Knitting Tutorial: Knit Kangaroo and Joey with Chunky Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted kangaroo and joey set is designed to match the warm woodland look of the sample exactly, with a tall seated kangaroo, tiny joey tucked into the front pouch, textured cardigan, floral satchel, sandals, and sweet picnic props. It has the feel of a heirloom toy, handmade nursery gift, and collectible knitted animal doll all in one. The shaping is detailed but beginner-friendly when followed row by row, and the finished piece makes a beautiful artisan stuffed animal for display or gifting.

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 kangaroo yarn: DK weight in warm fawn brown, medium cocoa brown, pale blush pink, cream, oatmeal, mustard, moss green, mushroom brown, and tiny amounts of floral shades.
• Needles: 2.75 mm for most pieces, 3.25 mm for chunky cardigan, and 2.25 mm double-pointed needles for narrow I-cords and tiny props.
• Notions: toy stuffing, yarn needle, stitch markers, row counter, small buttons, black embroidery thread, brown embroidery thread, thin floral wire optional for ears, and craft glue optional for tiny decorations.
• Safety note: if making this for a young child, embroider all features securely and avoid loose beads or unsecured buttons.

Yarn Color Key

• A: warm fawn brown for head, body, arms, and upper legs
• B: darker cocoa for paws, nose, sandal straps, and shading accents
• C: pale blush for inner ears and toes
• D: soft cream for turtleneck and cardigan body
• E: oatmeal-taupe marl for cardigan sleeves and lower body shading
• F: mustard gold for dress/tunic and joey body garment
• G: moss green for hat
• H: camel for satchel
• Small accents: rose pink, dusty coral, golden yellow, leaf green, berry red

Finished Size

• Adult kangaroo: about 15 inches tall in seated position from foot to top of head, not including ears
• Ears: about 3 1/4 inches tall
• Joey: about 4 1/2 inches tall
• Satchel: about 2 1/4 inches tall
• Beanie: about 3 1/4 inches wide laid flat

Gauge

On 2.75 mm needles in stockinette, 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches.

On 3.25 mm needles in stockinette, 24 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• st st = stockinette stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• m1L = make 1 left
• m1R = make 1 right
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat
• yo = yarn over
• sl = slip

Construction Overview

The adult kangaroo is made from separate knitted pieces: head, muzzle shaping, ears, long torso with built-in lower body, narrow arms, long legs, tail, turtleneck, dress, cardigan, satchel, sandals, and floral trim.

The joey is a separate small toy with its own head, ears, body, arms, legs, and cream turtleneck. It sits inside a front pouch sewn to the mustard body garment so the finished look matches the sample.

Most pieces are worked flat and seamed for precise shaping. The cardigan is worked in flat pieces so the cable-like texture and oversized fit sit exactly as shown in the photograph.

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Pattern Notes

• Work all body pieces firmly so the stuffed toy holds the long seated silhouette.
• Leave long tails for sewing on ears, limbs, tail, cardigan pieces, pouch, and decorative elements.
• The kangaroo in the sample has a gentle forward-tilted head, very long narrow legs, oversized upright ears, and a softly rounded muzzle. Keep stuffing lighter in the face and firmer in the crown and neck.
• The cardigan should look slightly oversized and chunky, with cream body sections and taupe sleeves.
• The joey should be small enough to nestle into the pouch but large enough that its head, ears, and upper chest show clearly.

Adult Kangaroo

Head

Using A and 2.75 mm needles, CO 18 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Row 2 RS: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
3. Row 3: p all.
4. Row 4: k1, m1L, k18, m1R, k1. 22 sts.
5. Row 5: p all.
6. Row 6: k1, m1L, k20, m1R, k1. 24 sts.
7. Rows 7-11: work 5 rows st st.
8. Row 12: k2, m1L, k20, m1R, k2. 26 sts.
9. Row 13: p all.
10. Row 14: k all.
11. Row 15: p all.
12. Row 16: k2, m1L, k22, m1R, k2. 28 sts.
13. Rows 17-27: work 11 rows st st.
14. Row 28: k2, ssk, k20, k2tog, k2. 26 sts.
15. Row 29: p all.
16. Row 30: k2, ssk, k18, k2tog, k2. 24 sts.
17. Row 31: p all.
18. Row 32: k1, ssk, k18, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
19. Row 33: p all.
20. Row 34: k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
21. Row 35: p all.
22. Row 36: ssk, k16, k2tog. 18 sts.
23. Row 37: p all.
24. Row 38: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
25. Cut yarn, thread tail through sts, pull tight.

Sew side seam. Stuff crown firmly and face lightly. Shape the muzzle by making two horizontal sculpting passes about 1 inch above lower edge, drawing the center forward slightly.

Muzzle Patch

Using A, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Row 2 RS: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
3. Row 3: p all.
4. Row 4: k1, m1L, k10, m1R, k1. 14 sts.
5. Rows 5-8: work 4 rows st st.
6. Row 9: p all.
7. Row 10: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
8. Row 11: p all.
9. Row 12: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO pwise on WS.

Lightly stuff lower half only. Sew to lower center of face so the muzzle points slightly downward. Embroider nose in B as a soft triangular oval with a short vertical line below.

Ears Make 2

Outer Ear using A: CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Row 2 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
3. Row 3: p all.
4. Row 4: k1, m1L, k8, m1R, k1. 12 sts.
5. Row 5: p all.
6. Row 6: k1, m1L, k10, m1R, k1. 14 sts.
7. Rows 7-15: work 9 rows st st.
8. Row 16: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
9. Row 17: p all.
10. Row 18: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
11. Row 19: p all.
12. Row 20: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
13. Row 21: p all.
14. Row 22: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
15. Row 23: p all.
16. Row 24: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
17. Row 25: p all.
18. Row 26: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
19. Cut yarn and draw through.

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Inner Ear using C: Work same as outer ear through Row 18. Then Row 19 p all, Row 20 ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts. Row 21 p all. Row 22 k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts. BO.

Sew inner ear to outer ear, leaving outer edge visible. Fold lower ear edges together slightly at base and sew. Optional: insert fine wire or backstitch around outer edge for firmer upright ears.

Body With Lower Torso

Using A, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: work 6 rows 1×1 rib, starting Row 1 on WS with p1, k1.
2. Change to st st.
3. Row 7 RS: k all.
4. Row 8 WS: p all.
5. Row 9: k2, m1L, k20, m1R, k2. 26 sts.
6. Row 10: p all.
7. Row 11: k all.
8. Row 12: p all.
9. Row 13: k2, m1L, k22, m1R, k2. 28 sts.
10. Rows 14-21: work 8 rows st st.
11. Row 22: k2, m1L, k24, m1R, k2. 30 sts.
12. Rows 23-30: work 8 rows st st.
13. Row 31: k2, m1L, k26, m1R, k2. 32 sts.
14. Rows 32-38: work 7 rows st st.
15. Row 39: k2, ssk, k24, k2tog, k2. 30 sts.
16. Row 40: p all.
17. Row 41: k all.
18. Row 42: p all.
19. Row 43: k2, ssk, k22, k2tog, k2. 28 sts.
20. Rows 44-49: work 6 rows st st.
21. Row 50: BO 4 sts, k20, BO 4 sts. 20 sts center.
22. Rows 51-58: work 8 rows st st on center 20 sts.
23. BO.

This piece forms the long torso and narrow neck area. Sew seam, stuff firmly through lower opening, shaping a slightly rounded tummy but keeping the waist narrow enough for the cardigan to sit loosely.

Tail

Using A, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1: p all.
2. Row 2: k all.
3. Row 3: p all.
4. Row 4: k1, m1L, k6, m1R, k1. 10 sts.
5. Rows 5-10: work 6 rows st st.
6. Row 11: p all.
7. Row 12: k1, m1L, k8, m1R, k1. 12 sts.
8. Rows 13-22: work 10 rows st st.
9. Row 23: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
10. Row 24: p all.
11. Row 25: ssk, k4, k2tog. 8 sts.
12. Row 26: p all.
13. Row 27: k2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
14. BO.

Sew and stuff lightly. Flatten slightly. The tail should rest behind and help support the seated pose.

Arms Make 2

Using B, CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: work 4 rows st st.
2. Change to A.
3. Row 5 RS: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 6: p all.
5. Rows 7-20: work 14 rows st st.
6. Row 21: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
7. Row 22: p all.
8. Row 23: k all.
9. BO.

Sew side seams and stuff lightly, keeping upper arms soft so they bend inward under the cardigan.

Legs Make 2

Using C, CO 6 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Row 2 RS: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
3. Row 3: p all.
4. Row 4: k all.
5. Change to B for sandal sole shading and work 2 rows st st.
6. Change to A.
7. Row 7: k1, m1L, k6, m1R, k1. 10 sts.
8. Rows 8-30: work 23 rows st st.
9. Row 31: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. Row 32: p all.
11. Rows 33-36: work 4 rows st st.
12. BO.

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Sew seams. Stuff feet a little more firmly than legs. Keep legs long, slender, and slightly flattened so they hang naturally from the seated body.

Clothing for Adult Kangaroo

Cream Turtleneck Insert

This visible neck section sits under the cardigan and above the mustard dress.

Using D, CO 22 sts.

1. Rows 1-14: work 14 rows in 2×2 rib.
2. BO loosely in rib.

Sew into a ring and slide over neck. Secure invisibly.

Mustard Dress or Tunic Front With Joey Pouch

Using F, CO 26 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: work 4 rows 1×1 rib.
2. Row 5 RS: k all.
3. Row 6 WS: p all.
4. Rows 7-18: work 12 rows st st.
5. Row 19: k2, ssk, k18, k2tog, k2. 24 sts.
6. Row 20: p all.
7. Rows 21-26: work 6 rows st st.
8. BO.

Sew lower edge around front body only. The upper edge should sit under the cream turtleneck and beneath the cardigan opening.

Embroider 3 tiny scattered seed or petal stitches in rust red and oatmeal on the center front to echo the tiny decorative marks in the sample.

Joey Pouch

Using F, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1-3: work 3 rows 1×1 rib.
2. Rows 4-12: work 9 rows st st.
3. Row 13: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
4. Row 14: p all.
5. Row 15: ssk, k10, k2tog. 14 sts.
6. Row 16: p all.
7. BO loosely.

Sew pouch to front of dress with curved lower corners, leaving upper edge open. The pouch should sit slightly below center chest so the joey peeks out exactly as shown.

Chunky Cardigan

Back

Using 3.25 mm needles and D, CO 34 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: work 6 rows 2×2 rib.
2. Row 7 RS: k4, p2, k6, p2, k8, p2, k6, p2, k4.
3. Row 8 WS: p4, k2, p6, k2, p8, k2, p6, k2, p4.
4. Repeat Rows 7-8 six more times.
5. Next RS cable-texture row: k4, p2, C6F, p2, k8, p2, C6B, p2, k4.
6. Next WS: work sts as they appear.
7. Repeat this 8-row texture sequence twice more.
8. Work until piece measures 5 1/2 inches from CO.
9. Shape shoulders: BO 6 sts at beg of next 2 rows, then BO remaining 22 sts.

If you do not use cable abbreviations, simply cross 3 stitches over 3 stitches for a gentle twist. The cardigan in the photo is softly textured rather than sharply cabled, so keep the crossings relaxed.

Left Front

Using D, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: work 6 rows 2×2 rib.
2. Row 7 RS: k4, p2, k6, p2, k4.
3. Row 8 WS: p4, k2, p6, k2, p4.
4. Continue in texture as set.
5. At the same time, work 5 buttonholes evenly on front band of first 4 sts: on RS rows for buttonholes, k1, yo, k2tog, k1, then complete row in pattern.
6. Place first buttonhole 1 inch above rib, then every 10 rows.
7. When front measures 4 3/4 inches, shape neck on RS rows: BO 4 sts once, then dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 4 times.
8. When same height as back shoulder, BO remaining 6 shoulder sts.

Right Front

Work as left front without buttonholes, reversing neck shaping.

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Sleeves Make 2

Using E, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: work 6 rows 2×2 rib.
2. Change to st st with a lightly marled look if using two close shades held together.
3. Increase 1 st each side on Rows 7, 13, 19, and 25. 26 sts.
4. Work even until 5 inches from CO.
5. BO 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
6. Then dec 1 st each side every RS row 4 times. 12 sts.
7. Work 2 rows even.
8. BO.

Sew shoulder seams, set in sleeves, and sew side and sleeve seams. The sleeves should look roomy and slightly dropped.

Cardigan Embellishments

• Knit two tiny mushroom caps in berry red: CO 6, work 2 rows st st, Row 3 k2tog across, draw through.
• For stems, using cream, CO 4, knit 2 rows, BO.
• Sew mushrooms near lower right front edge.
• Add 4 to 5 small tan buttons down front.

Sandals Make 2

Using B and 2.25 mm needles, make one sole strip and two straps per sandal.

Sole strip: CO 7 sts. Work 8 rows garter. BO.

Long strap: CO 18 sts as I-cord or narrow garter strip over 3 sts for 5 inches.

Toe loop: CO 8 sts as I-cord or narrow garter strip over 2 sts for 1 1/2 inches.

Sew sole under foot. Sew toe loop across front toes. Wrap long strap around ankle and over instep in crisscross style. Add tiny blush oval toes in C at front opening if desired.

Satchel

Bag Body

Using H, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1-18: work 18 rows garter stitch.
2. Row 19 RS: k all.
3. Rows 20-28: work 9 rows st st.
4. BO.

Fold lower garter section upward to form bag pocket. Sew side seams.

Flap

Pick up 16 sts along top back edge or knit separately.

1. Rows 1-4: work 4 rows st st.
2. Row 5: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
3. Row 6: p all.
4. Row 7: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
5. Row 8: p all.
6. Row 9: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
7. BO.

Strap

Using H, work a 3-stitch I-cord for 12 inches. Sew to each side of satchel so it hangs diagonally from left shoulder to right hip.

Satchel Decoration

• Embroider tiny roses on flap using dusty rose, blush pink, and soft coral French knots or wrapped stitches.
• Add 2 tiny mushroom motifs near bag bottom in cream and berry red.
• Sew small leaf stitches in green around floral cluster.

Hair Flowers

Make one yellow flower and one dusty pink flower.

Each flower: CO 18 sts in chosen color. Knit 1 row. Next row: k2tog across. Cut yarn, draw through. Coil into a rosette and stitch securely.

For the yellow flower, add a tiny green leaf by CO 4 in green, knit 1 row, k2tog twice, draw through. Sew flowers near one ear base on the left side of head.

Joey

Head

Using A, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1: p all.
2. Row 2: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
3. Row 3: p all.
4. Row 4: k1, m1L, k10, m1R, k1. 14 sts.
5. Rows 5-10: work 6 rows st st.
6. Row 11: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
7. Row 12: p all.
8. Row 13: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
9. Row 14: p all.
10. Draw yarn through sts and close.

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Muzzle

Using A, CO 6 sts. Work 4 rows st st. Row 5 k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts. BO. Sew to head lightly stuffed.

Ears Make 2

Using A, CO 4 sts. Row 1 p. Row 2 kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts. Row 3 p. Row 4 k all. Row 5 p. Row 6 ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts. BO.

Make inner ear pieces in C the same but only 4 rows total. Sew together and attach.

Body

Using F, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1-3: work 3 rows 1×1 rib.
2. Rows 4-10: work 7 rows st st.
3. Row 11: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
4. Rows 12-14: work 3 rows st st.
5. BO.

Sew into tube and stuff lightly.

Neck Rib

Using D, CO 12 sts. Work 6 rows 1×1 rib. BO. Sew as a ring around neck top.

Arms Make 2

Using A, CO 4 sts. Work 8 rows st st. BO. Sew and stuff lightly.

Legs Make 2

Using A, CO 4 sts. Work 10 rows st st. BO. Sew and stuff lightly.

Attach limbs close to body. The joey should look tiny, upright, and soft, with ears spread open and arms resting near the pouch edge.

Optional Picnic Props

Green Beanie

Using G and 2.75 mm needles, CO 32 sts and join carefully, or work flat and seam later.

1. Rounds or Rows 1-8: work 8 rows 2×2 rib.
2. Rows 9-20: st st.
3. Decrease round 1: k2tog all around. 16 sts.
4. Next row: k all.
5. Next decrease row: k2tog all around. 8 sts.
6. Cut yarn, draw through.

Make a pom-pom and attach. Flatten as shown in the sample.

Tiny Teapot

Using D, CO 10 sts. Work 8 rows st st. Sew into a tiny stuffed barrel. Add a brown lid using B: CO 6, knit 2 rows, draw through. Make spout and handle from short I-cords and sew on.

Tiny Cup

Using D, CO 8 sts. Work 4 rows st st. Sew into tiny ring. Add handle from 2-stitch I-cord in B.

Acorns Make 2

Using caramel, CO 6 sts. Work 4 rows st st, draw through. Add cap in B by CO 6, knit 2 rows, draw through. Stitch together.

Assembly

1. Sew head to body with slight forward tilt.
2. Attach ears high on head, angled slightly outward and upward.
3. Sew arms at upper side body so they sit low beneath cardigan shoulders.
4. Attach legs to lower front body, spaced narrowly so they hang straight down in seated pose.
5. Sew tail at lower back so it supports balance.
6. Secure cream turtleneck around neck.
7. Attach mustard dress front and pouch.
8. Place joey inside pouch and tack only at lower back if you want it permanent. Leave loose if you want it removable.
9. Dress kangaroo in cardigan and stitch a few hidden tacking points at shoulders and side seams so the cardigan stays open and slouchy.
10. Add satchel diagonally across front body.
11. Sew sandals to feet.
12. Attach flower trim by left ear.

Facial Embroidery Placement

• Use black thread for two tiny straight eye stitches placed 6 to 7 rows below crown shaping and spaced about 5 stitches apart.
• Use brown for nose and mouth. The nose should be centered low on the muzzle, softly triangular and slightly rounded.
• Add one short downward stitch below the nose and a tiny split mouth if desired.
• Do not over-embroider. The sample has a quiet, gentle face.

Shaping Tips for an Accurate Look

• Keep the head taller than wide.
• Stuff ears only lightly so they stay broad and soft, not stiff like rabbit ears.
• The neck should look long because of the visible cream rib section.
• The body should be narrow through the waist and fuller through the seat.
• The legs should be slim and elongated, with tiny feet and visible sandal straps.
• The joey should sit high enough that its entire face, ears, and chest are visible above the pouch.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all sewing is complete, adjust the head angle, ear spread, and joey position before tightening final stitches. Add the eyes first, then the nose, then any tiny mouth detail. Brush the knitted surface lightly with clean fingers to smooth the fabric and settle the stuffing evenly.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If needed, gently hand wash in cool water with mild soap, reshape while damp, and dry flat away from direct heat. Avoid soaking pieces with floral trim, buttons, or glued details for long periods.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head securely attached and centered
• Ears symmetrical and upright
• Joey fits neatly inside pouch
• Cardigan closes correctly and buttons align
• Satchel hangs diagonally across body
• Sandals stitched firmly to feet
• All tails woven in securely

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished piece in a dry, clean place away from strong sunlight to prevent fading. Use acid-free tissue if packing for seasonal storage. Keep away from moisture, rough handling, and hanging stress on the satchel strap or cardigan edges. For display dolls, occasional gentle dusting with a soft dry brush is ideal.