Knitting Tutorial: Vintage Blossom Puppy – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted puppy is designed with a soft vintage look, gentle woodland colors, and heirloom-style details that make it perfect for a handmade gift, nursery decor piece, collectible stuffed animal, or cottagecore toy display. The embroidered cardigan, tiny crossbody bag, floral hat, lace-up shoes, acorn accessories, and miniature tea cup create a premium artisan finish that many shoppers look for when browsing handmade knitted dolls, collectible stuffed animals, and boutique knit toy patterns online.

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 recreates the full scene shown in the image: a seated floppy-eared puppy with a large rounded head, long cream-and-taupe muzzle shaping, dark safety eyes, a small embroidered nose, a cream cardigan with cable texture and floral embroidery, a matching knitted shoulder bag, a soft cream beanie with pom-pom and floral detail, lace-up shoes, two acorns, and a tiny cup with saucer.

The puppy is built as a toy with a firmly stuffed head, a softly stuffed lower body, long lightly bent legs, simple rounded arms, and large drooping ears sewn low at the sides of the head. The proportions are important. The head is visually large, the body is narrower, the arms are short, and the legs are long enough to sit forward in a relaxed pose.

Most of the toy is worked flat and seamed because that structure helps preserve the clean vintage shaping seen in the image. Small accessories are worked flat or in tiny rounds where appropriate. Keep your tension firm throughout to avoid stuffing showing through.

Finished Size

• Puppy height seated: about 9 1/2 inches / 24 cm
• Puppy full standing length if legs are extended: about 12 inches / 30 cm
• Cardigan length: about 3 1/4 inches / 8 cm
• Bag body: about 2 inches / 5 cm tall
• Hat width laid flat: about 3 inches / 7.5 cm
• Each shoe length: about 1 3/4 inches / 4.5 cm
• Acorn length: about 1 inch / 2.5 cm
• Cup height: about 7/8 inch / 2.2 cm

Skill Level

Intermediate. The shaping is straightforward, but the pattern includes color changes, short rows, embroidered flowers, a cabled cardigan, small accessories, and careful finishing. A confident beginner can still make it by working slowly and following each section in order.

Materials

• Main puppy cream: DK weight yarn, about 55 g
• Main puppy taupe-brown: DK weight yarn, about 45 g
• Muzzle white-cream: DK weight yarn, included in cream amount
• Nose brown: small amount
• Cardigan cream: DK weight yarn, about 35 g
• Bag cream: DK weight yarn, about 12 g
• Hat cream: DK weight yarn, about 12 g
• Shoes pale taupe: DK weight yarn, about 15 g
• Flower embroidery shades: dusty rose, mauve, soft pink, pale lavender, sage green
• Acorns: tan and dark brown scraps
• Cup and saucer: pale blush or oatmeal scrap yarn
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm for toy pieces
• Needles: US 3 / 3.25 mm for cardigan, bag, hat, shoes, and cup
• 2 black safety eyes: 9 mm
• Toy stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• 4 tiny buttons for cardigan: about 3/8 inch / 1 cm
• Sewing thread matching yarn shades

Gauge

For the toy pieces on US 2 / 2.75 mm needles, 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch after light blocking.

For garments and accessories on US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, 24 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch after light blocking.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p = purl
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• rem = remaining
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• St st = stockinette stitch
• WS = wrong side
• C4F = slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, k2, then k2 from cable needle
• C4B = slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in back, k2, then k2 from cable needle

Important Construction Notes

• The puppy head is worked in separate head panels plus a shaped muzzle insert for accurate facial proportions.
• The ears must be large, low-set, and softly stuffed only at the base so they drape like the image.
• The body is pear-shaped and slightly flattened at the lower front to help the puppy sit.
• The legs are long tubes with lightly shaped feet, then sewn angled forward.
• The cardigan is separate and should fit snugly, not loosely.
• The floral embroidery is small and delicate. Keep it sparse and symmetrical.

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Head Center Panel

Using cream and US 2 / 2.75 mm needles, CO 7 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, inc 1, k to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 9 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, inc 1, k to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 11 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: K1, inc 1, k to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 13 sts.
7. Row 7: Purl.
8. Rows 8-23: Work 16 rows in St st.
9. Row 24: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 11 sts.
10. Row 25: Purl.
11. Row 26: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 9 sts.
12. Row 27: Purl.
13. Row 28: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 7 sts.
14. BO all sts.

This strip forms the cream blaze from the forehead down the snout. Make sure the length is smooth and even, because it visually defines the face.

Head Side Panels

Make 2. Use taupe-brown and US 2 / 2.75 mm needles. These pieces form the rounded cheeks, sides of head, and upper back of skull.

CO 12 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, inc 1, k10, inc 1, k1. 14 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, inc 1, k12, inc 1, k1. 16 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: K1, inc 1, k14, inc 1, k1. 18 sts.
7. Row 7: Purl.
8. Rows 8-15: Work 8 rows in St st.
9. Row 16: K1, inc 1, k16, inc 1, k1. 20 sts.
10. Row 17: Purl.
11. Rows 18-29: Work 12 rows in St st.
12. Row 30: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 18 sts.
13. Row 31: Purl.
14. Row 32: Rep Row 30. 16 sts.
15. Row 33: Purl.
16. Row 34: Rep Row 30. 14 sts.
17. Row 35: Purl.
18. Row 36: Rep Row 30. 12 sts.
19. BO all sts.

Muzzle Insert

Using cream and US 2 / 2.75 mm needles, CO 9 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, inc 1, k to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 11 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, inc 1, k to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 13 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Rows 6-13: Work 8 rows in St st.
7. Row 14: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 11 sts.
8. Row 15: Purl.
9. Row 16: Rep Row 14. 9 sts.
10. BO all sts.

Lightly steam only if needed. Do not flatten it too much. The muzzle should remain softly rounded.

Back Head Gusset

Using taupe-brown, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Rows 2-19: Work 18 rows in St st.
3. BO all sts.

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Ears

Make 2. Use taupe-brown and US 2 / 2.75 mm needles. The ears should be large, flat, and gently rounded, with very slight thickness. They must hang below eye level when sewn on.

CO 14 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, inc 1, k12, inc 1, k1. 16 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, inc 1, k14, inc 1, k1. 18 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Rows 6-23: Work 18 rows in St st.
7. Row 24: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 16 sts.
8. Row 25: Purl.
9. Row 26: Rep Row 24. 14 sts.
10. Row 27: Purl.
11. Row 28: Rep Row 24. 12 sts.
12. Row 29: Purl.
13. Row 30: Rep Row 24. 10 sts.
14. Row 31: Purl.
15. Row 32: K1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. 8 sts.
16. BO all sts.

Make a second matching ear piece for each ear if you want a double-thickness finish. Seam around edges, leaving the top open. Add only a pea-sized bit of stuffing near the ear base.

Body Front

Using cream and US 2 / 2.75 mm needles, CO 16 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, inc 1, k to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 18 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, inc 1, k to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 20 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Rows 6-11: Work 6 rows in St st.
7. Row 12: K1, inc 1, k18, inc 1, k1. 22 sts.
8. Row 13: Purl.
9. Rows 14-21: Work 8 rows in St st.
10. Row 22: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 20 sts.
11. Row 23: Purl.
12. Row 24: Rep Row 22. 18 sts.
13. Row 25: Purl.
14. Rows 26-31: Work 6 rows in St st.
15. BO all sts.

Body Back

Using cream, CO 16 sts and work exactly as for Body Front.

Body Side Gussets

Make 2. Using cream, CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1-30: Work 30 rows in St st.
2. BO all sts.

These narrow strips give enough depth for the rounded lower torso and seated shape.

Arms

Make 2. Using cream and US 2 / 2.75 mm needles, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
2. Row 5: Knit.
3. Row 6: K1, inc 1, k8, inc 1, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 7: Purl.
5. Rows 8-19: Work 12 rows in St st.
6. Row 20: K1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. 10 sts.
7. Row 21: Purl.
8. Rows 22-25: Work 4 rows in St st.
9. BO all sts.

Seam each arm into a narrow tube. Stuff lightly, leaving top 1/2 inch / 1.2 cm unstuffed for easy attachment.

Legs

Make 2. Use cream and US 2 / 2.75 mm needles. The legs in the image are long, slim, and softly bent forward.

CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 5-28: Work 24 rows in St st.
3. Row 29: K1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 30: Purl.
5. Rows 31-34: Work 4 rows in St st.
6. BO all sts.

Seam legs, stuff firmly in lower half and lightly in upper half. Shape a gentle knee bend by running a small length of matching yarn through the back of each leg at row 20 and pulling slightly.

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Tail

The tail is mostly hidden by the seated angle and cardigan, so keep it small.

Using taupe-brown, CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1-8: Work 8 rows in St st.
2. BO all sts.

Seam into a tiny tube and stuff minimally.

Head Assembly

Sew one long edge of the Head Center Panel to the curved front edge of one Head Side Panel, matching top and bottom evenly. Sew the other long edge of the Head Center Panel to the second Head Side Panel. Insert the Muzzle piece between the lower front edges, easing it gently so the snout rounds forward.

Sew in the Back Head Gusset along the open back edges. Before fully closing, insert the safety eyes between rows 15 and 16 of the side panels, spaced 9 stitches apart across the face. Stuff the head very firmly, especially around the cheeks and forehead. Close remaining seam.

Embroider the nose with brown yarn at the tip of the muzzle. Work horizontal satin stitches for the nose shape, then add a short vertical line below it. Add a tiny curved mouth stitch at each side if desired.

Body Assembly

Sew Body Front to one Side Gusset, then to Body Back, then sew on the second Side Gusset. Leave neck edge open and lower edge partly open for stuffing. Stuff the bottom firmly enough for stability, but do not overfill the chest. The body should look soft and slightly pear-shaped rather than cylindrical.

Sew the lower seam closed. Attach the tiny tail at center back just above the lower body seam.

Join Head, Body, Arms, and Legs

• Sew the head to the body with the chin slightly forward of center so the puppy naturally looks downward and sweet.
• Sew the arms at each upper side of the body, one row below the neck seam.
• Sew the legs low on the body front so they extend forward in a seated pose.
• Angle the tops of the legs slightly outward.

Check the silhouette before fastening permanently. The toy should sit like the image, with the head large and gentle, the body upright, and the feet angled toward the camera.

Attach the Ears

Fold the open edge of each ear slightly inward. Sew each ear low on the head so the top of the ear starts just above eye height and the lower edge hangs close to the jawline. The ears should frame the face and reach down toward the cardigan collar once attached.

Add the small knitted flower at the upper outer edge of the left ear.

Ear Flower

Using cream, CO 18 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: K2tog across. 9 sts.
3. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight into a rosette.

Wrap into a small spiral flower and sew in place. Use yellow yarn for 2 or 3 tiny center stitches.

Cardigan

The cardigan is cream, slightly oversized but still fitted, with narrow sleeves, cable texture at the fronts, ribbed edges, tiny buttons, and floral embroidery near the chest. Make 1 piece body-back-and-fronts, plus 2 sleeves.

Cardigan Back and Fronts

Using US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, CO 36 sts.

Work first 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.

Now set pattern as follows on RS rows:

• 3 sts seed or rib border
• 6 sts cable panel
• 6 sts St st front section
• 12 sts St st back section
• 6 sts St st front section
• 6 sts cable panel
• 3 sts seed or rib border

WS rows: work sts as they appear, purling St st sections and maintaining the border texture.

Cable panels:

• Rows 1-5 of cable repeat: work 6 sts in St st
• Row 6 of cable repeat: work C4F over first 4 sts of panel, k2
• Repeat these 6 rows throughout

At the same time, shape fronts and armholes as follows:

1. Work 12 rows even in established pattern.
2. Row 13 RS: K pattern 8, BO 2, work 16, BO 2, work last 8.

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Continue each section separately.

Left Front

Work 8 sts of front section.

1. Next RS row: Work in pattern, dec 1 st at armhole edge. 7 sts.
2. Work 5 rows even.
3. Neck row RS: Work 5, BO 2.
4. Work 2 rows even.
5. BO rem 5 sts.

Back

Work center 16 sts.

1. Next 2 RS rows: dec 1 st at each armhole edge. 14 sts.
2. Work 6 rows even.
3. BO center 4 sts for neck.
4. Work each shoulder separately for 2 rows.
5. BO 5 sts each shoulder.

Right Front

Work to match Left Front, reversing shaping. Add 4 buttonholes spaced evenly on border if desired. Each buttonhole can be made by k1, yo, k2tog in rib border on an RS row.

Cardigan Sleeves

Make 2. CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 5-18: Work in St st.
3. Row 19: K1, inc 1, k to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 16 sts.
4. Rows 20-24: Work in St st.
5. BO all sts.

Sew sleeve seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side seams carefully so the cardigan sits close to the body.

Cardigan Floral Embroidery

Using sage green, embroider tiny stems on each front chest. Add 3 to 4 detached lazy-daisy flowers per side in dusty rose, mauve, pale pink, and lavender. Keep the flowers tiny. Each blossom should be only 2 to 3 stitches wide. The image shows delicate clusters, not dense bouquets.

Sew on 4 small wooden-tone buttons down the front. Close the cardigan slightly off-center if you want the same overlap seen in the image.

Crossbody Bag

Using cream and US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1-2: Knit.
2. Rows 3-18: Work in St st.
3. Rows 19-20: Knit.
4. BO all sts.

Fold rectangle in half with knit ridges at top and bottom. Sew side seams. For a subtle cable-like texture similar to the image, embroider one vertical twisted stitch line down the center front using matching cream yarn, or work a mock cable by picking up surface columns.

For strap, make an I-cord 12 inches / 30 cm long, or work a narrow strip:

• CO 3 sts
• Knit 42 rows
• BO all sts

Sew strap to upper side corners. Position bag diagonally across the puppy body from right shoulder to left hip.

Hat

Using cream and US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, CO 32 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: k1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 7-18: Work in St st.
3. Row 19: K2tog across. 16 sts.
4. Row 20: Purl.
5. Row 21: K2tog across. 8 sts.
6. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight.

Sew back seam. Make a soft pom-pom about 1 inch / 2.5 cm wide and attach to top. Embroider a small floral spray on front using the same colors as the cardigan.

Shoes

Make 2. Use pale taupe and US 3 / 3.25 mm needles. The shoes are rounded slippers with cream front detail and a tie bow.

Sole and Lower Shoe

CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
2. Row 5: K1, inc 1, k8, inc 1, k1. 12 sts.
3. Row 6: Purl.
4. Rows 7-10: Work in St st.

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Toe Insert

Change to cream for center 6 sts only on next 4 RS rows, keeping outer sts in taupe. This creates the pale upper shoe opening seen in the image.

Upper Shaping

1. Row 11 RS: K3 taupe, k6 cream, k3 taupe.
2. Row 12 WS: P3, p6, p3.
3. Row 13 RS: K1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 14 WS: Purl.
5. BO all sts.

Sew shoe seam neatly. Add a short knitted tie cord for each shoe:

• CO 2 sts
• Knit 16 rows
• BO all sts

Tie into a bow and sew at top front opening. Slip shoes onto the puppy feet and tack in place with a few hidden stitches.

Acorns

Make 2. One tan lower nut and one dark brown cap for each acorn.

Acorn Nut

Using tan and US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: Work in St st.
2. Row 7: K2tog across. 4 sts.
3. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight.

Seam side and stuff lightly.

Acorn Cap

Using dark brown, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1-3: Work in garter stitch.
2. Row 4: K2tog across. 4 sts.
3. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight.

Sew cap over top of nut. Add a short twisted stem at top with yarn.

Cup and Saucer

Using pale blush or oatmeal and US 3 / 3.25 mm needles.

Saucer

CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1-2: Knit.
2. Row 3: K1, k2tog across to last 1 st, k1. 10 sts.
3. Row 4: Knit.
4. BO all sts.

Ease into a shallow circle while seaming.

Cup Body

CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-3: k1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 4-7: Work in St st.
3. BO all sts.

Sew into a tiny cylinder. Gather one edge slightly for base. Add a handle by CO 3 sts, knit 4 rows, BO. Sew into a curved loop on the side. Attach cup lightly to saucer if desired, or leave separate as in the image.

Final Embroidery Details

• Add a few tiny cream or taupe contour stitches around the muzzle if you want stronger definition.
• Use matching thread to gently sculpt eye sockets by taking a stitch from the back of the head to the inner eye corners and pulling very lightly.
• Add two tiny brown nostril stitches on the nose.
• Keep the face soft and minimal. Do not over-embroider.

Detailed Positioning Guide for Accuracy

For the finished toy to resemble the image closely, the head should measure about the same height as the body from neck to base. The ears should cover much of the side head. The muzzle should project forward clearly but remain rounded, not pointed. The eyes should be placed slightly low on the face for a gentle expression.

The cardigan should sit just below the waist and close neatly at center front. The bag should hang from the puppy’s right shoulder to left side. The hat should be displayed as an accessory rather than worn. The shoes should be slightly oversized and rounded. The acorns and cup should remain tiny compared to the puppy.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check all seams before closing the final yarn tails. Make sure the head sits straight and the ears hang evenly. Adjust the muzzle with a little extra stuffing if needed. Stitch the eyes securely, smooth the cardigan front, and place the bag strap flat across the chest. Small facial shaping stitches can greatly improve the sweet vintage expression.

Care Notes

Handle the toy gently because of the small accessories, embroidery, and buttons. It is best used as a decorative knitted doll rather than a rough-play toy. Keep the cup, saucer, and acorns stored safely when not displayed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and evenly rounded
• Ears attached low and draping naturally
• Legs angled forward for seated pose
• Cardigan fitted with all buttons sewn firmly
• Flower embroidery balanced on cardigan and hat
• Bag strap secure and lying diagonally
• Shoes tied and tacked neatly in place
• Accessories finished to the same scale as the image

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a soft cloth, cool water, and a tiny amount of mild soap. Do not soak the toy, especially after adding stuffing, buttons, and embroidery. Pat dry with a towel and reshape while damp. Let it air dry fully away from direct heat or strong sunlight.

Store the puppy in a dry area with good airflow. To preserve the vintage cream shades, avoid long exposure to harsh sun. If displaying on a shelf, dust lightly with a clean makeup brush or soft cloth. Keep accessories together in a small box when the toy is not on display.