Knitting Tutorial: Cottage Chipmunk in Floral Dress and Lace Bonnet – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet cottage chipmunk is a soft knitted keepsake with a rounded striped face, glossy eyes, tiny paws, brown sandals, an olive cardigan, a cream floral dress, and a ruffled lace bonnet tied with ribbon. The set also includes a small crossbody purse, two acorns, a shallow garden hat, and a little watering can for a cozy woodland scene.

 

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

This pattern is written for a small knitted art doll worked mostly in the round. The finished chipmunk measures about 8.5 in / 21.5 cm tall from the soles to the top of the bonnet when made with DK yarn and small needles. The body is firm, the head is oversized and round, and the dress flares outward like the image.

The chipmunk has a warm tan head with darker brown crown stripes, cream cheek panels, small rounded ears hidden under the bonnet, and a soft muzzle. The outfit is layered: first the animal body, then the green cardigan, then the floral dress skirt and bodice, then the bonnet, purse, sandals, and accessories.

Finished Size

• Chipmunk height: about 8.5 in / 21.5 cm.
• Head width: about 3.25 in / 8 cm after stuffing.
• Dress width at hem: about 5.5 in / 14 cm across the front when lightly spread.
• Bonnet width: about 4.5 in / 11.5 cm from ruffle edge to ruffle edge.
• Watering can: about 2 in / 5 cm wide.
• Garden hat: about 3.25 in / 8 cm wide.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm tan for the chipmunk head and limbs.
• DK weight yarn in cream for cheeks, muzzle, belly, bonnet, dress base, sandal flowers, and hat flower.
• DK weight yarn in medium brown for crown stripes, soles, acorn caps, purse button detail, and facial shading.
• DK weight yarn in pale peach or blush for cheek embroidery.
• DK weight yarn in olive green for cardigan, dress hem layer, and hat ribbon.
• DK weight yarn in soft blue for tiny flower motifs on the dress and purse.
• DK weight yarn in beige for purse strap, hat, acorn bodies, and watering can highlights.
• DK weight yarn in gray beige for the watering can.
• US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• US 3 / 3.25 mm needles for the dress skirt and bonnet ruffle if you want extra drape.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, removable stitch markers, pins, and scissors.
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
• Two 9 mm black safety eyes or black beads.
• One 6 mm brown safety nose or a small embroidered satin-stitch nose.
• White satin ribbon, 12 in / 30 cm long, for the bonnet bow.
• One tiny brown button, 6 mm, for the purse flap.

Gauge

Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 in / 2.5 cm in stockinette in the round on US 2 / 2.75 mm needles. Gauge is important because the toy needs a firm fabric. If stuffing shows through, use smaller needles. If the fabric is too stiff to shape, use slightly larger needles.

Abbreviations

• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st / sts: stitch / stitches.
• rnd / rnds: round / rounds.
• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
• m1L: make 1 left increase.
• m1R: make 1 right increase.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through the back loops.
• yo: yarn over.
• sl1: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back unless stated otherwise.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• st st: stockinette stitch.
• MC: main color.

Construction Notes

The chipmunk body, head, arms, and legs are knitted separately and sewn together. The dress is made in two parts so it looks layered: a green underskirt peeks below the cream floral skirt, while a cream bodice sits under the olive cardigan. The bonnet is worked flat with a gathered back and a knitted lace ruffle.

For a neat toy, stuff each piece gradually. Use small tufts of stuffing rather than one large lump. The image shows a firm rounded head, a slightly pear-shaped body, short limbs, and a wide skirt. Pin every piece in place before sewing so the doll keeps a gentle seated standing pose.

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Chipmunk Head

Work the head in warm tan, in the round. The head is round and slightly wider than the body, with the face angled forward. Use small needles and stuff firmly as you work.

1. Rnd 1: CO 8 sts, divide across needles, join in the round. Knit 1 rnd.
2. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k all sts.
4. Rnd 4: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: k all sts.
6. Rnd 6: k2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7: k all sts.
8. Rnd 8: k3, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 9: k all sts.
10. Rnd 10: k4, kfb; repeat around. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 11: k all sts.
12. Rnd 12: k5, kfb; repeat around. 56 sts.
13. Rnds 13-22: k all sts for 10 rnds.
14. Rnd 23: k5, k2tog; repeat around. 48 sts.
15. Rnd 24: k all sts.
16. Rnd 25: k4, k2tog; repeat around. 40 sts.
17. Rnd 26: k all sts.
18. Rnd 27: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 32 sts.
19. Place the safety eyes between Rnds 18 and 19, 9 sts apart. Place the nose at center front between Rnds 22 and 23.
20. Rnd 28: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
21. Stuff the head firmly, shaping it round with a gentle flat area at the face.
22. Rnd 29: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
23. Rnd 30: k2tog around. 8 sts.
24. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in.

Cream Cheek Panels

The cream cheek panels create the pale curved patches on each side of the chipmunk face. Make two identical pieces. They are sewn on the lower front of the head and shaped with embroidery so they blend softly into the tan face.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 6 sts and work flat.
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. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Rows 6-10: work in st st, starting with a knit row.
8. Row 11: p all sts.
9. Row 12: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. Row 13: p all sts.
11. Row 14: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
12. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew one cheek panel to each side of the lower face. The inner edges should nearly meet under the nose, while the outer edges curve up toward the eyes. Use small mattress stitches and do not pull too tightly, because the cheek patches should look softly padded.

Muzzle and Mouth

1. Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts and 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: k all sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
8. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Place the muzzle directly below the nose, overlapping the lower inner corners of the cheek panels. Lightly stuff under the center before closing the final stitches. Embroider a tiny brown vertical line from the nose, then two short curved mouth lines. Add three short tan-brown whisker stitches on each cheek.

Forehead and Chipmunk Stripes

The image shows darker vertical striping on the top of the head, with a central brown line and two softer side lines. These stripes are embroidered after the head is stuffed so they sit on the surface and follow the curve of the crown.

• Thread medium brown yarn onto a tapestry needle.
• Work one straight chain-stitch line from the top center of the head down to just above the nose bridge, about 1.75 in / 4.5 cm long.
• Work two shorter lines on each side, beginning near the top and ending above the inner corners of the eyes.
• Add cream-tan duplicate stitches beside the dark lines for the softly blended look in the image.
• Keep all stripes vertical and slightly tapered, wider at the crown and narrower near the face.

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Ears

The bonnet covers most of the ears, but two tiny rounded ears should sit under the ruffle near the upper sides of the head. Make two.

1. Using tan yarn, CO 10 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k all sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
8. Row 7: p all sts.
9. Row 8: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
10. BO all sts, leaving a tail.

Fold each ear slightly at the cast-on edge and stitch it into a shallow cup. Sew the ears between Rnds 10 and 16 of the head, about 14 sts apart across the top back. They should be visible only as soft rounded bumps under the bonnet edge.

Body

The body is smaller than the head and lightly pear-shaped. Knit it in warm tan because most of it is covered by the dress and cardigan. Leave a stable lower base so the doll can sit neatly on a table surface.

1. Using tan yarn, CO 10 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb; repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: k2, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
8. Rnds 7-16: k all sts.
9. Rnd 17: k8, k2tog; repeat around. 36 sts.
10. Rnds 18-21: k all sts.
11. Rnd 22: k4, k2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
12. Rnd 23: k all sts.
13. Rnd 24: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
14. Rnd 25: k all sts.
15. Stuff the body firmly, shaping the lower half wider than the shoulder area.
16. Rnd 26: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
17. Rnd 27: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
18. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for attaching the head.

Legs

Make two short legs in warm tan. They should be small, slightly curved, and partly hidden under the skirt. The sandals are added later over the feet.

1. CO 8 sts in tan, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-5: k all sts.
5. Rnd 6: k6, k2tog twice, k6. 14 sts.
6. Rnds 7-11: k all sts.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Rnd 12: k1, k2tog; repeat to last 2 sts, k2. 10 sts.
9. BO all sts, leaving a sewing tail.

Sew the legs to the lower front of the body, angled slightly outward. The feet should peek from under the dress hem, matching the image where the little sandals point forward and sit apart.

Arms

Make two arms. Each arm begins with a small tan paw and continues into an olive green cardigan sleeve. The hands are visible at the sleeve cuffs.

1. Using tan yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: k all sts.
3. Rnd 4: k2, kfb; repeat to last 2 sts, k2. 10 sts.
4. Change to olive green.
5. Rnd 5: k all sts.
6. Rnd 6: p all sts to create cuff ridge.
7. Rnds 7-18: k all sts.
8. Rnd 19: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 8 sts.
9. Stuff lightly, keeping the arm flexible.
10. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Sew the arms to the upper sides of the body just under the head. Angle them downward so the sleeves rest naturally beside the dress. The right hand should sit near the purse, while the left hand can rest beside the skirt.

Olive Cardigan Body

The cardigan is short, textured, and open in front. It covers the shoulders and arms, with the skirt and cream bodice visible underneath. Work it flat in olive green.

1. CO 38 sts in olive green.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: k3, p32, k3.
4. Rows 3-4: repeat Rows 1-2.
5. Row 5: k3, kfb, k6, kfb, k14, kfb, k6, kfb, k3. 42 sts.
6. Row 6: k3, p36, k3.
7. Rows 7-12: work in st st with 3 garter sts at each front edge.
8. Row 13: k3, k7, BO 6 sts, k10, BO 6 sts, k10. This creates armholes.
9. Row 14: k3, p7, CO 6 sts over gap, p10, CO 6 sts over gap, p7, k3. 42 sts.
10. Rows 15-20: continue st st with garter front bands.
11. Rows 21-24: k all sts for lower garter hem.
12. BO all sts loosely.

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Wrap the cardigan around the body and sew the shoulder line lightly to the doll. Do not close the front. The open V shape should show the cream dress bodice and the small purse strap crossing over it.

Green Underskirt Hem

The image shows an olive green layer peeking below the floral dress. This underskirt is attached around the lower body before the cream floral skirt.

1. Using olive green and US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, CO 54 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: p all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
4. Rnd 3: p all sts.
5. Rnds 4-8: k all sts.
6. Rnd 9: k7, k2tog; repeat around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 10: k all sts.
8. BO loosely.

Slide the underskirt onto the body so the purl ridges form the lower hem. Stitch the top edge to the body at waist level. Let the bottom edge flare slightly and remain visible under the cream floral skirt.

Cream Floral Dress Skirt

The dress skirt is wide, cream, and covered with small blue floral clusters and olive stems. Work the skirt in the round, then embroider the flowers after knitting. The lower edge should ripple softly, like the image.

1. Using cream yarn and US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, CO 72 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: p all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
4. Rnd 3: p all sts.
5. Rnds 4-8: k all sts.
6. Rnd 9: k10, k2tog; repeat around. 66 sts.
7. Rnds 10-13: k all sts.
8. Rnd 14: k9, k2tog; repeat around. 60 sts.
9. Rnds 15-18: k all sts.
10. Rnd 19: k8, k2tog; repeat around. 54 sts.
11. Rnd 20: k all sts.
12. Rnd 21: k7, k2tog; repeat around. 48 sts.
13. Rnd 22: k all sts.
14. Rnd 23: k6, k2tog; repeat around. 42 sts.
15. BO loosely, leaving a long sewing tail.

Place the skirt over the green underskirt and stitch the top edge at the waist. The cream skirt should cover most of the green layer but leave a narrow olive border showing at the bottom.

Floral Embroidery for Dress

• Use soft blue yarn to make five-petal lazy daisy flowers across the skirt.
• Place one flower about every 5 or 6 knitted stitches, staggering the rows so the print looks natural.
• Use olive green yarn to make one short straight stitch beside each flower for a leaf or stem.
• Keep the flowers small, about 0.25 in / 6 mm wide.
• Add a few cream duplicate stitches over long floats if any embroidery feels loose.

Dress Bodice

The bodice is cream with tiny blue and olive accents. It sits above the skirt and under the cardigan. Work flat so the back can overlap neatly.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 34 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-8: work in st st.
5. Row 9: k5, BO 6 sts, k12, BO 6 sts, k5. Armholes made.
6. Row 10: p5, CO 4 sts, p12, CO 4 sts, p5. 30 sts.
7. Rows 11-14: work in st st.
8. Row 15: k2, k2tog, k to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 28 sts.
9. Row 16: p all sts.
10. BO loosely.

Wrap the bodice around the upper body, above the skirt. Sew the back seam. Add tiny blue duplicate stitches in a scattered pattern so it visually connects with the floral skirt.

Lace Bonnet Cap

The bonnet is one of the main details in the image. It is white, soft, rounded, and frames the face with a scalloped lace ruffle. The back is gathered so the bonnet hugs the chipmunk head.

1. Using white yarn, CO 54 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: k all sts.
4. Row 3: k3, yo, k2tog; repeat to last 4 sts, k4.
5. Row 4: k all sts.
6. Row 5: k all sts.
7. Row 6: k4, p46, k4.
8. Rows 7-18: continue st st with 4 garter sts at each edge.
9. Row 19: k4, k5, k2tog; repeat to last 8 sts, k8. 48 sts.
10. Row 20: k4, p40, k4.
11. Row 21: k4, k4, k2tog; repeat to last 8 sts, k8. 42 sts.
12. Row 22: k4, p34, k4.
13. Row 23: k4, k3, k2tog; repeat to last 8 sts, k8. 36 sts.
14. Row 24: k4, p28, k4.
15. Row 25: k4, k2, k2tog; repeat to last 8 sts, k8. 30 sts.
16. Row 26: k4, p22, k4.
17. Cut yarn, thread through all sts, pull gently to gather the bonnet back, and secure.

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Scalloped Bonnet Ruffle

The ruffle sits around the face and creates the lacy white halo seen in the image. Work it separately, then sew it to the front edge of the bonnet.

1. Using white yarn, CO 72 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k2, yo, k2tog; repeat around the row.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: k1, kfb, k2, kfb; repeat to last 2 sts, k2. About 96 sts.
7. Row 6: p all sts.
8. Row 7: k2, yo, k2tog, k1; repeat across.
9. Row 8: p all sts.
10. Row 9: k all sts.
11. BO loosely.

Sew the cast-on edge of the ruffle to the bonnet front opening. Let the bind-off edge wave naturally. Place the bonnet on the head so the ruffle frames the cheeks and forehead, then tack it behind both ears.

Ribbon Tie

• Thread the white satin ribbon through the eyelet row at the lower front of the bonnet.
• Tie a soft bow under the chin, slightly to one side.
• Trim the ribbon ends at an angle so they hang like the image.
• Secure the knot with one hidden stitch if the doll will be displayed often.

Brown Sandals

The sandals are small and rounded with brown soles, pale inner foot pads, and tiny cream flowers on the sides. Make two soles and two straps.

Soles

1. Using medium brown yarn, CO 8 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Rows 4-8: work in st st.
6. Row 9: p all sts.
7. Row 10: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
8. BO all sts.

Foot Pads and Straps

1. Using beige yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-5: work in st st.
3. Row 6: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
4. BO all sts and sew one pad to each brown sole.
5. For each sandal strap, CO 12 sts in medium brown, knit 2 rows, and BO.
6. Sew one strap across each foot pad.

Attach the sandals to the chipmunk feet with small stitches around the edges. Embroider a tiny cream five-petal flower with a brown center on the outer side of each sandal.

Crossbody Purse

The purse is a small cream floral bag hanging at the chipmunk’s side, with a beige strap crossing the front of the dress. It should sit on the right hip, slightly raised above the skirt hem.

Purse Body

1. Using cream yarn, CO 14 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Rows 2-10: work in st st.
4. Row 11: k all sts.
5. Row 12: p all sts.
6. Row 13: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
7. Row 14: p all sts.
8. Row 15: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. BO all sts.

Purse Flap and Strap

1. Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work in garter stitch.
3. Row 5: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
4. BO all sts and sew the flap over the purse front.
5. Using beige yarn, CO 70 sts, knit 1 row, and BO tightly to make a cord-like strap.
6. Sew strap ends to the purse sides.

Embroider tiny blue flowers and olive leaves on the purse front. Sew the brown button to the flap. Place the strap from the left shoulder to the right hip, then tack it with two hidden stitches so it stays in position.

Acorns

The image includes two small knitted acorns on the table. Make one larger beige acorn and one smaller darker acorn. They add charm to the cottage setting and can be displayed beside the chipmunk.

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Large Acorn

1. Using beige yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-7: k all sts.
5. Rnd 8: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
6. Stuff lightly.
7. Rnd 9: k2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Cut yarn and close.
9. For cap, use medium brown, CO 16 sts, join, k 3 rnds, then k2tog around. Close and sew to top.
10. For stem, CO 4 sts, work 3 rows i-cord, fasten off, and sew to cap.

Small Acorn

1. Using warm tan yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: k all sts.
5. Rnd 7: k2tog around. 6 sts.
6. Stuff lightly and close.
7. Make a small brown cap by CO 12 sts, knitting 3 rnds, then closing with k2tog around.

Garden Hat

The shallow straw-style garden hat sits beside the chipmunk in the image. It has a beige circular crown, a wide brim, an olive ribbon, and a small flower accent. Work it as a flat circular piece in garter and stockinette texture.

Hat Crown

1. Using beige yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: p all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: p all sts.
7. Rnd 6: k2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: p all sts.
9. Rnd 8: k all sts.
10. Rnd 9: p all sts.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 10: k1, kfb; repeat around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 11: p all sts.
3. Rnd 12: k2, kfb; repeat around. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 13: p all sts.
5. Rnds 14-17: k all sts.
6. Rnd 18: p all sts.
7. BO loosely.

Thread olive green yarn around the crown base with a running stitch to create the ribbon band. Add a small cream lazy daisy flower and two brown seed stitches near one side of the brim. Block the hat flat by pinning it gently while damp.

Watering Can

The watering can is gray beige with a rounded body, a side handle, a spout, and a pale top knob. It is small and soft, designed as a display accessory rather than a functional container.

Can Body

1. Using gray beige yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb; repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnds 5-11: k all sts.
7. Rnd 12: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 20 sts.
8. Stuff lightly.
9. Rnd 13: k2tog around. 10 sts.
10. Cut yarn and close.

Opening Rim

1. Using gray beige yarn, CO 24 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: k all sts.
3. BO loosely.
4. Sew this ring to the top front of the can body, leaving the center open-looking by stitching only around the lower edge.

Handle, Spout, and Knob

1. For handle, CO 24 sts in gray beige, knit 2 rows, BO, and sew into a curved handle on one side.
2. For spout, CO 10 sts, join, knit 5 rnds, then k2tog around and close. Sew at a slight upward angle on the opposite side.
3. For top knob, CO 6 sts in cream, join, knit 2 rnds, k2tog around, close, and sew to top.
4. Add two beige highlight stitches on the can body and one small stitch on the spout tip.

Facial Embroidery and Blush

The face should be gentle, round, and curious. The large eyes are glossy and placed close enough to look sweet. The nose is centered above the muzzle, while the cheeks are softly shaded with peach yarn.

• Use brown yarn to outline the nose if using a plastic nose.
• Use tan-brown yarn to add tiny short stitches under each eye for warmth.
• Use pale peach yarn to make 3 very short horizontal stitches on each cheek.
• Use cream yarn to add one highlight stitch beside each eye if desired.
• Keep all embroidery shallow so the face remains soft and knitted, not stiff.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew the head to the body with the face tilted slightly downward, matching the gentle photographed pose.
2. Attach the legs to the lower body, then sew sandals onto the feet.
3. Place the green underskirt first, then the cream floral skirt, then the bodice.
4. Fit the cardigan over the shoulders and tack the side seams lightly under the arms.
5. Sew the ears to the upper sides of the head before placing the bonnet.
6. Fit the bonnet so the ruffle frames the face evenly and the gathered back sits low behind the head.
7. Tie the ribbon bow under the chin and trim both ends neatly.
8. Place the purse strap diagonally across the body and secure the purse at the right hip.
9. Arrange the acorns, garden hat, and watering can around the doll for display.

Check the face last. Adjust the cheek panels, smooth the stuffing with your fingers, and add any final tiny embroidery stitches. The final expression should look soft, bright-eyed, and cottage-inspired, with the bonnet ruffle forming a white frame around the chipmunk’s round face.

Care Notes

• Spot clean gently with cool water and a mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, ribbon, or button details are used.
• Let the doll air dry completely on a towel.
• Reshape the bonnet ruffle and skirt while damp.
• Keep away from rough play if made as a display piece.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round, firm, and larger than the body.
• The cream cheek panels curve up toward the eyes.
• The brown forehead stripes are centered and vertical.
• The olive cardigan is open in front.
• The floral dress has blue flowers scattered across the cream skirt.
• The green underskirt shows below the cream skirt.
• The bonnet ruffle frames the whole face evenly.
• The ribbon bow sits under the chin.
• The purse crosses from shoulder to hip.
• The sandals, acorns, hat, and watering can are finished and placed with the doll.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the chipmunk in a dry place away from direct sunlight so the cream bonnet, floral dress, and olive cardigan keep their colors. If dust gathers on the lace ruffle or skirt, use a soft dry brush and move gently with the direction of the stitches.

For long-term display, support the doll under the skirt so the legs and sandals do not carry all the weight. Keep the acorns, hat, purse, and watering can in a small labeled pouch when not displayed, because these tiny accessories are easy to misplace.