Knitting Tutorial: Striped Gardener Leopard – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knitted leopard gardener is a soft toy with a golden spotted head, rounded ears, white muzzle, striped blue-and-green overalls, tiny sandals, and a sweet yellow flower on the head. The set also includes a matching striped garden hat, a knitted watering can, a small trowel, and a tan shoulder bag with a leaf detail, all designed to match the playful garden theme 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 seated or display-style knitted leopard doll measuring about 12.5 to 13.5 inches tall when worked with DK yarn and firm stuffing. The doll is knitted mostly in the round for a smooth toy finish. Small flat pieces are used for pockets, straps, flower petals, bag flap, sandal straps, and some accessories.

The leopard has a large rounded head, wide face, short body, soft limbs, rounded paws, and a slightly tapered tail with a black tip. The overalls are worked separately and fitted over the body, with horizontal blue and green stripes to match the picture. The accessories are lightweight so they can sit beside the toy for display.

Finished Size

• Main leopard doll: about 13 inches tall from sandal sole to top of head flower.
• Head width: about 5.25 inches across the ears.
• Body with overalls: about 5.5 inches from neck to bottom of shorts.
• Arm length: about 4 inches each.
• Leg length: about 4.25 inches including feet.
• Garden hat: about 4.75 inches wide when laid flat.
• Watering can: about 2.75 inches tall including spout.
• Trowel: about 3.75 inches long.
• Shoulder bag: about 2.5 inches wide and 2.25 inches tall.

Yarn and Materials

• DK weight yarn in golden yellow: main leopard head, arms, legs, body accents, tail.
• DK weight yarn in cream or warm white: muzzle, chin, chest panel, paw tips, toe patches.
• DK weight yarn in black: spots, ear edging, tail tip, nose lines, claws, eye accents.
• DK weight yarn in light blue: overalls stripes, hat stripes, sandal trim.
• DK weight yarn in green: overalls stripes, hat stripes, leaf embroidery.
• DK weight yarn in tan: sandals, watering can, shoulder bag, trowel handle.
• DK weight yarn in gray: trowel blade and watering can rim.
• DK weight yarn in yellow: head flower petals.
• Small scraps in pink: nose and tiny sandal berries.
• Small scraps in purple, red, and green: sandal side flowers or berries.
• Safety eyes: 12 mm brown eyes, or black eyes with brown felt backing.
• Two small wooden-style buttons: about 8 mm for overall straps.
• Polyester fiberfill: firm toy stuffing.
• Tapestry needle: for sewing seams and embroidery.
• Locking stitch markers: to mark rounds and facial placement.
• Optional floral cotton fabric: for the front pocket, or knit the pocket using the instructions below.

Needles and Gauge

• Main needles: US size 3, 3.25 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• Flat pieces: US size 3, 3.25 mm straight or circular needles.
• Optional smaller needles: US size 2, 2.75 mm for tighter straps, flower, and bag details.
• Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds per inch in stockinette stitch, worked firmly.
• Important gauge note: Toy knitting must be tight enough that stuffing does not show through the fabric.

Abbreviations

• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• St or sts: stitch or stitches.
• Rnd: round.
• 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 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• PM: place marker.
• SM: slip marker.
• MC: main color, golden yellow.

General Construction Notes

The leopard is built from separate knitted parts that are stuffed and sewn together. The head is shaped as a wide rounded oval, slightly fuller through the cheeks. The body is compact and hidden under overalls, so the smoothest visible shaping is at the neck, shoulders, and lower leg opening.

Work the main toy pieces in stockinette in the round, which means every round is knitted. For flat details, knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side unless the instructions say to use garter stitch. Garter stitch means knitting every row.

• Stuff the head very firmly so the eyes and muzzle sit smoothly.
• Stuff arms and legs medium firm so they keep shape but remain soft.
• Use mattress stitch for joining flat seams.
• Use duplicate stitch and small straight embroidery stitches for leopard spots.
• Keep the overalls slightly loose so the body does not look squeezed.
• Attach accessories after the main doll is complete.

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Main Leopard Head

The head is the most important part of this design. It should look rounded, wide at the cheeks, and slightly tapered toward the neck. The face uses golden yellow with a white muzzle and black spots scattered across the forehead, cheeks, and sides.

Head in Golden Yellow

1. With golden yellow yarn, CO 8 sts. Divide evenly across needles and join in the round. PM for beginning of 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. Rnd 13: K all sts.
15. Rnd 14: Repeat K6, kfb around. 64 sts.
16. Rnds 15-24: K all sts for 10 rounds.
17. Rnd 25: K16, kfb, K30, kfb, K16. 66 sts.
18. Rnd 26: K all sts.
19. Rnd 27: K17, kfb, K31, kfb, K16. 68 sts.
20. Rnds 28-34: K all sts for 7 rounds.
21. Rnd 35: Repeat K15, k2tog around. 64 sts.
22. Rnd 36: K all sts.
23. Rnd 37: Repeat K6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
24. Rnd 38: K all sts.
25. Rnd 39: Repeat K5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
26. Rnd 40: Repeat K4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
27. Pause here to begin stuffing. Shape the head wide across the cheeks.
28. Rnd 41: Repeat K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
29. Rnd 42: Repeat K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
30. Rnd 43: Repeat K1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
31. Stuff firmly, especially the forehead and cheek area.
32. Rnd 44: K2tog around. 8 sts.
33. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Eye Placement

Place the eyes between Rnds 25 and 26 of the head, about 12 stitches apart. The eyes should sit slightly above the white muzzle area and angle gently toward the center. This creates the sweet alert expression seen in the image.

• Place the first eye at the left front cheek area.
• Count 12 visible stitches across the face and place the second eye.
• Do not lock the backs until the muzzle is pinned in place.
• After checking symmetry, secure the safety eye backs firmly.

White Muzzle and Cheeks

The muzzle is made from two rounded cheek pads and one lower chin patch. They are sewn onto the front of the head, forming the soft white area around the nose and mouth. The cheek pads should meet slightly under the pink nose.

Left and Right Cheek Pads

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K4, kfb. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
7. Rows 6-10: Work stockinette for 5 rows.
8. Row 11: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
9. Row 12: P all sts.
10. Row 13: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
11. BO all sts, leaving a 14-inch tail for sewing.
12. Make a second cheek pad the same way.

Lower Chin Patch

1. With cream yarn, 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 5-9: Work stockinette for 5 rows.
7. Row 10: P all sts.
8. Row 11: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
9. Row 12: P all sts.
10. BO all sts.

Attaching the Muzzle

• Pin the two cheek pads below the eyes, with inner edges touching at the center.
• Pin the lower chin patch below the cheek pads, forming a rounded white mouth area.
• Use cream yarn and small whipstitches around each patch.
• Add a very small amount of stuffing under each cheek pad before closing the last inch.
• Keep the lower chin flatter than the cheeks.

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Pink Nose, Mouth, Whiskers, and Face Embroidery

The nose is a small heart-like triangle in soft pink. It sits at the top center of the white muzzle, partly overlapping the two cheek pads. The mouth is a short black line down from the nose, then two small curved smile lines.

1. Thread a tapestry needle with pink yarn.
2. Make 5 horizontal satin stitches across 4 stitches at the center of the muzzle.
3. Make 3 shorter satin stitches below the top line to create a rounded triangle shape.
4. With black yarn, stitch one vertical line down from the nose for 3 rows.
5. Stitch a shallow curved smile to the left over 3 stitches.
6. Stitch a matching shallow curved smile to the right over 3 stitches.
7. Use black sewing thread or one strand of black yarn for whiskers.
8. Add 3 whiskers on each side, each about 1.25 inches long.

Leopard Spots on the Head

The black spots are embroidered after the head is stuffed. Use irregular small V-shapes, seed shapes, and tiny duplicate stitches. The spots should be concentrated on the forehead, cheeks, sides of the face, and around the ears, while leaving the white muzzle mostly clean.

• Forehead center: add 9 small black seed stitches between the eyes and top of head.
• Forehead sides: add 6 spots on each side, spaced unevenly.
• Cheeks: add 5 tiny spots on each golden cheek outside the white muzzle.
• Side of head: add 6 to 8 spots near each ear base.
• Under eyes: add 2 small spots beneath each eye, not touching the white area.

For each small spot, work one duplicate stitch over one knit stitch. For larger spots, work two duplicate stitches side by side. The image shows natural scattered markings, so avoid making perfect rows or identical shapes.

Rounded Leopard Ears

The ears are large, round, and set wide on the sides of the head. Each ear has a golden outer piece, a soft tan inner piece, and a black edge. The lower edge curves into the side of the head.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With golden yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and work flat.
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. Row 5: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: Kfb, K10, kfb. 14 sts.
9. Rows 8-14: Work stockinette for 7 rows.
10. Row 15: SSK, K10, k2tog. 12 sts.
11. Row 16: P all sts.
12. Row 17: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
13. Row 18: P all sts.
14. Row 19: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
15. BO all sts.

Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With tan yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K4, kfb. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Rows 5-11: Work stockinette for 7 rows.
7. Row 12: P all sts.
8. Row 13: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
9. BO all sts.

Ear Assembly

• Sew one tan inner ear to the center of one golden outer ear.
• Using black yarn, crochet-style blanket stitch or overcast stitch around the outer edge.
• Fold the lower edge slightly inward to create a shallow cup shape.
• Sew ears to the head between Rnds 18 and 31, angled outward.
• The top of each ear should sit just below the top curve of the head.

Body

The body is mostly hidden beneath the overalls, but the upper chest and neck show in cream. The lower body is golden yellow because the legs and tail connect naturally beneath the clothing.

1. With golden yellow yarn, CO 12 sts. Divide across needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st 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 7-17: K all sts for 11 rounds.
9. Change to cream yarn.
10. Rnds 18-24: K all sts for 7 rounds to make the visible chest and neck area.
11. Rnd 25: Repeat K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
12. Rnd 26: K all sts.
13. Rnd 27: Repeat K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
14. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the base slightly rounded.
15. Rnd 28: Repeat K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
16. Rnd 29: Repeat K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
17. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.

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Before sewing the head to the body, embroider 4 small black triangular spots on the cream chest near the collar area. These spots are visible above the overalls and help match the leopard look in the image.

Arms

The arms are slim, golden, spotted, and rounded at the white paw tips. Each arm hangs downward beside the overalls, with the paw pointing slightly inward.

Arm, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: K all sts for 4 rounds.
5. Change to golden yellow yarn.
6. Rnd 7: K all sts.
7. Rnd 8: Repeat K6, k2tog twice. 14 sts.
8. Rnds 9-28: K all sts for 20 rounds.
9. Rnd 29: Repeat K5, k2tog twice. 12 sts.
10. Stuff paw firmly and arm lightly.
11. Rnd 30: K2tog around. 6 sts.
12. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Arm Details

• Embroider 3 short black claw lines on each cream paw tip.
• Add 10 to 12 irregular black spots along each golden arm.
• Sew arms to the sides of the body just below the cream neck section.
• Angle arms downward so the paws rest near the top of the shorts.

Legs and Feet

The legs are golden and spotted, with white toes and tan sandals. The feet are slightly flattened at the bottom so the doll sits well on a table or shelf. The overalls cover the upper part of each leg.

Leg and Foot, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K4, kfb 4 times, K8. 20 sts.
6. Rnds 5-9: K all sts for 5 rounds.
7. Change to golden yellow yarn.
8. Rnd 10: K all sts.
9. Rnd 11: K6, k2tog 4 times, K6. 16 sts.
10. Rnds 12-31: K all sts for 20 rounds.
11. Rnd 32: Repeat K6, k2tog twice. 14 sts.
12. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg medium firm.
13. Rnd 33: Repeat K5, k2tog twice. 12 sts.
14. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Toe Embroidery

• Use black yarn to stitch 4 vertical claw lines on each white foot front.
• Place the claw lines over the cream section only.
• Keep the lines slightly curved so the toes look rounded.
• Add 5 to 7 black spots on each golden lower leg.

Tail

The tail is long, narrow, curved, and golden with a black tip. It appears from behind the overalls and rests to one side. Stuff it lightly so it can bend naturally.

1. With black yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-8: K all sts for 8 rounds.
3. Change to golden yellow yarn.
4. Rnds 9-38: K all sts for 30 rounds.
5. Stuff lightly every 10 rounds as you work.
6. Rnd 39: K2tog around. 4 sts.
7. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and secure.
8. Embroider 8 small black spots along the golden section.

Sew the tail to the back of the body at Rnds 8-10, centered slightly toward the doll’s left side. Curve the tail outward and upward. Secure with two small hidden stitches near the body so it keeps the same gentle bend as in the image.

Striped Blue and Green Overalls

The overalls are the most visible clothing piece. They use alternating horizontal stripes in blue and green, with a front bib, short legs, shoulder straps, and two small buttons. The fabric should fit snugly over the body but not pull tightly.

Stripe Sequence

• Work 3 rounds in light blue.
• Work 3 rounds in green.
• Repeat this 6-round stripe sequence throughout the overalls.
• Carry yarn neatly inside when possible, but do not pull floats tightly.

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Overall Shorts Body

1. With light blue yarn, CO 48 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: K all sts in light blue.
3. Rnds 4-6: K all sts in green.
4. Rnds 7-9: K all sts in light blue.
5. Rnds 10-12: K all sts in green.
6. Rnds 13-15: K all sts in light blue.
7. Rnds 16-18: K all sts in green.
8. Rnd 19: K24, place remaining 24 sts on holder for second leg.
9. Continue first leg on 24 sts.
10. Rnds 20-25: Continue stripe sequence for 6 rounds.
11. Rnd 26: P all sts to make a small rolled cuff edge.
12. Rnd 27: K all sts.
13. BO loosely.
14. Return held 24 sts to needles.
15. Work second leg to match first leg exactly.

Front Bib

1. With the front center of shorts facing you, pick up and knit 22 sts across upper front edge.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Continue in stockinette for 14 rows, following the same blue and green stripe sequence.
6. Next RS row: SSK, K18, k2tog. 20 sts.
7. Next WS row: P all sts.
8. Next RS row: SSK, K16, k2tog. 18 sts.
9. Work 2 more rows even.
10. BO all sts.

Back Bib

1. Pick up and knit 20 sts across the back upper edge of the shorts.
2. Work 12 rows in stockinette, continuing stripes.
3. Next RS row: SSK, K16, k2tog. 18 sts.
4. Work 3 rows even.
5. BO all sts.

Shoulder Straps, Make 2

1. With light blue yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-34: K every row in garter stitch, changing color every 6 rows to follow the overall stripe look.
3. Row 35: K2, BO 2 sts, K2 to create a buttonhole opening.
4. Row 36: K2, CO 2 sts over bound-off gap, K2.
5. Rows 37-39: K all sts.
6. BO all sts.

Overall Assembly

• Pull the shorts gently over the legs before attaching the legs permanently to the body.
• Sew the upper edge of the shorts to the body with small removable-looking stitches if desired.
• Sew the back ends of straps to the back bib.
• Cross the straps very slightly over the shoulders, then button them to the front bib.
• Attach one small button at each upper front corner of the bib.

Floral Front Pocket

The image shows a white floral fabric-style pocket on the front of the overalls. You may sew on a small cotton fabric pocket, or knit a pocket and embroider tiny flowers. The knitted version below keeps the entire project yarn-based.

1. With cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: K all sts.
3. Row 3: K1, P14, K1.
4. Row 4: K all sts.
5. Repeat Rows 3-4 until the pocket measures 1.25 inches.
6. Next row: SSK, work to last 2 sts, k2tog. 14 sts.
7. K 1 row.
8. BO all sts.

• Use red, yellow, blue, and green yarn scraps to embroider tiny flowers and leaves.
• Make each flower with 3 to 5 straight stitches around one center stitch.
• Sew the pocket to the center of the front bib, leaving the top edge open.
• Add small blue stitches around the pocket edge to imitate the stitched trim.

Sandals

The sandals are tan with a raised sole, two horizontal straps, and tiny colorful flower accents on the outer side of each foot. They are sewn over the cream toe section and golden foot.

Sandal Sole, Make 2

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-5: K all sts.
5. Row 6: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 7-18: K all sts.
7. Row 19: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 20: K all sts.
9. Row 21: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO all sts.

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Sandal Straps, Make 4

1. With tan yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-18: K all sts.
3. BO all sts, leaving a sewing tail.

Sandal Assembly

• Sew one sole under each foot using tan yarn.
• Wrap one strap across the toe area and sew both ends to the sole edge.
• Wrap one strap across the upper foot and sew both ends to the sole edge.
• Embroider a small side cluster using purple, red, pink, and green yarn scraps.
• Each cluster should have 3 round flower knots and 2 green leaf stitches.

Yellow Flower for the Head

The head flower sits near the top right side of the leopard’s head. It has rounded yellow petals and a deeper yellow center. Use smaller needles if you want firmer petals.

Petals, Make 6

1. With yellow yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K2, kfb. 6 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Rows 5-6: Work stockinette.
7. Row 7: SSK, K2, k2tog. 4 sts.
8. Row 8: P all sts.
9. Row 9: SSK, k2tog. 2 sts.
10. BO both sts together.

Flower Center

1. With deeper yellow yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. BO all sts.
6. Roll into a tiny coil and stitch closed.

• Arrange the 6 petals in a circle.
• Sew the center coil over the petal bases.
• Attach the flower to the leopard’s head above the viewer’s right eye.
• Secure it with several hidden stitches so it does not flop forward.

Striped Garden Hat

The garden hat is a separate accessory placed beside the leopard in the image. It is rounded like a soft beanie, with alternating blue and green stripes and a slightly rolled edge.

1. With light blue yarn, CO 72 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts in light blue.
3. Rnds 5-8: K all sts in green.
4. Rnds 9-12: K all sts in light blue.
5. Rnds 13-16: K all sts in green.
6. Rnds 17-20: K all sts in light blue.
7. Rnds 21-24: K all sts in green.
8. Rnd 25: Repeat K10, k2tog around. 66 sts.
9. Rnd 26: K all sts.
10. Rnd 27: Repeat K9, k2tog around. 60 sts.
11. Rnd 28: K all sts.
12. Rnd 29: Repeat K8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
13. Rnd 30: K all sts.
14. Rnd 31: Repeat K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
15. Rnd 32: K all sts.
16. Rnd 33: Repeat K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
17. Rnd 34: K all sts.
18. Rnd 35: Repeat K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
19. Rnd 36: K all sts.
20. Rnd 37: Repeat K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
21. Rnd 38: Repeat K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
22. Rnd 39: Repeat K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
23. Rnd 40: Repeat K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
24. Rnd 41: K2tog around. 6 sts.
25. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

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Knitted Watering Can

The watering can is a small tan accessory with a rounded body, side handle, angled spout, and gray rim. It is worked as a small stuffed shape with attached pieces.

Watering Can Body

1. With tan yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Repeat K3, kfb around. 25 sts.
6. Rnds 5-13: K all sts for 9 rounds.
7. Rnd 14: Repeat K3, k2tog around. 20 sts.
8. Stuff lightly.
9. Rnd 15: K2tog around. 10 sts.
10. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and secure.

Watering Can Spout

1. With tan yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-12: K all sts.
3. Change to gray yarn.
4. Rnds 13-14: K all sts.
5. BO all sts.
6. Stuff very lightly or leave hollow.

Watering Can Handle

1. With tan yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-30: K every row.
3. BO all sts.

• Sew the spout to one upper side of the can at a 35-degree angle.
• Sew the handle into a curved C-shape on the opposite side.
• Use gray yarn to embroider a short rim around the top opening.

Small Garden Trowel

The trowel has a tan handle and gray blade. It is flat and light, designed as a display prop beside the leopard.

Trowel Handle

1. With tan yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-24: K every row.
3. BO all sts.
4. Fold lengthwise and sew the long edge closed to make a narrow handle.

Trowel Blade

1. With gray yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K all sts.
3. Row 5: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
4. Row 6: K all sts.
5. Row 7: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
6. Row 8: K all sts.
7. Row 9: SSK, K2, k2tog. 4 sts.
8. Row 10: K all sts.
9. Row 11: SSK, k2tog. 2 sts.
10. BO both sts together.

• Sew the narrow end of the blade to the handle.
• Use darker gray yarn to stitch one center line down the blade.
• Block lightly with your fingers to create a rounded shovel shape.

Tan Shoulder Bag

The shoulder bag is a small rectangular pouch with a flap, long strap, and green leaf embroidery. It sits beside the leopard and matches the garden theme.

Bag Body

1. With tan yarn, CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K all sts.
3. Row 5: K2, P16, K2.
4. Row 6: K all sts.
5. Repeat Rows 5-6 until the piece measures 4.5 inches.
6. BO all sts.
7. Fold the lower edge upward 2.25 inches to form the pouch.
8. Sew both side seams closed.

Bag Flap

1. With tan yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: K all sts.
3. Row 9: SSK, K14, k2tog. 16 sts.
4. Row 10: K all sts.
5. Row 11: SSK, K12, k2tog. 14 sts.
6. Row 12: K all sts.
7. BO all sts.

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Bag Strap

1. With tan yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-70: K all sts.
3. BO all sts.

• Sew the flap to the back top edge of the bag.
• Sew one strap end to each side seam.
• Embroider 3 green leaves on the front flap.
• For each leaf, make one center stitch and 3 diagonal stitches on each side.

Leg and Body Assembly

The overalls are easiest to position before the legs are fully secured. Slide the overall shorts over both legs, then pin the legs beneath the lower body. The feet should point forward and sit slightly apart, just like the image.

1. Place the body upright on a flat surface.
2. Pin the legs to the lower body, leaving about 1 inch between the inner feet.
3. Check that the overall legs sit evenly over the knitted legs.
4. Sew each leg firmly to the underside of the body using golden yellow yarn.
5. Pull the overalls upward and smooth the front bib over the belly.
6. Secure the overalls at the back waist with 4 tiny stitches if needed.

Head and Neck Assembly

The head is large compared with the body, so secure it carefully. The chin should rest close to the cream chest, and the face should look forward with a gentle upward expression.

1. Pin the head to the cream neck section.
2. Check the front view, side view, and top angle before sewing.
3. Use the long body yarn tail to sew around the neck opening twice.
4. Add extra stitches at the back of the neck for support.
5. If the head wobbles, insert a small firm roll of stuffing into the neck before final closing.
6. Hide all yarn tails inside the body.

Adding Body Spots

After the limbs and head are attached, add the remaining leopard markings. Use black yarn and make the spots uneven in size. The image shows many spots on the arms, legs, forehead, and tail, but the clothing covers most of the torso.

• Add 10 to 12 spots on each arm.
• Add 5 to 7 spots on each visible lower leg.
• Add 8 spots on the tail, with fewer spots near the black tip.
• Add 3 small spots at each side of the neck above the overalls.
• Keep the white paws and white muzzle free of large black spots.

Optional Eye Highlights

To make the eyes look like the image, add a small white highlight stitch beside each eye. Use one strand of white embroidery floss or thin white yarn. Place the highlight near the upper outer side of each eye so the face looks bright and gentle.

1. Thread a fine needle with white yarn or floss.
2. Make one tiny straight stitch on the outer upper edge of the left eye.
3. Repeat on the right eye at the matching angle.
4. Secure the thread inside the head and trim carefully.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face before finishing. The eyes should be level, the nose should sit centered over the muzzle, and the ears should be balanced on both sides. The flower should lean slightly outward, not cover the eye.

• Brush the muzzle gently with your fingers to soften the white cheek shape.
• Tighten loose embroidered spots with a hidden knot inside the head.
• Add a few extra black stitches near the cheeks if the face looks too plain.
• Adjust the overall straps so the buttons sit evenly at the front bib corners.
• Place the garden hat, watering can, trowel, and bag beside the leopard for display.

Care Notes

This knitted leopard is best used as a decorative soft toy. Because it includes buttons, embroidered details, and small accessories, it is not recommended for children under 3 years old. For a child-safe version, embroider the eyes and replace buttons with stitched circles.

• Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if using safety eyes, buttons, or fabric pocket details.
• Allow the toy to air dry fully before storage.
• Keep the toy away from pets that may chew small accessories.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and smoothly rounded.
• The white muzzle is centered below the eyes.
• The pink nose is stitched as a soft rounded triangle.
• Both ears are edged in black and sewn at matching angles.
• Spots are scattered naturally, not arranged in perfect rows.
• The blue-and-green overalls have even horizontal stripes.
• The front pocket is centered on the bib.
• The sandals have two straps and small colorful side flowers.
• The tail has a black tip and curves gently to one side.
• The garden accessories match the scale of the leopard.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, avoid soaking the finished toy. Water can shift stuffing and flatten the embroidered details. If cleaning is needed, use a soft cloth, cool water, and a tiny amount of gentle soap. Press lightly instead of rubbing.

After cleaning, reshape the ears, muzzle, sandals, and overalls while damp. Lay the leopard flat on a towel and allow it to dry naturally. Do not use a dryer, heater, or strong direct sunlight, because heat may damage acrylic yarn and plastic safety eyes.

• Store in a dry place with good airflow.
• Keep accessories together in a small fabric pouch when not displayed.
• Refresh the toy by gently smoothing the stitches with clean hands.
• If a spot or whisker loosens, repair it with matching yarn and a tapestry needle.
• For long-term display, rotate the toy occasionally so one side does not fade faster.

Finished Display Idea

Place the striped gardener leopard on a wooden table, shelf, or garden-themed display tray. Set the striped hat to one side, the watering can and trowel to the other, and let the tan shoulder bag rest near the feet. This arrangement recreates the cozy handmade garden scene shown in the original image.