Knitting Tutorial: Giraffe Botanist in Tweed Jacket with Floral Crown and Explorer Satchel – Free Knitting Pattern.

This detailed knitting pattern creates a sweet giraffe botanist doll with a round spotted face, wide pink-lined ears, a leafy floral crown, tweed explorer jacket, cream cable vest, olive trousers, sandals, magnifying glass, field notebook, key, round hat, and patterned satchel. The finished plush is designed as a soft collectible amigurumi-style knit with many small botanical explorer details.

 

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

• Finished height: about 9.5 in / 24 cm from sandals to top of floral crown.
• Head width: about 3.5 in / 9 cm, not including ears.
• Body height: about 4.25 in / 11 cm from neck to feet.
• Recommended skill level: advanced beginner to intermediate, because this design includes small accessories, color changes, embroidery, and shaped clothing pieces.

Materials

• Sport weight yarn or light DK yarn in warm beige for giraffe skin.
• Small amounts of brown yarn for giraffe spots, tail tuft, mouth, sandals, satchel strap, key cord, and jacket trim.
• Light pink yarn for inner ears.
• Olive green yarn for trousers, jacket base, leaves, sandal leaves, and small botanical accents.
• Dark moss green, tan, and brown yarn for tweed jacket striping.
• Cream yarn for cable vest.
• White yarn for daisies and journal pages.
• Yellow yarn for flower centers.
• Rose pink yarn for flower buds.
• Lavender yarn for tiny flower spikes.
• Gray-blue yarn for magnifying glass rim.
• Clear or cream yarn for magnifying glass lens.
• Two 9 mm black safety eyes or black beads.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needle for magic loop.
• US 1 / 2.25 mm needles for small accessories, flowers, and tight details.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Embroidery needle.
• Small buttons, 4 pieces, about 5 mm wide, for jacket and sandal sides.

Gauge

Work tightly so the stuffing does not show. In stockinette with the main yarn and US 2 / 2.75 mm needles, 28 stitches and 38 rounds should measure about 4 in / 10 cm after light blocking. Exact gauge is less important than firm fabric, but keep all pieces consistent.

Abbreviations

• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st / sts: stitch / stitches.
• rnd / rnds: round / rounds.
• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• kfb: knit into front and back of the same stitch.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit both slipped stitches together through back loops.
• M1L: make 1 left increase.
• M1R: make 1 right increase.
• St st: stockinette stitch.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• I-cord: small knitted cord worked by sliding stitches back to the needle tip.

Pattern Notes

The giraffe is knitted in separate shaped pieces and sewn together firmly. The head is round and slightly oversized, the body is compact, the legs are short and sturdy, and the arms hang gently beside the jacket. The ears are large, soft, oval, and set wide at the sides of the head.

The clothing is also knitted separately so the doll has the layered look shown in the image. The cream vest sits under the green tweed jacket. The olive trousers are built into the lower body and cuffed at the ankles. Accessories are small but important for matching the botanist theme.

Use a long tail for every piece that will be sewn on. Stuff gradually and firmly, especially the head, feet, and muzzle. Do not overstuff the arms, ears, jacket, flowers, or satchel, because those parts should sit flat and soft.

Main Head

Use warm beige yarn and US 2 / 2.75 mm needles. Work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: CO 8 sts. Join in the round, placing marker at the beginning.
2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
5. Rnd 5: k3, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 6: k4, kfb; repeat around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: k5, kfb; repeat around. 56 sts.
8. Rnd 8: k6, kfb; repeat around. 64 sts.
9. Rnds 9-18: k all sts for 10 rnds.
10. Rnd 19: k14, kfb, k16, kfb, k16, kfb, k14, kfb. 68 sts. This creates gentle cheek fullness.
11. Rnds 20-23: k all sts.
12. Rnd 24: k15, k2tog, k15, ssk, k15, k2tog, k15, ssk. 64 sts.
13. Rnd 25: k6, k2tog; repeat around. 56 sts.
14. Rnd 26: k5, k2tog; repeat around. 48 sts.
15. Rnd 27: k4, k2tog; repeat around. 40 sts.
16. Pause and place safety eyes between Rnds 18 and 19, 9 sts apart. The eyes should sit slightly below the widest part of the face.
17. Rnd 28: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 32 sts.
18. Stuff the head firmly, shaping it into a round face with a soft lower cheek area.
19. Rnd 29: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
20. Rnd 30: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
21. Rnd 31: k2tog around. 8 sts.
22. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

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Muzzle

The muzzle is an oval beige piece sewn to the lower front of the face. It forms the soft rounded snout and split mouth seen in the image.

1. CO 10 sts with warm beige yarn. Work flat.
2. Row 1, WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2, RS: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
6. Rows 5-9: work 5 rows in St st.
7. Row 10: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
8. Row 11: p all sts.
9. Row 12: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
10. Row 13: p all sts.
11. BO all sts, leaving a 14 in tail for sewing.

Sew the muzzle centered below the eyes, with its top edge at about Rnd 20 of the head. Add a little stuffing before closing the final edge. Shape the lower half into two rounded cheeks by pulling one vertical stitch line down the middle with brown embroidery yarn.

Nose and Mouth Embroidery

• With brown yarn, embroider a small horizontal oval nose over the upper center of the muzzle. Cover about 5 stitches wide and 3 rows tall.
• Work satin stitches until the nose is smooth and raised.
• From the bottom center of the nose, stitch one straight line down for 4 rows.
• Make a curved smile on each side, about 4 stitches wide, following the lower curve of the muzzle.
• Add one tiny brown stitch at each mouth corner to deepen the expression.

Giraffe Spots for Head and Neck

The spots are added after knitting so they sit like irregular markings. Use brown yarn and duplicate stitch or tiny satin stitches. Keep the shapes uneven, because the image has natural small giraffe patches instead of perfect dots.

• Forehead center: embroider 3 vertical teardrop spots, each about 3 rows tall and 2 stitches wide.
• Left forehead: add 2 smaller spots between the eye and floral crown.
• Right forehead: add 2 smaller spots, staggered higher than the left side.
• Cheeks: add one tiny spot on each lower cheek, about 2 stitches wide.
• Neck front: add 3 brown spots after the neck is attached, placing one central heart-like spot below the vest opening.

Inner and Outer Ears

Make 2 outer ears in beige and 2 inner ears in pink. The ears are wide ovals with soft pointed ends, matching the open giraffe ears in the image.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. CO 8 sts with beige yarn. Work flat.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
8. Rows 7-13: work in St st.
9. Row 14: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
10. Row 15: p all sts.
11. Row 16: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
12. Row 17: p all sts.
13. Row 18: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
14. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Inner Ear, Make 2

1. CO 6 sts with pink yarn and US 1 / 2.25 mm needles.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
6. Rows 5-10: work in St st.
7. Row 11: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
8. Row 12: p all sts.
9. Row 13: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
10. BO all sts.

Sew one pink inner ear to each beige outer ear, leaving a beige border visible. Pinch the base of each ear and sew 3 stitches through the fold. Attach ears to the sides of the head between Rnds 16 and 22, angled slightly upward and outward.

Small Horns

The floral crown hides most of the horn bases, but two short giraffe horns should sit behind the flowers.

1. Make 2. With beige yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: k all sts.
3. Rnd 6: k2tog around. 3 sts.
4. Cut yarn, pull through sts, and secure.
5. Wrap brown yarn around the top 2 rnds of each horn to create darker tips.

Sew the horns to the top of the head between Rnds 6 and 8, about 8 sts apart. They should be mostly visible between the leaves and flowers, not taller than the floral crown.

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Body and Neck

The body is knitted from the neck downward. The upper portion is beige for the giraffe neck, then the lower part changes to olive trousers.

1. With beige yarn, CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts for the neck.
3. Rnd 5: k3, kfb; repeat around. 30 sts.
4. Rnd 6: k all sts.
5. Rnd 7: k4, kfb; repeat around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 8: k all sts.
7. Change to cream yarn for the shirt base.
8. Rnds 9-15: k all sts.
9. Change to olive green yarn for trousers.
10. Rnd 16: k all sts through back loops to create a clean waistband ridge.
11. Rnds 17-25: k all sts.
12. Rnd 26: k7, k2tog; repeat around. 32 sts.
13. Rnd 27: k all sts.
14. Rnd 28: k6, k2tog; repeat around. 28 sts.
15. Rnd 29: k5, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
16. Stuff the body firmly but keep the bottom slightly flat so the doll can sit or lie neatly.
17. Rnd 30: k4, k2tog; repeat around. 20 sts.
18. Rnd 31: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
19. Rnd 32: k2tog around. 8 sts.
20. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Sew the body to the underside of the head. The neck should enter the head slightly behind the muzzle so the face tilts gently forward. Use small firm stitches all around the neck opening.

Cream Cable Vest Front

The cream cable vest appears under the jacket. This small flat panel creates the raised center cable and V-neck look.

1. With cream yarn and US 1 / 2.25 mm needles, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2, RS: k4, p2, k6, p2, k4.
4. Row 3: p4, k2, p6, k2, p4.
5. Row 4: k4, p2, slip next 3 sts to cable needle and hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p2, k4.
6. Row 5: repeat Row 3.
7. Rows 6-11: repeat Rows 2 and 3 three times.
8. Row 12: repeat Row 4.
9. Rows 13-16: continue in established pattern.
10. Row 17: BO center 4 sts for the V-neck base while keeping 7 sts on each side.
11. Left side Rows 18-22: work 7 sts in pattern, decreasing 1 st at neck edge on Rows 18 and 20. 5 sts remain.
12. BO left shoulder.
13. Right side Rows 18-22: work 7 sts in pattern, decreasing 1 st at neck edge on Rows 18 and 20. 5 sts remain.
14. BO right shoulder.

Sew the vest panel to the cream shirt area of the body, centered from neck to waistband. The V-neck should sit just below the giraffe’s chin. Use tiny cream stitches along the side edges only, leaving the cable raised.

Olive Trousers Details

The trousers are already knitted into the body, but cuffs and center separation make them look like the image.

• With dark olive yarn, embroider a vertical line from the center front waistband down 13 rounds to divide the legs.
• At each ankle area, pick up 18 sts around the lower leg position and knit 3 rounds in k1, p1 rib. BO loosely.
• Fold each ribbed cuff upward and tack at the side with two small stitches.
• Sew one tiny brown button to the outer side of each cuff.

Legs and Feet

Make 2. The legs are beige with giraffe spots and rounded feet that fit into the sandals.

1. With beige yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-6: k all sts.
3. Rnd 7: k3, kfb; repeat around. 15 sts.
4. Rnds 8-12: k all sts.
5. Rnd 13: kfb, k5, kfb, k7, kfb. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 14-17: k all sts for the foot.
7. Rnd 18: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
8. Stuff the leg and foot firmly.
9. Rnd 19: k2tog around. 6 sts.
10. Cut yarn, pull through sts, and close.

Embroider 4 small brown spots on each visible lower leg and foot. Add three vertical brown toe lines across the front of each foot, spacing them evenly.

Sew the legs to the lower body so they point slightly forward and outward. The feet should sit parallel, with the toes visible under the trouser cuffs.

Arms and Hands

Make 2. Each arm has a beige hand and a tweed jacket sleeve over it.

1. With beige yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: k all sts for the hand.
3. Change to moss green yarn.
4. Rnd 6: k all sts through back loops to make sleeve edge.
5. Rnds 7-16: k all sts.
6. Rnd 17: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 8 sts.
7. Stuff hand lightly and sleeve very lightly.
8. Rnd 18: k2tog around. 4 sts.
9. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and secure.

Using brown and tan yarn, duplicate stitch short diagonal marks on the sleeve: 6 tan diagonal stitches leaning right and 6 brown stitches leaning left. Sew arms to the sides of the upper body at Rnds 8-10, angled down. The hands should peek out below the jacket cuffs.

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Tweed Jacket Back

The jacket is knitted flat and worn open. Use moss green as the base color, then add tan and brown herringbone embroidery after knitting.

1. With moss green yarn and US 2 / 2.75 mm needles, CO 34 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2, RS: k all sts.
4. Rows 3-16: continue in St st.
5. Row 17: BO 3 sts, k to end. 31 sts.
6. Row 18: BO 3 sts, p to end. 28 sts.
7. Rows 19-24: work in St st.
8. Row 25: k8, BO 12 sts, k8. This separates shoulders and back neck.
9. Work left shoulder for 3 rows in St st. BO 8 sts.
10. Work right shoulder for 3 rows in St st. BO 8 sts.

Jacket Fronts, Make 2

1. With moss green yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: p all sts.
3. Rows 2-16: work in St st.
4. Row 17: at armhole edge, BO 3 sts. 13 sts.
5. Rows 18-22: work in St st.
6. Row 23: at neck edge, BO 4 sts. 9 sts.
7. Row 24: work even.
8. Row 25: decrease 1 st at neck edge. 8 sts.
9. Rows 26-28: work even.
10. BO all sts.

Make one front with the neck shaping on the right edge and one front with the neck shaping on the left edge. This lets both fronts open correctly over the cream cable vest.

Jacket Sleeves, Make 2

1. With moss green yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work k1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5-18: work in St st.
4. Row 19: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
5. Row 20: p all sts.
6. Row 21: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
7. BO all sts.

Sew shoulder seams of the jacket. Sew sleeves into armholes, then close sleeve seams. Place the jacket on the doll and tack it at the shoulders, underarms, and lower sides so it stays open and shows the cream cable vest.

Jacket Tweed and Herringbone Detail

The image shows a textured green tweed jacket with diagonal herringbone lines. Use embroidery after the jacket is assembled.

• With tan yarn, stitch diagonal lines over 2 stitches and 2 rows, leaning right, across the jacket fronts, sleeves, and back.
• With dark brown yarn, add diagonal lines leaning left between the tan lines.
• Keep the lines uneven but balanced, like woven tweed.
• Work two vertical brown trim lines along each jacket front edge.
• Embroider pocket outlines on the lower fronts: each pocket is 7 stitches wide and 5 rows tall.
• Sew two small brown buttons on the right jacket front, one at chest height and one near the pocket top.

Round Explorer Hat

The hat sits to the side in the image as an accessory. It is round, flat, green tweed, and trimmed with brown bands.

1. With moss green yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k3, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts through back loops.
7. Rnds 6-8: k all sts.
8. Rnd 9: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 32 sts.
9. Rnd 10: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
10. Stuff very lightly so the crown stays low.
11. Rnd 11: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
12. Rnd 12: k2tog around. 8 sts.
13. Close top.

Hat Brim

1. Pick up 40 sts around Rnd 5 of the hat crown.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k4, kfb; repeat around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k5, kfb; repeat around. 56 sts.
6. BO loosely.

With brown yarn, sew one I-cord band around the crown and one line around the brim edge. Add tan and brown herringbone stitches to match the jacket.

Floral Crown Base

The floral crown curves across the top of the giraffe’s head and sits in front of the horns. It includes leaves, daisies, lavender sprigs, and rose-pink buds.

1. With olive green yarn and US 1 / 2.25 mm needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 42 rows, or until it curves from one ear base across the forehead to the other ear base.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.
4. Sew the I-cord across the top front of the head between Rnds 6 and 10.

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Leaves, Make 12

1. CO 3 sts with olive green yarn.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 5: p3tog. 1 st.
7. Cut yarn and pull through.

Sew leaves in pairs along the crown base. Angle them outward, with 4 leaves near the center daisies and 4 leaves near each side.

Daisies, Make 4

1. With yellow yarn, CO 5 sts, join in the round, k1 rnd, then pull closed to form a small center.
2. For each petal, pick up 1 white stitch at the center edge, knit 3 rows, then BO. Make 6 petals around each center.
3. Weave in ends behind the flower, keeping the petals flat.

Place one large daisy at the center front, one smaller daisy on each side, and one tiny daisy near the right side of the crown.

Rose Buds, Make 5

1. With rose pink yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: kfb in each st. 12 sts.
5. BO all sts loosely.
6. Roll the strip into a small bud and sew through the base.

Sew two pink buds on the left side of the crown, two on the right side, and one near the center behind the daisy.

Lavender Sprigs, Make 4

1. With olive yarn, CO 3 sts and work I-cord for 6 rows.
2. With lavender yarn, embroider 4 tiny knots along one side of the I-cord.
3. Secure the bottom tail for sewing.

Sew two lavender sprigs to each side of the crown, angled upward and outward so they frame the flowers.

Explorer Satchel

The satchel is worn across the body. It has a brown strap, patterned brown-and-cream body, flap, side loop, and small green leaf accent.

Satchel Body

1. With brown yarn and US 1 / 2.25 mm needles, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2, RS: k all sts.
4. Change to cream yarn.
5. Row 3: p all sts.
6. Change to brown yarn.
7. Row 4: k2 brown, k2 cream; repeat across, carrying unused yarn loosely.
8. Row 5: p2 cream, p2 brown; repeat across.
9. Rows 6-13: repeat Rows 4 and 5 to create a small woven check pattern.
10. Rows 14-16: work in brown St st.
11. BO all sts.

Satchel Flap

1. With cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k all sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k all sts.
6. Change to brown yarn.
7. Row 5: p all sts.
8. Row 6: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
9. Row 7: p all sts.
10. Row 8: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
11. BO all sts.

Sew the flap to the top back edge of the satchel body and fold it forward. Add a tiny brown button stitch at the center front. Embroider diagonal cream and brown chevrons on the body for the explorer-bag texture.

Satchel Strap

1. With brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 72 rows, or long enough to cross from the giraffe’s right shoulder to the left hip.
3. BO and sew each end to the side edges of the satchel.

Place the strap over the jacket from the right shoulder down to the left hip. Tack the strap at the shoulder and under the arm so it stays in the diagonal position shown in the image.

Satchel Leaf Accent

1. With green yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: p3.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 5: p3tog. 1 st.
7. Fasten off.

Sew the small leaf to the lower right side of the satchel flap.

Golden Key

The key hangs near the satchel, just like the image accessory.

1. With golden tan yarn, CO 4 sts and work I-cord for 14 rows for the key shaft.
2. BO and leave a tail.
3. For the key head, CO 10 sts, work 2 rows in St st, BO, and sew into a small loop.
4. Sew the loop to the top of the shaft.
5. For the teeth, attach yarn at the lower end and work a 3-row I-cord with 3 sts. BO.
6. Attach a second small tooth beside it by making a 2-row I-cord with 3 sts.

Sew the key to the satchel strap at the lower front, allowing it to hang freely over the trousers.

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Field Notebook

The open field notebook sits in one hand and has drawn botanical lines and a dark pencil.

1. With cream yarn, CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1-12: work in St st.
3. Row 13: p all sts.
4. Row 14: k all sts.
5. BO all sts.

Fold the notebook slightly at the center. With brown yarn, backstitch around the edge. With dark blue or gray yarn, embroider 3 short horizontal note lines on the right page and one small plant sketch on the left page.

Tiny Pencil

1. With dark blue yarn, CO 3 sts and work I-cord for 8 rows.
2. Change to tan yarn and knit 1 row.
3. Cut yarn and pull through.

Sew the pencil diagonally across the notebook page. Attach the notebook to the giraffe’s right hand with 2 hidden stitches.

Magnifying Glass

The magnifying glass is a round accessory with a gray-blue rim, pale lens, brown handle, and green clover accent.

Lens

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
6. Stuff only with a very thin layer of fiberfill, or leave flat.
7. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 8 sts.
8. Close firmly.

Rim and Handle

1. With gray-blue yarn, CO 4 sts and work I-cord for 34 rows.
2. Sew the I-cord around the lens edge as a raised rim.
3. With brown yarn, CO 5 sts and work I-cord for 18 rows for the handle.
4. Sew handle to the lower edge of the rim.

Clover Accent

• Make 3 tiny leaves using CO 3 sts, knit 2 rows, then k3tog and fasten off.
• Sew the three leaves together at the base.
• Add a 6-row green I-cord stem.
• Attach the clover beside the magnifying glass handle.

Sandals

The sandals are cream and brown with green leaf accents. They sit over the rounded giraffe feet and show toe lines.

Sandal Sole, Make 2

1. With brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-7: work in St st.
5. Row 8: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
6. BO all sts.

Sandal Top Strap, Make 4

1. With cream yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 12 rows.
3. BO.

Sew one sole under each foot. Sew two cream straps over each foot in an X shape. Add a brown running stitch around the sole edge. Sew one small green leaf to the outer side of each sandal, then add one tiny brown button beside each leaf.

Tail

The tail curves to the side and has beige length, brown spots, and a darker brown tuft.

1. With beige yarn, CO 5 sts and work I-cord for 24 rows.
2. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
3. Embroider 4 small brown spots along the I-cord tail.
4. For the tuft, cut 6 strands of brown yarn, each 3 in long.
5. Fold strands in half and knot them to the tail end.
6. Trim the tuft to about 0.75 in / 2 cm.

Sew the tail to the back of the trousers at center back, about 3 rounds below the waistband. Curve it toward the doll’s right side and tack lightly near the tip if desired.

Optional Botanist Neck Spots

After the head and body are assembled, add the final visible giraffe markings to the neck and hands.

• Place one large brown spot at the center of the upper chest, visible above the vest V.
• Add one small spot on each wrist just above the hand.
• Add one tiny spot near each ankle, above the sandals.
• Keep the spots irregular and soft-edged by using short duplicate stitches instead of perfect circles.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the muzzle to the head and embroider the nose, mouth, and cheek shaping.
2. Add safety eyes if not already placed, then finish all face spots.
3. Sew inner ears to outer ears, pinch the bases, and attach ears to the sides of the head.
4. Sew horns to the top of the head.
5. Sew the body to the head with the neck centered and the face tipped slightly forward.
6. Sew legs to the lower body, then add trouser cuffs and sandal details.
7. Sew arms to the upper body, angled downward.
8. Attach the cream cable vest to the front of the body.
9. Assemble and place the tweed jacket over the vest, tacking it open.
10. Add the floral crown across the top of the head.
11. Sew the satchel strap from right shoulder to left hip, then attach the bag.
12. Add key, notebook, magnifying glass, hat, and any final botanical details.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from the front before tying off final knots. The eyes should be level, the muzzle should sit centered, and the floral crown should frame the top of the head without hiding the eyes. Add a tiny white highlight stitch beside each eye if you want a glossy handmade look.

Use beige yarn to tighten the head shape if needed. Insert the needle from the back of the head to one lower eye corner, pull gently, then return to the back. Repeat on the other eye. This creates a soft sculpted expression.

Make sure the jacket remains open enough to show the cream cable vest. The satchel should cross over the jacket at a clean diagonal. The notebook should sit in the right hand, while the key and satchel rest near the left hip.

Care Notes

• Spot clean gently with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if you used safety eyes, buttons, or many embroidered accessories.
• Press water out with a towel instead of wringing.
• Reshape the ears, jacket, floral crown, and satchel while damp.
• Let the doll dry flat in a shaded, well-ventilated place.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Round beige giraffe head with embroidered brown spots.
• Wide ears with pink inner panels.
• Short horns tucked behind the floral crown.
• Brown embroidered nose and split smiling muzzle.
• Cream cable vest visible under the jacket.
• Green tweed jacket with tan and brown herringbone detail.
• Olive trousers with folded cuffs and side buttons.
• Brown-and-cream sandals with green leaf accents.
• Explorer satchel with diagonal strap and patterned flap.
• Golden key, field notebook, magnifying glass, clover, and round hat.
• Floral crown with daisies, pink buds, lavender sprigs, and green leaves.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished giraffe botanist away from direct sunlight to protect the soft beige, olive, pink, and lavender colors. Keep it in a dry place and avoid heavy objects pressing against the ears, crown, satchel, or hat.

For dust removal, use a soft clean brush and work gently around the flowers and embroidered tweed. If a strand loosens, thread it onto a tapestry needle and secure it inside the nearest seam instead of cutting it short.

If the floral crown becomes flattened, lightly mist your fingers with water and reshape each leaf, daisy, and bud by hand. Allow the crown to dry naturally. Do not iron the doll, because heat can damage stuffing, safety eyes, and small raised details.