Knitting Tutorial: Autumn Folk Red Panda – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Autumn Folk Red Panda – Free Knitting Pattern

This Autumn Folk Red Panda knitting pattern creates a soft red panda doll with a round russet head, cream muzzle, dark eye patches, striped tail, folk-style jacket, striped shorts, small shoes, a fox shoulder bag, a matching fair-isle hat, acorns, a leaf, flowers, and a tiny mushroom accent. The finished piece is designed as a detailed display doll with rich autumn colors and cozy handmade texture.

 

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

Finished Size and Construction Notes

This pattern is written for a knitted amigurumi-style red panda doll worked mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or magic-loop circular needles. The body, head, arms, legs, ears, tail, clothing, bag, hat, and accessories are knitted as separate shaped pieces, then stuffed and sewn together.

The red panda in the image has a large round head, a smaller upright body, short arms, short legs, a thick curved striped tail, and layered clothing. The proportions below are planned to match that look: the head is about one third of the full doll height, the body is compact, and the tail is wide and plush.

  • Finished doll height: about 11.5–12.5 in / 29–32 cm from feet to top of head.
  • Head width: about 4.5 in / 11.5 cm across after stuffing.
  • Body height: about 4.25 in / 11 cm before legs.
  • Tail length: about 5.5 in / 14 cm, slightly curved.
  • Jacket width: about 5.25 in / 13.5 cm across the front when laid flat.
  • Hat size: about 4.25 in / 11 cm across, made as a separate prop.

Skill Level

Intermediate. The doll uses basic knit and purl stitches, increases, decreases, color changes, simple intarsia-style patches, small fair-isle sections, mattress stitch, embroidery, and careful assembly. Confident beginners can follow the pattern slowly if they mark rounds and count stitches often.

Materials

  • DK weight yarn in russet red-brown for the red panda head, outer ears, and tail stripes.
  • DK weight yarn in cream for muzzle, cheeks, inner ears, jacket, hat base, and shoe trim.
  • DK weight yarn in dark chocolate brown or black-brown for legs, paws, eye patches, tail tip, and inner body shadow.
  • DK weight yarn in warm tan for the bag, soles, strap, and acorn caps.
  • Small amounts of burnt orange, rusty red, denim blue, muted yellow, olive green, white, pink, and mushroom red.
  • 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
  • 3.0 mm needles for jacket and hat if you want a slightly softer drape.
  • Two 9 mm black safety eyes or glossy black sew-on eyes.
  • Black embroidery floss for nose and mouth.
  • White embroidery yarn for eyebrow marks and tiny mushroom dots.
  • Fiberfill stuffing.
  • Tapestry needle.
  • Removable stitch markers.
  • Two small 6 mm tan buttons for the jacket front.
  • Optional: a small piece of cardboard or plastic canvas for the base of the bag.

Abbreviations

  • CO: cast on
  • BO: bind off
  • K: knit
  • P: purl
  • St / sts: stitch / 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
  • SSK: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops
  • P2tog: purl 2 stitches together
  • M1L: make 1 left increase
  • M1R: make 1 right increase
  • St st: stockinette stitch; knit every round when working in the round
  • Garter stitch: knit every row when working flat

Gauge

Work a small swatch in stockinette stitch with the main russet yarn. Your fabric should be firm enough that stuffing does not show through. A slightly tight gauge gives the doll the rounded, plush look seen in the image.

  • Gauge: 7 sts and 9 rounds = 1 in / 2.5 cm in stockinette stitch on 2.75 mm needles.
  • Important: If your stitches are loose, use smaller needles. If your fabric is too stiff to shape, use slightly larger needles.
  • Stuffing rule: Stuff the head firmly, the body medium-firm, the arms lightly, and the tail firmly at the base but softer toward the tip.

Color Placement Guide

The face is the most important part of this red panda. The head is mainly russet, with a cream oval muzzle, cream cheek panels, dark brown vertical cheek patches beside the muzzle, small white eyebrow marks, and round black eyes. The ears are cream inside with russet edges.

The outfit uses a cream folk jacket with rusty orange and blue diamond motifs. Under the jacket, the doll wears a dark top and striped shorts in cream, rusty orange, blue, and tan. The shoes are dark brown with tan soles and tiny flower decorations.

  • Main head: russet red-brown.
  • Muzzle: cream oval panel sewn on the lower center of the face.
  • Cheeks: two cream vertical side patches placed from eye level to lower muzzle level.
  • Eye patches: dark brown narrow panels from inner eye area down to cheek edge.
  • Tail: wide russet and dark brown stripes with a dark tip.
  • Jacket: cream base with orange, blue, and rust folk motifs.
  • Bag: tan square bag with a small fox face on the front.

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Head

The head is worked in the round from the top down. Use russet yarn and 2.75 mm needles. Place a marker at the beginning of the round. Stuff gradually as the head closes so the shape stays round and full.

  1. CO 8 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join 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: *K1, KFB; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: *K2, KFB; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
  9. Rnd 8: *K3, KFB; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
  10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
  11. Rnd 10: *K4, KFB; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
  12. Rnd 11: K all sts.
  13. Rnd 12: *K5, KFB; repeat from * around. 56 sts.
  14. Rnd 13: K all sts.
  15. Rnd 14: *K6, KFB; repeat from * around. 64 sts.
  16. Rnds 15–28: K all sts for 14 rounds.

At this point, the head should look like a smooth round dome. The lower face will be shaped by decreasing slowly so the muzzle area remains soft and full. Do not overstuff yet; add small amounts of fiberfill after every few rounds.

  1. Rnd 29: *K6, K2tog; repeat from * around. 56 sts.
  2. Rnd 30: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 31: *K5, K2tog; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
  4. Rnd 32: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 33: *K4, K2tog; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
  6. Rnd 34: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 35: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
  8. Rnd 36: K all sts.
  9. Rnd 37: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  10. Stuff the head firmly, keeping the front face rounded and not flat.
  11. Rnd 38: *K1, K2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  12. Rnd 39: K2tog around. 8 sts.
  13. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure inside the head.

Cream Muzzle Oval

The muzzle is an oval knitted flat in cream yarn. It sits centered on the lower front of the head, beginning slightly below the eyes and ending above the neck. Sew it on with small invisible stitches and lightly pad it before closing the final edge.

  1. CO 8 sts in cream.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: K1, KFB, K4, KFB, K1. 10 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: K1, KFB, K6, KFB, K1. 12 sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Rows 7–14: Work in stockinette stitch, starting with a knit row.
  9. Row 15: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
  10. Row 16: P all sts.
  11. Row 17: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
  12. Row 18: P all sts.
  13. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Sew the muzzle to the face with the top edge placed across Rnds 22–23 of the head and the bottom edge around Rnd 32. Add a thin layer of stuffing under the center so the muzzle rises gently like the image.

Dark Eye Patches

Make two narrow dark brown patches. They sit vertically beside the muzzle and curve slightly inward below the eyes. These pieces create the red panda expression and should be mirrored carefully.

Left Eye Patch

  1. CO 5 sts in dark brown.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: KFB, K3, KFB. 7 sts.
  5. Rows 4–9: Work stockinette stitch.
  6. Row 10: P2tog, P3, P2tog. 5 sts.
  7. Row 11: K all sts.
  8. Row 12: P2tog, P1, P2tog. 3 sts.
  9. BO all sts.

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Right Eye Patch

  1. Repeat the left eye patch exactly.
  2. When sewing, flip the piece so the narrow end points down and inward toward the muzzle.

Position each dark patch with the upper edge touching the lower side of each eye. Sew the inner edge close to the cream muzzle and the outer edge under the cheek area. Do not cover the cream muzzle.

Cream Cheek Panels

The cream cheek panels are the long white shapes on each side of the face. They sit outside the dark eye patches and create the bright red panda markings visible in the image.

  1. CO 6 sts in cream.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: KFB, K4, KFB. 8 sts.
  5. Rows 4–10: Work stockinette stitch.
  6. Row 11: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
  7. Row 12: P all sts.
  8. Row 13: SSK, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
  9. BO all sts.
  10. Make a second panel the same way.

Sew one cream cheek panel on each side of the muzzle, angled slightly outward. The top should start below the eye line, and the lower point should end near the bottom curve of the muzzle.

Eyes, Nose, Mouth, and Eyebrows

Place the eyes after the muzzle and patches are pinned in place. This lets you adjust the expression before sewing everything permanently. The red panda should look gentle, bright, and slightly curious.

  • Eyes: Place two 9 mm black eyes between Rnds 21 and 22 of the head, about 9 sts apart.
  • Nose: Embroider a small black triangle at the top center of the cream muzzle, about 4 sts wide and 3 rows tall.
  • Mouth: From the bottom point of the nose, embroider one short vertical line, then two tiny curved smile lines.
  • Eyebrows: Use white yarn to make one short slanted stitch above each eye, about 3 sts long.

Ears

The ears are triangular but soft, with cream inner sections and russet outer edges. Make two outer ears and two inner ears, then sew each inner piece to one outer piece before attaching to the head.

Outer Ear, Make 2

  1. CO 18 sts in russet.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: SSK, K14, K2tog. 16 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: SSK, K12, K2tog. 14 sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: SSK, K10, K2tog. 12 sts.
  9. Row 8: P all sts.
  10. Row 9: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
  11. Row 10: P all sts.
  12. Row 11: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
  13. Row 12: P all sts.
  14. Row 13: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
  15. Row 14: P all sts.
  16. Row 15: SSK, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
  17. Row 16: P all sts.
  18. Row 17: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
  19. BO both sts together, leaving a long tail.

Inner Ear, Make 2

  1. CO 14 sts in cream.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: SSK, K10, K2tog. 12 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
  9. Row 8: P all sts.
  10. Row 9: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
  11. Row 10: P all sts.
  12. Row 11: SSK, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
  13. Row 12: P all sts.
  14. Row 13: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
  15. BO both sts together.

Sew each cream inner ear onto a russet outer ear, leaving a narrow russet border visible. Fold the ear slightly at the base. Sew ears to the head between Rnds 11 and 22, with each ear tilted outward at about a 35-degree angle.

Body

The body is worked from the bottom upward. The visible clothing covers much of the body, but the shape must still be firm and upright. Use dark brown for the lower body shadow, then switch to cream and dark upper colors where needed.

  1. CO 12 sts in dark brown. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: KFB around. 24 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: *K2, KFB; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: *K3, KFB; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
  8. Rnds 7–14: K all sts.
  9. Change to cream for the shirt base.
  10. Rnds 15–19: K all sts in cream.
  11. Change to dark brown for the visible inner shirt.
  12. Rnds 20–25: K all sts in dark brown.
  13. Rnd 26: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
  14. Rnd 27: K all sts.
  15. Rnd 28: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  16. Rnd 29: K all sts.
  17. Stuff the body medium-firm, keeping the bottom flat enough for sitting or standing support.
  18. Rnd 30: *K1, K2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  19. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.

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Sew the body under the head with the body centered below the muzzle. The neck seam should sit hidden under the chin and jacket collar. Use several strong passes so the head does not wobble.

Legs, Make 2

The legs are short and dark brown, with the striped shorts sewn above them. Work both legs the same. Lightly stuff each leg so it keeps a rounded shape but still bends naturally.

  1. CO 10 sts in dark brown. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: KFB around. 20 sts.
  4. Rnds 3–10: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 11: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  6. Rnds 12–15: K all sts.
  7. Stuff lightly.
  8. Rnd 16: K2tog around. 8 sts.
  9. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Sew the legs to the lower front of the body, about 6 sts apart. Angle each leg slightly outward so the feet will sit apart like the image.

Feet and Shoes, Make 2

The shoes are dark brown with tan soles and cream edging. They are oval and slightly oversized compared with the legs, creating a cute doll-like proportion.

Dark Shoe Top

  1. CO 8 sts in dark brown.
  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. Rows 6–12: Work stockinette stitch.
  8. Row 13: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
  9. Row 14: P all sts.
  10. Row 15: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
  11. BO all sts.

Tan Sole

  1. CO 8 sts in tan.
  2. Rows 1–2: K all sts.
  3. Row 3: KFB, K6, KFB. 10 sts.
  4. Rows 4–10: K all sts.
  5. Row 11: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
  6. BO all sts.

Sew one dark shoe top to one tan sole, leaving the back edge open. Slide the shoe over the bottom of one leg and sew in place. With cream yarn, embroider a neat running stitch around the shoe opening. Add a tiny pink flower to the outer side of each shoe.

Arms, Make 2

The arms show cream jacket sleeves with dark brown paws. Work from paw to shoulder. The sleeves should hang slightly outward from the body and end around the top of the shorts.

  1. CO 8 sts in dark brown. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: KFB around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnds 3–6: K all sts in dark brown.
  5. Change to cream.
  6. Rnds 7–8: K all sts in cream.
  7. Rnd 9: In cream, K all sts.
  8. Rnd 10: Work the sleeve stripe as K2 cream, K2 blue, K4 cream, K2 rust, K2 cream, K2 blue, K2 cream.
  9. Rnd 11: K all sts in cream.
  10. Rnd 12: K all sts in cream.
  11. Rnd 13: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
  12. Rnds 14–16: K all sts in cream.
  13. Stuff lightly, keeping the paw rounded.
  14. Rnd 17: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  15. Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts, and secure.

Sew the arms to the body at the upper sides, just below the head. Angle them downward. The left arm should sit close enough for the bag strap to cross beside it, while the right arm rests naturally beside the jacket.

Striped Shorts

The shorts are worked as a small tube and then divided visually with a center seam. Use cream as the base with narrow rust, blue, and tan stripes. This matches the striped lower garment visible under the jacket.

  1. CO 44 sts in cream on 2.75 mm needles. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts in cream.
  3. Rnd 2: P all sts in cream to make a waistband ridge.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts in cream.
  5. Rnd 4: K all sts in tan.
  6. Rnd 5: K all sts in cream.
  7. Rnd 6: K all sts in rust.
  8. Rnd 7: K all sts in cream.
  9. Rnd 8: K all sts in blue.
  10. Rnd 9: K all sts in cream.
  11. Rnd 10: K all sts in rust.
  12. Rnd 11: K all sts in cream.
  13. Rnd 12: K all sts in tan.
  14. Rnd 13: K all sts in cream.
  15. Rnd 14: P all sts in cream for a lower ridge.
  16. BO all sts loosely.

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Slide the shorts over the lower body before attaching the legs fully if possible. Sew the top edge just below the jacket line. Add a short vertical seam at the front center to suggest two leg openings.

Cream Folk Jacket

The jacket is knitted flat in one main piece from bottom to shoulder. It is open at the front, cream in color, and decorated with folk-style motifs in rust, orange, and blue. The jacket should look cozy and slightly oversized, with short sleeves and a soft collar edge.

Jacket Back

  1. CO 34 sts in cream using 3.0 mm needles.
  2. Rows 1–4: K all sts for a garter hem.
  3. Row 5: K all sts.
  4. Row 6: P all sts.
  5. Rows 7–8: Work stockinette stitch.
  6. Row 9 motif row: K4 cream, K2 blue, K2 cream, K3 rust, K2 orange, K3 rust, K2 cream, K2 blue, K2 cream, K3 rust, K2 orange, K3 rust, K4 cream.
  7. Row 10: P all sts, following the same colors as they appear.
  8. Row 11: K5 cream, K1 blue, K3 cream, K2 rust, K4 orange, K2 rust, K3 cream, K1 blue, K3 cream, K2 rust, K4 orange, K2 rust, K5 cream.
  9. Row 12: P all sts, following the colors.
  10. Rows 13–18: Work stockinette stitch in cream.
  11. Row 19: K3 cream, K3 rust, K2 cream, K2 blue, K4 cream, K2 blue, K2 cream, K4 rust, K2 cream, K2 blue, K4 cream.
  12. Row 20: P all sts, following the colors.
  13. Rows 21–26: Work stockinette stitch in cream.
  14. Row 27: K all sts.
  15. Row 28: P all sts.
  16. Row 29: BO 3 sts, K28, BO final 3 sts by working to the end. 28 center sts remain for upper back if shaping separately.

Continue on the center 28 sts only.

  1. Row 30: P all sts.
  2. Row 31: SSK, K24, K2tog. 26 sts.
  3. Row 32: P all sts.
  4. Rows 33–38: Work stockinette stitch.
  5. BO all sts.

Left Front

  1. CO 18 sts in cream.
  2. Rows 1–4: K all sts.
  3. Rows 5–8: Work stockinette stitch.
  4. Row 9: K3 cream, K2 blue, K2 cream, K3 rust, K2 orange, K3 rust, K3 cream.
  5. Row 10: P all sts, following colors.
  6. Row 11: K4 cream, K1 blue, K3 cream, K2 rust, K4 orange, K2 rust, K2 cream.
  7. Row 12: P all sts, following colors.
  8. Rows 13–22: Work stockinette stitch in cream.
  9. Row 23: K all sts.
  10. Row 24: P all sts.
  11. Row 25: BO 3 sts at armhole edge, K to end. 15 sts.
  12. Rows 26–32: Work stockinette stitch.
  13. Row 33 neckline: At front edge, BO 5 sts, K to end. 10 sts.
  14. Row 34: P all sts.
  15. Row 35: K2tog at neck edge, K to end. 9 sts.
  16. Row 36: P all sts.
  17. BO all sts.

Right Front

  1. Work as for left front, reversing shaping.
  2. Place two button loops on the front edge by working a small chain of yarn after finishing, one at chest height and one at waist height.
  3. Sew two small tan buttons on the opposite front edge.

Sew shoulder seams and side seams. Leave the jacket open at the center front. The bottom should sit at the top of the shorts, and the front panels should frame the dark inner shirt.

Jacket Sleeves

The sleeves can be knitted separately and sewn into the armholes, or they can be represented by the cream sleeve sections already made on the arms. For the layered look in the image, add small decorative sleeve cuffs over the arms.

  1. CO 20 sts in cream.
  2. Rows 1–3: K all sts.
  3. Row 4: P all sts.
  4. Row 5: K3 cream, K2 blue, K3 cream, K2 rust, K2 orange, K2 rust, K3 cream, K2 blue, K1 cream.
  5. Row 6: P all sts, following colors.
  6. Rows 7–10: Work stockinette stitch in cream.
  7. BO all sts.
  8. Make a second cuff the same way.

Wrap each cuff around the upper cream sleeve and sew the back seam. This gives the arms the same patterned jacket sleeve effect seen in the image.

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Tail

The tail is one of the most visible features. It is thick, slightly tapered, and striped in russet and dark brown. Work it in the round from the base to the tip. Stuff as you go and gently curve it before sewing.

  1. CO 16 sts in russet. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: *K1, KFB; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: *K2, KFB; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
  6. Rnds 5–8: K all sts in russet.
  7. Change to dark brown.
  8. Rnds 9–12: K all sts in dark brown.
  9. Change to russet.
  10. Rnds 13–17: K all sts in russet.
  11. Change to dark brown.
  12. Rnds 18–21: K all sts in dark brown.
  13. Change to russet.
  14. Rnds 22–26: K all sts in russet.
  15. Change to dark brown.
  16. Rnds 27–31: K all sts in dark brown.
  17. Change to russet.
  18. Rnds 32–35: K all sts in russet.
  19. Rnd 36: *K6, K2tog; repeat from * around. 28 sts.
  20. Rnd 37: K all sts.
  21. Change to dark brown for the tip.
  22. Rnd 38: *K5, K2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  23. Rnd 39: K all sts.
  24. Rnd 40: *K4, K2tog; repeat from * around. 20 sts.
  25. Rnd 41: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  26. Stuff the tail firmly at the base and medium-firm at the tip.
  27. Rnd 42: K2tog around. 8 sts.
  28. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and secure.

Sew the tail to the back lower body, slightly toward the doll’s right side. Curve the tail around the right hip so it is visible from the front. Use several strong stitches at the base.

Fox Shoulder Bag

The bag is a small tan square pouch with a fox face on the front. It hangs from a narrow strap over one shoulder and rests beside the left leg. The knitted texture should be firm and flat.

Bag Front

  1. CO 18 sts in tan.
  2. Rows 1–4: K all sts.
  3. Rows 5–22: Work stockinette stitch.
  4. Rows 23–26: K all sts.
  5. BO all sts.

Bag Back

  1. Make a second tan square exactly the same.
  2. Optional: Cut a small square of cardboard or plastic canvas slightly smaller than the knitted pieces.

Fox Face Applique

  1. CO 10 sts in rusty orange.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: KFB, K8, KFB. 12 sts.
  5. Rows 4–7: Work stockinette stitch.
  6. Row 8: P2tog, P8, P2tog. 10 sts.
  7. Row 9: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
  8. BO all sts.

Sew the orange fox face to the lower center of the bag front. Embroider two cream cheek triangles, two tiny black eyes, and a small black nose. Add two small rusty orange triangle ears at the top of the fox face with duplicate stitch or tiny knitted scraps.

Bag Strap

  1. CO 4 sts in tan.
  2. Work an I-cord for 12 in / 30 cm: K4, slide sts to the other end of the needle, pull yarn across the back, and K4 again.
  3. Repeat until the strap reaches the correct length across the doll’s shoulder.
  4. BO all sts.

Sew the bag front and back together around three sides. Insert the optional stiffener before closing the final side. Sew strap ends to the upper corners. Place the strap over the doll’s shoulder and secure with tiny stitches under the jacket collar.

Fair-Isle Hat Prop

The hat shown beside the doll is a cream winter hat with rust, orange, and blue folk patterns and two pom-poms. It is made as a separate accessory, sized to sit beside the doll or lightly rest on the head.

  1. CO 56 sts in cream using 3.0 mm needles. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1–8: *K2, P2; repeat from * around for ribbing.
  3. Rnds 9–12: K all sts in cream.
  4. Rnd 13: *K3 cream, K1 blue, K1 rust, K1 blue, K3 cream; repeat from * around.
  5. Rnd 14: *K2 cream, K1 blue, K3 orange, K1 blue, K2 cream; repeat from * around.
  6. Rnd 15: *K1 cream, K1 rust, K1 orange, K1 blue, K1 orange, K1 rust, K2 cream; repeat from * around.
  7. Rnd 16: Repeat Rnd 14.
  8. Rnd 17: Repeat Rnd 13.
  9. Rnds 18–22: K all sts in cream.
  10. Rnd 23: *K5, K2tog; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
  11. Rnd 24: K all sts.
  12. Rnd 25: *K4, K2tog; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
  13. Rnd 26: K all sts.
  14. Rnd 27: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
  15. Rnd 28: K all sts.
  16. Rnd 29: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  17. Rnd 30: *K1, K2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  18. Rnd 31: K2tog around. 8 sts.
  19. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

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Hat Pom-Poms, Make 2

  1. Use cream, rust, blue, and orange yarn together.
  2. Wrap yarn around two fingers about 35 times.
  3. Tie tightly through the center with a 10 in / 25 cm yarn strand.
  4. Cut loops and trim into a small round pom-pom about 1 in / 2.5 cm wide.
  5. Make a second pom-pom.
  6. Sew both pom-poms to the top sides of the hat.

Small Mushroom Hair Accent

The mushroom sits near one ear on the head. It has a red cap with white dots and a cream stem. Make the cap and stem separately, then sew together before attaching to the head.

Mushroom Cap

  1. CO 8 sts in mushroom red. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: KFB around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: *K1, KFB; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnds 5–7: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 8: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
  8. BO loosely.

Mushroom Stem

  1. CO 8 sts in cream. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1–7: K all sts.
  3. Stuff lightly.
  4. Rnd 8: K2tog around. 4 sts.
  5. Cut yarn, pull closed, and secure.

Sew the stem under the cap. Embroider three tiny white dots on the cap. Attach the mushroom to the top-left side of the head, just in front of one ear.

Flower Hair Decorations

The red panda has tiny flowers near the top of the head. Make one white daisy, one pink flower, and two small green leaves. Keep them flat and delicate so they do not overpower the face.

Daisy

  1. With white yarn, CO 5 sts.
  2. BO all sts. This forms one small petal.
  3. Make 5 petals.
  4. Sew the petal bases together in a circle.
  5. Use yellow yarn to make three small embroidery stitches in the center.

Pink Flower

  1. With pink yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. BO all sts. Make 5 small petals.
  3. Sew petals into a circle.
  4. Add a yellow center stitch.

Green Leaves

  1. CO 5 sts in olive green.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: SSK, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: Slip 1, K2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
  7. Fasten off.
  8. Make 2 leaves.

Sew the flowers and leaves near the right top side of the face. Arrange them in a small cluster so the daisy sits highest and the pink flower rests slightly lower.

Acorns

Make two small acorns to place beside the hat. Each acorn has a tan nut and a darker textured cap. These are small display accessories and do not need heavy stuffing.

Acorn Nut, Make 2

  1. CO 8 sts in warm tan. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: KFB around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnds 3–6: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 7: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
  6. Stuff lightly.
  7. Rnd 8: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  8. Cut yarn and close.

Acorn Cap, Make 2

  1. CO 12 sts in darker brown.
  2. Rows 1–4: K all sts for a bumpy garter texture.
  3. BO all sts.
  4. Wrap the strip around the top of the acorn and sew in place.
  5. Add a tiny 3-stitch embroidered stem at the top.

Autumn Leaf

The leaf accessory is small, warm orange, and shaped with a pointed tip. It looks nice placed beside the hat and acorns, matching the autumn theme.

  1. CO 3 sts in burnt orange.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: KFB, K1, KFB. 5 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: KFB, K3, KFB. 7 sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: KFB, K5, KFB. 9 sts.
  9. Row 8: P all sts.
  10. Row 9: SSK, K5, K2tog. 7 sts.
  11. Row 10: P all sts.
  12. Row 11: SSK, K3, K2tog. 5 sts.
  13. Row 12: P all sts.
  14. Row 13: SSK, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
  15. Row 14: P all sts.
  16. Row 15: Slip 1, K2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
  17. Fasten off.

Use olive green or brown yarn to embroider one center vein and two small side veins. Block the leaf gently with your fingers so it curves slightly.

Jacket Motif Embroidery

If you prefer not to manage many color changes while knitting the jacket, knit the jacket plain in cream and embroider the folk motifs afterward. This method gives cleaner shapes on a small doll garment.

  • Large front diamonds: On each jacket front, embroider one rust diamond about 7 sts wide and 7 rows tall.
  • Orange center: Add a small orange diamond inside each rust diamond, about 3 sts wide.
  • Blue center dot: Add one blue stitch at the center of each orange diamond.
  • Blue zigzags: Embroider short blue V shapes above and below the diamonds.
  • Rust bands: Add two narrow rust horizontal lines across the lower jacket and sleeves.

Keep the embroidery light. Do not pull the yarn too tightly, or the jacket will pucker. Secure all ends on the wrong side and trim neatly.

Assembly Order

Use this order to keep the doll balanced. Pin every major piece first before sewing. Stand the doll upright or lay it flat like the image while checking placement.

  1. Sew the muzzle, dark eye patches, and cream cheek panels to the head.
  2. Add the eyes, nose, mouth, and white eyebrow stitches.
  3. Sew the inner ears to the outer ears, then attach ears to the head.
  4. Sew the body firmly under the head.
  5. Attach the shorts around the lower body.
  6. Sew the legs to the lower body and attach the shoes.
  7. Sew the arms to the upper sides of the body.
  8. Put the jacket on the body and sew it lightly at the shoulders and underarms.
  9. Attach the tail to the lower back and curve it around one side.
  10. Add the bag strap across the shoulder and secure the bag near the left leg.
  11. Sew the mushroom and flower cluster to the top of the head.
  12. Place the hat, acorns, and leaf beside the doll as display accessories.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from the front before tying off any final yarn ends. The eyes should be level, the muzzle should be centered, and the white eyebrow stitches should angle slightly upward toward the outside. These small details create the sweet red panda expression.

  • Smooth the head by rolling it gently between your palms.
  • Adjust the ears so they sit symmetrically but not perfectly stiff.
  • Shape the muzzle outward with a small amount of extra stuffing if needed.
  • Use black embroidery floss to sharpen the nose and mouth after all face pieces are sewn.
  • Brush loose fibers away from the eyes so they remain glossy and clear.

Care Notes

This knitted red panda is best used as a decorative handmade doll. Because it includes small buttons, eyes, flowers, and accessories, it is not intended for children under three years old unless you replace all small parts with secure embroidery.

  • Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
  • Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or cardboard bag inserts are used.
  • Reshape the head, jacket, and tail while damp if needed.
  • Let the doll air dry flat in a shaded place.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • The head is round, firm, and larger than the body.
  • The cream muzzle is centered and softly raised.
  • The dark eye patches sit beside the muzzle and under the eyes.
  • The ears are angled outward with cream inner sections visible.
  • The jacket is open at the front and decorated with folk motifs.
  • The striped shorts show beneath the jacket.
  • The tail has clear russet and dark brown bands.
  • The fox bag hangs from one shoulder and rests near the left side.
  • The mushroom, flowers, hat, acorns, and leaf complete the autumn look.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished red panda in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Strong sunlight can fade the russet yarn, cream jacket, and embroidered motif colors over time. If displaying on a shelf, rotate the doll occasionally so one side does not receive constant light.

To remove dust, use a soft makeup brush or clean paintbrush. Brush gently around the face, jacket motifs, flowers, and mushroom cap. Avoid pulling on embroidered areas, especially the small white eyebrow stitches and the fox face on the bag.

  • For light stains, dab with cool water and a tiny amount of gentle wool wash.
  • For deeper cleaning, remove loose accessories first if they are not sewn permanently.
  • Never twist or wring the doll because the stuffing can shift.
  • After cleaning, press gently with a towel and allow the doll to dry naturally.
  • When storing long-term, wrap in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton cloth.

Once the doll is fully dry, reshape the tail curve, smooth the jacket front, and fluff the pom-poms on the hat. A final gentle adjustment brings back the cozy autumn folk style shown in the finished design.

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