Knitting Tutorial: Tiger in Sunflower Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knitted tiger is made with a rounded tiger head, glossy safety eyes, cream muzzle, black embroidered stripes, blue sunflower overalls, brown flower sandals, a green crossbody bag, a tiny bee, a flower hair detail, and a removable yellow garden hat. The finished toy is designed to look like the image: sweet, upright, softly stuffed, and full of tiny garden-themed accessories.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Finished Size and Construction Notes

The tiger is worked as a small standing plush, about 9 inches tall from sandal sole to top of head, not including the bow or bee. The body and legs are knitted firmly so the toy can stand with support. The head is large and rounded, with a narrow lower face and wide cheeks.

The pattern uses small circular knitting for the head, body, limbs, ears, bag, hat, and accessories. The overalls are knitted separately and fitted over the stuffed tiger body, then decorated with small embroidered sunflowers. The facial details are embroidered after the head is stuffed, which helps you place the tiger stripes accurately.

• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
• Knitting style: Mostly worked in the round on double-pointed needles or magic loop.
• Finished height: About 9 inches tall.
• Main fabric: Firm stockinette with tight gauge.
• Seam method: Mattress stitch, whipstitch, and duplicate stitch embroidery.
• Stuffing style: Firm in the head, body, feet, and muzzle; light in ears, bag, bow, and flowers.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in golden orange for tiger body, about 45 g.
• DK weight yarn in cream for muzzle, cheeks, inner ears, chin, and foot pads, about 20 g.
• DK weight yarn in black for tiger stripes and embroidery, about 10 g.
• DK weight yarn in medium blue for overalls, about 35 g.
• DK weight yarn in yellow for sunflower petals, bee body, hat, and flower centers, about 20 g.
• DK weight yarn in dark brown for sunflower centers, nose, sandals, and bow shadow stitches, about 15 g.
• DK weight yarn in light brown for bow and sandal straps, about 15 g.
• DK weight yarn in green for crossbody strap, bag, leaves, and tiny plant, about 20 g.
• Small amount of white yarn for bee wings and eye highlights if embroidered.
• Small amount of peach or dusty pink yarn for the tiny flower beside the bee.
• Small amount of gray yarn for the watering can accessory.
• Small amount of terracotta yarn for the flowerpot.
• 2 black safety eyes, 10 mm to 12 mm.
• 2 small yellow buttons, about 7 mm, for overall straps.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needle for magic loop.
• 3.0 mm needles for looser accessories if desired.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Small scissors.
• Optional: pipe cleaner or floral wire for the tiny bee support, fully enclosed and not used for young children.

Gauge

Work at a firm gauge so stuffing does not show through. The image has a plush knitted look with visible V-shaped stitches, but the fabric is still dense. Use smaller needles if your stitches look loose.

• Gauge in stockinette: 7 stitches and 9 rounds = 1 inch.
• Head width after stuffing: About 4 inches.
• Body width after stuffing: About 2.75 inches.
• Foot length: About 1.25 inches.
• Overall bib height: About 1.5 inches from waistband to chest.

Abbreviations

• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st/sts: stitch/stitches.
• rnd/rnds: round/rounds.
• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together.
• m1: make 1 increase.
• inc: knit into front and back of stitch.
• dec: decrease.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• MC: main color.

Main Tiger Head

The head is the largest feature. It should be rounded and wide, with a slight taper toward the lower muzzle area. Use golden orange yarn for the base. Place safety eyes later, after the cream cheek patches are positioned, so the eyes look large and glossy like the image.

1. With golden orange yarn, CO 8 sts and divide evenly across needles. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, inc; repeat around. You now have 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: Knit all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, inc; repeat around. You now have 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: Knit all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, inc; repeat around. You now have 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: Knit all sts.
11. Rnd 10: K4, inc; repeat around. You now have 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: Knit all sts.
13. Rnd 12: K5, inc; repeat around. You now have 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-24: Knit all sts for 12 rnds.
15. Rnd 25: K12, m1, k28, m1, k16. You now have 58 sts. These increases make the cheeks slightly wider.
16. Rnds 26-29: Knit all sts.
17. Rnd 30: K6, k2tog; repeat to last 2 sts, k2. You should have 51 sts.
18. Rnd 31: Knit all sts.
19. Rnd 32: K5, k2tog; repeat to last 2 sts, k2. You should have 44 sts.
20. Rnd 33: Knit all sts.
21. Rnd 34: K4, k2tog; repeat to last 2 sts, k2. You should have 37 sts.
22. Rnd 35: Knit all sts.
23. Rnd 36: K3, k2tog; repeat to last 2 sts, k2. You should have 30 sts.
24. Pause here and stuff the head firmly. Shape the sides wide and the lower face slightly narrow.
25. Rnd 37: K2, k2tog; repeat to last 2 sts, k2. You should have 23 sts.
26. Rnd 38: K1, k2tog; repeat to last 2 sts, k2. You should have 16 sts.
27. Rnd 39: K2tog around. You should have 8 sts.
28. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

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Cream Muzzle and Cheek Patch

The cream face area is shaped like two soft cheek ovals joined under the nose. It should sit on the lower half of the face, beginning just below the eyes and ending at the chin. Knit this piece flat, then sew it on smoothly.

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, inc, k2, inc, k1. You now have 8 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, inc, k4, inc, k1. You now have 10 sts.
6. Row 5: Purl all sts.
7. Row 6: K1, inc, k8. You now have 11 sts.
8. Row 7: Purl all sts.
9. Row 8: K5, inc, k5. You now have 12 sts.
10. Rows 9-12: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
11. Row 13: P2tog, p8, p2tog. You now have 10 sts.
12. Row 14: K2tog, k6, k2tog. You now have 8 sts.
13. Row 15: P2tog, p4, p2tog. You now have 6 sts.
14. BO loosely.

Make a second matching cheek patch. Place the two cream patches side by side with their inner edges slightly overlapping. Sew them to the head so they form a rounded double-cheek shape. The top edge should sit just below the eyes, and the bottom edge should create a soft cream chin.

Small Raised Nose Pad

The nose is a small dark brown oval placed at the upper center of the cream muzzle. It is slightly raised and rounded, matching the sweet stuffed look in the image.

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl all sts.
3. Row 2: Inc, k3, inc. You now have 7 sts.
4. Rows 3-5: Work in stockinette.
5. Row 6: K2tog, k3, k2tog. You now have 5 sts.
6. Row 7: P2tog, p1, p2tog. You now have 3 sts.
7. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.
8. Lightly stuff under the nose while sewing it to the top center of the muzzle.

Use black yarn to embroider a straight vertical line from the bottom of the nose down 5 stitches. Then embroider a small split mouth with two short curved lines, each about 4 stitches long.

Eye Placement and White Highlights

The tiger’s eyes are large, round, and glossy. They sit above the cream muzzle, spaced widely apart. Install the safety eyes before final face embroidery if possible.

• Place the left eye between head rounds 23 and 24, about 8 stitches left of the center nose line.
• Place the right eye between head rounds 23 and 24, about 8 stitches right of the center nose line.
• Keep about 15 to 16 visible stitches between the eyes.
• Pull the safety eye backs firmly into place before closing the head, or sew on black buttons if this is for display only.
• For a bright look, add one tiny white straight stitch at the upper outside edge of each eye.

Tiger Stripe Embroidery on Face

The stripes are what make the tiger match the image. Use black yarn and a tapestry needle. Keep the stripes slightly curved, not perfectly straight. Do not pull too tightly, or the head will dent.

• Forehead center stripe: Work one narrow vertical stripe from round 12 to round 22, about 2 stitches wide at the top and 1 stitch wide at the bottom.
• Left forehead stripe: Embroider a curved 7-stitch stripe starting 5 stitches left of center, leaning toward the left ear.
• Right forehead stripe: Mirror the left forehead stripe.
• Outer forehead marks: Add two short black dashes on each side, each 4 stitches long.
• Cheek stripes: Add three curved side stripes on each cheek. Each stripe should be 5 to 7 stitches long.
• Lower cheek lines: Add one short black dash near each side of the cream muzzle.

For the most image-accurate look, place the black stripes after the ears and muzzle are attached. This helps the stripes flow naturally around the face and toward the ears.

Outer Ears

The ears are rounded, slightly wide, and set low on the sides of the head. Each ear has a golden orange outer section, cream inner section, and black edging. The image shows soft round ears with dark outlines.

1. With golden orange yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, inc, k4, inc, k1. You now have 10 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, inc, k6, inc, k1. You now have 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette.
7. Row 10: K2tog, k8, k2tog. You now have 10 sts.
8. Row 11: Purl all sts.
9. Row 12: K2tog, k6, k2tog. You now have 8 sts.
10. Row 13: P2tog, p4, p2tog. You now have 6 sts.
11. BO, leaving a long tail.
12. Make a second outer ear.

Cream Inner Ears

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, inc, k2, inc, k1. You now have 8 sts.
4. Rows 3-7: Work in stockinette.
5. Row 8: K2tog, k4, k2tog. You now have 6 sts.
6. Row 9: P2tog, p2, p2tog. You now have 4 sts.
7. BO.
8. Make a second inner ear.

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Sew one cream inner ear onto each orange outer ear. With black yarn, whipstitch around the outer curved edge of each ear, leaving the bottom edge orange. Fold the bottom edge slightly inward and sew the ears to the head between rounds 18 and 27, about 15 stitches apart across the top back of the head.

Body

The tiger body is hidden partly under the overalls, but it still needs a stable pear shape. The shoulders are narrow, the belly is softly rounded, and the lower body supports the legs. Use golden orange yarn.

1. With golden orange yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. You now have 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, inc; repeat around. You now have 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: Knit all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, inc; repeat around. You now have 40 sts.
8. Rnds 7-17: Knit all sts.
9. Rnd 18: K8, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 36 sts.
10. Rnds 19-24: Knit all sts.
11. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 30 sts.
12. Rnds 26-29: Knit all sts.
13. Rnd 30: K3, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 24 sts.
14. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the base wide and the neck narrow.
15. Rnd 31: K2, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 18 sts.
16. Rnd 32: K1, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 12 sts.
17. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

Sew the head to the body with the face looking straight forward. Use small stitches around the neck twice. The head is large, so make the join firm. Add extra stuffing at the neck before closing the seam if the head tilts too much.

Legs

The legs are short and sturdy. They are mostly hidden by the blue overall legs, but the orange tiger feet and black toe stripes show clearly at the sandal openings.

1. With golden orange yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. You now have 20 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: Knit all sts.
5. Rnd 7: K6, k2tog 4 times, k6. You now have 16 sts. This shapes the toe area.
6. Rnd 8: Knit all sts.
7. Rnds 9-17: Knit all sts.
8. Stuff the foot and leg firmly.
9. Rnd 18: K2, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 12 sts.
10. Rnd 19: K2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
11. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed.
12. Make a second leg.

Embroider three black toe stripes on the front of each foot. Each stripe should be 4 stitches long, running from the toe top toward the foot pad. Sew the legs to the underside of the body, about 4 stitches apart, with toes pointing forward.

Arms

The arms are slim and tapered with tiger stripes. They hang slightly downward from the shoulder sides and are visible beside the blue overalls.

1. With golden orange yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: Knit all sts.
5. Rnd 7: K2, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 12 sts.
6. Rnds 8-20: Knit all sts.
7. Stuff lightly, keeping the wrist soft and the upper arm slightly fuller.
8. Rnd 21: K2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn and close.
10. Make a second arm.

Use black yarn to embroider three bands on each arm. Place the first band around round 8, the second around round 12, and the third around round 16. Each band should wrap halfway around the visible outer arm, not completely around the back.

Blue Sunflower Overalls

The overalls are the main clothing detail. They are bright medium blue with a front bib, shoulder straps, round yellow buttons, wide pant legs, and many small yellow sunflowers. Knit the pants first from the bottom up, then add the bib and straps.

First Overall Leg

1. With blue yarn, CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: K1, p1 rib around.
3. Rnds 4-14: Knit all sts.
4. Break yarn and place sts on a holder.

Second Overall Leg

1. With blue yarn, CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: K1, p1 rib around.
3. Rnds 4-14: Knit all sts.
4. Do not break yarn.

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Join Overall Legs

1. Knit across the 24 sts of the second leg.
2. CO 4 sts for the center front.
3. Knit across the 24 sts of the first leg.
4. CO 4 sts for the center back. You now have 56 sts.
5. Rnds 1-8 after joining: Knit all sts.
6. Rnd 9: K12, k2tog, k28, k2tog, k12. You now have 54 sts.
7. Rnds 10-15: Knit all sts.
8. Rnd 16: K7, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 48 sts.
9. Rnd 17: Purl all sts to make a waistband ridge.
10. Rnd 18: Knit all sts.
11. BO 34 sts for the back and sides, leaving 14 front sts live for the bib.

Overall Bib

1. Work flat on the remaining 14 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl all sts.
3. Row 2: Knit all sts.
4. Rows 3-10: Continue stockinette.
5. Row 11: P2tog, p10, p2tog. You now have 12 sts.
6. Row 12: Knit all sts.
7. Rows 13-16: Continue stockinette.
8. Row 17: Purl all sts.
9. Row 18: Knit all sts.
10. BO.

Overall Straps

1. With blue yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Work 26 rows in garter stitch, knitting every row.
3. BO and leave a sewing tail.
4. Make a second strap.

Sew the straps to the back waistband, cross them slightly if needed, and bring them over the shoulders to the front bib corners. Sew a small yellow button over each strap end on the bib. The buttons should sit high on the chest, just like the image.

Sunflower Embroidery on Overalls

The overalls have several cheerful sunflowers. Work the flowers after the overalls are fitted on the tiger, so you can place them evenly across the front. Use yellow yarn for petals and dark brown yarn for centers.

• Large center sunflower: Place on the upper bib. Make a dark brown center with 6 duplicate stitches in a small circle. Add 10 yellow straight-stitch petals around it, each 2 stitches long.
• Lower left sunflower: Place on the left pant leg. Make a 4-stitch brown center and 8 yellow petals.
• Lower right sunflower: Place on the right pant leg. Make a 4-stitch brown center and 8 yellow petals.
• Side sunflowers: Add two smaller flowers near the hip areas, each with a 3-stitch center and 6 petals.
• Optional tiny buds: Add 2 or 3 single yellow stitches between flowers to echo the busy garden look.

Keep the sunflower petals raised but tidy. Do not make long loose floats on the inside of the overalls. Secure each flower separately, weaving tails under nearby blue stitches.

Brown Flower Sandals

The sandals are brown open-toe shoes with light edging and tiny yellow flower decorations. They sit around the tiger feet, leaving the orange toes and black toe stripes visible.

Sandal Sole

1. With light brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl all sts.
3. Row 2: Inc, k6, inc. You now have 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-11: Work in stockinette.
5. Row 12: K2tog, k6, k2tog. You now have 8 sts.
6. Row 13: Purl all sts.
7. BO.
8. Make a second sole.

Sandal Upper Strap

1. With medium brown yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Work 3 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.
4. Make a second strap.

Sew one sole under each foot. Wrap one strap over the top front of each foot and sew it to the sides of the sole. Keep the toe area open so the tiger toe stripes show. Add a small yellow flower on the outer side of each sandal by making 5 tiny lazy-daisy stitches around one brown center stitch.

Green Crossbody Bag

The green bag hangs from the tiger’s left shoulder to the right hip area. It is small, rounded, and decorated with a tiny bee on the front. The strap crosses the chest diagonally.

Bag Body

1. With green yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: Knit every row.
3. Rows 4-14: Work in stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
4. Row 15: K2tog, k14, k2tog. You now have 16 sts.
5. Row 16: Purl all sts.
6. Row 17: K2tog, k12, k2tog. You now have 14 sts.
7. Row 18: Purl all sts.
8. BO.
9. Fold the piece in half with the right side out. Sew side seams, leaving the top open.

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Bag Flap

1. With green yarn, pick up 10 sts along the back top edge.
2. Rows 1-5: Work in stockinette.
3. Row 6: K2tog, k6, k2tog. You now have 8 sts.
4. Row 7: Purl all sts.
5. BO.
6. Fold flap forward and tack down lightly at the center.

Crossbody Strap

1. With green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 58 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO and sew one end to each side of the bag.

Place the strap over the tiger’s right shoulder and let the bag rest at the front left hip. Tack the strap to the shoulder with one hidden stitch so it stays in place.

Tiny Bee on the Bag

The bag has a small bee motif. Knit the bee body in yellow and embroider black stripes. Add tiny white wings with two small stitches or small knitted wing pieces.

1. With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work in stockinette.
3. Row 5: K2tog, k2, k2tog. You now have 4 sts.
4. Row 6: Purl all sts.
5. BO.
6. Use black yarn to embroider two horizontal stripes across the yellow body.
7. With white yarn, make two small wing loops above the body, each about 3 stitches tall.
8. Sew the bee to the front of the green bag.

Hair Bow on Head

The bow on top of the head is soft brown and slightly oversized. It sits to the tiger’s upper left side. Knit two bow loops and a small center band.

Bow Loops

1. With light brown yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: Work in stockinette.
3. BO.
4. Make a second rectangle.
5. Pinch each rectangle at the center and wrap yarn around the middle 5 times to form a loop.

Bow Center

1. With light brown yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Work 8 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Wrap the center strip around both pinched loops and sew closed at the back.

Sew the bow to the top left side of the head, just above the ear. Add two short dark brown stitches in the folds to create a shaded knitted texture like the image.

Small Flower and Leaf Cluster Near the Bee

Beside the bee on the head is a tiny floral decoration. Make a small peach flower with a yellow center and two green leaves. Sew it near the upper right ear, close to the bee.

1. With peach yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Thread the yarn tail through all sts, pull into a small ring, and sew the ends together to make a flower.
3. With yellow yarn, sew 2 small stitches in the center.
4. For each leaf, with green yarn, CO 3 sts, knit 2 rows, then BO.
5. Make 2 leaves and sew them behind the flower.
6. Attach the flower cluster at the tiger’s upper right head side.

Tiny Bee on Top of Head

The image shows a small striped bee perched above the head. This bee is larger than the bag motif and has a rounded knitted body with white wings.

Bee Body

1. With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-4: Knit with yellow.
5. Rnds 5-6: Knit with black.
6. Rnds 7-8: Knit with yellow.
7. Rnds 9-10: Knit with black.
8. Rnds 11-12: Knit with yellow.
9. Rnd 13: K2tog around. You now have 8 sts.
10. Stuff very lightly.
11. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Bee Wings

1. With white yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: Knit every row.
3. Row 4: K2tog, k1, k2tog. You now have 3 sts.
4. BO.
5. Make a second wing.

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Sew the wings to the top of the bee. Embroider two tiny black eye dots on the yellow front. Sew the bee securely to the top right side of the tiger’s head, above the flower cluster. If this is for decoration only, you may use a very short covered wire stem so the bee appears to hover.

Yellow Garden Hat

The hat is a separate accessory placed beside the tiger in the image. It has a rounded yellow crown, a wide brim, and a blue bow tied around the base. Knit it firmly so it holds its shape.

Hat Crown

1. With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, inc; repeat around. You now have 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: Knit all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, inc; repeat around. You now have 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: Knit all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, inc; repeat around. You now have 40 sts.
10. Rnds 9-18: Knit all sts.
11. Rnd 19: Purl all sts to form the brim fold line.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 20: K1, inc; repeat around. You now have 60 sts.
2. Rnd 21: Knit all sts.
3. Rnd 22: K2, inc; repeat around. You now have 80 sts.
4. Rnds 23-27: Knit all sts.
5. Rnd 28: Purl all sts for a neat outer ridge.
6. BO loosely.

Blue Hat Tie

1. With blue yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 70 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Wrap around the base of the crown and tie into a bow at one side.

Shape the brim while damp by laying it flat and gently spreading the edge into a circle. Let it dry completely before placing it beside the tiger.

Gray Watering Can

The small watering can is an optional accessory, but it helps match the garden scene. Knit a small gray oval body, a curved handle, and a short spout.

Watering Can Body

1. With gray yarn, CO 14 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, inc; repeat around. You now have 21 sts.
4. Rnds 3-10: Knit all sts.
5. Rnd 11: K1, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 14 sts.
6. Stuff lightly.
7. Rnd 12: K2tog around. You now have 7 sts.
8. Cut yarn and close.

Watering Can Handle

1. With gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 22 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Sew the strip into a curved handle on one side of the can.

Watering Can Spout

1. With gray yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Work 8 rows in stockinette.
3. Roll the piece into a small tube and sew the side seam.
4. Attach it to the opposite side of the can, angled slightly upward.

Use cream yarn to make a tiny round knob at the end of the spout. Make 5 small straight stitches in a circle to suggest the sprinkler rose.

Tiny Potted Plant

The potted plant in the image sits beside the tiger. It has a terracotta pot, dark soil top, and green succulent-like leaves.

Flowerpot

1. With terracotta yarn, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rnds 4-9: Knit all sts.
4. Rnd 10: K4, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 15 sts.
5. Rnd 11: Knit all sts.
6. Rnd 12: K3, k2tog; repeat around. You now have 12 sts.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts.

Soil Top

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Inc in every st around. You now have 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, inc; repeat around. You now have 18 sts.
4. BO.
5. Sew the soil circle to the top of the pot.

Green Leaves

1. With green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-5: Knit every row.
3. Row 6: K2tog twice. You now have 2 sts.
4. BO.
5. Make 8 leaves.
6. Sew the leaves in a rosette on top of the soil, overlapping them slightly.

Body Assembly

Before dressing the tiger, check that the stuffed body stands evenly. The feet should point forward, the arms should hang down beside the overalls, and the head should face straight ahead. Adjust the neck seam before adding clothing and accessories.

1. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, spacing them evenly.
2. Sew the arms to the upper body between rounds 25 and 28 of the body, angled slightly downward.
3. Pull the blue overalls gently over the legs and body.
4. Arrange the front bib at the center chest.
5. Sew the back waistband closed with small hidden stitches if the overalls feel loose.
6. Attach the straps and buttons after the overalls sit correctly.
7. Sew the head to the neck, making sure the muzzle faces forward.
8. Add the crossbody bag last so it sits over the finished overalls.

Exact Placement Guide

• Head: Centered on the body with the chin slightly above the overall bib.
• Muzzle: Lower half of face, ending about 4 rounds above the neck seam.
• Eyes: Large and wide, just above the cream cheeks.
• Ears: Low on sides, with black edging visible from the front.
• Bow: Top left of head, sitting forward enough to be visible.
• Bee: Top right of head, near the flower cluster.
• Overalls: Pant cuffs stop just above the sandals.
• Bag: Strap crosses from right shoulder to left hip.
• Sandals: Brown straps cross over the front feet, leaving toes visible.
• Hat: Separate accessory placed beside the tiger, not sewn on.
• Watering can and plant: Optional display accessories placed to the tiger’s right side.

Finishing the Tiger Stripes on Body and Limbs

After the tiger is assembled, add the remaining black stripes. This step gives the toy its final tiger character. Keep the stripes curved and slightly uneven, like natural tiger markings.

• Add 3 black bands around each visible upper arm.
• Add 2 black curved marks on each side of the body where the overalls do not cover.
• Add 3 black toe stripes on each foot.
• Add 2 short side stripes near each outer ankle.
• Add one short black dash on each side of the neck if visible above the overalls.
• Use duplicate stitch where possible and surface embroidery where the angle changes.

For a soft handmade look, do not make every stripe identical. The image shows playful, organic markings. Slight variation makes the tiger look more natural and charming.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face before securing all loose ends. The nose should sit centered between the eyes. The mouth line should be straight and calm, giving the tiger a gentle expression. The cream cheeks should be even and rounded.

• Tighten the eye area slightly by passing yarn from one eye back to the other and pulling gently.
• Add small black eyelash stitches at the outer edge of each eye if desired.
• Make sure the forehead stripes are centered above the nose.
• Steam lightly only if needed, keeping steam away from safety eyes.
• Trim yarn tails carefully and hide them inside the stuffed pieces.

Care Notes

This knitted tiger is best used as a decorative plush or gentle handmade gift. Because it includes buttons, safety eyes, and small accessories, it is not recommended for children under 3 years old unless all small parts are embroidered instead.

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if the toy contains safety eyes, buttons, or wire support.
• Reshape gently while damp.
• Dry flat on a towel away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the hat, watering can, and potted plant separate during storage.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round, large, and securely sewn to the body.
• The cream muzzle is centered and smooth.
• The black tiger stripes are placed on the forehead, cheeks, arms, and feet.
• The blue overalls fit snugly with a front bib and two yellow buttons.
• The sunflower embroidery is visible on the bib and pant legs.
• The green bag crosses the chest and rests at the hip.
• The tiny bee and flower cluster are attached near the upper right head.
• The brown bow is attached near the upper left head.
• The sandals show the orange toes clearly.
• The yellow hat, gray watering can, and potted plant are shaped neatly.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the knitted texture, avoid rubbing the surface strongly. Dab stains gently with a damp cloth and let the toy air dry fully before storing. If dust collects on the overalls or flowers, use a soft brush and move in the direction of the knitted stitches.

Store the tiger upright when possible so the head, bow, bee, and ears keep their shape. Wrap small accessories separately in tissue paper. Keep the toy away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight to protect the yarn colors and the embroidered sunflower details.

If the toy becomes flattened, gently fluff the stuffing through the knitted fabric with your fingers. Smooth the overalls, reshape the hat brim, and lightly adjust the bag strap. These small steps will keep the tiger looking bright, sweet, and close to the finished garden-themed design.