Crochet Tutorial: Garden Fish in Green Overalls with Bee Bag and Gardening Tools – Free Crochet Pattern.

This Garden Fish amigurumi has a tall golden-yellow fish body, sleepy bulging eyes, soft purple lips, purple back fins, green short overalls, a blue-and-white striped shirt, brown sandals, a sunflower head accent, a yellow bee crossbody bag, a straw sun hat, and small gardening tools. The finished doll is designed as a seated garden character with dangling legs and detailed accessories.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Information

• Skill level: Intermediate amigurumi
• US crochet terms: Used throughout
• Finished size: About 12.5 in / 32 cm tall when made with medium cotton yarn and a 2.75 mm hook
• Construction: The fish head and body are worked as one tall oval piece. Legs, arms, eyes, lips, fins, clothes, bag, hat, sandals, and tools are made separately and sewn on.
• Main stitch style: Tight single crochet in continuous spiral rounds unless a section says otherwise

Materials

• Medium weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in golden yellow for the fish body
• Dark olive green yarn for the overalls
• Blue yarn for shirt stripes, waist trim, hat band, and small accents
• White yarn for shirt stripes, eyes, flower petals, and tool highlights
• Purple yarn for lips and back fins
• Brown yarn for sandals, trowel handle, bee stripes, and sunflower center
• Yellow yarn for bee bag, sunflower petals, and shoulder strap
• Tan yarn for straw hat
• Gray yarn for watering can and trowel blade
• Small amounts of light turquoise, pink, orange, black, and lavender yarn for butterfly and flower details
• 2 black safety eyes, 8 mm, or black embroidery yarn
• One small tan button, about 9 mm, for the overalls front
• Fiberfill stuffing
• 2.75 mm crochet hook
• 2.25 mm crochet hook for small accessories
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Sewing pins

Abbreviations

• MR: magic ring
• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tr: treble crochet
• inc: 2 sc in the same stitch
• dec: invisible single crochet decrease
• BLO: back loop only
• FLO: front loop only
• st: stitch
• sts: stitches
• R: round or row
• FO: fasten off

Gauge and Stitch Notes

Gauge is not critical, but the stitches must be firm so the stuffing does not show. With the suggested yarn and hook, 6 sc across and 7 rounds should measure about 1 inch. Use a smaller hook if your fabric looks loose.

Stuff the fish body gradually and firmly, especially through the lower body and head. The pictured character has a smooth tall oval form with a slightly wider lower belly, rounded top head, and a seated shape. Do not overstuff the mouth area, because the purple lips need to sit flat on the front.

Main Fish Head and Body

Use golden yellow yarn. Work in continuous rounds. This piece forms the tall fish head and torso together. The top is rounded, the middle is long and smooth, and the bottom narrows slightly where the legs attach.

1. R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. R2: inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
4. R4: (sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
5. R5: (sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
6. R6: (sc 4, inc) repeat 6 times. (36)
7. R7: (sc 5, inc) repeat 6 times. (42)
8. R8: (sc 6, inc) repeat 6 times. (48)
9. R9: (sc 7, inc) repeat 6 times. (54)
10. R10: (sc 8, inc) repeat 6 times. (60)
11. R11-R20: sc around. (60 each round)
12. R21: sc 14, inc, sc 30, inc, sc 14. (62)
13. R22-R30: sc around. (62 each round)
14. R31: sc 15, inc, sc 30, inc, sc 15. (64)
15. R32-R39: sc around. (64 each round)
16. R40: sc 14, dec, sc 30, dec, sc 14. (62)
17. R41-R45: sc around. (62 each round)
18. R46: (sc 29, dec) repeat 2 times. (60)
19. R47: sc around. (60)
20. R48: (sc 8, dec) repeat 6 times. (54)
21. R49: sc around. (54)
22. R50: (sc 7, dec) repeat 6 times. (48)
23. R51: sc around. (48)
24. R52: (sc 6, dec) repeat 6 times. (42)
25. R53: (sc 5, dec) repeat 6 times. (36)
26. R54: (sc 4, dec) repeat 6 times. (30)
27. R55: (sc 3, dec) repeat 6 times. (24)
28. R56: (sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times. (18)

📌Thank you for reading the article

Stuff the body firmly from top to bottom. Shape it into a tall rounded fish silhouette. Add more stuffing to the lower belly so the overalls sit smoothly over it. Finish the bottom flat enough for the seated doll.

1. R57: (sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times. (12)
2. R58: dec 6 times. (6)

FO, leaving a tail. Weave through the remaining front loops and pull closed. Hide the yarn tail inside the body.

Eye Bulges

Make 2 in white yarn. These are rounded oval eye pads that sit high on the front face, slightly touching each other. The black eyes point outward and downward for the sleepy garden fish expression.

1. R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. R2: inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
4. R4: (sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
5. R5-R6: sc around. (24 each round)
6. R7: sc 6, hdc 6, sc 12. (24)
7. R8: (sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times. (18)

Insert one 8 mm black safety eye between R5 and R6 on the outer-front side of each eye bulge. For the left eye, place the safety eye slightly left of center. For the right eye, place it slightly right of center. Stuff lightly.

1. R9: (sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times. (12)

FO with a long sewing tail. Do not close completely flat. Sew the eye bulges on the front of the head between body R18 and R26. The inner edges should almost touch. Angle both eyes so they look slightly to the viewer’s right, matching the relaxed expression in the picture.

Upper Eyelid Ridges

Make 2 in golden yellow. These small curved ridges sit over the white eye bulges and make the eyes look half-lidded.

1. R1: ch 13.
2. R2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 12. (12)
3. R3: ch 1, turn, sc 2, hdc 8, sc 2. (12)
4. R4: ch 1, turn, sc 12. (12)

FO with a long tail. Sew one ridge across the top front of each white eye, covering the upper third of the eye bulge. Curve the ridge downward slightly at the outer edge.

Purple Fish Lips

The lips are made as two soft purple rolls, with the upper lip wider and slightly thicker than the lower lip. They sit below the eyes on the front of the face.

Upper Lip

1. R1: With purple yarn, ch 16.
2. R2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 14, 3 sc in last ch. Work along the other side of the chain, sc 13, inc in last ch. (32)
3. R3: inc, sc 13, inc 3 times, sc 13, inc 2 times. (38)
4. R4: sc around. (38)
5. R5: sc 7, hdc 6, sc 12, hdc 6, sc 7. (38)

FO with a long tail. Add a thin line of stuffing only through the center of the lip so it becomes a raised oval roll. Pin it horizontally below the eyes, around body R29-R32.

Lower Lip

1. R1: With purple yarn, ch 14.
2. R2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 12, 3 sc in last ch. Work along the other side, sc 11, inc in last ch. (28)
3. R3: inc, sc 11, inc 3 times, sc 11, inc 2 times. (34)
4. R4: sc around. (34)

FO with a long tail. Lightly stuff. Sew directly below the upper lip, letting the lower lip peek forward. Leave a narrow dark shadow line between the lips by sewing only around the outer edge.

Small Mouth Shadow

With brown yarn, embroider 4 small horizontal stitches in the center between the upper and lower lips. Keep the stitches tucked behind the lip edge so the mouth looks like a small opening.

Purple Back Fins

The pictured fish has a row of purple fins running down the back-left side of the head and body. Make 6 fins total: 2 large upper fins, 3 medium body fins, and 1 smaller lower fin.

Large Upper Back Fins

Make 2 in purple yarn.

1. R1: ch 13.
2. R2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 11, 3 sc in last ch. Work along the other side, sc 10, inc. (26)
3. R3: sc 4, hdc 5, dc 4, 3 dc in tip st, dc 4, hdc 5, sc 4. (28)
4. R4: sc around. (28)

FO with a long tail. Fold each fin slightly lengthwise and stitch the base closed with 7 whip stitches to create a soft ridge.

Medium Back Fins

Make 3 in purple yarn.

1. R1: ch 11.
2. R2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 9, 3 sc in last ch. Work along the other side, sc 8, inc. (22)
3. R3: sc 3, hdc 4, dc 3, 3 dc in tip st, dc 3, hdc 4, sc 3. (24)
4. R4: sc around. (24)

FO with a long tail. Fold and stitch the base closed with 6 whip stitches.

Small Lower Back Fin

Make 1 in purple yarn.

1. R1: ch 9.
2. R2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 7, 3 sc in last ch. Work along the other side, sc 6, inc. (18)
3. R3: sc 3, hdc 3, dc 2, 3 dc in tip st, dc 2, hdc 3, sc 3. (20)

FO with a long tail. Sew the fins in a vertical row down the back-left side of the head and body, beginning behind the sunflower and ending near the waistline. Overlap each fin slightly over the next one so the row looks soft and layered.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Arms

Make 2 in golden yellow. The arms are long, narrow, and relaxed. One arm is visible hanging beside the overalls. The other sits partly behind the body and bag strap.

1. R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. R2: (sc 1, inc) repeat 3 times. (9)
3. R3: (sc 2, inc) repeat 3 times. (12)
4. R4-R8: sc around. (12 each round)
5. R9: sc 4, dec, sc 6. (11)
6. R10-R23: sc around. (11 each round)
7. R24: sc 4, dec, sc 5. (10)
8. R25-R28: sc around. (10 each round)

Stuff the lower half lightly. Leave the top almost flat for easy sewing. Flatten the opening and sc through both layers with 5 sc. FO with a long tail.

Sew the arms to the sides of the body at R35-R37. The left arm should hang straight down beside the body. The right arm can be angled slightly behind the yellow bag strap.

Legs

Make 2 in golden yellow. The legs are slim and dangle from the bottom of the overalls, matching the seated pose in the image.

1. R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. R2: inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (sc 3, inc) repeat 3 times. (15)
4. R4-R18: sc around. (15 each round)
5. R19: sc 5, dec, sc 8. (14)
6. R20-R24: sc around. (14 each round)

Stuff evenly but not too firmly. Flatten the top opening and sc through both layers with 7 sc. FO with a long tail. Sew the legs to the lower front of the body between R53 and R56, spacing them 7 stitches apart. Angle them forward so the doll can sit on a shelf or bench.

Green Overalls

The overalls are dark olive green and cover the lower body like short garden overalls. They have a high front bib, short legs, a side panel, a small tan button, and one strap crossing over the chest.

Shorts Base

Use dark olive green. This piece is worked from the waist down.

1. R1: ch 65, sl st into the first ch to form a ring. Make sure the chain is not twisted. (65)
2. R2: ch 1, sc around, sl st to first sc. (65)
3. R3-R8: ch 1, sc around, sl st to first sc. (65 each round)
4. R9: ch 1, sc 31, ch 3, skip 3, sc 31, sl st to first sc. This forms the crotch division. (65 including ch spaces)

First Overall Leg

1. R10: sc 31 around the first leg opening, then sc 3 across one side of the center chain. (34)
2. R11-R15: sc around. (34 each round)
3. R16: BLO sc around. (34)
4. R17: sc around. (34)

FO and weave in the end.

Second Overall Leg

1. R10: Join green yarn to the second leg opening. Sc 31 around the opening, then sc 3 across the remaining side of the center chain. (34)
2. R11-R15: sc around. (34 each round)
3. R16: BLO sc around. (34)
4. R17: sc around. (34)

FO and weave in the end. Slide the shorts onto the fish from the bottom before the legs are permanently sewn, or gently place them on if your stitches are flexible.

Waistband

Join dark olive green yarn at the back waist.

1. R1: ch 1, sc around the top edge of the shorts. (65)
2. R2: sl st around loosely for a firm rim. (65)

FO and hide the tail.

Front Bib

With dark olive green, join yarn to the front center waistband. Work in rows.

1. Row 1: sc 19 across the front waistband. (19)
2. Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc 19. (19)
3. Row 3: ch 1, turn, dec, sc 15, dec. (17)
4. Row 4: ch 1, turn, sc 17. (17)
5. Row 5: ch 1, turn, dec, sc 13, dec. (15)
6. Row 6: ch 1, turn, sc 15. (15)
7. Row 7: ch 1, turn, dec, sc 11, dec. (13)
8. Row 8: ch 1, turn, sc 13. (13)

FO. Sew a small tan button near the upper left side of the bib, matching the visible button in the image.

Overall Strap

Use dark olive green. Make one diagonal strap.

1. Row 1: ch 32.
2. Row 2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 31. (31)
3. Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc 31. (31)

FO with a long tail. Sew one end to the back right waistband. Bring the strap diagonally over the shoulder and down to the front left bib button. Stitch the strap behind the button so the button remains visible.

Blue and White Striped Shirt Sleeves

The striped shirt is visible under the overalls, especially as a short sleeve on the side. Make 2 sleeve cuffs and attach them around the tops of the arms before sewing the arms on.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Sleeve Tube

Make 2. Start with blue yarn.

1. R1: ch 18, sl st to first ch to form a ring. (18)
2. R2: ch 1, sc around in blue, sl st to first sc. (18)
3. R3: Change to white, ch 1, sc around, sl st. (18)
4. R4: Change to blue, ch 1, sc around, sl st. (18)
5. R5: Change to white, ch 1, sc around, sl st. (18)
6. R6: Change to blue, ch 1, sc around, sl st. (18)

FO. Slide one sleeve over each arm near the shoulder. Tack the sleeve to the arm with a few hidden stitches. The stripes should sit horizontally and remain visible beside the overalls.

Visible Shirt Neck Band

With blue yarn, ch 60. Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 59. FO. Sew the strip around the upper waistline just above the overalls, leaving a blue rim visible under the fish body.

With white yarn, embroider a narrow stripe directly under the blue band. Add a second blue line below the white stripe if you want the layered shirt effect seen in the photo.

Sandals

Make 2 sandals in brown yarn with golden yellow toe pads. Each sandal has a flat sole, a front strap, and a small white flower on one sandal.

Sandal Sole

Make 2 in brown yarn.

1. R1: ch 9.
2. R2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 7, 3 sc in last ch. Work on the other side, sc 6, inc. (18)
3. R3: inc, sc 6, inc 3 times, sc 6, inc 2 times. (24)
4. R4: sc 1, inc, sc 7, (sc 1, inc) repeat 3 times, sc 7, (sc 1, inc) repeat 2 times. (30)
5. R5: BLO sc around. (30)
6. R6: sc around. (30)

FO, leaving a long tail. Lightly flatten the sole.

Toe Pad

Make 2 in golden yellow.

1. R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. R2: inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)

FO. Sew one toe pad onto the front of each sandal sole.

Front Sandal Strap

Make 2 in brown yarn.

1. Row 1: ch 13.
2. Row 2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 12. (12)
3. Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc 12. (12)

FO with a long tail. Sew the strap across the front of the toe pad. Attach the sandals to the bottoms of the legs so the toes point slightly outward.

Small Daisy for Sandal

Use white and yellow yarn. Make 1.

1. Center: With yellow yarn, 5 sc in MR, sl st to first sc. FO.
2. Petals: Join white yarn. In each st around, work ch 2, 2 hdc, ch 2, sl st in same st. Repeat for 5 petals.

Sew the daisy to the outer side of one sandal strap.

Yellow Bee Crossbody Bag

The small yellow bag hangs across the front of the green overalls. It has a rounded pouch, a yellow strap, a white wing detail, and a black-and-brown bee body on the front.

Bag Pouch

Use yellow yarn and the smaller hook.

1. R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. R2: inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
4. R4: (sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
5. R5: (sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
6. R6-R9: sc around. (30 each round)
7. R10: sc 8, hdc 14, sc 8. (30)
8. R11: sc around. (30)
9. R12: (sc 3, dec) repeat 6 times. (24)

Stuff very lightly so the bag is rounded but not bulky. Flatten the back side against the doll.

1. R13: (sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times. (18)

FO with a long tail. Sew the back flat to the overalls at the lower front, slightly to the viewer’s left.

Bee Body Appliqué

Use brown yarn.

1. R1: ch 6.
2. R2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 4, 3 sc in last ch. Work along the other side, sc 3, inc. (12)
3. R3: sc around. (12)

FO. Sew vertically to the front center of the yellow bag. With black yarn, embroider 3 short horizontal stripes across the bee body.

Bee Wings

Make 2 in white yarn.

1. R1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
2. R2: inc in each st around. (10)
3. R3: sc around. (10)

FO and flatten each wing. Sew the wings above the bee body, overlapping slightly so they look like two small white bumps.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Bag Strap

Use yellow yarn.

1. Row 1: ch 72.
2. Row 2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 71. (71)

FO with a long tail. Sew one end to the upper back of the bag. Bring the strap diagonally across the chest, over the shoulder, and back down to the other side of the bag. Stitch the strap in place at the shoulder and sides so it stays neat.

Sunflower Head Accent

The sunflower sits on the upper left side of the fish’s head, near the purple fins. It has a brown textured center, yellow petals, and a small turquoise leaf beneath it.

Sunflower Center

Use brown yarn and the smaller hook.

1. R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. R2: inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
4. R4: sc around. (18)

FO. Leave a long tail.

Sunflower Petals

Join yellow yarn to any front loop of the sunflower center.

1. Petal round: In each st around, work ch 3, sc in second ch from hook, hdc in next ch, sl st into the same center st. Repeat around for 18 petals.

FO and weave in the yellow tail. Sew the sunflower to the upper left head between body R9 and R15, angled slightly forward.

Turquoise Leaf

Use turquoise yarn.

1. Row 1: ch 7.
2. Row 2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, 3 sc in last ch. Work along the other side, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st.

FO. Sew the leaf under the sunflower so it peeks out on the lower right side.

Straw Sun Hat

The hat is made separately and rests beside the doll. It has a flat tan brim, rounded crown, blue band, and a small butterfly decoration.

Hat Crown

Use tan yarn.

1. R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. R2: inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
4. R4: (sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
5. R5: (sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
6. R6: (sc 4, inc) repeat 6 times. (36)
7. R7: BLO sc around. (36)
8. R8-R12: sc around. (36 each round)

Stuff the crown lightly only while shaping. Remove stuffing when finished if you want the hat hollow.

Hat Brim

1. R13: FLO (sc 2, inc) repeat 12 times. (48)
2. R14: (sc 3, inc) repeat 12 times. (60)
3. R15: (sc 4, inc) repeat 12 times. (72)
4. R16: sc around. (72)
5. R17: sl st loosely around. (72)

FO and weave in the end. Flatten the brim gently with your fingers.

Blue Hat Band

Use blue yarn.

1. Row 1: ch 39.
2. Row 2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 38. (38)
3. Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc 38. (38)

FO with a long tail. Wrap the band around the lower crown and sew the ends together at the back.

Butterfly Decoration

Use lavender, pink, orange, and dark blue yarn.

1. Body: With dark blue yarn, ch 5, sl st in second ch from hook and next 3 ch. FO.
2. Upper wings: With lavender yarn, make 2. Ch 4, work 3 dc in first ch, ch 3, sl st into first ch. FO.
3. Lower wings: With pink yarn, make 2. Ch 3, work 2 hdc in first ch, ch 2, sl st into first ch. FO.

Sew the wings to the body. Add one small orange stitch across the center. Sew the butterfly to the hat brim near the blue band.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Watering Can

The gray watering can sits beside the doll. It has a round body, top opening, curved handle, and narrow spout.

Can Body

Use gray yarn and the smaller hook.

1. R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. R2: inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
4. R4: (sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
5. R5-R9: sc around. (24 each round)
6. R10: BLO (sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times. (18)
7. R11: (sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times. (12)

Stuff lightly.

1. R12: dec 6 times. (6)

FO and close the opening.

Top Opening

Use gray yarn.

1. R1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. R2: inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: BLO sc around. (12)

FO. Sew this small raised ring to the top of the can body.

Spout

Use gray yarn.

1. R1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
2. R2-R8: sc around. (5 each round)
3. R9: inc, sc 4. (6)
4. R10: sc around. (6)

FO. Lightly stuff with yarn scraps if needed. Sew the spout to one side of the watering can, angled upward.

Handle

Use gray yarn.

1. Row 1: ch 20.
2. Row 2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 19. (19)
3. Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc 19. (19)

FO with a long tail. Curve the strip into a handle and sew both ends to the opposite side of the can body.

Small Garden Trowel

The trowel has a brown handle and gray scoop blade. It can be placed beside the doll near the watering can.

Handle

Use brown yarn.

1. R1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
2. R2-R12: sc around. (5 each round)

FO with a long tail.

Blade

Use gray yarn.

1. R1: ch 7.
2. R2: Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 5, 3 sc in last ch. Work along the other side, sc 4, inc. (14)
3. R3: sc 2, hdc 3, dc 2, 3 dc in tip st, dc 2, hdc 3, sc 2. (16)
4. R4: sc around. (16)

FO. Sew the blade to the brown handle. Flatten the blade and curve the tip slightly with your fingers.

Optional Garden Carrot Accent

The picture shows a small warm brown-orange garden accent beside the tools. Use this as a tiny carrot or soil marker if you want to complete the garden set.

1. R1: With orange-brown yarn, 5 sc in MR. (5)
2. R2: sc around. (5)
3. R3: inc, sc 4. (6)
4. R4: sc around. (6)
5. R5: inc, sc 5. (7)
6. R6: sc around. (7)

FO. Add two short green stitches at the top if using it as a carrot. Place it near the watering can and trowel.

Facial Embroidery

Use the face placement carefully. The character’s expression depends on the eye angle, heavy yellow eyelids, and wide purple lips. Pin every face piece first before sewing.

• Sew the eye bulges high on the front, between R18 and R26 of the body.
• Keep the eyes close together, with the inner edges nearly touching.
• Place the upper lip directly under the eyes, between R29 and R32.
• Place the lower lip under the upper lip, between R32 and R35.
• Use brown yarn to add the tiny mouth shadow in the center.
• Do not add a nose. The fish face is defined by eyes and lips only.

Clothing Placement

Dress the fish before final sewing when possible. The overalls should sit high on the lower body, with the bib covering the front belly. The striped sleeve should show on the side under the arm and behind the strap.

• Position the top waistband around body R39-R41.
• Position the overall shorts so they cover the bottom body and upper legs.
• Sew the bib flat to the front, but do not pull too tightly.
• Attach the diagonal overall strap from back right to front left.
• Sew the tan button at the front where the strap meets the bib.
• Place the yellow bee bag over the lower bib area, slightly off center.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew the legs to the lower body first, making sure the fish sits with the legs dangling forward.
2. Put the green overalls in place and secure the waistband with small hidden stitches.
3. Sew the arms to the sides at shoulder height, then tack the striped sleeves neatly against the body.
4. Sew the white eye bulges to the face and attach the yellow eyelid ridges above them.
5. Sew the upper purple lip first, then add the lower lip directly underneath.
6. Add the purple back fins in a layered row down the back-left side.
7. Sew the sunflower above the back fins on the upper left head.
8. Attach the bee bag and strap diagonally across the body.
9. Place the sandals on the feet and secure them with firm stitches through the sole.
10. Set the straw hat and gardening tools beside the finished doll for display.

After assembly, gently shape the head and body with your hands. Press the sides inward slightly so the fish keeps a tall oval silhouette. Adjust the lips forward and upward so they look soft, rounded, and expressive.

Care Notes

• Spot clean with a soft damp cloth.
• Do not soak the doll if you used a button, safety eyes, or glued details.
• Let the piece air dry fully before storing.
• Keep the hat brim flat while drying.
• Do not wring the doll, because the lips, fins, and bag may lose shape.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The body is tall, golden yellow, and smoothly stuffed.
• The eyes are white, rounded, close together, and half-covered by yellow eyelids.
• The purple lips are full and centered below the eyes.
• The purple fins run down the back-left side in overlapping layers.
• The green overalls have short legs, a front bib, a diagonal strap, and a tan button.
• The blue-and-white striped shirt is visible at the sleeves and waist.
• The yellow bee bag sits across the front with a diagonal strap.
• The sandals have brown soles, yellow toe pads, and one small white flower.
• The straw hat has a blue band and butterfly detail.
• The watering can and trowel are finished as small garden props.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished Garden Fish in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Bright colors such as yellow, purple, blue, and green can fade if displayed in strong sun for long periods.

For dust removal, use a clean makeup brush or soft craft brush. Brush gently around the sunflower, bee bag, fins, lips, sandals, hat band, and butterfly so the small stitches stay neat.

If the doll is handled often, check the strap, button, eye area, and tool pieces from time to time. Tighten any loose yarn tails with a needle and weave them back into the nearest crochet fabric.

For long-term storage, place the doll in a breathable cotton bag. Do not compress the lips, hat brim, or back fins under heavy items, because these raised details give the character its garden fish shape and personality.