Knitting Tutorial: Puppy in Green Floral Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Puppy in Green Floral Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted puppy is designed as a collectible soft toy with a calm garden style, green embroidered overalls, a matching shoulder bag, flower-trim sandals, a straw-style sun hat, a tiny watering can, and a small produce basket. It has the look of a handmade heirloom gift, nursery decor piece, boutique stuffed animal, and cottagecore toy for knit lovers who enjoy artisan doll patterns, knitted animal dolls, and detailed handmade gift ideas for sale or personal making.

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 to recreate the puppy in the photo as closely as possible in both shape and styling. The puppy has a large rounded head, a slightly tapered muzzle, drooping black ears, long slim arms, seated legs, green overalls with floral embroidery, a leaf-decor shoulder bag, brown sandals with white flower accents, a straw-style hat with blue ribbon, a pink flower on the head, and a tiny red ladybug.

The finished puppy sits rather than stands. The body is soft and slightly pear-shaped. The head is proportionally large, about one and one-third times the width of the body. The legs are attached forward in a seated angle. The arms hang gently down the sides. The ears are sewn high and droop naturally outward.

This is an intermediate to advanced toy knitting pattern because the shaping is detailed and the accessories are numerous. However, the instructions are broken into clear steps so a newer knitter can still follow along carefully.

Finished Size

  • Main puppy only: about 12 inches / 30 cm seated
  • Head height: about 4.75 inches / 12 cm
  • Body from neck to lower seat: about 4.25 inches / 11 cm
  • Arm length: about 4.25 inches / 11 cm
  • Leg length to top of thigh: about 4.5 inches / 11.5 cm
  • Hat diameter: about 4.25 inches / 11 cm
  • Bag: about 2.25 x 2.5 inches / 5.5 x 6.5 cm

Materials

  • Main puppy yarn: sport or light DK wool/cotton blend in warm taupe-gray
  • Contrast muzzle, lower arms, lower legs: cream or soft ivory
  • Ears and nose: black
  • Overalls and bag: muted moss green
  • Hat: light straw beige
  • Hat ribbon: sky blue
  • Sandals: medium brown
  • Tiny flowers: pink, white, yellow, red, lavender, and pale blue scraps
  • Leaf embroidery: medium and dark green scraps
  • Ladybug: red and black scraps
  • Produce basket: tan plus orange, cream, and red scraps
  • Watering can: gray-blue scrap
  • Embroidery thread: black and dark brown
  • Toy stuffing
  • 2 safety eyes, 8 mm to 10 mm, or embroidered eyes
  • 2 tiny buttons in wood or beige for bib strap accents
  • Knitting needles: 2.75 mm and 3.0 mm double-pointed needles, or preferred method for small circumference
  • Optional straight needles: 3.0 mm for flat accessory pieces
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Waste yarn

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette worked in the round on 3.0 mm needles after light blocking.

Gauge matters because the puppy in the photo has a firm, fine-stitch surface. Use a needle size that creates a dense fabric with no stuffing visible.

Abbreviations

  • BO = bind off
  • CO = cast on
  • dec = decrease
  • inc = increase
  • k = knit
  • k2tog = knit 2 together
  • m1L = make 1 left
  • m1R = make 1 right
  • p = purl
  • pm = place marker
  • rep = repeat
  • rnd = round
  • RS = right side
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • st = stitch
  • sts = stitches
  • WS = wrong side

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Construction Notes

  • The head, body, arms, and legs are worked separately, then assembled.
  • The muzzle is worked separately and sewn on.
  • The nose is a separate black knitted piece layered over the muzzle.
  • The overalls are worked as removable-looking fitted clothing but may be lightly tacked in place after dressing.
  • The floral and bee details are embroidered last.
  • The hat, bag, basket, and watering can are accessory pieces.
  • Read the full section before beginning each piece because shaping placement affects the puppy’s exact look.

Head

Using taupe-gray yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 12 sts evenly onto DPNs. Join carefully for working in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 24 sts.
  3. Rnd 3: Knit.
  4. Rnd 4: (k1, m1R) around. 36 sts.
  5. Rnd 5: Knit.
  6. Rnd 6: (k2, m1R) around. 48 sts.
  7. Rnd 7: Knit.
  8. Rnd 8: (k3, m1R) around. 60 sts.
  9. Rnd 9: Knit.
  10. Rnd 10: (k4, m1R) around. 72 sts.
  11. Rnds 11-22: Knit 12 rnds.

The head in the image is broad with softly flattened sides, not perfectly spherical. To create that shape, use short side decreases and re-increases.

  1. Rnd 23: k10, ssk, k24, k2tog, k10, ssk, k24, k2tog. 68 sts.
  2. Rnd 24: Knit.
  3. Rnd 25: k10, m1L, k24, m1R, k10, m1L, k24, m1R. 72 sts.
  4. Rnds 26-30: Knit 5 rnds.

Place safety eyes between Rnds 15 and 16, spacing them 16 sts apart. The eyes should sit fairly low on the face to leave room for the brows above and the flower and ladybug decorations on top.

  1. Rnd 31: (k10, k2tog) 6 times. 66 sts.
  2. Rnd 32: Knit.
  3. Rnd 33: (k9, k2tog) 6 times. 60 sts.
  4. Rnd 34: Knit.
  5. Rnd 35: (k8, k2tog) 6 times. 54 sts.
  6. Rnd 36: Knit.
  7. Rnd 37: (k7, k2tog) 6 times. 48 sts.

Begin stuffing firmly. Pay special attention to the forehead and cheek area so the face stays smooth and rounded.

  1. Rnd 38: (k6, k2tog) 6 times. 42 sts.
  2. Rnd 39: (k5, k2tog) 6 times. 36 sts.
  3. Rnd 40: (k4, k2tog) 6 times. 30 sts.
  4. Rnd 41: (k3, k2tog) 6 times. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 42: (k2, k2tog) 6 times. 18 sts.
  6. Rnd 43: (k1, k2tog) 6 times. 12 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and close. Weave tail securely.

Muzzle

Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts. Work flat.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 2: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. Row 4: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
  5. Row 5: Purl.
  6. Row 6: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
  7. Rows 7-14: Work 8 rows in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
  8. Row 15: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
  9. Row 16: Purl.
  10. Row 17: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
  11. Row 18: Purl.
  12. Row 19: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  13. Row 20: Purl.
  14. BO knitwise on RS.

Leave a long sewing tail. Lightly stuff only at the center before attaching so the muzzle sits raised and rounded, just like the soft projecting snout in the photo.

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Nose

Using black yarn, CO 8 sts. Work flat.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. Row 4: k1, m1L, k6, m1R, k1. 12 sts.
  5. Rows 5-8: Work 4 rows in stockinette.
  6. Row 9: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  7. Row 10: Purl.
  8. Row 11: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  9. BO knitwise.

Sew the nose centrally to the upper half of the muzzle. Add a tiny bit of stuffing or a small felt pad under it if you want the plump rounded nose shown in the image.

Ears Make 2

Using black yarn, CO 12 sts. Work flat.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 2: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. Row 4: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
  5. Rows 5-18: Work 14 rows in stockinette.
  6. Row 19: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
  7. Row 20: Purl.
  8. Row 21: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
  9. Row 22: Purl.
  10. Row 23: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  11. Row 24: Purl.
  12. Row 25: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  13. Row 26: Purl.
  14. Row 27: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
  15. BO.

Fold each ear lengthwise very gently and sew along the base only. Do not stuff. The ears in the image are soft, flat, and droop downward with a slight outward tilt.

Body

Using taupe-gray yarn, CO 18 sts evenly onto DPNs. Join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 36 sts.
  3. Rnd 3: Knit.
  4. Rnd 4: (k2, m1R) around. 48 sts.
  5. Rnd 5: Knit.
  6. Rnd 6: (k3, m1R) around. 60 sts.
  7. Rnds 7-18: Knit 12 rnds.

The body is slightly full around the tummy, especially because the overalls fit over it. Continue as follows.

  1. Rnd 19: (k9, m1R) 6 times. 66 sts.
  2. Rnds 20-24: Knit 5 rnds.
  3. Rnd 25: (k9, k2tog) 6 times. 60 sts.
  4. Rnd 26: Knit.
  5. Rnd 27: (k8, k2tog) 6 times. 54 sts.
  6. Rnd 28: Knit.
  7. Rnd 29: (k7, k2tog) 6 times. 48 sts.
  8. Rnd 30: Knit.
  9. Rnd 31: (k6, k2tog) 6 times. 42 sts.
  10. Rnds 32-34: Knit 3 rnds.

Stuff the lower half firmly, then slightly softer near the neck so the head can tilt sweetly.

  1. Rnd 35: (k5, k2tog) 6 times. 36 sts.
  2. Rnd 36: Knit.
  3. Rnd 37: (k4, k2tog) 6 times. 30 sts.
  4. Rnd 38: Knit.
  5. Rnd 39: (k3, k2tog) 6 times. 24 sts.

BO leaving a long tail for sewing the head to the body.

Arms Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: (k1, m1R) around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnds 3-10: Knit 8 rnds.

Change to taupe-gray.

  1. Rnd 11: Knit.
  2. Rnd 12: (k2, m1R) around. 16 sts.
  3. Rnds 13-28: Knit 16 rnds.
  4. Rnd 29: (k2, k2tog) around. 12 sts.
  5. Rnd 30: Knit.

Stuff the lower cream paw area more firmly and the upper arm lightly. Flatten the top and BO all sts knitwise, leaving a long tail. Sew closed at the top edge when attaching.

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Legs Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 20 sts.
  3. Rnd 3: Knit.
  4. Rnd 4: (k4, m1R) around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnds 5-10: Knit 6 rnds.

This lower section forms the plump foot visible inside the sandals.

  1. Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) around. 18 sts.
  2. Rnd 12: Knit.

Change to taupe-gray.

  1. Rnd 13: Knit.
  2. Rnd 14: (k2, m1R) around. 24 sts.
  3. Rnds 15-28: Knit 14 rnds.
  4. Rnd 29: (k4, k2tog) around. 20 sts.
  5. Rnd 30: Knit.

Stuff foot firmly, leg lightly. Flatten top edge. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for attaching.

Green Overalls

The overalls should fit close to the body, rise high on the chest, and have slightly cropped legs like the image. Work from the lower legs upward as one piece.

Using moss green yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 18 sts for first leg. Join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: (k2, m1R) around. 24 sts.
  3. Rnds 3-14: Knit 12 rnds.

Break yarn. Make second leg the same way but do not break yarn.

Join legs:

  1. Rnd 15: Knit across second leg 24 sts, CO 4 sts, knit across first leg 24 sts, CO 4 sts. 56 sts.
  2. Rnd 16: Knit.
  3. Rnd 17: purl ridge.
  4. Rnds 18-30: Knit 13 rnds.

The overalls in the photo narrow slightly at the waist and then rise into a bib.

  1. Rnd 31: (k12, k2tog) 4 times. 52 sts.
  2. Rnd 32: Knit.
  3. Rnd 33: (k11, k2tog) 4 times. 48 sts.
  4. Rnds 34-36: Knit 3 rnds.

Divide for front and back. Work flat now.

Back

Place first 24 sts on one needle for back. Hold remaining 24 sts for front.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl 24.
  2. Rows 2-7: Work 6 rows in stockinette.
  3. BO all sts.

Front Bib

Return to held 24 front sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 2: k2tog, k20, k2togtbl if preferred mirrored. 22 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. Row 4: k2tog, k18, k2tog. 20 sts.
  5. Row 5: Purl.
  6. Row 6: k2tog, k16, k2tog. 18 sts.
  7. Rows 7-16: Work 10 rows in stockinette.

Create upper edge:

  1. Row 17 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 18: Knit.
  3. BO loosely.

Straps Make 2

Using green yarn, CO 4 sts.

  1. Rows 1-20: Work i-cord for 20 rows, or knit flat as follows: Row 1 knit, Row 2 purl, repeat to 20 rows.
  2. BO.

Sew straps to top of bib and to upper back. Add tiny buttons at front strap placement for the same visual detail as the image. Dress the puppy and tack the side edges invisibly if desired.

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Floral and Bee Embroidery on Overalls

The overalls in the image have small scattered flowers across the bib and upper legs, plus two small bees. Keep the embroidery delicate and low in height so it looks sewn onto knit fabric rather than bulky appliqué.

  • Center bib floral spray: work 6 to 8 tiny straight-stitch flowers in pink, white, yellow, red, and blue.
  • Stem lines: use dark green backstitch and tiny detached straight stitches for leaves.
  • Left lower leg flowers: add 2 tiny white daisies and one pale pink bud.
  • Right lower leg flowers: add a few small white and lavender blossoms.
  • Bee 1: embroider one near the lower front center.
  • Bee 2: embroider one near the right hip close to the bag.

For each bee, use 3 horizontal satin bars in yellow and black, two tiny cream wings, and a short black backstitch antenna line if desired.

Leaf Shoulder Bag

Using green yarn, CO 14 sts. Work flat.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Rows 2-18: Work in stockinette for 17 rows total from cast-on.
  3. Row 19: k2tog, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
  4. Row 20: Purl.
  5. Row 21: k2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  6. Row 22: Purl.
  7. Row 23: Knit.

Flap:

  1. Row 24 (WS): Purl 10.
  2. Row 25: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  3. Row 26: Purl.
  4. Row 27: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
  5. Row 28: Purl.
  6. Row 29: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
  7. BO.

Make a second rectangle for the back of the bag: CO 14 sts and work 18 rows stockinette. BO.

Sew front and back together along sides and bottom. Do not stuff heavily; use only a trace of filling if you want slight body.

Strap: CO 3 sts and work i-cord for 38 rows. BO and sew to top corners.

Embroider 5 leaves on front using layered green stitches. Add a tiny button at flap point.

Sandals Make 2

These are decorative slip-on sandals worn over the knitted feet. The photo shows a brown sole and straps with a small white flower accent near the outer front strap.

Sole

Using brown yarn, CO 8 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  5. Rows 5-10: Work 6 rows stockinette.
  6. Row 11: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  7. Row 12: Purl.
  8. Row 13: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  9. BO.

Straps

  • Toe strap: CO 20 stitches as narrow i-cord or chain-style knitted cord. Sew across front third of sandal.
  • Ankle strap 1: CO 24 stitches as narrow cord. Sew diagonally from sole side to upper opposite side.
  • Ankle strap 2: CO 24 stitches as narrow cord. Cross over the first strap.

Add one tiny white flower at the outer side of each sandal. Each flower can be made with 5 short loop stitches around a yellow embroidered center.

Sun Hat

The hat is small, shallow, and straw-like. It sits beside the puppy in the image rather than being worn. Work the crown in the round, then the brim.

Using beige yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
  3. Rnd 3: Knit.
  4. Rnd 4: (k1, m1R) around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 5: Knit.
  6. Rnd 6: (k2, m1R) around. 32 sts.
  7. Rnd 7: Knit.
  8. Rnd 8: (k3, m1R) around. 40 sts.
  9. Rnds 9-15: Knit 7 rnds.

Begin brim.

  1. Rnd 16: (k4, m1R) around. 48 sts.
  2. Rnd 17: Purl ridge.
  3. Rnd 18: Knit.
  4. Rnd 19: (k5, m1R) around. 56 sts.
  5. Rnd 20: Knit.
  6. Rnd 21: (k6, m1R) around. 64 sts.
  7. Rnds 22-24: Knit 3 rnds.
  8. BO loosely.

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Add a blue ribbon band by weaving blue yarn around the base of the crown. Make a bow on one side and sew a tiny white daisy with yellow center over the bow knot.

Head Flower

Using pale pink yarn, CO 20 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Roll into a loose spiral flower, stitch the base, and flatten slightly. Add a yellow embroidered center and a small green knitted leaf.

Leaf: CO 5 sts in green.

  1. Row 1: Knit.
  2. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. Row 4: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
  5. Row 5: Purl.
  6. Row 6: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  7. BO.

Ladybug

Using red yarn, CO 6 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 12 sts.
  3. Rnds 3-4: Knit.
  4. Rnd 5: (k1, k2tog) around. 8 sts.

Stuff with a tiny amount. Thread yarn through sts and close. Embroider black head, center split line, and spots. Sew onto the top right side of head.

Watering Can

Using gray-blue yarn, CO 12 sts and join.

  1. Rnds 1-10: Knit 10 rnds.
  2. Rnd 11: (k1, k2tog) around. 8 sts.
  3. Cut yarn and close top.

Stuff lightly. For the base, gather the cast-on opening and flatten slightly. Add a spout using a 10-stitch i-cord sewn forward and angled slightly upward. Add a handle using a 14-stitch cord sewn from upper back to mid side.

Embroider a tiny bee on the front to match the image.

Produce Basket

Using tan yarn, CO 24 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: Purl ridge.
  3. Rnds 3-10: Knit 8 rnds.
  4. BO loosely.

Flatten the base lightly and sew a circle closed underneath if needed to shape it like a small open basket.

Handle: CO 20 sts as narrow cord and sew across opposite sides.

Make simple vegetable shapes:

  • Carrot: orange yarn, CO 6 sts, shape to a narrow cone, add green top.
  • White root vegetable: cream yarn cone with green top.
  • Red produce piece: red rounded shape with tiny green top.

Place them inside the basket so they peek out visibly.

Assembly

  1. Sew the muzzle to the lower front of the head, centered under the eyes. The top of the muzzle should sit just below eye level.
  2. Sew the black nose centered on the upper muzzle.
  3. Embroider a short vertical line from the base of the nose downward, then split into a soft curved mouth.
  4. Embroider gently curved brows above each eye in dark thread.
  5. Sew the ears to the upper side sections of the head, around 3 to 4 rounds behind the eye line. Angle them outward and downward.
  6. Sew the head to the body securely. Tilt the head slightly to one side for the same tender expression shown in the photo.
  7. Sew the arms to the upper body sides just below the neck seam.
  8. Sew the legs low on the body front so the puppy sits naturally with both feet forward.
  9. Dress the puppy in the overalls. Cross the straps neatly and sew or button them at the upper bib.
  10. Place the shoulder bag diagonally from left shoulder to right hip.
  11. Slip the sandals over the feet and tack discreetly in place.
  12. Sew the flower and leaf on the top left side of the head and the ladybug on the top right side.

Shaping Notes for an Accurate Look

  • Head tilt: essential for matching the image. A slight left tilt makes the expression softer.
  • Muzzle stuffing: keep it fuller at the center and flatter at the edges.
  • Nose placement: slightly low and forward, not flat against the face.
  • Ear angle: both ears should droop, with the left ear appearing a little more open.
  • Arm position: arms hang relaxed and slightly away from the body.
  • Leg position: feet face forward, knees bent by attachment angle rather than by separate shaping.
  • Overall fit: bib should sit high, close to the neck, with roomy hips and cropped legs.

Color Placement Guide

  • Head and upper limbs: taupe-gray
  • Muzzle, lower arms, lower legs: cream
  • Ears and nose: black
  • Overalls and bag: moss green
  • Hat: beige with blue ribbon
  • Sandals: brown with white flower trim
  • Top head flower: pale pink with yellow center and green leaf
  • Ladybug: red with black details

Optional Finishing for a More Polished Boutique Look

  • Steam lightly from a distance before assembly, but do not flatten the stuffed pieces.
  • Use matching sewing thread for invisible attachment points.
  • Add a tiny amount of blush under the eyes only if desired and only very lightly.
  • Anchor the bag and sandals with a few hidden stitches so they stay positioned for display.
  • Use duplicate stitch rather than bulky appliqué if you want the neatest floral details.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face before locking any seams permanently. Make sure the eyes are level, the muzzle is centered, and the nose sits slightly raised. Keep the brows soft and gently curved. The mouth should be tiny and kind, with only a short stitched line so the puppy keeps the quiet expression seen in the photo.

Care Notes

Display pieces with many accessories are best treated as decorative knitted toys. Avoid rough pulling on straps, flowers, bag details, and the tiny watering can or basket handle. Store flat or seated in a dry place away from direct sun.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head tilted slightly
  • Muzzle centered and softly stuffed
  • Ears drooping evenly
  • Overalls embroidered with flowers and bees
  • Bag attached diagonally
  • Sandals secured
  • Hat finished with blue ribbon and daisy
  • Flower and ladybug sewn to head
  • Watering can and basket completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a barely damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Do not machine wash. Reshape by hand while damp and air dry fully. Keep the toy and accessories away from excessive moisture, dust, and prolonged heat. For long-term preservation, wrap in clean tissue and store in a breathable box.

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