Knitting Tutorial: Cute Dog in Blue Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted dog is designed to match the garden-style puppy in the image, with a round golden head, long floppy textured ears, blue shorts, a blue fair-isle cardigan, little sandals, a flower hair clip, a crossbody daisy bag, a small hat, a berry basket, and a tiny teapot. The finished toy is soft, detailed, and full of cozy handmade charm.

 

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 in US English knitting terms and is worked in small shaped pieces that are seamed and stuffed. The dog has a seated body shape with a large rounded head, short arms, sturdy legs, and oversized floppy ears. The cardigan is knitted separately so it sits over the body just like the photo.

The main toy uses smooth stockinette fabric with small needles to keep the stuffing hidden. The ears use loop stitch to create the soft curly texture seen in the image. The cardigan uses simple stranded colorwork for the cream zigzag pattern around the yoke.

• Finished height: about 13 inches seated, depending on yarn and stuffing.
• Skill level: adventurous beginner to intermediate.
• Construction: knitted flat and seamed, with small circular details added separately.
• Main colors: warm cream dog fur, denim blue clothing, cream colorwork, tan bag, white daisies.
• Important look: large round head, long fluffy ears, blue cardigan, button front, crossbody bag, small sandals.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm cream for the dog head, body, arms, legs, and feet.
• DK weight yarn in denim blue for shorts, cardigan, sandals, and hat.
• DK weight yarn in cream or ivory for cardigan colorwork, hat trim, sandal soles, and flower petals.
• Small amount of dark brown yarn for the nose and mouth.
• Small amount of black or navy yarn for eye highlights if embroidered.
• Small amount of yellow yarn for daisy centers.
• Small amount of green yarn for tiny leaves on sandals and bag.
• Small amount of tan yarn for crossbody bag and basket.
• Optional fluffy, boucle, or eyelash yarn in golden cream for the ears.
• US 2 needles, 2.75 mm, for firm toy fabric.
• US 3 needles, 3.25 mm, for cardigan if you want a slightly softer drape.
• Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery.
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
• Two 10 mm dark blue safety eyes or embroidered eyes.
• Three tiny wooden buttons, about 6 mm, for the cardigan.
• Two tiny buttons or embroidered dots for the bag flap if desired.
• Removable stitch markers.
• Row counter.

Gauge

Use small needles so the knitted fabric is tight enough to hold stuffing neatly. Gauge is important for the clothing pieces because the cardigan, shorts, hat, and sandals must fit the dog body closely.

• Main toy gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch using US 2 needles.
• Cardigan gauge: 6.5 stitches and 9 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch using US 3 needles.
• Ear texture gauge: exact gauge is less important, but the ear fabric should stay soft and full.

Abbreviations

• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st/sts: stitch/stitches.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• kfb: knit into front and back of the same stitch.
• p2tog: purl 2 stitches together.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• M1: make 1 stitch by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting into the back loop.
• St st: stockinette stitch, knit RS rows and purl WS rows when working flat.
• Loop stitch: insert needle knitwise, wrap yarn around left thumb to form a loop, knit the stitch while holding the loop, then tighten gently.

Helpful Notes Before You Begin

Stuff each piece gradually rather than filling everything at the end. A gentle, rounded shape is more accurate than a hard firm shape. The head should be the largest rounded feature, the muzzle should project softly, and the body should be short and plump beneath the cardigan.

The image shows a dog with floppy ears that hang beside the cheeks. For that look, sew the ears from the upper side of the head down to the lower cheek area. Do not place them too high like rabbit ears. Let the bottom of each ear fall beside the cardigan shoulders.

The cardigan has a blue base with cream zigzag colorwork across the chest and sleeves. The front edges stay open and overlap slightly. Three small wooden buttons are sewn down the front right side. The dog also wears a tan crossbody bag with a daisy on the front.

Main Head

Knit the head in warm cream yarn using US 2 needles. Work flat in stockinette stitch and seam at the back. The head is rounded, slightly wider through the cheeks, and gently shaped toward the top.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: purl all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb in every st across. 20 sts.
4. Row 3: purl all sts.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, repeat from across. 30 sts.
6. Row 5: purl all sts.
7. Row 6: k2, kfb, repeat from across. 40 sts.
8. Row 7: purl all sts.
9. Row 8: k3, kfb, repeat from across. 50 sts.
10. Row 9: purl all sts.
11. Row 10: k4, kfb, repeat from across. 60 sts.
12. Rows 11 to 28: work in stockinette stitch, beginning with a purl row.
13. Row 29: purl all sts.
14. Row 30: k8, kfb, repeat 6 times, k6. 66 sts.
15. Rows 31 to 40: work in stockinette stitch.
16. Row 41: purl all sts.
17. Row 42: k9, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 60 sts.
18. Row 43: purl all sts.
19. Row 44: k4, k2tog, repeat from across. 50 sts.
20. Row 45: purl all sts.
21. Row 46: k3, k2tog, repeat from across. 40 sts.
22. Row 47: purl all sts.
23. Row 48: k2, k2tog, repeat from across. 30 sts.
24. Row 49: purl all sts.
25. Row 50: k1, k2tog, repeat from across. 20 sts.
26. Row 51: purl all sts.
27. Row 52: k2tog across. 10 sts.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread through the remaining stitches, pull gently, and seam the back of the head from top to lower opening. Stuff firmly enough to create a round face, but keep the front smooth and soft.

Muzzle

The muzzle sits on the lower center of the face and gives the dog its soft puppy expression. It should be oval, rounded, and slightly raised. Knit it in the same warm cream yarn.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: purl all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: purl all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 10: work in stockinette stitch.
7. Row 11: purl all sts.
8. Row 12: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 13: purl all sts.
10. Row 14: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Lightly stuff the muzzle before the final stitches are sewn down. Place it centered on the face, with the top edge about 3 rows below the eyes. Sew around the edge using small invisible stitches.

Nose and Mouth

The nose in the image is a rounded dark brown oval placed at the top center of the muzzle. The mouth is a simple straight line down from the nose with a small split at the bottom.

1. With dark brown yarn, satin stitch a horizontal oval nose over 5 stitches wide and 4 rows tall.
2. Work the nose firmly, layering stitches until it looks padded and smooth.
3. Bring the yarn down from the bottom center of the nose for 5 rows to form the vertical mouth line.
4. Add a tiny V shape at the bottom by stitching one diagonal line down left and one diagonal line down right.
5. Secure yarn inside the head and trim ends carefully.

Eyes and Brow Details

The dog has large dark blue glossy eyes with a gentle white highlight. Place them symmetrically before the head is fully closed, or embroider them after stuffing if this toy is for a young child.

• Place eyes between Rows 28 and 31 of the head.
• Leave about 12 stitches between the eyes.
• Add a tiny white highlight stitch at the upper outer edge of each eye.
• Use warm brown yarn to embroider a short relaxed brow above each eye, about 4 stitches wide.
• Angle each brow slightly downward toward the center for a sweet, calm expression.

Body

The body is short, rounded, and mostly covered by the blue clothing. Knit the upper body in warm cream, then change to denim blue for the romper-style shorts section that shows below the cardigan.

1. Using warm cream yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: purl all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb in every st across. 36 sts.
4. Row 3: purl all sts.
5. Row 4: k5, kfb, repeat 6 times. 42 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 12: work in stockinette stitch.
7. Change to denim blue yarn.
8. Rows 13 to 26: work in stockinette stitch.
9. Row 27: purl all sts.
10. Row 28: k5, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 36 sts.
11. Row 29: purl all sts.
12. Row 30: k4, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 30 sts.
13. Row 31: purl all sts.
14. Row 32: k3, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 24 sts.
15. Row 33: purl all sts.
16. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Fold with right sides together and seam the back. Gather the lower cast-on edge slightly to round the bottom. Stuff the body firmly but keep the front belly rounded. Sew the head to the top of the body after the ears are finished.

Shorts Front Texture

The blue shorts visible under the cardigan have a simple knitted texture. To make the center belly panel look like the photo, add vertical duplicate stitches in denim blue after stuffing.

• Mark the center 12 stitches on the front of the blue body section.
• Using the same denim blue yarn, duplicate stitch 6 vertical columns from Row 16 to Row 26.
• Pull stitches gently so the belly remains rounded.
• Do not make the duplicate stitches too tight, or the body will flatten.

Legs

The dog sits with two rounded legs in blue shorts and cream lower legs. Each leg is knitted from the foot upward. Make two identical legs.

1. Using warm cream yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: purl all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb in every st across. 20 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 12: work in stockinette stitch.
5. Change to denim blue yarn.
6. Rows 13 to 30: work in stockinette stitch.
7. Row 31: purl all sts.
8. Row 32: k3, k2tog, repeat 4 times. 16 sts.
9. Row 33: purl all sts.
10. Row 34: k2, k2tog, repeat 4 times. 12 sts.
11. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Seam each leg, stuffing the cream foot area more firmly than the upper blue section. The upper leg should stay softly rectangular, like knitted shorts. Sew legs to the lower front of the body, angled slightly outward.

Feet Shaping

The feet in the image are rounded with visible cream toes peeking from blue sandals. Use a few shaping stitches after stuffing to make each foot look gently flattened at the sole.

1. Thread warm cream yarn through the foot from side to side near the bottom front.
2. Pull slightly to create a soft sole line.
3. Add two shallow toe indentations with vertical stitches on the front of each foot.
4. Keep the toes subtle so they remain hidden partly under the sandal strap.

Arms

The arms are short and rounded. They show cream paws under the short blue cardigan sleeves. Make two identical arms.

1. Using warm cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: purl all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb in every st across. 16 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 10: work in stockinette stitch.
5. Change to denim blue yarn.
6. Rows 11 to 22: work in stockinette stitch.
7. Row 23: purl all sts.
8. Row 24: k2, k2tog, repeat 4 times. 12 sts.
9. Row 25: purl all sts.
10. BO all sts.

Seam each arm and stuff lightly. The blue portion forms the cardigan sleeve, and the cream part forms the paw. Sew arms to the sides of the body just below the head, with the paws pointing down.

Floppy Textured Ears

The ears are one of the most important details. They are long, fluffy, and hang beside the face. For the closest look, use fluffy yarn or work loop stitch with the same warm cream yarn. Make two ears.

1. Using fluffy cream yarn or warm cream DK held double, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: purl all sts.
3. Row 2, RS: k1, loop stitch across to last st, k1.
4. Row 3: purl all sts.
5. Row 4: k1, loop stitch across to last st, k1.
6. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the ear measures 6 inches from cast-on edge.
7. Next RS row: k1, ssk, loop stitch to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Next WS row: purl all sts.
9. Next RS row: k1, ssk, loop stitch to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
10. Next WS row: purl all sts.
11. BO all sts loosely.

Brush the loops gently with your fingers, not a wire brush. Sew the top of each ear to the side of the head beginning around Row 22 and ending near Row 34. Let the ears hang naturally. The inner edge should frame the cheeks.

Blue Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted separately and worn over the body. It has a blue base, cream zigzag colorwork, short sleeves, an open front, and three small buttons. Use US 3 needles if your knitting is tight.

Cardigan Back

1. Using denim blue yarn, CO 38 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts for garter stitch hem.
3. Row 5, RS: k all sts.
4. Row 6, WS: p all sts.
5. Rows 7 to 12: continue stockinette stitch.
6. Row 13: k4 blue, k2 cream, k4 blue, k2 cream, repeat to last 2 sts, k2 blue.
7. Row 14: p2 blue, p2 cream, p4 blue, p2 cream, repeat across, keeping colors as established.
8. Row 15: k3 blue, k4 cream, k2 blue, k4 cream, repeat to last sts, k blue as needed.
9. Row 16: purl across, matching colors from previous row.
10. Row 17: k2 blue, k6 cream, k2 blue, repeat to end.
11. Row 18: purl across, matching colors.
12. Row 19: k3 blue, k4 cream, k2 blue, k4 cream, repeat to last sts.
13. Row 20: purl across, matching colors.
14. Rows 21 to 30: change to denim blue only and work stockinette stitch.
15. Row 31: BO 3 sts at beginning of row, knit to end. 35 sts.
16. Row 32: BO 3 sts at beginning of row, purl to end. 32 sts.
17. Rows 33 to 42: work stockinette stitch.
18. BO all sts.

Left Front

1. Using denim blue yarn, CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts for garter stitch hem.
3. Rows 5 to 12: work stockinette stitch.
4. Row 13: k4 blue, k2 cream, k4 blue, k2 cream, k10 blue.
5. Row 14: p10 blue, p2 cream, p4 blue, p2 cream, p4 blue.
6. Row 15: k3 blue, k4 cream, k2 blue, k4 cream, k9 blue.
7. Row 16: purl across, matching colors.
8. Row 17: k2 blue, k6 cream, k2 blue, k6 cream, k6 blue.
9. Row 18: purl across, matching colors.
10. Row 19: k3 blue, k4 cream, k2 blue, k4 cream, k9 blue.
11. Row 20: purl across, matching colors.
12. Rows 21 to 30: denim blue only, work stockinette stitch.
13. Row 31: BO 3 sts, knit to end. 19 sts.
14. Rows 32 to 36: work stockinette stitch.
15. Row 37, RS neck edge: knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 18 sts.
16. Row 38: purl all sts.
17. Row 39: knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 17 sts.
18. Rows 40 to 42: work stockinette stitch.
19. BO all sts.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Right Front

1. Using denim blue yarn, CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts for garter stitch hem.
3. Rows 5 to 12: work stockinette stitch.
4. Work colorwork Rows 13 to 20 to mirror the left front.
5. Rows 21 to 30: denim blue only, work stockinette stitch.
6. Row 31: knit to end.
7. Row 32: BO 3 sts, purl to end. 19 sts.
8. Rows 33 to 36: work stockinette stitch.
9. Row 37, RS neck edge: k2, ssk, knit to end. 18 sts.
10. Row 38: purl all sts.
11. Row 39: k2, ssk, knit to end. 17 sts.
12. Rows 40 to 42: work stockinette stitch.
13. BO all sts.

Cardigan Sleeves

Make two short sleeves in denim blue with a narrow cream zigzag band. These sleeves sit over the blue upper arm section and create the rounded short-sleeve look in the photo.

1. Using denim blue yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: k all sts for garter stitch cuff.
3. Row 4: purl all sts.
4. Row 5: k2 blue, k2 cream, repeat across.
5. Row 6: purl across, matching colors.
6. Row 7: k1 blue, k4 cream, k1 blue, repeat across.
7. Row 8: purl across, matching colors.
8. Rows 9 to 16: denim blue only, work stockinette stitch.
9. Row 17: k2, kfb, repeat across. 32 sts.
10. Rows 18 to 22: work stockinette stitch.
11. BO loosely.

Cardigan Bands

1. Sew shoulder seams of cardigan fronts to the back.
2. With denim blue yarn, pick up and knit 30 sts along the right front edge.
3. Knit 3 rows. BO.
4. Repeat along the left front edge.
5. Pick up and knit 34 sts around the neckline.
6. Knit 3 rows. BO loosely.
7. Sew sleeves into armholes.
8. Sew sleeve and side seams.
9. Sew three small wooden buttons down the dog’s right front edge.

Place the first button near the cream colorwork band, the second at the middle belly, and the third near the lower edge. The cardigan may remain slightly open, which matches the relaxed garden outfit in the image.

Blue Shorts Cuffs

The shorts in the image have simple blue legs. Add cuffs around the top of each knitted leg before attaching the sandals for a neat finished look.

1. Using denim blue yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Knit 3 rows.
3. BO loosely.
4. Make a second cuff the same way.
5. Wrap one cuff around each leg at the lower edge of the blue shorts section.
6. Sew the cuff ends together at the back of the leg.

Sandals

The sandals have a blue strap across the front of each cream foot and a light sole below. Make two soles and two straps.

Sandal Soles

1. Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: knit all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 10: knit all sts.
5. Row 11: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
6. BO all sts.
7. Make a second sole.

Sandal Straps

1. Using denim blue yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: knit all sts.
3. BO all sts.
4. Make a second strap.

Sew one sole under each foot. Wrap one blue strap across the top front of each foot and sew the ends to the sides of the sole. Embroider a tiny green leaf and white daisy dot on each strap to echo the floral details in the image.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Small Blue Garden Hat

The hat sits beside the dog in the image, but it may also be used as a removable accessory. It has a rounded blue crown, cream brim, and small cream colorwork accents.

Hat Crown

1. Using denim blue yarn, CO 36 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: work stockinette stitch.
3. Row 5: k4 blue, k2 cream, repeat across.
4. Row 6: purl across, matching colors.
5. Row 7: k3 blue, k2 cream, k1 blue, repeat across.
6. Row 8: purl across, matching colors.
7. Rows 9 to 14: denim blue only, work stockinette stitch.
8. Row 15: k4, k2tog, repeat across. 30 sts.
9. Row 16: purl all sts.
10. Row 17: k3, k2tog, repeat across. 24 sts.
11. Row 18: purl all sts.
12. Row 19: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 18 sts.
13. Row 20: purl all sts.
14. Row 21: k1, k2tog, repeat across. 12 sts.
15. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and seam the back.

Hat Brim

1. Using cream yarn, CO 58 sts.
2. Knit 5 rows.
3. BO loosely.
4. Sew the brim into a ring.
5. Sew the crown to the inner edge of the brim.

Shape the brim with your fingers so it flares outward. Add one row of blue running stitches around the brim if you want the same handmade garden-hat detail shown in the photo.

Flower Hair Clip

The little flower on the dog’s head is soft gray-blue with a yellow center. It sits above one eye, slightly to the dog’s right side. Make one flower.

Petals

1. Using pale blue or light gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: knit all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 5: knit all sts.
5. Row 6: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
6. BO all sts.
7. Make 5 petals total.

Flower Center

1. Using yellow yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: knit all sts.
3. BO all sts.
4. Roll into a tiny knot and sew closed.

Arrange the five petals in a daisy shape and sew the yellow center over the middle. Attach the flower to the upper right side of the head, just above the eye and near the base of the ear.

Crossbody Daisy Bag

The tan crossbody bag hangs from the dog’s shoulder to the opposite hip. It has a long strap and a front daisy. Knit the bag as a tiny pouch with a flap.

Bag Body

1. Using tan yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: knit all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 18: work stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 19 to 22: knit all sts to form the flap ridge.
5. Row 23: k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 16 sts.
6. Row 24: knit all sts.
7. Row 25: k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 14 sts.
8. Row 26: knit all sts.
9. BO all sts.

Fold the lower section upward to create a pouch about 1.5 inches tall. Sew the side seams. Fold the flap down over the pouch. Add a tiny button or embroidered knot if desired.

Bag Strap

1. Using tan yarn, CO 70 sts.
2. Knit 2 rows.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one strap end to each upper corner of the bag. Place the strap over the dog’s left shoulder and let the bag rest on the lower right front of the cardigan, just as shown in the image.

Daisy on Bag

1. Using white yarn, make 6 straight stitches radiating from the center of the bag front.
2. Using yellow yarn, add a French-knot style center or several tiny satin stitches.
3. Using green yarn, add two small leaf stitches below the flower.

Small Berry Basket

The berry basket is a small tan bowl with dark red and navy berries. It can be placed beside the dog as a display accessory.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Basket Bowl

1. Using tan yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: purl all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb in every st across. 20 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: work stockinette stitch.
5. Rows 9 to 12: knit all sts for a firm rim.
6. BO all sts.

Seam the side edge and gather the cast-on edge tightly to form the base. Stuff very lightly or leave hollow. Turn the garter rim outward slightly so it looks like a basket lip.

Basket Handle

1. Using tan yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Knit 2 rows.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew one end to each side of the basket.

Berries

1. Using red, navy, or dark purple yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: purl all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb in every st across. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: purl all sts.
5. Row 4: k2tog across. 4 sts.
6. Cut yarn, gather tightly, and roll into a berry.
7. Make 8 to 10 berries and place them inside the basket.

Tiny Teapot or Garden Mug

The photo includes a small light-colored teapot or mug with a daisy. This accessory adds charm to the garden scene. Knit a simple cup shape, then add a handle, spout, and daisy embroidery.

Cup Body

1. Using light gray or cream yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: knit all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 16: work stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 17 to 20: knit all sts for the rim.
5. BO all sts.

Seam the back and gather the cast-on edge to form the bottom. Stuff lightly so the cup stands upright. Fold the garter rim outward.

Handle

1. Using light gray or cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Knit 2 rows.
3. BO all sts.
4. Curve into a C shape and sew to one side of the cup.

Spout

1. Using light gray or cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: work stockinette stitch.
3. Row 5: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
4. BO all sts.
5. Roll slightly and sew to the opposite side of the cup.

Embroider a small white daisy with a yellow center on the front of the cup. Add one green stitch for a leaf. Keep the decoration small so it matches the delicate scale of the image.

Facial Placement Guide

Use the face placement carefully because it gives the toy its gentle character. Before sewing anything permanently, pin all features in place and view the dog from the front, side, and slightly above.

• Eyes: between Head Rows 28 and 31, about 12 stitches apart.
• Muzzle: centered below the eyes, top edge about 3 rows below the eye line.
• Nose: top center of the muzzle, rounded and dark brown.
• Mouth: one vertical line under the nose with a tiny split at the bottom.
• Ears: top edge beside the head, hanging downward to shoulder level.
• Flower: above the dog’s right eye, near the base of the right ear.

Seaming Tips for a Smooth Finish

Use mattress stitch for most seams. For small accessories, whipstitch is acceptable if the stitches are neat and hidden. Keep yarn tails inside the toy whenever possible, especially around the head and body.

When sewing the head to the body, use a full circle of stitches around the neck. After the first round, sew a second reinforcing round. This prevents the large head from wobbling and helps the dog sit upright.

• Do not overstuff the neck area.
• Shape the cheeks with your hands while sewing the muzzle.
• Let the ears remain soft and flexible.
• Keep the cardigan loose enough to sit naturally over the body.
• Attach the bag after the cardigan is in place.

Cardigan Colorwork Chart Written in Rows

The cardigan pattern in the image has a soft cream zigzag across the blue background. The written rows below can be used on the back, fronts, and sleeves. Carry floats loosely across the wrong side.

1. Pattern Row 1: k4 blue, k2 cream, repeat across.
2. Pattern Row 2: p2 blue, p2 cream, p4 blue, p2 cream, repeat across.
3. Pattern Row 3: k3 blue, k4 cream, k2 blue, repeat across.
4. Pattern Row 4: purl across, matching colors.
5. Pattern Row 5: k2 blue, k6 cream, k2 blue, repeat across.
6. Pattern Row 6: purl across, matching colors.
7. Pattern Row 7: k3 blue, k4 cream, k2 blue, repeat across.
8. Pattern Row 8: purl across, matching colors.

If your floats are longer than 5 stitches, catch the unused yarn once at the back. Do not pull the floats tight. The cardigan should remain soft and flexible over the rounded body.

Optional Daisy Necklace Detail

The image shows a tiny daisy charm near the chest area. You can add this as a small embroidered decoration on the blue center panel under the cardigan.

1. Thread cream yarn and make 6 straight stitches in a circle.
2. Add a small yellow center using 2 tiny stitches.
3. Use green yarn for one small leaf below the daisy.
4. Keep the daisy centered between the open cardigan fronts.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew the muzzle to the lower center of the head and stuff it lightly before closing.
2. Add the nose, mouth, eyes, highlights, and brows.
3. Sew both floppy ears to the sides of the head, making sure they hang evenly.
4. Sew the body seam and stuff the body into a rounded seated shape.
5. Attach the head to the body with two strong rounds of stitching.
6. Sew legs to the lower front of the body and angle the feet forward.
7. Sew arms to the sides, with the cream paws showing below the sleeves.
8. Dress the dog in the cardigan and sew the cardigan lightly at the shoulders if needed.
9. Add the flower clip, crossbody bag, sandals, hat, basket, and teapot.

Check the expression from the front before trimming yarn tails. The dog should look calm, soft, and friendly, with a rounded face and relaxed floppy ears.

Care Notes

• Spot clean gently with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if the toy has wooden buttons, safety eyes, or delicate accessories.
• Let the toy air dry flat on a towel.
• Reshape the ears, cardigan, and bag while damp if needed.
• Keep away from rough Velcro, sharp jewelry, or pet claws.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is larger than the body and smoothly rounded.
• The muzzle is centered and softly raised.
• The eyes are even and have tiny white highlights.
• The ears are long, fluffy, and hang beside the face.
• The cardigan has cream zigzag colorwork and three buttons.
• The blue shorts and sandals are visible below the cardigan.
• The tan crossbody bag rests across the front with a daisy.
• The flower clip sits above the dog’s right eye.
• The hat, basket, and teapot match the garden theme.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished knitted dog in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Long exposure to strong light may fade the blue cardigan and accessories. If the ears become flattened, gently lift the loops with your fingers and reshape them by hand.

For display, place the dog upright with support behind the lower body if needed. Keep the tiny basket, hat, and teapot together in a small fabric pouch when not displayed, so the accessories do not get lost.

If the toy is handled often, check the buttons, bag strap, flower, and eyes regularly. Reinforce any loose parts with matching yarn. For child-safe use, embroider the eyes and cardigan buttons instead of using plastic eyes or small wooden buttons.