Knitting Tutorial: Woodland Squirrel in Striped Sweater and Blue Skirt – Free Knitting Pattern.

This woodland squirrel knitting pattern creates a sweet garden toy with a rust-brown squirrel head, tall pointed ears, cream face panels, big embroidered eyes, soft cheeks, a striped green sweater, a blue skirt, brown floral sandals, a crossbody flower bag, and small picnic props including acorns, a basket, mug, and folded green hat.

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 and Construction

The finished squirrel measures about 12 inches tall from sandal sole to ear tip when worked with DK yarn and firm toy gauge. The body is knitted in separate shaped pieces, then stuffed and sewn together. The sweater, skirt, sandals, bag, and small accessories are made separately and attached for the same dressed look shown in the photo.

• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate toy knitter.
• Finished height: About 12 inches tall.
• Needles: US 2 or 2.75 mm double-pointed needles, plus US 2 straight needles for flat pieces.
• Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 inch in firm stockinette.
• Main method: Knit mostly in the round, with small flat appliqué pieces.
• Seaming: Mattress stitch for flat seams and whipstitch for appliqués.

Yarn Colors

• Rust squirrel fur: head, ears, arms, legs, tail, and toe tops.
• Cream: muzzle, cheeks, eye patches, sweater stripe, teeth, and flower center.
• Olive green: sweater body, cuffs, collar, leaf appliqués, hat, and small shoe leaves.
• Mustard yellow: sweater stripe, flower petals, tiny bag flowers, and accent embroidery.
• Blue: full skirt.
• Brown: nose, sandals, acorn caps, basket handle, and mug rim.
• Black: pupils, eye outline, lashes, and mouth embroidery.
• White: eye highlights and small front teeth.
• Blush pink: cheek shading and tiny flower buds.
• Beige: crossbody bag, strap, basket base, and mug body.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in all colors listed above.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• US 2 or 2.75 mm double-pointed needles.
• US 2 or 2.75 mm straight needles.
• Tapestry needle.
• Removable stitch markers.
• Two 8 mm black safety eyes, or black yarn embroidery if preferred.
• Small amount of pink powder blush or pink yarn for cheeks.
• Cardboard or plastic circle, 2 inches wide, for the basket base if desired.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on.
• BO: Bind off.
• K: Knit.
• P: Purl.
• Sts: Stitches.
• Rnd: Round.
• RS: Right side.
• WS: Wrong side.
• Kfb: Knit into front and back of same stitch.
• K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together.
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit.
• M1L: Make 1 left increase.
• M1R: Make 1 right increase.
• St st: Stockinette stitch.
• G st: Garter stitch.
• I-cord: Knit a narrow cord by sliding stitches across a double-pointed needle.

Helpful Pattern Notes

Use a tight gauge so the stuffing does not show through the fabric. The toy in the image has smooth stockinette with visible vertical knit columns, so keep the knitting firm but not stiff. Stuff the head and body gradually while shaping to keep the round, soft, plush form.

The squirrel’s proportions are important. The head is large and round, the body is shorter and dressed, the legs are narrow below the skirt, and the tail is thick, curved, and fluffy-looking behind the left side. The ears are tall, pointed, and slightly tilted outward.

For the face, the cream patches should sit high and wide around the eyes, with rounded cheeks below. The muzzle is small and centered. The nose is brown and triangular, the smile is stitched in black, and two white front teeth hang under the mouth.

Main Head in Rust

Work the head from the top down in the round. The shape should be round with a slightly wider cheek area and a gentle taper at the neck. Stuff firmly as you go, especially around the cheeks, so the face holds its sweet rounded shape.

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1. With rust yarn, CO 8 sts and divide evenly over 3 double-pointed needles.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: K4, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: K all sts.
13. Rnd 12: K5, kfb, repeat around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-26: K every rnd.
15. Rnd 27: K6, kfb, repeat around. 64 sts.
16. Rnds 28-33: K every rnd.
17. Rnd 34: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 56 sts.
18. Rnd 35: K all sts.
19. Rnd 36: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
20. Rnd 37: K all sts.
21. Rnd 38: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
22. Rnd 39: K all sts.
23. Rnd 40: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
24. Begin stuffing the head. Keep the top smooth and the lower cheeks round.
25. Rnd 41: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
26. Rnd 42: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
27. Leave the 16 sts live on a holder for joining to the neck later.

Cream Eye Patches

The cream eye patches create the tall oval shapes seen on the face. Knit two matching flat pieces. They should start narrow, widen at the center, and taper slightly near the top. Sew them symmetrically on the front of the head before adding eyes.

Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1, RS: K all sts.
3. Row 2, WS: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, K2, kfb, K1. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K1, kfb, K4, kfb, K1. 10 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: K1, kfb, K6, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
9. Rows 8-16: Work in St st.
10. Row 17: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
11. Row 18: P all sts.
12. Row 19: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
13. Row 20: P all sts.
14. Row 21: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
15. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Cream Cheeks and Muzzle

The cheeks are puffy rounded patches below the eyes. The muzzle is a small oval centered between them. These pieces help match the friendly squirrel expression in the image and give enough space for the embroidered smile and little teeth.

Cheeks Make 2

1. With cream yarn, 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 6-12: Work in St st.
8. Row 13: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 14: P all sts.
10. Row 15: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Small Muzzle

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Rows 4-8: Work in St st.
6. Row 9: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
7. Row 10: P all sts.
8. BO all sts.

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Large Embroidered Eyes

The eyes in the image are oversized, black, glossy, and outlined with pale lavender-white. You can use safety eyes, but embroidered eyes look closer to the soft knitted style. Place each eye over a cream patch, slightly below the center line of the head.

1. Cut two oval bases from white felt if desired, or knit the eye whites as below.
2. With white yarn, CO 6 sts for one eye white.
3. Row 1: K all sts.
4. Row 2: P all sts.
5. Row 3: Kfb, K4, kfb. 8 sts.
6. Row 4: P all sts.
7. Rows 5-8: Work in St st.
8. Row 9: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
9. BO all sts and repeat for the second eye.
10. With black yarn, embroider a tall oval pupil over each white oval.
11. With white yarn, stitch one large highlight near the upper left of each pupil and one tiny lower dot.
12. With black yarn, add three eyelashes at the outer upper edge of each eye.

Pointed Squirrel Ears

The ears are tall, narrow, and pointed, with a rust outer layer and matching inner shape. They rise from the top sides of the head and lean slightly outward. Knit four pieces, sew them into two ears, lightly stuff only at the base, then attach securely.

Outer Ears Make 2

1. With rust yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
3. Row 5: K1, ssk, K8, k2tog, K1. 12 sts.
4. Rows 6-8: Work in St st.
5. Row 9: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
6. Rows 10-12: Work in St st.
7. Row 13: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
8. Rows 14-16: Work in St st.
9. Row 17: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
10. Row 18: P all sts.
11. Row 19: K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.
12. Row 20: P all sts.
13. Row 21: SSK, k2tog. 2 sts.
14. Row 22: P2tog. 1 st.
15. Fasten off.

Inner Ears Make 2

1. With slightly lighter rust or peach-rust yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
3. Row 5: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
4. Rows 6-8: Work in St st.
5. Row 9: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
6. Row 10: P all sts.
7. Row 11: K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.
8. Row 12: P all sts.
9. Row 13: SSK, k2tog. 2 sts.
10. Row 14: P2tog. 1 st.
11. Fasten off.

Sew one inner ear to one outer ear using small stitches around the edge. Fold the lower edge slightly into a shallow cup and stitch it closed. Attach the ears to the head between rounds 7 and 15, with about 14 stitches between them across the top.

Body in Rust

The body is hidden partly by the sweater and skirt, but it still needs a stable stuffed form. It should be pear-shaped, narrower at the neck and wider at the hip, so the skirt flares naturally and the squirrel sits upright.

1. With rust yarn, CO 16 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K3, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
8. Rnds 7-16: K every rnd.
9. Rnd 17: K4, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
10. Rnds 18-25: K every rnd.
11. Rnd 26: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
12. Rnd 27: K all sts.
13. Rnd 28: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
14. Rnd 29: K all sts.
15. Rnd 30: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
16. Stuff firmly, keeping the lower body round.
17. Rnd 31: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
18. Place these 16 sts on a holder.

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Joining Head and Body

Place the live head stitches above the live body stitches. With rust yarn and a tapestry needle, graft or sew the 16 head stitches to the 16 neck stitches. Add extra stuffing at the neck before closing completely so the head does not wobble.

• Align the face to the front center of the body.
• Keep the neck short, because the sweater collar will cover the join.
• Use matching rust yarn for invisible seaming.
• After sewing, gently squeeze the head into a rounded shape.

Arms

The arms are slim, with rust paws and sweater sleeves. In the image, the cuffs and hands hang down at the sides. Knit each arm from the paw upward, changing colors to match the striped sweater sleeve.

Make 2

1. With rust yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rnd 5: Kfb in first st, K8, kfb in last st. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 6-9: K all sts.
5. Change to olive green.
6. Rnds 10-15: K all sts.
7. Change to mustard yellow.
8. Rnds 16-18: K all sts.
9. Change to cream.
10. Rnds 19-23: K all sts.
11. Change to olive green.
12. Rnds 24-29: K all sts.
13. Rnd 30: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 9 sts.
14. Stuff lightly. Do not overstuff the upper arm.
15. Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Legs

The legs are rust and narrow below the skirt, with visible ribbed knit texture. They should hang straight down from under the blue skirt and end inside the floral sandals. Knit two matching legs and leave the top open for attaching to the lower body.

Make 2

1. With rust yarn, CO 14 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: K1, P1 rib around.
3. Rnds 6-26: K all sts.
4. Rnd 27: K5, kfb, K2, kfb, K5. 16 sts.
5. Rnds 28-32: K all sts.
6. Stuff firmly but keep the leg slim.
7. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Toe Pads

The toes are visible at the front of the sandals. Make three little rust bumps for each foot, then sew them across the front edge of the sandal sole. This creates the rounded paw look seen in the image.

Make 6

1. With rust yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb in every st. 12 sts.
5. Rows 4-5: Work in St st.
6. Row 6: K2tog across. 6 sts.
7. Break yarn, thread through sts, stuff with a pinch of fiberfill, pull closed.

Large Curved Tail

The tail is one of the most important details. It is full, rust-brown, rounded, and curls behind the squirrel’s left side. To imitate the fluffy texture in knitting, brush the finished tail gently with a clean pet slicker brush or add short yarn loops before attaching.

1. With rust yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rnd 5: K2, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 6: K all sts.
5. Rnd 7: K3, kfb, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnds 8-18: K every rnd.
7. Rnd 19: K4, kfb, repeat around. 36 sts.
8. Rnds 20-42: K every rnd.
9. Rnd 43: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
10. Rnds 44-50: K every rnd.
11. Rnd 51: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
12. Rnds 52-56: K every rnd.
13. Rnd 57: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
14. Stuff the tail firmly. Curve it gently while stuffing.
15. Rnd 58: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
16. Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed.

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To shape the curve, thread a long strand of rust yarn from the tail base to the top inside curve. Pull gently until the tail bends into a soft C shape. Secure the strand at the base. Sew the tail to the back left side of the body, beginning near the hip and ending behind the shoulder.

Striped Sweater

The sweater has an olive green ribbed hem, olive lower body, a mustard stripe, a wide cream stripe, and an olive yoke and collar. It fits snugly over the body and sits above the blue skirt. The yoke has small decorative vertical stitches like soft leafy texture.

Sweater Body

1. With olive green yarn, CO 52 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: K2, P2 rib around.
3. Rnds 6-12: K all sts.
4. Change to mustard yellow.
5. Rnds 13-15: K all sts.
6. Change to cream.
7. Rnds 16-22: K all sts.
8. Change to olive green.
9. Rnd 23: K all sts.
10. Rnd 24: K11, BO 6 sts for armhole, K20, BO 6 sts for armhole, K9. 40 sts remain.
11. Rnd 25: K11, CO 4 sts over first armhole, K20, CO 4 sts over second armhole, K9. 48 sts.
12. Rnds 26-30: K all sts.
13. Rnd 31: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
14. Rnd 32: K all sts.
15. Rnd 33: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
16. Rnd 34: K all sts.
17. Rnds 35-39: K2, P2 rib around for collar.
18. BO loosely in rib.

Yoke Texture Embroidery

Using olive green yarn one shade darker, embroider short V-shaped leaf stitches around the front yoke. Place one V over every fourth stitch between the neckline and cream stripe. Keep the stitches small so they look like the raised decorative texture in the photo.

Acorn Patch on Sweater

1. With brown yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K3, kfb. 7 sts.
5. Rows 4-6: Work in St st.
6. Row 7: SSK, K3, k2tog. 5 sts.
7. Change to dark brown for cap.
8. Row 8: K all sts.
9. Row 9: P all sts.
10. BO all sts.
11. Sew the acorn patch to the right front of the sweater, just above the cream stripe.

Blue Skirt

The skirt is a simple flared blue piece with a smooth stockinette body and a slightly rolled lower edge. It begins at the waist and widens toward the hem. This shape matches the rounded, bell-like skirt in the image.

1. With blue yarn, CO 54 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K1, P1 rib around for waistband.
3. Rnd 5: K all sts.
4. Rnd 6: K5, kfb, repeat around. 63 sts.
5. Rnds 7-10: K every rnd.
6. Rnd 11: K6, kfb, repeat around. 72 sts.
7. Rnds 12-17: K every rnd.
8. Rnd 18: K7, kfb, repeat around. 81 sts.
9. Rnds 19-26: K every rnd.
10. Rnds 27-29: P all sts to create a garter ridge hem.
11. BO loosely knitwise.

Slide the skirt onto the body so the waistband sits just below the sweater hem. Sew the waistband invisibly to the body with blue yarn, catching only the inside of the skirt stitches so the outside remains clean.

Brown Floral Sandals

The sandals have thick brown soles, a cross strap over the toes, and tiny flowers and leaves at the outer sides. The toes show through at the front. Make two soles, two ankle straps, and two toe straps, then decorate each sandal.

Soles Make 2

1. With brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Rows 4-8: Work in St st.
6. Row 9: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
7. Rows 10-20: Work in St st.
8. Row 21: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 22: P all sts.
10. Row 23: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. BO all sts.

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Toe Straps Make 2

1. With brown yarn, CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: K all sts.
3. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Ankle Straps Make 2

1. With brown yarn, CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew three rust toe pads to the front of each sole. Place one toe strap across the toe base and sew the ends under the sole. Wrap the ankle strap around the lower leg above the sandal and sew it securely at the back.

Tiny Shoe Flowers Make 4

1. With pink or mustard yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: Kfb in every st. 10 sts.
3. BO all sts.
4. Roll the strip into a tiny rosette and stitch through the base.
5. Make two olive leaves by CO 5 sts, K one row, then BO.
6. Sew one flower and one leaf to each outer sandal side.

Crossbody Bag

The beige crossbody bag hangs from the left shoulder to the right hip. It is small, square, and decorated with tiny flowers. The strap is a narrow cord that crosses the front of the sweater diagonally.

Bag Front and Back

1. With beige yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K all sts for garter bottom.
3. Rows 5-18: Work in St st.
4. Rows 19-22: K all sts for top edge.
5. BO all sts.
6. Make a second identical piece.

Bag Gusset

1. With beige yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-42: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the gusset around the sides and bottom of one bag panel, then sew the second panel to the other edge of the gusset. Leave the top open. Add a tiny flap by picking up 10 sts along the back top edge, knitting 6 rows in garter stitch, and binding off.

Bag Strap

1. With beige yarn, CO 3 sts on a double-pointed needle.
2. K3, do not turn.
3. Slide sts to the other end of the needle.
4. Repeat until the cord measures 13 inches.
5. BO and sew each end to the side of the bag.

Bag Flowers

1. For each small flower, CO 10 sts in mustard, pink, or cream.
2. BO all sts knitwise.
3. Coil the strip into a tiny flower and sew through the base.
4. For each leaf, CO 5 sts in olive green, K one row, then BO.
5. Sew three flowers and two leaves to the lower front of the bag.

Ear Flower Cluster

The squirrel has a decorative flower cluster near one ear. It includes green leaves, a white flower, a rust-pink flower, and a small yellow blossom. Sew the cluster at the base of the squirrel’s right ear, slightly forward so it is visible from the front.

Green Leaves Make 3

1. With olive green yarn, 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: Slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
7. Fasten off.

White Daisy

1. With white yarn, CO 20 sts.
2. BO all sts loosely.
3. Fold the bound-off strip into five small petal loops.
4. Stitch through the center to hold the loops.
5. With mustard yarn, make three small center stitches.

Rust-Pink Flower

1. With dusty rose yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.
4. Roll into a small rosette and secure the base.

Yellow Blossom

1. With mustard yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. BO all sts.
3. Coil into a tiny blossom and sew beside the larger flowers.

Nose, Mouth, Teeth, and Cheeks

The face should look gentle and symmetrical. Attach the cream eye patches first, then the cheeks, then the muzzle. Add eyes after checking placement. The nose sits at the top center of the muzzle, with a curved smile below and two little teeth at the center.

Brown Nose

1. With brown yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: SSK, K2, k2tog. 4 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: SSK, k2tog. 2 sts.
7. Row 6: P2tog. 1 st.
8. Fasten off and sew to the upper center of the muzzle.

Front Teeth

1. With white yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
3. BO all sts.
4. Use one vertical stitch down the center to divide the piece into two teeth.
5. Sew under the mouth center, just below the muzzle.

Use black yarn to embroider a short vertical line from the nose down to the smile. Then stitch a soft curved smile to each side. Add pink blush with two light duplicate-stitch ovals on the cheeks, or dab gently with powder blush.

Folded Green Hat Prop

The folded green hat rests beside the squirrel in the image. It looks like a soft ribbed garden hat or beret folded on the table. This small prop is optional, but it helps recreate the complete woodland picnic scene.

1. With olive green yarn, CO 48 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-8: K2, P2 rib around.
3. Rnd 9: K all sts.
4. Rnd 10: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
5. Rnd 11: K all sts.
6. Rnd 12: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
7. Rnd 13: K all sts.
8. Rnd 14: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
9. Rnd 15: K all sts.
10. Rnd 16: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
11. Rnd 17: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
12. Rnd 18: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
13. Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed.
14. Flatten the hat softly and sew a small flower to one side.

Mini Basket with Acorns

The small basket is mustard-brown and sits beside the squirrel. It holds round acorns with dark caps. Knit the basket base in garter stitch for texture, then add an I-cord handle.

Basket

1. With mustard-brown yarn, CO 30 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: K all sts.
3. Rnd 6: P all sts to create a turning ridge.
4. Rnds 7-16: K all sts.
5. Rnd 17: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 18: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
7. Rnd 19: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
8. Break yarn, thread through sts, pull closed.
9. Push the base flat inside the basket.

Basket Handle

1. With brown yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 7 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew one end to each side of the basket.

Acorns Make 5

1. With tan yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2-5: K all sts.
4. Change to dark brown.
5. Rnd 6: K all sts.
6. Rnd 7: K2tog around. 6 sts.
7. Stuff lightly, pull closed, and add a tiny brown stem stitch on top.

Small Mug Prop

The mug is beige with a darker rim and a small curved handle. Add a tiny floral embroidery on the front to echo the garden theme. Keep the mug lightly stuffed so it stands beside the basket.

1. With beige yarn, CO 20 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: K all sts.
3. Change to light brown.
4. Rnd 4: P all sts for rim.
5. Change back to beige.
6. Rnds 5-13: K all sts.
7. Rnd 14: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 15 sts.
8. Rnd 15: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 10 sts.
9. Stuff lightly and pull closed.
10. For handle, CO 3 sts and work I-cord for 2 inches.
11. Sew handle to the side in a curved C shape.
12. Embroider one tiny pink flower and one green leaf on the front.

Attaching the Clothing

Dress the squirrel before final facial finishing. Slide the sweater over the body from the feet upward if possible. If the sweater feels snug, seam it partly open at the back, place it on the body, and close the back seam with olive yarn.

1. Place the sweater neckline around the neck seam.
2. Pull arms through the armholes and sew the shoulders in place.
3. Slide the skirt under the sweater hem.
4. Sew the skirt waistband to the body.
5. Attach legs evenly under the skirt, about 8 stitches apart.
6. Place sandals on the feet and secure with hidden stitches.
7. Position the crossbody strap from the squirrel’s left shoulder to right hip.
8. Sew the bag lightly to the sweater so it does not swing too far forward.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Pin every feature before sewing permanently. The ears should sit high and wide. The eye patches should mirror each other. The cheeks should touch the lower edge of the eye patches. The muzzle should sit centered, with the nose pointing downward like a soft triangle.

• Sew the arms to the sides at the upper sweater level.
• Sew the tail firmly to the back left side, curving upward behind the shoulder.
• Add eyelashes after the eyes are completely secure.
• Use small black stitches for the smile and keep both sides even.
• Add the two teeth last, directly below the mouth center.
• Sew the flower cluster at the base of the right ear.
• Brush or fluff only the tail if you want a softer woodland look.

Care Notes

Spot clean the squirrel with cool water and a mild soap. Do not soak the entire toy if it contains safety eyes, cardboard basket support, or powder blush. Press gently with a towel and reshape the head, tail, ears, and skirt while damp.

• Keep away from high heat.
• Do not machine dry.
• Use a lint roller for dust on the sweater and skirt.
• Refresh the tail by gently brushing in one direction.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round and larger than the body.
• The ears are tall, pointed, and slightly angled outward.
• The cream face panels are even on both sides.
• The eyes are large, glossy-looking, and finished with lashes.
• The sweater has olive, mustard, cream, and olive stripes in order.
• The blue skirt flares evenly around the waist.
• The tail curves behind the left side.
• The sandals include toe straps, ankle straps, flowers, and leaves.
• The bag crosses the body diagonally and has small floral details.
• The basket, acorns, mug, and folded hat complete the garden scene.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished squirrel upright or lying flat in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic storage for long periods because trapped moisture can affect the yarn. Keep the flower details and eyelashes from being crushed by placing tissue paper loosely around the face.

For display, keep the toy out of direct sunlight so the rust, olive, blue, and mustard colors stay bright. If the skirt hem curls too much, steam lightly from a distance without pressing the fabric flat. Let every piece dry fully before packing away.

If a small accessory loosens, reattach it with matching yarn rather than sewing thread. Yarn blends into the knitted surface and keeps the handmade finish soft. Check the bag strap, sandal flowers, ear flowers, and tail seam occasionally, especially if the toy is handled often.