Knitting Tutorial: Shiba Inu Dog in Floral Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knit Shiba Inu dog is designed with a round rust-and-cream face, pointed ears, glossy black eyes, a soft muzzle, striped garden shirt, floral green overalls, tiny buttons, sandals, a straw hat, a watering can, a trowel, and a leaf-shaped crossbody pouch. The finished toy has a warm handmade garden look, just like the pictured knitted doll.

 

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. The Shiba Inu is worked mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or using the magic loop method. Smaller details are knitted flat, then sewn into place. The body is made as a soft toy form, while the clothing and accessories are built separately so the finished doll has clear layers and strong visual detail.

The design uses tight stockinette knitting so the stuffing does not show through. Keep your tension firm but not stiff. The doll in the image has a rounded head, compact body, short arms, sturdy legs, textured overalls, embroidered flowers, little ladybugs, and garden accessories placed around the character.

Finished Size

• Finished doll height: about 11.5 inches from feet to ear tips.
• Head width: about 4.25 inches after stuffing.
• Body height: about 4.5 inches from neck to lower shorts.
• Hat diameter: about 4.75 inches across the brim.
• Watering can: about 2 inches wide.
• Trowel: about 2.5 inches long.
• Leaf pouch: about 2.25 inches long.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in rust orange for the Shiba Inu fur.
• DK weight yarn in warm cream for the muzzle, cheeks, paws, feet, ear centers, and eyebrows.
• DK weight yarn in olive green for the overalls, shirt stripes, sandals, and pouch leaf.
• DK weight yarn in dark moss green for embroidery stems and leaf veins.
• DK weight yarn in brown for the overall cuffs, waist details, bag strap, sandal soles, and trowel handle.
• DK weight yarn in tan straw for the garden hat.
• DK weight yarn in pale gray for the watering can and trowel blade.
• Small amounts of red, black, white, yellow, peach, and floral brown yarn for decorations.
• US size 2 needles, 2.75 mm, double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
• US size 1 needles, 2.25 mm, for small straps and tight accessories.
• Two 8 mm black safety eyes, or black beads sewn very securely.
• One small black safety nose, or black yarn for an embroidered nose.
• Two small tan buttons for the overall straps.
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Small amount of black embroidery thread for the mouth.

Gauge

Gauge for toy body: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 inch in stockinette stitch, worked in the round with DK yarn on US size 2 needles. Exact gauge is not as important as firm fabric. If your stitches look loose or stuffing shows through, use smaller needles.

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, slip, knit the slipped stitches together.
• m1: make 1 stitch.
• st / sts: stitch / stitches.
• rnd / rnds: round / rounds.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• sl1: slip 1 stitch.
• rep: repeat.

General Construction Notes

The Shiba Inu is built from separate knitted pieces. First make the head, body, arms, legs, ears, muzzle, and tail. Then knit the clothing pieces, including striped sleeves, overalls, bib, straps, sandals, and garden accessories. Embroidery is added after stuffing so you can place the flowers and facial details accurately.

For the cleanest result, leave long yarn tails on all pieces. Use those tails for sewing. Stuff the head and body firmly, but do not overfill the arms, ears, or small accessories. The pictured dog has a soft, rounded handmade form, not a hard shape.

Head

The head is round and slightly wider at the cheek area. The lower face is cream, while the top and sides are rust orange. Work the head in the round, beginning at the lower neck area. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round at the center back.

1. With cream yarn, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. You now have 24 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb; rep around. You now have 36 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all sts.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb; rep around. You now have 48 sts.
7. Rnd 6: k all sts.
8. Rnd 7: k3, kfb; rep around. You now have 60 sts.
9. Rnd 8: k all sts in cream.
10. Rnd 9: with rust k15, with cream k30, with rust k15.
11. Rnd 10: with rust k13, with cream k34, with rust k13.
12. Rnd 11: with rust k12, with cream k36, with rust k12.
13. Rnd 12: with rust k11, with cream k38, with rust k11.
14. Rnd 13: with rust k10, with cream k40, with rust k10.
15. Rnd 14: repeat Rnd 13.
16. Rnd 15: with rust k12, with cream k36, with rust k12.
17. Rnd 16: with rust k14, with cream k32, with rust k14.
18. Rnd 17: with rust k16, with cream k28, with rust k16.
19. Rnd 18: with rust k18, with cream k24, with rust k18.
20. Rnd 19: with rust k all sts.
21. Rnds 20-25: k all sts in rust.
22. Rnd 26: k8, k2tog; rep around. You now have 54 sts.
23. Rnd 27: k all sts.
24. Rnd 28: k7, k2tog; rep around. You now have 48 sts.
25. Rnd 29: k all sts.
26. Rnd 30: k6, k2tog; rep around. You now have 42 sts.
27. Begin stuffing the head firmly, shaping the cheeks wide and the top smooth.
28. Rnd 31: k5, k2tog; rep around. You now have 36 sts.
29. Rnd 32: k4, k2tog; rep around. You now have 30 sts.
30. Rnd 33: k3, k2tog; rep around. You now have 24 sts.
31. Add more stuffing, especially around the lower cream cheeks.
32. Rnd 34: k2, k2tog; rep around. You now have 18 sts.
33. Rnd 35: k1, k2tog; rep around. You now have 12 sts.
34. Rnd 36: k2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
35. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in securely.

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Raised Cream Muzzle

The pictured Shiba Inu has a soft raised muzzle centered on the lower face. Knit this piece flat in cream and sew it onto the cream section of the head, slightly below the eyes.

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

Place the muzzle across the lower center of the face. The top edge should sit just below the future eye line. Lightly stuff under the muzzle as you sew, so it becomes softly rounded instead of flat.

Nose and Mouth

1. With black yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. You now have 7 sts.
4. Rows 3-4: work in stockinette stitch.
5. Row 5: p1, p2tog, p1, p2tog, p1. You now have 5 sts.
6. BO and sew to the top center of the muzzle.

Use black embroidery thread to stitch a short vertical line down from the nose. Then stitch a gentle curved smile on each side, forming the soft Y-shaped mouth seen in the image.

Eyes and Eyebrow Spots

Place the two black eyes on the rust-and-cream face transition area, about 10 sts apart. The eyes should sit slightly above the top of the raised muzzle and closer to the center than the ears. Secure safety eyes before the head is completely closed, or sew beads very firmly after stuffing.

1. For each cream eyebrow spot, CO 4 sts with cream yarn.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k2, kfb. You now have 6 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k2tog, k2, k2tog. You now have 4 sts.
6. BO and sew one oval spot above each eye.

Ears

The ears are triangular, upright, and slightly rounded at the tips. Make two outer rust pieces and two smaller cream inner pieces.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With rust yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: work in stockinette stitch.
3. Row 3: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. You now have 16 sts.
4. Row 4 and all WS rows: p all sts.
5. Row 5: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. You now have 14 sts.
6. Row 7: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. You now have 12 sts.
7. Row 9: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. You now have 10 sts.
8. Row 11: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. You now have 8 sts.
9. Row 13: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. You now have 6 sts.
10. Row 15: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. You now have 4 sts.
11. Row 17: ssk, k2tog. You now have 2 sts.
12. Row 18: p2tog. Cut yarn and fasten off.

Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: work in stockinette stitch.
3. Row 3: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. You now have 10 sts.
4. Row 4: p all sts.
5. Row 5: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. You now have 8 sts.
6. Row 6: p all sts.
7. Row 7: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. You now have 6 sts.
8. Row 8: p all sts.
9. Row 9: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. You now have 4 sts.
10. Row 10: p all sts.
11. Row 11: ssk, k2tog. You now have 2 sts.
12. Row 12: p2tog. Cut yarn and fasten off.

Sew each cream inner ear to one rust outer ear. Fold the lower edge slightly inward and sew the ears to the head between Rnds 25 and 31, one on each upper side. Angle them outward just a little so the dog has the alert Shiba Inu expression shown in the picture.

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Body

The body is compact, rounded, and dressed in a striped shirt at the top with green floral overalls covering the lower body. Work the body from the neck down in the round.

1. With cream yarn, CO 28 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k3, kfb; rep around. You now have 35 sts.
4. Rnd 3: switch to olive green and k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k4, kfb; rep around. You now have 42 sts.
6. Rnd 5: with cream, k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: with olive green, k all sts.
8. Rnd 7: with cream, k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: with olive green, k all sts.
10. Rnd 9: with cream, k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: with olive green, k all sts.
12. Rnd 11: with cream, k all sts.
13. Rnd 12: with olive green, k all sts.
14. Rnd 13: switch to brown and k all sts for the overall waist band.
15. Rnd 14: with olive green, k all sts.
16. Rnd 15: k6, kfb; rep around. You now have 48 sts.
17. Rnds 16-21: k all sts in olive green.
18. Rnd 22: with brown, k all sts to form the lower decorative band.
19. Rnd 23: with olive green, k all sts.
20. Rnd 24: k6, k2tog; rep around. You now have 42 sts.
21. Rnd 25: with brown, k all sts.
22. Rnd 26: k5, k2tog; rep around. You now have 36 sts.
23. Begin stuffing the body firmly, keeping the top narrower than the belly.
24. Rnd 27: k4, k2tog; rep around. You now have 30 sts.
25. Rnd 28: k3, k2tog; rep around. You now have 24 sts.
26. Rnd 29: k2, k2tog; rep around. You now have 18 sts.
27. Rnd 30: k1, k2tog; rep around. You now have 12 sts.
28. Add final stuffing.
29. Rnd 31: k2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
30. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in.

Overall Bib

The bib sits on the front of the body and reaches from the waist band to the upper chest. It has two tan buttons at the top and embroidered garden details.

1. With olive green yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-14: work in stockinette stitch.
5. Row 15: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. You now have 16 sts.
6. Row 16: p all sts.
7. Row 17: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. You now have 14 sts.
8. Row 18: p all sts.
9. Row 19: k all sts.
10. BO, leaving a long tail.

Sew the bib to the front of the body with the bottom edge touching the brown waist band. Place one tan button at each top corner. The buttons should be visible just under the dog’s chin, like the picture.

Overall Straps

1. With olive green yarn and smaller needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures 6.5 inches.
3. BO and make a second strap the same way.
4. Sew one end of each strap to the back waist of the overalls.
5. Cross the straps over the back and bring them to the front bib buttons.
6. Sew the front ends behind the buttons so the straps appear buttoned in place.

Arms

The arms have cream paws, rust fur, and short striped sleeves. Make two.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k3, kfb; rep around. You now have 20 sts.
5. Rnds 4-8: k all sts in cream.
6. Rnd 9: switch to rust and k all sts.
7. Rnds 10-18: k all sts in rust.
8. Rnd 19: switch to cream and k all sts.
9. Rnd 20: switch to olive green and k all sts.
10. Rnd 21: switch to cream and k all sts.
11. Rnd 22: switch to olive green and k all sts.
12. Rnd 23: switch to cream and k all sts.
13. Rnd 24: switch to olive green and k all sts.
14. Rnd 25: k2, k2tog; rep around. You now have 15 sts.
15. Lightly stuff the paw and lower arm. Keep the sleeve area only softly filled.
16. Rnd 26: k1, k2tog; rep around. You now have 10 sts.
17. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and leave a long tail for sewing.

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Sew the arms to the upper sides of the body, just below the neck. Angle them slightly downward. The cream paws should point toward the lower body, matching the relaxed garden-doll pose in the image.

Legs

The legs show short overall pant legs at the top, rust fur in the middle, cream feet, and sandals at the bottom. Make two.

1. With brown yarn, CO 24 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: k1, p1 rib around for the cuff.
3. Rnd 4: switch to olive green and k all sts.
4. Rnds 5-11: k all sts in olive green.
5. Rnd 12: with brown, k all sts for the lower shorts trim.
6. Rnd 13: switch to rust and k all sts.
7. Rnds 14-22: k all sts in rust.
8. Rnd 23: switch to cream and k all sts.
9. Rnd 24: k all sts in cream.
10. Rnd 25: k6, kfb, k10, kfb, k6. You now have 26 sts.
11. Rnd 26: k all sts.
12. Rnd 27: k7, kfb, k10, kfb, k7. You now have 28 sts.
13. Rnds 28-31: k all sts in cream.
14. Rnd 32: k5, k2tog; rep around. You now have 24 sts.
15. Stuff the leg firmly through the rust section and lightly in the foot.
16. Rnd 33: k4, k2tog; rep around. You now have 20 sts.
17. Rnd 34: k2, k2tog; rep around. You now have 15 sts.
18. Rnd 35: k1, k2tog; rep around. You now have 10 sts.
19. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in.

Sew the legs to the lower body under the overalls. Keep them slightly apart so the toy can sit or lie flat. The overall cuffs should remain visible above the rust fur.

Cream Toe Lines

Using rust yarn, embroider two vertical lines on each cream foot to divide the front into three rounded toes. Start at the top of the foot and stitch down toward the sandal sole. Keep the lines shallow and soft.

Sandals

The sandals are a key detail in the image. Each sandal has a tan-brown sole, olive straps, a center toe divider, and tiny flowers with red ladybug dots.

Sole, Make 2

1. With brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. You now have 10 sts.
4. Row 3: k all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. You now have 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-13: k all sts.
7. Row 14: ssk, k8, k2tog. You now have 10 sts.
8. Row 15: k all sts.
9. Row 16: ssk, k6, k2tog. You now have 8 sts.
10. BO, leaving a long tail.

Straps, Make 4

1. With olive green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row for 1.75 inches.
3. BO and make three more straps.

Sew one sole under each cream foot. Sew two olive straps across each foot in a gentle V shape. Add one short vertical brown stitch from the center front strap down between the embroidered toes. Add one tiny peach flower and one red ladybug dot to each sandal side.

Tail

The tail is small, curled, and fluffy-looking. Knit it in rust with a cream tip if desired.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: switch to rust and k all sts.
5. Rnds 4-15: k all sts in rust.
6. Rnd 16: k2, k2tog; rep around. You now have 12 sts.
7. Rnd 17: k all sts.
8. Rnd 18: k1, k2tog; rep around. You now have 8 sts.
9. Cut yarn, thread through sts, and close.

Stuff the tail lightly. Curve it into a soft hook shape and sew the base to the back of the body, just above the overall waist. Use a few hidden stitches to hold the curl in place.

Floral Overalls Embroidery

The overalls in the image are decorated with small garden flowers, stems, cream blossoms, red ladybugs, and a brown patterned band. Embroider after the body and legs are fully assembled.

• Use dark moss green yarn to stitch three curved stems across the front of the lower overalls.
• Use peach yarn to make five-petal flowers along the lower front, each flower about 3 sts wide.
• Use cream yarn to add tiny blossom centers and highlights.
• Use brown yarn to add small horizontal broken stitches around the waist and cuffs.
• Use red yarn to stitch two ladybugs on the front overalls and one on the bib.
• Use black yarn to add one short center line and two small dots on each ladybug.
• Keep the embroidery shallow so it sits on top of the knit fabric without pulling the toy inward.

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Small Daisy on Bib

The bib has a small flower detail. Make it separately so it stands out softly from the green overalls.

1. With yellow yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. BO all sts to make one tiny petal.
3. Repeat until you have 6 tiny yellow petals.
4. Arrange the petals in a circle on the left side of the bib.
5. Sew with a few firm stitches.
6. Add a small white or cream stitch in the center.

Leaf Crossbody Pouch

The leaf pouch hangs at the dog’s side from a brown crossbody strap. The pouch is green with visible stitched veins and a brown edge.

Leaf Front

1. With olive green yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. You now have 5 sts.
4. Row 3: k all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k3, kfb. You now have 7 sts.
6. Row 5: k all sts.
7. Row 6: kfb, k5, kfb. You now have 9 sts.
8. Row 7: k all sts.
9. Row 8: kfb, k7, kfb. You now have 11 sts.
10. Row 9: k all sts.
11. Row 10: kfb, k9, kfb. You now have 13 sts.
12. Rows 11-15: k all sts.
13. Row 16: ssk, k9, k2tog. You now have 11 sts.
14. Row 17: k all sts.
15. Row 18: ssk, k7, k2tog. You now have 9 sts.
16. Row 19: k all sts.
17. Row 20: ssk, k5, k2tog. You now have 7 sts.
18. Row 21: k all sts.
19. Row 22: ssk, k3, k2tog. You now have 5 sts.
20. Row 23: k all sts.
21. Row 24: ssk, k1, k2tog. You now have 3 sts.
22. Row 25: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. Fasten off.

Make a second leaf the same way. Sew the two leaves together around the edge with brown yarn, leaving the top slightly open for a pouch effect. Embroider a center vein and diagonal leaf veins with dark moss green yarn.

Crossbody Strap

1. With brown yarn and smaller needles, CO 3 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures about 15 inches.
3. BO and sew each end to the top sides of the leaf pouch.
4. Place the strap from one shoulder across the chest to the opposite hip.
5. Tack the pouch lightly to the dog’s side so it stays in place.

Straw Garden Hat

The hat has a round crown, a wide brim, a raised outer edge, and a green floral band. It can be displayed beside the dog or placed gently on the head.

Hat Crown

1. With tan straw yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb; rep around. You now have 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all sts.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb; rep around. You now have 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: k all sts.
8. Rnd 7: k3, kfb; rep around. You now have 40 sts.
9. Rnd 8: k all sts.
10. Rnd 9: k4, kfb; rep around. You now have 48 sts.
11. Rnds 10-18: k all sts.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 19: k5, kfb; rep around. You now have 56 sts.
2. Rnd 20: k all sts.
3. Rnd 21: k6, kfb; rep around. You now have 64 sts.
4. Rnd 22: k all sts.
5. Rnd 23: k7, kfb; rep around. You now have 72 sts.
6. Rnd 24: k all sts.
7. Rnd 25: k8, kfb; rep around. You now have 80 sts.
8. Rnd 26: p all sts to create a subtle brim ridge.
9. Rnd 27: k all sts.
10. Rnd 28: BO loosely.

For the raised outer rim, CO 4 sts with tan yarn and knit every row until the cord fits around the brim edge. Sew it neatly to the outer edge. This gives the hat the rolled straw look shown in the picture.

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Hat Band and Flowers

1. With olive green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strip fits around the crown base.
3. BO and sew around the hat where the crown meets the brim.
4. Add tiny peach and cream flowers around the band with straight stitches.
5. Add small brown centers to the flowers.

Watering Can

The watering can is a small gray accessory with a rounded body, open top, side handle, and short spout. Knit it tightly so the piece keeps its shape.

Can Body

1. With pale gray yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k2, kfb; rep around. You now have 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k3, kfb; rep around. You now have 30 sts.
6. Rnds 5-12: k all sts.
7. Rnd 13: k3, k2tog; rep around. You now have 24 sts.
8. Rnd 14: k all sts.
9. Rnd 15: k2, k2tog; rep around. You now have 18 sts.
10. BO loosely to leave an open top.

Stuff the lower half lightly, leaving the top opening hollow. Use dark gray yarn to stitch around the inside rim so it looks like the watering can has depth.

Spout

1. With pale gray yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-6: k all sts.
3. Rnd 7: k2tog, k2, k2tog, k2. You now have 6 sts.
4. Rnds 8-10: k all sts.
5. Cut yarn, thread through sts, and close.

Sew the spout to one side of the can at a slight upward angle. Add a tiny pale blue stitch at the end if you want the look of a water droplet.

Handle

1. With pale gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row for 3.25 inches.
3. BO and curve into a handle.
4. Sew both ends to the opposite side of the can.

Garden Trowel

The small trowel has a brown handle and a gray scoop-shaped blade. It is displayed beside the dog in the picture and adds to the gardener theme.

Handle

1. With brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-12: k all sts.
3. Cut yarn, thread through sts, and close both ends neatly.

Blade

1. With pale gray yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k8, kfb. You now have 12 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Rows 5-10: work in stockinette stitch.
7. Row 11: ssk, k8, k2tog. You now have 10 sts.
8. Row 12: p all sts.
9. Row 13: ssk, k6, k2tog. You now have 8 sts.
10. Row 14: p all sts.
11. Row 15: ssk, k4, k2tog. You now have 6 sts.
12. Row 16: p all sts.
13. Row 17: ssk, k2, k2tog. You now have 4 sts.
14. Row 18: p all sts.
15. Row 19: ssk, k2tog. You now have 2 sts.
16. BO and sew the blade to the handle.

Optional Small Floral Accents

Use scraps of peach, cream, yellow, and red yarn to add tiny flowers and ladybugs exactly where the image shows playful garden decoration. These accents make the overalls and sandals look handmade and cheerful.

• Add one red ladybug to the lower left overall leg.
• Add one red ladybug to the right side of the bib.
• Add one small yellow-centered daisy near the upper bib.
• Add peach flowers across both lower pant legs.
• Add tiny red ladybug dots beside the sandal flowers.
• Add brown seed stitches along the lower cuff line of each shorts leg.

Joining the Head and Body

Place the body under the head so the cream neck area meets the striped shirt neckline. Use rust or cream yarn, depending on the section being sewn, and stitch around the neck several times. The head should sit upright, with the face looking forward and slightly upward.

Check the balance before tying off. The pictured doll has a large round head compared with the body, so do not push the head too low into the neckline. A visible, soft neck area helps the toy keep the same cute proportions.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Sew the ears firmly to the top sides of the head and curve the lower edges slightly inward.
• Sew the arms to the upper body over the striped sleeve area.
• Sew the legs under the body, making sure both feet face forward.
• Attach the bib, straps, and buttons after the body is stuffed.
• Place the pouch strap diagonally across the chest and tack it down at the shoulder and hip.
• Attach the tail at the back, above the overall waistline.
• Use black thread to refine the mouth after the muzzle is sewn.
• Brush the embroidery gently with your fingers to smooth any pulled stitches.

Care Notes

Spot clean the finished toy with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak if you used safety eyes, buttons, or beads. Let the toy air dry flat on a towel. Reshape the ears, hat brim, arms, and leaf pouch while damp if needed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The cream muzzle is centered and softly raised.
• The eyes are even and placed above the muzzle.
• The ears are upright and angled outward slightly.
• The striped shirt shows clearly above the overalls.
• The bib has two tan buttons and visible straps.
• The overalls have flowers, stems, and ladybugs.
• The sandals have soles, straps, toe dividers, and tiny flowers.
• The hat has a wide brim and floral band.
• The watering can and trowel are shaped and sewn securely.
• The leaf pouch hangs across the body from a brown strap.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the Shiba Inu doll away from direct sunlight to protect the rust, cream, and olive yarn colors. Keep it in a dry place and avoid crushing the hat brim or ears. If storing for a long time, wrap the toy loosely in acid-free tissue or clean cotton fabric.

For dust removal, use a soft brush and move gently in the direction of the knit stitches. Avoid pulling on embroidered flowers, buttons, and tiny ladybugs. The accessories are small, so check them occasionally and reinforce loose stitches when needed.

This knitted Shiba Inu gardener is now complete, with its floral overalls, garden tools, straw hat, sandals, and leaf pouch ready for display or gifting.