Knitting Tutorial: Pastel Garden Penguin – Free Knitting Pattern

This pastel garden penguin is a soft knitted amigurumi-style doll with a round black-and-cream penguin head, glossy black safety eyes, a raised golden beak, gray flipper arms, mustard feet, and a sweet striped dress in blue, yellow, mint, and lavender. The design also includes a small crossbody flower bag, daisy hair accents, matching garden sandals, a pastel sunhat, a tiny watering can, and two miniature butterflies.

 

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 knitted penguin shown in the image as closely as possible. The finished doll has a rounded seated body, a full A-line pastel dress, short gray side flippers, golden legs, wide sandals, and delicate garden-themed accessories.

The main doll is worked mostly in the round with double-pointed needles or a long circular needle using the magic loop method. Smaller flat details, such as straps, flowers, butterflies, and the hat brim, are shaped separately and sewn on during final assembly.

• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
• Finished height: About 10.5 inches / 27 cm from bottom of sandals to top of head.
• Finished seated width: About 8 inches / 20 cm across the flippers.
• Gauge: 6 stitches and 8 rounds = 1 inch / 2.5 cm in stockinette stitch with stuffing firm enough for a plush toy.
• Construction: Head and body are knitted separately, then joined securely. Dress is knitted onto the body and shaped outward to match the photo.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in charcoal gray for the penguin head top, head sides, lower body, and shadow edging.
• DK weight yarn in warm ivory for the face panels and front head area.
• DK weight yarn in light gray for both flippers.
• DK weight yarn in golden yellow for beak, legs, and sandal base accents.
• DK weight yarn in pale blue, soft yellow, mint green, lavender, and light pink for the striped dress, bag, hat, and decorative details.
• Small amounts of white and golden yellow yarn for daisies.
• Small amounts of green yarn for flower leaves and embroidered stems.
• Pair of 8 mm black safety eyes or glossy black sew-on eyes.
• US size 3 / 3.25 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• US size 2 / 2.75 mm needles for straps, flowers, and tighter accessories.
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Small scissors.
• Black embroidery thread for tiny facial anchoring if needed.
• Pink embroidery thread for small dress flowers.

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 to increase 1 stitch.
• K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together to decrease 1 stitch.
• SSK: Slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through the back loop.
• M1L: Make 1 left increase.
• M1R: Make 1 right increase.
• St st: Stockinette stitch.
• G st: Garter stitch, knit every row when worked flat.
• I-cord: A narrow knitted cord worked over a few stitches.

Important Knitting Notes

The penguin in the image has a smooth plush surface with visible vertical knit columns. Keep your tension firm so the stuffing does not show. If your stitches are loose, move down one needle size instead of stuffing lightly.

Use a long yarn tail on every small piece. These tails are useful for sewing pieces onto the doll at the exact angle. The flippers should hang downward and slightly outward, the dress should flare gently, and the sandals should sit flat under the golden feet.

• Stuff the head firmly, especially at the cheeks and crown.
• Stuff the body medium-firm so the dress keeps a rounded bell shape.
• Do not overstuff the flippers. They should look soft and slightly flattened.
• Use duplicate stitch or embroidery for the flower border on the dress and bag.
• Shape the beak with tight stuffing and horizontal sewing stitches so it projects from the face.

Color Layout Guide

The doll has a charcoal-gray penguin cap that curves down the sides of the face. The center face is warm ivory, shaped like two tall rounded panels meeting above the beak. The body underneath the dress is charcoal gray, visible only as a narrow lower hem area.

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The dress uses narrow pastel stripes. The stripe order should be soft blue, pale yellow, mint green, light blue, lavender, and pale yellow, repeated naturally. Near the lower skirt, small pink flowers with green stems are embroidered around the front.

• Head top and sides: Charcoal gray.
• Face front: Warm ivory.
• Beak: Golden yellow.
• Flippers: Light gray.
• Legs and feet: Golden yellow.
• Dress base: Pastel blue, yellow, mint, lavender, and cream stripes.
• Hat: Pale yellow with pastel stripes and white daisies.
• Bag: Pale blue and pastel yellow stripes with tiny flowers.

Head

The head is a rounded ball with a slight penguin face shape. It is knitted in the round from the top down. Color changes create the charcoal cap and ivory face. Carry unused yarn loosely behind the work for short sections, or cut and rejoin colors if preferred.

Head Crown and Face Shaping

1. With charcoal gray yarn, CO 8 sts. Divide over needles and join in the round. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: KFB in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, KFB around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, KFB around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, KFB around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: K4, KFB around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: K all sts.
13. Rnd 12: K5, KFB around. 56 sts.
14. Rnd 13: K all sts.
15. Rnd 14: K6, KFB around. 64 sts.

Begin the ivory face panels on the next round. The charcoal gray remains on the back and outer sides. The ivory section sits across the front 30 stitches, leaving charcoal sides and back.

1. Rnd 15: K17 charcoal, K30 ivory, K17 charcoal. 64 sts.
2. Rnd 16: K16 charcoal, K32 ivory, K16 charcoal.
3. Rnd 17: K15 charcoal, K34 ivory, K15 charcoal.
4. Rnd 18: K14 charcoal, K36 ivory, K14 charcoal.
5. Rnd 19: K14 charcoal, K36 ivory, K14 charcoal.
6. Rnd 20: K13 charcoal, K38 ivory, K13 charcoal.
7. Rnd 21: K13 charcoal, K38 ivory, K13 charcoal.
8. Rnd 22: K12 charcoal, K40 ivory, K12 charcoal.
9. Rnd 23: K12 charcoal, K40 ivory, K12 charcoal.
10. Rnd 24: K12 charcoal, K40 ivory, K12 charcoal.

The face should now look wide and rounded, with charcoal gray framing both sides. The top charcoal section forms a gentle curved cap just like the image.

1. Rnd 25: K13 charcoal, K38 ivory, K13 charcoal.
2. Rnd 26: K14 charcoal, K36 ivory, K14 charcoal.
3. Rnd 27: K15 charcoal, K34 ivory, K15 charcoal.
4. Rnd 28: K16 charcoal, K32 ivory, K16 charcoal.
5. Rnd 29: K17 charcoal, K30 ivory, K17 charcoal.
6. Rnd 30: K18 charcoal, K28 ivory, K18 charcoal.

Lower Head Decreases

1. Rnd 31: K6, K2tog around. 56 sts. Keep color placement as established.
2. Rnd 32: K all sts.
3. Rnd 33: K5, K2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 34: K all sts.
5. Rnd 35: K4, K2tog around. 40 sts.

Insert the safety eyes now. Place each eye on the ivory face, about 10 stitches apart, between Rnds 21 and 22. The eyes should sit slightly above the centerline of the face. In the photo, the eyes are glossy, round, and spaced widely for a gentle expression.

1. Rnd 36: K all sts.
2. Rnd 37: K3, K2tog around. 32 sts.
3. Start stuffing the head firmly. Push stuffing into the crown and side cheeks first.
4. Rnd 38: K all sts.
5. Rnd 39: K2, K2tog around. 24 sts.
6. Add more stuffing until the head is round and smooth.
7. Rnd 40: K1, K2tog around. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 41: K2tog around. 8 sts.
9. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in securely.

Beak

The beak is small, raised, oval, and golden yellow. It sits centered below the eyes. The photo shows a rounded beak with visible knitted ridges and a slightly horizontal oval shape.

1. With golden yellow yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all 6 sts.
3. Rnd 2: KFB in each st around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K1, KFB around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K all sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
8. Stuff very lightly, keeping the piece oval rather than round.
9. Rnd 7: K2tog around. 6 sts.
10. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and leave a long sewing tail.

Sew the beak to the center of the ivory face between Rnds 24 and 29. Flatten it slightly as you sew. Use the yarn tail to make one firm horizontal stitch across the center front of the beak, pulling gently to create the subtle beak groove.

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Body

The body is rounded and seated, hidden mostly by the dress. The lower charcoal body peeks out below the dress hem. Work the body from the neck down in charcoal gray, then pick up stitches later for the dress.

1. With charcoal gray yarn, CO 16 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, KFB around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K2, KFB around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K3, KFB around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K4, KFB around. 48 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: K5, KFB around. 56 sts.
12. Rnds 11-24: K all sts.
13. Rnd 25: K5, K2tog around. 48 sts.
14. Rnd 26: K all sts.
15. Rnd 27: K4, K2tog around. 40 sts.
16. Rnd 28: K all sts.
17. Begin stuffing the body firmly at the lower rounded area.
18. Rnd 29: K3, K2tog around. 32 sts.
19. Rnd 30: K all sts.
20. Rnd 31: K2, K2tog around. 24 sts.
21. Add stuffing so the body is oval and stable.
22. Rnd 32: K1, K2tog around. 16 sts.
23. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and secure.

The narrow end is the top neck area. The fuller rounded end is the lower body. When joined to the head, the doll should lean slightly back in a relaxed seated pose, as shown in the image.

Pastel Striped Dress

The dress is the main visual feature. It has a soft A-line shape with horizontal pastel stripes and a rounded hem. It should sit high under the head like a jumper dress and flare outward over the body.

Use the body as a base. Pick up stitches around the upper body about 4 rounds below the neck. The dress is worked downward in the round.

Dress Bodice

1. With pale blue yarn and RS facing, pick up and knit 48 sts around the upper body.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts in pale blue.
3. Rnd 2: P all sts to create a small ridge at the top of the dress.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts in pale blue.
5. Rnd 4: Switch to mint green, K all sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts in mint green.
7. Rnd 6: Switch to pale yellow, K all sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts in pale yellow.
9. Rnd 8: Switch to pale blue, K all sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts in pale blue.

Dress Skirt Increases

1. Rnd 10: K3, KFB around in lavender. 60 sts.
2. Rnd 11: K all sts in lavender.
3. Rnd 12: Switch to mint green, K all sts.
4. Rnd 13: K all sts in mint green.
5. Rnd 14: Switch to pale yellow, K4, KFB around. 72 sts.
6. Rnd 15: K all sts in pale yellow.
7. Rnd 16: Switch to pale blue, K all sts.
8. Rnd 17: K all sts in pale blue.
9. Rnd 18: Switch to mint green, K5, KFB around. 84 sts.
10. Rnd 19: K all sts in mint green.
11. Rnd 20: Switch to soft yellow, K all sts.
12. Rnd 21: K all sts in soft yellow.
13. Rnd 22: Switch to light blue, K all sts.
14. Rnd 23: K all sts in light blue.
15. Rnd 24: Switch to lavender, K all sts.
16. Rnd 25: K all sts in lavender.

The skirt should now flare out clearly and sit over the charcoal body. Check that the fabric does not pull tightly across the stuffing. If the dress looks narrow, add one more increase round by working K6, KFB around before continuing.

Lower Dress and Hem

1. Rnd 26: Switch to pale yellow, K all sts.
2. Rnd 27: K all sts in pale yellow.
3. Rnd 28: Switch to mint green, K all sts.
4. Rnd 29: K all sts in mint green.
5. Rnd 30: Switch to pale blue, K all sts.
6. Rnd 31: K all sts in pale blue.
7. Rnd 32: P all sts in pale blue to create a lower ridge.
8. Rnd 33: K all sts in pale blue.
9. Rnd 34: P all sts in pale blue.
10. BO loosely knitwise.

The hem should rest around the lower body, just above the legs. The front of the skirt should show the embroidered garden flowers. Leave the back plain, except for the neat stripe continuation.

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Dress Shoulder Straps

The dress has two small shoulder straps near the top front, with little beige button-like knots. These straps hold the jumper dress style in place and frame the penguin’s upper chest.

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-18: Knit every row in garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.
4. Make a second strap the same way.

Sew each strap from the front upper dress, over the shoulder area, and onto the upper back. Place the straps about 10 stitches apart at the front. They should angle slightly outward, matching the image.

Tiny Strap Buttons

1. With beige yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Cut yarn and thread through all sts.
3. Pull tight to form a small knot button.
4. Make 4 buttons total.
5. Sew one button at each front strap base and one at each back strap base.

Flipper Arms

The flippers are light gray, long, rounded, and slightly tapered. They hang from the side of the upper body and lean outward. In the image, each flipper has smooth vertical stitch lines and a soft rounded tip.

1. With light gray yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: KFB in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K3, KFB around. 20 sts.
6. Rnds 5-18: K all sts.
7. Rnd 19: K8, K2tog, K8, K2tog. 18 sts.
8. Rnd 20: K all sts.
9. Rnd 21: K7, K2tog, K7, K2tog. 16 sts.
10. Rnd 22: K all sts.
11. Rnd 23: K2, K2tog around. 12 sts.
12. Stuff lightly only at the top half. Keep the lower tip soft and flat.
13. Rnd 24: K2tog around. 6 sts.
14. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and close.
15. Make a second flipper the same way.

Flatten each flipper with the decrease line at the underside. Sew one flipper to each side of the body just below the head, under the dress strap line. Angle each flipper downward at about 30 degrees from the body.

Legs

The visible legs are short golden-yellow tubes below the skirt. They sit close together and lead into the large sandal-covered feet.

1. With golden yellow yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-12: K all sts.
3. Stuff lightly.
4. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
5. Make a second leg the same way.

Sew the legs to the lower front body under the dress hem. Place them 4 stitches apart so the feet point forward. The skirt should overlap the top of the legs slightly.

Feet

The feet are mustard-golden, wide, and rounded with a scalloped toe look. Each foot sits inside a pale yellow sandal sole and has a strap across the top. The sandals are very visible in the photo.

Golden Foot Base

1. With golden yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: KFB in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, KFB around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5-9: K all sts.
7. Rnd 10: K4, K2tog around. 20 sts.
8. Rnd 11: K all sts.
9. Stuff firmly, flattening the sole side as you stuff.
10. Rnd 12: K3, K2tog around. 16 sts.
11. Rnd 13: K2tog around. 8 sts.
12. Cut yarn, pull through sts, and close.
13. Make a second foot.

Toe Scallop Detail

To create the rounded toe bumps visible at the front, use golden yellow yarn and make three shaping stitches across the front of each foot.

1. Thread a tapestry needle with golden yellow yarn.
2. Insert from the underside of the foot to the top front center.
3. Wrap the yarn over the front edge and return to the underside.
4. Pull gently to create one toe groove.
5. Repeat twice more, spacing the grooves evenly across the front.
6. Secure yarn underneath the foot.

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Garden Sandals

The sandals are pale yellow, soft, and rounded. Each sandal has a thick sole, a curved front edge, and a crossing strap over the golden foot. A small pink flower decorates the outer side.

Sandal Sole

1. With pale yellow yarn and smaller needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: KFB, K6, KFB. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: KFB, K8, KFB. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-12: K all sts.
7. Row 13: K2tog, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 14: K all sts.
9. Row 15: K2tog, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO, leaving a long tail.
11. Make a second sole.

Sew each sole to the bottom of a golden foot using small whipstitches around the edge. The pale sole should show around the foot like a soft border.

Sandal Cross Straps

1. With pale yellow yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-20: Knit every row.
3. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.
4. Make 4 straps total.

Sew two straps over each foot. Place one strap diagonally from lower left to upper right and the second from lower right to upper left. The straps should cross near the top center of the foot.

Small Pink Sandal Flowers

1. With pink yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: KFB in each st. 10 sts.
3. BO loosely.
4. Roll the strip into a tiny flower and sew through the base.
5. Make 2 flowers.
6. With yellow yarn, add one small knot stitch at each flower center.

Sew one flower to the outer side of each sandal strap. Position the flower near the ankle side, as shown in the image.

Crossbody Garden Bag

The small bag hangs on the penguin’s right side and has a long pale strap crossing diagonally from the opposite shoulder. The bag is pale blue with pastel stripes and a tiny flower garden embroidered along the lower front.

Bag Front and Back

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Switch to pale yellow, K all sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts in pale yellow.
6. Row 5: Switch to mint green, K all sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts in mint green.
8. Row 7: Switch to pale blue, K all sts.
9. Row 8: P all sts in pale blue.
10. Row 9: Switch to lavender, K all sts.
11. Row 10: P all sts in lavender.
12. Row 11: Switch to pale blue, K all sts.
13. Row 12: P all sts in pale blue.
14. Row 13: K2tog, K14, K2tog. 16 sts.
15. Row 14: P all sts.
16. Row 15: K2tog, K12, K2tog. 14 sts.
17. BO.
18. Make a second piece in the same stripe order for the back.

Bag Gusset

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strip measures 8 inches / 20 cm.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.

Sew the gusset around the sides and bottom of the bag front. Then sew the bag back to the other edge of the gusset. Keep the top edge open. Stuff the bag very lightly so it looks soft but not bulky.

Bag Strap

1. With pale blue yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 15 inches / 38 cm.
3. BO and leave both tails long.

Sew one end of the strap to the upper left corner of the bag and the other end to the upper right corner. Place the strap across the penguin body from the left shoulder to the right hip. Tack the strap at the shoulder and side so it stays in place.

Bag Flower Embroidery

• Use green yarn to embroider 5 short vertical stems along the lower front of the bag.
• Use pink yarn to make 5 small lazy-daisy petals on each stem.
• Use yellow yarn to make one tiny center knot for each flower.
• Keep the flowers small so they match the delicate details in the image.

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Dress Flower Border

The front lower dress has a small garden border. It includes green stems and tiny pink flowers scattered across the pale blue and yellow stripe area near the hem.

1. Thread green yarn on a tapestry needle.
2. Starting 4 rounds above the hem ridge, make short vertical stitches for stems.
3. Place 9 stems across the front of the dress, spacing them about 4 stitches apart.
4. Add one tiny angled leaf to each side of several stems.
5. With pink yarn, stitch 4 small petals at the top of each stem.
6. With yellow yarn, make one small center stitch in each flower.

Do not embroider all the way around the skirt. The image shows the floral detail mainly on the visible front area. Keep the embroidery light and neat so the pastel stripes remain the main dress feature.

Daisy Hair Flowers

The penguin has small white daisies placed on both sides of the head near the upper charcoal area. These flowers soften the face and connect the doll to the garden theme.

White Daisy Petals

1. With white yarn and smaller needles, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: KFB, K1, KFB. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: K2tog, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 5: K all sts.
7. BO.
8. Make 6 petals for one daisy.
9. Make 18 petals total for 3 daisies.

Daisy Centers

1. With golden yellow yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Cut yarn and thread through the sts.
3. Pull tightly to form a small round center.
4. Make 3 centers.

Arrange 6 petals around each center and sew through the back to secure. Make two daisies for the head and one extra small daisy for the hat or bag area if desired.

Head Placement

• Sew one daisy on the left upper head, slightly above eye level.
• Sew one daisy on the right upper head, close to the side curve.
• Add 2 tiny green leaf stitches beside each daisy.
• Angle the daisies outward, not flat forward, so they look attached to the side of the head.

Pastel Garden Sunhat

The sunhat in the image is pale yellow with a soft rounded crown, wide brim, pastel stripe band, and daisy decorations. It sits beside the penguin rather than on the head, but it can also be made wearable by keeping the crown slightly open and flexible.

Hat Crown

1. With pale yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: KFB in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, KFB around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, KFB around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, KFB around. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 9-18: K all sts.
11. Rnd 19: P all sts to create a base ridge.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 20: K1, KFB around. 60 sts.
2. Rnd 21: K all sts.
3. Rnd 22: K2, KFB around. 80 sts.
4. Rnds 23-26: K all sts.
5. Rnd 27: P all sts.
6. Rnd 28: K all sts.
7. BO loosely.

The brim should curl slightly downward at the edges, creating the soft sunhat shape from the image. If it curls too much, steam gently from a distance and flatten by hand.

Pastel Hat Band

1. With mint green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-44: Knit every row.
3. BO and sew around the base of the hat crown.
4. With lavender yarn, embroider one thin stripe above the band.
5. With pale pink yarn, embroider one thin stripe below the band.

Hat Daisies

Make 3 small daisies using the same daisy method, but use 5 petals instead of 6 for a slightly smaller flower. Sew them to the hat brim and band area. Place one near the front left, one at the right side, and one near the lower brim edge.

Tiny Watering Can

The watering can is a small gray-blue garden prop placed beside the penguin. It has a round body, open top, side handle, long spout, and a small flower on the front.

Watering Can Body

1. With gray-blue yarn, CO 24 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: K all sts.
3. Rnd 4: K5, KFB around. 28 sts.
4. Rnds 5-10: K all sts.
5. Rnd 11: K5, K2tog around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 12: P all sts to make the top rim.
7. BO loosely.

Cut a separate circle for the bottom by knitting a small disk.

1. With gray-blue yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: KFB around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, KFB around. 24 sts.
4. BO and sew to the bottom of the can body.
5. Stuff lightly before closing completely.

Spout

1. With gray-blue yarn, CO 6 sts and work I-cord for 2 inches / 5 cm.
2. BO and leave a long tail.
3. Sew one end to the upper side of the can.
4. Angle the spout upward at about 25 degrees.
5. Add a small gray knot at the tip to make the rose end.

Handle

1. With gray-blue yarn, CO 4 sts and work I-cord for 3 inches / 7.5 cm.
2. BO and leave tails.
3. Curve the cord into a handle.
4. Sew one end near the top side and one end near the lower side of the can.

Watering Can Flower

• Use pink yarn to make 4 tiny petal stitches on the front of the can.
• Use yellow yarn for the flower center.
• Add one small green stitch under the flower as a leaf.

Butterflies

The image includes two tiny butterflies on the table. One butterfly has pink and purple wings with a dark body. Another small butterfly has warmer tones near the left side. These make charming optional props.

Large Pink and Lavender Butterfly

1. For one upper wing, with lavender yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: KFB, K3, KFB. 7 sts.
4. Rows 3-5: K all sts.
5. Row 6: K2tog, K3, K2tog. 5 sts.
6. BO.
7. Make a second upper wing.
8. For one lower wing, with pink yarn, CO 4 sts.
9. Rows 1-4: K all sts.
10. Row 5: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
11. BO.
12. Make a second lower wing.

For the butterfly body, use dark brown or black yarn and work a 4-stitch I-cord for 1 inch / 2.5 cm. Sew two upper wings and two lower wings to the body. Add two tiny antenna stitches at the top.

Small Warm Butterfly

1. With golden yellow yarn, CO 4 sts and knit 4 rows. BO.
2. Make a second golden wing.
3. With mauve yarn, CO 4 sts and knit 4 rows. BO.
4. Make a second mauve wing.
5. Use black yarn to sew a 0.75 inch / 2 cm body between the wings.
6. Add two small antenna stitches.

Optional Neck and Shoulder Shaping

The doll in the image has the head sitting directly on the upper dress and shoulders, with no visible neck. To copy this shape, sew the head low onto the body so the lower head touches the dress straps.

• Place the head on the body before sewing and check the angle.
• The face should look slightly upward and forward.
• The body should lean back gently, like a seated plush toy.
• Use charcoal gray yarn to sew the back neck area.
• Use ivory yarn only if stitching through the front face edge.

Assembly Order

Following the correct order helps the final penguin look balanced. Do not attach the accessories too early, because the dress, bag strap, and flippers need to sit neatly without crowding each other.

1. Knit and stuff the head.
2. Add safety eyes and sew the beak in place.
3. Knit and stuff the body.
4. Pick up and knit the pastel striped dress around the body.
5. Sew the head to the body with the face centered above the dress front.
6. Sew the shoulder straps and tiny buttons to the dress.
7. Knit and attach the flippers at both sides.
8. Knit the legs and feet, then attach the sandals.
9. Sew the legs under the skirt hem.
10. Make the crossbody bag and attach it across the penguin.
11. Add dress flower embroidery and bag flower embroidery.
12. Make and attach the head daisies.
13. Knit the hat, watering can, and butterflies as separate props.

Facial Placement Guide

The expression is simple and sweet. The eyes are shiny black and slightly raised. The beak is centered and rounded. The ivory face panels should remain clean and smooth, without extra mouth embroidery.

• Place the eyes between Rnds 21 and 22 of the head.
• Keep approximately 10 stitches between the eyes.
• Place the beak between the eyes and lower face, centered over the ivory section.
• Do not add eyebrows, blush, or a stitched smile if you want the doll to match the image closely.
• Use gentle thread sculpting only if the eyes need to sit more deeply.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all pieces are attached, check the penguin from the front, sides, and top. The head should be round, the face should be centered, and the beak should project gently from the ivory face. The daisies should sit near the charcoal head edges, not directly above the eyes.

Sew the flippers with several firm stitches at the top only, allowing the lower parts to remain soft and movable. The bag strap should pass diagonally across the front of the dress and rest naturally over the shoulder.

• Use matching yarn for each seam whenever possible.
• Hide yarn tails inside the stuffed pieces.
• Shape the dress hem by gently pulling it outward with your fingers.
• Flatten the sandal soles slightly so the feet rest nicely.
• Adjust the hat brim by hand until it has a soft garden sunhat curve.

Care Notes

This knitted penguin is best used as a decorative handmade doll. Because it includes small flowers, straps, embroidered details, and possible safety eyes, it is not recommended for children under 3 years old.

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, flowers, or small accessories are attached.
• Let the doll air dry fully before storing.
• Avoid direct sunlight for long periods to protect the pastel colors.
• Keep the hat, butterflies, and watering can in a small fabric bag when not displayed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The charcoal head cap curves down both sides of the ivory face.
• The eyes are evenly spaced and glossy.
• The golden beak is centered and lightly oval.
• The dress flares outward and shows pastel stripes clearly.
• The shoulder straps sit evenly with tiny beige buttons.
• The gray flippers angle downward from the sides.
• The golden feet sit inside pale yellow cross-strap sandals.
• The crossbody bag hangs on the penguin’s right side.
• The lower dress and bag have tiny embroidered flowers.
• The hat includes a pastel band and white daisies.
• The watering can has a spout, handle, and small flower detail.
• The butterflies are small, flat, and colorful.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, avoid soaking the entire doll. Moisture can shift the stuffing and flatten the dress flare. For light dust, use a soft dry brush and move gently in the direction of the knitted stitches.

If a small area becomes stained, dab it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not rub the embroidered flowers, because repeated rubbing can loosen the yarn strands. Blot with a clean towel and allow the doll to dry naturally.

• Store the penguin upright or lying flat on its back.
• Do not press heavy items on top of the hat brim or flippers.
• Refresh the dress shape by gently lifting the skirt hem outward.
• Check flower attachments occasionally and tighten loose stitches with matching yarn.
• Keep the doll in a breathable cotton bag for long-term storage.

Your Pastel Garden Penguin is now complete, with its soft striped dress, daisy details, sunny hat, little garden bag, sandals, watering can, and butterflies. Arrange the accessories beside the penguin for the same sweet outdoor garden look shown in the image.