Knitting Tutorial: Garden Dalmatian Puppy Doll – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful Garden Dalmatian Puppy Doll is a soft knitted keepsake with floppy spotted ears, a round puppy face, green garden overalls, a striped shirt, yellow neck scarf, sandals, a tiny crossbody carrot bag, flower embroidery, cherry accents, a straw-style hat with a little bee, plus matching garden props: a watering can, flower pot, and strawberry sunhat.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English knitting terms and is designed as a detailed knitted doll pattern inspired by the photo. The puppy is made from separate stuffed pieces, then joined with mattress stitch and careful shaping.

The doll has a large rounded head, a smaller soft body, short arms, sturdy legs, flat floppy ears, black Dalmatian spots, and layered garden clothing. The accessories are small but important because they give the finished toy its photographed character.

• Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate.
• Finished doll height: About 14 inches from sandal sole to top of puppy head, not including the hat.
• Gauge: 24 sts and 32 rnds = 4 inches in stockinette using US 3 needles.
• Main method: Knitted mostly in the round, with a few flat pieces.
• Seaming: Mattress stitch, whip stitch, and small invisible tacking stitches.
• Stuffing style: Firm in the head and feet, medium in the body and arms.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in white, about 120 yd.
• DK weight yarn in black, about 25 yd.
• DK weight yarn in garden green, about 75 yd.
• DK weight yarn in cream, about 40 yd.
• DK weight yarn in tan straw color, about 35 yd.
• DK weight yarn in yellow, about 25 yd.
• DK weight yarn in light brown, about 20 yd.
• DK weight yarn in soft pink, about 20 yd.
• DK weight yarn in red, small amount.
• DK weight yarn in orange, small amount.
• DK weight yarn in sky blue, small amount.
• DK weight yarn in leaf green, small amount.
• Small scraps for flower embroidery: yellow, blue, pink, red, and green.
• US 3 double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop.
• US 2 needles for small accessories and tighter details.
• Two 8 mm black safety eyes or black beads.
• Two 6 mm yellow buttons for overall straps.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Black embroidery thread for mouth and toe lines.
• Pink embroidery thread or yarn for cheeks.
• Optional: small amount of plastic canvas for the soles and bag base.

Abbreviations

• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• dec: decrease.
• DPNs: double-pointed needles.
• inc: increase.
• k: knit.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• M1L: make 1 left.
• M1R: make 1 right.
• p: purl.
• pm: place marker.
• rem: remaining.
• rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• sl: slip.
• st/sts: stitch/stitches.
• WS: wrong side.

Important Construction Notes

The puppy has a large plush head and a pear-shaped body. The head should be wider than the torso, and the overalls should sit high on the belly. Keep the stuffing smooth so the face stays round.

The black Dalmatian spots are not random in the photo. One large black eye patch sits around the puppy’s right eye from the viewer’s perspective. Smaller spots are placed on the ears, arms, legs, and sides of the head.

• Work all puppy body pieces in white unless the pattern says otherwise.
• Use black yarn for knitted spots, nose, large eye patch, and ear dots.
• Use very small tacking stitches when attaching spots so the edges stay rounded.
• Stuff the head firmly before embroidering the mouth.
• Attach clothing after the doll body is assembled, unless instructed otherwise.
• For a display doll, beads may be used for eyes. For a child-safe toy, embroider the eyes instead.

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Puppy Head

The head is round and slightly wide, with a gentle lower face. It is worked from the top down in the round. Use white yarn and US 3 needles.

1. Rnd 1: CO 8 sts, divide over needles, join to work in the round. K all sts.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all sts.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: K all sts.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7: K all sts.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 9: K all sts.
10. Rnd 10: K4, kfb; repeat around. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 11: K all sts.
12. Rnd 12: K5, kfb; repeat around. 56 sts.
13. Rnd 13: K all sts.
14. Rnd 14: K6, kfb; repeat around. 64 sts.
15. Rnds 15-28: K every rnd. Keep the fabric smooth and even.
16. Rnd 29: K14, kfb, k16, kfb, k16, kfb, k15, kfb. 68 sts.
17. Rnds 30-34: K every rnd. These rounds make the puppy cheeks full.
18. Rnd 35: K15, k2tog, k16, k2tog, k16, k2tog, k15, k2tog. 64 sts.
19. Rnd 36: K all sts.
20. Rnd 37: K6, k2tog; repeat around. 56 sts.
21. Rnd 38: K all sts.
22. Rnd 39: K5, k2tog; repeat around. 48 sts.
23. Rnd 40: K all sts.
24. Rnd 41: K4, k2tog; repeat around. 40 sts.
25. Rnd 42: K all sts.
26. Rnd 43: K3, k2tog; repeat around. 32 sts.
27. Pause and stuff the head firmly, shaping a round forehead and soft lower cheeks.
28. Rnd 44: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
29. Rnd 45: K1, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
30. Rnd 46: K2tog around. 8 sts.
31. Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

Large Black Eye Patch

The puppy has one large black circular patch around one eye. Knit it separately and sew it flat to the face before inserting or embroidering the eyes.

1. With black yarn and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. BO loosely knitwise, keeping the circle flat.

Place the patch slightly off-center on the puppy’s right side from the viewer’s perspective. Sew it with black yarn using tiny stitches around the edge. The patch should cover the area around the eye and sit about one third down from the top of the head.

Small Head and Body Spots

Make several small black knitted circles in different sizes. The photo shows spots on the ears, head, arms, legs, and clothing openings. Do not make them all identical; the charm comes from varied sizes.

Small Spot

1. With black yarn, CO 6 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. BO loosely.

Medium Spot

1. With black yarn, CO 7 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 14 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K1, kfb; repeat around. 21 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K all sts.
6. BO loosely.

• Make 7 small spots.
• Make 5 medium spots.
• Place 2 spots on the left ear, 2 on the right ear, 1 near the side of the head, 2 on the arms, and 3 on the legs.
• Add remaining spots where needed so the puppy looks balanced from the front.

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Muzzle

The muzzle is a small rounded oval in white. It sits below the eye line, centered under the patch and plain eye.

1. With white yarn and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
7. Rows 6-10: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
8. Row 11: K2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 12: P all sts.
10. Row 13: K2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Lightly stuff the muzzle only enough to lift it from the face. Sew it below the eyes. Keep the upper edge smooth and the lower edge softly curved.

Nose and Mouth

The nose is a small black oval triangle shape. Knit it firmly, then sew it to the upper center of the muzzle. The mouth is a short embroidered line.

1. With black yarn and US 2 needles, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: K2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
9. BO and shape into a soft oval triangle while sewing.

Use black embroidery thread to make one vertical stitch from the lower point of the nose. Add a tiny curved stitch at the bottom. Keep the expression gentle and slightly shy.

Cheeks

The puppy has soft pink blush on both cheeks. Use light pink yarn or embroidery thread. Work three short horizontal satin stitches on each side of the muzzle.

• Place the blush below the eye line.
• Keep the stitches soft and not too dark.
• Make each cheek about 5 stitches wide.
• Do not pull tightly, or the face will pucker.

Floppy Ears

The ears are long, rounded, and hang down at the sides of the head. They are white with black spots sewn on top. Make two ears alike.

1. With white yarn and US 3 needles, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Rows 7-24: Work in stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
9. Row 25: K2tog, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
10. Row 26: P all sts.
11. Row 27: K2tog, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
12. Row 28: P all sts.
13. Row 29: K2tog, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
14. Row 30: P all sts.
15. Row 31: K2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
16. Row 32: P all sts.
17. Row 33: K2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
18. Row 34: P all sts.
19. Row 35: K2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
20. BO loosely.

Fold the CO edge slightly inward before sewing to create a soft ear base. Attach each ear at the side of the head, beginning just below the top curve. The ears should hang forward slightly, not straight sideways.

Body

The body is smaller than the head and shaped like a soft pear. It is mostly hidden by the green overalls, but the shape helps the outfit sit correctly.

1. With white yarn and US 3 needles, CO 10 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb; repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb; repeat around. 50 sts.
10. Rnds 9-18: K every rnd.
11. Rnd 19: K8, k2tog; repeat around. 45 sts.
12. Rnds 20-23: K every rnd.
13. Rnd 24: K7, k2tog; repeat around. 40 sts.
14. Rnds 25-27: K every rnd.
15. Rnd 28: K6, k2tog; repeat around. 35 sts.
16. Rnd 29: K all sts.
17. Rnd 30: K5, k2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
18. Stuff the lower body firmly and upper body moderately.
19. Rnd 31: K3, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
20. Rnd 32: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
21. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing the head to the body.

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Legs

The legs are short and sturdy with white feet and black spots. Make two. The foot is slightly wider than the ankle, so the sandals can sit neatly over it.

1. With white yarn and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K4, kfb, k6, kfb, k4. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: K every rnd.
7. Rnd 9: K6, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k6. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 10: K all sts.
9. Rnd 11: K5, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k5. 14 sts.
10. Rnds 12-22: K every rnd.
11. Stuff the foot firmly and leg lightly.
12. Rnd 23: K1, k2tog; repeat to last 2 sts, k2. 10 sts.
13. BO, leaving a long tail.

Embroider three short black toe lines on the front of each foot. Add one small black spot to one leg and one medium spot to the other leg before adding the sandals.

Arms

The arms are slim and hang beside the overalls. Make two in white. The paws are rounded at the lower ends.

1. With white yarn and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-7: K every rnd.
5. Rnd 8: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
6. Rnds 9-24: K every rnd.
7. Stuff the paw firmly and the arm lightly.
8. Rnd 25: K2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull closed.

Embroider two small black paw lines at the lower front of each hand. Sew one small spot to one upper arm and one medium spot to the other arm.

Striped Shirt

The shirt peeks out under the green overalls. It has cream and light brown horizontal stripes, short sleeves, and a cozy handmade look.

1. With cream yarn and US 3 needles, CO 48 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K2, p2; repeat around.
3. Rnd 2: K2, p2; repeat around.
4. Change to light brown. Rnds 3-4: K all sts.
5. Change to cream. Rnds 5-6: K all sts.
6. Change to light brown. Rnds 7-8: K all sts.
7. Change to cream. Rnds 9-10: K all sts.
8. Change to light brown. Rnds 11-12: K all sts.
9. Change to cream. Rnds 13-14: K all sts.
10. Rnd 15: K10, BO 6 for armhole, k16, BO 6 for armhole, k10.
11. Work front and back separately for 6 rows in stripe sequence, keeping cream and light brown stripes.
12. Join shoulders by sewing 6 sts at each shoulder, leaving a neck opening of about 18 sts.

Short Sleeves

1. Pick up 18 sts around one armhole with cream yarn.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Change to light brown, k all sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Change to cream, k all sts.
6. Rnd 5: BO loosely.
7. Repeat for second sleeve.

Dress the body before attaching the arms if you prefer easier placement. The sleeves should sit under the overall straps and show clearly at the shoulders.

Green Garden Overalls

The overalls are one of the most important details. They are green, high-waisted, roomy at the belly, with short legs, front bib, yellow buttons, and embroidered flowers.

Overall Shorts

1. With garden green yarn and US 3 needles, CO 52 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K2, p2; repeat around.
3. Rnd 2: K2, p2; repeat around.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K all sts.
6. Rnd 5: K12, kfb, k24, kfb, k14. 54 sts.
7. Rnds 6-14: K every rnd.
8. Rnd 15: K27, place next 27 sts on holder for second leg.
9. First leg Rnds 1-6: K around 27 sts.
10. First leg Rnd 7: K2, p1; repeat around.
11. First leg Rnd 8: K2, p1; repeat around.
12. BO loosely.
13. Return held 27 sts to needles.
14. Second leg Rnds 1-6: K around 27 sts.
15. Second leg Rnd 7: K2, p1; repeat around.
16. Second leg Rnd 8: K2, p1; repeat around.
17. BO loosely.

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Front Bib

1. With green yarn, pick up 18 sts at the center front waist.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Rows 3-14: Work in stockinette.
5. Row 15: K2tog, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
6. Row 16: P all sts.
7. Row 17: K all sts.
8. Row 18: P all sts.
9. BO.

Overall Straps

1. With green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 until strap measures 4 inches.
5. BO.
6. Make a second strap the same way.

Sew the straps from the back waist, crossing slightly over the shoulders if needed, then bring them to the top corners of the bib. Sew a yellow button at each bib corner over the strap end.

Flower Embroidery on Overalls

• On the bib, embroider one red flower at the center using five lazy daisy stitches.
• Add two tiny yellow flowers beside it using three small straight stitches each.
• Add green stems with short vertical stitches.
• On the left short leg, add blue and yellow flowers near the hem.
• On the right short leg, add one red flower and two green leaves.

Keep the embroidery small and scattered, like garden blossoms stitched onto play clothes. Do not cover the whole bib; leave green fabric visible around the flowers.

Yellow Neck Scarf

The scarf sits around the neck between the head and shirt. It is bright yellow and tied to one side with two short ends.

1. With yellow yarn and US 3 needles, CO 7 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. Repeat Row 1 until the strip measures 11 inches.
5. BO loosely.

Wrap the scarf around the neck after the head is sewn on. Tie it once at the front-right side. Tack the knot in place with matching yellow yarn so it does not slip.

Brown Sandals

The sandals have tan-brown soles, front straps, ankle straps, and tiny white flowers. Make two soles and straps for each foot.

Sandal Sole

1. With light brown yarn and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Rows 5-12: Work in stockinette.
7. Row 13: K2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
8. Row 14: P all sts.
9. BO.
10. Make 4 soles total, 2 for each sandal.

For each sandal, place two soles wrong sides together and sew around the edge. Add thin plastic canvas between layers if the doll will stand for display.

Sandal Straps

1. For the toe strap, CO 4 sts with light brown yarn.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures 2 inches. BO.
3. For the ankle strap, CO 4 sts.
4. Knit every row until the strap measures 3 inches. BO.
5. Make one toe strap and one ankle strap for each sandal.

Sew the toe strap across the front of the foot. Sew the ankle strap behind the heel and around the ankle. Add a tiny white embroidered daisy with a yellow center on the outer side of each sandal.

Crossbody Carrot Bag

The puppy wears a small cream and pink striped crossbody bag with a carrot motif. It hangs from one shoulder and rests on the front of the overalls.

Bag Body

1. With cream yarn and US 2 needles, CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Change to soft pink. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Change to cream. Row 5: K all sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Repeat Rows 3-6 three more times.
9. Work 2 final rows in cream.
10. BO.
11. Make a second rectangle the same way.

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Place the two rectangles together and sew the sides and bottom. Leave the top open. The finished bag should be small and rectangular, about the width of the puppy’s front bib.

Bag Strap

1. With soft pink yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures 13 inches.
3. BO and sew one end to each side of the bag.

Carrot Motif

1. With orange yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K2tog, k2. 3 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K2tog, k1. 2 sts.
7. Row 6: P2tog. 1 st.
8. Fasten off.

Sew the carrot to the front of the bag. Add three tiny green straight stitches at the top as carrot leaves.

Straw Garden Hat with Bee

The puppy wears a small straw-colored hat tilted on top of the head. It has a blue band and a tiny yellow-and-black bee with pale blue wings.

Hat Crown

1. With tan straw yarn and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 7-13: K every rnd.
9. Rnd 14: P all sts to create brim fold line.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 15: K1, kfb; repeat around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 16: K all sts.
3. Rnd 17: K2, kfb; repeat around. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 18: K all sts.
5. Rnd 19: P all sts for a textured straw edge.
6. Rnd 20: BO loosely.

Blue Hat Band

1. With sky blue yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strip fits around the hat crown.
3. BO and sew around the base of the crown.

Tiny Bee

1. With yellow yarn and US 2 needles, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: Work in stockinette.
3. Change to black. Rows 3-4: Work in stockinette.
4. Change to yellow. Rows 5-6: Work in stockinette.
5. BO and seam into a tiny oval.
6. With sky blue yarn, CO 5 sts for one wing, BO. Make a second wing.
7. Sew wings to the top of the bee.
8. Sew bee to the hat band at the front side.

Place the hat slightly angled on the puppy’s head, leaning toward one ear. Tack it with tan yarn in three hidden places so it stays secure.

Cherry Clusters for Head and Ears

The photo shows bright red cherry accents with green leaves near the ears and hat. Make two cherry clusters.

Cherry

1. With red yarn and US 2 needles, CO 6 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 3-4: K all sts.
5. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 6 sts.
6. Stuff lightly, cut yarn, thread through rem sts, and close.
7. Make 4 cherries total.

Leaf

1. With leaf green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Sl1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
7. Fasten off.
8. Make 4 leaves.

Sew two cherries and two leaves near one side of the head below the hat. Sew the second cluster near the opposite ear. Keep the cherries lifted and round.

Watering Can

The watering can sits beside the puppy and is knitted in soft gray. It has a rounded body, narrow spout, top handle, and yellow stripe detail.

Can Body

1. With gray yarn and US 2 needles, CO 20 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K4, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 3-10: K every rnd.
5. Rnd 11: K4, k2tog; repeat around. 20 sts.
6. Rnd 12: P all sts for a rim line.
7. Rnd 13: K all sts.
8. BO and stuff lightly.

Spout

1. With gray yarn, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Rnds 1-7: K all sts.
3. Rnd 8: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rnds 9-10: K all sts.
5. BO.

Stuff the spout very lightly. Sew it to the side of the can at a slight upward angle. Flatten the end slightly so it resembles a watering spout.

Handle

1. With gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strip measures 4 inches.
3. BO.

Curve the handle over the top side of the watering can and sew both ends down. Embroider two yellow stripes around the can body using straight stitches.

Flower Pot

The flower pot is terracotta colored with green leaves and red flowers. It rests near the watering can and completes the garden scene.

Pot

1. With terracotta yarn and US 2 needles, CO 24 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: P all sts for lower rim.
4. Rnds 3-8: K every rnd.
5. Rnd 9: K4, k2tog; repeat around. 20 sts.
6. Rnd 10: K all sts.
7. Rnd 11: P all sts for top rim.
8. Rnd 12: BO.

Cut a small circle of cardboard or plastic canvas for the base if desired. Stuff the pot lightly and close the lower opening with gathering stitches.

Soil Top

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
4. BO and sew to the top of the pot.

Flowers

• For each red flower, CO 5 sts with red yarn, BO, then curl into a tiny rosette.
• Make 4 red flowers.
• For each leaf, CO 4 sts with green yarn, k one row, then BO.
• Make 6 leaves.
• Sew leaves and flowers on top of the brown soil circle.
• Add tiny yellow centers with embroidery stitches.

Strawberry Sunhat Accessory

The second hat in the photo sits beside the puppy. It is cream with a rounded crown, wide brim, and embroidered red strawberries with green tops.

Hat Crown

1. With cream yarn and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 9-16: K every rnd.
11. Rnd 17: P all sts for brim fold.

Wide Brim

1. Rnd 18: K4, kfb; repeat around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 19: K all sts.
3. Rnd 20: K5, kfb; repeat around. 56 sts.
4. Rnd 21: K all sts.
5. Rnd 22: K6, kfb; repeat around. 64 sts.
6. Rnd 23: K all sts.
7. Rnd 24: P all sts.
8. Rnd 25: BO loosely.

Strawberry Embroidery

• Use red yarn to make small V-shaped strawberry bodies around the crown and brim.
• Each strawberry is about 4 stitches tall and 3 stitches wide.
• Add two or three tiny green stitches at the top of each strawberry.
• Place strawberries evenly but not in perfect rows, matching the playful look in the photo.
• Embroider at least 10 strawberries around the visible hat surface.

Optional Tiny White Flower for Accessories

The sandals and garden outfit include small daisy-like flowers. Use this same tiny flower wherever you want to match the photographed details.

1. With white yarn or embroidery thread, make five short lazy daisy stitches.
2. Place the stitches in a circle.
3. Add one tiny yellow knot or straight stitch in the center.
4. Keep each flower smaller than 1/4 inch across.

Assembly Order

Assembly is what makes the doll look like the image. Work slowly, pin pieces first, and check the front view often. The puppy should look balanced, with the head slightly oversized and the ears framing the face.

1. Sew the body closed at the neck opening if needed, keeping the top flat.
2. Place the head on the body with the face looking forward.
3. Sew the head securely using the long body tail and small ladder stitches.
4. Dress the body in the striped shirt.
5. Pull the green overall shorts over the body and legs area.
6. Sew the legs to the lower front sides of the body, angled slightly outward.
7. Attach arms to the shoulder area over the shirt sleeves.
8. Sew the overall straps over the shoulders and add yellow buttons.
9. Wrap and tack the yellow scarf around the neck.
10. Sew the ears to the sides of the head.
11. Add the black eye patch, small spots, eyes, muzzle, nose, mouth, and cheeks.
12. Attach the straw hat with bee at a slight angle.
13. Add cherry clusters around the hat and ears.
14. Place the crossbody bag over one shoulder and tack it to the overalls.
15. Add sandals to the feet, checking that toe embroidery still shows.
16. Finish the watering can, flower pot, and strawberry hat as separate props.

Face Placement Guide

• Place the eyes between Rnds 25 and 29 of the head.
• Keep about 10 sts between the eyes.
• The black patch should surround one eye and sit slightly lower than the forehead center.
• The muzzle top should sit about 3 rnds below the eyes.
• The nose sits on the upper half of the muzzle.
• The mouth hangs directly below the nose with a single short black line.
• The blush sits to the left and right of the muzzle, not directly under the eyes.

Spot Placement Guide

The Dalmatian markings should look playful, not perfectly symmetrical. Use pins to test all spots before sewing. The image shows a clear mix of small and medium circles.

• Large black eye patch: one side of the face only.
• Head spot: one small or medium spot near the opposite side of the forehead.
• Left ear: one medium spot near the upper area and one small spot lower down.
• Right ear: one medium spot near the outside edge and one small spot near the lower tip.
• Arms: one visible black spot on each sleeve-side area of the white arm.
• Legs: one or two small black spots on the white lower legs.
• Feet: keep the tops mostly white so the toe embroidery and sandals show clearly.

Making the Doll Sit Nicely

The puppy in the image sits upright on a wooden garden table. To help your finished doll sit, stuff the lower body firmly and attach the legs slightly forward instead of directly underneath.

• Before final sewing, pin both legs and set the doll on a flat surface.
• Move the legs until the puppy leans back only slightly.
• Add extra stuffing to the lower belly if the doll collapses.
• Do not overstuff the arms, because soft arms hang more naturally.
• Keep the head centered so the hat does not make the doll tilt.

Finishing the Clothing Details

The outfit should feel layered. The striped shirt is visible at the sleeves and chest. The green overalls cover the belly. The yellow scarf sits on top and creates a bright garden look.

• Sew the shirt only where necessary so it does not twist.
• Tack the overalls at the back waist and under the arms.
• Place the yellow buttons high on the bib corners.
• Let the bag strap cross diagonally over the body.
• Keep the carrot motif centered on the front of the bag.
• Add embroidery only after the overalls are on the doll, so flowers face forward.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from straight ahead before securing every feature. The puppy should have a sweet handmade expression, with a round face, floppy ears, gentle blush, and one bold black eye patch.

• Secure eyes tightly or embroider them for child safety.
• Use small stitches around the muzzle so it blends into the face.
• Brush the cheeks lightly with pink thread, not heavy yarn loops.
• Hide all knots inside the head or beneath attached pieces.
• Trim yarn tails only after every feature is firmly attached.

Care Notes

This knitted puppy is best treated as a decorative handmade doll. The small accessories, buttons, bee, cherries, and bag details are delicate. Handle the doll gently and keep it away from rough play if beads or buttons are used.

• Spot clean with a damp cloth.
• Do not machine wash if the doll contains beads, buttons, or cardboard inserts.
• Let the doll air dry fully before storing.
• Reshape the hat brim and ears while damp if needed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is larger than the body and firmly stuffed.
• The ears hang low and frame the face.
• One large black patch surrounds one eye.
• The puppy has several small black Dalmatian spots.
• The green overalls have a front bib, straps, yellow buttons, and flower embroidery.
• The striped shirt is visible at the sleeves and chest.
• The yellow scarf is tied and tacked in place.
• The crossbody bag has cream and pink stripes with a carrot motif.
• The straw hat has a blue band and tiny bee.
• The cherry clusters are sewn near the ears and hat.
• The sandals have brown straps and small white flowers.
• The watering can, flower pot, and strawberry hat are complete as garden props.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the knitted shape, avoid soaking the whole doll unless every material used is washable. Many small decorative parts can loosen with heavy washing, especially the bee, cherries, flower embroidery, buttons, and bag strap.

• For dust, use a soft clean brush and brush in the direction of the stitches.
• For small marks, dab gently with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not rub the black spots against the white fabric while wet.
• Support the head and body while drying so the neck seam does not stretch.
• Store the doll upright or lying flat in a breathable cotton bag.
• Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading on the green overalls and red cherries.
• If the hat brim curls too much, steam lightly from a safe distance and flatten by hand.
• If the sandals loosen, re-tack the straps with matching brown yarn.

Enjoy Your Garden Dalmatian Puppy Doll

Your finished Garden Dalmatian Puppy Doll should look bright, soft, and full of tiny garden details. The combination of white Dalmatian body, black spots, green overalls, yellow scarf, straw hat, cherries, bee, sandals, watering can, flower pot, and strawberry hat creates the same cozy handmade garden character shown in the reference image.