Knitting Tutorial: Bluebell Garden Chihuahua – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted Chihuahua is dressed for a sunny garden day, with oversized pointed ears, a cream muzzle, glossy safety eyes, a blue cable dress, a cream embroidered floral coat, a crossbody purse, tiny sandals, a blue fabric-style bow, soft knitted flowers, and a small picnic basket with fruit and a sun hat beside her.

 

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 is written to recreate the look of the Bluebell Garden Chihuahua in the image as closely as possible using knitted construction. The body is shaped as a seated, doll-style Chihuahua with a large rounded head, slim neck, narrow shoulders, long tapered arms, crossed legs, and a full layered dress.

The finished Chihuahua measures about 13 inches tall when seated, including the ears. The proportions are intentionally cute and stylized: the head is large, the ears are tall and wide, the muzzle is small and rounded, and the clothing has extra texture to match the garden-doll appearance.

Skill Level

• Level: Intermediate.
• Main skills used: knitting in the round, increasing, decreasing, short rows, mattress stitch, duplicate stitch, embroidery, simple cables, I-cord, and sewing small parts securely.
• Beginner note: Work slowly, use stitch markers often, and stuff each piece gradually. The exact shaping is created by stitch counts, firm stuffing, and careful assembly.

Finished Size

• Total seated height: about 13 inches from crossed feet to ear tip.
• Head width: about 4.75 inches across the cheeks.
• Ear height: about 3 inches each.
• Body height: about 5 inches from neck to hem.
• Dress width at hem: about 6.5 inches across when lightly spread.
• Purse: about 2.25 inches wide and 2 inches tall.
• Hat: about 3.25 inches wide across the brim.
• Basket: about 2 inches wide and 1.5 inches tall.

Materials

• Sport weight yarn: tan Chihuahua body color, about 80 yards.
• Sport weight yarn: cream muzzle, hands, coat, and dress panels, about 65 yards.
• Sport weight yarn: blue dress, cuffs, coat edging, purse stripe, and hat trim, about 55 yards.
• Small yarn scraps: white, yellow, pink, lavender, green, red, and light blue for flowers, fruit, and embroidery.
• Needles: US 2 or 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• Needles for flat pieces: US 2 or 2.75 mm straight or circular needles.
• Cable needle: small cable needle or spare double-pointed needle.
• Safety eyes: two black glossy eyes, 10 mm.
• Safety nose: one black oval nose, 12 mm, or embroider with black yarn.
• Buttons: five tiny tan buttons for the dress front, one button for the purse flap, and one button for the coat neckline.
• Fiberfill: firm polyester stuffing.
• Tapestry needle: for sewing and embroidery.
• Black embroidery floss: for mouth and nose line.
• Blush or soft brown yarn: optional, for eye shading.
• Stitch markers: at least six.
• Cardboard or plastic canvas: optional, for stabilizing the basket base and purse flap.

Gauge

Work at a tight gauge so stuffing does not show through the stitches. The sample gauge is 7 stitches and 10 rounds per inch in stockinette stitch using sport weight yarn and US 2 needles. If your fabric is loose, go down one needle size.

For the best image-matching result, the knitted fabric should look smooth and dense, with visible vertical knit columns on the face and dress. The clothing should be slightly less tightly stuffed than the body so the coat and dress can sit naturally.

Abbreviations

• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• dec: decrease.
• inc: increase.
• k: knit.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• m1L: make 1 left-leaning increase.
• m1R: make 1 right-leaning increase.
• p: purl.
• pm: place marker.
• rem: remaining.
• rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit.
• st or sts: stitch or stitches.
• WS: wrong side.
• yo: yarn over.

Construction Notes

• The Chihuahua is knitted in separate pieces and sewn together for accurate shaping.
• The head and body are worked in the round and stuffed firmly.
• The ears are knitted flat in two layers, then seamed for a clean pointed shape.
• The dress is knitted separately and sewn onto the body at the waist and shoulders.
• The cream coat is worked flat with blue borders, then decorated with embroidered bluebells and pink flowers.
• The purse, sandals, sun hat, and basket are small accessories worked separately and sewn or placed as shown.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Head

Use tan yarn. Work in the round from the top of the head downward. The head should be round and slightly wider at the cheeks, with the muzzle added separately. Stuff firmly as you go, especially around the cheeks and forehead.

1. CO 8 sts. Divide over needles and join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts.
13. Rnd 12: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-23: k all sts for 11 rounds.
15. Rnd 24: k12, kfb, k30, kfb, k12. 58 sts.
16. Rnd 25: k all sts.
17. Rnd 26: k13, kfb, k30, kfb, k13. 60 sts.
18. Rnds 27-30: k all sts.
19. Rnd 31: k12, ssk, k32, k2tog, k12. 58 sts.
20. Rnd 32: k all sts.
21. Rnd 33: k11, ssk, k32, k2tog, k11. 56 sts.
22. Rnd 34: repeat k5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
23. Rnd 35: k all sts.
24. Rnd 36: repeat k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
25. Rnd 37: repeat k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
26. Rnd 38: repeat k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
27. Rnd 39: repeat k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
28. Pause and stuff the head firmly. Shape it into a rounded apple shape with fuller lower cheeks.
29. Rnd 40: k2tog around. 8 sts.
30. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in securely.

Cream Muzzle

The muzzle is a raised oval patch placed low on the face. It must sit between the eyes and cover the lower front of the head. Use cream yarn and work in the round.

1. CO 6 sts in cream. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k4, kfb, k8, kfb, k4. 20 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: k5, kfb, k8, kfb, k5. 22 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k9, k2tog twice. 20 sts.
10. BO loosely, leaving a long sewing tail.

Stuff the muzzle very lightly so it is softly raised, not round like a ball. Pin it to the front of the head with the top edge about 4 rounds below the eye line. Sew around the edge using small invisible stitches.

Eyes, Nose, and Mouth Placement

• Place the safety eyes between Rnds 25 and 26 of the head.
• Leave about 10 stitches between the eyes.
• The eyes should sit slightly above the widest part of the muzzle.
• Install the black oval nose at the center top of the cream muzzle.
• Embroider a straight black line down from the nose for 4 rows.
• Embroider a soft curved smile from the base of the line, 4 stitches wide on each side.
• Add two tiny tan or brown straight stitches above the eyes if you want the gentle eyelid shadow shown in the image.

Large Pointed Ears

The Chihuahua’s ears are very important. They are tall, triangular, wide at the base, and slightly cupped forward. Make four ear pieces: two outer tan pieces and two inner cream-tan pieces. Each finished ear is seamed from two layers.

Outer Ear Pieces

Make 2 using tan yarn. Work flat.

1. CO 22 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-6: continue stockinette stitch.
5. Row 7: ssk, k18, k2tog. 20 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Row 9: ssk, k16, k2tog. 18 sts.
8. Row 10: p all sts.
9. Row 11: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
10. Row 12: p all sts.
11. Row 13: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
12. Row 14: p all sts.
13. Row 15: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
14. Row 16: p all sts.
15. Row 17: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
16. Row 18: p all sts.
17. Row 19: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
18. Row 20: p all sts.
19. Row 21: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
20. Row 22: p all sts.
21. Row 23: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
22. Row 24: p all sts.
23. Row 25: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
24. Row 26: p2tog. 1 st.
25. Cut yarn and pull through.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Inner Ear Pieces

Make 2 using light tan or cream-tan yarn. Work the same as the outer ear, but cast on 18 sts instead of 22 sts. Follow the same decrease structure until 1 st remains. This makes the inner layer slightly smaller, like the pale inner ear in the photo.

Ear Assembly

1. Place one inner ear on top of one outer ear with wrong sides together.
2. Sew the inner ear to the outer ear using small whip stitches around the sides and point.
3. Leave the bottom edge open.
4. Fold the bottom edge slightly so the ear cups forward.
5. Sew the ears to the head between Rnds 12 and 24.
6. Angle each ear outward about 35 degrees from the center line.
7. The ear tips should point upward and slightly outward, matching the alert Chihuahua expression.

Body

The body is a small tapered torso because most of it is covered by the dress and coat. Use tan yarn. Work from the neck down in the round.

1. CO 18 sts in tan. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k2, kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k3, kfb around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k4, kfb around. 36 sts.
8. Rnds 7-13: k all sts.
9. Rnd 14: k8, kfb, k18, kfb, k8. 38 sts.
10. Rnds 15-20: k all sts.
11. Rnd 21: repeat k17, k2tog twice. 36 sts.
12. Rnd 22: k all sts.
13. Rnd 23: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
14. Rnd 24: k all sts.
15. Rnd 25: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
16. Stuff the body firmly, shaping the lower section slightly rounded so the doll can sit.
17. Rnd 26: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
18. Rnd 27: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
19. Rnd 28: k2tog around. 6 sts.
20. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and close tightly.

Neck Join

Place the body under the head so the face looks straight forward. The neck should be short and mostly hidden by the dress collar. Sew the top of the body to the lower head using strong stitches through Rnds 36-39 of the head and the cast-on edge of the body.

Use extra stitches at the back of the neck so the heavy ears do not pull the head backward. The finished posture should be upright, gentle, and slightly formal, like a seated garden doll.

Arms

Make 2. The arms are slim, tan at the upper section and cream at the paw section, with a gentle bend at the elbows. Work in the round from the paw upward.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 2-5: k all sts.
4. Rnd 6: repeat k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 7: k all sts.
6. Change to tan yarn.
7. Rnds 8-20: k all sts.
8. Rnd 21: k2tog, k10. 11 sts.
9. Rnd 22: k all sts.
10. Rnd 23: k2tog, k9. 10 sts.
11. Rnds 24-26: k all sts.
12. Stuff lightly. Do not overstuff because the arms should hang softly at the sides.
13. BO, leaving a long tail.

Sew the arms to the upper body at shoulder level, under the dress sleeves. Angle them downward with the cream paws resting beside the coat front, as seen in the image.

Legs

Make 2. The legs are long and slim, with cream lower paws and tan upper legs. They cross at the ankles in the finished pose. Work from the foot upward.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: k all sts.
7. Rnd 9: k2tog, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
8. Rnd 10: k all sts.
9. Change to tan yarn.
10. Rnds 11-30: k all sts.
11. Rnd 31: k2tog, k10. 11 sts.
12. Rnd 32: k all sts.
13. Rnd 33: k2tog, k9. 10 sts.
14. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly.
15. BO, leaving a long tail.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Embroider three toe lines on each cream foot using tan yarn. Each toe line should be 3 rows long. Later, the sandals will frame these toes, leaving the cream paw visible in the center.

Leg Attachment and Crossed Pose

1. Pin both legs to the lower front of the body before sewing.
2. Place the left leg slightly under the right leg so the ankles cross naturally.
3. The knees should point downward and slightly inward.
4. Sew the upper legs securely to the lower body through the dress area.
5. Add a hidden stitch between the ankles to keep the crossed pose fixed.

Blue Dress Base

The blue dress is the center garment. It has a fitted bodice, vertical texture, cable detail, front button band, and a flared skirt. Work the main dress flat so it opens at the front, then sew it onto the body.

Dress Bodice

Use blue yarn. Work flat.

1. CO 36 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k4, p2, k6, p2, k8, p2, k6, p2, k4.
5. Row 4: p4, k2, p6, k2, p8, k2, p6, k2, p4.
6. Rows 5-8: repeat Rows 3-4 twice.
7. Row 9: k4, p2, slip next 3 sts to cable needle and hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p2, k8, p2, slip next 3 sts to cable needle and hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p2, k4.
8. Row 10: work stitches as they appear.
9. Rows 11-18: repeat Rows 3-4 four times.
10. Row 19: k2, k2tog, work in established texture to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 34 sts.
11. Row 20: work stitches as they appear.
12. Row 21: repeat Row 19. 32 sts.
13. Rows 22-24: work stitches as they appear.
14. BO loosely.

Dress Skirt

The skirt is flared with a blue hem and cream side panels visible under the coat. Use blue yarn first.

1. CO 72 sts in blue.
2. Rows 1-4: k all sts for garter stitch hem.
3. Row 5: k all sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Row 7: repeat k6, k2tog across. 63 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Row 9: k all sts.
8. Row 10: p all sts.
9. Row 11: repeat k5, k2tog across. 54 sts.
10. Row 12: p all sts.
11. Row 13: k all sts.
12. Row 14: p all sts.
13. Row 15: repeat k4, k2tog across. 45 sts.
14. Row 16: p all sts.
15. Row 17: k all sts.
16. Row 18: p all sts.
17. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.

Sew the top edge of the skirt to the lower edge of the bodice. Leave the front slightly open so the button band can sit down the center.

Front Button Band

Using blue yarn, pick up and knit 32 sts down the right front edge of the dress. Knit 3 rows. BO. Repeat on the left front edge. Sew five small tan buttons down the center front, evenly spaced from neckline to hem.

Cream Garden Coat

The cream coat sits over the blue dress and has blue edging, short sleeves, a soft collar, and embroidered flowers on both front panels. The coat should hang open enough to reveal the blue cable dress and buttons underneath.

Coat Body

Use cream yarn. Work flat from lower hem upward.

1. CO 82 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: k all sts.
3. Change to stockinette stitch.
4. Row 4: p all sts.
5. Row 5: k all sts.
6. Row 6: p all sts.
7. Row 7: k8, k2tog, repeat k6, k2tog 8 times, k8. 73 sts.
8. Row 8: p all sts.
9. Row 9: k all sts.
10. Row 10: p all sts.
11. Row 11: k7, k2tog, repeat k5, k2tog 8 times, k8. 64 sts.
12. Row 12: p all sts.
13. Rows 13-20: continue stockinette stitch.
14. Row 21: k10, BO 6 sts for first armhole, k32, BO 6 sts for second armhole, k10.
15. Row 22: p10, CO 6 sts over armhole gap, p32, CO 6 sts over armhole gap, p10. 64 sts.
16. Rows 23-28: work stockinette stitch.
17. Row 29: k2, k2tog, k to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 62 sts.
18. Row 30: p all sts.
19. Row 31: repeat Row 29. 60 sts.
20. Row 32: p all sts.
21. Rows 33-36: stockinette stitch.
22. BO loosely.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Blue Coat Edging

• Using blue yarn, pick up and knit 82 sts along the bottom hem. Knit 3 rows. BO.
• Pick up and knit 36 sts along the right front edge. Knit 2 rows. BO.
• Pick up and knit 36 sts along the left front edge. Knit 2 rows. BO.
• Pick up and knit 48 sts around the neckline. Knit 2 rows. BO.
• Sew one small tan button at the neckline, slightly right of center.

Short Sleeves

Make 2. Use cream yarn.

1. Pick up 24 sts around one armhole.
2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
3. Rnd 5: repeat k4, k2tog around. 20 sts.
4. Rnds 6-7: k all sts.
5. Change to blue yarn.
6. Rnds 8-9: k all sts.
7. BO loosely.

Repeat for the second sleeve. The blue sleeve cuff should form a narrow ring at the upper arm, matching the image.

Floral Embroidery on the Coat

The garden coat has bluebell stems, tiny blue blossoms, pink blossoms, and green vines. Embroider after the coat is sewn or while flat if you prefer easier handling. Keep the stitches small so the flowers look delicate.

• Green stems: use backstitch. Make two winding stems on each front panel, each about 18 rows tall.
• Blue flowers: use lazy daisy stitches. Add 4 blue petals per blossom. Make 5 blossoms on the left panel and 4 blossoms on the right panel.
• Pink flowers: use small French knots or tiny straight stitches. Add 3 pink flower clusters on each panel.
• Leaves: use green straight stitches, 2 stitches per leaf. Add 8 leaves per front panel.
• Lower side flowers: add one small cluster near the lower right hem, partly hidden by the purse.

Blue Dress Texture Details

To make the dress match the image more closely, add extra vertical texture to the blue skirt and bodice after sewing. Use a tapestry needle and blue yarn to duplicate stitch narrow vertical lines on both sides of the button band.

• Add one cable-looking column on each side of the center front.
• Each column should be about 5 stitches wide.
• Use duplicate stitch or small surface chain stitches for raised texture.
• Keep the button band straight and centered.
• Sew buttons through both band layers only, not through the body stuffing.

Crossbody Purse

The purse is small and square with a cream flap, blue lower section, blue edging, tan strap, and a single button. It hangs on the Chihuahua’s right side with the strap crossing diagonally over the coat.

Purse Body

Use cream yarn first. Work flat.

1. CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k all sts.
3. Rows 5-10: stockinette stitch.
4. Change to blue yarn.
5. Rows 11-20: stockinette stitch.
6. Rows 21-23: k all sts.
7. BO.

Fold the piece upward so the blue section forms the lower pocket. Sew the side seams. The cream top remains as the flap.

Purse Flap and Edging

• Fold the cream flap down over the blue pocket.
• Using blue yarn, work a row of surface stitches around the flap edge.
• Sew one small tan button to the flap center.
• Do not overstuff the purse. Add only a tiny bit of stuffing or a small folded yarn scrap inside.

Purse Strap

1. Using tan yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 17 inches.
3. BO and leave tails for sewing.
4. Sew one end to the upper left corner of the purse.
5. Sew the other end to the upper right corner.
6. Place the strap across the doll from left shoulder to right hip.
7. Tack the strap invisibly at the shoulder and side so it stays in place.

Blue Gingham-Style Bow

The bow in the image looks like blue gingham fabric. For a knitted version, use blue yarn and add white duplicate-stitch lines to suggest the checked pattern.

Bow Loops

Make 2.

1. CO 14 sts in blue.
2. Rows 1-12: work stockinette stitch.
3. BO.
4. Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise with wrong sides together.
5. Sew the side and cast-on edges closed.
6. Pinch one short end to make a bow loop shape.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Bow Center

1. CO 5 sts in blue.
2. Rows 1-8: k all sts.
3. BO.
4. Wrap this strip around the pinched centers of both bow loops.
5. Sew securely at the back.

Gingham Lines

• Use white embroidery floss or very fine white yarn.
• Make 3 vertical straight stitch lines on each bow loop.
• Make 2 horizontal straight stitch lines on each bow loop.
• Sew the bow to the Chihuahua’s left ear base, slightly forward and tilted.

Knitted Flower Crown

The flower crown sits across the top of the head near the right ear. It has small pastel flowers in pink, yellow, white, and pale blue. Make the flowers tiny so they do not overwhelm the ears.

Flower Base Cord

1. Using tan yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 4.5 inches.
3. BO.
4. Curve the cord gently over the top of the head.
5. Pin it from the inner base of one ear toward the opposite side.

Tiny Five-Petal Flowers

Make 5 flowers in pastel colors.

1. CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: kfb in each st. 10 sts.
3. Row 2: BO all sts loosely.
4. Spiral the short strip into a tiny flower.
5. Sew the base together with matching yarn.
6. Add a yellow French knot or tiny stitch at the center.

• Make one pale pink flower.
• Make one white flower.
• Make one yellow flower.
• Make two pale blue flowers.
• Sew the flowers along the I-cord, clustered more heavily near the right ear.

Sandals

The sandals are tan with open fronts, rounded soles, and tiny daisy flowers on the top. They frame the cream paws while leaving the embroidered toes visible.

Sandal Soles

Make 2 using tan yarn. Work flat.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Rows 5-10: stockinette stitch.
7. Row 11: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
8. Row 12: p all sts.
9. BO.

Sandal Straps

• For each sandal, CO 4 sts in tan.
• Work I-cord for 2.25 inches.
• BO and sew across the front of the foot.
• Make a second I-cord strap, 2.75 inches long, and sew around the ankle.
• Attach the sole to the bottom of the foot with small stitches.

Daisy on Each Sandal

• Use white yarn for petals and yellow yarn for the center.
• Make 5 lazy daisy stitches on the front strap.
• Add one yellow French knot in the center.
• Repeat on the second sandal.

Sun Hat

The sun hat sits beside the Chihuahua in the image. It is not worn, but it helps complete the garden scene. Work the crown in the round and the brim flat or in the round.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Hat Crown

Use tan yarn.

1. CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
4. Rnd 3: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all sts.
6. Rnd 5: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: k all sts.
8. Rnd 7: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
9. Rnds 8-15: k all sts.
10. Rnd 16: repeat k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
11. Rnd 17: k all sts.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 18: kfb in every st around. 64 sts.
2. Rnd 19: p all sts.
3. Rnd 20: k all sts.
4. Rnd 21: p all sts.
5. Rnd 22: repeat k7, kfb around. 72 sts.
6. Rnd 23: p all sts.
7. Rnd 24: k all sts.
8. Rnd 25: p all sts.
9. BO loosely.

Hat Trim

• Using blue yarn, make an I-cord 8 inches long.
• Wrap it around the crown base and sew in place.
• Add several tiny pale blue or white stitches around the cord to match the decorative trim in the photo.
• Lightly stuff the crown only if needed. The brim should stay flat and soft.

Small Garden Basket

The basket sits beside the hat and contains tiny colorful fruits or yarn balls. It is knitted in tan yarn with a textured basket look.

Basket Base and Sides

Use tan yarn. Work flat.

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: k all sts.
3. Row 7: pick up 6 sts along the side edge, 16 sts along the cast-on edge, and 6 sts along the second side edge. 44 sts total.
4. Work back and forth in garter stitch for 10 rows.
5. BO loosely.
6. Fold the sides upward and sew the corners neatly.

Basket Texture

• Use darker tan yarn to make vertical straight stitches over the sides.
• Add 6 vertical stitches across the front.
• Add 4 horizontal woven stitches across the front.
• This creates the small woven basket texture shown near the hat.

Basket Handle

1. CO 3 sts in tan.
2. Work I-cord for 5 inches.
3. BO.
4. Sew one end to each side of the basket.
5. Curve the handle upward.

Tiny Fruits for Basket

Make small colorful balls in yellow, green, red, and blue. Stuff very lightly so they look like tiny garden fruits or yarn balls.

1. CO 6 sts in fruit color. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2-3: k all sts.
4. Rnd 4: k2tog around. 6 sts.
5. Cut yarn, stuff lightly, pull through remaining sts, and close.

• Make one yellow fruit.
• Make one green fruit.
• Make one red fruit.
• Make one blue fruit.
• Place them inside the basket and secure with one hidden stitch if the toy will be handled often.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Facial Shaping

For the Chihuahua expression, gentle shaping around the eyes is important. Thread a long strand of tan yarn through the back of the head, come out beside the first eye, go in beside the same eye, and return to the back. Pull very gently to indent.

Repeat for the second eye. Do not pull too hard. The eyes should look glossy and slightly inset, with the cream muzzle sitting forward. Add a tiny white catchlight stitch beside each eye only if your safety eyes are not already shiny.

Cheek and Forehead Details

• Use tan yarn to smooth any gaps around the muzzle seam.
• Add two tiny cream stitches at the side of the muzzle if the transition looks sharp.
• Brush the face lightly with your fingers to align the knit columns downward.
• Keep the forehead smooth and rounded, because the flower crown and bow need a clean base.

Coat and Dress Placement

Put the blue dress on the body first. Center the button band at the front. Sew the dress to the body around the neckline, waist, and lower back using small stitches. Do not sew every part flat; the skirt should flare slightly over the crossed legs.

Place the cream coat over the dress. The front panels should open gently, revealing the blue cable texture and tan buttons. Sew the coat at the shoulders, underarms, and back neckline only. Leave the lower panels loose so the garment looks layered and soft.

Assembly Order

1. Knit and stuff the head.
2. Knit and attach the cream muzzle.
3. Install eyes and nose.
4. Embroider the mouth.
5. Knit and sew the ears.
6. Knit and stuff the body.
7. Join the head and body.
8. Knit and attach arms.
9. Knit and attach legs in crossed position.
10. Knit the blue dress and sew it to the body.
11. Knit the cream coat and add blue edging.
12. Embroider flowers on the coat.
13. Add buttons to the dress and coat.
14. Knit and attach the purse and strap.
15. Knit and sew the bow to the ear.
16. Add the flower crown.
17. Knit sandals and sew them to the feet.
18. Knit the hat, basket, and fruits.
19. Check all seams, shaping, and final details.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the doll from the front before securing the last accessories. The ears should be balanced, the muzzle should sit centered, and the eyes should be level. The head should tilt only slightly forward, giving the Chihuahua a sweet, attentive garden-doll expression.

Sew the bow at the left ear base and the flower crown across the opposite side of the head. Attach the purse strap diagonally across the chest. Arrange the coat so one panel falls partly behind the purse, matching the layered look in the photo.

• Tack the dress hem at the center back only.
• Tack the coat at the shoulders and neckline.
• Keep the lower coat panels loose.
• Secure all buttons with extra thread wraps.
• Hide every yarn tail inside the stuffed body or clothing layers.

Care Notes

This knitted Chihuahua is best used as a decorative handmade toy. Because it includes small buttons, eyes, flowers, and accessories, it is not recommended for babies or children who still mouth toys.

• Spot clean only with a damp cloth.
• Do not machine wash if using safety eyes, buttons, or cardboard inside accessories.
• Let the doll air dry completely before storing.
• Reshape the ears, dress, and hat while damp if needed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and round.
• The muzzle is centered and lightly raised.
• The ears are tall, pointed, and angled outward.
• The blue dress front is straight with five buttons.
• The cream coat has blue edging and floral embroidery on both front panels.
• The purse hangs on the right side with a diagonal strap.
• The legs are crossed and the sandals show white daisies.
• The bow and flower crown are securely sewn.
• The hat, basket, and fruits are finished as separate display accessories.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, store the Chihuahua seated upright in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Long sunlight exposure may fade the blue yarn, pastel flowers, and embroidered details.

If dust collects on the doll, use a soft dry brush and move gently in the direction of the knit stitches. For small stains, dab with cool water and mild soap. Never rub the embroidered flowers, because the surface stitches may loosen.

• Keep the doll away from heavy moisture.
• Do not pull on the purse strap, bow, or flower crown.
• Wrap in tissue paper if storing for a long time.
• Place the hat and basket separately so they do not press into the dress.
• Refresh the shape by gently smoothing the head, ears, coat panels, and skirt with your hands.