Knitting Tutorial: Hen in a Blue Floral Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted hen is styled like a collectible spring doll, complete with a blue floral cardigan, matching crossbody bag, blue-and-yellow sun hat, and flower sandals. The finished toy has the look of a handmade heirloom plush, perfect for nursery decor, seasonal display, gift giving, or anyone searching for a knitted animal doll, stuffed hen toy, handmade spring chicken, floral cardigan plush, or collectible soft sculpture. The design is built with clear shaping, small decorative details, and layered accessories so the final piece matches the image as closely as possible.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Materials

• Main body white/cream: about 65 to 80 g DK or light worsted yarn.
• Beak yellow/gold: about 15 g.
• Comb and wattles red: about 10 g.
• Legs pale peach/blush: about 15 g.
• Cardigan, bag, sandals, hat crown blue: about 70 to 90 g medium blue.
• Hat brim yellow: about 20 g.
• Embroidery colors: sunflower yellow, olive green, light green, brown, cream, white, tiny amounts of pink and coral.
• Pot: terracotta/rust and dark brown.
• Succulent: medium and light greens.
• Watering can: dusty beige, pale blue, yellow, green.
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm for most pieces and US 1 / 2.25 mm for very small accessories if preferred.
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop for small circumference knitting.
• Tapestry needle for sewing and duplicate stitch.
• Small black safety eyes 5 mm to 6 mm, or black beads, or embroidered French knots.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Thin cardboard or plastic canvas for sandal soles and hat brim support, optional.
• Four small wooden buttons for cardigan front.

Finished Size

The hen shown in the image is a seated decorative doll with a relatively long neck, rounded body, narrow dangling legs, and soft wings. Using DK yarn and a tight gauge, the finished hen measures approximately 10 to 11 inches tall seated, not including the comb, and about 12 inches tall to the top of the comb. The cardigan fits close to the body and finishes just below the rounded belly.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for a decorative toy, but consistency is very important. Aim for a firm fabric so stuffing does not show through.

• Stockinette in the round on US 2 / 2.75 mm: about 7.5 sts and 10 rows per inch.
• Flat stockinette on the same needles: about 7 sts and 10 rows per inch.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• m1L / m1R = make 1 left / right
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• rnd = round
• RS / WS = right side / wrong side
• rep = repeat

Design Notes

This pattern is written to create the exact overall silhouette shown in the image: a white hen with a long tubular neck, a rounded pear-shaped body, small tapered wings, slim legs, an oversized shaped beak, upright red comb, two red wattles, and a cardigan that sits slightly open across the front.

The cardigan is the visual focus of the design. It is knit separately, sewn closed at the shoulder line, then decorated with embroidered sunflower motifs, small scattered floral accents, and a little bird detail on the right front. The bag, sandals, and hat are essential to the finished look.

For the cleanest result, stuff all parts firmly but not hard. The neck must be stable enough to hold the head upright. The lower body should remain rounded and weighted-looking so the hen sits naturally.

Body

Body Base and Lower Belly

Using white, begin at the base of the body and knit in the round.

1. CO 12 sts. Divide evenly across needles. Join carefully. Rnd 1: k all.
2. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k all.
4. Rnd 4: (k1, kfb) around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: k all.
6. Rnd 6: (k2, kfb) around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: k all.
8. Rnd 8: (k3, kfb) around. 60 sts.
9. Rnd 9: k all.
10. Rnd 10: (k4, kfb) around. 72 sts.
11. Rnds 11 through 20: k all.

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The lower body should now be broad and gently rounded. This section forms the seated base and belly.

Body Midsection

1. Rnd 21: (k10, k2tog) around. 66 sts.
2. Rnd 22: k all.
3. Rnd 23: (k9, k2tog) around. 60 sts.
4. Rnds 24 through 28: k all.
5. Rnd 29: (k8, k2tog) around. 54 sts.
6. Rnd 30: k all.
7. Rnd 31: (k7, k2tog) around. 48 sts.
8. Rnds 32 through 36: k all.

Begin stuffing the bottom half firmly. Shape the stuffing so the front belly is full and rounded while the back stays slightly flatter for seated display.

Upper Body to Neck Join

1. Rnd 37: (k6, k2tog) around. 42 sts.
2. Rnd 38: k all.
3. Rnd 39: (k5, k2tog) around. 36 sts.
4. Rnds 40 through 42: k all.
5. Rnd 43: (k4, k2tog) around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 44: k all.
7. Rnd 45: (k3, k2tog) around. 24 sts.

Stuff the body very firmly now, especially the upper chest. The chest area supports the neck and the cardigan.

Neck and Head

The head and neck are worked continuously from the body for a smooth transition. This is important for the tall, elegant shape seen in the image.

Neck

1. Rnds 46 through 62: k all on 24 sts.

The neck should be long, straight, and slightly stuffed as you go. Add stuffing gradually and keep it even. Do not let the neck become lumpy.

Head Increase Section

1. Rnd 63: (k3, kfb) around. 30 sts.
2. Rnd 64: k all.
3. Rnd 65: (k4, kfb) around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 66: k all.
5. Rnd 67: (k5, kfb) around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 68: k all.
7. Rnd 69: (k6, kfb) around. 48 sts.
8. Rnds 70 through 80: k all.

Insert the eyes between Rnds 74 and 75, spaced about 10 sts apart on the front half of the head. In the image, the eyes are small, black, and set fairly high beside the beak.

Head Crown Shaping

1. Rnd 81: (k6, k2tog) around. 42 sts.
2. Rnd 82: k all.
3. Rnd 83: (k5, k2tog) around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 84: k all.
5. Rnd 85: (k4, k2tog) around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 86: k all.
7. Rnd 87: (k3, k2tog) around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 88: (k2, k2tog) around. 18 sts.
9. Rnd 89: (k1, k2tog) around. 12 sts.
10. Rnd 90: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Stuff the head firmly before the last few rounds. Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches, draw closed, and secure.

Beak

The beak in the image is large, soft, rounded, and slightly cone-shaped with visible decrease lines. Knit it separately in yellow and sew it centered on the face.

1. Using yellow, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all.
5. Rnd 4: (k1, kfb) around. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all.
7. Rnd 6: (k2, kfb) around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all.
9. Rnd 8: (k3, kfb) around. 30 sts.
10. Rnds 9 through 13: k all.
11. Rnd 14: (k3, k2tog) around. 24 sts.
12. Rnd 15: k all.
13. Rnd 16: (k2, k2tog) around. 18 sts.
14. Rnd 17: k all.
15. Rnd 18: (k1, k2tog) around. 12 sts.

Lightly stuff the beak. Flatten the open edge slightly into an oval. Sew the beak centered between the eyes, starting around neck-to-head transition level and angling slightly downward. Add a tiny horizontal stitch line under the beak opening if desired.

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Comb

The comb is bright red and stands upright in three soft scalloped points.

1. Using red, CO 18 sts flat.
2. Rows 1 through 4: starting with a purl row, work stockinette.
3. Row 5: (k4, k2tog) three times. 15 sts.
4. Row 6: p all.
5. Row 7: (k3, k2tog) three times. 12 sts.
6. Row 8: p all.
7. Row 9: (k2, k2tog) three times. 9 sts.
8. Row 10: p all.
9. Row 11: (k1, k2tog) three times. 6 sts.
10. Row 12: p all.
11. BO.

Fold lengthwise with RS outward, seam side edges, and lightly stuff. Pin into a standing zigzag shape with three humps and sew securely to the top center of the head. The tallest point should sit slightly toward the back, matching the image.

Wattles

Make 2 in red.

1. CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) around. 9 sts.
4. Rnds 3 through 7: k all.
5. Rnd 8: (k1, k2tog) around. 6 sts.
6. Rnd 9: k all.
7. BO, leaving a long tail.

Lightly stuff or leave soft. Sew beneath the beak so they hang side by side, with a slight outward curve.

Wings

Make 2 in white. The wings are slim, tapered, and sewn low on the shoulders so they angle downward naturally from the cardigan sleeves.

1. CO 24 sts flat.
2. Rows 1 through 4: stockinette, starting with purl row.
3. Row 5: k2tog, k20, ssk. 22 sts.
4. Row 6: p all.
5. Row 7: k2tog, k18, ssk. 20 sts.
6. Row 8: p all.
7. Continue in this manner, decreasing 1 st at each end of every RS row until 8 sts remain.
8. Next 2 rows: stockinette straight.
9. Next RS row: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
10. WS row: p all.
11. RS row: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
12. WS row: p all.
13. RS row: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
14. BO.

Make two identical pieces for each wing if you prefer a thicker wing, then seam and lightly stuff. For a flatter look closer to the image, use one piece only, fold slightly along the center, and sew directly to body.

Legs

Make 2 in pale peach. The legs are long, narrow tubes that dangle freely and fit into the blue sandals.

1. CO 10 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1 through 26: k all.
3. Rnd 27: (k3, k2tog) twice. 8 sts.
4. Rnds 28 through 30: k all.
5. BO.

Stuff only the upper 18 to 20 rounds lightly. Leave the lower end softer so it can bend into the sandal. Sew the upper ends to the underside of the body, spaced about 1 inch apart. Angle them forward slightly so the hen sits with the feet visible.

Cardigan

The cardigan is the signature garment and should fit close to the body with raglan shaping, deep V opening, long sleeves ending above the wing tips, and four wooden buttons. It is knit flat from the lower body upward in one piece to the underarms, then sleeves are added, and raglan decreases shape the shoulders.

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Body of Cardigan

Using blue, CO 62 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 4: k1, p1 rib, beginning and ending appropriately for flat knitting.
2. Row 5 RS: k all.
3. Continue in stockinette, keeping first 4 sts and last 4 sts in garter stitch for front bands.
4. Work until piece measures about 3 inches from cast-on edge, approximately 24 rows total.

Place markers as follows on next RS row: 10 sts front, 21 sts back, 10 sts front, leaving armhole edges to be split later. Another simple option is to divide exactly during seaming, but the following method gives a cleaner fit.

Separate for Underarms

1. Next RS row: work 14 sts for left front, BO 4 sts, work 26 sts for back, BO 4 sts, work 14 sts for right front.
2. Work each section separately for 2 rows.

Sleeves

Make 2 in blue.

1. CO 22 sts and join or work flat if preferred.
2. Rnds or rows 1 through 4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Continue in stockinette for 18 rows.
4. Increase on final row or round to 24 sts evenly.

If knitting flat, seam sleeves after completion. The sleeves in the image are softly rounded and slightly wide, not tight.

Join for Raglan Yoke

Arrange cardigan sections on one needle in this order: right front, sleeve 1, back, sleeve 2, left front. Place markers at each join.

Total stitch guide if using flat sleeves: 14 + 24 + 26 + 24 + 14 = 102 sts.

1. Next RS row: work across all pieces, knitting first and last 4 sts of fronts in garter for bands.
2. Next and every RS decrease row: work to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm, ssk; rep at all 4 raglan markers. Decrease 8 sts total on each RS decrease row.
3. Work WS rows as stitches appear, maintaining garter bands.
4. Repeat decrease row every other row 7 times total. 46 sts remain.

Neckline and Front Opening

1. Continue with separate neck shaping while maintaining raglan decreases if needed.
2. At each front edge, decrease 1 st inside garter band every 2nd RS row 4 times.
3. Work until yoke depth measures about 2.25 inches from underarm.
4. BO loosely all stitches.

Sew sleeve seams if needed. Sew underarm seams. Try cardigan on hen before adding buttons. The cardigan should overlap slightly at the front but remain somewhat open at the lower edge, just like the image.

Button Bands and Buttons

If your bands need more structure, pick up 1 stitch per row along each front and knit 4 rows garter. BO. Sew four wooden buttons evenly down the right front. On the left front, embroider matching button loops with strong thread, or simply sew the cardigan permanently into a styled overlap and attach buttons decoratively.

Cardigan Embroidery

The embroidery gives the cardigan its garden look. Use duplicate stitch, tiny chain stitches, satin stitches, or very small embroidered knit embellishment.

Sunflowers on Lower Front and Sleeves

• Each sunflower head uses a small brown center worked over 2 to 3 stitches.
• Add 6 to 8 yellow petals radiating around the center.
• Work green stems in straight stitch or duplicate stitch.
• Place two sunflower groups on the lower fronts and one small cluster on each sleeve.

Small Scattered Blossoms

• Use pink, coral, yellow, and cream for tiny accent flowers.
• Scatter tiny French-knot style flower dots around the upper fronts and near the shoulder line.
• Keep the motifs light and airy. Do not overfill the cardigan.

Little Bird Motif

On the wearer’s right side front, embroider a tiny side-facing bird in cream and brown with a yellow accent. The bird sits between floral stems and helps match the image more closely. Keep it no taller than 1 inch.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is soft blue with a long strap and a small flower on the flap.

Bag Body

1. Using blue, CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 through 26: stockinette, starting with purl row.
3. Rows 27 through 34: continue stockinette for flap extension.
4. Row 35 RS: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
5. Row 36: p all.
6. Row 37: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
7. Row 38: p all.
8. BO.

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Fold lower section upward so the flap remains free. Sew side seams.

Bag Strap

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Knit i-cord for 26 to 28 inches, or until the strap crosses from shoulder to opposite hip exactly like the image.
3. BO and sew each end securely to bag sides.

Flower on Bag

• Knit or embroider a tiny daisy with cream or pale mauve petals and a yellow center.
• Sew to lower flap corner.

Sun Hat

The hat has a rounded blue crown and a wide yellow brim edged in blue.

Blue Crown

1. Using blue, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all.
5. Rnd 4: (k1, kfb) around. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all.
7. Rnd 6: (k2, kfb) around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all.
9. Rnd 8: (k3, kfb) around. 30 sts.
10. Rnds 9 through 16: k all.
11. Rnd 17: (k3, k2tog) around. 24 sts.
12. Rnd 18: k all.

Do not close completely. Lightly stuff just enough to keep the dome shape. Leave live stitches or a long tail for sewing to brim.

Yellow Brim

1. Using yellow, CO 24 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: (k3, kfb) around. 30 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all.
5. Rnd 4: (k4, kfb) around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all.
7. Rnd 6: (k5, kfb) around. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all.
9. Rnd 8: (k6, kfb) around. 48 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all.
11. Rnd 10: (k7, kfb) around. 54 sts.
12. Rnds 11 through 14: k all.
13. Change to blue and knit 2 rounds.
14. BO loosely.

Sew crown to center opening of brim. If desired, insert a circle of lightweight plastic canvas in the brim before closing for structure.

Sandals

Make 2. The sandals are blue with open toes, ankle strap styling, and a daisy embellishment on top.

Sole

1. Using blue, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p all.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 through 12: stockinette.
7. Row 13 RS: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 14: p all.
9. Row 15 RS: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO.

Make 2 soles for each sandal if you want extra thickness. Insert thin cardboard between layers.

Upper Strap

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch.
3. BO.

Sew the strip across the front third of the sole, leaving the toe opening visible exactly as in the image.

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Ankle Strap

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. BO.

Sew around heel area and up the sides to form a soft sandal frame. Fit onto the knitted leg and tack in place.

Daisy for Sandals

• Make 2 small flowers with 5 white petals and yellow centers.
• Sew one to the front top of each sandal.

Flower Headband Detail

The hen has tiny flowers around the head at the base of the comb. Create three to five miniature blossoms in white, blue, peach, and pale green. Sew them asymmetrically around the top of the head, with the blue and white flower toward one side and the peach bloom toward the other, as shown.

Mini Watering Can

This tiny prop is optional, but it helps recreate the full scene.

Can Body

1. Using beige, CO 8 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3 through 8: k all.
5. Rnd 9: (k2, k2tog) around. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 10: k all.
7. BO.

Lightly stuff.

Spout

1. CO 4 sts and knit i-cord for 3 inches.
2. Sew to front at a slight upward angle.

Handle

1. CO 3 sts and knit i-cord for 2.5 inches.
2. Shape into an arch and sew to back.

Embroider a tiny blue flower with yellow center on the side.

Potted Succulent

Pot

1. Using terracotta, CO 8 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3 through 7: k all.
5. Rnd 8: p all for turning ridge.
6. Rnds 9 through 12: k all.
7. BO.

Fill lower pot lightly and top with dark brown knitted circle or visible brown stuffing to imitate soil.

Leaves

Make 5 to 7 leaves in green.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: p all.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: p all.
5. Row 4: k2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 5: p all.
7. Row 6: k3tog. 1 st.

Make several, gather at base, and sew into the pot in a succulent rosette.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Sew the beak first, then attach wattles directly beneath it.
• Attach comb centered on the crown and add the tiny floral head accents around it.
• Sew wings low on each side so they angle down from under the cardigan sleeves.
• Attach legs evenly to the lower front of the body so the hen sits naturally.
• Dress the hen in the cardigan, then stitch it discreetly in place at shoulders and side edges if needed.
• Add the bag across the body from shoulder to opposite hip.
• Place sandals on the feet and tack them in place with a few hidden stitches.
• Use a little needle sculpting if needed around the beak base so the face looks centered and gentle.

Care Notes

• Display use is best for this piece because of the embroidery, buttons, and small accessories.
• Spot clean gently with a barely damp cloth.
• Avoid soaking the finished doll unless all materials are washable.
• Keep out of direct sun for long periods to preserve the bright blue and yellow shades.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Is the neck stuffed firmly enough to stay upright?
• Are both eyes aligned evenly beside the beak?
• Does the cardigan sit slightly open with four visible buttons?
• Are the sunflower motifs balanced across the cardigan and sleeves?
• Is the bag strap long enough to drape like a real crossbody bag?
• Do the sandals sit evenly and show the open toe shape?
• Is the hat brim wide and slightly structured?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

• Dust the toy regularly with a soft dry brush, especially around the embroidery and buttons.
• If storage is needed, wrap the doll loosely in acid-free tissue and keep it in a breathable box.
• Do not hang the doll by the bag strap or cardigan.
• Store the hat separately or support the brim with tissue so it keeps its shape.
• Check wooden buttons occasionally to be sure they remain secure.

This finished hen should look sweet, polished, and unmistakably like the image: a white knitted hen with a sculpted yellow beak, red comb and wattles, a richly embroidered blue floral cardigan, blue crossbody bag, pale peach legs, blue daisy sandals, and a blue-and-yellow garden hat. Taking time with stuffing, placement, and embroidery will make the biggest difference in achieving the same personality and silhouette.