Knitting Tutorial: Sweet Bumblebee Zebra with Floral Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet zebra knitting pattern creates a collectible stuffed animal with long striped legs, a rounded muzzle, floppy seated posture, tan overalls, a striped sweater, tiny sandals, a blue bee hat, a yellow flower satchel, and small bee-themed accessories. It is designed for knit toy lovers who enjoy handmade dolls, heirloom nursery decor, boutique plush animals, artisan stuffed zebra toys, and giftable spring animal knits. The finished zebra has a gentle, storybook look with soft proportions and charming floral details that feel perfect for display, gifting, or adding to a handmade toy collection.

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 zebra colors: white, charcoal black, and medium gray fingering or light DK yarn.
• Clothing colors: sky blue, denim blue, sand beige, bright yellow, cream, and a small amount of green.
• Accent colors: black and yellow for bees, white and yellow for flowers.
• Needles: 2.5 mm double-pointed needles or magic loop for the toy, 3 mm needles for garments if you prefer slightly softer fabric.
• Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle, small scissors, stuffing, locking stitch markers, black embroidery thread, sewing needle, and optional fabric glue for securing tiny flower centers.
• Safety eyes or bead eyes: 6 mm black. If making for a child, embroider eyes instead.
• Buttons: 4 tiny tan buttons for overalls and sandals.

Finished Size

The finished zebra measures about 15 to 17 inches tall when stretched from ears to feet, or about 12 inches sitting. The body is slim, the legs are long and narrow, and the head is oversized with a broad rounded muzzle, matching the proportions shown in the image.

Gauge

Toy fabric gauge: 8 stitches and 11 rounds = 1 inch in stockinette worked tightly in the round using 2.5 mm needles.

Your fabric should be firm enough that stuffing does not show through. If your knitting is loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit front and back
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• sl = slip
• rep = repeat

Color Key

• A = white
• B = charcoal black
• C = medium gray
• D = sky blue
• E = denim blue
• F = sand beige
• G = bright yellow
• H = cream
• I = leaf green

Pattern Notes

This zebra is worked mostly in the round. The legs and arms are narrow tubes. The head is shaped from the nose backward so the muzzle stays broad and rounded. The neck is short. The body is softly stuffed so the doll sits naturally with a relaxed posture.

The stripes are important for accuracy. Keep them narrow and even. The muzzle uses darker charcoal at the tip, then alternating white and charcoal stripes moving back toward the face. The legs also use fine stripes. The sweater sleeves are blue and white striped, while the overalls are plain sand beige.

Stuff lightly in the legs and arms, medium-firm in the muzzle and forehead, and soft in the belly. The mane is added after assembly as short gray-black fringe strands running from forehead to upper back, plus a small tail tassel.

Legs Make 2

Lower Hoof and Foot

Using color B, CO 8 sts evenly across 3 needles. Join to work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, rep around. 24 sts.
5. Rnds 5-8: Knit.
6. Rnd 9: K2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
7. Rnd 10: Knit.
8. Rnd 11: K1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.

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Begin leg striping. Alternate 2 rnds A, 2 rnds B for the entire leg length.

1. Rnds 12-43: Work 32 rnds in stripe pattern on 12 sts.

Stuff the hoof firmly and the leg lightly. Flatten the top of the leg opening later when attaching to the body so the feet angle slightly outward, matching the image.

Top of Leg Join Shaping

1. Rnd 44: K2, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k2, k2tog. 9 sts.
2. Rnd 45: Knit.

Break yarn, leave a long tail. Make the second leg the same.

Body

The body is a slim pear shape with a slightly rounded belly and narrow shoulders. It should not be too wide. The doll in the image has a long seated line from shoulders to hips, so keep the torso gently elongated.

Using color F for the inner body because the overalls will cover most of it, begin by joining both legs.

1. Place both leg tops on needles. Knit across first leg 9 sts, CO 3 sts, knit across second leg 9 sts, CO 3 sts. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 1: Knit, placing markers at each side.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in first and last of each bridge section. 28 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: M1L, knit to 1 st before bridge marker, M1R, repeat at second bridge. 32 sts.
6. Rnds 5-12: Knit.
7. Rnd 13: M1L, knit to 1 st before side marker, M1R, repeat at second side. 36 sts.
8. Rnds 14-20: Knit.
9. Rnd 21: M1L, knit to 1 st before side marker, M1R, repeat at second side. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 22-28: Knit.

Stuff lower body and hips lightly, shaping a seated base.

1. Rnd 29: K8, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k7. 37 sts.
2. Rnd 30: Knit.
3. Rnd 31: K7, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k6. 34 sts.
4. Rnd 32: Knit.
5. Rnd 33: K6, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k5. 31 sts.
6. Rnd 34: Knit.
7. Rnd 35: K5, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k5, k2tog, k4. 28 sts.
8. Rnds 36-40: Knit.

Stuff belly softly. The torso should look gently rounded in front but not plump.

Upper Body and Neck Base

1. Rnd 41: K2, k2tog, rep around. 21 sts.
2. Rnd 42: Knit.
3. Rnd 43: K1, k2tog, rep around. 14 sts.
4. Rnds 44-47: Knit.

This narrow section forms the neck base inside the sweater. Stuff only lightly here so the head can tilt naturally.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim, gently tapered tubes with dark hoof-like hands. They are shorter than the legs and attached slightly forward so the zebra rests them at its sides.

Using color B, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
2. Rnds 2-4: Knit.
3. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 8 sts.

Switch to striped sleeve colors. Work 2 rnds D, 2 rnds A repeatedly for 24 rnds total.

1. Rnds 6-29: Continue stripe sequence on 8 sts.
2. Rnd 30: K1, kfb, rep around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 31: Knit.
4. Rnd 32: K2, k2tog, rep around. 9 sts.

Stuff the hand firmly and the arm lightly. Flatten the upper edge and leave a long tail for sewing. Make the second arm the same.

Head

The head is the most important shaping area. The image shows a large oval muzzle, a rounded forehead, a soft back head, and a gentle downward nose line. The muzzle is wider than the neck and takes up nearly half the head length.

Muzzle Start

Using color B, CO 6 sts. Divide across needles and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K1, kfb, rep around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: K2, kfb, rep around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 6: Knit.
7. Rnd 7: K3, kfb, rep around. 30 sts.
8. Rnd 8: Knit.
9. Rnd 9: K4, kfb, rep around. 36 sts.

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Work 4 rnds in color B.

1. Rnds 10-13: Knit.

Now begin zebra face striping. Alternate 2 rnds A and 2 rnds B for 16 rnds.

1. Rnds 14-29: Work stripe pattern.

At this point the muzzle should be long and softly cylindrical. Stuff the nose area firmly, especially the front half.

Cheek and Forehead Expansion

1. Rnd 30: K5, kfb, rep around. 42 sts.
2. Rnd 31: Knit.
3. Rnd 32: K6, kfb, rep around. 48 sts.
4. Rnds 33-40: Continue stripe pattern over 48 sts.

Insert eyes between rnds 28 and 29 of the striped section, spaced 9 sts apart. Place them slightly above the widest muzzle line, not too high on the forehead. Add a few black eyelash stitches at the outer corners to match the image.

Back Head

1. Rnd 41: K6, k2tog, rep around. 42 sts.
2. Rnd 42: Knit.
3. Rnd 43: K5, k2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 44: Knit.
5. Rnd 45: K4, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 46: Knit.
7. Rnd 47: K3, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.

Stuff the forehead and back head firmly but smoothly. Keep the cheeks rounded.

1. Rnd 48: K2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
2. Rnd 49: Knit.
3. Rnd 50: K1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.

Leave open for neck attachment rather than fully closing.

Ears Make 2

The ears are upright triangles with pale outer edges and dark inner centers. They are not large. They sit high on the head and angle slightly outward.

Using color A, CO 12 sts flat.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
8. Row 8: Purl.
9. Row 9: Ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
10. Row 10: P2tog twice. 2 sts.
11. Row 11: K2tog. 1 st.

Embroider or duplicate stitch a dark inner ear triangle using color B, leaving a narrow white border around the outer edge. Make the second ear the same. Fold the base slightly before sewing so each ear cups inward.

Mane

The mane runs from the forehead over the top center of the head and down the back of the neck. In the image it looks soft, a little tousled, and made from fine gray-black strands rather than a solid knitted crest.

Cut 30 to 36 strands of yarn, each 4 inches long, using mixed B and C. Knot or latch them along the center head seam beginning between the ears and ending at the upper back neck. Trim to about 1 to 1.5 inches so the mane stands up in short shaggy tufts.

Tail

Using color F, pick up 6 sts or knit an I-cord for 8 rows to form a short tail base. Attach 10 to 12 strands of mixed B and C, each 3.5 inches long, fold in half, and knot to create a tassel. Trim evenly.

Striped Sweater

The sweater is visible at the neck, sleeves, and upper chest. It has blue-and-white stripes, a simple round neckline, and a close fit so the overalls can sit over it without bulk.

You may knit it flat in pieces or directly onto the doll. For the neatest result matching the image, knit flat in one body panel and two sleeve extensions, then seam at the back.

Sweater Body

Using color D, CO 32 sts flat.

1. Rows 1-2: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 3-4: Knit 2 rows D.
3. Rows 5-6: Knit 2 rows A.
4. Rep Rows 3-6 four more times. 20 stripe rows total after rib.

Shape armholes.

1. Row 21: BO 3 sts, knit to end. 29 sts.
2. Row 22: BO 3 sts, purl to end. 26 sts.
3. Rows 23-28: Continue stripe pattern on remaining sts.

Neckline:

1. Row 29 RS: K9, BO 8, k9.
2. Work each side separately for 2 rows, maintaining stripes.
3. BO shoulders.

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Sleeves Make 2

Using colors D and A, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1-16: Work stripes of 2 rows D, 2 rows A.
2. Rows 17-18: Knit in D.

BO. Seam into narrow tubes and attach to armholes. This sweater is mostly hidden, so keep it smooth and fitted.

Overalls

The overalls are a major visual feature. They are sand beige, softly fitted, with curved bib, side buttons, shoulder straps, and short rolled cuffs at the ankles. The bib sits high on the chest and has a small blue pocket with flower embroidery on one side.

Overall Pants

Using color F, CO 40 sts. Join to work in the round.

1. Rnds 1-4: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rnds 5-10: Knit.

Split for legs.

1. K20 for first leg, place remaining 20 sts on hold.

First leg:

1. Rnds 1-12: Knit 20 sts.
2. Rnd 13: Purl one round for turning hem.
3. Rnd 14: Knit.
4. BO loosely.

Work second leg the same.

Sew inseam and draw over doll legs. Fold along purl turning row to make a small rolled cuff if desired.

Overall Bib Front

Pick up 14 sts from center front of waist.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Rows 3-10: Continue stockinette.
4. Row 11: K2tog, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
5. Row 12: Purl.
6. Rows 13-18: Stockinette.

Shape top corners.

1. Row 19: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
2. Row 20: Purl.
3. Row 21: Repeat Row 19. 8 sts.
4. Row 22: Purl.
5. Rows 23-24: Stockinette.

Straps Make 2

Using color F, CO 4 sts.

1. Rows 1-18: Knit 4 sts each row for garter straps.

Sew straps to back waistband and front bib top. Add a small tan button at each front strap attachment. Add two extra decorative side buttons near the bib top if desired to match the image.

Pocket

Using color D, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: Stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
2. Row 7: K1, p1 rib.
3. Row 8: BO in rib.

Sew the pocket onto the right side of bib front. Embroider two tiny white flowers with yellow centers and add a few green stems using duplicate stitch or simple embroidery. This detail is small but very important for matching the image.

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Sandals Make 2

The sandals are beige with pale soles, open front, side button strap, and a tiny white flower decoration on top. They should look soft and handmade rather than stiff.

Sole

Using H, CO 6 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
3. Row 3: Knit.
4. Row 4: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Rows 5-8: Garter stitch.
6. BO.

Upper Straps

Using F, knit two narrow i-cords, each 10 rows long on 3 sts, for the toe straps. Knit one longer 14-row i-cord for the ankle strap. Sew two toe straps across the front opening. Sew the ankle strap around one side and fasten on the other side with a tiny tan button.

Add a tiny daisy to one toe strap on each sandal using white petals and a yellow center.

Blue Bee Hat

The hat is a soft beanie in sky-blue and white stripes with a tiny bee motif on the front. It sits separately beside the zebra in the photo, so it should be removable.

Using color D, CO 36 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1-4: K1, p1 rib in D.
2. Rnds 5-6: Knit D.
3. Rnds 7-8: Knit A.
4. Rep these 4 rnds twice more.
5. Rnds 17-18: Knit D.

Shape crown.

1. Rnd 19: K4, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.
2. Rnd 20: Knit.
3. Rnd 21: K3, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 22: Knit.
5. Rnd 23: K2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 24: Knit.
7. Rnd 25: K1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
8. Rnd 26: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Thread tail through remaining stitches and close.

For the bee motif, embroider a tiny oval body in yellow on the hat front, add two black horizontal stripes, and sew or embroider two tiny white wings.

Yellow Flower Satchel

The satchel is a bright yellow mini purse worn crossbody. It has a long cord strap and a knitted flower on the front.

Using color G, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-12: Stockinette.
2. Row 13: Knit.
3. Rows 14-24: Stockinette.
4. BO.

Fold so Rows 1-12 form the bag front and back, and Row 13 is the base fold. Sew side seams. Knit or crochet a long cord about 18 inches and attach as the strap.

For the front flower, knit or crochet 5 small petals in color F or a slightly darker beige, sew them in a circle, and add a yellow center. Stitch the flower onto the bag front.

Bee Brooch on Sweater

The zebra wears a tiny bee at the upper chest. This detail helps tie the outfit to the hat and honeycomb accessory.

Make a tiny oval with 4 stitches in yellow, work 3 short rows, bind off, and wrap two horizontal black strands across it. Add tiny white wings. Stitch at the left chest area above the bib edge.

Head Flower and Bee Accent

On the zebra’s head, near one ear, there is a white flower with a yellow center and a small bee tucked below it. Sew a five-petal flower first, then attach a miniature bee just under the flower so both nestle into the mane.

• Flower: 5 white petals around a yellow knot center.
• Bee: tiny yellow oval with black stripes and two white wings.

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Honeycomb Charm

The image shows a small honeycomb-shaped accessory near the zebra. Make this as a flat decorative charm.

Using color G, CO 18 sts flat.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: K2tog, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: K2tog, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
6. Rows 6-8: Work even.
7. Row 9: Kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
8. Row 10: Purl.
9. Row 11: Kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts.
10. Row 12: BO.

Embroider inner honeycomb lines using surface stitch. Add a tiny loop at the top if you want it to hang from the satchel.

Mini Bee Accessory

Make one extra miniature bee as shown beside the honeycomb.

• CO 4 sts in G and work an i-cord for 3 rows.
• Increase to 6 sts and knit 2 rounds.
• Switch to B for 1 round, G for 1 round, B for 1 round.
• Decrease back to 4 sts and close.
• Add two tiny white felted or knitted wings.

Snout and Nose Details

Embroider two nostrils in black on the dark muzzle tip, placed low and slightly apart. Do not make them too large. Add a few gentle shaping stitches from the underside of muzzle toward the face if needed to give the nose a rounded, realistic contour.

The mouth is minimal or nearly invisible in the image. If desired, add only a tiny straight stitch below the muzzle center. Keep it subtle.

Final Assembly and Positioning

1. Sew the head to the neck with the muzzle angled slightly downward and forward.
2. Sew arms to the upper body just below the neckline so they hang naturally at the sides.
3. Sew ears near the top of the head, one on each side, angled outward.
4. Attach mane down the center head and neck.
5. Sew tail to back body just below overall waistband.
6. Dress the zebra in the striped sweater first, then the overalls.
7. Add sandals to the feet.
8. Place satchel across the body so the bag rests at the front right hip area.
9. Add the head flower and tiny bee near one ear.

The zebra in the photo has a relaxed seated pose with straight extended legs and slightly bent arms. Shape the stuffing so the doll can sit on a flat surface without tipping forward.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the eyes sit evenly and that the muzzle remains firmly stuffed. Brush the mane gently with your fingers so it looks soft and slightly tousled. Secure all decorative bees, flowers, and buttons tightly. Keep the nostrils small, the lashes soft, and the expression calm and sweet.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. Avoid soaking the toy if it includes buttons, embroidery, or glued accents. If deeper cleaning is needed, remove loose accessories first and handle the mane gently while drying.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both legs evenly striped and equal length
• Head firmly stuffed with smooth muzzle
• Ears matched and angled evenly
• Mane attached from forehead to neck
• Overalls fitted neatly over sweater
• Blue pocket and floral embroidery added
• Sandals secured with flowers and side buttons
• Hat, satchel, bee accents, and honeycomb finished

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished zebra away from direct sunlight to protect the blue, yellow, and beige yarns from fading. Keep it in a dry, dust-free space. For long-term display, support the neck and body so the shape stays even. When cleaning, use cool water, mild soap, and minimal rubbing, then air dry flat with the limbs reshaped by hand.