Knitting Tutorial: Garden Spaniel in Floral Fair Isle Vest with Green Pants – Free Knitting Pattern.

This garden spaniel knitting pattern creates a seated black-and-white puppy with long curly ears, shiny eyes, a floral rose crown, red collar with a gold tag, floral Fair Isle vest, soft green cuffed pants, cream garden shoes, a woven basket bag, ladybug charm, tiny hat, patterned mug, and miniature garden trowel.

 

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 detailed knitted art doll worked mostly in the round. The spaniel is shaped with firm stuffing, color-blocked facial markings, separate floppy ears, fitted clothing, and small garden accessories. The finished puppy is designed to sit upright on a shelf, bench, or display table.

The sample uses fingering to sport weight yarn and small needles to make a dense fabric. A tight gauge is important because the head, muzzle, limbs, shoes, pants, and vest need to hold rounded shapes without showing stuffing through the stitches.

• Finished seated height: about 11 in / 28 cm from shoes to flower crown.
• Finished standing length: about 14 in / 35.5 cm if measured from shoes to top of head before posing.
• Skill level: adventurous beginner to intermediate.
• Main construction: knitted in the round on DPNs or magic loop, with small flat pieces for trims and accessories.
• Style goal: a soft garden spaniel doll with a handmade heirloom look, matching the image’s outfit and accessories.

Materials

• Yarn A, cream white: body, muzzle, arms, shoe tops, facial blaze, about 75 g.
• Yarn B, black: head patches, ears, side face, about 45 g.
• Yarn C, soft olive green: pants, vest ribbing, leaf details, about 35 g.
• Yarn D, oatmeal beige: vest background, basket, shoe soles, hat brim, about 35 g.
• Yarn E, dusty rose: flowers and vest floral motifs, about 12 g.
• Yarn F, muted terracotta: vest flowers, collar, mug pattern, trowel handle, about 15 g.
• Yarn G, moss green: vest leaves, flower crown leaves, trowel blade shading, about 12 g.
• Yarn H, tan brown: basket handles, shoe straps, hat feather accent, about 12 g.
• Yarn I, red: ladybug charm and apple, about 6 g.
• Yarn J, black embroidery yarn: mouth, ladybug dots, whisker anchors, about 2 g.
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs or circular for magic loop.
• Needles for tiny parts: US 1 / 2.25 mm DPNs for shoes, flowers, basket details, and mug.
• Safety eyes: two glossy black eyes, 12 mm.
• Safety nose: one glossy black oval nose, 14 to 16 mm wide.
• Gold tag: one small flat round charm, 10 to 12 mm, or knit substitute included below.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill, packed firmly in head, body, arms, legs, and muzzle.
• Other notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, removable markers, black sewing thread, white embroidery thread for whiskers, optional small tan beads for shoe studs, and pins for assembly.

Gauge

Gauge is measured in stockinette stitch after stuffing firmness is considered. A very tight fabric gives the doll a smooth rounded surface. Do not worry if your gauge is slightly different, but keep all yarn weights and needle sizes consistent across the doll.

• Main doll gauge: 30 sts and 42 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm on US 2 / 2.75 mm needles.
• Accessory gauge: 34 sts and 48 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm on US 1 / 2.25 mm needles.
• Firmness test: stuffing should not show between stitches when the head is squeezed lightly.

Abbreviations

• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• DPNs: double-pointed needles.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• st / sts: stitch / stitches.
• kfb: knit into front and back of the same stitch.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together.
• M1L: make 1 left-leaning increase.
• M1R: make 1 right-leaning increase.
• sl1: slip 1 stitch purlwise unless noted.
• PM: place marker.
• SM: slip marker.
• st st: stockinette stitch.

Important Construction Notes

The spaniel has a large rounded head, narrow neck, soft seated body, long white arms, rounded green pants, and small cream shoes. The face has a white center blaze and muzzle with black side patches. The ears are long, black, curly, and heavy, so they are sewn securely to the sides of the head.

• Work the doll body firmly but not stiffly. The spaniel should look plush and soft.
• Stuff the head more firmly than the clothing so the face stays round.
• Use duplicate stitch or intarsia-style color changes for the white facial blaze and black side markings.
• The vest is removable in appearance but is written as a fitted garment sewn at the shoulders and side seams.
• The pants are knitted separately and pulled onto the lower body before final leg posing.
• Accessories are small but important. Do not skip the flower crown, red collar, basket bag, ladybug charm, shoes, hat, mug, or trowel if you want the finished piece to match the image.

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Main Body

The body is pear-shaped and seated. It begins at the neck, widens through the belly, then narrows at the lower body where the pants sit. Use cream white because the arms and visible torso under the clothing are white.

Body Base

1. With Yarn A and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts. Join in the round, PM for beginning of rnd.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 9 to 14: k all sts for the upper chest.
11. Rnd 15: k8, kfb, k22, kfb, k8. 42 sts.
12. Rnd 16: k all sts.
13. Rnd 17: k9, kfb, k22, kfb, k9. 44 sts.
14. Rnd 18: k all sts.
15. Rnd 19: k10, kfb, k22, kfb, k10. 46 sts.
16. Rnds 20 to 30: k all sts, keeping the front smooth and rounded.
17. Rnd 31: k10, k2tog, k22, ssk, k10. 44 sts.
18. Rnd 32: k all sts.
19. Rnd 33: k9, k2tog, k22, ssk, k9. 42 sts.
20. Rnd 34: k all sts.
21. Rnd 35: repeat k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
22. Rnd 36: k all sts.
23. Rnd 37: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
24. Begin stuffing the chest and belly firmly. Shape the lower body into a soft seated oval.
25. Rnd 38: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
26. Rnd 39: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
27. Rnd 40: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
28. Rnd 41: k2tog around. 6 sts.
29. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

Head

The head is large and rounded with black sides, white front blaze, and a raised cream muzzle. Work the base head in cream, then add black side panels by duplicate stitch or by carrying colors carefully. The white blaze should remain wide at the forehead and continue down into the muzzle area.

Head Base

1. With Yarn A, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts.
13. Rnd 12: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnd 13: k all sts.
15. Rnd 14: repeat k6, kfb around. 64 sts.
16. Rnds 15 to 29: k all sts.
17. Rnd 30: repeat k6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
18. Rnd 31: k all sts.
19. Rnd 32: repeat k5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
20. Rnd 33: k all sts.
21. Rnd 34: repeat k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
22. Pause and mark the face. The front center 18 sts form the white blaze and muzzle area. The left and right side areas will be black.
23. Insert safety eyes between Rnds 21 and 22, about 12 sts apart, placing each eye just inside the black side patches.
24. Stuff the head firmly, shaping the cheeks round and the forehead smooth.
25. Rnd 35: repeat k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
26. Rnd 36: repeat k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
27. Rnd 37: repeat k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
28. Rnd 38: k2tog around. 8 sts.
29. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

Black Face Patches

The image shows black fur around both eyes and sides of the head, with a clean white blaze running down the center. Duplicate stitch is the neatest method because it lets you place the patches exactly after the head is stuffed.

1. Thread Yarn B onto a tapestry needle.
2. On the puppy’s right side, duplicate stitch from Rnd 15 to Rnd 31 over 15 sts wide at the widest point.
3. Shape the inner edge with a soft curve: 5 sts wide at Rnd 15, 9 sts wide at Rnd 18, 13 sts wide at Rnds 21 to 27, then taper to 7 sts wide by Rnd 31.
4. Repeat on the puppy’s left side, mirroring the curve.
5. Leave a white vertical blaze about 12 sts wide at the forehead, narrowing to about 8 sts above the muzzle.
6. Use small duplicate stitches around the eye edges so the eyes look set into glossy black patches.

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Muzzle

The muzzle is a rounded cream oval sewn onto the lower front of the head. It should project forward slightly and sit centered under the eyes. The black nose sits near the top front of the muzzle, with a simple embroidered mouth beneath it.

1. With Yarn A, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 7 to 12: k all sts.
9. Rnd 13: repeat k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
10. Rnd 14: repeat k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
11. Stuff lightly so the muzzle is rounded but not hard.
12. Rnd 15: k2tog around. 8 sts.
13. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed.
14. Sew the muzzle to the head from Rnd 23 to Rnd 33, centered on the white blaze.
15. Place the safety nose between muzzle Rnds 5 and 7, centered. If using a sew-on nose, attach it after sewing the muzzle.
16. With Yarn J, embroider a vertical line from the nose down 5 rows, then split into a small inverted Y mouth.
17. Add three short white whiskers on each side of the muzzle using white embroidery thread, keeping them fine and slightly curved.

Long Curly Spaniel Ears

The ears are the signature spaniel feature. They are black, long, heavy, and textured with loop stitches to imitate curly fur. Each ear hangs from the side of the head beside the flower crown and reaches below the muzzle line.

Loop Stitch Method

For each loop stitch, knit the stitch but wrap the working yarn around your thumb to form a loop about 1 in / 2.5 cm long before completing the stitch. On the next row or round, knit normally to lock the loop.

Make Two Ears

1. With Yarn B and US 2 needles, CO 14 sts. Work flat.
2. Row 1, RS: k all sts.
3. Row 2, WS: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k1, kfb, k10, kfb, k1. 16 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: k2, kfb, k10, kfb, k2. 18 sts.
7. Row 6: p all sts.
8. Row 7: work loop stitch in every st. 18 sts.
9. Row 8: p all sts.
10. Rows 9 to 34: repeat Rows 7 and 8 thirteen times.
11. Row 35: k2, ssk, k10, k2tog, k2. 16 sts.
12. Row 36: p all sts.
13. Row 37: work loop stitch in every st.
14. Row 38: p all sts.
15. Row 39: k2, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2. 14 sts.
16. Row 40: p all sts.
17. Row 41: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
18. Row 42: p all sts.
19. BO all sts loosely.
20. Fold the top edge slightly inward and sew it to the side of the head from Rnd 15 to Rnd 25.
21. Brush loops gently with fingers only. Do not comb hard, because the ear should look curly and bouncy.

Arms

The arms are long, cream white, and rounded at the paws. They hang naturally beside the vest and pants. The paws are simple, with no strong finger shaping, matching the soft toy style in the image.

Make Two Arms

1. With Yarn A, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k3, kfb around. 20 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 9: k all sts for the rounded paw.
7. Rnd 10: repeat k3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
8. Rnds 11 to 35: k all sts.
9. Stuff the paw firmly and the upper arm lightly.
10. Rnd 36: repeat k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
11. Rnds 37 to 39: k all sts.
12. BO, leaving a long tail.
13. Sew arms to the upper body at shoulder height, just under the vest armholes. Angle them downward so the paws rest beside the pants.

Legs

The legs are hidden partly inside the pants, but they must be shaped well so the puppy sits correctly. The lower legs point downward from the seated body, and the shoes are sewn onto the feet.

Make Two Legs

1. With Yarn A, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k4, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 11: k all sts for foot base.
7. Rnd 12: k6, k2tog four times, k10. 20 sts.
8. Rnd 13: k all sts.
9. Rnd 14: k5, k2tog three times, k9. 17 sts.
10. Rnds 15 to 35: k all sts for lower leg.
11. Stuff foot firmly and leg moderately.
12. Rnd 36: repeat k1, k2tog around to last 2 sts, k2. 12 sts.
13. BO, leaving a long tail.
14. Sew legs to lower front body, spaced 8 sts apart, angled forward in a seated position.

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Green Cuffed Pants

The pants are soft sage green with roomy thighs and ribbed rolled cuffs. They sit high on the belly and tuck under the vest. The image shows relaxed garden trousers with texture and volume, so the legs are slightly wider than the doll legs.

First Pant Leg

1. With Yarn C and US 2 needles, CO 28 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 6: repeat k2, p2 around for ribbed cuff.
3. Rnd 7: k all sts.
4. Rnd 8: repeat k6, kfb around. 32 sts.
5. Rnds 9 to 34: k all sts.
6. Place sts on holder.

Second Pant Leg

1. Work the second leg exactly as the first, but do not cut yarn after Rnd 34.
2. Join both legs: k32 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts for center front, k32 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts for center back. 72 sts.
3. Rnds 1 to 12 of pants body: k all sts.
4. Rnd 13: k16, k2tog, k34, ssk, k16. 70 sts.
5. Rnd 14: k all sts.
6. Rnd 15: k15, k2tog, k34, ssk, k15. 68 sts.
7. Rnd 16: k all sts.
8. Rnd 17: repeat k15, k2tog around. 64 sts.
9. Rnds 18 to 22: k all sts.
10. Rnds 23 to 28: repeat k2, p2 around for waistband.
11. BO loosely in rib.
12. Pull pants onto the doll before shoes are sewn on. Sew the waistband invisibly to the body at the back and sides only, leaving the front smooth.
13. Fold each cuff upward about 4 rows and tack at the inner ankle.

Floral Fair Isle Vest

The vest is oatmeal beige with olive ribbing and floral Fair Isle motifs. It has a V-neck, sleeveless armholes, ribbed hem, and a garden-flower pattern across the front. Work it flat from the bottom up, then seam the sides and shoulders.

Vest Back

1. With Yarn C, CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: repeat k2, p2 across for ribbed hem.
3. Switch to Yarn D.
4. Rows 7 to 10: work st st, knitting RS rows and purling WS rows.
5. Rows 11 to 18: work the floral border as follows on RS rows: k4 Yarn D, repeat k2 Yarn G, k3 Yarn D, k2 Yarn F, k3 Yarn D across to last 4 sts, k4 Yarn D. Purl WS rows in the colors as established.
6. Rows 19 to 26: work plain Yarn D.
7. Rows 27 to 34: work small leaf pattern: k6 Yarn D, repeat k1 Yarn G, k3 Yarn D, k1 Yarn E, k3 Yarn D across. Purl WS rows as established.
8. Rows 35 to 40: work plain Yarn D.
9. Armhole shaping Row 41: BO 3 sts, k to end. 41 sts.
10. Row 42: BO 3 sts, p to end. 38 sts.
11. Row 43: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 36 sts.
12. Row 44: p all sts.
13. Rows 45 to 58: work st st in Yarn D.
14. Shoulders and back neck: Row 59, k10, BO 16, k10.
15. Work each shoulder separately for 3 rows in st st.
16. BO shoulder sts.

Vest Front

1. With Yarn C, CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: repeat k2, p2 across.
3. Switch to Yarn D.
4. Rows 7 to 10: work st st.
5. Rows 11 to 16: work lower Fair Isle band: k3 Yarn D, repeat k2 Yarn F, k1 Yarn D, k2 Yarn G, k3 Yarn D across, ending with Yarn D.
6. Rows 17 to 20: work plain Yarn D.
7. Rows 21 to 32: create two large flower stems on the front. On RS rows, place Yarn G stems at sts 14 and 31. Add Yarn F flower heads over sts 10 to 17 and Yarn E flower heads over sts 27 to 34 on Rows 27 to 32. Purl WS rows in pattern.
8. Rows 33 to 36: work plain Yarn D.
9. Armhole shaping Row 37: BO 3 sts, k to end. 41 sts.
10. Row 38: BO 3 sts, p to end. 38 sts.
11. Begin V-neck Row 39: k17, k2tog, join a second ball, ssk, k17. 36 sts total.
12. Work both sides separately.
13. Left front neck shaping: on every RS row, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. At armhole edge, decrease 1 st on Rows 41 and 43. Continue until 10 shoulder sts remain.
14. Right front neck shaping: k1, ssk at neck edge on every RS row. At armhole edge, decrease 1 st on Rows 41 and 43. Continue until 10 shoulder sts remain.
15. Work even until front matches back length.
16. BO shoulders.

Vest Ribbed Edges

1. Sew shoulder seams.
2. With Yarn C, pick up 58 sts around the V-neck.
3. Work 4 rows of k1, p1 rib flat. At the center V on each RS row, work a centered double decrease to sharpen the neckline.
4. BO in rib.
5. Pick up 34 sts around each armhole with Yarn C.
6. Work 4 rnds of k1, p1 rib.
7. BO in rib.
8. Sew side seams. Dress the spaniel in the vest, placing the V-neck over the red collar area.

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Red Collar and Gold Tag

The collar is a narrow red band around the neck with a small gold round tag at the front. It sits above the V-neck vest and below the muzzle.

1. With Yarn F or red-toned Yarn I, CO 6 sts.
2. Work 42 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.
4. Wrap around the neck and sew the short ends together at the back.
5. For a knitted tag, use gold or mustard yarn and CO 6 sts. Knit 2 rows. Row 3: k2tog, k2, k2tog. Row 4: p4. Row 5: k2tog twice. Cut yarn and gather into a small round disc.
6. Sew the tag to the center front of the collar. A real flat charm may be used for a shiny finish.

Flower Crown

The flower crown sits across the top of the head in front of the ears. It has dusty pink roses, cream-pink buds, and small green leaves. Make the flowers compact so they look like a delicate garden headband rather than a large wreath.

Crown Base

1. With Yarn G and US 1 needles, CO 3 sts.
2. Knit an I-cord for 54 rows, or long enough to curve across the top front of the head from ear to ear.
3. BO and sew ends lightly behind the ears.

Large Rolled Roses, Make Three

1. With Yarn E or dusty rose, CO 24 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: repeat k1, kfb across. 36 sts.
5. BO loosely.
6. Roll the strip into a spiral rose and sew through the base to secure.

Small Buds, Make Four

1. With pale rose or cream-pink yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. BO loosely.
5. Roll tightly and sew the base closed.

Leaves, Make Ten

1. With Yarn G, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: k1, kfb, k1. 4 sts.
4. Row 3: k all sts.
5. Row 4: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
6. Row 5: k2tog. 1 st.
7. Cut yarn and fasten off.
8. Sew leaves between roses, angling them outward.

Cream Garden Shoes With Tan Soles

The shoes are cream with tan woven-style soles, ankle straps, and small bead-like accents. They should look like soft garden sandals over the white feet.

Make Two Soles

1. With Yarn D or H and US 1 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: k all sts.
5. Row 9: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 10 to 20: k all sts.
7. Row 21: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 22: k all sts.
9. Row 23: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO.

Shoe Upper

1. With Yarn A, pick up 28 sts around one sole.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: p all sts to create a turning ridge.
4. Rnds 3 to 5: k all sts.
5. Toe shaping Rnd 6: k7, k2tog six times, k9. 22 sts.
6. Rnd 7: k all sts.
7. Rnd 8: k6, k2tog four times, k8. 18 sts.
8. BO loosely.
9. Sew shoe to the bottom of the foot.
10. With Yarn H, knit a 3-st I-cord for 18 rows for the front strap. Sew across the toe.
11. Knit a second 3-st I-cord for 24 rows for the ankle strap. Wrap around the ankle and secure.
12. Add 5 small tan beads or French knots across each shoe strap to match the dotted trim in the image.

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Crossbody Strap and Ladybug Charm

The image shows a diagonal strap crossing the vest from the shoulder toward the basket bag. A small red-and-black ladybug charm hangs near the lower front.

1. With Yarn D, CO 3 sts and knit an I-cord for 88 rows.
2. Place the strap from the puppy’s left shoulder across the chest to the right hip. Adjust length before sewing.
3. Sew the upper end near the back shoulder seam and the lower end behind the basket bag.
4. For the ladybug body, with Yarn I, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
5. Rnd 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
6. Rnds 2 to 4: k all sts.
7. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 8 sts.
8. Stuff lightly, gather closed, and flatten slightly.
9. With Yarn J, embroider a center line and six small black dots.
10. Make a tiny black head by wrapping Yarn J around the top edge 6 times and securing.
11. Sew the ladybug to the crossbody strap at the lower front.

Woven Basket Bag

The basket bag is tan, rectangular, rounded at the bottom, and textured like woven straw. It hangs at the puppy’s side with brown handles. Small garden items, including a red apple and folded green cloth, peek out from the top.

Basket Body

1. With Yarn D and US 1 needles, CO 28 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: p all sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 18: work woven texture: repeat k2, p2 around for two rnds, then repeat p2, k2 around for two rnds. Continue alternating every two rnds.
5. Rnd 19: k all sts.
6. Rnd 20: p all sts.
7. BO loosely.
8. For the bottom, turn basket inside out and use mattress stitch to close the CO edge flat. Pinch the bottom corners and sew tiny triangular tucks to create rounded depth.

Basket Handles

1. With Yarn H, knit a 3-st I-cord for 22 rows. Make two.
2. Sew one handle to the front of the basket and one to the back.
3. Add two small beige or gold knots at each handle base to imitate rivets.

Apple and Folded Cloth

1. For the apple, with Yarn I, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 6: k all sts.
5. Rnd 7: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Stuff lightly. Rnd 8: k2tog around. 6 sts. Gather closed.
7. With Yarn H, embroider a tiny stem. With Yarn G, add one small leaf.
8. For folded cloth, with Yarn G, CO 10 sts. Work 8 rows st st. BO. Fold in half and sew one edge.
9. Place apple and cloth inside the basket so they show above the rim.

Small Brown Garden Hat

The hat rests beside the spaniel in the image. It has a rounded brown crown, a soft brim, and a small feather accent. This is an accessory for display and does not need to fit the head.

1. With taupe-brown Yarn H, CO 36 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 5: k all sts.
3. Rnd 6: p all sts for brim fold.
4. Rnds 7 to 12: k all sts.
5. Rnd 13: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 14: k all sts.
7. Rnd 15: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 16: k all sts.
9. Rnd 17: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
10. Rnd 18: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
11. Rnd 19: k2tog around. 6 sts.
12. Gather closed and stuff very lightly.
13. For the brim, with Yarn D, pick up 36 sts around Rnd 6.
14. Rnd 1: kfb around. 72 sts.
15. Rnds 2 to 4: k all sts.
16. BO loosely.
17. For the feather, with gray-green yarn, CO 8 sts. Row 1: k. Row 2: p. Row 3: ssk, k4, k2tog. Row 4: p. Row 5: ssk, k2, k2tog. Row 6: p. Row 7: k2tog twice. BO. Sew to side of hat.

Mini Patterned Mug

The tiny mug is cream with a small Fair Isle band, matching the cozy garden table scene. It is worked as a small cylinder with a handle.

1. With Yarn A and US 1 needles, CO 20 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 3: k all sts.
3. Rnd 4: with Yarn F, repeat k2 Yarn F, k2 Yarn A around.
4. Rnd 5: with Yarn G, repeat k1 Yarn G, k3 Yarn A around.
5. Rnd 6: with Yarn F, repeat k2 Yarn A, k2 Yarn F around.
6. Rnds 7 to 11: with Yarn A, k all sts.
7. Rnd 12: p all sts for rim.
8. BO loosely.
9. For bottom, with Yarn A, CO 6 sts, join, kfb around to 12 sts, then k one rnd. BO and sew to base.
10. For handle, knit a 3-st I-cord for 12 rows. Curve into a C shape and sew to side of mug.
11. Stuff lightly with a tiny scrap of cream yarn if you want the mug to hold its shape.

Mini Garden Trowel

The trowel is small, with a warm brown handle and pale gray blade. It lies beside the mug in the scene. Use firm knitting and minimal stuffing so it stays flat.

1. For the handle, with Yarn F, CO 6 sts and work flat in garter stitch for 18 rows.
2. Row 19: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
3. Row 20: k all sts.
4. BO.
5. For the blade, with pale gray yarn, CO 8 sts.
6. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts.
7. Row 5: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
8. Rows 6 to 10: k all sts.
9. Row 11: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. Row 12: k all sts.
11. Row 13: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
12. Row 14: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
13. Row 15: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
14. Row 16: k2tog. 1 st.
15. Fasten off and sew blade to handle.
16. Use a few straight stitches in darker gray down the center of the blade for shaping.

Facial Expression and Spaniel Details

The spaniel’s expression should be calm and gentle. The eyes are glossy, large, and slightly wide-set. The mouth is small and simple. Keep the muzzle smooth and rounded, with black side patches framing the face.

• Place eyes evenly before closing the head. They should sit above the muzzle, not too high on the forehead.
• The white blaze should divide the black face patches clearly from forehead to nose.
• The nose should sit centered on the upper muzzle, with the embroidered mouth directly below.
• The ears should begin high on the sides of the head and hang down past the lower cheek.
• The flower crown should rest just above the forehead, partly covering the top edge of the ears.

Putting the Outfit on the Doll

Dress the spaniel in layers. First attach the legs to the body, then slide the pants over the legs and lower body. Sew the pants at the waistband. Next place the vest over the torso and close the side seams if needed. Add collar, strap, and basket last.

1. Attach head to body with a strong ladder stitch, matching the front center of the head to the front center of the chest.
2. Sew around the neck twice for strength. The head is large and needs a stable join.
3. Attach arms after the vest is fitted, or leave the armholes open and sew arms through the vest openings.
4. Pull green pants into place and shape the seated legs so the knees bend over the edge of a bench or shelf.
5. Sew shoes onto feet after pants are positioned, making sure the cream toe sections face forward.
6. Add the red collar around the neck, then sew the gold tag at the center front.
7. Place the vest so the V-neck frames the collar and tag.
8. Sew the crossbody strap diagonally over the vest and attach the basket at the lower side.
9. Sew the ladybug charm on top of the strap near the lower chest.
10. Attach flower crown last so it is not crushed during assembly.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Head and neck: Sew the head securely to the body, slightly tilted forward for a sweet seated look. Use small stitches all the way around the neck. Add extra stitches at the back because the ears and flower crown add weight.

Ears: Pin both ears before sewing. The upper ear edge should begin beside the flower crown and end near the cheek. Sew the top edge strongly but let the lower ear hang freely with curly loop texture.

Face: Check that the muzzle is centered. Embroider the mouth after the nose is attached. Add whiskers last with fine thread so they stay delicate and visible against the cream muzzle.

Accessories: The basket should sit at the puppy’s right side, with the strap crossing the body. The small hat, mug, and trowel may be displayed beside the doll or lightly stitched to a fabric base if you want a permanent scene.

Care Notes

• Spot clean only with cool water and a soft cloth.
• Do not machine wash because the eyes, nose, flower crown, basket, and small accessories may loosen.
• Keep away from heavy moisture, direct sunlight, and rough handling.
• Reshape the ears gently with your fingers after storage.
• This finished doll is intended as decor, not as a toy for babies or pets.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round, firmly stuffed, and securely sewn to the body.
• The white blaze is centered between the black face patches.
• The muzzle is oval, raised, and placed below the eyes.
• The long black ears are curly, full, and hanging evenly.
• The rose crown includes pink flowers and small green leaves.
• The red collar and gold tag are visible above the vest.
• The vest has olive ribbing, V-neck shaping, and floral Fair Isle details.
• The green pants have roomy legs and folded ribbed cuffs.
• The cream shoes include tan soles, straps, and bead-like trim.
• The basket bag includes handles, apple, cloth, and woven texture.
• The crossbody strap and ladybug charm sit diagonally across the front.
• The hat, mug, and trowel are finished for the garden display scene.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the doll, dust it gently with a clean dry cloth or a soft makeup brush. Work around the flower crown, ears, and basket slowly so the small stitches do not stretch.

For light stains, dampen a white cloth with cool water and press gently. Avoid rubbing the Fair Isle vest, face patches, and loop-stitch ears. Let the doll air dry fully in a shaded place before storing.

Store the spaniel upright or wrapped loosely in acid-free tissue. Do not crush the ears, rose crown, basket handles, or shoes. Keep the small hat, mug, and trowel in a labeled pouch if they are not sewn to the display.

Check the collar tag, shoe beads, safety eyes, and basket handles occasionally. Tighten loose stitches with matching yarn and a tapestry needle. With gentle care, this garden spaniel can remain a charming handmade display piece for many seasons.