Knitting Tutorial: Woodland Squirrel in Fair Isle Sweater with Mushroom Accessories – Free Knitting Pattern.

This woodland squirrel knitting pattern creates a chubby orange squirrel with tall dark-tipped ears, rounded cheeks, a fluffy upright tail, a blue Fair Isle sweater, cream pants, tiny sandals, a floral crossbody pouch, a white daisy on the head, and small mushroom and acorn accessories. The finished toy is soft, detailed, and designed as a charming forest-inspired display doll.

 

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

The finished squirrel measures about 9 inches tall from feet to ear tips when made with DK yarn and 2.75 mm needles. The body is rounded and compact, with an oversized head, full cheeks, short limbs, a thick sweater, cream pants, a tall tail, and small woodland accessories sized to sit beside the doll.

• Squirrel height: about 9 inches tall.
• Head width: about 4 inches across the cheeks.
• Body width: about 3.25 inches across the sweater.
• Tail height: about 5 inches from base to tip.
• Mushroom height: about 1.75 inches.
• Acorn length: about 1.5 inches.
• Beret width: about 2.5 inches across.

Skill Level

This is an intermediate toy-knitting pattern because it uses shaping, seaming, color changes, small pieces, embroidery, and stranded colorwork. Confident beginners can still make it by working slowly, counting every round, and finishing each detail before moving to the next part.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in squirrel orange, about 45 g.
• DK weight yarn in dark brown, about 15 g.
• DK weight yarn in rust red, about 5 g.
• DK weight yarn in white, about 8 g.
• DK weight yarn in cream, about 25 g.
• DK weight yarn in teal blue, about 20 g.
• DK weight yarn in pale blue, about 10 g.
• DK weight yarn in denim blue, about 8 g.
• DK weight yarn in light green, about 6 g.
• DK weight yarn in navy blue, about 4 g.
• DK weight yarn in red, about 5 g for the mushroom cap and pouch berry.
• DK weight yarn in yellow, about 3 g for the daisy center.
• DK weight yarn in beige, about 5 g for sandal straps and acorn body.
• 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
• 2.5 mm needles for firm small accessories.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Two black safety eyes, 10 mm to 12 mm.
• Small amount of black embroidery thread for eye highlights and mouth.
• Blunt tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Scrap yarn or stitch holders.
• Soft pet slicker brush or clean toothbrush for the tail fluff.

Gauge

Gauge is important because the squirrel needs a firm fabric that holds stuffing without gaps. Work a small swatch in stockinette using the main orange yarn. If stuffing shows through, go down a needle size. If the fabric is too stiff to shape, go up slightly.

• Gauge in stockinette: 26 stitches and 36 rounds equals 4 inches.
• Gauge for accessories: 28 stitches and 38 rows equals 4 inches on 2.5 mm needles.
• Finished fabric: firm, smooth, and dense enough for toy making.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st or sts: stitch or stitches.
• rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together.
• m1L: make 1 left-leaning stitch.
• m1R: make 1 right-leaning stitch.
• inc: increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch.
• dec: decrease by k2tog unless another decrease is stated.
• st st: stockinette stitch.
• PM: place marker.
• SM: slip marker.

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Pattern Notes

The squirrel is knitted mostly in the round, then stuffed and shaped. The sweater is knitted separately and pulled over the body before the arms are stitched into place. The head is intentionally large with wide cheeks, a small white muzzle, upright ears, and a vertical dark brown forehead stripe.

The tail is knitted as a curved stuffed piece, then brushed lightly to create the fuzzy texture shown in the image. The sweater uses simple stranded colorwork and duplicate stitch to imitate the pale blue, teal, cream, green, and navy Fair Isle bands.

• Stuff firmly, but do not overstuff the cheeks or sweater area.
• Use mattress stitch for clean seams.
• When changing colors in stranded sections, carry unused yarn loosely behind the work.
• For tiny details, use duplicate stitch if stranded colorwork feels difficult.
• Leave long tails on small pieces for sewing later.

Main Squirrel Body

The body is pear-shaped, wider at the tummy and narrower at the neck. It is worked from the bottom upward in orange, then partly covered by cream pants and the blue sweater. Keep the lower body rounded so the squirrel looks soft and plush.

1. With orange yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: inc in every st around. You now have 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, inc around. You now have 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, inc around. You now have 48 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, inc around. You now have 60 sts.
10. Rnds 9 to 18: k all 60 sts.
11. Rnd 19: repeat k8, k2tog around. You now have 54 sts.
12. Rnds 20 to 24: k all 54 sts.
13. Rnd 25: repeat k7, k2tog around. You now have 48 sts.
14. Rnds 26 to 29: k all 48 sts.
15. Rnd 30: repeat k6, k2tog around. You now have 42 sts.
16. Rnd 31: k all sts.
17. Rnd 32: repeat k5, k2tog around. You now have 36 sts.
18. Rnd 33: k all sts.
19. Rnd 34: repeat k4, k2tog around. You now have 30 sts.
20. Stuff the body firmly, shaping the bottom flat enough so the squirrel can sit with support.
21. Rnd 35: repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 24 sts.
22. Rnd 36: k all sts.
23. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through remaining sts, pull gently, and secure. This creates the neck top.

Cream Pants Section

The cream pants are worked as a separate lower garment and stitched around the body. They should sit below the sweater, with two short rounded pant legs visible above the sandals. The pants should look soft and slightly loose.

1. With cream yarn, CO 54 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: repeat k2, p2 around for ribbing.
3. Rnds 5 to 12: k all sts.
4. Rnd 13: k25, BO 4 sts for crotch opening, k25.
5. Place first 25 sts on one needle set and second 25 sts on another holder.
6. For first leg, join cream yarn and knit 25 sts in the round.
7. Leg Rnds 1 to 5: k all sts.
8. Leg Rnd 6: repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 20 sts.
9. Leg Rnds 7 to 9: repeat k1, p1 around.
10. BO loosely in rib.
11. Repeat for second leg.
12. Sew the crotch opening closed neatly. Pull pants over the body bottom and stitch waistband to body around Rnds 11 to 13 of the body.

Head

The head is oversized and rounded with plump cheeks. The front should have a squirrel face shape: orange base, white cheek pads, a small white muzzle, dark eyes, and a rust nose stripe. Add the head after the body is finished so you can angle it slightly forward.

1. With orange yarn, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: inc in every st around. You now have 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, inc around. You now have 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, inc around. You now have 48 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, inc around. You now have 60 sts.
10. Rnd 9: repeat k4, inc around. You now have 72 sts.
11. Rnds 10 to 19: k all 72 sts.
12. Rnd 20: k16, inc, k2, inc, k32, inc, k2, inc, k16. You now have 76 sts. These increases build the cheeks.
13. Rnds 21 to 24: k all 76 sts.
14. Rnd 25: repeat k17, k2tog around. You now have 72 sts.
15. Rnd 26: k all sts.
16. Rnd 27: repeat k10, k2tog around. You now have 66 sts.
17. Rnd 28: repeat k9, k2tog around. You now have 60 sts.
18. Rnd 29: repeat k8, k2tog around. You now have 54 sts.
19. Rnd 30: repeat k7, k2tog around. You now have 48 sts.
20. Insert safety eyes between Rnds 17 and 18, about 15 sts apart across the front.
21. Begin stuffing the head firmly, pushing extra stuffing into both cheeks.
22. Rnd 31: repeat k6, k2tog around. You now have 42 sts.
23. Rnd 32: repeat k5, k2tog around. You now have 36 sts.
24. Rnd 33: repeat k4, k2tog around. You now have 30 sts.
25. Rnd 34: repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 24 sts.
26. Rnd 35: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 18 sts.
27. Rnd 36: repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 12 sts.
28. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

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White Cheek Pads

The white cheek pads sit below the eyes and create the soft rounded squirrel expression. They are knitted as two small ovals and stitched slightly overlapping the lower muzzle area.

1. Make 2. With white yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k1, inc, k4, inc, k1. You now have 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. You now have 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 7: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
7. Row 8: k1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. You now have 10 sts.
8. Row 9: p all sts.
9. Row 10: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. You now have 8 sts.
10. BO. Leave a long tail for sewing.
11. Place one cheek under each eye, angled inward toward the center. Sew around the edge, adding a tiny pinch of stuffing underneath.

White Muzzle and Rust Nose Stripe

The muzzle is a small white oval centered between the cheeks. A rust-colored vertical nose stripe runs from the forehead down to the muzzle, matching the warm reddish accent in the image.

1. With white yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. You now have 12 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 6: work in st st.
5. Row 7: p all sts.
6. Row 8: k1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. You now have 10 sts.
7. BO. Sew the muzzle centered below the eyes, overlapping the inner edges of the cheek pads.
8. For the rust nose stripe, use rust yarn and duplicate stitch a vertical line 4 sts wide from forehead Rnd 11 down to the top of the muzzle.
9. At the lower end of the stripe, embroider a small triangular nose using satin stitches over 4 sts wide and 3 rows tall.
10. With dark brown or black thread, embroider a tiny mouth: one short vertical stitch below the nose, then two curved stitches forming a soft smile.

Dark Forehead Stripe

The dark brown forehead stripe is narrow and slightly irregular, running down the center top of the squirrel’s face. It starts between the ears and stops above the rust nose area.

1. Thread a tapestry needle with dark brown yarn.
2. Using duplicate stitch, cover 3 sts across at the top center of the head from Rnd 8 to Rnd 16.
3. Narrow the stripe to 2 sts across from Rnd 17 to Rnd 22.
4. Keep the bottom edge pointed by stitching 1 final dark brown duplicate stitch at the center.
5. Secure all ends inside the head.

Ears

The ears are tall, triangular, orange on the inner section with dark brown edging and tips. They stand upright and lean slightly outward, giving the squirrel an alert woodland look.

1. Make 2. With orange yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: work in st st, beginning with a purl row on WS.
3. Row 5: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. You now have 14 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Row 7: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. You now have 12 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Row 9: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. You now have 10 sts.
8. Row 10: p all sts.
9. Row 11: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. You now have 8 sts.
10. Change to dark brown yarn.
11. Row 12: p all sts.
12. Row 13: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. You now have 6 sts.
13. Row 14: p all sts.
14. Row 15: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. You now have 4 sts.
15. Row 16: p all sts.
16. Row 17: ssk, k2tog. You now have 2 sts.
17. Row 18: p2tog. Fasten off.
18. With dark brown yarn, stitch a narrow border around each ear using small whipstitches.
19. Sew ears to the top of the head between Rnds 6 and 11, about 13 sts apart, with tips pointing upward.

Ear Tufts

The ear tufts add the soft, slightly wild look visible at the top of the ears. These are not heavy pieces; they are short strands attached and brushed lightly.

1. Cut 12 strands of dark brown yarn, each 3 inches long.
2. Attach 6 strands to the tip of each ear using a lark’s head knot.
3. Trim strands to 1 inch long.
4. Brush gently with a clean toothbrush until fluffy.
5. Shape each tuft upward with your fingers.

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Arms

The arms are short and rounded. Each arm begins with orange paws and continues into sweater-colored sleeves. The sleeves should match the blue Fair Isle sweater with teal cuffs and small light stripes.

1. Make 2. With orange yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: inc in every st around. You now have 20 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 6: k all sts.
5. Rnd 7: repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 16 sts.
6. Change to teal blue yarn.
7. Rnds 8 to 10: repeat k1, p1 around for cuff.
8. Change to pale blue yarn.
9. Rnd 11: k all sts.
10. Change to teal blue yarn.
11. Rnd 12: k all sts.
12. Change to cream yarn.
13. Rnd 13: k all sts.
14. Change to denim blue yarn.
15. Rnds 14 to 17: k all sts.
16. Rnd 18: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 12 sts.
17. Stuff lightly, keeping the upper arm flat.
18. Rnd 19: k all sts.
19. BO. Sew arms to the sides of the body after the sweater is fitted.

Legs and Orange Feet

The legs are short and hidden mostly under the cream pants. The orange feet show through the open sandals, so make the front foot rounded and visible.

1. Make 2. With orange yarn, CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k1, inc around. You now have 18 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 7: k all sts.
5. Rnd 8: k6, inc in next 6 sts, k6. You now have 24 sts. This forms the rounded toe.
6. Rnds 9 to 11: k all sts.
7. Rnd 12: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 18 sts.
8. Rnd 13: k all sts.
9. Change to cream yarn.
10. Rnds 14 to 18: k all sts.
11. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly.
12. Rnd 19: repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 12 sts.
13. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.
14. Sew legs to the underside of the body, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Sandals

The sandals are beige and brown with a small bow-like detail across the toes. They sit around the orange feet and should remain visible beneath the cream pant legs.

1. Make 2 soles. With dark brown yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k1, inc, k4, inc, k1. You now have 10 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 12: work in st st.
5. Row 13: p all sts.
6. Row 14: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. You now have 8 sts.
7. BO. Sew one sole under each foot.
8. For each front strap, with beige yarn CO 12 sts.
9. Row 1: k all sts.
10. Row 2: p all sts.
11. BO. Sew across the toe area.
12. For each ankle strap, with beige yarn CO 16 sts.
13. Work 2 rows in st st, then BO.
14. Wrap around the upper foot and sew securely.
15. For each tiny bow, with beige yarn CO 6 sts, knit 3 rows, BO, cinch center with yarn, and sew to the front strap.

Large Fluffy Tail

The tail is one of the most important features. It should rise behind the squirrel, curve slightly, and appear fuller than the body. The knitted shape is stuffed first, then brushed lightly so the orange fibers bloom outward like a soft squirrel tail.

1. With orange yarn, CO 14 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all 14 sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k1, inc around. You now have 21 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k2, inc around. You now have 28 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k3, inc around. You now have 35 sts.
8. Rnds 7 to 13: k all sts.
9. Rnd 14: k10, inc, k13, inc, k10. You now have 37 sts.
10. Rnds 15 to 22: k all sts.
11. Rnd 23: k10, k2tog, k13, ssk, k10. You now have 35 sts.
12. Rnds 24 to 29: k all sts.
13. Rnd 30: repeat k5, k2tog around. You now have 30 sts.
14. Rnds 31 to 34: k all sts.
15. Rnd 35: repeat k4, k2tog around. You now have 25 sts.
16. Rnds 36 to 38: k all sts.
17. Rnd 39: repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 20 sts.
18. Stuff gradually. Curve the tail by placing more stuffing along the outer back edge and less on the inner edge.
19. Rnd 40: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 15 sts.
20. Rnd 41: k all sts.
21. Rnd 42: repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 10 sts.
22. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.
23. With dark brown yarn, embroider a narrow shadow line along one side of the tail for depth.
24. Brush the orange surface lightly until fluffy. Do not brush the attachment edge.
25. Sew the tail firmly to the back of the body from body Rnd 10 to Rnd 27. Angle it upward and slightly left.

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Fair Isle Sweater

The sweater is knitted as a separate top-down garment. It has a ribbed teal collar, a pale and denim blue yoke, small navy motifs, cream bands, and green accents. The lower hem is teal and sits over the cream pants.

Sweater Yoke and Body

1. With denim blue yarn, CO 36 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: repeat k2, p2 around for collar rib.
3. Change to teal blue yarn.
4. Rnd 5: k all sts.
5. Rnd 6: repeat k5, m1 around. You now have 42 sts.
6. Change to pale blue yarn.
7. Rnd 7: k all sts.
8. Change to cream yarn.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k6, m1 around. You now have 49 sts.
10. Change to teal blue yarn.
11. Rnd 9: k all sts.
12. Rnd 10: repeat k7, m1 around. You now have 56 sts.
13. Rnd 11: work color pattern: k3 teal, k1 navy, k3 teal, repeat around.
14. Rnd 12: work color pattern: k2 teal, k3 navy, k2 teal, repeat around.
15. Rnd 13: work color pattern: k3 teal, k1 navy, k3 teal, repeat around.
16. Change to cream yarn.
17. Rnd 14: k all sts.
18. Change to pale blue yarn.
19. Rnd 15: repeat k8, m1 around. You now have 63 sts.
20. Change to light green yarn.
21. Rnd 16: k all sts.
22. Change to denim blue yarn.
23. Rnd 17: k all sts.
24. Rnd 18: divide for sleeves: k18 front, place 13 sts on holder for first sleeve, k19 back, place 13 sts on holder for second sleeve. You have 37 body sts.
25. CO 4 sts under each arm while joining front and back. You now have 45 body sts.
26. Rnd 19: k all 45 sts in denim blue.
27. Rnd 20: change to teal blue and k all sts.
28. Rnd 21: change to cream and k all sts.
29. Rnd 22: work k4 cream, k1 navy, repeat around, ending with cream sts as needed.
30. Rnd 23: change to pale blue and k all sts.
31. Rnd 24: change to light green and k all sts.
32. Rnd 25: change to denim blue and k all sts.
33. Rnd 26: change to teal blue and k all sts.
34. Rnds 27 to 30: repeat k2, p2 around in teal blue for hem rib. Adjust last stitch by knitting it if needed.
35. BO loosely in rib.

Sweater Sleeves

1. Return 13 sleeve sts to needles. Pick up and knit 4 underarm sts. You now have 17 sts.
2. Join denim blue yarn and work in the round.
3. Rnd 1: k all sts.
4. Rnd 2: change to teal blue and k all sts.
5. Rnd 3: change to cream and k all sts.
6. Rnd 4: change to pale blue and k all sts.
7. Rnd 5: change to light green and k all sts.
8. Rnd 6: k2tog once, k to end. You now have 16 sts.
9. Rnds 7 to 9: repeat k1, p1 around in teal blue for cuff.
10. BO loosely.
11. Repeat for the second sleeve.
12. Slide sweater onto body before attaching arms permanently. Sew arm tops inside the sleeve openings for a clean finish.

Crossbody Strap

The narrow blue strap crosses diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite hip and holds the small floral pouch. It should sit on top of the sweater rather than being hidden inside the garment.

1. With pale blue yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Work in garter stitch by knitting every row until the strap measures 10.5 inches.
3. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.
4. Place one end near the squirrel’s right shoulder and the other near the left hip.
5. Sew the ends securely, then tack the strap at the back shoulder and side waist so it stays flat.

Small Floral Pouch

The pouch is a tiny rounded bag in blue tones with little flowers and a red mushroom-like berry decoration. It hangs near the lower front left side of the sweater.

1. With teal blue yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k1, inc, k14, inc, k1. You now have 20 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: work in st st.
5. Change to pale blue yarn.
6. Rows 9 to 12: work in st st.
7. Row 13: p all sts.
8. Row 14: k1, k2tog, k14, ssk, k1. You now have 18 sts.
9. Row 15: p all sts.
10. Row 16: k1, k2tog, k12, ssk, k1. You now have 16 sts.
11. BO. Fold piece in half with RS facing outward and sew side seams, leaving top open.
12. With denim blue yarn, embroider three small vertical stitches on the lower front.
13. With light green yarn, embroider two tiny stems.
14. For the red berry, CO 6 sts in red, knit 4 rows, thread yarn through sts, pull into a small ball, and sew to pouch.
15. For each small flower, with cream or pale blue yarn, CO 5 sts, BO, coil into a tiny petal cluster, and stitch to the pouch front.
16. Sew pouch to the lower end of the crossbody strap.

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White Daisy Head Flower

The daisy sits between the ears and slightly toward one side of the forehead. It has white petals and a yellow center. Keep it flat and neat so it reads clearly as a flower.

1. For the yellow center, CO 6 sts with yellow yarn.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull into a small circle, and secure.
5. Make 8 white petals. For each petal, CO 4 sts.
6. Row 1: k all sts.
7. Row 2: p all sts.
8. Row 3: k2tog twice. You now have 2 sts.
9. Row 4: p2tog. Fasten off.
10. Arrange petals around the yellow center and sew them together from the back.
11. Sew daisy to the head between the ears, slightly to the squirrel’s right side.

Mini Blue Beret Accessory

The small blue beret sits beside the squirrel in the image. It has cream, teal, and blue stripes with a fuzzy pom-pom on top. This accessory is worked separately and lightly stuffed.

1. With cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 36 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 3: repeat k1, p1 around.
3. Change to pale blue yarn.
4. Rnd 4: repeat k5, inc around. You now have 42 sts.
5. Change to teal blue yarn.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Change to cream yarn.
8. Rnd 6: k all sts.
9. Change to denim blue yarn.
10. Rnd 7: repeat k6, inc around. You now have 48 sts.
11. Rnds 8 to 10: k all sts, alternating pale blue, cream, and teal each round.
12. Rnd 11: repeat k6, k2tog around. You now have 42 sts.
13. Rnd 12: repeat k5, k2tog around. You now have 36 sts.
14. Rnd 13: repeat k4, k2tog around. You now have 30 sts.
15. Rnd 14: repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 24 sts.
16. Rnd 15: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 18 sts.
17. Stuff lightly so the beret keeps a soft dome.
18. Rnd 16: repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 12 sts.
19. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and secure.
20. Make a tiny pom-pom with mixed teal, pale blue, and cream yarn. Sew it to the top center.

Red Mushroom Accessory

The mushroom has a white stem and a red cap with tiny white dots. It should stand beside the squirrel and remain small enough to look like a woodland prop.

Mushroom Stem

1. With white yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k1, inc around. You now have 15 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 10: k all sts.
5. Rnd 11: repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 10 sts.
6. Stuff firmly.
7. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Mushroom Cap

1. With red yarn, CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: inc in every st around. You now have 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k3, inc around. You now have 30 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 8: k all sts.
7. Rnd 9: repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 24 sts.
8. Rnd 10: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 18 sts.
9. Stuff lightly, keeping the top rounded and the underside flatter.
10. Sew cap onto stem.
11. With white yarn, embroider 6 small dots across the red cap using duplicate stitches or small French knots.

Acorn Accessory

The acorn is worked in two colors: a beige lower nut and a dark brown textured cap. It should be small, rounded, and placed near the mushroom accessories.

1. With beige yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: inc in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: repeat k1, inc around. You now have 24 sts.
5. Rnds 4 to 9: k all sts.
6. Rnd 10: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 18 sts.
7. Rnd 11: k all sts.
8. Change to dark brown yarn for cap.
9. Rnd 12: p all sts to create a cap ridge.
10. Rnd 13: k all sts.
11. Rnd 14: repeat k1, p1 around for texture.
12. Rnd 15: repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 12 sts.
13. Stuff firmly.
14. Rnd 16: k2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
15. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and secure.
16. For the stem, CO 4 sts in dark brown, knit 3 rows, BO, roll tightly, and sew to the top.

Facial Eye Detailing

The eyes should look glossy, large, and expressive. If you use safety eyes, choose black eyes with a smooth shine. If safety eyes are not available, knit or embroider black oval eyes and add a white highlight stitch.

1. Place eyes between Rnds 17 and 18 of the head before closing, spaced about 15 sts apart.
2. After stuffing, use black thread to gently pull each eye inward. This creates the cheeky rounded expression.
3. With white yarn or thread, add one small highlight stitch on the upper outside edge of each eye.
4. With dark brown yarn, embroider a thin curved brow above each eye if desired, following the natural slope of the face.

Color Placement Guide

Use this guide to keep the finished squirrel close to the image. The orange fur is the main color. Dark brown appears on ear tips, ear edges, the forehead stripe, and small shadow details. White appears on the muzzle, cheeks, daisy petals, and mushroom stem.

• Orange: head, body, paws, feet, main tail, and inner ears.
• Dark brown: ear tips, ear tufts, forehead stripe, tail shadow, acorn cap, and sandal sole.
• Rust red: nose stripe and small nose area.
• White: cheeks, muzzle, daisy petals, mushroom stem, and mushroom dots.
• Teal, pale blue, denim, green, cream, navy: Fair Isle sweater, sleeves, crossbody pouch, strap, and beret.
• Cream: pants and selected accessory details.
• Beige: sandal straps and acorn body.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew the cream pants to the lower body before adding the sweater.
2. Pull the sweater over the body and adjust the collar so it sits just below the head.
3. Sew the head to the body with the face angled slightly forward.
4. Sew the arms into the sweater sleeves and secure them at the shoulders.
5. Sew legs under the body, then add soles, straps, and bows to form the sandals.
6. Attach the tail securely to the back. Use several passes of yarn so it stands upright.
7. Sew the ears on top of the head, then add dark ear tufts.
8. Add the cheek pads, muzzle, rust nose stripe, mouth, eye highlights, and forehead stripe.
9. Sew the daisy between the ears and attach the crossbody strap and pouch over the sweater.
10. Place the beret, mushroom, and acorn beside the squirrel as separate display accessories.

Care Notes

Spot clean the squirrel gently with cool water and mild soap. Do not soak the toy, especially if safety eyes, embroidery, or brushed tail fibers are used. Press with a towel to remove moisture, then reshape the head, cheeks, sweater, and tail while damp.

• Keep away from high heat and direct sunlight for long periods.
• Do not machine wash if the tail has been brushed fluffy.
• Refresh the tail by brushing lightly in the direction of the fibers.
• Store the mushroom, acorn, and beret in a small bag when not on display.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is larger than the body and has full rounded cheeks.
• The white cheek pads sit under the eyes and touch the muzzle area.
• The rust nose stripe is centered and runs vertically down the face.
• The dark forehead stripe starts between the ears and points downward.
• The ears stand tall with dark tips and fluffy tufts.
• The sweater has teal, blue, cream, green, and navy Fair Isle-style bands.
• The cream pants show below the sweater.
• The sandals have dark soles, beige straps, and small bow details.
• The crossbody pouch hangs on the squirrel’s lower front side.
• The daisy is fixed between the ears.
• The tail is brushed, full, and sewn firmly upright.
• The mushroom, acorn, and beret are finished as separate accessories.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the squirrel in a dry place away from dust, kitchen steam, and strong sunlight. A shelf, craft cabinet, or covered display box works well. If dust gathers on the sweater or tail, use a soft brush instead of rubbing the knitted fabric.

If the toy needs deeper cleaning, dampen a white cloth with cool water and gently dab the affected area. Avoid scrubbing the face because the cheek pads, nose stripe, eyes, and embroidered mouth can shift if handled roughly. Let the toy air dry completely before storing.

To preserve the shape, never place heavy objects on the squirrel. The ears, tail, and accessories can bend if compressed. When storing, wrap the squirrel loosely in acid-free tissue or clean cotton fabric, and keep the mushroom, acorn, and beret beside it rather than pressed against the face.