Knitting Tutorial: Tabby Cat Gardener with Little Lion Toy – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet knitted tabby cat gardener has a rounded striped cat face, large glossy eyes, soft pointed ears, a black-and-cream striped shirt, a bright yellow ruffle collar, green garden shorts, brown suspenders, dark boots, lace-style cuffs, a tiny trowel, a yarn-ball flower prop, and a small lion toy tucked under one arm.

 

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 cat measures about 11 inches tall when worked with the yarn, needle size, and gauge listed below. The little lion toy measures about 4 inches tall. This pattern is written for a firm toy fabric so the stuffing stays smooth and the shape holds like the image.

• Main cat height: about 11 inches from boot sole to ear tip.
• Head width: about 4 inches across the cheeks.
• Body height: about 4 inches from neck to lower shorts.
• Little lion toy: about 4 inches tall including tail tuft.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.

Materials

• Yarn weight: light worsted or DK yarn. Use a smooth yarn for the cat and a slightly fuzzy yarn for the lion mane if desired.
• Cat fur colors: warm tabby brown, cream, white, dark charcoal brown, soft peach pink.
• Clothing colors: black, cream, moss green, golden yellow, dark navy or black, medium brown.
• Lion colors: golden yellow, caramel brown, cream, dark brown.
• Needles: US 3, 3.25 mm double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• Optional smaller needles: US 2, 2.75 mm for straps, buttons, and small details.
• Safety eyes: two 12 mm glossy black eyes for the cat and two 4 mm black safety eyes or beads for the lion.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Embroidery floss: black, dark brown, white, cream, pink.
• Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, removable stitch markers, pins, scissors, row counter.
• Small details: two tiny green buttons for the shirt, four small brown buttons for suspenders, fine gold chain or gold embroidery thread, cream lace trim or knitted lace edging.

Gauge

Gauge is important because this toy needs a dense knitted surface. Work a small swatch in stockinette stitch in the round. The ideal gauge is firm but not stiff. If you can see stuffing through the stitches, go down one needle size.

• Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds per 1 inch in stockinette stitch.
• Fabric goal: smooth, tight, slightly plush, with no visible stuffing gaps.
• Stuffing note: stuff gradually and firmly, especially in the head, cheeks, boots, and shorts.

Abbreviations

• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st or sts: stitch or stitches.
• rnd: round.
• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• M1: make 1 increase by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting it through the back loop.
• St st: stockinette stitch.
• garter: knit every row when working flat.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• pm: place marker.
• sl: slip stitch purlwise unless stated otherwise.

Construction Overview

The cat is knitted in separate toy parts and sewn together. The head, body, legs, arms, ears, muzzle, clothing, suspenders, boots, and lion toy are made separately so each shape can be controlled. This gives the rounded head, plump cheeks, short garden outfit, and small accessories seen in the image.

• The head is oval and oversized, with cream cheek patches and dark embroidered tabby stripes.
• The body is small and slightly rounded, hidden under the shirt and shorts.
• The legs are short and sturdy with dark boots attached at the bottom.
• The arms are slim and brown, with one arm angled down and one arm holding the lion.
• The shirt has black and cream stripes with a small cream front placket.
• The shorts are moss green, puffy, and gathered at the upper legs.
• The yellow collar is ruffled and sits around the neck like a flower.
• The lion toy has a tiny yellow body, caramel mane, small paws, and a narrow tail.

Cat Body

Work the body from the bottom up in the round using warm tabby brown. This part forms a small pear shape under the outfit. The lower body should be rounded enough to fill the green shorts but not wider than the head.

1. CO 12 sts in warm tabby brown. Divide evenly over needles. Join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. You now have 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. You now have 48 sts.
8. Rnds 7-18: k all sts for 12 rounds.
9. Rnd 19: repeat k6, k2tog around. You now have 42 sts.
10. Rnds 20-24: k all sts.
11. Rnd 25: repeat k5, k2tog around. You now have 36 sts.
12. Rnds 26-29: k all sts.
13. Rnd 30: repeat k4, k2tog around. You now have 30 sts.
14. Rnd 31: k all sts.
15. Rnd 32: repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 24 sts.
16. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the lower area rounded and the neck narrow.
17. Rnd 33: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 18 sts.
18. Thread yarn through remaining sts, pull snug, and fasten off.

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Cat Legs

Make two legs. Each leg begins with a dark boot, then changes to brown for the ankle and upper leg. The boots in the image are wide, dark, and rounded with brown soles and tiny pale stitch details on the front.

Boot and Leg, Make 2

1. With dark navy or black, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. You now have 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 30 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: k all sts.
7. Rnd 9: k8, k2tog 7 times, k8. You now have 23 sts. This shapes the toe front.
8. Rnd 10: k7, k2tog 4 times, k8. You now have 19 sts.
9. Rnds 11-14: k all sts.
10. Change to warm tabby brown.
11. Rnd 15: k all sts through back loops to create a firm boot top edge.
12. Rnds 16-25: k all sts.
13. Stuff the boot firmly and stuff the leg lightly so it can bend naturally.
14. Rnd 26: repeat k2, k2tog to last 3 sts, k3. You now have 15 sts.
15. Rnd 27: k all sts.
16. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Brown Boot Sole Trim, Make 2

1. With dark brown, CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: k all sts.
3. BO loosely.
4. Sew this strip around the lower edge of each boot, overlapping slightly at the back heel.

Tiny Boot Stitch Details

• Using pale green or cream floss, embroider two small vertical stitches on the front of each boot.
• Using dark brown yarn, embroider a short curved line across the toe to suggest a boot sole seam.
• Keep all embroidery low and centered so the boots look neat from the front.

Cat Arms

Make two arms in warm tabby brown. The arms are slim with rounded paws. The left arm in the image rests downward near the tiny garden tool, while the right arm bends slightly around the little lion toy.

1. CO 8 sts in warm tabby brown. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: k all sts for the rounded paw.
5. Rnd 7: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 12 sts.
6. Rnds 8-24: k all sts.
7. Stuff the paw firmly and the arm lightly.
8. Rnd 25: repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 8 sts.
9. Thread yarn through remaining sts, pull closed, and leave a long tail.
10. For paw lines, use dark brown embroidery floss and make three short vertical stitches at the front of each paw.

Cat Head

The head is the main feature of the design. It is large, round, and slightly wider at the cheeks. Use warm tabby brown for the base, then add cream cheek patches, white forehead markings, and embroidered dark stripes. Place the eyes wide apart to create the gentle expression.

1. With warm tabby brown, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. You now have 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. You now have 48 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. You now have 60 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: repeat k4, kfb around. You now have 72 sts.
12. Rnds 11-24: k all sts.
13. Rnd 25: k12, kfb, k8, kfb, k28, kfb, k8, kfb, k12. You now have 76 sts. These increases form fuller cheeks.
14. Rnds 26-31: k all sts.
15. Mark the front center of the face. Place safety eyes between Rnds 22 and 23, about 12 sts apart. Do not lock the washers until you confirm the face placement.
16. Rnd 32: repeat k17, k2tog around. You now have 72 sts.
17. Rnd 33: k all sts.
18. Rnd 34: repeat k10, k2tog around. You now have 66 sts.
19. Rnd 35: k all sts.
20. Rnd 36: repeat k9, k2tog around. You now have 60 sts.
21. Rnd 37: k all sts.
22. Rnd 38: repeat k8, k2tog around. You now have 54 sts.
23. Begin stuffing the head. Add stuffing around the eye backs first so the eyes sit proud and glossy.
24. Rnd 39: repeat k7, k2tog around. You now have 48 sts.
25. Rnd 40: repeat k6, k2tog around. You now have 42 sts.
26. Rnd 41: repeat k5, k2tog around. You now have 36 sts.
27. Add more stuffing, shaping the cheeks round with your fingers.
28. Rnd 42: repeat k4, k2tog around. You now have 30 sts.
29. Rnd 43: repeat k3, k2tog around. You now have 24 sts.
30. Rnd 44: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 18 sts.
31. Rnd 45: repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 12 sts.
32. Thread yarn through remaining sts, pull closed, and fasten off securely.

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Cream Muzzle and Cheeks

The muzzle is made from two soft cream cheek ovals and a small central bridge. These pieces create the plump smiling face shown in the image. Sew them under the eyes so the lower edge curves upward slightly at both sides.

Cheek Ovals, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. You now have 10 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: kfb, k8, kfb. You now have 12 sts.
7. Rows 6-10: work in St st, beginning with a purl row.
8. Row 11: ssk, k8, k2tog. You now have 10 sts.
9. Row 12: p all sts.
10. Row 13: ssk, k6, k2tog. You now have 8 sts.
11. Row 14: p all sts.
12. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.

Center Muzzle Bridge

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: work in St st.
3. Row 7: ssk, k2, k2tog. You now have 4 sts.
4. Row 8: p all sts.
5. BO and leave a long tail.

• Pin the two cheek ovals side by side below the eyes.
• Place the small bridge vertically between the cheeks.
• Sew with tiny mattress stitches, adding a very small amount of stuffing under each cheek before closing.
• Embroider the nose in dark brown at the top center of the cheek join.
• Make the nose triangular, about 5 stitches wide and 4 rows tall.
• Use dark brown floss to stitch a short vertical line below the nose and two tiny curved smile lines.
• Add three tiny black whisker dots on each cheek.

Forehead Cream Marks and Tabby Stripes

The face has white and cream markings above the eyes, plus dark tabby stripes across the forehead and cheeks. These are embroidered after the head is stuffed. Keep the stitches smooth and shallow so the face stays soft.

White Forehead Marks

• Using white yarn or floss, embroider one long teardrop stripe from the upper forehead down toward the nose.
• Add one smaller white dash above each eye, angled inward.
• Keep the center stripe about 8 rounds long and no wider than 4 stitches at the top.
• Blend the lower point into the brown face with short duplicate stitches.

Dark Tabby Stripes

• With dark charcoal brown, stitch five short vertical stripes across the top forehead.
• Make the center stripe the longest, about 7 rounds tall.
• Make the two neighboring stripes about 5 rounds tall.
• Make the outer stripes about 4 rounds tall and angle them slightly outward.
• Add two curved dark stripes on each cheek, starting near the outer eye and sweeping toward the side of the face.
• Add one small dark accent line at each outer eye corner for the sweet tabby expression.

Eyes and Eye Rings

The eyes in the image are large, glossy, and round, with a pale ring that makes them stand out. If you use safety eyes, add the knitted or embroidered eye rings before final locking if possible.

1. With cream yarn, CO 16 sts for one eye ring.
2. BO loosely on the next row.
3. Shape the strip into a circle around one eye and sew the ends together.
4. Repeat for the second eye.
5. Sew the rings around the safety eyes with tiny stitches.
6. Use black thread to secure the ring edges neatly if needed.
7. Add one tiny white highlight stitch on the upper outer side of each eye if your safety eyes are not already glossy.

Cat Ears

The ears are pointed and set high on the head. Each ear has a brown outer triangle, a soft pink inner triangle, and a cream edge near the lower inside. Curve the ears slightly forward when sewing them on.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With warm tabby brown, CO 18 sts and work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: work in St st, beginning with a knit row.
3. Row 5: ssk, k14, k2tog. You now have 16 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Row 7: ssk, k12, k2tog. You now have 14 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Continue decreasing 1 st at each edge on every RS row until 4 sts remain.
8. Next RS row: ssk, k2tog. You now have 2 sts.
9. Next row: p2tog. Fasten off.

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Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With peach pink, CO 12 sts and work flat.
2. Rows 1-2: work in St st.
3. Row 3: ssk, k8, k2tog. You now have 10 sts.
4. Row 4: p all sts.
5. Continue decreasing on every RS row until 2 sts remain.
6. Next row: p2tog and fasten off.

• Sew one pink inner ear onto each brown outer ear.
• Use cream duplicate stitches around the lower inner edge for the pale fluffy look.
• Sew ears to the head between Rnds 8 and 18, angled slightly outward.
• Add small dark brown embroidered stripes on the outer ear bases.

Striped Shirt

The shirt is knitted separately and placed over the body before the head is attached. It has bold black and cream horizontal stripes, short sleeves, and a cream front placket with two tiny green buttons. The fit should be snug but not tight.

Shirt Body

1. With black yarn, CO 50 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: p all sts to create a lower edge ridge.
4. Rnds 3-4: with black, k all sts.
5. Rnds 5-6: with cream, k all sts.
6. Rnds 7-8: with black, k all sts.
7. Rnds 9-10: with cream, k all sts.
8. Rnds 11-12: with black, k all sts.
9. Rnd 13: k11, BO 6 sts for first armhole, k16, BO 6 sts for second armhole, k11.
10. Rnd 14: k11, CO 6 sts over first armhole gap, k16, CO 6 sts over second armhole gap, k11. You are back to 50 sts.
11. Rnds 15-16: with cream, k all sts.
12. Rnds 17-18: with black, k all sts.
13. Rnd 19: repeat k8, k2tog around. You now have 45 sts.
14. Rnd 20: with cream, k all sts.
15. Rnd 21: with cream, repeat k7, k2tog around. You now have 40 sts.
16. Rnd 22: with black, k all sts.
17. BO loosely.

Short Sleeves, Make 2

1. Pick up 18 sts evenly around one armhole using black yarn.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: with cream, k all sts.
4. Rnd 3: with cream, k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: with black, k all sts.
6. Rnd 5: with black, p all sts for a neat cuff ridge.
7. BO loosely.
8. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Cream Front Placket

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and work flat.
2. Rows 1-16: work in St st.
3. Rows 17-18: k all sts for a firm top edge.
4. BO and sew vertically to the center front of the shirt.
5. Sew two tiny green buttons down the placket, one at the upper third and one at the lower third.

Yellow Ruffle Collar

The collar is bright golden yellow and sits between the cat head and striped shirt. It looks like soft flower petals around the neck. Work it flat, then sew it into a circle before attaching.

1. With golden yellow, CO 72 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: repeat k2tog across. You now have 36 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: repeat k2tog across. You now have 18 sts.
7. Row 6: k all sts.
8. BO loosely, leaving a long tail.
9. Gather the cast-on edge slightly so it waves like petals.
10. Sew the short ends together to form a ring.
11. Place around the neck with the ruffle edge facing outward and downward.

Green Garden Shorts

The shorts are moss green, soft, puffy, and sit high on the body like garden overalls. They have two separate leg openings and a gathered waist. The shorts should be wider than the legs and rounded at the sides.

Shorts Body

1. With moss green, CO 56 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-2: k all sts.
3. Rnd 3: p all sts to create the waistband fold line.
4. Rnds 4-8: k all sts.
5. Rnd 9: repeat k7, kfb around. You now have 63 sts.
6. Rnds 10-18: k all sts.
7. Divide for leg openings: place first 31 sts on one needle group and remaining 32 sts on another.

First Shorts Leg

1. Work only the first 31 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k3, k2tog to last st, k1. You now have 25 sts.
4. Rnds 3-5: k all sts.
5. Rnd 6: p all sts for a cuff ridge.
6. Rnd 7: k all sts.
7. BO loosely.

Second Shorts Leg

1. Rejoin moss green yarn to the remaining 32 sts.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k3, k2tog to last 2 sts, k2. You now have 26 sts.
4. Rnds 3-5: k all sts.
5. Rnd 6: p all sts for a cuff ridge.
6. Rnd 7: k all sts.
7. BO loosely.

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• Slide the shorts over the lower body before sewing the legs on.
• Gather the waistband with a strand of moss green yarn until it fits the body snugly.
• Sew the shorts in place around the waist with hidden stitches.
• Shape the side fullness with your fingers so the shorts puff outward like the photo.

Cream Lace-Style Leg Cuffs

The image shows pale lace trim peeking between the shorts and boots. You may use real cotton lace, or knit a simple eyelet trim for a fully knitted finish.

Knitted Eyelet Trim, Make 2

1. With cream yarn and smaller needles, CO 34 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: k2, repeat yo, k2tog to end.
4. Row 3: k all sts.
5. Row 4: BO loosely.
6. Sew one strip around each lower shorts cuff, letting the scalloped eyelet edge point downward.

Brown Suspenders

The suspenders are narrow brown straps that run from the front waistband over the shoulders and down the back. They are decorated with small brown buttons at the front and back. They should lie over the striped shirt and under the yellow collar edge.

Suspender Straps, Make 2

1. With medium brown yarn and smaller needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-62: k all sts for garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.
4. Repeat for the second strap.

• Pin each strap to the front of the green shorts, about 8 stitches apart.
• Cross or slightly angle the straps over the shoulders if needed for a natural fit.
• Sew the straps down at the front waistband, over the shoulders, and to the back waistband.
• Add one tiny brown button at each front strap base.
• Add one tiny brown button at each back strap base if visible.

Little Garden Trowel and Gold Chain

The cat carries a small pale blue garden trowel on one side, hanging near the shorts. The image also shows a delicate gold chain detail. These tiny accessories make the gardener theme clear and add charm without making the toy heavy.

Knitted Trowel Blade

1. With pale blue-gray yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work in St st.
3. Row 5: ssk, k4, k2tog. You now have 6 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Row 7: ssk, k2, k2tog. You now have 4 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Row 9: ssk, k2tog. You now have 2 sts.
8. Row 10: p2tog and fasten off.

Trowel Handle

1. With medium brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-16: k all sts.
3. BO and sew the handle to the wide end of the blue-gray blade.
4. Attach the trowel to the cat’s left side, partly tucked under the suspender.

• For the gold chain, use a short piece of fine craft chain or chain stitch with gold embroidery thread.
• Anchor one end near the left suspender button.
• Let the chain drape gently across the side of the shorts.
• Secure the lower end near the trowel handle.

Little Lion Toy

The lion is a separate tiny plush held by the cat. It has a golden yellow body, rounded head, caramel mane, little paws, a cream muzzle, and a thin tail with a brown tuft. Keep the lion smaller and simpler than the cat so it reads as a toy.

Lion Body

1. With golden yellow, 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: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5-13: k all sts.
7. Rnd 14: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 18 sts.
8. Rnds 15-17: k all sts.
9. Stuff lightly.
10. Rnd 18: repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 12 sts.
11. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull closed.

Lion Head

1. With golden yellow, 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: repeat k1, kfb around. You now have 24 sts.
5. Rnds 4-10: k all sts.
6. Place 4 mm black eyes between Rnds 6 and 7, about 5 sts apart.
7. Rnd 11: repeat k2, k2tog around. You now have 18 sts.
8. Stuff the head gently.
9. Rnd 12: repeat k1, k2tog around. You now have 12 sts.
10. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull closed.

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Lion Muzzle

1. With cream yarn, CO 6 sts and work flat.
2. Rows 1-2: work in St st.
3. Row 3: kfb, k4, kfb. You now have 8 sts.
4. Row 4: p all sts.
5. Row 5: ssk, k4, k2tog. You now have 6 sts.
6. Row 6: p all sts.
7. BO and sew to the lower front of the lion head.
8. Embroider a tiny dark brown nose and short mouth line.

Lion Mane

1. With caramel brown or fuzzy brown yarn, CO 36 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: repeat k1, kfb across. You now have 54 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: BO loosely.
7. Wrap the strip around the lion head like a soft halo.
8. Sew behind the face, keeping the mane fluffy and uneven.

Lion Arms, Legs, Ears, and Tail

• Arms, make 2: CO 6 sts in golden yellow, knit 10 rows in garter stitch, BO, roll slightly, and sew to the upper body.
• Legs, make 2: CO 7 sts in golden yellow, knit 12 rows in garter stitch, BO, fold lengthwise, seam, lightly stuff, and sew to lower body.
• Ears, make 2: CO 5 sts in golden yellow, knit 3 rows, then ssk, k1, k2tog, p3, sl1-k2tog-psso, fasten off. Sew at the sides of the mane.
• Tail: CO 4 sts in golden yellow, knit 14 rows in garter stitch, BO. Add a small caramel tassel to the end and sew to the back body.

Yarn Ball and Daisy Prop

The right side of the image includes a small beige yarn ball with a trailing strand and a white daisy flower. These props are optional but help recreate the full cozy garden scene. They can be attached lightly to the cat display base or used as separate photo styling pieces.

Small Yarn Ball

1. With beige yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st around. You now have 16 sts.
3. Rnds 2-5: k all sts.
4. Rnd 6: repeat k2tog around. You now have 8 sts.
5. Stuff lightly and close.
6. Wrap beige yarn around the ball in several directions and tack it with tiny stitches.
7. Leave a 6 inch strand trailing from the ball.

Small Daisy

1. With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: repeat k2tog around. Pull closed to form the center.
4. For each white petal, CO 5 sts, knit 2 rows, then BO.
5. Make 10 petals.
6. Sew petals around the yellow center.
7. Attach the daisy to the trailing yarn strand or use it beside the toy for display.

Assembling the Cat

Assembly is what gives this toy its personality. Pin every piece before sewing. Look at the cat from the front, side, and top before making permanent stitches. The head should tilt slightly for the gentle handmade expression.

1. Sew the legs to the lower body first. Angle the boots outward slightly, with the toes pointing forward.
2. Pull the green shorts over the body and legs. Secure the waistband and cuffs with hidden stitches.
3. Put the striped shirt on the body. Align the placket at the center front.
4. Sew the shirt at the underarms and lower edge so it does not twist.
5. Attach the arms at the sides of the upper body. Sew the right arm so it curves toward the lion toy.
6. Place the yellow ruffle collar around the top of the shirt.
7. Sew the head to the body through the collar opening. Use many firm stitches around the neck.
8. Attach the suspenders over the shirt and shorts. Add buttons after the straps are secure.
9. Sew the trowel and chain to the left side of the shorts.
10. Place the lion toy under the cat’s right arm and tack it at the paw, side body, and lower arm.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After the main parts are attached, refine the face. Add extra tabby stripes, cheek dots, and tiny whiskers only after the head is firmly sewn on. This helps you keep the expression centered and balanced.

• Use white embroidery floss for tiny eye highlights if needed.
• Use dark brown for the triangular nose and mouth line.
• Use black thread for small whisker dots on each cream cheek.
• Use fine beige or clear thread for optional soft whiskers. Keep them short and delicate.
• Brush the lion mane lightly with your fingers, not a hard brush.
• Check that the yellow ruffle collar sits evenly all around the neck.

Care Notes

This knitted cat is a decorative handmade toy. Because it includes buttons, safety eyes, chain trim, and small accessories, it is best for display or gentle supervised handling. Do not give it to babies or pets.

• Spot clean with a slightly damp cloth.
• Do not machine wash if you used buttons, chain, lace, or glued details.
• Let the toy air dry fully before storing.
• Avoid direct sunlight for long periods to protect the yarn colors.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly attached and does not wobble.
• The eyes are even and securely locked or sewn.
• The ears are angled outward and slightly forward.
• The cream muzzle is centered below the eyes.
• The tabby stripes are balanced across the forehead and cheeks.
• The shirt stripes line up neatly at the front.
• The green shorts are puffy and gathered at the cuffs.
• The suspenders sit flat and have visible brown buttons.
• The trowel, chain, yarn ball, daisy, and lion toy are secure.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, store the cat upright or lying flat in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid crushing the ears, collar, and lion mane. If the toy becomes dusty, use a soft dry cloth and dab gently around embroidered areas.

For deeper cleaning, lightly dampen a cloth with cool water and press the surface gently. Do not rub the tabby embroidery, eye rings, buttons, or chain. Let the cat dry naturally in a shaded place. Once dry, reshape the shorts, collar, ears, and paws with your fingers.

Keep the pattern sample away from heavy moisture, high heat, and strong sunlight. With careful handling, the knitted tabby cat gardener and its little lion toy will stay sweet, bright, and photo-ready for many seasons.