Knitting Tutorial: Sweet Garden Mouse in Blue Floral Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet knitted garden mouse has a soft cream body, round blushing face, large pink-lined ears, a pale cream dress, a blue floral cardigan, a tiny crossbody bag with a bee detail, brown sandals with daisy accents, a sunflower headpiece, a blue sunhat, and a small garden basket filled with colorful knitted berries.

 

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 creates a seated garden mouse doll inspired by the image. The finished mouse is designed with a large rounded head, small tapered body, slim dangling legs, short arms, oversized ears, and layered clothing. The cardigan is worked separately so it sits naturally over the cream dress.

The project uses small needles, firm stuffing, and tight gauge to create a neat toy fabric. Most pieces are worked in stockinette stitch, while hems, trims, bag edges, sandals, and the basket use garter stitch or ribbing for texture.

• Finished height: About 9.5 inches from top of head to bottom of sandals.
• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
• Main method: Small-circumference knitting in the round, with some flat pieces.
• Construction: Knit pieces separately, stuff firmly, seam, then dress and embellish.

Materials

• Sport weight or light DK yarn in warm cream for head, body, dress, and face.
• Light pink yarn for inner ears, nose, hands, feet, and blush details.
• Dusty blue yarn for cardigan, bag, and sunhat.
• Brown yarn for sandals and basket.
• Yellow yarn for sunflower petals and bee stripes.
• Dark brown yarn for sunflower center and small embroidery details.
• Green yarn for flower stems, leaves, and sunflower stem.
• White yarn for daisies and eye highlights.
• Black safety eyes, 8 mm, or black embroidery yarn.
• Small amounts of berry-colored yarn: red, raspberry, navy, purple, blue, and green.
• US size 2 needles, 2.75 mm, double-pointed needles or magic loop.
• US size 1 needles, 2.25 mm, for tiny accessories if desired.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Embroidery needle.
• Two small removable stitch markers.
• Optional thin cardboard or plastic circle for basket base.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on.
• BO: Bind off.
• K: Knit.
• P: Purl.
• St or sts: Stitch or stitches.
• Rnd: Round.
• RS: Right side.
• WS: Wrong side.
• Kfb: Knit into front and back of the same stitch.
• K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together.
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit.
• M1: Make 1 stitch.
• St st: Stockinette stitch.
• G st: Garter stitch.
• I-cord: Knit a small cord by sliding stitches back to the needle tip.

Gauge

Gauge is important for a firm toy fabric. Work at approximately 7 stitches and 10 rows per inch in stockinette stitch on US size 2 needles. If your stitches look loose or stuffing shows through, use smaller needles.

The doll in the image has smooth, dense stitches with a soft handmade texture. Keep the fabric tight but not stiff. A slightly firm gauge helps the head stay round, the ears hold their shape, and the cardigan fit cleanly over the dress.

Main Mouse Head

The mouse has a large rounded head, wider through the cheeks and gently narrower at the neck. Work in cream yarn in the round. Stuff gradually as you knit so the head becomes smooth and full.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Divide over needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: K all sts.
13. Rnd 12: K5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-25: K every rnd. 56 sts.
15. Rnd 26: K12, kfb, K28, kfb, K14. 58 sts. This adds soft cheek width.
16. Rnds 27-30: K every rnd. 58 sts.
17. Rnd 31: K5, k2tog around to last 2 sts, K2. 50 sts.
18. Rnd 32: K all sts.
19. Rnd 33: K4, k2tog around to last 2 sts, K2. 42 sts.
20. Rnd 34: K all sts.
21. Rnd 35: K3, k2tog around to last 2 sts, K2. 34 sts.
22. Rnd 36: K all sts.
23. Rnd 37: K2, k2tog around to last 2 sts, K2. 26 sts.
24. Insert safety eyes between Rnds 23 and 24, about 10 sts apart. Place them slightly low and wide for the gentle expression.
25. Begin stuffing the head firmly, shaping the cheeks with your fingers.
26. Rnd 38: K1, k2tog around to last 2 sts, K2. 18 sts.
27. Rnd 39: K all sts.
28. Rnd 40: K2tog around. 9 sts.
29. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, but leave a long tail for sewing to the body.

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Face Shaping, Nose, and Cheeks

The image shows a tiny pink oval nose, a pale muzzle area, soft pink blush, and a very gentle expression. These details are embroidered after the head is stuffed.

• Using pink yarn, embroider a small horizontal oval nose across 4 sts between Rnds 27 and 29.
• Make 5 satin stitches across the same spot, then wrap the center once to round the shape.
• Bring the pink yarn down from the nose to the lower center of the face and make one short vertical stitch for the mouth line.
• Use cream yarn to make two small curved muzzle stitches below each eye if more definition is desired.
• Use pale pink yarn to add 3 tiny horizontal blush stitches under each eye.
• With dark brown embroidery thread, add one short curved eyebrow above each eye.
• With white yarn or embroidery thread, add one tiny highlight stitch at the upper outside edge of each eye.

Body and Cream Dress Base

The body is smaller than the head, gently rounded at the tummy, and covered by the cream dress. The top of the body remains narrow so the blue cardigan can sit neatly around the shoulders.

1. With cream yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 40 sts.
8. Rnds 7-18: K every rnd. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 19: K8, k2tog around. 36 sts.
10. Rnd 20: K all sts.
11. Rnd 21: K7, k2tog around. 32 sts.
12. Rnd 22: K all sts.
13. Rnd 23: K6, k2tog around. 28 sts.
14. Rnd 24: K all sts.
15. Rnd 25: K5, k2tog around. 24 sts.
16. Rnds 26-29: K every rnd. 24 sts.
17. Stuff body firmly but keep the neck opening soft enough for sewing.
18. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Knitted Dress Skirt

The skirt is pale cream, simple, softly flared, and reaches just above the mouse’s knees. It has a small rolled lower edge like the image.

1. With cream yarn, CO 48 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K every rnd to create a soft rolled hem.
3. Rnd 5: P all sts to mark the hem fold.
4. Rnds 6-13: K every rnd. 48 sts.
5. Rnd 14: K4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
6. Rnds 15-18: K every rnd. 40 sts.
7. Rnd 19: K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 20-22: K every rnd. 32 sts.
9. BO loosely.
10. Slide the skirt over the body from the bottom. Position it around Rnd 14 of the body and sew the top edge invisibly to the body.

Legs and Feet

The legs are slim and light pink, visible below the dress. The feet are rounded so they fit into the brown sandals. Make two identical legs.

1. With pale pink yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-16: K every rnd. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 17: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 18-21: K every rnd. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 22: K2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Stuff the foot lightly and the leg very lightly.
7. Rnd 23: K2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.
9. Repeat for second leg.
10. Sew legs under the front of the body so they hang downward from beneath the skirt.

Arms and Hands

The arms are short, with pink hands peeking from the blue cardigan sleeves. Make two identical arms.

1. With pale pink yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: K every rnd. 8 sts.
3. Change to cream yarn.
4. Rnds 6-17: K every rnd. 8 sts.
5. Stuff lightly. Do not overstuff, because the arms should rest softly against the cardigan.
6. Rnd 18: K2tog around. 4 sts.
7. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight.
8. Sew each arm to the upper sides of the body before adding the cardigan, angled slightly downward.

Large Mouse Ears

The ears are oversized, round, and set wide on the head. Each ear has a cream outer piece and a soft pink inner piece. The final ears curve slightly forward.

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Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Row 5: P all sts.
7. Row 6: Kfb, K10, kfb. 14 sts.
8. Rows 7-13: Work in st st, beginning with a purl row. 14 sts.
9. Row 14: SSK, K10, k2tog. 12 sts.
10. Row 15: P all sts.
11. Row 16: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
12. Row 17: P all sts.
13. Row 18: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
14. BO loosely.

Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With pale pink yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: P all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: P all sts.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
6. Rows 5-11: Work in st st. 10 sts.
7. Row 12: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
8. Row 13: P all sts.
9. Row 14: SSK, K4, k2tog. 6 sts.
10. BO loosely.

Ear Assembly

• Sew one pink inner ear to the center of each cream outer ear.
• Use small whipstitches around the edge and avoid pulling too tightly.
• Pin ears to the sides of the head between Rnds 17 and 25.
• Angle the ears outward, with the bottom edge slightly forward.
• Sew securely through the base of each ear several times.

Blue Floral Cardigan

The cardigan is dusty blue, open at the front, with short sleeves and floral embroidery on both front panels. It should sit over the dress and stop near the top of the skirt.

Cardigan Body

1. With dusty blue yarn, CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K all sts for garter stitch lower edging.
3. Row 5, RS: K4, P36, K4. The K4 edges form front bands.
4. Row 6, WS: K all sts.
5. Repeat Rows 5-6 until cardigan measures about 1.5 inches from cast-on edge.
6. Next RS row: K4, P8, BO 4 sts for first armhole, P12, BO 4 sts for second armhole, P8, K4.
7. Next WS row: K4, K8, CO 4 sts over gap, K12, CO 4 sts over gap, K8, K4. 44 sts.
8. Continue in pattern for 8 more rows.
9. Shape neck, RS row: K4, P6, SSK, P20, k2tog, P6, K4. 42 sts.
10. WS row: K all sts.
11. Next RS row: K4, P5, SSK, P20, k2tog, P5, K4. 40 sts.
12. Work 2 rows even.
13. BO all sts loosely.

Cardigan Sleeves, Make 2

1. With dusty blue yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K all sts for cuff.
3. Row 5: K all sts.
4. Row 6: P all sts.
5. Repeat Rows 5-6 until sleeve measures 1.25 inches.
6. Next row: K2tog across. 9 sts.
7. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.
8. Sew sleeve seam, then sew sleeve into armhole opening.

Cardigan Embroidery

• On each front panel, embroider 2 green stems using straight stitches.
• Add 2 small leaves to each stem with lazy daisy stitches in green.
• Make 3 white daisies on each cardigan front, each with 5 small petals.
• Add a tiny yellow stitch at the center of every daisy.
• Keep the flowers vertical, matching the image where the embroidery climbs up both sides of the cardigan opening.

Blue Crossbody Bag with Bee Detail

The bag is a small rounded rectangle that rests near the mouse’s right hip. The strap crosses the cardigan diagonally from shoulder to opposite side.

Bag Body

1. With dusty blue yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rows 5-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 19-22: K all sts.
5. BO loosely.
6. Fold the lower corners slightly inward and sew the sides to create a soft pouch shape.

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Bag Strap

1. With dusty blue yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work a 3-st I-cord for 13 inches, or long enough to cross from the left shoulder to the right hip.
3. BO and sew one end to each upper corner of the bag.
4. Place the strap over the cardigan after dressing the mouse.

Bee Patch

• With yellow yarn, embroider a small oval on the lower right front of the bag.
• Add 2 black or dark brown horizontal stripes across the oval.
• Add two tiny white wing stitches above the bee.
• Add one small dark stitch at the back of the bee for the stinger.

Sunflower Headpiece

The sunflower sits above one ear on the left side of the head. It has yellow petals, a dark brown center, and green leaves tucked underneath.

Flower Center

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: K2tog around. 8 sts.
5. Cut yarn and draw closed to make a small padded circle.

Petals

• With yellow yarn, pick up 12 small loops around the flower center.
• For each petal, CO 3 sts, K 1 row, then BO 3 sts.
• Repeat around the center until the flower looks full and daisy-like.
• Use the yarn tail to tack each petal flat around the center.

Leaves and Stem

1. With green yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. K 4 rows.
3. BO to make one small leaf. Make 2 leaves.
4. For the short stem, work a 3-st I-cord for 1 inch.
5. Sew the leaves under the sunflower and attach the stem behind it.
6. Sew the finished sunflower securely above the mouse’s left ear.

Blue Sunhat

The image includes a matching blue knitted sunhat placed beside the mouse. The hat has a rounded crown, broad brim, and a small bow. This accessory can fit the mouse loosely or be displayed beside her.

Hat Crown

1. With dusty blue yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 9-18: K every rnd. 40 sts.
11. Rnd 19: P all sts to create brim fold line.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 20: K1, kfb around. 60 sts.
2. Rnds 21-24: K every rnd.
3. Rnd 25: P all sts.
4. Rnds 26-28: K every rnd.
5. BO loosely.
6. Block the brim flat with your fingers.

Hat Bow

1. With dusty blue yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: K all sts.
3. BO.
4. Wrap yarn around the center 5 times to pinch into a bow.
5. Sew the bow to the side of the hat brim.

Brown Sandals with Daisy Accents

The sandals are brown with open straps, rounded soles, and tiny white daisies near the outer sides. Make two sandals and fit them over the pink feet.

Sandal Sole, Make 2

1. With brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-9: K all sts.
5. Row 10: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
6. Row 11: K all sts.
7. BO.

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Sandal Straps

• For each sandal, make two 3-st I-cords, each 2 inches long.
• Sew one strap across the toe area.
• Sew the second strap diagonally from the inner sole to the outer ankle edge.
• Place the mouse foot on the sole before securing the final strap end.
• Use white yarn to embroider a 5-petal daisy on the outer side of each sandal.
• Add one yellow stitch to the center of each daisy.

Small Garden Basket

The basket in the image is a warm brown woven-style basket filled with colorful berries. This knitted version uses garter ridges for texture and an I-cord handle.

Basket Base

1. With brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-12: K all sts.
7. Row 13: SSK, K8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 14: K all sts.
9. Row 15: SSK, K6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. BO.

Basket Side

1. Pick up 36 sts around the basket base.
2. Rnds 1-2: P all sts for a raised lower ridge.
3. Rnds 3-5: K all sts.
4. Rnd 6: P all sts.
5. Rnds 7-9: K all sts.
6. Rnd 10: P all sts.
7. Rnds 11-13: K all sts.
8. Rnd 14: P all sts.
9. BO loosely.

Basket Handle

1. With brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work a 4-st I-cord for 8 inches.
3. BO and sew one end to each side of the basket.
4. Shape the handle into a soft arch.

Knitted Berries

• For each berry, CO 6 sts in red, blue, purple, raspberry, navy, or green.
• Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
• Rnds 2-3: K all sts.
• Rnd 4: K2tog around. 6 sts.
• Stuff lightly, draw closed, and weave in ends.
• Make 8 to 10 berries in different colors.
• Sew or place them inside the basket so they appear full and rounded.

Seaming and Dressing Order

Following the correct order helps the mouse look clean and close to the image. The body should be assembled before the clothing is added, but the cardigan embroidery is easier before the cardigan is placed on the doll.

1. Sew the stuffed head to the neck opening of the body. Use several rounds of stitches and check that the face points forward.
2. Sew the legs under the skirt area, spacing them evenly at the front.
3. Sew the arms to the sides of the body, angled slightly downward.
4. Slide the cream skirt over the body and stitch it around the waistline.
5. Place the blue cardigan around the shoulders and arms.
6. Sew the cardigan sleeves lightly around the arms so the pink hands remain visible.
7. Place the crossbody bag strap from the mouse’s left shoulder to the right hip.
8. Sew or tack the bag in place so it rests against the cardigan and skirt.
9. Sew the sunflower above the left ear.
10. Put sandals on the feet and secure with hidden stitches.
11. Place the blue hat and berry basket beside the finished mouse for display.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the head position first. The mouse should have a gentle forward-facing expression, with ears placed wide and slightly lifted. Add the nose, blush, eyebrows, and eye highlights only after the head is fully attached, so the facial features align with the body.

• Use small, neat embroidery stitches for the nose and eyebrows.
• Keep the blush soft and light, not too dark.
• Shape the cheeks by gently squeezing the stuffed head before tying off embroidery threads.
• Secure every accessory with hidden stitches if the doll will be handled often.

Care Notes

This knitted mouse is best used as a decorative handmade doll. Because it includes small details such as flowers, bag straps, berries, and embroidered pieces, it is not recommended for children under three years old.

• Spot clean with a soft damp cloth.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, embroidery, or tiny accessories are attached.
• Let the doll air dry flat away from direct sunlight.
• Reshape the ears, hat brim, cardigan, and skirt while drying.

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Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round, firm, and larger than the body.
• The ears are even, wide, and pink inside.
• The cream dress flares gently over the legs.
• The blue cardigan sits open at the front.
• White floral embroidery appears on both cardigan panels.
• The blue crossbody bag rests at the right hip.
• The bee patch has yellow, dark stripes, and white wings.
• The sunflower is attached above the left ear.
• The brown sandals fit snugly and each has a tiny daisy.
• The blue hat and berry basket complete the garden scene.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the mouse away from dust, damp shelves, and strong sunlight. Store it in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic. If the doll becomes flattened, gently reshape the stuffed areas with your hands and let it rest upright.

To freshen the cardigan, hat, or basket, use a clean dry brush and work lightly along the stitch direction. Avoid pulling the embroidery threads. If a flower petal or bag strap loosens, sew it back with matching yarn and small hidden stitches.

When storing the set, place tissue paper inside the hat crown and basket so they keep their rounded shapes. Lay the mouse flat or seated naturally, with the ears supported, the skirt smoothed downward, and the crossbody bag resting in front.