Knitting Tutorial: Strawberry Garden Puppy in Lavender Butterfly Dress with Sun Hat – Free Knitting Pattern.

This detailed knitting pattern creates a soft gray garden puppy wearing a lavender lace dress with cream stripes, a bright strawberry motif, and a colorful embroidered butterfly. The finished puppy also carries a tan floral crossbody bag and wears cream Mary Jane shoes decorated with tiny bees. A matching sun hat, miniature strawberries, butterfly ornament, and pink knitted rose complete the cheerful garden outfit.

 

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

The puppy is knitted as separate shaped components and assembled after stuffing. The head is intentionally large and rounded, while the body is slightly pear-shaped to reproduce the gentle proportions shown in the reference design. Long floppy ears, a broad muzzle, softly curved arms, straight legs, and fitted clothing create the recognizable garden-puppy appearance.

• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
• Finished height: Approximately 16 inches or 41 cm from the top of the head to the bottom of the shoes.
• Finished seated width: Approximately 8 inches or 20 cm across the dress.
• Construction: Most animal pieces are worked in the round. The dress bodice, bag, appliques, and decorative pieces are worked flat.
• Seam allowance: Use mattress stitch unless another joining method is specified.
• Stuffing: Add small amounts gradually to keep every section smooth and evenly rounded.

Materials

• DK-weight yarn in medium gray for the head, body, arms, legs, and ears, approximately 260 yards.
• DK-weight yarn in pale gray for the muzzle, approximately 35 yards.
• DK-weight yarn in lavender for the dress, shoe trim, and hatband, approximately 170 yards.
• DK-weight yarn in warm cream for dress stripes and edging, approximately 90 yards.
• DK-weight yarn in light tan for the hat, bag, shoes, and bag strap, approximately 160 yards.
• Small amounts of red, green, pink, yellow, turquoise, coral, dark purple, black, and white yarn for motifs.
• One pair of 3 mm straight knitting needles.
• One set of 3 mm double-pointed needles or a long circular needle for magic-loop knitting.
• One pair of 3.25 mm needles for the dress and hat brim.
• Two 12 mm black safety eyes with washers.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, removable markers, pins, scissors, and row counter.
• Two small buttons for the back of the dress.
• Optional thin plastic canvas pieces for reinforcing the shoe soles and hat brim.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

Gauge is important because the clothing and accessories are fitted to the completed puppy. Knit a small stockinette swatch before beginning. The fabric should be firm enough to prevent stuffing from showing but should remain flexible enough for shaping.

• Toy gauge: 28 stitches and 38 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch using 3 mm needles.
• Dress gauge: 26 stitches and 36 rows equal 4 inches using 3.25 mm needles.
• Head: Approximately 6 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall.
• Body: Approximately 4.5 inches wide and 5 inches tall before adding the legs.
• Arm length: Approximately 5 inches.
• Leg length: Approximately 4 inches before shoes.
• Dress length: Approximately 7 inches from shoulder to lower hem.
• Hat diameter: Approximately 7.5 inches across the completed brim.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on.
• BO: Bind off.
• k: Knit.
• p: Purl.
• st or sts: Stitch or stitches.
• rnd or rnds: Round or rounds.
• RS: Right side.
• WS: Wrong side.
• kfb: Knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• k2tog: Knit two stitches together.
• ssk: Slip one stitch knitwise twice, then knit both slipped stitches together through the back loops.
• yo: Yarn over.
• pm: Place marker.
• sm: Slip marker.
• M1L: Make one left.
• M1R: Make one right.
• rep: Repeat.

Important Knitting Notes

When working in the round, place a marker at the beginning of every round. Move the marker upward as the work progresses. All increases and decreases should be spaced evenly unless exact placement is provided. Keep the beginning-of-round line positioned at the back of each animal piece.

Stuff the head and body firmly, but do not stretch the stitches. The arms, ears, and lower legs require lighter stuffing. Before permanently sewing any component, pin it in place and compare both sides from the front, back, and profile views.

• Leave yarn tails at least 12 inches long wherever a piece must be sewn to another section.
• Use duplicate stitch or small embroidery stitches for decorative motifs.
• Do not pull facial embroidery tightly because this may distort the muzzle.
• For a toy intended for a child younger than three years, replace safety eyes with securely embroidered eyes.

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Gray Puppy

Head

Using medium gray yarn and 3 mm double-pointed needles, begin at the lower back of the head. The head is shaped with a broad middle section and a gently narrowed crown. Work continuously in the round.

1. Round 1: CO 8 sts. Divide evenly over the needles, join without twisting, and place a marker. Knit all 8 sts.
2. Round 2: Kfb in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
3. Round 3: Knit all sts.
4. Round 4: Repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 24 sts.
5. Round 5: Knit all sts.
6. Round 6: Repeat k2, kfb around. You now have 32 sts.
7. Round 7: Knit all sts.
8. Round 8: Repeat k3, kfb around. You now have 40 sts.
9. Round 9: Knit all sts.
10. Round 10: Repeat k4, kfb around. You now have 48 sts.
11. Round 11: Knit all sts.
12. Round 12: Repeat k5, kfb around. You now have 56 sts.
13. Rounds 13 to 15: Knit all 56 sts.
14. Round 16: Repeat k6, kfb around. You now have 64 sts.
15. Rounds 17 to 20: Knit all 64 sts.
16. Round 21: Repeat k7, kfb around. You now have 72 sts.
17. Rounds 22 to 36: Knit all 72 sts.
18. Round 37: Repeat k7, k2tog around. You now have 64 sts.
19. Rounds 38 to 40: Knit all 64 sts.
20. Round 41: Repeat k6, k2tog around. You now have 56 sts.
21. Rounds 42 and 43: Knit all 56 sts.
22. Round 44: Repeat k5, k2tog around. You now have 48 sts.
23. Rounds 45 and 46: Knit all 48 sts.
24. Round 47: Repeat k4, k2tog around. You now have 40 sts.
25. Round 48: Knit all 40 sts.
26. Round 49: Repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 32 sts.
27. Round 50: Knit all 32 sts.

Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 29 and 30. Place them 18 stitches apart when measured across the front of the head. The center of each eye should sit approximately nine stitches from the vertical center line.

Begin stuffing through the remaining opening. Concentrate extra filling at the cheeks, lower front, and sides. Keep the crown softly rounded and avoid making the back of the head flat.

1. Round 51: Repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 24 sts.
2. Round 52: Knit all 24 sts.
3. Round 53: Repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 16 sts.
4. Round 54: K2tog around. You now have 8 sts.
5. Cut the yarn, thread it through the remaining stitches, pull tightly, and secure the opening inside the head.

Pale Gray Muzzle

The muzzle is a padded oval that covers the lower center of the face. Work it in pale gray yarn. It should measure approximately 3.25 inches wide and 2 inches tall after stuffing and sewing.

1. CO 10 sts and distribute them in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit all 10 sts.
3. Round 2: Kfb in every st. You now have 20 sts.
4. Round 3: Repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 30 sts.
5. Rounds 4 to 11: Knit all 30 sts.
6. Round 12: Repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 20 sts.
7. Round 13: Knit all 20 sts.
8. Round 14: K2tog around. You now have 10 sts.
9. Cut the yarn and draw it through the remaining stitches without closing completely.

Add a small amount of stuffing. Flatten the back slightly while keeping the front full. Position the muzzle with its upper edge between Head Rounds 28 and 29 and its lower edge near Round 39. Sew around the outer edge, leaving the final inch open until the shape has been adjusted.

Nose

Using black yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Work one row purl. On the next row, k2tog, k4, ssk to leave 6 sts. Purl one row. On the final row, k2tog three times. Cut the yarn and pass it through the remaining 3 sts.

Shape the piece into a soft triangular nose. Sew it to the upper center of the muzzle. The widest edge should sit horizontally, approximately two stitches below the muzzle’s upper edge. Embroider a straight black line downward for six knitted rows, then divide it into two short curved mouth lines.

Muzzle Spots and Eyebrows

Using dark gray yarn, make six small straight stitches on each side of the muzzle. Position the spots between two and seven stitches from the nose. Vary the stitch lengths slightly to produce a natural freckled appearance.

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For each eyebrow, make one gently angled dark gray stitch approximately four knitted rows above the eye. Each eyebrow should cover five stitches. Angle the outer ends slightly downward to create the puppy’s calm, friendly expression.

Floppy Ears

Make two identical ears using medium gray yarn and straight needles. The ears are lightly textured with a narrow cable-like center ridge. Each finished ear should measure approximately 5 inches long.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Knit every row.
3. Row 5 RS: K3, p4, k4, p4, k3.
4. Row 6 WS: K3, k4, p4, k4, k3.
5. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 eleven more times, ending after Row 28.
6. Row 29: K2tog, work in established pattern to the final 2 sts, ssk. You now have 16 sts.
7. Rows 30 to 33: Continue in pattern without decreasing.
8. Row 34: K2tog, work to the final 2 sts, ssk. You now have 14 sts.
9. Rows 35 to 38: Continue in pattern.
10. Row 39: K2tog, work to the final 2 sts, ssk. You now have 12 sts.
11. Rows 40 to 43: Continue in pattern.
12. Row 44: K2tog, work to the final 2 sts, ssk. You now have 10 sts.
13. Row 45: Knit all sts.
14. Row 46: K2tog, k6, ssk. You now have 8 sts.
15. Row 47: Knit all sts.
16. Row 48: K2tog, k4, ssk. You now have 6 sts.
17. Row 49: Knit all sts.
18. Row 50: K2tog three times. BO the remaining 3 sts.

Fold the cast-on edge slightly to create a shallow inward curve. Sew each ear to the side of the head with the upper edge beginning approximately four stitches above the eye line. The ears should hang beside the cheeks, with their lower points ending level with the bottom of the muzzle.

Body

Use medium gray yarn. Begin at the lower center and work upward. The body should be broad at the hips and narrower at the shoulders so the dress rests naturally.

1. CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit all 12 sts.
3. Round 2: Kfb in every st. You now have 24 sts.
4. Round 3: Knit all sts.
5. Round 4: Repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 36 sts.
6. Round 5: Knit all sts.
7. Round 6: Repeat k2, kfb around. You now have 48 sts.
8. Round 7: Knit all sts.
9. Round 8: Repeat k5, kfb around. You now have 56 sts.
10. Round 9: Repeat k6, kfb around. You now have 64 sts.
11. Rounds 10 to 23: Knit all 64 sts.
12. Round 24: Repeat k6, k2tog around. You now have 56 sts.
13. Rounds 25 to 31: Knit all 56 sts.
14. Round 32: Repeat k5, k2tog around. You now have 48 sts.
15. Rounds 33 to 38: Knit all 48 sts.
16. Round 39: Repeat k4, k2tog around. You now have 40 sts.
17. Rounds 40 to 43: Knit all 40 sts.
18. Round 44: Repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 32 sts.
19. Rounds 45 to 47: Knit all 32 sts.

Stuff the body firmly at the hips and moderately through the upper torso. Keep the neck opening circular. BO all 32 sts loosely and leave a long yarn tail for joining the head.

Arms

Make two. Begin at the rounded paw end and work upward. Each arm should curve gently inward when attached.

1. CO 8 sts with medium gray yarn and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Kfb in every st. You now have 16 sts.
3. Round 2: Repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 24 sts.
4. Round 3: Repeat k5, kfb around. You now have 28 sts.
5. Rounds 4 to 12: Knit all 28 sts.
6. Round 13: K2tog, k10, k2tog, k12. You now have 26 sts.
7. Rounds 14 to 24: Knit all 26 sts.
8. Round 25: K2tog, k9, k2tog, k11. You now have 24 sts.
9. Rounds 26 to 36: Knit all 24 sts.
10. Round 37: Repeat k4, k2tog around. You now have 20 sts.
11. Rounds 38 to 42: Knit all 20 sts.
12. Round 43: Repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 16 sts.
13. Rounds 44 and 45: Knit all 16 sts. BO loosely.

Stuff each paw firmly and the upper arm lightly. Flatten the upper opening. Sew the arms to the body immediately below the neck, angling them downward approximately 15 degrees. The paw tips should rest beside the upper skirt.

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Legs

Make two using medium gray yarn. The legs remain straight and visible between the dress hem and shoes.

1. CO 20 sts and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit all sts.
3. Round 2: Repeat k4, kfb around. You now have 24 sts.
4. Rounds 3 to 31: Knit all 24 sts.
5. Round 32: Repeat k4, k2tog around. You now have 20 sts.
6. Rounds 33 to 36: Knit all 20 sts.
7. BO loosely and leave a long tail.

Stuff the lower half firmly and the upper half lightly. Sew the legs to the lower body, placing their inner edges approximately four stitches apart. Keep them parallel and facing forward. The dress should cover the upper attachment seams.

Lavender Lace Dress

Front Bodice

Using lavender yarn and 3.25 mm straight needles, CO 34 sts. The three edge stitches on each side form narrow garter borders. The center 28 stitches create the openwork lace design.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Knit all 34 sts.
2. Row 5 RS: K3, repeat k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk four times, k3.
3. Row 6 WS: K3, p28, k3.
4. Row 7 RS: K3, repeat k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1 four times, k3.
5. Row 8 WS: K3, p28, k3.
6. Repeat Rows 5 to 8 twice more, completing 16 rows in total.
7. Row 17: BO 3 sts, work in pattern to the end.
8. Row 18: BO 3 sts, work to the end. You now have 28 sts.
9. Row 19: K2tog, work in pattern to the final 2 sts, ssk. You now have 26 sts.
10. Row 20: Work evenly.
11. Row 21: K2tog, work to the final 2 sts, ssk. You now have 24 sts.
12. Row 22: Work evenly.
13. Row 23: K2tog, work to the final 2 sts, ssk. You now have 22 sts.
14. Rows 24 to 31: Continue in the established lace pattern without decreasing.
15. Row 32: K6, BO the center 10 sts, k6.
16. Work the first six-stitch shoulder in garter stitch for eight rows. BO all 6 sts.
17. Rejoin yarn to the second shoulder, work eight rows in garter stitch, and BO all 6 sts.

Back Bodice

Using lavender yarn, CO 34 sts. Work four rows in garter stitch. Continue in stockinette stitch while keeping three garter stitches at each side until the piece measures the same as the front through Row 16.

1. Shape the armholes exactly as described for Front Bodice Rows 17 to 23. You will have 22 sts.
2. Work Rows 24 to 27 evenly.
3. Row 28 RS: K11, turn, and leave the remaining 11 sts on a holder.
4. Work the first half in stockinette, keeping the inner two stitches in garter stitch for a button band.
5. Continue until the back matches the front shoulder height.
6. At the neckline edge, BO 5 sts and knit the remaining 6 shoulder sts.
7. Work one row and BO the 6 shoulder sts.
8. Rejoin yarn to the second half and complete it as a mirror image.

Sew the shoulder seams. Sew the side seams from the lower edge to the base of each armhole. Leave the back opening unsewn. Attach two small buttons to the left band and make two yarn-loop buttonholes on the right band.

Armhole and Neck Edging

Using cream yarn and 3 mm needles, pick up 40 sts evenly around each armhole. Knit three rounds and BO loosely. Around the neckline, pick up 58 sts, knit three rows in garter stitch, and BO without tightening the edge.

Striped Skirt

With the bodice right side facing, use lavender yarn and 3.25 mm circular needles. Pick up 68 sts evenly around the lower bodice edge. Join in the round at the center back.

1. Round 1: Knit all 68 sts.
2. Round 2: Repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 102 sts.
3. Round 3: Knit all 102 sts.
4. Round 4: Repeat k5, kfb, k5, kfb, k4, kfb six times. You now have 120 sts.
5. Rounds 5 to 12: Knit with lavender.
6. Rounds 13 to 16: Change to cream and knit.
7. Rounds 17 to 24: Change to lavender and knit.
8. Rounds 25 to 28: Change to cream and knit.
9. Rounds 29 to 36: Change to lavender and knit.
10. Rounds 37 to 40: Change to cream and knit.
11. Rounds 41 to 48: Change to lavender and knit.
12. Rounds 49 to 52: Change to cream and knit.
13. Rounds 53 to 60: Change to lavender and knit.
14. Rounds 61 to 64: Change to cream and knit.
15. Rounds 65 to 70: Change to lavender and knit.
16. Rounds 71 to 74: Change to cream and knit.
17. Rounds 75 to 78: Change to lavender and knit.
18. Rounds 79 to 82: Knit all sts in cream.
19. Rounds 83 to 86: Knit all sts in lavender.
20. BO loosely in cream yarn.

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Lightly steam or wet-block the skirt so the striped section hangs evenly. Do not stretch the lace bodice. The finished hem should fall just above the puppy’s ankles.

Waist Cord

Using cream yarn, make a three-stitch I-cord approximately 16 inches long. Thread the cord around the seam joining the bodice and skirt. Tie it discreetly at the center back and sew the knot in place.

Knitted Strawberry Motif

Using red yarn and straight needles, CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1: Kfb, k1, kfb. You now have 5 sts.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: Kfb, k3, kfb. You now have 7 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: Kfb, k5, kfb. You now have 9 sts.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: Kfb, k7, kfb. You now have 11 sts.
8. Rows 8 to 11: Work in stockinette stitch.
9. Row 12: K2tog, k7, ssk. You now have 9 sts.
10. Row 13: Purl.
11. Row 14: K2tog, k5, ssk. You now have 7 sts.
12. Row 15: Purl.
13. Row 16: K2tog, k3, ssk. You now have 5 sts.
14. Row 17: K2tog, k1, ssk. You now have 3 sts.
15. Cut yarn, draw through the remaining stitches, and secure.

Using green yarn, embroider three pointed leaves across the strawberry’s upper edge. Add approximately twelve small white straight stitches for seeds. Sew the strawberry to the center of the front bodice, placing its upper edge approximately four rows below the neckline.

Butterfly Decoration on the Skirt

Mark a rectangle 18 stitches wide and 24 rounds tall on the lower right front of the lavender skirt. The bottom of this rectangle should begin approximately nine rounds above the hem.

• Embroider a black vertical body covering 12 knitted rounds.
• Add two black antennae, each six stitches long.
• Outline the upper wings with dark purple yarn, extending seven stitches outward from the body.
• Outline the lower wings five stitches outward and six rounds downward.
• Fill the upper wings with coral and pink duplicate stitches.
• Add three small yellow patches near the outer edge of each upper wing.
• Fill the lower wings with lavender, pale pink, turquoise, and cream duplicate stitches.
• Add black vein lines from the body toward each outer wing edge.

Keep the butterfly slightly angled so the right upper wing sits approximately two rounds higher than the left. Secure all embroidery tails on the wrong side without pulling the skirt fabric.

Floral Crossbody Bag

Bag Body

Using light tan yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 30 sts. Work in seed stitch to create the textured appearance shown in the design.

1. Row 1: Repeat k1, p1 across.
2. Row 2: Repeat p1, k1 across.
3. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 46 rows have been completed.
4. BO all 30 sts.

Fold the rectangle in half with the right sides facing, matching the cast-on and bind-off edges. Sew both side seams. Turn the bag right side out. The finished bag should measure approximately 4 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall.

Bag Top Edging

Using tan yarn, pick up 56 sts evenly around the bag opening. Knit four rounds and BO loosely. Fold the edging inward and secure it with small stitches to make a neat rolled rim.

Bag Strap

Using tan yarn, make a three-stitch I-cord approximately 22 inches long. Attach one end to the upper left side of the bag and the other end to the upper right side. Reinforce each attachment with several small stitches.

Place the strap over the puppy’s right shoulder so the bag rests at the left hip. Tack the strap invisibly to the shoulder and waist area to prevent it from sliding.

Small Bag Flowers

Make five flowers in turquoise, pink, white, purple, and yellow. For each flower, CO 20 sts. Kfb in every stitch to create 40 sts. BO loosely on the next row. Roll the strip into a small spiral and sew through the base.

For each flower center, use a contrasting French knot or a tightly wrapped yarn knot. Arrange the flowers in a cluster on the lower left front of the bag. Position the largest flower near the center and the smaller flowers around it.

Bag Leaves

Make four leaves using green yarn. CO 3 sts. Kfb, k1, kfb to make 5 sts. Purl one row. Kfb, k3, kfb to make 7 sts. Purl one row. K2tog, k3, ssk to make 5 sts. Purl one row. K2tog, k1, ssk to make 3 sts. Draw yarn through the remaining stitches.

Sew the leaves between the flowers with their pointed ends extending outward. Embroider short green stems to connect the floral cluster.

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Tan Mary Jane Shoes

Shoe Soles

Make two soles using tan yarn and 3 mm needles.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k8, kfb. You now have 12 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 22: Knit all sts.
5. Row 23: K2tog, k8, ssk. You now have 10 sts.
6. Rows 24 to 26: Knit all sts.
7. Row 27: K2tog, k6, ssk. You now have 8 sts.
8. Row 28: Knit.
9. BO all 8 sts.

Optional reinforcement may be cut slightly smaller than each finished sole. Place it inside the shoe after the upper section has been attached.

Shoe Uppers

With the right side of the sole facing, pick up 56 sts evenly around the entire outer edge using tan yarn. Join in the round at the center back.

1. Rounds 1 to 4: Knit all 56 sts.
2. Round 5: K18, repeat k2tog eight times across the toe, k22. You now have 48 sts.
3. Round 6: Knit all 48 sts.
4. Round 7: K17, repeat k2tog six times across the toe, k19. You now have 42 sts.
5. Round 8: Knit all 42 sts.
6. Round 9: K16, repeat k2tog four times, k18. You now have 38 sts.
7. Rounds 10 and 11: Knit all 38 sts.
8. BO the center front 14 sts. Knit to the end of the round.
9. Work the remaining 24 sts back and forth for six rows in garter stitch.
10. BO all 24 heel sts.

Lavender Shoe Trim

Using lavender yarn, pick up 38 sts around the shoe opening. Knit three rounds and BO loosely. Pick up 56 sts around the lower sole edge, knit two rounds, and BO to create the narrow lavender line visible around the base.

Mary Jane Straps

For each shoe, CO 24 sts with tan yarn. Knit four rows and BO. Sew one end to the outer side of the shoe opening. Bring the strap across the front of the ankle and secure the other end to the inner side with a tiny decorative knot or button.

Tiny Bee Decorations

Make two bees. Using yellow yarn, CO 6 sts and work four rows in stockinette. Change to black and work two rows. Change to yellow for two rows, then black for one final row. Cut the yarn and draw it through the stitches.

Embroider one small white loop on each side of the bee for wings. Add a black yarn knot for the head. Sew one bee to the outer front of each shoe, approximately three rows below the Mary Jane strap.

Garden Sun Hat

Hat Crown

Using light tan yarn and 3 mm double-pointed needles, begin at the top center.

1. CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit all sts.
3. Round 2: Kfb in every st. You now have 16 sts.
4. Round 3: Knit.
5. Round 4: Repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 24 sts.
6. Round 5: Knit.
7. Round 6: Repeat k2, kfb around. You now have 32 sts.
8. Round 7: Knit.
9. Round 8: Repeat k3, kfb around. You now have 40 sts.
10. Round 9: Knit.
11. Round 10: Repeat k4, kfb around. You now have 48 sts.
12. Round 11: Knit.
13. Round 12: Repeat k5, kfb around. You now have 56 sts.
14. Round 13: Knit.
15. Round 14: Repeat k6, kfb around. You now have 64 sts.
16. Round 15: Knit.
17. Round 16: Repeat k7, kfb around. You now have 72 sts.
18. Rounds 17 to 31: Knit all 72 sts.

Lavender Hatband

Change to lavender yarn. Knit six rounds. Purl one round to create a narrow decorative ridge. Knit four additional rounds in lavender.

Hat Brim

Change back to tan yarn and switch to 3.25 mm needles.

1. Round 1: Repeat k5, kfb around. You now have 84 sts.
2. Round 2: Knit all sts.
3. Round 3: Repeat k6, kfb around. You now have 96 sts.
4. Round 4: Knit all sts.
5. Round 5: Repeat k7, kfb around. You now have 108 sts.
6. Round 6: Knit all sts.
7. Round 7: Repeat k8, kfb around. You now have 120 sts.
8. Rounds 8 to 13: Knit all 120 sts.
9. Round 14: Purl all sts.
10. Round 15: Knit all sts.
11. BO loosely.

Block the hat over a rounded bowl approximately 5 inches in diameter. Shape the brim flat. Allow it to dry completely before adding decorations.

Hat Strawberry

Make one small strawberry using the same instructions as the dress strawberry, stopping after reaching 9 sts. Work four rows evenly, then decrease at both edges every RS row until 3 sts remain. Draw the yarn through the final stitches.

Add three green leaves and six white seed stitches. Sew the strawberry to the lavender hatband slightly right of center.

Hat Butterfly

Using dark purple yarn, CO 4 sts for the body and work eight rows in stockinette. BO. For each upper wing, CO 7 sts, work four rows, decrease one stitch at each edge, work two rows, and BO the remaining 5 sts.

For each lower wing, CO 5 sts, work four rows, decrease at both edges, and draw yarn through the remaining 3 sts. Embroider coral, pink, yellow, lavender, and cream patches on the wings. Sew the wings to the body and attach the butterfly beside the strawberry.

Pink Rose Hair Decoration

Using pink yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 40 sts. Kfb in every stitch to produce 80 sts. Knit one row. BO loosely. Roll the strip tightly at one end and more loosely toward the outside, forming a layered rose.

Sew through the base repeatedly so the spiral cannot unwind. Make two small green leaves using the bag-leaf instructions. Attach the rose and leaves above the puppy’s right ear, approximately two stitches behind the ear attachment seam.

Miniature Loose Strawberries

Make two small strawberries for placement beside the hat. Use the small hat-strawberry instructions. Lightly stuff each strawberry before closing the final stitches. Add green leaves and five or six white seed stitches.

These pieces are decorative and should be sewn to the hat brim when the finished item will be handled by a child. For display use, they may remain loose beside the hat.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew the head to the body through all 32 neck stitches. Add extra stuffing to the neck before closing the final section.
2. Confirm that the eyes are level and the muzzle is centered before completing the muzzle seam.
3. Sew the ears symmetrically so they hang close to the sides of the head.
4. Attach the arms at equal heights and angle them slightly forward.
5. Sew the legs parallel to each other and check that the puppy can sit upright.
6. Put on the dress and fasten the back buttons.
7. Slide the shoes over the feet and tack them discreetly to the legs.
8. Place the bag strap over the right shoulder and position the bag at the left hip.
9. Attach the pink rose beside the right ear.
10. Place the sun hat and loose decorations beside the finished puppy for the complete garden display.

Add a narrow line of pale gray duplicate stitches above the muzzle and between the eyes to soften the transition between the face and snout. A few dark gray stitches may be added around the forehead and cheeks to reproduce the subtle shaded appearance.

Care Notes

Store the puppy away from direct sunlight, moisture, pets, and rough surfaces. Avoid hanging the toy by its arms, ears, dress straps, or bag strap. Support the body with both hands whenever it is moved.

• Spot-clean minor marks with cool water and a small amount of mild soap.
• Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or strong stain removers.
• Do not place the finished toy in a tumble dryer.
• Reshape the dress, ears, hat brim, and shoes while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both eyes are level and spaced 18 stitches apart.
• The muzzle is centered and evenly stuffed.
• The ears hang at equal heights.
• The arms and legs are firmly sewn with no loose gaps.
• The strawberry and butterfly motifs are securely attached.
• The dress stripes meet neatly at the center back.
• The bag strap crosses the chest without twisting.
• The shoes fit securely and the bee decorations face outward.
• All yarn tails are woven in and hidden.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For a deeper cleaning, place the puppy in cool water with a small amount of gentle wool-safe detergent. Press the water through the fabric without rubbing, twisting, or wringing. Rinse with cool water until no soap remains.

Wrap the toy in a clean towel and press gently to remove excess water. Reshape the head, muzzle, ears, arms, dress, shoes, bag, and decorative pieces. Dry flat in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

Store the completely dry puppy in a breathable cotton bag or clean storage box. Place acid-free tissue beneath the hat brim and between the arms and dress to help preserve the original shape during long-term storage.