Knitting Tutorial: Chipmunk with Mushroom Bag – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted chipmunk is designed with a round cream muzzle, warm brown striped head, plump cheeks, small ears, a curled tail, blue overalls, red shoes, a tiny flower hair clip, and a red mushroom crossbody bag. The finished scene also includes a cheerful green frog hat with ladybug spots and two small knitted acorns, matching the playful woodland style shown 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 pattern creates a soft standing chipmunk plush with rounded proportions, short limbs, visible stockinette texture, and carefully placed embroidered details. The chipmunk is worked mostly in the round, using small double-pointed needles or magic loop, then stuffed firmly and assembled with angled seams to match the upright pose.

The head is larger than the body, with a wide lower cream cheek area and a brown forehead panel running from the crown down to the nose. The body is dressed in fitted blue overalls with short legs, shoulder straps, a cream stripe, and red shoes decorated with tiny white daisies.

The accessories are important to the final look. The mushroom bag uses a red cap, cream stem pouch, white embroidered spots, and a red diagonal strap. The frog hat sits beside the chipmunk and is worked separately with a flat brim, rounded crown, smile embroidery, and small red ladybugs.

Finished Size

• Chipmunk height: about 8.5 in / 21.5 cm from shoes to top of head.
• Head width: about 4.25 in / 11 cm across the cheeks.
• Body height: about 3.75 in / 9.5 cm from neckline to shoes.
• Tail length: about 4.5 in / 11.5 cm, shaped into a soft curve behind the body.
• Mushroom bag: about 1.4 in / 3.5 cm wide.
• Frog hat: about 3 in / 7.5 cm wide across the brim.
• Acorns: about 1.2 in / 3 cm long each.

Skill Level

Intermediate beginner to intermediate. The shapes are simple, but the project uses many small parts, color changes, embroidery, and careful assembly. A confident beginner can complete it by working slowly and checking the stitch counts at the end of every round.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm medium brown for chipmunk head panel, back, arms, ears, and tail.
• DK weight yarn in cream for muzzle, cheeks, belly, feet base, and mushroom stem.
• DK weight yarn in golden tan for side face patches and tail stripes.
• DK weight yarn in dark chocolate brown for facial stripes, tail stripe, nose, and acorn caps.
• DK weight yarn in denim blue for overalls.
• DK weight yarn in red for shoes, mushroom cap, bag strap, and ladybugs.
• DK weight yarn in green for frog hat and small leaf beside the hair flower.
• Small amounts of white and yellow DK yarn for daisies and flower details.
• Black embroidery floss for mouth, frog smile, ladybug dots, and whisker lines.
• One pair of 8 mm black safety eyes for the chipmunk.
• Two small 5 mm black safety eyes or black embroidered eyes for the frog hat.
• 2.75 mm knitting needles for a firm toy fabric.
• 2.25 mm needles for straps, flowers, and tiny details.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Scrap yarn for holding stitches.
• Optional pipe cleaner for tail support, folded safely with taped ends.

Gauge

• Stockinette in the round: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 in / 2.5 cm using 2.75 mm needles.
• Small flat pieces: 8 stitches and 11 rows = 1 in / 2.5 cm using 2.25 mm needles.
• Gauge does not need to match exactly, but the knitted fabric must be tight enough that stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• St / sts: stitch / stitches.
• Rnd / rnds: round / rounds.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• Kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• SSK: slip, slip, knit the slipped stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• St st: stockinette stitch.
• I-cord: narrow knitted cord worked over a few stitches.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Construction Notes

The chipmunk uses a large round head joined to a short oval body. The cheeks must be stuffed firmly so the lower face looks full and rounded. The overalls are knitted as part of the body colorwork, then extra straps are sewn on afterward.

When changing colors on the face, twist the yarns neatly at the back of the work. Keep floats loose so the cheeks do not pucker. Because the toy is stuffed, small uneven floats will be hidden inside, but the outside should remain smooth.

For the image-like shape, stuff the head more firmly than the body. The head should look round and full. The body should be stable but slightly softer, allowing the overalls to sit naturally over the belly and legs.

Main Chipmunk Head

Head Color Layout

The lower half of the face is cream. The side patches are golden tan. The center forehead is medium brown, and it runs vertically down to the nose. Dark brown cheek stripes are embroidered later to create the chipmunk markings shown in the image.

Head Base

1. Using cream yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts and join to work in the round. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts. 32 sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts. 40 sts.
11. Rnd 10: K4, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: K all sts. 48 sts.
13. Rnd 12: K5, kfb, repeat around. 56 sts.
14. Rnd 13: K all sts. 56 sts.
15. Rnd 14: K6, kfb, repeat around. 64 sts.

Face Shaping and Color Placement

From this point, the front 36 stitches form the face. The back 28 stitches form the back of the head. Keep the beginning marker centered at the back of the head. Use cream for the lower front, golden tan for the side patches, and brown for the center and back.

1. Rnd 15: With brown, K14 back sts; with golden tan, K8; with cream, K20; with golden tan, K8; with brown, K14. 64 sts.
2. Rnd 16: Brown K14, tan K7, cream K22, tan K7, brown K14. 64 sts.
3. Rnd 17: Brown K15, tan K6, cream K22, tan K6, brown K15. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 18: Brown K16, tan K5, cream K22, tan K5, brown K16. 64 sts.
5. Rnd 19: Brown K17, tan K4, cream K22, tan K4, brown K17. 64 sts.
6. Rnd 20: Brown K18, tan K3, cream K22, tan K3, brown K18. 64 sts.
7. Rnd 21: Brown K19, tan K2, cream K22, tan K2, brown K19. 64 sts.
8. Rnd 22: Brown K20, tan K2, cream K20, tan K2, brown K20. 64 sts.
9. Rnd 23: Brown K21, tan K1, cream K20, tan K1, brown K21. 64 sts.
10. Rnd 24: Brown K22, cream K20, brown K22. 64 sts.

The cream section at the front should create the wide lower muzzle. The brown should now cover the top and sides of the head, while the tan remains as soft side cheek color. Do not pull the color joins tightly.

Forehead Stripe

1. Rnd 25: Brown K20, cream K8, brown K8, cream K8, brown K20. 64 sts.
2. Rnd 26: Brown K21, cream K7, brown K8, cream K7, brown K21. 64 sts.
3. Rnd 27: Brown K22, cream K6, brown K8, cream K6, brown K22. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 28: Brown K23, cream K5, brown K8, cream K5, brown K23. 64 sts.
5. Rnd 29: Brown K24, cream K4, brown K8, cream K4, brown K24. 64 sts.
6. Rnd 30: Brown K25, cream K3, brown K8, cream K3, brown K25. 64 sts.

Head Decreases

1. Rnd 31: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 56 sts.
2. Rnd 32: K all sts. 56 sts.
3. Rnd 33: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 34: K all sts. 48 sts.
5. Rnd 35: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 36: K all sts. 40 sts.
7. Rnd 37: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.

Insert the safety eyes between Rnds 21 and 22, spacing them 14 stitches apart. The eyes should sit on the cream-to-tan upper cheek area, slightly below the center of the head, giving the chipmunk a round, gentle expression.

1. Rnd 38: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
2. Begin stuffing the head firmly. Push stuffing into both cheeks first, then fill the crown.
3. Rnd 39: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 40: K2tog around. 8 sts.
5. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull closed, and weave in end securely.

Muzzle Bulges

The chipmunk in the image has two small cream muzzle pads below the nose. These are separate soft ovals sewn onto the front of the face, slightly touching at the center. They help create the sweet rounded mouth shape.

Make 2

1. Using cream yarn, CO 6 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
6. Rows 5-7: Work in St st, starting with a purl row. 10 sts.
7. Row 8: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
8. Row 9: P all sts.
9. Row 10: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
10. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Lightly stuff each muzzle pad. Sew them side by side on the lower center face, beginning just below the eyes and ending above the neckline. Angle the top edges inward so they frame the small nose.

Nose and Mouth

1. Using dark brown yarn, embroider a small horizontal satin-stitch nose over 5 stitches at the center of the brown forehead panel, just above the muzzle pads.
2. Make 5 to 6 satin stitches, each about 0.35 in / 9 mm wide.
3. Bring black embroidery floss down from the center base of the nose for 3 small vertical stitches.
4. Embroider a curved smile on each side, forming a soft “w” shape over the two muzzle pads.
5. Keep the smile low and gentle, about 0.5 in / 1.25 cm wide across the face.

Cheek Stripes

The image shows dark curved chipmunk stripes across both cheeks. These are embroidered after the head is stuffed so they sit cleanly on the surface. Use dark chocolate brown and a tapestry needle.

1. On the right cheek, make one curved line starting 3 stitches beside the eye and sloping downward toward the side of the muzzle.
2. Make the line with 7 small backstitches, each about 0.15 in / 4 mm long.
3. Repeat on the left cheek, mirroring the curve.
4. Add a shorter second stripe just below each main stripe, using 4 backstitches.
5. Secure all yarn ends inside the head so no knots show.

Ears

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. Using medium brown yarn, CO 10 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, kfb, K6, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-7: Work in St st. 12 sts.
7. Row 8: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 9: P all sts.
9. Row 10: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. Row 11: P all sts.
11. Row 12: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
12. BO, leaving a long tail.

Inner Ear, Make 2

1. Using golden tan yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: SSK, K2, k2tog. 4 sts.
6. BO, leaving a short tail.

Sew one tan inner ear onto each brown outer ear. Fold the base of each ear slightly inward to cup it. Sew ears to the top sides of the head between Rnds 29 and 34, angled outward and slightly forward.

Body with Blue Overalls

The body is short, rounded, and mostly hidden by blue overalls. A small cream neck and upper chest show above the bib. The lower body divides into two short overall legs, creating the standing toy shape.

Body Base

1. Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts. 32 sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb, repeat around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts. 40 sts.
11. Rnd 10: K4, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.

Overall Section

1. Change to denim blue.
2. Rnds 11-16: K all sts for 6 rounds. 48 sts.
3. Rnd 17: With cream, K all sts to create the thin cream stripe across the overalls. 48 sts.
4. Rnds 18-25: Change back to denim blue and K all sts for 8 rounds. 48 sts.
5. Rnd 26: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 27: K all sts. 42 sts.
7. Rnd 28: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
8. Rnd 29: K all sts. 36 sts.

Shape the Neck

1. Change to cream yarn.
2. Rnd 30: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
3. Rnd 31: K all sts. 30 sts.
4. Rnd 32: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 33: K all sts. 24 sts.
6. BO all sts loosely, leaving a long tail for sewing the body to the head.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Stuff the body firmly at the bottom and moderately at the neck. The base should be stable enough for the chipmunk to sit upright when the tail is attached behind it.

Overall Bib

The bib is knitted separately and sewn over the front chest. It should sit flat against the body, with the top edge just under the cream neck and the bottom edge blending into the blue lower overalls.

1. Using denim blue yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. Rows 3-10: Work in St st. 16 sts.
5. Row 11: P all sts.
6. Row 12: SSK, K12, k2tog. 14 sts.
7. Row 13: P all sts.
8. Row 14: SSK, K10, k2tog. 12 sts.
9. BO all sts, leaving a sewing tail.

Sew the bib to the front of the body with the wider edge at the lower belly. Use tiny mattress stitches along both sides and the lower edge. Leave the top edge softly raised by only catching every other stitch.

Overall Straps

Make 2

1. Using denim blue yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 16 rows.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.

Attach each strap to the top corners of the bib. Cross them slightly over the shoulders and sew them to the back of the body. The straps should frame the cream neck and match the simple handmade look in the image.

Legs in Overalls

Make 2

1. Using denim blue yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-8: K all sts. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 9: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 15 sts.
4. Rnd 10: K all sts. 15 sts.
5. Change to cream yarn for the ankle area.
6. Rnds 11-13: K all sts. 15 sts.
7. Lightly stuff the leg.
8. Rnd 14: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 10 sts.
9. Rnd 15: K2tog around. 5 sts.
10. Cut yarn, pull through remaining stitches, and close.

Sew the two legs to the underside of the body, spacing them 4 stitches apart at the front. Angle them slightly outward. The blue sections should look like short overall pants, and the cream ankle sections should show above the red shoes.

Red Shoes

Make 2

1. Using red yarn, CO 8 sts and work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K5, kfb, K6, kfb, K3. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: K all sts. 18 sts.
7. Change to cream yarn.
8. Rnd 9: K all sts for the thin shoe sole edge. 18 sts.
9. Change back to red.
10. Rnd 10: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 15 sts.
11. Rnd 11: K all sts. 15 sts.
12. Stuff lightly.
13. Rnd 12: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 10 sts.
14. Rnd 13: K2tog around. 5 sts.
15. Close and weave in end.

Sew one shoe to the bottom of each leg. Position each shoe so the wider toe points forward. Add a small cream horizontal stitch across the front sole to echo the pale edge visible in the image.

Shoe Daisies

Make 2

1. Using yellow yarn, make 3 tiny straight stitches in a small circle on the outer side of each shoe.
2. Using white yarn, embroider 5 lazy daisy petals around the yellow center.
3. Each petal should be about 0.18 in / 5 mm long.
4. Secure the yarn inside the shoe or under the leg seam.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Arms

Make 2

1. Using medium brown yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: K all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 7: K6, k2tog, K6, k2tog. 14 sts.
6. Rnds 8-16: K all sts. 14 sts.
7. Rnd 17: K5, k2tog, K5, k2tog. 12 sts.
8. Rnds 18-20: K all sts. 12 sts.
9. Stuff the paw end lightly, leaving the top half flatter.
10. Rnd 21: K2tog around. 6 sts.
11. Close the end and weave in.

Flatten the top of each arm slightly. Sew arms to the sides of the body just below the head. Angle them downward so they rest beside the overalls. The arms should be narrow and simple, like the image.

Tail

The tail is plump, curved, and visible behind the chipmunk on the left side. It uses medium brown as the base with golden tan and dark brown stripe accents. The finished tail should curve upward behind the body, then bend softly to the side.

Tail Base

1. Using medium brown yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts. 20 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K3, kfb, repeat around. 25 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: K all sts. 25 sts.
7. Rnd 9: K12 medium brown, K5 dark brown, K8 medium brown. 25 sts.
8. Rnd 10: Repeat Rnd 9. 25 sts.
9. Rnd 11: K10 medium brown, K9 golden tan, K6 medium brown. 25 sts.
10. Rnd 12: Repeat Rnd 11. 25 sts.
11. Rnds 13-18: K all sts in medium brown. 25 sts.
12. Rnd 19: K8 medium brown, K7 dark brown, K10 medium brown. 25 sts.
13. Rnd 20: Repeat Rnd 19. 25 sts.
14. Rnds 21-26: K all sts in medium brown. 25 sts.
15. Rnd 27: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 20 sts.
16. Rnds 28-30: K all sts. 20 sts.
17. Rnd 31: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 15 sts.
18. Rnd 32: K all sts. 15 sts.
19. Rnd 33: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 10 sts.
20. Rnd 34: K2tog around. 5 sts.
21. Close the tip and weave in end.

Stuff the tail firmly but keep it bendable. Insert a folded pipe cleaner only if the toy is not for a small child. Sew the tail to the back lower body, curving it along the left side so it peeks behind the chipmunk.

Tiny Hair Flower

The flower sits near the top right side of the chipmunk’s head. It has pale petals, a yellow center, and a small green leaf. Keep it small so it decorates the head without covering the ear.

Flower Petals

1. Using white yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: SSK, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. BO all sts.
7. Make 5 petals total.

Flower Center

1. Using yellow yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 2 rows in St st.
3. BO and roll the small piece into a round center.

Leaf

1. Using green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: SSK, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: Slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
6. Fasten off.

Sew the five petals into a flower, attach the yellow center, then sew the green leaf behind it. Place the flower on the upper right side of the head, just in front of the ear.

Mushroom Crossbody Bag

The mushroom bag is a key detail. It hangs from a red diagonal strap across the overalls. The cap is bright red with white spots, and the lower pouch is cream. Sew it to the chipmunk’s front hip so it sits over the right side of the body.

Cream Mushroom Stem Pouch

1. Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: K all sts. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
8. Rows 7-11: Work in St st. 12 sts.
9. Row 12: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
10. Row 13: P all sts.
11. BO and leave a sewing tail.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Red Mushroom Cap

1. Using red yarn, CO 18 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts. 18 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K16, kfb. 20 sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: K all sts. 20 sts.
8. Row 7: P all sts.
9. Row 8: SSK, K16, k2tog. 18 sts.
10. Row 9: P all sts.
11. Row 10: SSK, K14, k2tog. 16 sts.
12. Row 11: P all sts.
13. Row 12: SSK, K12, k2tog. 14 sts.
14. BO loosely, leaving a long tail.

Sew the red cap over the top of the cream pouch. Let the cap overlap the pouch by about 0.25 in / 6 mm. Lightly stuff the pouch before fully closing the back seam.

Mushroom Spots

1. Using white yarn, embroider 4 small spots on the red cap.
2. Make each spot with 3 to 4 satin stitches over the same area.
3. Place one spot near the upper left, one near the upper right, one lower center, and one lower right.

Red Strap

1. Using red yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 3 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 46 rows, or until the strap reaches from the chipmunk’s left shoulder to right hip.
3. BO and leave tails for sewing.

Sew the strap from the left shoulder across the chest to the right side. Attach the mushroom bag at the lower end of the strap. Use two hidden stitches to tack the bag to the overalls so it does not twist.

Frog Hat

The frog hat is a separate prop placed beside the chipmunk. It has a wide brim, rounded green crown, two red ladybugs on top, a smiling face, and small black eyes. Work it firmly so it holds its shape.

Brim

1. Using green yarn, CO 56 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: P all sts to create a brim ridge. 56 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts. 56 sts.
4. Rnd 3: P all sts. 56 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K all sts. 56 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 6: K all sts. 48 sts.

Crown

1. Rnd 7: K all sts. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 8: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
3. Rnds 9-13: K all sts. 42 sts.
4. Rnd 14: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 15: K all sts. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 16: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
7. Rnd 17: K all sts. 30 sts.
8. Rnd 18: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
9. Rnd 19: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
10. Rnd 20: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
11. Rnd 21: K2tog around. 6 sts.
12. Cut yarn, draw through remaining stitches, and close.

Lightly stuff the crown only if you want the hat as a display prop. For a wearable doll hat, do not stuff it. Flatten the brim gently so it flares outward like the image.

Frog Face

1. Place two small black safety eyes or embroidered eyes on the front crown, about 12 stitches apart.
2. Using black embroidery floss, stitch a curved smile across the front with 9 small backstitches.
3. Using red yarn, add one tiny cheek stitch at each end of the smile.

Ladybugs, Make 2

1. Using red yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 6 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 3-4: K all sts. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 6 sts.
6. Close and lightly stuff.
7. Using black floss, embroider a center line and 3 dots on each ladybug.

Sew the ladybugs to the top of the frog hat, one near each side of the crown. They should sit slightly raised and playful, like rounded red spots with black markings.

Acorns

Two small acorns rest in front of the chipmunk. Each acorn has a tan nut body and a darker textured cap. Work them tightly and stuff them lightly so they stay small and firm.

Acorn Body, Make 2

1. Using golden tan yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 6 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K1, kfb, repeat around. 18 sts.
5. Rnds 4-8: K all sts. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 9: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Rnd 10: K2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Close and weave in end.

Acorn Cap, Make 2

1. Using dark brown yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: P all sts. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: P all sts. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 5: P all sts. 12 sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Do not close completely yet.

Acorn Stem

1. With the remaining 6 cap stitches, work I-cord for 4 rows.
2. Cut yarn, thread through all 6 stitches, and pull closed.
3. Sew the cap securely to the top of the tan acorn body.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the legs to the lower body first, making sure both feet point forward.
2. Sew the red shoes onto the cream ankle sections.
3. Sew the body to the underside of the head with the cream neck centered below the muzzle.
4. Attach the arms to the sides of the body just under the head.
5. Sew the tail to the back lower body, curving it along one side.
6. Attach the ears to the head and shape them with a slight inward fold.
7. Sew the overall bib and straps in place.
8. Add the mushroom strap across the body, then attach the mushroom bag.
9. Sew the hair flower near the upper right side of the head.
10. Finish all embroidered facial details after the head and body are fully joined.

Detailed Knitting Tips for a Neat Finish

Use firm stuffing, but add it in small pieces. Large clumps can make the face lumpy. For the cheeks, place one small ball of stuffing on each side before filling the center of the head.

When sewing the head to the body, use a full round of mattress stitches. Then sew around the neck a second time. This keeps the large head secure and prevents it from wobbling forward.

The tail works as a support. Sew it low on the back and let it touch the table behind the chipmunk. This helps the finished plush sit upright, especially because the head is larger than the body.

For the overalls, keep the bib centered. The shoulder straps should be narrow and slightly raised. Do not pull them too tightly, or the chest will indent and lose the soft rounded shape.

The mushroom bag should hang diagonally. Before sewing, pin the strap in place and check that the red line travels from the left shoulder to the right hip. Adjust before making permanent stitches.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Eyes: Place them evenly and slightly low on the face for the cute rounded expression.
• Nose: Keep it small, dark, and centered where the brown forehead panel meets the cream muzzle.
• Mouth: Use black floss and make a soft curved “w” shape below the nose.
• Cheek stripes: Use dark brown yarn and mirror the curves on both sides.
• Flower: Sew it firmly so the petals sit flat against the head.
• Tail: Curve it behind the body and stitch along the base for stability.

Care Notes

Spot clean the chipmunk gently with cool water and mild soap. Do not soak the toy if safety eyes, pipe cleaner support, or heavy embroidery are used. Press with a towel and reshape while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is firmly stuffed and round.
• Cheeks are full and symmetrical.
• Eyes are evenly placed.
• Overalls sit straight on the body.
• Red shoes face forward.
• Mushroom bag hangs diagonally across the chest.
• Tail supports the chipmunk from behind.
• Frog hat, ladybugs, and acorns are completed as separate props.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished knitted chipmunk away from direct sunlight to protect the warm brown, blue, green, and red yarn colors. Keep it in a dry place with good airflow.

For long-term display, place the chipmunk upright with the tail resting naturally behind it. Avoid pressing heavy items against the flower, mushroom bag, frog hat, or acorns.

If the toy becomes dusty, use a soft brush or lint roller with very light pressure. For deeper cleaning, dab the surface with a damp cloth, then let it air dry completely before storing.