Crochet Tutorial: Garden Ant in Vegetable-Pocket Overalls with Sunflower Headpiece and Pea Pod Satchel – Free Crochet Pattern.

This cheerful garden ant features an oversized rust-orange head, curved antennae, expressive oval eyes, a softly smiling face, long brown arms and legs, and blue overalls decorated with fresh green stripes. The front pocket holds colorful crocheted vegetables, while a sunflower headpiece, pea pod satchel, flower-trimmed sandals, straw garden hat, watering can, trowel, and hand fork complete the gardening scene.

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

Using the recommended yarn and hook, the seated garden ant measures approximately 19 inches tall from the soles to the tips of the antennae. The body without the antennae measures approximately 16 inches tall. Finished size may vary slightly depending on yarn tension, stuffing firmness, and hook choice.

Skill Level

This pattern is suitable for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters. The main pieces use single crochet, increases, invisible decreases, simple color changes, oval construction, small appliqués, and basic sewing. Some accessories contain small pieces, so take your time and count every stitch carefully.

Materials

• Light worsted or DK-weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in rust orange for the head, neck, and body
• Dark chocolate-brown yarn for the arms, hands, legs, feet, and sandal uppers
• Medium blue yarn for the overalls, bib, skirt, and vegetable pocket
• Bright leaf-green yarn for stripes, straps, leaves, and accessory details
• Light pea-green yarn for the satchel, peas, watering can, and foliage
• Golden-yellow yarn for sunflower petals, vegetable details, and small flowers
• Dark brown yarn for the sunflower center and facial embroidery
• White yarn for the eye whites
• Black yarn for pupils, ladybug details, and small facial accents
• Red yarn for the beet, ladybug body, and flower details
• Carrot-orange yarn for the carrot appliqué
• Beige or straw-colored yarn for the sun hat and sandal soles
• Light gray yarn for the trowel, fork, and watering-can nozzle
• Soft pink and peach yarn for decorative flowers
• Two 12 mm black safety eyes
• Two small beige wooden or plastic buttons approximately 12 mm wide
• Polyester fiberfill
• 3.25 mm crochet hook
• 2.5 mm crochet hook for small flowers and vegetable details
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• Sewing pins
• Scissors
• Optional chenille stems for display-only antennae

Gauge

Gauge is approximately 20 single crochet stitches and 20 rounds per 4 inches. Exact gauge is less important than producing a dense fabric that prevents stuffing from showing. Change to a smaller hook if gaps appear between stitches.

US Crochet Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring
• ch: Chain
• sl st: Slip stitch
• sc: Single crochet
• hdc: Half double crochet
• dc: Double crochet
• inc: Work 2 single crochet stitches in one stitch
• dec: Invisible single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches
• BLO: Back loop only
• FLO: Front loop only
• st or sts: Stitch or stitches
• rnd or rnds: Round or rounds
• FO: Fasten off

Important Pattern Notes

• Work the head, body, limbs, antennae, peas, and watering-can body in continuous spiral rounds unless instructed otherwise.
• Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round.
• Numbers in parentheses show the stitch count at the end of the round or row.
• Stuff the head and body firmly, but do not stretch the stitches.
• Stuff the arms and legs lightly so they remain flexible and hang naturally.
• Make all facial placements with pins before sewing permanently.
• For a child-safe toy, embroider the pupils and omit all internal wire.

Large Rust-Orange Head

The head is intentionally oversized and softly oval. Keep the increase area centered and distribute stuffing evenly so the lower face remains rounded rather than pointed.

1. Rnd 1: With rust orange, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: Repeat 3 sc, inc around. (30)
6. Rnd 6: Repeat 4 sc, inc around. (36)
7. Rnd 7: Repeat 5 sc, inc around. (42)
8. Rnd 8: Repeat 6 sc, inc around. (48)
9. Rnd 9: Repeat 7 sc, inc around. (54)
10. Rnd 10: Repeat 8 sc, inc around. (60)
11. Rnd 11: Repeat 9 sc, inc around. (66)
12. Rnds 12-24: Sc in each st around. (66)
13. Rnd 25: Repeat 9 sc, dec around. (60)
14. Rnd 26: Repeat 8 sc, dec around. (54)
15. Rnd 27: Repeat 7 sc, dec around. (48)
16. Rnd 28: Repeat 6 sc, dec around. (42)
17. Rnd 29: Repeat 5 sc, dec around. (36)
18. Rnd 30: Repeat 4 sc, dec around. (30)
19. Rnd 31: Repeat 3 sc, dec around. (24)
20. Rnd 32: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. (18)

📌Thank you for reading the article

Begin stuffing after Round 25. Push small amounts of fiberfill toward the outer edges, especially around the cheeks. Leave a small opening at the bottom for attaching the neck. FO with a long sewing tail.

White Oval Eyes

Make two. The eyes are slightly irregular and should be positioned with a playful outward tilt.

1. Rnd 1: With white, ch 6. Starting in the second ch from the hook, sc in the next 4 ch, work 3 sc in the last ch, continue along the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in the next 3 ch, and inc in the final ch. (12)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in the first st, sc in the next 3 sts, inc in each of the next 3 sts, sc in the next 3 sts, and inc in each of the final 2 sts. (18)
3. Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (18)

FO with a long tail. Insert one 12 mm safety eye through each white eye piece, placing the pupil slightly below center. Do not attach the safety-eye washers until the eye position has been checked against the head.

Place the eye whites across Head Rounds 14-21. Leave approximately two visible orange stitches between the inner edges. Tilt the left eye slightly toward the left and the right eye slightly toward the right. Secure the safety eyes and sew the white edges flat.

Smiling Mouth

Thread a long strand of dark brown yarn onto the yarn needle. Begin near Head Round 22, approximately 12 stitches left of the facial center. Form a shallow curved smile that ends approximately 12 stitches right of center near Round 22.

Anchor the lowest point of the smile around Round 25. Use several small couching stitches to hold the curve smoothly against the face. Keep the mouth thin, gentle, and symmetrical.

Curved Antennae

Make two in rust orange. One antenna should curve outward to the left and the other should rise more vertically before bending slightly outward.

1. Rnd 1: Work 5 sc in an MR. (5)
2. Rnds 2-23: Sc in each st around. (5)
3. Rnd 24: Dec, sc in the next 3 sts. (4)
4. Rnd 25: Sc in each st around. (4)

FO with a long tail. Do not add normal stuffing. Instead, feed several folded strands of rust-orange yarn into each tube to give it gentle structure.

For a display figure, a chenille stem may be inserted before closing. Fold both stem ends inward so no sharp tip touches the crochet fabric. Omit wire completely when making the ant for a young child.

Sew the antennae to the top of the head between Rounds 4 and 7. Space the bases approximately 16 stitches apart. Angle the left antenna about 25 degrees outward and the right antenna about 10 degrees outward.

Neck and Body

The narrow orange neck supports the large head, while the lower body remains hidden beneath the striped overall dress.

1. Rnd 1: With rust orange, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. (18)
4. Rnds 4-10: Sc in each st around. (18)
5. Rnd 11: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. (24)
6. Rnd 12: Repeat 3 sc, inc around. (30)
7. Rnds 13-22: Sc in each st around. (30)
8. Rnd 23: Repeat 4 sc, inc around. (36)
9. Rnds 24-31: Sc in each st around. (36)
10. Rnd 32: Repeat 4 sc, dec around. (30)
11. Rnd 33: Repeat 3 sc, dec around. (24)
12. Rnd 34: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. (18)
13. Rnd 35: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. (12)
14. Rnd 36: Dec around. (6)

Stuff the neck very firmly so the head will not droop. Stuff the upper body firmly and the lower body moderately. Close the final opening and weave in the tail.

Long Brown Arms and Three-Fingered Hands

Make two identical arms. Each hand is formed from three narrow fingers joined into a small palm.

Fingers for One Hand

Make three fingers in dark chocolate brown.

• Short Finger One: Work 5 sc in an MR. Crochet 4 additional rounds of 5 sc. FO.
• Middle Finger: Work 5 sc in an MR. Crochet 5 additional rounds of 5 sc. FO.
• Short Finger Two: Work 5 sc in an MR. Crochet 4 additional rounds of 5 sc. Do not fasten off.

Joining the Fingers and Crocheting the Arm

1. Palm Rnd 1: Using the working yarn from Short Finger Two, sc through all 5 sts of that finger, all 5 sts of the middle finger, and all 5 sts of Short Finger One. (15)
2. Palm Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. Close any small spaces between the fingers with the starting yarn tails. (15)
3. Rnd 3: Repeat 3 sc, dec around. (12)
4. Rnd 4: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. (8)
5. Rnds 5-34: Sc in each st around. (8)

Add a small amount of stuffing to the palm and the first four arm rounds. Leave the remaining arm almost unstuffed so it hangs naturally. Flatten the shoulder opening and crochet 4 sc through both layers. FO with a long sewing tail.

Repeat all finger and arm instructions for the second arm.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Long Brown Legs and Rounded Feet

Make two. The feet are crocheted directly into the legs and are shaped with decreases placed across the top of the foot.

1. Rnd 1: With dark chocolate brown, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. (18)
4. Rnds 4-6: Sc in each st around. (18)
5. Rnd 7: Sc in the next 6 sts, dec 3 times, sc in the final 6 sts. (15)
6. Rnd 8: Sc in the next 5 sts, dec 3 times, sc in the final 4 sts. (12)
7. Rnds 9-11: Sc in each st around. (12)
8. Rnd 12: Repeat 4 sc, dec twice. (10)
9. Rnds 13-44: Sc in each st around. (10)

Stuff the foot firmly enough to keep its rounded shape. Add light stuffing through the ankle and lower leg. Leave the upper half of the leg lightly stuffed so the doll can sit with its legs hanging.

Flatten the upper opening and crochet 5 sc through both layers. FO with a long sewing tail. Repeat for the second leg.

Blue and Green Striped Overall Dress

The garment is constructed from the lower edge upward. It has a wide skirt, alternating green garden stripes, a fitted waist, a rectangular bib, shoulder straps, and two beige buttons.

Striped Skirt

With blue, ch 60 loosely. Join with a sl st without twisting the chain.

1. Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in each ch around, join with a sl st. (60)
2. Rnd 2: With blue, sc in each st around. (60)
3. Rnd 3: Change to leaf green and sc around. (60)
4. Rnd 4: Change to blue and sc around. (60)
5. Rnd 5: Change to leaf green and sc around. (60)
6. Rnds 6-7: Change to blue and sc around. (60)
7. Rnd 8: Change to leaf green and sc around. (60)
8. Rnd 9: Change to blue and sc around. (60)
9. Rnd 10: Change to leaf green and sc around. (60)
10. Rnds 11-13: Change to blue and sc around. (60)
11. Rnd 14: With blue, repeat 8 sc, dec around. (54)
12. Rnd 15: Change to leaf green and sc around. (54)
13. Rnd 16: Change to blue and sc around. (54)
14. Rnd 17: Change to leaf green and sc around. (54)
15. Rnd 18: Change to blue and sc around. (54)
16. Rnd 19: Repeat 7 sc, dec around. (48)
17. Rnd 20: With blue, sc around. (48)
18. Rnd 21: Change to leaf green and sc around. (48)
19. Rnd 22: With leaf green, repeat 6 sc, dec around. (42)
20. Rnd 23: Sc around. (42)
21. Rnd 24: Change to blue and sc around. (42)
22. Rnd 25: Repeat 5 sc, dec around. (36)
23. Rnd 26: Sc in BLO around to form the waistband fold. (36)
24. Rnd 27: Sc in each st around. (36)

FO and weave in the ends. Place the joining seam at the center back when dressing the ant.

Front Bib

Lay the skirt flat with the back seam centered. Mark the middle 20 stitches across the front waistband. Attach blue yarn to the first marked stitch.

1. Row 1: Sc across the 20 marked sts. Ch 1 and turn. (20)
2. Row 2: Dec, sc in the next 16 sts, dec. Ch 1 and turn. (18)
3. Row 3: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (18)
4. Row 4: Dec, sc in the next 14 sts, dec. Ch 1 and turn. (16)
5. Rows 5-12: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn after Rows 5-11. (16)

FO and weave in the tail. Work one row of evenly spaced sc around the side and top edges of the bib for a neat finish.

Shoulder Straps

Make two in blue.

1. Row 1: Ch 31. Starting in the second ch from the hook, sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (30)
2. Rows 2-3: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn after Row 2. (30)

FO with a long tail. Sew one end of each strap to the back waistband. Position the strap ends 7 stitches apart. Bring the straps over the shoulders and sew them to the upper corners of the bib.

Sew one beige button to the front of each strap, approximately two rows below the bib’s top edge. The buttons are decorative, so stitch them securely through the bib and strap layers.

Large Vegetable Pocket

The pocket is blue and occupies most of the lower front of the overall dress.

1. Row 1: With blue, ch 25. Starting in the second ch from the hook, sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (24)
2. Rows 2-9: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn after Rows 2-8. (24)
3. Border: Work sc evenly down the first side, across the foundation edge, and up the opposite side. Leave the top edge open.

📌Thank you for reading the article

FO with a long sewing tail. Center the pocket on the blue section of the skirt. Position its bottom edge approximately four rounds above the lowest green stripe. Sew the sides and bottom securely while leaving the upper edge open.

Yellow Root Vegetable

1. Row 1: With golden yellow, ch 6. Starting in the second ch, sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (5)
2. Row 2: Dec, sc in the next st, dec. Ch 1 and turn. (3)
3. Row 3: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (3)
4. Row 4: Dec, sc in the final st. Ch 1 and turn. (2)
5. Row 5: Dec. (1)

FO with a sewing tail. With green, attach at the wide top edge, ch 5, sl st back down the chain, and sl st into the top edge. Repeat twice more to make three leaves.

Red Beet

1. Rnd 1: With red, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. (12)

Flatten the piece rather than stuffing it. FO with a sewing tail. Add three green leaves by chaining 5, slip stitching back down each chain, and anchoring each leaf to the top of the beet.

Orange Carrot

1. Row 1: With carrot orange, ch 8. Starting in the second ch, sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (7)
2. Row 2: Dec, sc in the next 3 sts, dec. Ch 1 and turn. (5)
3. Row 3: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (5)
4. Row 4: Dec, sc in the next st, dec. Ch 1 and turn. (3)
5. Row 5: Dec, sc in the final st. Ch 1 and turn. (2)
6. Row 6: Dec. (1)

FO with a sewing tail. Add three green leafy chains at the wide top edge. Sew the yellow root, beet, and carrot across the pocket front, leaving approximately three stitches between the vegetables.

Pea Pod Crossbody Satchel

The satchel hangs vertically at the ant’s right hip. Its light-green body displays three raised peas, while a narrow green strap crosses from the left shoulder to the right side.

Back Pod Panel

1. Row 1: With leaf green, ch 5. Starting in the second ch, sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (4)
2. Row 2: Inc, sc in the next 2 sts, inc. Ch 1 and turn. (6)
3. Row 3: Inc, sc in the next 4 sts, inc. Ch 1 and turn. (8)
4. Rows 4-16: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn after Rows 4-15. (8)
5. Row 17: Dec, sc in the next 4 sts, dec. Ch 1 and turn. (6)
6. Row 18: Dec, sc in the next 2 sts, dec. (4)

FO and weave in the tail.

Front Pod Panel

Repeat Rows 1-18 of the back panel. Do not fasten off after Row 18.

Place both panels together. Sc evenly around both layers, inserting a small amount of stuffing before closing the final side. Keep the pod flat and elongated rather than round. FO and weave in the tail.

Raised Peas

Make three with light pea-green yarn.

1. Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (12)
4. Rnd 4: Dec around. (6)

Add a tiny amount of stuffing. Close the opening and retain a sewing tail. Sew the peas vertically down the front of the pod, spacing them approximately two rows apart.

Pod Edge Leaves

With darker green, attach yarn beside the top pea. Ch 7, starting in the second ch work sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, and sc. Sl st back into the pod edge. Repeat at the lower side to create a second pointed pod leaf.

Crossbody Strap

1. Row 1: With leaf green, ch 91. Starting in the second ch, sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (90)
2. Row 2: Sl st loosely across all 90 sts. (90)

FO with a long tail at each end. Sew one strap end to the upper tip of the pod and the other to the opposite upper edge. Place the satchel across the ant after the overalls are fitted.

Sunflower Headpiece

Sunflower Center

1. Rnd 1: With dark brown, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: Working in BLO, sc in each st around. (12)

FO and weave in the tail. The unused front loops form a textured ring around the center.

Sunflower Petals

Attach golden-yellow yarn to any stitch of Round 2. Work the following petal in each of the 12 stitches: ch 4, sl st in the second ch from the hook, sc in the next ch, hdc in the final ch, and sl st into the same center stitch.

Repeat until 12 petals surround the center. FO and weave in the ends.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Green Leaves

Make three. With green, ch 7. Starting in the second ch, work sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, and sc. FO with a sewing tail.

Arrange two leaves behind the sunflower and one leaf extending toward the right. Sew the flower to the upper-right side of the head between Head Rounds 5 and 11. Keep the flower slightly angled forward.

Flower-Trimmed Garden Sandals

Make two sandals. Each sandal uses two beige sole layers, a dark-brown toe band, a heel strap, and one small flower.

Beige Sole Layers

Make four identical sole pieces.

1. Rnd 1: With beige, ch 8. Starting in the second ch, sc in the next 6 ch, work 4 sc in the final ch, continue along the opposite side, sc in the next 5 ch, and work 3 sc in the final ch. (18)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in the first st, sc in the next 5 sts, inc in each of the next 4 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, and inc in each of the final 3 sts. (26)
3. Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (26)

FO and weave in the tail. Place two sole layers together and sc through both layers around the edge using beige. Repeat for the second sandal.

Dark-Brown Toe Band

Make two.

1. Row 1: With dark brown, ch 13. Starting in the second ch, sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (12)
2. Rows 2-4: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn after Rows 2-3. (12)

FO with long tails. Place each band over the front third of a sole. Sew both short ends to the sides of the sole, leaving enough space for the crocheted foot.

Heel and Ankle Strap

For each sandal, ch 19 with dark brown. Starting in the second ch, sc across. (18) FO with long tails.

Sew one end to the left rear side of the sole. Curve the strap around the heel and sew the opposite end to the right rear side. Add a small vertical joining strap from the toe band to the ankle strap using a chain of 8 with 7 sc worked back across.

Small Sandal Flowers

Make one peach flower and one pink flower. With the 2.5 mm hook, work 5 sc in an MR. In each stitch work sl st, ch 3, 2 hdc, ch 3, and sl st in the same stitch. Repeat for five petals.

Add a small yellow French knot at the center. Sew one flower near the outer side of each toe band.

Straw Garden Hat

The removable straw hat has a rounded crown, broad brim, green leafy band, and several small flowers.

1. Rnd 1: With beige, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: Repeat 3 sc, inc around. (30)
6. Rnd 6: Repeat 4 sc, inc around. (36)
7. Rnd 7: Repeat 5 sc, inc around. (42)
8. Rnd 8: Repeat 6 sc, inc around. (48)
9. Rnd 9: Repeat 7 sc, inc around. (54)
10. Rnd 10: Repeat 8 sc, inc around. (60)
11. Rnd 11: Sc in BLO around. (60)
12. Rnds 12-20: Sc in each st around. (60)
13. Rnd 21: Working in FLO, repeat 9 sc, inc around. (66)
14. Rnd 22: Repeat 10 sc, inc around. (72)
15. Rnd 23: Repeat 11 sc, inc around. (78)
16. Rnd 24: Repeat 12 sc, inc around. (84)
17. Rnd 25: Repeat 13 sc, inc around. (90)
18. Rnd 26: Sc in each st around. (90)

FO and weave in the tail. Block the brim flat with light steam held above the fabric. Do not press the iron directly against the yarn.

Hat Vine

With green, ch 65 and sl st back across all chains. Wrap the vine around the crown just above the brim and sew it in place.

Add four leaves using the same ch-7 leaf instructions from the sunflower section. Make three small five-petal flowers in peach, pink, and yellow. Sew the flowers and leaves together on the left-front side of the hat band.

Green Watering Can

Main Can Body

1. Rnd 1: With light green, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: Repeat 2 sc, inc around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: Repeat 3 sc, inc around. (30)
6. Rnd 6: Sc in BLO around. (30)
7. Rnds 7-14: Sc in each st around. (30)
8. Rnd 15: Repeat 3 sc, dec around. (24)
9. Rnd 16: Sc in BLO around. (24)
10. Rnds 17-18: Sc around. (24)
11. Rnd 19: Repeat 2 sc, dec around. (18)
12. Rnd 20: Repeat 1 sc, dec around. (12)
13. Rnd 21: Dec around. (6)

Stuff firmly before closing. FO and weave in the tail.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Top Filling Opening

1. Rnd 1: With green, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: Sc in BLO around. (12)
4. Rnds 4-5: Sc around. (12)

FO with a sewing tail. Sew the cylinder to the top center of the watering can. Embroider a dark-green circle inside the upper edge to suggest an open filling hole.

Watering-Can Spout

1. Rnd 1: With green, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnds 2-7: Sc around. (6)
3. Rnd 8: Inc in each st around. (12)
4. Rnds 9-11: Sc around. (12)

Stuff very lightly. FO with a sewing tail. Sew the narrow end to the lower side of the can at an upward angle of approximately 30 degrees.

Gray Sprinkler Nozzle

1. Rnd 1: With light gray, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: Repeat 1 sc, inc around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: Sc in BLO around. (18)

FO with a sewing tail. Lightly cup the piece and sew it over the wide end of the spout. Add six tiny black or dark-gray embroidered dots to the nozzle face.

Watering-Can Handle

1. Row 1: With green, ch 29. Starting in the second ch, sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (28)
2. Row 2: Sc across. (28)

FO with long tails. Sew the ends to opposite upper sides of the can, forming a rounded arch.

Ladybug Decoration

With red, ch 5. Starting in the second ch, sc in the next 3 ch, work 3 sc in the last ch, sc in the next 2 ch along the opposite side, and inc in the final ch. (10)

FO with a sewing tail. Embroider a black center line and four black spots. Make the head with 4 sc in a black MR. Sew the head to one short end of the body, then sew the ladybug to the side of the watering can.

Garden Trowel

Brown Handle

1. Rnd 1: With dark brown, work 6 sc in an MR. (6)
2. Rnds 2-14: Sc around. (6)

FO with a sewing tail. Insert several folded yarn strands to keep the handle straight.

Gray Trowel Blade

1. Row 1: With gray, ch 3. Starting in the second ch, sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (2)
2. Row 2: Inc in each st. Ch 1 and turn. (4)
3. Row 3: Inc, sc in the next 2 sts, inc. Ch 1 and turn. (6)
4. Rows 4-7: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn after Rows 4-6. (6)
5. Row 8: Dec, sc in the next 2 sts, dec. Ch 1 and turn. (4)
6. Row 9: Dec twice. (2)

FO with a sewing tail. Fold the blade slightly lengthwise and sew its narrow upper end to the brown handle.

Three-Pronged Hand Fork

Fork Handle

Repeat the trowel-handle instructions in dark brown.

Gray Fork Base

1. Row 1: With gray, ch 9. Starting in the second ch, sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (8)
2. Rows 2-4: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn after Rows 2-3. (8)

Do not fasten off after Row 4.

Fork Prongs

Ch 7, starting in the second ch sl st back across 6 chains, and sl st into the first two stitches of the fork base. Repeat this sequence two more times to create three narrow prongs.

FO with a sewing tail. Sew the solid edge of the fork base to the brown handle. Shape the prongs with your fingers so they point slightly outward.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Position the body beneath the head so the neck enters the 18-stitch opening. Sew twice around the opening with rust-orange yarn.
2. Sew the arms to the body between Body Rounds 13 and 16. Angle each arm approximately 10 degrees downward.
3. Sew the legs to the lower body between Body Rounds 28 and 31. Leave approximately 8 stitches between their inner edges.
4. Dress the ant in the striped overalls and adjust the back seam to the center.
5. Secure the bib straps and buttons, then place the pea pod strap diagonally across the chest.
6. Slide the sandals onto the feet. Add a few hidden stitches through each heel strap to keep them in place.
7. Recheck the eyes, smile, antennae, and sunflower from the front and both side views.
8. Use dark brown yarn to add a tiny stitch beneath each eye if extra expression is desired.
9. Arrange the straw hat, watering can, trowel, and hand fork beside the finished ant for the complete garden display.

Care Notes

Keep the finished ant away from direct heat, strong sunlight, damp storage areas, and rough surfaces. Safety eyes, buttons, and small appliqués should be inspected regularly. This decorative design contains small components and should not be given to children under three without suitable safety modifications.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both eyes are firmly attached and evenly sewn.
• The neck is stuffed firmly enough to support the large head.
• The antennae are secure and curve in opposite directions.
• The arms and legs hang evenly when the ant is seated.
• The skirt stripes meet neatly at the center-back seam.
• The vegetable pocket remains open along its upper edge.
• All three peas are firmly sewn to the satchel.
• The sandal straps fit securely around the feet.
• The watering-can handle and spout are reinforced.
• All loose yarn ends have been woven in or hidden inside the pieces.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For light dust, use a soft clean brush or a low-suction fabric attachment. Spot-clean marks with cool water and a small amount of mild soap. Dab gently without rubbing the stitches or soaking the stuffing.

After cleaning, press the area between dry towels and reshape the piece by hand. Allow it to air-dry completely on a flat surface. Do not tumble-dry, bleach, twist, iron directly, or store the ant while damp.

For long-term storage, wrap the ant loosely in clean acid-free tissue or place it in a breathable cotton bag. Store the accessories beside the doll rather than pressing them against the face, antennae, flowers, or hat brim.