Knitting Tutorial: Strawberry Red Panda Garden Doll – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet knitted strawberry red panda garden doll has a round red panda face, white ears, large shiny brown eyes, a yellow berry-patterned dress with blue edging, blue shoes, a striped fluffy tail, and strawberry accessories. The set also includes a blue beret with tiny strawberries, a small strawberry crossbody purse, two little bees, and a woven-look garden basket filled with colorful yarn 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 is written to create a soft knitted doll closely matching the image: a seated red panda with rounded proportions, a large head, short arms, tapered legs, a bright garden dress, and playful strawberry details. Most pieces are knitted in the round on double-pointed needles or with the magic loop method.

The finished doll is designed with a firm amigurumi-style fabric. Use a needle size smaller than usual for your yarn so the stuffing does not show through. The dress is knitted separately and fitted over the body, which gives the same layered look as the doll in the picture.

• Finished doll height: about 9 inches tall from shoe soles to top of head.
• Finished head width: about 4.25 inches across when stuffed.
• Finished beret width: about 3.25 inches across.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
• Main techniques: knitting in the round, increases, decreases, short seaming, duplicate stitch, simple embroidery, small knitted appliques.

Materials

• Sport weight or light DK yarn in red-orange for the red panda head, arms, body, and tail.
• Sport weight or light DK yarn in dark brown for paws, legs, tail stripes, nose, and eye patches.
• Sport weight or light DK yarn in white or cream for muzzle, inner ears, cheek marks, eyebrows, and eye highlights.
• Sport weight or light DK yarn in pale pink for inner ear shading.
• Sport weight or light DK yarn in yellow for the dress.
• Sport weight or light DK yarn in bright blue for dress trim, beret, shoe trim, and berry motifs.
• Sport weight or light DK yarn in strawberry red for the purse and strawberry appliques.
• Sport weight or light DK yarn in green for strawberry tops.
• Sport weight or light DK yarn in tan for the garden basket.
• Small scraps in purple, yellow, green, and red for basket berries.
• Small scraps in black and yellow for the bees.
• 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 very small details if desired.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Two 10 mm brown safety eyes, or embroidered eyes if making for a young child.
• Black or dark brown embroidery thread for mouth line.
• White embroidery thread or yarn for eye highlights and strawberry seeds.

Gauge

Gauge: 28 stitches and 38 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch, knitted firmly in the round. Exact gauge is less important than a dense fabric. If your stitches look loose, go down one needle size. If your fabric is stiff and difficult to stuff, go up one needle size.

For the closest shape, stuff each piece gradually. The head should be round and full, the body should be pear-shaped, the arms should be slim with rounded dark paws, and the tail should be thick, slightly curved, and attached to the panda’s right side as shown in the image.

Abbreviations

• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• DPNs: double-pointed needles.
• k: knit.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
• p: purl.
• pm: place marker.
• rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• sl: slip stitch purlwise.
• ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• st or sts: stitch or stitches.
• WS: wrong side.

Important Construction Notes

• All doll pieces are knitted in stockinette in the round unless the instructions say otherwise.
• Use a long tail for each piece so you can sew parts together neatly.
• The red panda face details are added with small knitted appliques and embroidery after the head is stuffed.
• The dress is worked from the neckline downward and placed on the body before the head is attached.
• The blue berry motifs on the dress are duplicate stitched after knitting the dress.
• The strawberry purse strap crosses from the panda’s left shoulder to the right hip, just like the image.

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Head

The head is a round red-orange sphere with a slightly flattened lower front where the white muzzle is sewn. The large eyes sit high and wide, with dark brown circular patches behind them. White cheek flashes and small white eyebrows give the face the soft red panda expression.

1. With red-orange yarn, CO 8 sts. Divide over DPNs and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 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. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: k4, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts.
13. Rnd 12: k5, kfb, repeat around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-25: k all sts for 13 rounds.
15. Rnd 26: k5, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
16. Rnd 27: k all sts.
17. Rnd 28: k4, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
18. Rnd 29: k all sts.
19. Rnd 30: k3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
20. Pause here to begin stuffing the head firmly. Shape it into a wide, rounded face.
21. Rnd 31: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
22. Rnd 32: k1, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
23. Add more stuffing, especially around the cheeks.
24. Rnd 33: k2tog around. 8 sts.
25. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in securely.

White Muzzle Patch

The muzzle is oval and sits centered on the lower face. It should cover the lower middle of the face without hiding the cheek patches. Sew it slightly raised by adding a thin layer of stuffing underneath.

1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1, RS: k all sts.
3. Row 2, WS: 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: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
9. Row 12: p all sts.
10. Row 13: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. Row 14: p all sts.
12. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Place the muzzle on the front of the head between rounds 18 and 29. Sew around the edge using small stitches. Before closing the last inch, add a small pinch of stuffing so the muzzle becomes softly rounded.

Dark Brown Eye Patches

The image shows large warm brown eyes sitting inside darker brown circular patches. These patches are sewn behind the eyes before the white highlights are added. Make two.

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 6 sts and work in the round as a tiny circle.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every st. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, kfb, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k2, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
6. BO loosely, leaving a long sewing tail.

Flatten each patch into a round oval. Sew one patch on each side of the upper muzzle, angled very slightly upward toward the outside edge of the face. The inner edges should sit about 5 stitches apart.

Eyes and Eye Highlights

• Insert 10 mm brown safety eyes through the center of the dark brown patches before the head is fully closed, or sew them on securely afterward if using embroidered eyes.
• With white yarn or embroidery thread, add one large highlight at the upper outer edge of each eye.
• Add one tiny lower highlight on each eye to copy the bright glossy look in the image.
• Use small straight stitches and keep both eyes symmetrical.

Nose and Mouth

1. With dark brown yarn, embroider a small rounded triangle nose at the top center of the white muzzle.
2. Make the nose about 4 stitches wide and 3 rows tall.
3. Use vertical satin stitches until the nose is full and smooth.
4. With dark brown embroidery thread, stitch a short vertical line downward from the nose.
5. Add a gentle tiny V shape at the bottom of the line to create the sweet red panda mouth.

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White Eyebrows and Cheek Marks

The panda has two small white oval eyebrows above the eyes and soft white side cheek marks. These details make the face look exactly like a red panda rather than a simple fox or cat.

Eyebrows

1. Make two small white ovals. With white yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k all sts.
5. BO and leave a tail.
6. Sew one eyebrow above each eye patch, angled slightly inward.

Cheek Marks

1. Make two white cheek patches. With white yarn, 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: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
7. BO and leave a tail.
8. Sew one patch on each lower side of the face, beside the muzzle and below the eye patches.

Ears

The ears are wide, rounded triangles with white outer edges and soft pale pink shading inside. Make two outer ears and two inner ear pieces.

Outer Ear, Make Two

1. With white yarn, CO 18 sts and work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: work in stockinette stitch, beginning with a knit row.
3. Row 5: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Row 7: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Row 9: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
8. Row 10: p all sts.
9. Row 11: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
10. Row 12: p all sts.
11. Row 13: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
12. Row 14: p all sts.
13. Row 15: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
14. Row 16: p all sts.
15. Row 17: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
16. Row 18: p all sts.
17. Row 19: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
18. Cut yarn, pull through both sts, and fasten off.

Inner Ear, Make Two

1. With pale pink yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: work stockinette stitch.
3. Row 4: p all sts.
4. Row 5: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
5. Row 6: p all sts.
6. Row 7: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
7. Row 8: p all sts.
8. Row 9: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
9. Row 10: p all sts.
10. Row 11: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
11. Cut yarn and fasten off.

Sew one pink inner ear to each white outer ear. Pin the ears to the head between rounds 7 and 17, with the lower edges slightly curved around the side of the head. Sew firmly so the ears stand out but remain soft.

Body

The body is shorter than the head and shaped like a soft pear. The upper part remains red-orange because the arms and neckline are visible above the yellow dress. The lower body is hidden by the dress, so neat shaping matters more than color detail.

1. With red-orange yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 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 9-18: k all sts.
11. Rnd 19: k3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
12. Rnds 20-23: k all sts.
13. Rnd 24: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
14. Rnds 25-28: k all sts.
15. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the bottom wide and the top narrow.
16. Rnd 29: k1, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
17. Rnd 30: k2tog around. 8 sts.
18. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

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Legs

The legs are dark brown with red-orange tops and blue shoes added separately. Make two. The feet should point forward and sit close together, just visible below the yellow dress.

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-8: k all sts.
3. Change to red-orange yarn.
4. Rnds 9-16: k all sts.
5. Rnd 17: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 9 sts.
6. Stuff lightly. The legs should stay slim, not bulky.
7. Rnd 18: k all sts.
8. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and fasten off.

Sew the legs to the lower front of the body. Place them about 4 stitches apart. Angle them straight down so the shoes are visible beneath the dress hem.

Blue Shoes

The shoes are bright blue with open brown centers, like little sandals. Each shoe wraps around the lower dark brown foot and has a small strawberry button on top.

Shoe Base, Make Two

1. With bright blue yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: k all sts.
3. Rnd 4: k7, BO 4 sts for top opening, k7. You now have 14 live sts.
4. Next row: purl back across the 14 sts, working flat.
5. Next row: k all sts.
6. Repeat the last 2 rows once more.
7. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Wrap each shoe around the lower brown foot with the opening centered at the top. Sew the back seam and bottom edge neatly. The brown foot should show through the oval opening.

Blue Shoe Strap, Make Two

1. With bright blue yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. BO and leave a tail.
5. Sew one strap across each shoe opening.

Tiny Shoe Strawberries, Make Two

1. With red yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
5. Cut yarn and pull through.
6. With green yarn, make three tiny straight stitches at the wide top for leaves.
7. Sew one strawberry to the outer top of each shoe.

Arms

The arms are red-orange tubes with dark brown paw tips. They hang at the sides of the dress. Make two.

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: k all sts.
3. Rnd 6: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 9 sts.
4. Change to red-orange yarn.
5. Rnds 7-19: k all sts.
6. Stuff the paw firmly and the arm lightly.
7. Rnd 20: k1, k2tog, repeat around. 6 sts.
8. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and fasten off.

Sew the arms to the upper body at a slight downward angle. The dark brown paws should rest beside the skirt, not in front of the face or body.

Yellow Berry Dress

The dress is one of the main visual features. It has a bright yellow body, blue neckline, blue armhole edging, a flared skirt, a blue hem, and many small blue berry motifs scattered across the front. Work the dress from the top down.

Dress Yoke

1. With bright blue yarn, CO 36 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: p all sts to make a garter ridge.
4. Change to yellow yarn.
5. Rnd 3: k all sts.
6. Rnd 4: k5, kfb, repeat around. 42 sts.
7. Rnd 5: k all sts.
8. Rnd 6: k6, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
9. Rnd 7: k all sts.
10. Rnd 8: k7, kfb, repeat around. 54 sts.

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Armhole Split

1. Rnd 9: k8 for back, BO 8 sts for first armhole, k22 for front, BO 8 sts for second armhole, k8 for back. 38 sts remain.
2. Rnd 10: k8, CO 4 sts over first armhole gap, k22, CO 4 sts over second armhole gap, k8. 46 sts.
3. Rnds 11-14: k all sts.

Flared Skirt

1. Rnd 15: k1, kfb, repeat around. 69 sts.
2. Rnds 16-20: k all sts.
3. Rnd 21: k5, kfb, repeat until last 3 sts, k3. 80 sts.
4. Rnds 22-31: k all sts.
5. Change to bright blue yarn.
6. Rnd 32: k all sts.
7. Rnd 33: p all sts for a neat hem ridge.
8. Rnd 34: k all sts.
9. BO loosely so the skirt keeps its gentle flare.

Slip the dress over the body before attaching the head if possible. The neckline should sit just under the head, and the skirt should cover the top of the legs while leaving the blue shoes visible.

Blue Berry Motifs on Dress

The front of the dress has repeating blue berry shapes with tiny green tops. Add these with duplicate stitch or small embroidered stitches after the dress is on the body. Work more motifs on the front than the back, as seen in the image.

• Use bright blue yarn to stitch small teardrop berries, each about 3 stitches wide and 4 rows tall.
• Place the first row of berries across the upper skirt, about 6 rows below the neckline.
• Place the second row offset between the first row berries.
• Add a third row near the lower skirt, keeping the motifs above the blue hem.
• Use green yarn to add two tiny leaf stitches at the top of selected berries.
• Keep the berries irregular but balanced, like a handmade garden dress.

Blue Neckline and Armhole Edging

To copy the image’s bright blue borders, add surface stitching around the neckline and armholes.

1. With bright blue yarn and a tapestry needle, work chain-style embroidery around the neckline ridge.
2. Work one line of blue stitches around each armhole.
3. Keep the stitches smooth and even so the edging looks knitted rather than bulky.

Tail

The tail is thick, rounded, and striped with red-orange and dark brown. In the image it sits to the panda’s right side and curves outward. Knit it as a long stuffed tube and shape it while sewing.

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
3. Change to red-orange yarn.
4. Rnds 5-9: k all sts.
5. Change to dark brown yarn.
6. Rnds 10-14: k all sts.
7. Change to red-orange yarn.
8. Rnds 15-20: k all sts.
9. Change to dark brown yarn.
10. Rnds 21-25: k all sts.
11. Change to red-orange yarn.
12. Rnds 26-31: k all sts.
13. Rnd 32: k1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
14. Stuff gradually. Keep the tail full but flexible.
15. Rnd 33: k2tog around. 6 sts.
16. Cut yarn, pull through sts, and close.

Sew the cast-on end of the tail to the back right side of the body, just below the skirt line. Curve the tail around so it peeks out beside the doll. Add a few hidden stitches along the side to hold the curve.

Blue Beret

The beret is a separate round blue accessory placed beside the doll in the image. It has a flat circular shape, soft ridges leading to the center, and three small strawberry decorations. You can place it on the doll’s head or display it next to the doll.

1. With bright blue yarn, CO 8 sts and join 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. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: k4, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
12. Rnds 11-13: k all sts.
13. Rnd 14: k4, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
14. Rnd 15: k3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
15. Rnd 16: p all sts to form the lower rim.
16. BO loosely.

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To create the gathered center, thread a strand of blue yarn from the outer edge toward the center in 8 evenly spaced lines. Pull gently so the lines indent the beret, then secure at the center.

Strawberries for Beret and Head

The image shows tiny strawberries on top of the red panda’s head and on the blue beret. Make five strawberries total: two for the doll’s head, three for the beret.

1. With red yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 6 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, kfb, repeat around. 9 sts.
4. Rnds 3-4: k all sts.
5. Rnd 5: k1, k2tog, repeat around. 6 sts.
6. Stuff with a tiny pinch of fiberfill.
7. Rnd 6: k2tog around. 3 sts.
8. Cut yarn, pull through sts, and close.
9. With white thread, embroider 5 or 6 tiny seed stitches on the strawberry.
10. With green yarn, embroider 4 small leaf stitches around the top.

Sew two strawberries together near the top of the doll’s head, slightly to the panda’s right side. Sew three strawberries to the beret, spacing them in a loose triangle.

Strawberry Crossbody Purse

The purse is a bright red strawberry bag that hangs from a thin red strap across the yellow dress. It should sit at the panda’s lower right side, with the strap crossing diagonally from the left shoulder.

Strawberry Bag

1. With red yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, kfb, repeat around. 15 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k2, kfb, repeat around. 20 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: k all sts.
7. Rnd 9: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 15 sts.
8. Rnd 10: k1, k2tog, repeat around. 10 sts.
9. Stuff lightly so the bag is rounded but flat enough to sit against the dress.
10. Rnd 11: k2tog around. 5 sts.
11. Cut yarn, pull through, and close at the point.

Green Strawberry Top

1. With green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k1, BO 1, k1, BO 1, k1 to create small leaf points.
5. Fasten off and sew across the wide top of the red strawberry bag.

Seeds and Strap

1. With white yarn or thread, embroider small vertical seed stitches over the red bag.
2. For the strap, with red yarn, CO 70 sts.
3. BO all sts knitwise to make a firm cord.
4. Sew one end of the strap near the doll’s left shoulder.
5. Cross it over the dress and sew the other end behind the strawberry bag at the right hip.
6. Tack the bag to the dress with two small hidden stitches so it stays in place.

Garden Basket

The basket is small, tan, rounded, and filled with colorful yarn berries. It sits beside the doll. The basket is worked like a tiny bowl with a handle.

Basket Bowl

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: p all sts for a base ridge.
6. Rnds 5-10: k all sts.
7. Rnd 11: p all sts for the upper rim.
8. Rnd 12: k all sts.
9. BO loosely.

Flatten the base gently so the basket sits upright. Add a tiny amount of stuffing or a felt circle inside if you want it to hold its bowl shape.

Basket Handle

1. With tan yarn, CO 28 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. BO all sts.
5. Sew one end to each side of the basket rim, forming an arching handle.

Colorful Basket Berries

1. For each berry, with scrap yarn, CO 6 sts and join 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. Rnd 4: k2tog around. 6 sts.
6. Stuff very lightly, pull closed, and fasten off.
7. Make at least five berries in red, yellow, green, purple, and blue.
8. Sew or place them inside the basket so they peek over the rim.

Little Bees

Two tiny bees float near the doll in the image. They are yellow and black striped, with small white wings. Make two bees and place them beside the doll as display accessories.

Bee Body, Make Two

1. With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: with yellow, k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: change to black, k all sts.
6. Rnd 5: change to yellow, k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: change to black, k all sts.
8. Rnd 7: change to yellow, k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: k2tog around. 8 sts.
10. Stuff lightly.
11. Rnd 9: k2tog around. 4 sts.
12. Cut yarn, pull through, and close.

Bee Wings, Make Four

1. With white yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
7. Fasten off.

Sew two wings to the top of each bee. Add a small black stitch at one end for the face if desired. Keep the bees soft and lightweight.

Facial Fluff and Side Tufts

The red panda has small white tufts at the sides of the face near the ears. These are simple but important because they create the rounded furry silhouette seen in the picture.

1. Cut six 3-inch lengths of white yarn for each side.
2. Using a tapestry needle or crochet hook, pull the middle of each strand through one stitch near the lower outer ear area.
3. Pass the yarn ends through the loop and pull gently to knot.
4. Trim the tufts to about 0.5 inch long.
5. Brush lightly with your fingers so the tufts fan outward.

Head-to-Body Assembly

Place the dressed body upright. Set the head on top with the face looking forward and the ears balanced evenly. The head should be larger than the body, matching the cute plush proportions in the image.

1. Pin the head to the top of the body.
2. Check that the muzzle is centered above the dress front.
3. Use red-orange yarn to sew around the neck twice.
4. Pull the stitches firm enough to prevent wobbling.
5. Add a little stuffing into the neck gap before closing the seam completely.
6. Hide all yarn ends inside the head or body.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Sew the ears securely to the head and shape them into rounded triangles.
• Sew the white muzzle, cheek marks, eyebrows, and eye patches in place before adding final embroidery.
• Attach the arms after the dress is fitted so the sleeves sit over the shoulders naturally.
• Sew the legs to the lower body and place the blue shoes straight forward.
• Attach the tail to the back right side, then curve it beside the skirt.
• Add the strawberry purse strap diagonally across the chest and secure the purse at the lower right side.
• Place the two head strawberries slightly off-center at the top of the head.
• Display the blue beret beside the doll or tack it lightly to the head if you prefer.

Finishing the Dress Details

After the doll is fully assembled, check the yellow dress from the front. Add extra blue berry motifs wherever the skirt looks empty. The image has a playful handmade pattern, so the berries do not need to be perfectly identical.

Use duplicate stitch for the cleanest knitted look. For each berry, cover 3 stitches across and 4 rows high with blue yarn. Add two green leaf stitches at the top of some berries. Keep the blue hem visible and smooth.

Shaping Tips for a Picture-Matching Result

• Make the head round and full, not tall or narrow.
• Keep the muzzle oval and centered low on the face.
• Place the eyes wide apart for the cute garden doll expression.
• Angle the ears slightly outward, with the pink inner ears facing forward.
• Stuff the arms lightly so they hang naturally.
• Stuff the tail more firmly than the arms so it keeps its striped curve.
• Let the dress flare gently over the legs rather than fitting tightly.
• Use bright blue details generously because the image has strong blue accents.

Care Notes

Spot clean the doll with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak the doll unless every yarn used is washable and all accessories are securely sewn. Press out moisture gently with a towel and reshape the head, ears, dress, and tail while drying.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The red panda has two white ears with pink inner pieces.
• The face has brown eye patches, large glossy eyes, white eyebrows, white cheeks, and a raised white muzzle.
• The yellow dress has blue neckline trim, blue armhole trim, blue hem, and blue berry motifs.
• The doll has blue shoes with tiny strawberry decorations.
• The striped tail curves out on the right side.
• The strawberry purse crosses the body on a red strap.
• The blue beret has three strawberries.
• The garden basket contains colorful small berries.
• Two striped bees have white wings.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the doll away from strong sunlight to keep the red, yellow, and blue colors bright. If the doll is displayed on a shelf, support the tail so it does not flatten over time. Keep the small bees and basket in a shallow tray or box when not displayed.

For long-term care, gently fluff the ears, side tufts, and tail with your fingers. Avoid pulling on the strawberry purse strap or the beret strawberries. If a small applique loosens, sew it back with matching yarn before washing or handling the doll again.