Knitting Tutorial: Sailor Koala in a Striped Sweater – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Sailor Koala in a Striped Sweater – Free Knitting Pattern

This knitted sailor koala is designed to match the seaside look in the photo, with a soft gray body, bold blue shorts, a blue-and-white striped sweater, a small crossbody bag, nautical shoes, and a bright yellow star accessory. It makes a lovely handmade toy, nursery decor piece, collectible animal doll, or thoughtful baby shower gift. If your readers search for a knitted koala doll, sailor toy, handmade stuffed koala, nautical nursery gift, or artisan knit plush, this design fits beautifully into that style while still feeling warm, classic, and charming.

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 in US English and is designed to recreate the koala and its visible knitted accessories as closely as possible to the image.

The finished doll has a large round head, wide fluffy ears, a compact torso, long straight legs, softly rounded arms, dark oval nose, simple cartoon-style eyes, blue shorts, a striped sailor sweater, a small striped crossbody pouch, blue sandals, and a yellow star detail near one ear.

The instructions are detailed, row based, and broken into small sections so the pattern is easier to follow on mobile screens.

The koala itself is worked mostly in the round. Some small pieces are worked flat.

Finished Size

  • Koala height: about 14 inches / 35.5 cm from top of head to soles
  • Seated height: about 10.5 inches / 26.5 cm
  • Head width including ears: about 8.5 inches / 21.5 cm
  • Torso width: about 4.25 inches / 11 cm
  • Leg length from hip to sole: about 5 inches / 12.5 cm
  • Arm length: about 4 inches / 10 cm

Materials

  • Main koala gray: DK weight yarn, about 90 g
  • Ear white/cream: DK weight yarn, about 35 g
  • Nose black: DK weight yarn, about 15 g
  • Claw black: small amount
  • Sweater white: DK weight yarn, about 35 g
  • Sweater medium blue: DK weight yarn, about 35 g
  • Shorts dark/bright blue: DK weight yarn, about 40 g
  • Bag white and blue: small amounts
  • Lifebuoy red: small amount
  • Star yellow: small amount
  • Optional prop colors: tan, navy, red, light blue
  • Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or long circular for magic loop
  • Needles for flat parts: US 2 / 2.75 mm straight needles if preferred
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Row counter
  • Polyester stuffing
  • Black embroidery thread
  • White sewing thread

Gauge

30 stitches and 42 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch worked in the round using US 2 / 2.75 mm needles.

A firm gauge helps the toy keep its shape and prevents stuffing from showing through.

Abbreviations

  • BO = bind off
  • CO = cast on
  • dec = decrease
  • 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(s) = stitch(es)
  • st st = stockinette stitch
  • WS = wrong side

Notes Before You Start

  • This koala is designed with a slightly oversized head and a seated pose.
  • The legs are intentionally long and straight to match the image.
  • The body is narrow under the sweater and fuller at the head.
  • The ears are large, circular, and lightly gathered at the base for the fluffy koala look.
  • The sweater is separate from the body and is worked from the lower edge upward.
  • The shorts are separate and fit over the upper legs and lower torso.
  • The bag is small and slightly boxy, hanging from right shoulder to left hip.
  • The sandals are stitched onto the feet after the legs are finished.
  • Stuff firmly, but do not overstuff the face.

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Color Placement Summary

  • Head, body, arms, and legs: gray
  • Ears: fluffy white/cream
  • Nose: black
  • Eyes: white circles with black pupils
  • Sweater: white and medium blue stripes
  • Shorts: bright medium-to-dark blue
  • Shoes: blue with white trim and tiny fish detail
  • Bag: blue and white stripes with red-and-white ring
  • Hair star: yellow

Body

Legs Make 2

Work both legs in gray from the foot opening upward.

  1. CO 18 sts. Divide evenly over needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: p all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnds 4-8: work 5 rnds in st st.
  6. Rnd 9: k1, m1R, k7, m1R, k1, k1, m1L, k7, m1L, k1. 22 sts.
  7. Rnd 10: k all sts.
  8. Rnd 11: k2, m1R, k7, m1R, k2, k2, m1L, k7, m1L, k2. 26 sts.
  9. Rnds 12-16: k all sts.
  10. Rnd 17: k2tog, k9, ssk, k2tog, k9, ssk. 22 sts.
  11. Rnd 18: k all sts.
  12. Rnd 19: k2tog, k7, ssk, k2tog, k7, ssk. 18 sts.
  13. Rnds 20-40: k all sts.
  14. Stuff lower foot firmly and leg lightly.
  15. Rnds 41-52: k all sts.
  16. Break yarn on first leg and leave sts live.
  17. Complete second leg the same way, but do not cut yarn.

Join Legs and Work Lower Body

  1. With second leg on needle, k across 18 sts of second leg.
  2. CO 4 sts using backward loop.
  3. K across 18 sts of first leg.
  4. CO 4 sts. 44 sts total.
  5. Place marker for beginning of rnd at center back.
  6. Rnds 1-4 after joining: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 5: k18, k2tog, k2, ssk, k18, k2tog, k2, ssk. 40 sts.
  8. Rnd 6: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 7: k17, k2tog, k2, ssk, k17, k2tog, k2, ssk. 36 sts.
  10. Rnd 8: k all sts.
  11. Rnd 9: k16, k2tog, k2, ssk, k16. 34 sts.
  12. Rnds 10-20: k all sts.
  13. Stuff the joining area well so the koala sits smoothly.
  14. Rnd 21: k all sts, placing a removable marker at each side after 17 sts and 34 sts.
  15. Rnd 22: k all sts.
  16. Rnd 23: k1, m1R, knit to 1 st before first side marker, m1L, k2, m1R, knit to 1 st before second side marker, m1L, k2, m1R, knit to last st, m1L. 40 sts.
  17. Rnd 24: k all sts.
  18. Rnd 25: k all sts.
  19. Rnd 26: repeat Rnd 23. 46 sts.
  20. Rnds 27-31: k all sts.

Shape Upper Torso

  1. Rnd 32: k2tog, knit to 2 sts before side marker, ssk, k2tog, knit to 2 sts before second side marker, ssk, k2tog, knit to end. 43 sts.
  2. Rnd 33: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 34: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 35: k2tog, knit to 2 sts before first side marker, ssk, k2tog, knit to 2 sts before second side marker, ssk, knit to end. 40 sts.
  5. Rnds 36-40: k all sts.
  6. Stuff torso firmly but keep top edge flat enough for neck attachment.
  7. BO all sts knitwise, or leave live if you prefer to graft neck opening to head base.

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Head

The head is large and almost spherical, with a slightly flatter lower face and a soft curve at the crown.

  1. CO 12 sts in gray. Divide over needles and join.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 24 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k1, m1R around. 36 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: k2, m1R around. 48 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 8: k3, m1R around. 60 sts.
  10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
  11. Rnd 10: k4, m1R around. 72 sts.
  12. Rnd 11: k all sts.
  13. Rnd 12: k5, m1R around. 84 sts.
  14. Rnds 13-28: k all sts.
  15. Rnd 29: k5, k2tog around. 72 sts.
  16. Rnd 30: k all sts.
  17. Rnd 31: k4, k2tog around. 60 sts.
  18. Rnd 32: k all sts.
  19. Rnd 33: k3, k2tog around. 48 sts.
  20. Rnd 34: k all sts.
  21. Begin stuffing firmly, shaping the face wider than the neck opening.
  22. Rnd 35: k2, k2tog around. 36 sts.
  23. Rnd 36: k all sts.
  24. Rnd 37: k1, k2tog around. 24 sts.
  25. Rnd 38: k all sts.
  26. Rnd 39: k2tog around. 12 sts.
  27. Finish stuffing. Draw yarn through remaining sts and close tightly.

Optional Face Shaping

To create the slightly forward face seen in the image, run a length of gray yarn from the base of the head to the crown and back again, then pull gently.

Do this once vertically through the center front and once from side to side just below eye level.

Do not pull too tightly. The face should stay soft and round.

Muzzle Patch

The koala has a pale lower muzzle area beneath the eyes and around the base of the nose.

  1. Using white or very pale cream, CO 10 sts.
  2. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  5. Row 4: p all sts.
  6. Row 5: k1, m1R, k8, m1L, k1. 14 sts.
  7. Row 6: p all sts.
  8. Row 7: k all sts.
  9. Row 8: p all sts.
  10. Row 9: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
  11. Row 10: p all sts.
  12. Row 11: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
  13. Row 12: p all sts.
  14. BO knitwise.

Lightly steam or finger shape into a rounded wedge.

Nose

The nose is large, vertical, rounded at the top and fuller than the muzzle patch, which is a key feature of the photo.

  1. Using black, CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  5. Row 4: p all sts.
  6. Row 5: k1, m1R, k6, m1L, k1. 12 sts.
  7. Row 6: p all sts.
  8. Row 7: k1, m1R, k8, m1L, k1. 14 sts.
  9. Rows 8-12: work 5 rows in st st, beginning with p on WS.
  10. Row 13: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
  11. Row 14: p all sts.
  12. Row 15: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
  13. Row 16: p all sts.
  14. Row 17: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
  15. Row 18: p all sts.
  16. BO.

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Sew around edge and add a small amount of stuffing before closing so the nose stands forward.

Eyes Make 2 White Bases

  1. Using white, CO 4 sts.
  2. Work i-cord for 4 rows if desired, or simply knit one tiny circle as follows.
  3. Alternative flat circle: CO 6 sts.
  4. Row 1 RS: kfb in each st. 12 sts.
  5. Row 2: p all sts.
  6. BO loosely.

If using the flat-circle version, roll slightly and tack into an oval shape.

Embroider or sew a black pupil onto each white base, leaving a tiny white highlight visible.

Ears Make 2

The ears should be wide, soft, and slightly gathered at the base. They are one of the most important parts of the koala silhouette.

  1. Using white or cream, CO 12 sts.
  2. Work in the round if preferred, or work flat in st st with mattress seam. Flat version is given below.
  3. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
  4. Row 2: p all sts.
  5. Row 3: k1, m1R, k10, m1L, k1. 14 sts.
  6. Row 4: p all sts.
  7. Row 5: k1, m1R, k12, m1L, k1. 16 sts.
  8. Row 6: p all sts.
  9. Row 7: k1, m1R, k14, m1L, k1. 18 sts.
  10. Row 8: p all sts.
  11. Row 9: k1, m1R, k16, m1L, k1. 20 sts.
  12. Row 10: p all sts.
  13. Rows 11-18: continue in st st.
  14. Row 19: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
  15. Row 20: p all sts.
  16. Row 21: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
  17. Row 22: p all sts.
  18. Row 23: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
  19. Row 24: p all sts.
  20. Row 25: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
  21. BO.

Make a second identical piece for each ear if you want extra thickness, or use just one piece and gather the lower edge.

For the fluffy look, gently brush the surface if your yarn allows it.

Gather the cast-on edge slightly and sew to the sides of the head at a slight upward angle.

Arms Make 2

The arms are gently tapered, ending in small black claws.

  1. Using black, CO 6 sts.
  2. Join for working in the round.
  3. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  4. Switch to gray.
  5. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 12 sts.
  6. Rnds 3-5: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: k2, m1R, k4, m1R, k4. 14 sts.
  8. Rnds 7-14: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 15: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
  10. Rnds 16-28: k all sts.
  11. Stuff lightly, especially near upper arm.
  12. Rnd 29: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  13. Break yarn and draw through sts.

Embroider three tiny black claw points at the hand end if you want sharper detail than the black cuff alone provides.

Neck Joining

Sew the head securely to the torso, centering it so the face tilts very slightly upward.

The image shows a relaxed seated toy with the head sitting large and steady above the sweater neckline.

Add extra stuffing into the neck area before fully closing if needed.

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Sweater

This sweater is the signature clothing piece in the image. It has a high crew neckline, long sleeves, medium-width horizontal blue-and-white stripes, and a small sailboat motif on the chest.

Sweater Body

  1. Using medium blue, CO 44 sts.
  2. Join in the round.
  3. Rnd 1: *k1, p1; rep from * around.
  4. Rnd 2: *k1, p1; rep from * around.
  5. Rnd 3: *k1, p1; rep from * around.
  6. Switch to white.
  7. Rnd 4: k all sts.
  8. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  9. Switch to blue.
  10. Rnd 6: k all sts.
  11. Rnd 7: k all sts.
  12. Rep Rnds 4-7 four more times. Total 10 striped rnds after rib.
  13. Next rnd: k22, place next 6 sts on waste yarn for first armhole, CO 2, k16, place next 6 sts on waste yarn for second armhole, CO 2. 36 body sts.
  14. Continue in stripes as established for 10 more rnds.
  15. Change to all blue for neckline setup rnd: k all sts.
  16. Next rnd: k10, BO 16, k10.

Back and Front Upper Sections Worked Flat

Work each side separately to create shoulder shaping.

  1. Right side section: 10 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
  3. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
  4. Row 3: p all sts.
  5. Row 4: BO 3 sts at neck edge, k to end. 7 sts.
  6. Row 5: p all sts.
  7. Row 6: k2tog, k to end. 6 sts.
  8. Row 7: p all sts.
  9. BO remaining 6 sts.
  10. Repeat for left section, reversing shaping.

Sew shoulder seams neatly.

Sleeves Make 2

  1. Pick up and knit 20 sts evenly around one armhole in blue.
  2. Work 2 rnds in blue.
  3. Begin stripe sequence: 2 rnds white, 2 rnds blue, repeat for 14 rnds total.
  4. Rnd 15 of sleeve: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
  5. Continue stripes for 6 more rnds.
  6. Switch to blue only.
  7. Rnd next: *k1, p1; rep from * around for 3 rnds.
  8. BO in rib.

Repeat for second sleeve.

Sailboat Motif

The image shows a tiny red-and-blue boat on the center front of the sweater.

Add this after the sweater is assembled and fitted.

  • Embroider a small red triangle flag near the top center chest.
  • Embroider a narrow navy mast below it.
  • Add a red lower hull line and a blue sail or hull accent.
  • Keep the motif small, about 1 inch / 2.5 cm wide.

Shorts

The shorts are bright blue, plain, slightly loose, and end above the knee.

  1. Using bright blue, CO 44 sts.
  2. Join to work in the round.
  3. Rnds 1-4: *k1, p1; rep around.
  4. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  5. Rnds 6-10: k all sts.
  6. Divide for legs: place first 22 sts on one holder and second 22 sts on another.

Right Leg of Shorts

  1. Join yarn to first 22 sts.
  2. Work in the round for 10 rnds.
  3. Rnd 11: *k1, p1; rep around for hem.
  4. Rnd 12: *k1, p1; rep around.
  5. BO in rib.

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Left Leg of Shorts

  1. Work the same as right leg.

Thread a strand of blue yarn through waist rib if you want a tighter fit, but the shorts should sit smoothly without bulky gathers.

Sandals Make 2

The shoes in the image are open-style blue sandals with a white trim and a tiny fish motif near the outer side.

Sole Base

  1. Using blue, CO 10 sts.
  2. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  5. Row 4: p all sts.
  6. Row 5: k1, m1R, k10, m1L, k1. 14 sts.
  7. Rows 6-12: work in st st.
  8. BO.

Upper Straps

  • Using blue, make one I-cord of 16 rows for the toe strap.
  • Make one I-cord of 22 rows for the ankle strap.
  • Make a tiny crossing tie from white yarn or embroider a white X at the front.
  • Embroider a white trim line along the sole edge.
  • Embroider a tiny light blue fish on the outer side of each shoe if desired.

Sew each sole to the bottom of the finished foot area.

Attach toe strap across the front foot and ankle strap around the back of ankle.

Crossbody Bag

The pouch is narrow, striped, and hangs at the koala’s left side with a blue strap crossing the sweater.

Bag Front

  1. Using white, CO 12 sts.
  2. Rows 1-2: k all sts.
  3. Rows 3-4: change to blue, k on RS and p on WS.
  4. Rows 5-6: white.
  5. Rows 7-8: blue.
  6. Rows 9-10: white.
  7. Rows 11-12: blue.
  8. Rows 13-14: white.
  9. BO.

Bag Back

Make the same as front.

Bag Gusset

  1. Using blue, CO 4 sts.
  2. Work 28 rows in garter stitch.
  3. BO.

Bag Strap

  1. Using blue, CO 3 sts.
  2. Work I-cord for 52 rows.
  3. BO.

Sew bag front, back, and gusset together.

Attach strap to upper corners so the bag sits slightly below the waist on the left side.

Lifebuoy Applique

  1. Using white, CO 6 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  6. BO.

Flatten into a ring shape, or embroider a ring if you prefer less bulk.

Wrap 4 red bands evenly around the ring and sew to the front lower right of the bag.

Yellow Star Accessory

This detail sits near the koala’s upper right ear in the photo and adds a playful seaside character.

  1. Using yellow, CO 2 sts.
  2. Work 5 tiny points separately or make one small flat star.
  3. Simple flat star method:
  4. CO 10 sts.
  5. Row 1 RS: *k2tog, yo; rep 5 times.
  6. Row 2 WS: p all sts.
  7. Row 3: *ssk, k1, k2tog; rep as possible to create points.
  8. BO and shape into a star by hand.

For a cleaner finish, embroider the star outline with duplicate stitch over a knitted star base.

Sew lightly near the upper right side of the head, just in front of the ear.

Optional Props Seen in the Image

If you want to recreate the full styled scene, you can also knit the small striped cap, little beach ball, and simple surfboard.

Mini Striped Sailor Cap

  1. Using white, CO 12 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 24 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-4: k all sts.
  5. Switch to blue for 2 rnds.
  6. Switch to white for 2 rnds.
  7. Repeat blue and white stripes 3 more times.
  8. Begin decreases: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  9. Next rnd: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  10. Next rnd: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  11. Draw closed.

Embroider a tiny anchor on the front.

Mini Beach Ball

  • Knit 6 tiny wedge pieces in white, blue, red, tan, and pale blue.
  • Sew them together into a sphere about 1.5 inches / 4 cm wide.
  • Stuff lightly.

Surfboard

  1. Using cream or tan, CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: p all sts.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  5. Continue in st st, increasing 1 st each end every 4th row twice more. 14 sts.
  6. Work even for 18 rows.
  7. Decrease 1 st each end every 4th row until 8 sts remain.
  8. Next rows: decrease each end every RS row until 2 sts remain.
  9. BO.

Embroider a blue center stripe.

Facial Placement Guide

Correct placement is what makes this koala look like the photo.

  • Sew ears level with the upper half of the head, not too high.
  • Leave about 1.5 inches / 4 cm visible on each side beyond the head curve.
  • Place eye whites wide apart with a slightly surprised, friendly expression.
  • The right eye in the photo sits a touch higher than the left. You may copy that slight unevenness for charm.
  • Attach the nose centrally, vertically oriented, and larger than typical toy noses.
  • The pale muzzle patch should peek out beneath and around the lower nose.

Detailed Assembly Order

  1. Sew torso opening closed if not already closed.
  2. Attach head securely to torso.
  3. Sew muzzle patch to lower center face.
  4. Sew padded black nose over top center of muzzle patch.
  5. Attach eye whites above nose, leaving space between them.
  6. Add black pupils slightly inward for the alert expression.
  7. Sew ears to sides of head with gathered lower edges.
  8. Attach arms to sides of upper torso, slightly below neckline.
  9. Dress the koala in shorts first.
  10. Pull sweater over head carefully and arrange sleeves.
  11. Sew sandals to feet.
  12. Attach bag strap diagonally from right shoulder to left hip.
  13. Sew bag body in place with a few hidden tacking stitches.
  14. Sew yellow star near right ear.
  15. Add optional props if making the full scene.

Row-by-Row Fit Check

Use this section while assembling so your final toy keeps the same proportions as the photo.

  • Head: should be the largest feature and look almost as wide as the torso plus both shoulders together.
  • Ears: should be large enough to read immediately as koala ears, not small bear ears.
  • Arms: should end around upper shorts level when hanging down.
  • Legs: should be long enough that the seated doll has feet extending clearly forward.
  • Sweater: should fit close but not tight, with stripes clearly visible.
  • Shorts: should cover the hip join and upper thigh.
  • Bag: should be small, sitting at left hip rather than center front.

Tips for a Clean Professional Finish

  • Use mattress stitch wherever possible for neat seams.
  • Hide color-change tails inside the sweater and shorts carefully.
  • Stuff the head in small portions for a smoother face.
  • Keep the muzzle softly stuffed so the nose can sit proud without distorting the face.
  • Tack the sweater at the shoulders if it shifts too much.
  • Tack the shorts at the back waist if you want them permanently positioned.
  • Use duplicate stitch rather than loose embroidery for the sailboat if you want crisp edges.
  • Steam only lightly and never press stuffed pieces flat.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the head on straight, then check the face before tightening every stitch fully. The eyes should look open and friendly, and the nose should sit prominently in the center. Once you are happy with the expression, secure all ends firmly and hide them deep inside the head.

Care Notes

Spot clean when possible. If a full wash is needed, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap, press out moisture in a towel, reshape carefully, and dry flat away from direct sun or heat.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head centered and firm
  • Ears even and well gathered
  • Nose securely padded and attached
  • Eyes balanced and expressive
  • Sweater stripes aligned
  • Shorts sitting smoothly
  • Bag strap positioned diagonally
  • Shoes matched left and right
  • All yarn tails woven in securely

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the koala in a dry place and keep it away from rough surfaces that may snag the stitches. For long-term display, avoid strong sunlight to reduce fading. If the ears or sweater flatten over time, reshape them by hand after a light steam refresh.

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