue eye rings, lashes, eyebrows, and catchlights are finished.
• Nose, mouth, muzzle freckles, and leopard spots are embroidered.
• Dress has scattered pink, yellow, and green floral embroidery.
• Blue jacket has short sleeves, buttons, and bee embroidery.
• Sandals have blue straps and tiny pink flowers.
• Shoulder bag hangs diagonally and has yellow-white stripes.
• Flower crown sits between the ears.
• Sun hat, watering can, basket, and tomatoes are complete.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished leopard cub in a dry place away from direct sunlight, because bright light can fade the pale blue jacket and floral embroidery. If dust collects, use a soft brush and clean with light strokes.

For long-term display, keep the toy upright or lying flat without heavy objects on top. Avoid stretching the bag strap or pulling the flower crown. If the skirt wrinkles, gently smooth it by hand and reshape the hem.

When gifting, include a small care note explaining that the doll is handmade, should be spot cleaned only, and should be dried completely before storage. This keeps the knitted fabric fresh, clean, and beautifully shaped.