Knitting Tutorial: French Bulldog in Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: French Bulldog in Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knit French bulldog wears blue denim overalls, a blue-and-white striped shirt, red Mary Jane shoes, and sweet summer accessories. The finished toy includes tall cream-and-fawn ears, a rounded bulldog face, a tiny bee, flower appliqués, a straw hat, a woven-look picnic basket, a watermelon slice, and a crossbody purse with cherries.

 

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

The finished French bulldog measures about 11.5 inches tall from the bottom of the shoes to the tips of the ears when made with DK yarn and small needles. The head is wide and rounded, the ears are tall and slightly angled outward, and the body is soft, chubby, and dressed just like the toy shown.

  • Finished toy height: about 11.5 inches
  • Head width: about 4 inches
  • Ear height: about 3 inches each
  • Body height without head: about 5.5 inches
  • Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate
  • Construction: small pieces worked mostly in the round, then sewn together

Materials

  • DK weight yarn in cream for inner face, muzzle, arms, legs, paw areas, and inner ears
  • DK weight yarn in warm fawn tan for the head sides, outer ears, and bulldog markings
  • DK weight yarn in denim blue for the overalls
  • DK weight yarn in sky blue and white for the striped shirt
  • DK weight yarn in red for the shoes, cherries, flowers, and watermelon flesh
  • DK weight yarn in straw beige for the hat, basket, and purse
  • Small amounts of green, yellow, black, pink, lavender, and white yarn for appliqués and details
  • US 2 or 2.75 mm double-pointed needles, or circular needles for magic loop
  • US 2 or 2.75 mm straight needles for flat appliqués
  • Two 10 mm black safety eyes, or black yarn eyes for a child-safe option
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Two small tan buttons for the overall straps
  • Tapestry needle
  • Removable stitch markers
  • Small amount of black yarn for nose and mouth embroidery

Gauge

Use a tight gauge so the stuffing does not show through. For this toy, exact gauge is less important than a firm fabric, but the sample gauge is helpful if you want the same size and proportion.

  • Gauge in stockinette: 7 stitches and 10 rounds equal 1 inch
  • Needle tip: go down a needle size if your fabric looks loose
  • Stuffing tip: stuff gradually and firmly, but do not stretch the stitches open

Abbreviations

  • BO: bind off
  • CO: cast on
  • k: knit
  • p: purl
  • kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch
  • k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
  • ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through the back loops
  • st or sts: stitch or stitches
  • rnd: round
  • RS: right side
  • WS: wrong side
  • st st: stockinette stitch
  • garter stitch flat: knit every row
  • garter stitch in the round: alternate 1 knit round and 1 purl round

Important Pattern Notes

This French bulldog is built from firm, stuffed pieces. The head is worked as a rounded fawn base, then cream face pieces are sewn on to create the wide bulldog blaze and muzzle. This method keeps the instructions easier to follow while still giving the face the same soft color-blocked look.

The overalls, shirt, shoes, hat, basket, purse, watermelon, bee, and flowers are separate knitted pieces. Sew them on neatly using matching yarn. For the cleanest look, weave all yarn tails inside the toy and shape each stuffed part with your fingers before closing.

  • Stuff the head very firmly so the muzzle does not pull the face flat.
  • Stuff arms and legs lightly at the tops so they sew on smoothly.
  • Sew the ears at a slight outward angle to copy the tall French bulldog silhouette.
  • Keep the overalls slightly loose so the shorts look soft and rounded.
  • Use small stitches when attaching appliqués so they sit flat and tidy.

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French Bulldog Head

The head is a round fawn shape with a cream center blaze, cream cheek patches, and a padded cream muzzle. Work the main head first, then add the cream pieces after stuffing. The safety eyes are placed before the head is fully closed.

Main Head

With fawn tan yarn, CO 8 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts. 16 sts
  4. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts
  5. Rnd 5: k all sts. 24 sts
  6. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts
  7. Rnd 7: k all sts. 32 sts
  8. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts
  9. Rnd 9: k all sts. 40 sts
  10. Rnd 10: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts
  11. Rnd 11: k all sts. 48 sts
  12. Rnd 12: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts
  13. Rnd 13: k all sts. 56 sts
  14. Rnd 14: repeat k6, kfb around. 64 sts
  15. Rnds 15-31: k all sts for 17 rounds. 64 sts
  16. Rnd 32: repeat k6, k2tog around. 56 sts
  17. Rnd 33: k all sts. 56 sts
  18. Rnd 34: repeat k5, k2tog around. 48 sts
  19. Rnd 35: k all sts. 48 sts
  20. Rnd 36: repeat k4, k2tog around. 40 sts

Place the safety eyes between Rnds 24 and 25, about 14 sts apart, centered on the front of the head. The cream blaze will sit between the eyes later, so leave enough space for a narrow cream strip.

  1. Rnd 37: k all sts. 40 sts
  2. Rnd 38: repeat k3, k2tog around. 32 sts
  3. Rnd 39: k all sts. 32 sts
  4. Rnd 40: repeat k2, k2tog around. 24 sts

Stuff the head firmly. Shape the cheeks so the lower front of the head is full and rounded.

  1. Rnd 41: repeat k1, k2tog around. 16 sts
  2. Rnd 42: k2tog around. 8 sts

Cut yarn, thread through the remaining 8 sts, pull closed, and weave the end inside the head.

Cream Forehead Blaze

This long cream panel creates the pale stripe running from the top of the bulldog’s forehead down between the eyes to the muzzle. Work flat in st st.

With cream yarn, CO 4 sts.

  1. Row 1, RS: k all sts. 4 sts
  2. Row 2, WS: p all sts. 4 sts
  3. Row 3: kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts
  4. Row 4: p all sts. 6 sts
  5. Row 5: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts
  6. Row 6: p all sts. 8 sts
  7. Row 7: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts
  8. Row 8: p all sts. 10 sts
  9. Row 9: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts
  10. Rows 10-18: work in st st, keeping 12 sts.
  11. Row 19: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts
  12. Row 20: p all sts. 10 sts
  13. Row 21: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts
  14. Row 22: p all sts. 8 sts
  15. Row 23: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts
  16. Row 24: p all sts. 6 sts
  17. Row 25: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts
  18. Row 26: p all sts. 4 sts

BO all sts. Sew the wide end near the top center of the forehead. Let the narrow end point down toward the muzzle. Use tiny cream stitches around the edge so the panel looks smooth and blended.

Cream Cheek Patches

Make 2. These oval patches sit under the eyes and beside the muzzle, giving the bulldog the cream lower-face markings shown in the image.

With cream yarn, CO 8 sts.

  1. Row 1, RS: k all sts. 8 sts
  2. Row 2, WS: p all sts. 8 sts
  3. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts
  4. Row 4: p all sts. 10 sts
  5. Row 5: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts
  6. Row 6: p all sts. 12 sts
  7. Row 7: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts
  8. Rows 8-16: work in st st. 14 sts
  9. Row 17: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts
  10. Row 18: p all sts. 12 sts
  11. Row 19: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts
  12. Row 20: p all sts. 10 sts
  13. Row 21: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts

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BO all sts. Sew one cheek patch below each eye, curving each patch slightly toward the muzzle. The lower edges should sit just behind the muzzle cushion.

Padded Muzzle Cushion

With cream yarn, CO 10 sts. Divide over needles and join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts. 10 sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 20 sts
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts. 20 sts
  4. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 30 sts
  5. Rnds 5-10: k all sts. 30 sts
  6. Rnd 11: repeat k1, k2tog around. 20 sts
  7. Rnd 12: k all sts. 20 sts

Add a small amount of stuffing. Flatten the piece gently into a horizontal oval.

  1. Rnd 13: k2tog around. 10 sts

Cut yarn, thread through the remaining sts, pull closed, and sew the muzzle to the lower front of the head. The top of the muzzle should touch the bottom point of the cream blaze.

Knitted Black Nose

With black yarn, CO 10 sts. Work flat.

  1. Row 1, RS: k all sts. 10 sts
  2. Row 2, WS: p all sts. 10 sts
  3. Row 3: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts
  4. Row 4: p all sts. 8 sts
  5. Row 5: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts
  6. Row 6: p all sts. 6 sts
  7. Row 7: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts
  8. Row 8: p all sts. 4 sts
  9. Row 9: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts

BO the final 2 sts. Sew the nose to the top center of the muzzle with the widest edge at the top. Embroider a short vertical black line from the nose downward, then make two small curved mouth lines.

Tall French Bulldog Ears

The ears are large, upright, and rounded at the base with a soft pointed top. Each ear uses one fawn outer piece and one smaller cream inner piece. Sew the cream inner piece onto the fawn outer piece before attaching the ears to the head.

Outer Ear

Make 2 with fawn tan yarn. Work flat in st st.

CO 10 sts.

  1. Row 1, RS: k all sts. 10 sts
  2. Row 2, WS: p all sts. 10 sts
  3. Row 3: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts
  4. Row 4: p all sts. 12 sts
  5. Row 5: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts
  6. Row 6: p all sts. 14 sts
  7. Row 7: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts
  8. Row 8: p all sts. 16 sts
  9. Row 9: kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts
  10. Rows 10-28: work in st st. 18 sts
  11. Row 29: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts
  12. Row 30: p all sts. 16 sts
  13. Row 31: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts
  14. Row 32: p all sts. 14 sts
  15. Row 33: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts
  16. Row 34: p all sts. 12 sts
  17. Row 35: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts
  18. Row 36: p all sts. 10 sts
  19. Row 37: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts
  20. Row 38: p all sts. 8 sts
  21. Row 39: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts
  22. Row 40: p all sts. 6 sts
  23. Row 41: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts
  24. Row 42: p all sts. 4 sts
  25. Row 43: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts

BO 2 sts. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Inner Ear

Make 2 with cream yarn. Work flat in st st.

CO 8 sts.

  1. Row 1, RS: k all sts. 8 sts
  2. Row 2, WS: p all sts. 8 sts
  3. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts
  4. Row 4: p all sts. 10 sts
  5. Row 5: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts
  6. Row 6: p all sts. 12 sts
  7. Row 7: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts
  8. Rows 8-24: work in st st. 14 sts
  9. Row 25: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts
  10. Row 26: p all sts. 12 sts
  11. Row 27: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts
  12. Row 28: p all sts. 10 sts
  13. Row 29: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts
  14. Row 30: p all sts. 8 sts
  15. Row 31: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts
  16. Row 32: p all sts. 6 sts
  17. Row 33: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts

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BO all sts. Sew one cream inner ear to each fawn outer ear. Leave a neat fawn border visible around the cream center. Lightly steam with your hand only, not an iron, and shape the ears tall.

Attach the Ears

Pin the ears to the head first. Place each ear between Rnds 13 and 24 of the head, about 7 sts away from the center top line. Angle the bases outward so the ears frame the face. Sew around the base twice for strength.

Body

The body is a soft cream base that sits under the shirt and overalls. The lower body is wider than the neck so the overalls look rounded and plush.

With cream yarn, CO 24 sts. Divide over needles and join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts. 24 sts
  2. Rnd 2: repeat k3, kfb around. 30 sts
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts. 30 sts
  4. Rnd 4: repeat k4, kfb around. 36 sts
  5. Rnd 5: k all sts. 36 sts
  6. Rnd 6: repeat k5, kfb around. 42 sts
  7. Rnd 7: k all sts. 42 sts
  8. Rnd 8: repeat k6, kfb around. 48 sts
  9. Rnd 9: k all sts. 48 sts
  10. Rnd 10: repeat k7, kfb around. 54 sts
  11. Rnds 11-27: k all sts. 54 sts
  12. Rnd 28: repeat k7, k2tog around. 48 sts
  13. Rnd 29: k all sts. 48 sts
  14. Rnd 30: repeat k6, k2tog around. 42 sts
  15. Rnd 31: k all sts. 42 sts
  16. Rnd 32: repeat k5, k2tog around. 36 sts
  17. Rnd 33: k all sts. 36 sts
  18. Rnd 34: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts
  19. Rnd 35: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts

Stuff the body firmly, keeping the bottom rounded and the neck slightly narrower.

  1. Rnd 36: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts
  2. Rnd 37: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts
  3. Rnd 38: k2tog around. 6 sts

Cut yarn, thread through the final 6 sts, pull closed, and weave in the end.

Legs

Make 2 cream legs. These are visible between the shorts and the red shoes.

With cream yarn, CO 14 sts. Join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts. 14 sts
  2. Rnd 2: repeat k1, kfb around. 21 sts
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts. 21 sts
  4. Rnd 4: repeat k2, kfb around. 28 sts
  5. Rnds 5-18: k all sts. 28 sts
  6. Rnd 19: repeat k5, k2tog around. 24 sts
  7. Rnds 20-22: k all sts. 24 sts

BO all sts. Stuff each leg firmly at the foot end and lightly at the top. Sew the open top of each leg to the lower front of the body, leaving about 5 sts between the legs.

Arms With Striped Sleeves

Make 2 arms. Each arm begins with a cream paw and ends with a blue-and-white striped short sleeve.

With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts
  3. Rnds 3-18: k all sts with cream. 16 sts
  4. Rnd 19: switch to white, k all sts. 16 sts
  5. Rnd 20: with white, k all sts. 16 sts
  6. Rnd 21: switch to sky blue, k all sts. 16 sts
  7. Rnd 22: with sky blue, k all sts. 16 sts
  8. Rnd 23: with white, k all sts. 16 sts
  9. Rnd 24: with white, k all sts. 16 sts
  10. Rnd 25: with sky blue, k all sts. 16 sts
  11. Rnd 26: with sky blue, k all sts. 16 sts
  12. Rnd 27: repeat k2, k2tog around. 12 sts
  13. Rnd 28: k all sts. 12 sts

Stuff the cream paw and lower arm firmly. Leave the sleeve end lightly stuffed so it can lie flat against the body.

  1. Rnd 29: k2tog around. 6 sts

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in the end. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck, angled slightly downward like the relaxed arms in the image.

Blue-and-White Striped Shirt Front and Back

The shirt is mostly hidden under the overalls, but the striped neckline, shoulders, and sleeves are very visible. Make a simple front and back panel and sew them onto the upper body before adding the overalls.

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Shirt Front

With white yarn, CO 32 sts. Work flat in st st.

  1. Rows 1-2: with white, work in st st. 32 sts
  2. Rows 3-4: with sky blue, work in st st. 32 sts
  3. Rows 5-6: with white, work in st st. 32 sts
  4. Rows 7-8: with sky blue, work in st st. 32 sts
  5. Rows 9-10: with white, work in st st. 32 sts
  6. Rows 11-12: with sky blue, work in st st. 32 sts
  7. Rows 13-14: with white, work in st st. 32 sts
  8. Rows 15-16: with sky blue, work in st st. 32 sts
  9. Row 17: with white, k all sts. 32 sts
  10. Row 18: with white, p all sts. 32 sts

BO all sts. Make the back panel the same way. Sew front and back panels to the upper body, joining at the shoulders and sides. Leave openings for the arms. The striped pieces should sit under the bib and straps.

Denim Blue Overalls

The overalls have short legs, rolled cuffs, a rounded waist, a front bib, shoulder straps, button details, a small pocket, and flower decorations. Use denim blue yarn and keep your stitches neat because this is the largest visible clothing piece.

Overall Shorts Legs

Make 2. With denim blue yarn, CO 30 sts. Join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: p all sts. 30 sts
  2. Rnd 2: k all sts. 30 sts
  3. Rnd 3: p all sts. 30 sts
  4. Rnd 4: k all sts. 30 sts
  5. Rnds 5-16: k all sts. 30 sts

Do not bind off the first leg. Place it on a spare needle. Make the second leg the same way, then join both legs for the body of the overalls.

Join Overall Legs

  1. Joining Rnd 1: k 30 sts from first leg, CO 4 sts for front crotch, k 30 sts from second leg, CO 4 sts for back crotch. 68 sts
  2. Rnds 2-13: k all sts. 68 sts
  3. Rnd 14: repeat k15, k2tog around. 64 sts
  4. Rnd 15: k all sts. 64 sts
  5. Rnd 16: p all sts to make a waist ridge. 64 sts
  6. Rnd 17: k all sts. 64 sts

BO 38 sts across the back and sides. Keep the center front 26 sts live for the bib.

Overall Bib

Work the 26 front sts flat in st st.

  1. Row 1, RS: k all sts. 26 sts
  2. Row 2, WS: p all sts. 26 sts
  3. Row 3: ssk, k22, k2tog. 24 sts
  4. Row 4: p all sts. 24 sts
  5. Rows 5-18: work in st st. 24 sts
  6. Row 19: ssk, k20, k2tog. 22 sts
  7. Row 20: p all sts. 22 sts
  8. Row 21: k all sts. 22 sts
  9. Row 22: p all sts. 22 sts

BO all sts. Pull the overalls onto the body and legs. Sew the back waist closed neatly and secure the crotch stitches between the legs.

Overall Straps

Make 2 straps with denim blue yarn.

CO 5 sts. Knit every row for 46 rows. BO all sts.

Sew one end of each strap to the back waist of the overalls. Bring each strap over the shoulder to the top front of the bib. Sew a small tan button over each front strap end.

Front Bib Pocket

With denim blue yarn, CO 12 sts. Work flat.

  1. Rows 1-2: k all sts for garter edge. 12 sts
  2. Rows 3-10: work in st st. 12 sts
  3. Rows 11-12: k all sts for garter edge. 12 sts

BO all sts. Sew the pocket to the center of the bib. Leave the top edge slightly open if you want a real tiny pocket.

Overall Flower Decorations

Add one small red flower with a white center to the bib pocket area. Add a small cream flower and green leaves near the lower bib. Add a cluster of red, pink, and green floral embroidery to the lower left short leg.

  • Flower center: make 3 small straight stitches in yellow or white.
  • Petals: use 5 lazy-daisy stitches in red, pink, blue, yellow, or cream.
  • Leaves: use 2 or 3 small green straight stitches beside each flower.
  • Placement: keep the bib flowers small, about 0.25 inch wide.

Red Mary Jane Shoes

The shoes are bright red with cream toes showing through the front and white bow accents. Make the cream feet first, then sew the red uppers over them.

Cream Feet

Make 2. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts. 16 sts
  4. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts
  5. Rnds 5-13: k all sts. 24 sts
  6. Rnd 14: repeat k1, k2tog around. 16 sts
  7. Rnd 15: k all sts. 16 sts
  8. Rnd 16: k2tog around. 8 sts

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Stuff firmly, pull yarn through the remaining sts, and close. Sew one cream foot to the bottom of each leg, pointing forward.

Red Shoe Soles

Make 2 with red yarn. Work flat in garter stitch.

CO 8 sts.

  1. Row 1: k all sts. 8 sts
  2. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts
  3. Row 3: k all sts. 10 sts
  4. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts
  5. Rows 5-12: k all sts. 12 sts
  6. Row 13: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts
  7. Row 14: k all sts. 10 sts
  8. Row 15: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts

BO all sts. Sew one sole under each cream foot.

Red Shoe Upper

Make 2 with red yarn. Work flat.

CO 28 sts.

  1. Row 1, RS: k all sts. 28 sts
  2. Row 2, WS: p all sts. 28 sts
  3. Row 3: k all sts. 28 sts
  4. Row 4: p all sts. 28 sts
  5. Row 5: k all sts. 28 sts

BO all sts. Wrap the strip around the sides and back of the cream foot, leaving the cream toe exposed at the front. Sew the red upper to the red sole and foot with tiny red stitches.

Shoe Straps and White Bows

For each strap, CO 3 sts with red yarn. Knit 12 rows. BO. Sew the strap across the top of the shoe.

For each white bow, CO 6 sts with white yarn. Knit 4 rows. BO. Wrap yarn around the center to pinch it into a bow. Sew one bow to the outer side of each red shoe.

Straw Hat

The straw hat is a separate accessory placed beside the bulldog. It has a wide brim, rounded crown, and soft ribbon bow.

Hat Crown

With straw beige yarn, CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts. 16 sts
  4. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts
  5. Rnd 5: k all sts. 24 sts
  6. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts
  7. Rnd 7: k all sts. 32 sts
  8. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts
  9. Rnd 9: k all sts. 40 sts
  10. Rnd 10: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts
  11. Rnds 11-20: k all sts. 48 sts
  12. Rnd 21: p all sts for a ridge. 48 sts
  13. Rnd 22: k all sts. 48 sts

BO loosely. Lightly stuff the crown only if you want it to hold a domed shape.

Hat Brim

With straw beige yarn, CO 48 sts. Join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts. 48 sts
  2. Rnd 2: repeat k3, kfb around. 60 sts
  3. Rnd 3: p all sts. 60 sts
  4. Rnd 4: repeat k4, kfb around. 72 sts
  5. Rnd 5: k all sts. 72 sts
  6. Rnd 6: repeat k5, kfb around. 84 sts
  7. Rnd 7: p all sts. 84 sts
  8. Rnd 8: repeat k6, kfb around. 96 sts
  9. Rnds 9-12: work garter stitch in the round, alternating knit and purl rounds. 96 sts

BO loosely. Sew the crown to the center opening of the brim. For the ribbon, use lavender yarn or narrow knitted strips.

Hat Ribbon and Bow

CO 4 sts with lavender yarn. Knit every row until the strip fits around the hat crown. BO and sew around the crown base.

For the bow, CO 8 sts. Knit 6 rows. BO. Pinch the center with yarn, wrap tightly, and sew to the ribbon on one side of the hat.

Crossbody Purse With Cherries

The small straw-colored purse sits across the overalls with a diagonal strap. It has a textured front and two red cherries with green leaves.

Purse Body

With straw beige yarn, CO 18 sts. Work flat.

  1. Rows 1-4: k all sts for the bottom edge. 18 sts
  2. Row 5, RS: repeat k2, p2 to last 2 sts, k2. 18 sts
  3. Row 6, WS: repeat p2, k2 to last 2 sts, p2. 18 sts
  4. Rows 7-8: repeat Rows 5-6. 18 sts
  5. Row 9, RS: repeat p2, k2 to last 2 sts, p2. 18 sts
  6. Row 10, WS: repeat k2, p2 to last 2 sts, k2. 18 sts
  7. Rows 11-18: repeat Rows 5-10, ending after Row 18. 18 sts
  8. Rows 19-22: k all sts for the top flap. 18 sts

BO all sts. Fold the lower part upward to make a pouch about 1.5 inches tall. Sew the side seams. Fold the garter top slightly forward as a soft flap.

Purse Strap

With straw beige yarn, CO 3 sts. Work an I-cord for about 18 inches, or long enough to go from one shoulder to the opposite hip across the bulldog. BO and sew each end to the purse sides.

Cherry Decoration

  • With red yarn, make 2 small French knots or tiny knitted bobbles for cherries.
  • With green yarn, embroider 2 short stems and 2 small leaves above the cherries.
  • Sew or embroider the cherries on the lower right front of the purse.

Picnic Basket

The little basket sits beside the bulldog and has a woven texture, a curved handle, and a red-and-white cloth peeking from the top.

Basket Front and Back

Make 2 with straw beige yarn. CO 22 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: k all sts. 22 sts
  2. Rows 3-6: repeat k4, p4 across, ending with k2. 22 sts
  3. Rows 7-10: repeat p4, k4 across, ending with p2. 22 sts
  4. Rows 11-14: repeat k4, p4 across, ending with k2. 22 sts
  5. Rows 15-18: repeat p4, k4 across, ending with p2. 22 sts
  6. Rows 19-20: k all sts. 22 sts

BO all sts.

Basket Sides and Base

Make 2 side panels. CO 8 sts with straw beige yarn. Knit every row for 20 rows. BO.

Make 1 base. CO 22 sts with straw beige yarn. Knit every row for 8 rows. BO.

Sew the front, back, sides, and base into a shallow box shape. Add a little stuffing or folded yarn inside to keep it open and sturdy.

Basket Handle

With straw beige yarn, CO 4 sts. Knit every row for 34 rows. BO. Sew one end to each side of the basket, curving it upward.

Red Cloth Insert

With red yarn, CO 18 sts. Knit 2 rows. Switch to white and knit 2 rows. Repeat these 4 rows twice more. BO. Fold and tuck the cloth into the basket so a red-and-white edge shows at the top.

Watermelon Slice

The watermelon slice is a small half-moon accessory with red flesh, a white line, a green rind, and tiny black seeds.

With red yarn, CO 6 sts. Work flat in garter stitch.

  1. Row 1: k all sts. 6 sts
  2. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts
  3. Row 3: k all sts. 8 sts
  4. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts
  5. Row 5: k all sts. 10 sts
  6. Row 6: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts
  7. Row 7: k all sts. 12 sts
  8. Row 8: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts
  9. Row 9: k all sts. 14 sts
  10. Row 10: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts
  11. Row 11: k all sts. 16 sts
  12. Row 12: kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts
  13. Row 13: k all sts. 18 sts
  14. Row 14: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts
  15. Row 15: k all sts. 20 sts

Switch to white yarn.

  1. Row 16: k all sts. 20 sts

Switch to green yarn.

  1. Rows 17-19: k all sts. 20 sts

BO all sts. Fold the straight edge slightly and sew it closed if you want a thicker slice. Embroider 5 tiny black seed stitches across the red area.

Tiny Bee for the Ear

The bee sits on one ear near the top. It is very small, so use short yarn tails and sew it securely.

Bee Body

With yellow yarn, CO 6 sts. Join to work in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts. 6 sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 12 sts
  3. Rnd 3: with yellow, k all sts. 12 sts
  4. Rnd 4: with black, k all sts. 12 sts
  5. Rnd 5: with yellow, k all sts. 12 sts
  6. Rnd 6: with black, k all sts. 12 sts
  7. Rnd 7: with yellow, k2tog around. 6 sts

Add a tiny pinch of stuffing, pull yarn through the remaining sts, and close. Sew the bee to the upper right ear.

Bee Wings

Make 2 with white yarn. CO 4 sts. Knit 3 rows. BO. Sew one small wing to each side of the bee.

Small Ear Flowers

The bulldog has small yellow and blue flowers near one ear. Make them with simple embroidery or tiny knitted petals.

  • Blue flower: use blue yarn for 5 small petal stitches and yellow yarn for the center.
  • Yellow flower: use yellow yarn for 5 small petal stitches and white yarn for the center.
  • Placement: sew the flowers near the base of the left ear, slightly above the eye line.

Assembly Order

Assembly makes a big difference in the finished look. Pin all major pieces before sewing. This helps you adjust the angle of the head, ears, arms, legs, shoes, and clothing so the toy matches the balanced, seated pose in the image.

  1. Sew the cream blaze, cheek patches, muzzle, and nose to the head.
  2. Add facial embroidery, including the mouth line and soft muzzle curve.
  3. Sew the inner ears to the outer ears.
  4. Sew the ears to the head at a tall outward angle.
  5. Sew the body closed and attach the legs.
  6. Sew the cream feet to the legs.
  7. Add the red shoe soles, uppers, straps, and white bows.
  8. Sew the striped shirt panels onto the upper body.
  9. Sew the arms to the body, placing striped sleeves at the shoulders.
  10. Pull the denim overalls onto the body and legs, then sew them in place.
  11. Add straps, buttons, bib pocket, and flower decorations.
  12. Sew the head securely to the neck.
  13. Add the purse strap diagonally across the chest and sew the purse at the opposite hip.
  14. Place the hat, picnic basket, watermelon slice, bee, and flowers as shown.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Use black yarn to refine the expression. The nose should be centered on the muzzle, with a short vertical line going down. Add two small curved mouth lines for the gentle bulldog look. If the eyes need more softness, add a tiny white stitch beside each eye.

Shape the cheeks with your fingers after sewing the muzzle. The face should look wide, calm, and rounded. The ears should stand tall but not stiff. The overalls should sit high on the body, with the bib centered under the muzzle and the shorts ending above the cream legs.

Care Notes

  • Spot clean gently with cool water and mild soap.
  • Do not machine wash if you used safety eyes, buttons, or firm accessories.
  • Let the toy air dry completely before storing.
  • Keep small accessories securely attached if the toy will be handled often.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • The cream blaze is centered between the eyes.
  • The muzzle is stuffed lightly and sewn flat against the lower face.
  • The ears are tall, even, and angled outward.
  • The striped shirt shows at the shoulders and sleeves.
  • The denim overall bib is centered and the buttons match in height.
  • The red shoes leave cream toes visible at the front.
  • The purse strap crosses the body diagonally.
  • The hat, basket, watermelon, bee, and flowers are complete.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, clean only the stained area with a damp cloth. Press gently instead of rubbing. After cleaning, reshape the head, ears, shoes, and accessories while damp. Let every part dry flat in a shaded, airy place.

For long-term storage, wrap the bulldog loosely in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton cloth. Store it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heavy items. Avoid compressing the ears, hat brim, basket handle, or purse strap so the details stay crisp.

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