Knitting Tutorial: Bee Garden Lion Cub – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Bee Garden Lion Cub – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted lion cub is designed with a round golden face, soft cream muzzle, glossy safety eyes, rounded ears, long limbs, blue-and-yellow striped short overalls, garden embroidery, a brown shoulder satchel, flower sandals, a bee headband, a matching sun hat, a tiny watering can, and a sunflower pot. The finished cub has a friendly handmade look with soft shaping, visible stockinette texture, and small garden details inspired by 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.

Finished Size

  • Main lion cub: About 12.5 inches tall when made with DK yarn and 2.75 mm needles.
  • Head width: About 4.25 inches across the cheeks.
  • Body height: About 5 inches from neck to bottom of shorts.
  • Leg length: About 4 inches from shorts hem to paw sole.
  • Sun hat: About 3.75 inches wide.
  • Watering can: About 1.5 inches tall.
  • Sunflower pot: About 2 inches tall including flower.

Skill Level

This pattern is suitable for an adventurous beginner who already knows how to knit, purl, increase, decrease, seam small pieces, and work simple embroidery. The shaping is detailed, but each part is built slowly using clear stitch counts.

Materials

  • DK yarn in golden lion brown: Main head, arms, legs, tail, and ears.
  • DK yarn in warm cream: muzzle, cheek patches, inner toes, and eye highlights.
  • DK yarn in blue: overalls, cuffs, straps, and back bib.
  • DK yarn in pale yellow: overall stripes and hat top.
  • DK yarn in green: headband, hat ties, leaves, grass embroidery, sunflower leaves.
  • DK yarn in dark brown: nose, mouth, sandals, tail tuft, sunflower center, satchel base, and paw claw embroidery.
  • DK yarn in tan or copper brown: satchel flap and sandal soles.
  • Small amounts of black, white, pink, coral, lavender, pale blue, and bee yellow: face, bees, flowers, and tiny decorations.
  • 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for small circumference knitting.
  • 2.5 mm needles for straps, bees, flowers, and accessories.
  • 8 mm glossy black safety eyes or black beads.
  • Fiberfill stuffing.
  • Tapestry needle.
  • Four small wooden-look buttons for overall straps and satchel flap.
  • Two tiny cream buttons for overall front straps, about 7 mm wide.
  • Stitch markers.
  • Thin floral wire is optional for the sunflower stem, but the pattern also works without wire.

Gauge

  • Main toy gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 inch in stockinette using DK yarn and 2.75 mm needles.
  • Accessory gauge: 8 stitches and 11 rows = 1 inch in stockinette using DK yarn and 2.5 mm needles.
  • Fabric goal: Firm enough that stuffing does not show through, but still soft and rounded.

Abbreviations

  • k: knit.
  • p: purl.
  • st / sts: stitch / stitches.
  • rnd / rnds: round / rounds.
  • RS: right side.
  • WS: wrong side.
  • kfb: knit into front and back of same stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
  • m1: make 1 stitch by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting through the back loop.
  • k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
  • ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
  • BO: bind off.
  • CO: cast on.
  • st st: stockinette stitch.
  • garter stitch: knit every row when worked flat.

Important Construction Notes

The lion cub is knitted in separate pieces and seamed. The head is slightly oversized compared with the body, matching the cute garden toy look in the image. The face is shaped with a wide forehead, rounded cheeks, cream muzzle, and raised eyes.

The arms hang down at a slight outward angle, the legs are long and straight, and the feet are larger with stitched toes inside brown sandals. The overalls are knitted separately and fitted onto the body so the blue-and-yellow stripes remain clean and visible.

  • Seaming angle for ears: Attach at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock on the head, tilted slightly backward.
  • Seaming angle for arms: Attach under the shoulder straps, angled down and forward about 20 degrees.
  • Seaming angle for legs: Attach at the lower body, vertical and parallel, about 1 inch apart.
  • Head position: Center the head over the body and tilt the muzzle very slightly downward for a gentle cub expression.

Main Lion Cub Head

Knit the head in golden lion brown. Work in the round from the top crown downward. Stuff firmly as you go, especially through the cheeks and forehead.

  1. CO 8 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join to work in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 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. Rnds 13-24: k all sts for 12 rnds.
  15. Rnd 25: k18, kfb, k18, kfb, k18. 58 sts.
  16. Rnd 26: k all sts.
  17. Rnd 27: k19, kfb, k18, kfb, k19. 60 sts.
  18. Rnds 28-31: k all sts for 4 rnds.
  19. Rnd 32: *k8, k2tog; repeat from * around. 54 sts.
  20. Rnd 33: k all sts.
  21. Rnd 34: *k7, k2tog; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
  22. Rnd 35: k all sts.
  23. Rnd 36: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around. 42 sts.
  24. Rnd 37: k all sts.
  25. Rnd 38: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * around. 36 sts.
  26. Rnd 39: k all sts.
  27. Rnd 40: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
  28. Rnd 41: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  29. Pause and stuff the head firmly. Shape the forehead round and keep the lower face broad.
  30. Rnd 42: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
  31. Rnd 43: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
  32. Rnd 44: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  33. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

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Cream Muzzle and Cheek Patch

The muzzle in the image is not a tiny oval. It spreads from under the eyes into a rounded cream cheek area, with the nose centered above a small embroidered mouth. Knit this piece flat and sew it onto the lower front of the head.

  1. With warm cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1: p all sts.
  3. Row 2: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all sts.
  5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
  6. Row 5: p all sts.
  7. Row 6: k1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
  8. Rows 7-10: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
  9. Row 11: p all sts.
  10. Row 12: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
  11. Row 13: p all sts.
  12. Row 14: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  13. Row 15: p all sts.
  14. Row 16: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  15. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pin the muzzle to the lower front of the head, beginning about 6 rounds below the eye line. The top edge should sit between the eyes, and the lower edge should curve under the chin. Sew using small mattress stitches. Add a tiny pinch of stuffing under the center before closing the final inch.

Cream Eye Patches

The cub has soft cream patches around the lower sides of the eyes. These are small almond-shaped pieces that make the glossy black eyes look bright and rounded.

  1. Make 2. With cream yarn, CO 5 sts.
  2. Row 1: p all sts.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all sts.
  5. Row 4: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
  6. Row 5: p all sts.
  7. Row 6: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  8. BO all sts.

Sew one patch under each eye before installing the safety eyes. The wider edge should point outward toward the cheek. Place each eye over the upper inside edge of the cream patch.

Eyes, Nose, and Face Embroidery

  • Place safety eyes between Rnds 23 and 24 of the head, about 12 sts apart.
  • Before locking the washers, check that both eyes sit evenly above the cream muzzle.
  • Use dark brown yarn to embroider a rounded triangular nose, 5 sts wide and 4 rows tall.
  • Work 7 horizontal satin stitches across the nose, then 2 vertical stitches down the center.
  • For the mouth, embroider one straight line down 3 rows from the nose point.
  • Add two soft curved mouth lines, each about 4 sts wide, using backstitch.
  • Add three tiny whisker dots or short stitches on each side of the muzzle.

For the small forehead spots shown in the image, use darker tan or light brown yarn. Make 7 small V-shaped duplicate stitches above the eyes, scattered across the center forehead. Add 2 tiny cheek freckles on the right side and 1 on the left side.

Rounded Lion Ears

The ears are large, round, and soft, with golden outer ears and slightly darker warm tan inner texture. Make each ear as a flat double-layer circle, then seam it to the head with a shallow cup shape.

Outer Ear

  1. Make 2. With golden lion brown, CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1: p all sts.
  3. Row 2: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all sts.
  5. Row 4: *k1, kfb; repeat from * across. 24 sts.
  6. Rows 5-9: work in st st for 5 rows.
  7. Row 10: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * across. 18 sts.
  8. Row 11: p all sts.
  9. Row 12: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * across. 12 sts.
  10. Row 13: p all sts.
  11. Row 14: k2tog across. 6 sts.
  12. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts.

Inner Ear

  1. Make 2. With warm tan yarn, CO 6 sts.
  2. Row 1: p all sts.
  3. Row 2: kfb in every st. 12 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all sts.
  5. Row 4: *k1, kfb; repeat from * across. 18 sts.
  6. Rows 5-7: work in st st.
  7. Row 8: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * across. 12 sts.
  8. Row 9: p all sts.
  9. Row 10: k2tog across. 6 sts.
  10. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts.

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Sew each inner ear to an outer ear. Fold the base slightly so the ear cups forward. Attach the ears to the head between Rnds 12 and 24. The lower ear edge should sit level with the eyes, and the top edge should reach near the headband line.

Body Base

The body is golden brown underneath, but most of it is covered by the striped overalls. Knit the body firmly so the toy can sit upright on the bench.

  1. With golden lion brown, CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 24 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: *k3, kfb; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 6: *k4, kfb; repeat from * around. 36 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 8: *k5, kfb; repeat from * around. 42 sts.
  10. Rnds 9-23: k all sts for 15 rnds.
  11. Rnd 24: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * around. 36 sts.
  12. Rnds 25-28: k all sts for 4 rnds.
  13. Rnd 29: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
  14. Rnds 30-32: k all sts for 3 rnds.
  15. Rnd 33: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  16. Stuff the body firmly, making the lower part slightly wider than the neck.
  17. Rnd 34: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
  18. Rnd 35: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
  19. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for attaching the head.

Blue and Yellow Striped Overalls

The overalls are the main clothing feature. They are blue with pale yellow horizontal stripes, short legs, a ribbed blue hem, and a front bib decorated with bees and flowers. Work the lower shorts first, then the upper bib.

Shorts Body

  1. With blue yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 48 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-4: *k2, p2; repeat from * around for ribbed bottom edge.
  3. Rnds 5-6: k all sts in blue.
  4. Rnds 7-8: k all sts in pale yellow.
  5. Rnds 9-10: k all sts in blue.
  6. Rnds 11-12: k all sts in pale yellow.
  7. Rnds 13-14: k all sts in blue.
  8. Rnds 15-16: k all sts in pale yellow.
  9. Rnds 17-18: k all sts in blue.
  10. Rnd 19: k12, place marker, k24, place marker, k12.
  11. Rnd 20: k all sts in blue.

Divide for Short Legs

  1. Place first 24 sts on needles for Leg Opening 1. Place remaining 24 sts on waste yarn.
  2. For Leg Opening 1, work Rnds 1-3 in blue rib: *k2, p2; repeat around. BO in rib.
  3. Return remaining 24 sts to needles.
  4. For Leg Opening 2, work Rnds 1-3 in blue rib: *k2, p2; repeat around. BO in rib.
  5. Sew the small crotch gap closed with blue yarn using 6 neat mattress stitches.

Front Bib

  1. With blue yarn, pick up 18 sts centered at the front waist of the shorts.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
  3. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
  4. Rows 3-4: work in pale yellow st st.
  5. Rows 5-6: work in blue st st.
  6. Rows 7-8: work in pale yellow st st.
  7. Rows 9-12: work in blue st st.
  8. Row 13: p all sts.
  9. Row 14: k2, ssk, k10, k2tog, k2. 16 sts.
  10. Row 15: p all sts.
  11. Row 16: k2, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2. 14 sts.
  12. Rows 17-20: work in blue st st.
  13. BO all sts.

Back Bib

  1. Pick up 16 sts centered at the back waist.
  2. Rows 1-12: work in blue st st.
  3. Row 13: p all sts.
  4. Row 14: k2, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2. 14 sts.
  5. Rows 15-18: work in blue st st.
  6. BO all sts.

Shoulder Straps

  1. Make 2. With blue yarn, CO 5 sts.
  2. Rows 1-32: knit every row in garter stitch.
  3. Row 33: k2, yarn over, k2tog, k1 to create a buttonhole.
  4. Rows 34-36: knit all sts.
  5. BO all sts.

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Sew each strap to the back bib. Cross slightly over the shoulders if needed, then button to the front bib. Add two small cream buttons at the top of the front bib, one at each corner.

Overall Embroidery: Bees, Flowers, and Garden Details

Use tiny duplicate stitches and simple embroidery to match the garden decoration on the overalls. Keep the details small so the overalls still look knitted, not overloaded.

  • Center flower: Use coral yarn to make 6 lazy daisy petals, each 1 stitch wide and 2 rows tall. Add a yellow French knot in the center.
  • Left bee: Use yellow yarn to stitch a 4-stitch oval. Add 2 black horizontal stripes and 2 white wing stitches.
  • Right bee: Repeat the left bee slightly higher and closer to the right strap.
  • Lower grass: Use green yarn to make 7 small straight stitches along the lower front shorts.
  • Tiny flowers: Add 3 small flowers along the lower stripes using pink, lavender, and pale blue yarn.
  • Ladybug dot: Add one tiny red oval with one black stitch near the bottom front.

Arms

The arms are slim and hang beside the body. They are golden brown, slightly tapered at the wrist, with subtle paw shaping at the lower end.

  1. Make 2. With golden lion brown, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 15 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-8: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 9: k6, kfb, k7, kfb. 17 sts.
  6. Rnds 10-26: k all sts for 17 rnds.
  7. Rnd 27: k2tog, k13, ssk. 15 sts.
  8. Rnds 28-31: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 32: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
  10. Stuff lightly, keeping the arm flexible.
  11. Rnd 33: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  12. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts.

Use dark brown yarn to embroider three tiny claw lines at the end of each paw. Each claw should be about 3 rows long and spaced 2 sts apart.

Legs

The legs are long, straight, and visible below the blue shorts. They should be stuffed firmly enough to support the sitting pose.

  1. Make 2. With golden lion brown, CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-28: k all sts for 26 rnds.
  5. Rnd 29: k all sts.
  6. Rnd 30: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around. 15 sts.
  7. Rnds 31-34: k all sts.
  8. Stuff firmly from the top down.
  9. Rnd 35: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
  10. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for attaching to body.

Feet and Cream Toes

The paws are wider than the legs and sit inside the sandals. Knit them separately, seam to the leg bottoms, and embroider toes before adding the sandal straps.

  1. Make 2. With golden lion brown, CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1: p all sts.
  3. Row 2: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all sts.
  5. Row 4: k2, kfb, k10, kfb, k2. 18 sts.
  6. Rows 5-12: work in st st.
  7. Row 13: p all sts.
  8. Row 14: k2, ssk, k10, k2tog, k2. 16 sts.
  9. Row 15: p all sts.
  10. Row 16: k2, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2. 14 sts.
  11. BO all sts.

Sew each foot into a rounded oval. Add a tiny amount of stuffing so the top arches gently. Attach the foot to the leg with the longer side facing forward.

Cream Toe Patches

  1. Make 2. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1-3: work in st st.
  3. Row 4: k2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
  4. Row 5: p all sts.
  5. BO all sts.

Sew one cream patch onto the front of each foot. With dark brown yarn, embroider four vertical claw lines on each foot, each line 3 rows tall.

Brown Garden Sandals

The sandals are made with tan soles and dark brown straps. Each sandal sits under the foot and has a small flower decoration near the outside edge.

Sandal Soles

  1. Make 2. With copper brown yarn, CO 10 sts.
  2. Row 1: knit all sts.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  4. Rows 3-7: knit all sts.
  5. Row 8: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
  6. Rows 9-15: knit all sts.
  7. Row 16: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
  8. Row 17: knit all sts.
  9. Row 18: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  10. BO all sts.

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Sandal Straps

  1. Make 4. With dark brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Rows 1-14: knit every row.
  3. BO all sts.

Sew one strap across the toe area of each sandal and one strap around the ankle area. Attach the sandal sole to the underside of each foot using small stitches around the edge.

Small Sandal Flowers

  1. Make 2. With pink yarn, CO 5 sts.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: k2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  4. Cut yarn and pull through sts. This makes one tiny petal cluster.
  5. Repeat 4 more times per flower if you want a fuller flower.

Gather 5 tiny petals into a flower. Add a yellow center stitch. Sew one flower to the outer side of each sandal, using green yarn to add two small leaf stitches.

Tail

The tail is thin, golden, and extends behind the body with a darker brown tuft at the end. It should curve gently to the side.

  1. With golden lion brown, CO 6 sts. Work as an I-cord for 30 rows.
  2. Switch to dark brown.
  3. Row 31: kfb in each st. 12 sts.
  4. Rows 32-36: work in st st if flat, or knit all rounds if working in the round.
  5. Row 37: k2tog across. 6 sts.
  6. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts.

Stuff only the tuft lightly. Attach the tail to the back lower body, slightly to the right side, so it shows beside the bench pose.

Green Bee Headband

The headband arcs across the top of the head from one ear to the other. It is green and holds two small knitted bees with white wings.

  1. With green yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 5 sts.
  2. Rows 1-50: knit every row in garter stitch.
  3. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Place the band over the head between the ears. Sew the ends just behind the base of each ear. Use small hidden stitches across the top so the band stays in place.

Mini Bees for Headband

  1. Make 2. With bee yellow yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-2: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 3: switch to black, k all sts.
  4. Rnd 4: switch to yellow, k all sts.
  5. Rnd 5: switch to black, k all sts.
  6. Rnd 6: switch to yellow, k all sts.
  7. Rnd 7: k2tog around. 3 sts.
  8. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Embroider two black eyes on each bee using tiny knots. Sew one bee near the left top of the headband and one near the right top.

Bee Wings

  1. Make 4. With white yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts.
  4. Row 3: k all sts.
  5. Row 4: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
  6. BO all sts.

Sew two wings to the top of each bee. Angle the wings outward like a small bow.

Sun Hat with Bee Decoration

The hat sits on the bench beside the cub. It has a flat brim, rounded yellow crown, green ribbon ties, and a tiny bee on the brim.

Hat Crown

  1. With pale yellow yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 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. Rnds 7-13: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 14: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  10. Rnd 15: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  11. Stuff lightly, then k2tog around. 8 sts.
  12. Cut yarn and pull closed.

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Hat Brim

  1. With pale yellow yarn, CO 54 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-4: knit all sts.
  3. Rnd 5: *k7, k2tog; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
  4. Rnd 6: knit all sts.
  5. Rnd 7: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around. 42 sts.
  6. BO all sts loosely.

Sew the crown to the center of the brim. Add a green ribbon by making a 4-st I-cord for 36 rows. Tie it around the crown base and secure with a few stitches.

Tiny Bee for Hat

  1. With yellow yarn, CO 5 sts. Work 4 rows in st st.
  2. Use black yarn to wrap 2 narrow stripes around the body.
  3. Use white yarn to make two tiny wing stitches.
  4. Sew the bee onto the brim near the green ribbon.

Brown Shoulder Satchel

The satchel hangs diagonally from the cub’s shoulder to the front hip. The strap is smooth brown, and the pouch is knitted in a darker warm brown with a tan flap and small button.

Satchel Pouch

  1. With dark warm brown yarn, CO 14 sts.
  2. Rows 1-18: work in st st, beginning with a knit row.
  3. Rows 19-22: knit every row for a firm top edge.
  4. BO all sts.
  5. Fold the piece in half with RS facing out.
  6. Sew both side seams, leaving the top open.

Satchel Flap

  1. With tan yarn, CO 14 sts.
  2. Rows 1-4: work in st st.
  3. Row 5: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
  4. Row 6: p all sts.
  5. Row 7: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  6. Row 8: p all sts.
  7. Row 9: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  8. BO all sts.

Sew the straight top edge of the flap to the back top of the pouch. Add one small button to the front center. Make the button loop with 6 chain-like embroidered stitches or a tiny 3-st I-cord loop.

Satchel Strap

  1. With tan or medium brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Work I-cord for 70 rows.
  3. BO all sts.

Sew the strap to the side corners of the pouch. Place it over the cub’s right shoulder and across the body to the left hip. Secure it lightly at the shoulder and under the satchel so it stays in the same diagonal position as the image.

Tiny Watering Can

The watering can is gray with a small handle, short spout, and a tiny yellow bee detail on the front. Knit it firmly but do not overstuff.

Can Body

  1. With light gray yarn, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-3: *k1, p1; repeat from * around.
  3. Rnds 4-12: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 13: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
  5. Rnd 14: k all sts.
  6. Stuff lightly.
  7. Rnd 15: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  8. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Can Top Rim

  1. With gray yarn, CO 16 sts.
  2. Rows 1-2: knit all sts.
  3. BO all sts.

Sew the rim into a small oval and attach it to the top of the can.

Handle

  1. With gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Work I-cord for 24 rows.
  3. BO all sts.

Curve the handle into a C shape and sew both ends to one side of the can.

Spout

  1. With gray yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-8: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 9: k2tog around. 3 sts.
  4. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Sew the spout to the opposite side of the handle, angled upward about 30 degrees. Add a pale blue drop at the spout tip with 3 small satin stitches.

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Sunflower Pot

The sunflower pot is a small side accessory. It has a ribbed terracotta pot, dark soil, green leaves, and a bright sunflower with a brown center.

Plant Pot

  1. With terracotta yarn, CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-3: *k2, p2; repeat from * around.
  3. Rnds 4-9: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 10: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around. 20 sts.
  5. Rnd 11: k all sts.
  6. Rnd 12: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
  7. Stuff the pot firmly.
  8. Rnd 13: k2tog around. 8 sts.
  9. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Soil Disk

  1. With dark brown yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: *k1, kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
  4. BO all sts.

Sew the soil disk to the top of the pot.

Sunflower Center

  1. With dark brown yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  5. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Sunflower Petals

  1. Make 10. With yellow yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Row 1: k all sts.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
  4. Rows 3-4: k all sts.
  5. Row 5: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  6. Row 6: k all sts.
  7. Row 7: slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
  8. Cut yarn and fasten off.

Sew the petals evenly around the brown center. Place 5 petals slightly behind and 5 petals in front so the flower looks full.

Stem and Leaves

  1. With green yarn, CO 4 sts.
  2. Work I-cord for 18 rows.
  3. BO all sts.
  4. For each leaf, CO 5 sts with green yarn.
  5. Row 1: k all sts.
  6. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
  7. Row 3: k all sts.
  8. Row 4: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
  9. Row 5: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  10. BO all sts.

Sew the stem into the soil disk. Attach the sunflower head to the stem top. Sew two green leaves at the base of the flower and two leaves lower on the pot.

Small Overalls Side Flowers

The image shows tiny garden flowers and decorative stitches scattered near the lower overalls. These are embroidered after the overalls are fitted to the body so placement looks natural.

  • Make one pink flower on the lower left front shorts using 5 lazy daisy stitches.
  • Make one blue flower close to the lower right shorts with 5 straight stitches around a yellow knot.
  • Add 4 green grass blades at the lower front center, each 2 rows tall.
  • Add 2 tiny red dots using duplicate stitch to suggest garden ladybugs or flower buds.
  • Keep all embroidery flat so the satchel can rest neatly over the front.

Attaching the Head to the Body

Place the body upright. Position the head on top with the muzzle centered over the front bib. Use the long body tail to sew around the neck twice. The first pass holds the head in place. The second pass firms the neck and prevents wobbling.

  • Match the head center line with the center flower on the overalls.
  • Keep the head slightly forward, not leaning backward.
  • Add extra stuffing into the neck before closing the final gap.
  • After sewing, gently squeeze the face so the cheeks remain rounded.

Attaching Arms, Legs, and Tail

  1. Pin the legs to the lower body under the shorts openings. The legs should sit straight and parallel.
  2. Sew each leg around the top edge twice using golden yarn.
  3. Pin the arms to the upper body just below the shoulders. The arms should hang outside the overalls.
  4. Sew each arm through both body and arm fabric with firm ladder stitches.
  5. Attach the tail at the back lower body, slightly to one side, with the tuft visible from the front angle.
  6. Test the sitting position before tying off all ends.

Face Shaping and Final Expression

To make the cub look close to the image, add gentle eye shaping. Thread golden brown yarn onto a tapestry needle. Insert at the lower back of the head, come out beside the first eye, take one tiny stitch under the eye, and return to the starting point. Pull lightly. Repeat for the second eye.

Do not pull too tightly. The goal is a soft dimple under each eye, not a deep indentation. The eyes should remain glossy and round, with the cream eye patches still visible.

  • Add two white highlight stitches beside each safety eye if you are not using glossy eyes.
  • Brush the muzzle very lightly with your fingers to soften the cream yarn.
  • Check that the nose sits centered and slightly raised.
  • Add one final dark brown stitch at the mouth center if the expression needs more definition.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the cub in the striped overalls before attaching the satchel. Pull the shorts up carefully over the legs, center the bib, and button the straps. Sew the overalls in place at the back waist with 4 small hidden stitches so they do not twist.

Add the green headband after the ears are secure. The bees should sit above the forehead, one slightly left and one slightly right. Place the satchel strap diagonally across the chest, then sew the pouch near the lower front of the overalls.

  • Check that the ears are symmetrical and slightly cupped.
  • Check that the muzzle is centered under both eyes.
  • Check that the sandals are flat and the flowers face outward.
  • Place the hat, watering can, and sunflower pot as separate display accessories.

Care Notes

  • Spot clean the lion cub with a damp cloth and mild soap.
  • Do not machine wash if you used safety eyes, buttons, or wire.
  • Let the toy air dry fully before storing.
  • Reshape the head, ears, and feet while damp if needed.
  • Keep small accessories away from very young children because of buttons and tiny sewn pieces.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head: round, firmly stuffed, with wide cheeks and centered muzzle.
  • Eyes: glossy, even, and placed above cream patches.
  • Ears: large, round, and attached at matching angles.
  • Overalls: blue and yellow stripes aligned across the front.
  • Embroidery: bees, flowers, grass, and small garden dots added neatly.
  • Satchel: diagonal strap and buttoned flap visible.
  • Sandals: brown straps, tan soles, cream toes, and flower accents complete.
  • Accessories: hat, watering can, and sunflower pot finished for display.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished Bee Garden Lion Cub in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Long exposure to strong sun can fade the blue overalls, yellow stripes, and small embroidered flowers.

For dust removal, use a soft makeup brush or clean paintbrush. Brush gently around the face, ears, headband bees, satchel flap, and flower sandals. Avoid pulling on embroidered details.

If the toy becomes flattened after storage, gently massage the stuffing back into shape. Roll the ears between your fingers, smooth the muzzle, and press the feet flat so the cub keeps its seated garden pose.

  • Wrap the toy in acid-free tissue if storing for a long time.
  • Keep the sunflower pot and watering can in a small cloth bag so they do not snag the main toy.
  • Do not hang the toy by the headband, satchel strap, or tail.
  • Refresh loose embroidery by tightening from the inside with a tapestry needle if needed.

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