Knitting Tutorial: Autumn Dachshund Dog with Acorn Bag – Free Knitting Pattern

This cozy autumn dachshund dog is knitted as a soft, fully dressed keepsake toy with a long brown puppy face, floppy ears, black nose, orange cardigan, brown overalls, ribbed boots, tiny leaf embroidery, a crossbody acorn bag with a little black crow, a woven harvest basket, and a small decorated straw hat. The finished doll is shaped with careful increases, decreases, seaming, and stuffing so the proportions match the warm woodland look in the image.

 

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 free knitting pattern makes a seated-style autumn dachshund dog doll with a rounded head, long muzzle, soft drooping ears, compact body, short legs, warm clothing, and miniature fall accessories. The main toy is worked mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or magic loop, while the cardigan panels, basket, hat brim, and small appliqués are worked flat.

The design uses firm toy gauge so the stuffing does not show through the stitches. The clothing is built directly around the body in some areas and separately sewn in other areas to create the layered look seen in the image. The cardigan sits open at the front, the brown overalls show beneath it, and the acorn bag strap crosses from shoulder to hip.

Finished Size

• Finished height: about 11 inches from top of head to bottom of boots.
• Head width: about 3.25 inches across the cheeks.
• Body length: about 4.25 inches from neck to lower hip.
• Arm length: about 3.5 inches from shoulder seam to paw.
• Leg length: about 3.25 inches including boot.
• Acorn bag: about 2.25 inches tall with a textured cap and small crow accent.
• Harvest basket: about 2.5 inches wide and 1.6 inches tall, not including handle.
• Hat: about 2.75 inches wide across the brim.

Skill Level

Confident beginner to intermediate. You should be comfortable knitting small pieces in the round, increasing, decreasing, picking up stitches, seaming, stuffing, and adding simple embroidery. The accessories are small, but each one is made with clear stitch counts so the finished dog keeps the same layered autumn style.

Materials

• Yarn weight: sport weight or light DK yarn. Use yarn with good stitch definition for the cardigan, overalls, and accessories.
• Main dog brown: 35 g medium warm brown for head, body, ears, paws, and tail.
• Muzzle tan: 12 g golden tan for muzzle, paw pads, and small face patches.
• Dark brown: 12 g for ear edges, boot soles, acorn cap, and strap.
• Orange rust: 25 g for cardigan and boots.
• Taupe brown: 22 g for overalls and trousers.
• Cream: 8 g for shirt front and ruffled cuffs.
• Basket beige: 15 g for basket and hat.
• Green, red, yellow, pumpkin orange, olive, and purple scraps: for leaves, fruits, embroidery, and hat details.
• Black yarn: small amount for nose, mouth, and tiny crows.
• Silver gray scrap: for tiny crow beak highlights.
• Safety eyes: two 6 mm black safety eyes, or embroidered eyes if making for a young child.
• Buttons: four 8 mm wooden-style buttons for cardigan front.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Needles: US 2, 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
• Flat needles: US 2, 2.75 mm straight or circular needles for flat pieces.
• Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, row counter, small amount of cardboard or plastic mesh for basket base if desired.

Gauge

• Toy gauge: 28 stitches and 38 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, worked in the round and stuffed firmly.
• Flat cardigan gauge: 28 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch after light blocking.
• Important: Gauge should be tight enough that stuffing does not show between stitches.

If your fabric feels loose, go down one needle size. If your pieces become too stiff to shape, go up one needle size. The finished look depends on firm stitches, especially around the long dachshund muzzle and rounded boots.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• k: knit
• p: purl
• st or sts: stitch or stitches
• rnd: round
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• kfb: knit into front and back of same stitch
• m1: make 1 stitch by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting through the back loop
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
• ssk: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together
• p2tog: purl 2 stitches together
• sl1: slip 1 stitch purlwise
• yo: yarn over
• PM: place marker
• SM: slip marker
• St st: stockinette stitch
• G st: garter stitch

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Construction Notes

The dog is knitted in separate parts and sewn together. The head and muzzle are shaped to give the dachshund a long, gentle face. The ears are long, narrow, and floppy. The body is dressed with knitted overalls, a cream shirt panel, and an orange cardigan that sits open.

The arms and legs are stuffed lightly at the tops and firmly at the paws and boots. This lets the toy lie naturally like the image. The accessories are small but important: the acorn bag hangs from a twisted cord strap, the harvest basket sits beside the dog, and the hat is made separately as a display piece.

Main Head

Work the head in medium warm brown. Knit in the round and stuff as you go. Keep the beginning of the round at the back center of the head.

1. CO 8 sts. Divide over needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: knit all sts.
8. Rnd 7: k3, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 8: knit all sts.
10. Rnd 9: k4, kfb; repeat around. 48 sts.
11. Rnds 10 to 19: knit all sts for 10 rounds.
12. Rnd 20: k10, kfb, k26, kfb, k10. 50 sts.
13. Rnd 21: knit all sts.
14. Rnd 22: k11, kfb, k26, kfb, k11. 52 sts.
15. Rnds 23 to 28: knit all sts for 6 rounds.
16. Rnd 29: k11, k2tog, k26, ssk, k11. 50 sts.
17. Rnd 30: knit all sts.
18. Rnd 31: k8, k2tog; repeat around. 45 sts.
19. Rnd 32: knit all sts.
20. Rnd 33: k7, k2tog; repeat around. 40 sts.
21. Rnd 34: knit all sts.
22. Rnd 35: k6, k2tog; repeat around. 35 sts.
23. Rnd 36: k5, k2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
24. Pause and stuff the top and cheeks firmly. Shape the sides with your fingers so the head is oval, wider at the cheeks and slightly narrower at the crown.
25. Rnd 37: k4, k2tog; repeat around. 25 sts.
26. Rnd 38: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 20 sts.
27. Rnd 39: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 15 sts.
28. Rnd 40: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 10 sts.
29. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure at lower back of head.

Long Dachshund Muzzle

The muzzle is worked in golden tan. It is oval and protrudes from the lower front of the head. The top is wider than the chin so the black nose can sit neatly at the front.

1. CO 10 sts in tan and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 2: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k4, kfb, k10, kfb, k4. 22 sts.
5. Rnd 4: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 5: k5, kfb, k10, kfb, k5. 24 sts.
7. Rnds 6 to 11: knit all sts for 6 rounds.
8. Rnd 12: k5, k2tog, k10, ssk, k5. 22 sts.
9. Rnd 13: knit all sts.
10. Rnd 14: k4, k2tog, k10, ssk, k4. 20 sts.
11. Rnd 15: knit all sts.
12. Rnd 16: k3, k2tog, k10, ssk, k3. 18 sts.
13. Cut yarn, leaving a long sewing tail. Stuff the muzzle firmly but keep the back edge flat.

Pin the muzzle to the lower front of the head. The top edge should sit about 6 rounds below the eyes. Sew around the edge using small mattress stitches. Pull slightly at the lower center to form a soft chin curve.

Face Patches

The image shows tan shaping around the muzzle and lower face, with small warm highlights near the brow. These are made as simple duplicate stitch and small knitted patches.

Lower Cheek Blending

• With tan yarn, duplicate stitch 8 sts on each side of the muzzle where it meets the brown head.
• Work the duplicate stitches in a curved triangle shape: 4 sts wide at the muzzle edge, 3 sts wide above, then 1 st at the top.
• Repeat on the opposite side so both cheeks look balanced.

Small Brow Flecks

• Using tan yarn, embroider 2 short angled stitches above each eye.
• Each brow fleck should cover 2 knitted stitches across and 1 round high.
• Keep the brow flecks soft and slightly uneven for a natural autumn puppy expression.

Eyes

• Place the eyes between Rnds 19 and 20 of the head.
• Space them 10 sts apart across the front.
• The eyes should sit above the muzzle, slightly angled toward the center.
• Install safety eyes before fully closing the head if using safety eyes.
• For embroidered eyes, use black yarn and satin stitch over 3 sts wide and 3 rounds high.

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Black Nose and Mouth

The nose is large, rounded, and black, sitting at the front of the tan muzzle. It should look soft and slightly triangular, not flat.

1. With black yarn, embroider a rounded triangle over the front 7 sts of the muzzle.
2. Start 2 rounds down from the top of the muzzle tip.
3. Make 10 horizontal satin stitches, each stitch passing over 5 to 7 knitted stitches.
4. Add 4 vertical satin stitches over the center to build height.
5. Outline the lower nose edge with 2 small backstitches.
6. For the mouth, bring black yarn down from the nose center for 4 rounds.
7. Make a small Y shape by stitching 2 diagonal lines, each 3 sts long, toward the lower left and lower right.

Floppy Ears

Make two. The ears are long, dark brown, and hang beside the face. They are narrow at the top, rounded at the lower end, and lightly textured with garter edging.

1. CO 10 sts in dark brown.
2. Row 1: knit across.
3. Row 2: purl across.
4. Row 3: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
5. Row 4: purl across.
6. Row 5: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
7. Rows 6 to 24: work in stockinette stitch, keeping first and last stitch knitted on every row for a garter edge.
8. Row 25: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
9. Row 26: purl across.
10. Row 27: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
11. Row 28: purl across.
12. Row 29: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
13. Row 30: purl across.
14. Row 31: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
15. Row 32: purl across.
16. Row 33: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
17. Row 34: p2tog twice. 2 sts.
18. BO remaining 2 sts.

Lightly steam the ears without flattening them completely. Fold the top cast-on edge slightly inward. Sew each ear to the side of the head from Rnd 13 to Rnd 20, letting the ear hang down beside the muzzle. The lower tips should reach the top of the cardigan shoulder.

Body

The body is knitted in taupe brown for the visible overalls area. It is short, rounded, and slightly pear-shaped. The upper chest will later receive a cream shirt panel.

1. CO 12 sts in taupe brown. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 2: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k3, kfb; repeat around. 30 sts.
5. Rnd 4: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 5: k4, kfb; repeat around. 36 sts.
7. Rnd 6: knit all sts.
8. Rnd 7: k5, kfb; repeat around. 42 sts.
9. Rnds 8 to 20: knit all sts for 13 rounds.
10. Rnd 21: k12, kfb, k16, kfb, k12. 44 sts.
11. Rnds 22 to 27: knit all sts for 6 rounds.
12. Rnd 28: k9, k2tog; repeat around. 40 sts.
13. Rnd 29: knit all sts.
14. Rnd 30: k8, k2tog; repeat around. 36 sts.
15. Rnd 31: knit all sts.
16. Rnd 32: k7, k2tog; repeat around. 32 sts.
17. Rnd 33: knit all sts.
18. Rnd 34: k6, k2tog; repeat around. 28 sts.
19. Rnd 35: knit all sts.
20. Rnd 36: k5, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
21. Stuff the body firmly at the lower belly and lightly at the shoulder area.
22. Rnd 37: k4, k2tog; repeat around. 20 sts.
23. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for attaching the head.

Cream Shirt Front

The cream shirt panel appears between the open cardigan fronts. Knit it flat and sew it to the upper center of the body.

1. CO 12 sts in cream.
2. Rows 1 to 2: knit all sts.
3. Row 3: knit across.
4. Row 4: purl across.
5. Rows 5 to 12: continue in stockinette stitch.
6. Row 13: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
7. Row 14: purl across.
8. Row 15: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
9. Row 16: knit across.
10. BO all sts.

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Sew the cream shirt to the front upper body, placing the lower edge just above the widest belly. The panel should be visible between the cardigan fronts, about 1 inch wide after sewing.

Overall Bib and Shoulder Straps

The brown overalls are part of the visible outfit. The trousers are already formed by the body and legs, but the front bib and straps add the correct image detail.

Overall Bib

1. CO 14 sts in taupe brown.
2. Rows 1 to 2: knit all sts.
3. Row 3: k2, p10, k2.
4. Row 4: knit across.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 four more times, making 10 rows total.
6. Row 11: k2, ssk, k6, k2tog, k2. 12 sts.
7. Row 12: knit across.
8. BO all sts.

Sew the bib over the lower half of the cream shirt, leaving the top cream neckline visible. The bib should sit under the cardigan opening and blend into the taupe body.

Overall Straps

1. CO 4 sts in taupe brown.
2. Knit every row until strap measures 3.25 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make a second strap the same way.

Sew each strap from the top corner of the bib over the shoulder toward the back neck. Cross the straps slightly at the back if desired. Keep the straps flat under the orange cardigan.

Legs

Make two. The legs are short and rounded, with taupe trousers and rust orange boots. Each leg begins at the trouser top and changes color for the boot.

1. CO 16 sts in taupe brown. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib around.
3. Rnds 5 to 14: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 15: k7, kfb, k8. 17 sts.
5. Rnd 16: knit all sts.
6. Change to rust orange for boot.
7. Rnds 17 to 20: knit all sts.
8. Rnd 21: k5, kfb, k7, kfb, k3. 19 sts.
9. Rnd 22: knit all sts.
10. Rnd 23: k6, kfb, k7, kfb, k4. 21 sts.
11. Rnds 24 to 27: knit all sts.
12. Change to dark brown for sole edge.
13. Rnd 28: knit all sts.
14. Rnd 29: k5, k2tog, k7, ssk, k5. 19 sts.
15. Rnd 30: k4, k2tog, k7, ssk, k4. 17 sts.
16. Stuff the trouser section lightly and the boot firmly.
17. Rnd 31: k3, k2tog, k7, ssk, k3. 15 sts.
18. Rnd 32: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 10 sts.
19. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Sew the legs to the lower body with the feet pointing slightly outward. The boots should rest below the body and angle naturally, like the doll is relaxed on the bench.

Boot Cuffs and Laces

Boot Cuffs

1. With rust orange, CO 22 sts for each cuff.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib across.
3. BO loosely.

Wrap one cuff around the top of each boot and sew the short ends together at the back. Tack the cuff down with three small stitches so it stays rolled above the boot.

Boot Laces

• Cut two 8 inch strands of dark brown yarn for each boot.
• Thread one strand horizontally across the front of the boot, 4 rounds below the cuff.
• Thread the second strand diagonally across the first to form a small X.
• Tie a tiny bow on the outer side of each boot.
• Trim the lace ends to 0.5 inch.

Arms

Make two. The arms have brown paws, cream ruffle cuffs, and orange cardigan sleeves. The hands are small and mitten-like.

1. CO 8 sts in medium warm brown. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 5: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 6: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
5. Rnds 7 to 8: knit all sts.
6. Change to cream for ruffle cuff.
7. Rnd 9: kfb in every st around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 10: knit all sts.
9. Rnd 11: k2tog around. 12 sts.
10. Change to rust orange for sleeve.
11. Rnds 12 to 27: knit all sts.
12. Rnd 28: k4, k2tog; repeat around. 10 sts.
13. Stuff paw firmly and sleeve lightly.
14. Rnd 29: k2tog around. 5 sts.
15. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and leave a long tail for sewing.

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Sew the arms to the sides of the body at the shoulder line. Angle them downward slightly. The cream ruffle cuffs should peek from the cardigan sleeve openings, matching the image.

Tail

The dachshund tail is small and curved. It may be partly hidden behind the cardigan and body, but it helps the dog shape feel complete.

1. CO 6 sts in medium warm brown. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 10: knit all sts.
3. Rnd 11: k2tog around. 3 sts.
4. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Do not stuff heavily. Thread the yarn tail through the inside curve and pull gently to curve the tail. Sew it to the back lower body, angled slightly upward.

Orange Cardigan

The cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces and sewn on. It is rust orange with textured front edges, small buttons, embroidered leaves, and narrow sleeves already represented by the arm color. The body of the cardigan sits open so the cream shirt and brown overalls are visible.

Back Panel

1. CO 34 sts in rust orange.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib across.
3. Row 5: knit across.
4. Row 6: purl across.
5. Rows 7 to 24: continue in stockinette stitch.
6. Row 25: BO 3 sts, knit to end. 31 sts.
7. Row 26: BO 3 sts, purl to end. 28 sts.
8. Row 27: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 26 sts.
9. Row 28: purl across.
10. Row 29: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
11. Rows 30 to 34: work in stockinette stitch.
12. BO all sts.

Left Front Panel

1. CO 18 sts in rust orange.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib across.
3. Row 5: k4, knit to end.
4. Row 6: purl to last 4 sts, k4.
5. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until 24 rows total. Keep the 4-st garter band at the front edge.
6. Row 25: BO 3 sts at armhole edge, knit to end. 15 sts.
7. Row 26: purl to last 4 sts, k4.
8. Row 27: k4, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
9. Row 28: purl to last 4 sts, k4.
10. Row 29: k4, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 13 sts.
11. Rows 30 to 34: continue established pattern.
12. BO all sts.

Right Front Panel with Buttonholes

1. CO 18 sts in rust orange.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib across.
3. Row 5: knit to last 4 sts, k4.
4. Row 6: k4, purl to end.
5. Row 7: knit to last 4 sts, k1, yo, k2tog, k1.
6. Row 8: k4, purl to end.
7. Rows 9 to 12: continue established pattern.
8. Row 13: knit to last 4 sts, k1, yo, k2tog, k1.
9. Row 14: k4, purl to end.
10. Rows 15 to 18: continue established pattern.
11. Row 19: knit to last 4 sts, k1, yo, k2tog, k1.
12. Row 20: k4, purl to end.
13. Rows 21 to 24: continue established pattern.
14. Row 25: BO 3 sts at armhole edge, work to end. 15 sts.
15. Row 26: k4, purl to end.
16. Row 27: k1, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k4. 14 sts.
17. Row 28: k4, purl to end.
18. Row 29: k1, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k4. 13 sts.
19. Row 30: k4, purl to end.
20. Row 31: knit to last 4 sts, k1, yo, k2tog, k1.
21. Rows 32 to 34: continue established pattern.
22. BO all sts.

Cardigan Assembly

• Sew the shoulder seams of the cardigan.
• Place the back panel over the body back and pin the fronts around the cream shirt and overalls.
• Sew the side seams only from lower hem to underarm, leaving the arm openings neat.
• Sew the cardigan to the body with small hidden stitches at the shoulders, sides, and lower hem.
• Sew four wooden-style buttons to the left front band, matching the buttonholes on the right band.

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Cardigan Leaf Embroidery

The image shows small autumn leaves on the cardigan fronts. Add simple embroidered leaf motifs after the cardigan is attached.

Green Leaf on Upper Right Front

• Use olive green yarn.
• Make one central straight stitch 5 rows tall.
• Add 3 diagonal stitches on each side, each 2 sts long.
• Place the leaf about 6 rows below the shoulder and 5 sts inward from the front edge.

Lower Left Leaf

• Use moss green and golden yellow.
• Make a 6-row central stitch in moss green.
• Add 4 small yellow diagonal stitches along one side.
• Add 4 moss green diagonal stitches along the opposite side.
• Place the leaf near the lower cardigan front, above the ribbed hem.

Rust and Purple Stem Details

• Using purple yarn, stitch a narrow curved line 8 rows long on one front panel.
• Using dark red yarn, add two tiny 3-st leaf shapes along the curve.
• Keep all embroidery flat so the cardigan still looks soft and knitted.

Acorn Crossbody Bag

The acorn bag is one of the key accessories. It hangs at the dog’s side, with a dark brown cap, tan lower acorn body, and a small black crow perched on top.

Acorn Body

1. CO 8 sts in golden tan. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnds 4 to 9: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 10: k4, k2tog; repeat around. 20 sts.
7. Rnd 11: knit all sts.
8. Rnd 12: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
9. Stuff lightly so the lower acorn is rounded but not hard.
10. Rnd 13: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
11. Leave sts on a holder.

Acorn Cap

1. With dark brown, pick up and knit the 12 held sts from the acorn body.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 2: purl all sts.
4. Rnd 3: knit all sts.
5. Rnd 4: purl all sts.
6. Rnd 5: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
7. Rnd 6: purl all sts.
8. Rnd 7: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
9. Rnd 8: k2tog around. 6 sts.
10. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Bag Opening Flap

1. CO 14 sts in dark brown.
2. Rows 1 to 4: knit every row.
3. Row 5: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 6: knit across.
5. Row 7: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
6. BO all sts.

Sew the flap across the upper front of the acorn cap. This gives the accessory a bag-like look while keeping the acorn shape clear.

Crossbody Strap

1. Cut three 24 inch strands of dark brown yarn.
2. Knot them together at one end.
3. Braid tightly until the braid measures 13 inches.
4. Knot the other end and trim neatly.
5. Sew one end to the upper left side of the acorn bag and the other end to the upper right side.

Place the strap over the dog from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Tack the strap invisibly at the shoulder and side waist so the bag rests against the lower cardigan.

Tiny Black Crow for Acorn Bag

The little black crow is perched on the acorn bag. Keep it very small, with a round body, tiny wing, and gray beak highlight.

1. CO 6 sts in black. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 4: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 6 sts.
5. Stuff with a tiny pinch of fiberfill.
6. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Crow Wing

1. CO 5 sts in black.
2. Row 1: knit across.
3. Row 2: purl across.
4. Row 3: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
5. BO all sts.

• Sew the wing to one side of the crow body.
• Use silver gray yarn to add one 2-st beak stitch at the front.
• Use black yarn tail to make two tiny tail feathers.
• Sew the crow firmly to the top edge of the acorn bag.

Harvest Basket

The basket is knitted in beige and filled with tiny pumpkins, apples, and leaves. It sits beside the dog and helps create the autumn garden mood.

Basket Base and Wall

1. CO 8 sts in beige. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: purl all sts to form a turning ridge.
8. Rnds 7 to 16: knit all sts.
9. Rnd 17: purl all sts.
10. Rnd 18: knit all sts.
11. BO loosely.

Place a small circle of cardboard or plastic mesh inside the base if you want the basket to stand firmly. Do not use cardboard if the toy will need washing.

Basket Texture

• Using beige yarn, embroider vertical lines every 4 sts around the basket.
• Each line should run from the purl base ridge to the upper purl rim.
• Weave a second beige strand horizontally over and under the vertical lines to suggest woven texture.

Basket Handle

1. CO 5 sts in beige.
2. Knit every row until the strip measures 6 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Fold the strip lengthwise and whipstitch the long edges together for a rounded handle.
5. Sew each end to opposite sides of the basket rim.

Tiny Pumpkins for Basket

Make three orange pumpkins in different sizes. They are shaped with yarn wraps after knitting.

Medium Pumpkin

1. CO 8 sts in pumpkin orange. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 6: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 7: k2tog around. 8 sts.
5. Stuff lightly and pull closed.
6. Wrap yarn from top to bottom 6 times, pulling gently to form pumpkin ridges.
7. Add a 3-st brown stem at the top.

Small Pumpkin

1. CO 6 sts in pumpkin orange. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 4: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 6 sts.
5. Stuff lightly and pull closed.
6. Wrap 5 ridges and add a tiny brown stem.

Yellow Mini Pumpkin

1. CO 6 sts in golden yellow. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 5: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 6: k2tog around. 6 sts.
5. Stuff lightly, pull closed, wrap 5 ridges, and add an olive green stem.

Tiny Apples for Basket

Red Apple

1. CO 6 sts in red. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 4: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 6 sts.
5. Stuff lightly and pull closed.
6. Pull a strand from top to bottom to indent the apple.
7. Add a brown 2-st stem and one green leaf stitch.

Green Apple

1. Repeat the red apple instructions using light green yarn.
2. Add a brown stem and a darker green leaf stitch.

Arrange the pumpkins and apples inside the basket. Use small stitches to secure them to the basket base so they do not fall out when displayed.

Loose Autumn Leaves

Knit several small leaves to decorate the cardigan, basket, hat, and display area. Use olive, red, mustard, and rust scraps.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: knit across.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: knit across.
5. Row 4: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 6: knit across.
7. Row 7: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
8. Row 8: knit across.
9. Row 9: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
10. Row 10: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over. 1 st.
11. Cut yarn and pull through final st.

• Make 2 olive leaves for the cardigan and basket.
• Make 1 red leaf for the basket side.
• Make 1 mustard leaf for the hat decoration.
• Use short backstitches to add a center vein to each leaf.

Small Display Crow

The image includes a small black crow near the basket area. This crow is optional but helps match the full scene.

1. CO 8 sts in black. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 6: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 7: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 8: k2tog around. 6 sts.
6. Stuff lightly and pull closed.

Display Crow Wing

1. CO 6 sts in black.
2. Row 1: knit across.
3. Row 2: purl across.
4. Row 3: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
5. Row 4: purl across.
6. Row 5: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
7. BO all sts.

• Sew one wing to each side if desired, or make one visible wing only.
• Add a 2-st gray beak at the front.
• Add two black tail stitches at the back.
• Place the crow beside the basket as a loose accessory.

Straw Hat

The small straw-style hat is displayed beside the dog. It has a beige brim, rounded crown, colored band, and tiny fruit and leaf accents.

Hat Crown

1. CO 8 sts in beige. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
7. Rnds 6 to 12: knit all sts.
8. Rnd 13: purl all sts for lower crown ridge.
9. BO loosely.

Hat Brim

1. CO 48 sts in beige. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: purl all sts.
3. Rnd 2: knit all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k5, kfb; repeat around. 56 sts.
5. Rnd 4: knit all sts.
6. Rnd 5: purl all sts.
7. Rnd 6: knit all sts.
8. BO loosely.

Sew the crown to the center opening of the brim. Use small stitches and keep the crown rounded. Stuff the crown very lightly if needed.

Hat Band and Decorations

• Using golden yellow yarn, embroider a band around the base of the crown over 2 rounds.
• Add one small red berry by making 5 satin stitches in a circle.
• Add one yellow bow by making two 4-st loops and wrapping the center twice.
• Add one blue accent stitch on the side, about 3 sts wide.
• Sew one mustard knitted leaf near the red berry.

Neck Join

Attach the head to the body after the clothing base is finished. The dog should have a gentle forward-facing posture, with the muzzle pointing slightly down and the ears hanging along the cardigan shoulders.

1. Pin the head to the body neck opening.
2. Check that the muzzle aligns with the cream shirt and overall bib.
3. Use the body yarn tail to sew around the neck twice.
4. Stuff extra fiberfill into the neck before fully closing the seam.
5. Pull the thread firmly enough to prevent wobbling but not so tightly that the neck disappears.

Cardigan Placement Details

• The cardigan hem should sit at the upper hip, not below the legs.
• The front panels should remain open with about 0.75 inch of cream shirt and bib visible.
• The sleeves are represented by the orange arm sections and should appear to come from the cardigan armholes.
• The four buttons should run vertically down one front edge.
• The embroidered leaves should be placed after sewing so they do not distort during assembly.

Facial Shaping

To match the gentle dachshund expression, add shaping stitches after the head and muzzle are attached. This step makes the face look softer and more dimensional.

1. Thread a long strand of medium brown yarn onto a tapestry needle.
2. Insert the needle at the back lower head and exit beside the right eye.
3. Make a tiny stitch beside the eye and return to the starting point.
4. Pull gently to indent the eye area.
5. Repeat for the left eye.
6. Do not pull too tightly. The eyes should sink slightly, not disappear.
7. Use tan yarn to add 3 small blending stitches along each side of the muzzle.

Acorn Bag Placement

The acorn bag should hang on the dog’s right side, crossing the chest diagonally. This is a strong visual detail in the image, so take time to angle the strap correctly.

• Place the strap over the dog’s left shoulder.
• Bring it diagonally across the cream shirt and cardigan.
• Position the acorn bag at the dog’s right hip, just below the cardigan hem.
• Tack the strap to the shoulder with 2 hidden stitches.
• Tack the bag to the side body with 3 hidden stitches so it stays in place.
• Make sure the tiny crow on the bag faces outward.

Optional Shoulder Cord Texture

If you want the strap to look thicker like the image, add a second twisted cord beside the braided strap.

1. Cut two 20 inch strands of dark brown yarn.
2. Twist them tightly in the same direction.
3. Fold them in half and let them twist back on themselves.
4. Knot both ends and trim.
5. Sew the cord directly beside the braided strap from shoulder to bag.

Detailed Assembly Order

1. Knit and stuff the head.
2. Knit the muzzle and sew it to the head.
3. Add eyes, nose, mouth, brow flecks, and facial shaping.
4. Knit both ears and sew them to the sides of the head.
5. Knit and stuff the body.
6. Sew the cream shirt and overall bib to the body front.
7. Knit the legs, boots, and boot cuffs, then sew them to the body.
8. Knit the arms with paws, ruffle cuffs, and sleeves, then sew them to the body.
9. Attach the head to the body and secure the neck.
10. Knit and attach the cardigan panels.
11. Sew on buttons and embroider the cardigan leaves.
12. Make the acorn bag, strap, and tiny crow, then attach to the dog.
13. Make the harvest basket, fruit, pumpkins, leaves, and display crow.
14. Make the straw hat and decorative band.
15. Check all seams, trim hidden yarn tails, and shape the finished toy.

Finishing the Harvest Basket Scene

The basket and hat do not need to be permanently attached to the dog. They can be used as display accessories. To match the image, place the basket near the dog’s lower left side and the hat near the upper right side. The small crow may sit beside the basket or on the bench display surface.

• Secure pumpkins and apples inside the basket with sewing thread or matching yarn.
• Sew one red leaf to the outside of the basket near the handle base.
• Place the hat flat with the brim visible and the berry decoration facing forward.
• Keep the display crow low and slightly angled, as if walking beside the harvest basket.

Stitch-by-Stitch Notes for Accurate Shape

The dachshund look depends on a long muzzle, soft drooping ears, and a compact dressed body. Do not shorten the muzzle rounds, because the nose needs space to sit forward. Do not overstuff the ears, because they should hang flat and floppy.

For the cardigan, keep the front edges neat with garter bands. The image shows a handmade cardigan with visible texture, so the ribbed hem, button band, and embroidered leaves are more important than a perfectly smooth garment.

• Head: oval, rounded, and slightly wider across the cheeks.
• Muzzle: tan, protruding, and centered low on the face.
• Ears: long, dark, floppy, and attached high at the side head.
• Body: short and rounded with visible overalls beneath the cardigan.
• Arms: angled down, with brown paws and cream cuffs.
• Legs: short, with rolled trouser cuffs and chunky orange boots.
• Accessories: acorn bag at the side, basket nearby, straw hat separate.

Leaf Embroidery Guide

Use small embroidery details sparingly. The cardigan should show autumn leaf accents without becoming crowded. Each leaf should be stitched directly over the knitted surface and anchored on the wrong side with small knots hidden under the cardigan.

1. Bring the needle up at the base of the leaf.
2. Make one straight center vein stitch upward over 5 or 6 rows.
3. Bring the needle back to the base.
4. Add diagonal stitches to the left side, each covering 2 sts across and 1 row upward.
5. Add matching diagonal stitches to the right side.
6. Use a second color for one or two accent stitches if desired.

Button Placement

The buttons should be small and warm-toned. Wooden-style buttons match the autumn look. Sew them along the cardigan band opposite the buttonholes.

• Top button: about 3 rows below the neckline.
• Second button: 5 rows below the first.
• Third button: 5 rows below the second.
• Fourth button: just above the ribbed lower hem.
• Use tan or brown sewing thread so the stitches blend with the rustic style.

Making the Toy Safe

If this piece is made for display, safety eyes and small buttons are fine. If it is made for a child, embroider the eyes and replace buttons with stitched circles. Secure all accessories firmly and avoid detachable small fruits.

• Use embroidered eyes for children under 3 years old.
• Do not use loose buttons on toys for babies or toddlers.
• Sew the acorn bag, basket items, and hat securely if the toy will be handled often.
• Check all seams before gifting.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Give the finished dog one final shaping session. Roll the head gently between your palms to smooth the stuffing. Pinch the muzzle lightly at the sides to emphasize the dachshund nose shape. Smooth the cardigan fronts so the shirt, bib, and buttons remain visible.

• Check that both ears hang at the same height.
• Check that the eyes are level and evenly spaced.
• Reinforce the nose with extra black satin stitches if it looks flat.
• Tack the acorn strap at shoulder and waist so it does not slide.
• Fluff the ruffle cuffs and boot cuffs with the tip of a tapestry needle.

Care Notes

Because this toy includes buttons, embroidery, a bag, a basket, and small accessories, gentle care is best. Spot clean with cool water and mild soap. Avoid soaking unless all cardboard support pieces have been omitted.

• Spot clean the cardigan and face with a damp cloth.
• Press out extra moisture with a towel.
• Do not wring the toy.
• Air dry flat, away from direct heat.
• Reshape the ears, muzzle, boots, and accessories while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head: oval, firmly stuffed, and securely joined.
• Muzzle: tan, centered, and smoothly sewn.
• Nose: black, rounded, and slightly raised.
• Ears: long, floppy, and even.
• Cardigan: orange, open-front, with four buttons and leaf embroidery.
• Overalls: brown bib and straps visible under cardigan.
• Boots: rust orange with cuffs and small dark laces.
• Acorn bag: tan and brown, worn crossbody, with tiny crow attached.
• Basket: beige woven texture with pumpkins, apples, and leaves.
• Hat: beige brim, rounded crown, yellow band, berry, bow, and leaf.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished autumn dachshund in a dry place away from strong sunlight. Long exposure to sunlight can fade the orange cardigan, green leaves, and small fruit details. If displaying seasonally, wrap the toy loosely in acid-free tissue before storing.

• Use a soft brush to remove dust from the cardigan and basket texture.
• Keep the hat and basket in a small box so the brim and handle do not bend.
• Do not hang the toy by the acorn strap, because this may stretch the shoulder cord.
• Refresh the shape by gently squeezing the body and smoothing the ears by hand.
• Check buttons and embroidered details once a year and reinforce any loose stitches.