Knitting Tutorial: Woodland Deer Acorn Mushroom Doll – Free Knitting Pattern.

Knitting Tutorial: Woodland Deer Acorn Mushroom Doll – Free Knitting Pattern.

This woodland deer doll is a soft knitted amigurumi-style keepsake with a large rounded deer head, cream face patch, glossy safety eyes, pink cheeks, pointed ears, flower-and-acorn crown, cream garden romper, leafy embroidery, mushroom motif, green shoes, acorn purse, matching forest hat, tiny mushroom, and a small handled basket filled with acorns.

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

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English knitting terms. The doll is worked mostly in the round using small needles, tight gauge, and firm stuffing so the finished piece has the smooth, rounded handmade look shown in the image. The head is intentionally oversized, the body is shorter and slim, and the legs are long enough to show the green shoes clearly.

  • Finished deer height: about 10.5 to 11.5 in / 27 to 29 cm from shoe soles to top of flower crown.
  • Main technique: small circular knitting with double-pointed needles or magic loop.
  • Difficulty: adventurous beginner to intermediate.
  • Construction: separate head, body, arms, legs, ears, shoes, clothing details, flowers, acorns, purse, hat, mushroom, and basket.
  • Gauge goal: dense fabric with no stuffing showing.

Materials

  • Sport weight or light DK yarn in warm deer tan for head, arms, legs, and outer ears.
  • Sport weight or light DK yarn in cream for muzzle, inner face patch, body romper, hat brim, basket, and mushroom stem.
  • Sport weight or light DK yarn in olive green for shoes, collar, leaves, vines, hat, straps, and edging.
  • Sport weight yarn in blush pink for roses and cheek shading.
  • Sport weight yarn in red or rusty mushroom red for mushroom cap and romper mushroom patch.
  • Sport weight yarn in medium brown for acorns, purse strap, acorn cap, and small accents.
  • Small amount of dark brown yarn for acorn tops and embroidered details.
  • Small amount of black yarn for nose, mouth, and optional eyelashes.
  • Two glossy black safety eyes, 12 mm to 14 mm.
  • Fiberfill stuffing.
  • US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needle for magic loop.
  • US 1 / 2.25 mm needles for small flowers and firm accessories.
  • Tapestry needle, stitch markers, embroidery needle, pins, scissors.
  • Optional pink powder blush or pink yarn for soft cheek color.

Abbreviations

  • CO: cast on.
  • BO: bind off.
  • K: knit.
  • P: purl.
  • St / sts: stitch / stitches.
  • Rnd / rnds: round / rounds.
  • Kfb: knit into front and back of same stitch, 1 stitch increased.
  • K2tog: knit 2 stitches together, 1 stitch decreased.
  • SSK: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together, 1 stitch decreased.
  • YO: yarn over.
  • St st: stockinette stitch, knit every round when working in the round.
  • Garter ridge: knit 1 round, purl 1 round.
  • I-cord: knit a small cord by sliding stitches to the other end of the needle instead of turning.

Gauge and Fabric Notes

Use needles smaller than the yarn label recommends. A firm knitted toy fabric is essential because the face, head, shoes, and accessories need to hold their shape. If your stitches look loose, go down a needle size before starting the doll.

  • Suggested gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 in / 2.5 cm in stockinette worked in the round.
  • Stuffing rule: stuff gradually, using tiny pieces of fiberfill for smooth shaping.
  • Seaming rule: pin all parts before sewing so the doll keeps the gentle tilted woodland look.

Color Placement Guide

The deer has a warm tan head with a large cream muzzle and face area running from the forehead down to the cheeks and snout. The arms and legs are tan. The romper is cream with olive edging, leafy embroidery, and a small red mushroom on the belly.

  • Head: tan with cream center face patch.
  • Muzzle: cream oval snout, sewn slightly raised.
  • Ears: tan outside, cream inner ear, pink blush inside.
  • Body outfit: cream romper with olive collar and hem.
  • Shoes: olive green with tan sole edge and tiny acorn decorations.
  • Accessories: pink roses, green leaves, brown acorns, acorn purse, green hat, red mushroom, cream basket.

Main Deer Head

The head is the most important shape. It should be large, rounded, slightly wider across the cheeks, and softly narrowed at the neck opening. Work tightly and stuff very firmly, especially near the lower cheeks and forehead.

  1. With tan yarn and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 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. Rnd 13: K all sts.
  15. Rnd 14: K6, kfb; repeat around. 64 sts.
  16. Rnd 15: K all sts.
  17. Rnd 16: K7, kfb; repeat around. 72 sts.
  18. Rnds 17-29: K all sts for 13 rounds. Keep the fabric even and firm.
  19. Rnd 30: K16, kfb, K36, kfb, K18. 74 sts. This adds gentle cheek width.
  20. Rnds 31-34: K all sts.
  21. Rnd 35: K10, k2tog; repeat 6 times, K2. 68 sts.
  22. Rnd 36: K all sts.
  23. Rnd 37: K9, k2tog; repeat 6 times, K2. 62 sts.
  24. Rnd 38: K all sts.
  25. Rnd 39: K8, k2tog; repeat 6 times, K2. 56 sts.
  26. Rnd 40: K all sts.
  27. Rnd 41: K6, k2tog; repeat around. 49 sts.
  28. Rnd 42: K all sts.
  29. Rnd 43: K5, k2tog; repeat around. 42 sts.
  30. Pause and place safety eyes between Rnds 29 and 30, about 14 sts apart. The eyes should sit low on the face and slightly angled inward for the sweet deer expression.
  31. Begin stuffing the head. Fill the top, sides, cheeks, and lower face firmly.
  32. Rnd 44: K4, k2tog; repeat around. 35 sts.
  33. Rnd 45: K all sts.
  34. Rnd 46: K3, k2tog; repeat around. 28 sts.
  35. Rnd 47: K all sts.
  36. Rnd 48: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 21 sts.
  37. Rnd 49: K1, k2tog; repeat around. 14 sts.
  38. Add final stuffing. Do not flatten the lower face.
  39. Rnd 50: K2tog around. 7 sts.
  40. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

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Cream Face Patch

The face patch creates the bright cream area visible from the forehead down around the muzzle. It is knitted flat, then sewn smoothly onto the head before the muzzle is added. Keep the lower edge rounded and the upper point soft.

  1. With cream yarn and US 2 needles, CO 5 sts.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: K1, kfb, K1, kfb, K1. 7 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: K1, kfb, K3, kfb, K1. 9 sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: K1, kfb, K5, kfb, K1. 11 sts.
  9. Row 8: P all sts.
  10. Row 9: K1, kfb, K7, kfb, K1. 13 sts.
  11. Rows 10-18: Work in stockinette, starting with a purl row.
  12. Row 19: K1, ssk, K7, k2tog, K1. 11 sts.
  13. Row 20: P all sts.
  14. Row 21: K1, ssk, K5, k2tog, K1. 9 sts.
  15. Row 22: P all sts.
  16. Row 23: K1, ssk, K3, k2tog, K1. 7 sts.
  17. Row 24: P all sts.
  18. Row 25: K1, ssk, K1, k2tog, K1. 5 sts.
  19. BO loosely.

Pin the cream patch to the front of the head. The narrow top should begin between the eyes and extend upward toward the forehead. The widest area should frame the muzzle and cheeks. Sew with small whip stitches using cream yarn.

Raised Muzzle

The muzzle is a small oval cushion sewn over the lower cream patch. It should sit centered under the eyes and slightly protrude, giving the deer the baby woodland animal look shown in the picture.

  1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnds 5-8: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 9: K1, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
  8. Stuff lightly. Keep the muzzle oval, not round.
  9. Rnd 10: K2tog around. 8 sts.
  10. Cut yarn, draw through sts, and close.

Sew the muzzle across the lower face patch, just below the eyes. Use tiny stitches and add a little extra stuffing before closing the final seam if the snout needs more lift.

Nose, Mouth, Cheeks, and Eyelashes

  • Nose: With black yarn, embroider a rounded triangle over the top center of the muzzle. Work 6 to 8 horizontal satin stitches, then wrap once around the lower edge to smooth the shape.
  • Mouth: From the lower point of the nose, stitch one short vertical line down. Add a tiny soft curve to each side if desired.
  • Cheeks: Use blush pink yarn or safe textile blush. Place color on each cheek under the eyes, about 4 to 5 sts wide.
  • Eyelashes: With black embroidery thread, add 3 short lashes at the outer upper edge of each eye.
  • Eye shaping: With tan yarn, insert needle behind one eye, pass through head to the other eye, pull gently, and knot securely. Repeat once for a slight inward gaze.

Outer Ears

The ears are long, pointed, and placed wide on the sides of the head. They angle slightly outward and upward. Each ear uses a tan outer piece and a smaller cream inner piece sewn on top.

  1. With tan yarn, CO 6 sts and work flat.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: K1, kfb, K2, kfb, K1. 8 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: K1, kfb, K4, kfb, K1. 10 sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: K1, kfb, K6, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
  9. Rows 8-16: Work in stockinette.
  10. Row 17: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
  11. Row 18: P all sts.
  12. Row 19: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
  13. Row 20: P all sts.
  14. Row 21: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
  15. Row 22: P all sts.
  16. Row 23: K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.
  17. Row 24: P all sts.
  18. Row 25: SSK, k2tog. 2 sts.
  19. Row 26: P2tog. 1 st. Cut yarn and fasten off.
  20. Make 2 outer ears.

Inner Ear Inserts

  1. With cream yarn, CO 4 sts and work flat.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: K1, kfb, kfb, K1. 6 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Rows 5-12: Work in stockinette.
  7. Row 13: K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.
  8. Row 14: P all sts.
  9. Row 15: SSK, k2tog. 2 sts.
  10. Row 16: P2tog. 1 st. Fasten off.
  11. Make 2 inner ears.

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Sew each cream inner ear to the tan outer ear. Add a few blush pink stitches or soft shading inside the lower ear. Fold the bottom of each ear slightly before sewing to the head so the ear forms a shallow cup.

Body and Cream Romper

The body is small compared with the head. It is knitted in cream to look like a fitted woodland romper. The top is narrow at the neck, the belly is softly rounded, and the lower edge separates around the legs.

  1. With cream yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 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. Rnds 7-16: K all sts.
  9. Rnd 17: K9, kfb, K20, kfb, K9. 42 sts.
  10. Rnds 18-24: K all sts.
  11. Rnd 25: K5, k2tog; repeat around. 36 sts.
  12. Rnd 26: P all sts to create a soft waist ridge.
  13. Rnd 27: K all sts.
  14. Rnd 28: K4, k2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
  15. Rnd 29: K all sts.
  16. Rnd 30: K3, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
  17. Stuff the body firmly, keeping the front smooth for embroidery.
  18. Rnd 31: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
  19. Rnd 32: K all sts.
  20. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.

Romper Leg Openings

The image shows a short romper with two lower openings and an olive scalloped hem. After the legs are sewn in place, add the knitted hem around the lower body edge.

  1. With olive green yarn, pick up 36 sts around the lower body ridge, spacing evenly.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: P all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K2, YO, k2tog; repeat around.
  5. Rnd 4: K all sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K1, K2tog, YO, K1; repeat around to create a tiny lace look.
  7. Rnd 6: BO knitwise, not too tight.

Legs

The legs are tan and straight, with the green shoes attached at the bottom. Make two matching legs. Stuff them firmly enough to support the seated or standing display look, but do not overstuff the ankle.

  1. With tan yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: K1, kfb; repeat around. 18 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-22: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 23: K4, k2tog; repeat around. 15 sts.
  6. Rnds 24-26: K all sts.
  7. Stuff the leg evenly.
  8. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
  9. Make 2 legs.

Olive Green Shoes

The shoes are rounded and slightly oversized. Each has an olive upper, tan sole edge, and a small acorn decoration on the front. Work the shoe separately, then sew it around the foot base.

  1. With olive green yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnds 4-8: K all sts.
  6. Rnd 9: K6, K2tog, K8, SSK, K6. 22 sts.
  7. Rnd 10: K all sts.
  8. Rnd 11: K5, K2tog, K8, SSK, K5. 20 sts.
  9. Rnd 12: P all sts for shoe rim.
  10. Rnd 13: K all sts.
  11. BO loosely.
  12. Make 2 shoes.

Tan Sole Trim

  1. With tan yarn, pick up 20 sts around the lower edge of one shoe.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: P all sts.
  4. BO.
  5. Repeat for second shoe.

Sew each shoe to the end of a leg. The shoes should face forward and angle very slightly outward, matching the charming handmade stance in the photo.

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Arms

The arms are slim tan tubes with cream cuff caps at the shoulder side. They hang downward along the body and curve gently beside the romper.

  1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-9: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 10: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
  6. Rnds 11-24: K all sts.
  7. Change to cream yarn.
  8. Rnds 25-27: K all sts.
  9. Stuff lightly at the paw end and softly through the arm.
  10. Rnd 28: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  11. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, and close.
  12. Make 2 arms.

Sew the arms to the upper sides of the body after the collar is added. Let the tan lower arms show clearly below the short cream sleeves.

Neck Ruffle Collar

The collar is olive green, lacy, and slightly ruffled. It sits between the large head and small body, with tiny cream highlights that look like woodland blossoms.

  1. With olive yarn, CO 36 sts. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: P all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K1, YO, K1; repeat around. 54 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K all sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K2, YO, k2tog; repeat to last 2 sts, K2.
  7. Rnd 6: P all sts.
  8. Rnd 7: BO loosely.

Slip the collar around the neck area before sewing the head to the body, or sew it around the joined neck afterward. Use cream yarn to add 8 to 10 tiny straight stitches around the collar as small flower flecks.

Leafy Embroidery on Romper

The romper has delicate olive vine embroidery rising from the lower left side and crossing the belly. Keep the embroidery light so the knitted fabric stays soft and flexible.

  • Use olive yarn split thinner if needed.
  • Stitch one main curved vine from the left lower hem toward the center chest.
  • Add 8 small leaves using lazy-daisy stitches, each leaf about 2 knitted stitches long.
  • Add a second short vine on the right side with 4 smaller leaves.
  • Keep the center front clear enough for the mushroom applique.

Red Mushroom Applique for Romper

The small red mushroom sits on the lower belly of the cream romper. It has a rounded red cap, cream stem, and tiny white embroidered dots.

Mushroom Cap

  1. With red yarn and US 1 needles, CO 10 sts.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: K1, kfb, K6, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Rows 5-7: Work in stockinette.
  7. Row 8: P all sts.
  8. Row 9: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
  9. Row 10: P all sts.
  10. BO.

Mushroom Stem

  1. With cream yarn, CO 5 sts.
  2. Rows 1-8: Work in stockinette.
  3. BO.

Sew the cream stem first, then overlap the red cap above it. Add 6 to 8 tiny white stitches on the red cap.

Flower Crown Vine

The flower crown sits across the top of the head from one ear toward the other. It uses an olive vine base, three main pink roses, two smaller pink buds, green leaves, and tiny brown acorns.

  1. With olive yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Work I-cord for 5.5 in / 14 cm.
  3. BO and leave tails at both ends.
  4. Pin the cord across the forehead just above the eyes, curving slightly upward at the sides.
  5. Sew it to the head with tiny hidden stitches, leaving space for flowers and acorns.

Large Knitted Roses

  1. With pink yarn and US 1 needles, CO 32 sts.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: K1, YO, K1 into same st; repeat across if comfortable, or Kfb in every st for a tighter rose strip.
  4. Row 3: K all sts.
  5. BO loosely.
  6. Roll the strip into a spiral rose. Sew through the base to secure.
  7. Make 3 large roses.

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Small Rose Buds

  1. With pink yarn, CO 18 sts.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: Kfb in each st across.
  4. Row 3: K all sts.
  5. BO loosely.
  6. Roll into a small bud and secure base.
  7. Make 2 small buds.

Crown Leaves

  1. With olive yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: Kfb, K1, kfb. 5 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: K all sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: SSK, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  9. Row 8: P all sts.
  10. Row 9: Slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
  11. Fasten off.
  12. Make 6 to 8 leaves.

Tiny Crown Acorns

  1. With medium brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 12 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-5: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 6: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  6. Stuff very lightly and close.
  7. With dark brown yarn, pick up 6 sts around the top.
  8. Rnds 1-2: K all sts.
  9. BO and add one tiny dark brown knot at the top.
  10. Make 3 small acorns for the crown.

Sew the three large roses across the center of the vine. Place small buds at the outer sides. Add leaves behind the roses, then sew the tiny acorns between the flowers so they peek forward like the image.

Acorn Crossbody Purse

The acorn purse hangs from a brown strap across the deer’s chest and rests near the right hip. It has a rounded golden-brown acorn body and a darker textured cap.

Acorn Purse Body

  1. With golden brown yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnds 4-12: K all sts.
  6. Rnd 13: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
  7. Rnd 14: K all sts.
  8. Stuff lightly so the purse is rounded but not hard.
  9. Rnd 15: K1, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
  10. BO.

Acorn Cap

  1. With dark brown yarn, CO 24 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-3: P all sts for bumpy texture.
  3. Rnd 4: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
  4. Rnd 5: P all sts.
  5. Rnd 6: K1, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
  6. Rnd 7: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  7. Cut yarn and close.

Sew the cap over the purse body. For the strap, make a brown I-cord 9 in / 23 cm long with 3 sts. Sew one end behind the left shoulder and the other behind the purse so it crosses the chest diagonally.

Matching Woodland Hat

The hat in the image is separate from the doll. It is olive green with a cream rolled brim, a cream pom-pom, a small leaf cluster, and a tiny acorn. Make it slightly larger than the head so it can rest beside the doll or fit gently over the crown if desired.

  1. With cream yarn, CO 60 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts for a rolled brim.
  3. Rnds 5-8: Work K1, P1 rib.
  4. Change to olive green yarn.
  5. Rnds 9-25: K all sts.
  6. Rnd 26: K8, k2tog; repeat around. 54 sts.
  7. Rnd 27: K all sts.
  8. Rnd 28: K7, k2tog; repeat around. 48 sts.
  9. Rnd 29: K all sts.
  10. Rnd 30: K6, k2tog; repeat around. 42 sts.
  11. Rnd 31: K all sts.
  12. Rnd 32: K5, k2tog; repeat around. 36 sts.
  13. Rnd 33: K4, k2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
  14. Rnd 34: K3, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
  15. Rnd 35: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
  16. Rnd 36: K1, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
  17. Rnd 37: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  18. Cut yarn, draw through sts, and close.

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Hat Pom-Pom, Leaf, and Acorn

  • Make a small cream pom-pom about 1 in / 2.5 cm wide and sew to the top.
  • Knit 3 olive leaves using the crown leaf pattern and sew them to one side of the hat.
  • Knit 1 tiny acorn using the crown acorn pattern and sew near the leaves.
  • Add a few cream stitches around the brim if you want the soft handmade texture to show more clearly.

Small Freestanding Mushroom

The mushroom beside the doll is a tiny forest prop with a cream stem and red cap. Keep it weighted with firm stuffing so it can stand near the hat or the deer.

Mushroom Stem

  1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-13: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 14: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
  6. Stuff firmly.
  7. Rnd 15: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  8. Close and weave in end.

Mushroom Cap

  1. With red yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
  6. Rnds 5-8: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 9: K2, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
  8. Rnd 10: K1, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
  9. Stuff lightly.
  10. BO and sew the cap to the top of the stem.

Add 8 to 10 small white duplicate stitches or tiny embroidered knots on the red cap. Spread them unevenly for a natural woodland mushroom look.

Small Basket with Acorns

The cream basket sits beside the deer and holds several knitted acorns. It has a shallow rectangular body, olive rim, two handles, and a small acorn decoration on the front.

Basket Body

  1. With cream yarn, CO 28 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 5: P all sts to mark the base edge.
  4. Rnds 6-16: K all sts.
  5. Change to olive yarn.
  6. Rnd 17: K all sts.
  7. Rnd 18: P all sts.
  8. Rnd 19: BO loosely.

Basket Base

  1. With cream yarn, CO 10 sts.
  2. Rows 1-18: Knit every row.
  3. BO.
  4. Sew the base to the bottom opening of the basket body.

Basket Handles

  1. With cream yarn, CO 3 sts.
  2. Work I-cord for 2.5 in / 6.5 cm.
  3. BO and sew one handle to each side of the basket.
  4. Make 2 handles.

Make 4 small acorns using the crown acorn instructions. Place 3 inside the basket and sew one to the front. Tack the inside acorns down with one hidden stitch each so they stay in place.

Shoe Acorn Decorations

Each green shoe has a tiny acorn on the front. These decorations are small but important because they visually connect the shoes to the purse, crown, basket, and hat.

  1. With tan yarn, CO 5 sts and join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 10 sts.
  4. Rnds 3-4: K all sts.
  5. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 5 sts.
  6. Close the tiny acorn body.
  7. With dark brown yarn, embroider 3 small cap stitches across the top.
  8. Make 2 and sew one to each shoe front.

Joining the Doll

Before sewing permanently, pin the head, body, ears, arms, legs, shoes, and purse together. The head should look large and expressive. The body should sit centered under the muzzle, and the legs should hang straight with the shoes visible.

  1. Sew the legs to the lower body first. Place them about 5 sts apart at the front lower edge.
  2. Sew the body to the head using the long cream tail. Add extra stitches around the back neck for strength.
  3. Position the ears on the sides of the head between Rnds 22 and 31. Sew firmly, folding the lower edge slightly.
  4. Sew arms to the upper sides of the body under the collar. Angle them downward.
  5. Add the collar around the neck and secure with tiny olive stitches.
  6. Sew the flower crown across the top front of the head.
  7. Add the acorn purse strap across the body from left shoulder to right hip.
  8. Sew the acorn purse at the right hip so it rests just below the arm.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from the front before tying off your yarn ends. The eyes should be level, glossy, and framed by the cream patch. The muzzle should be centered and slightly raised. Add eyelashes, blush, and a small black nose only after the head and ears are fully attached.

  • Use pins to test flower crown placement before sewing.
  • Keep cheek blush soft and round, not too dark.
  • Secure every accessory with several small stitches because the doll has many raised details.
  • Hide yarn tails inside the head or body using a long tapestry needle.

Care Notes

This doll is designed as a decorative handmade item. Because it includes safety eyes, small flowers, acorns, and sewn-on accessories, it is best for display or gentle handling rather than rough play.

  • Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
  • Do not machine wash if using safety eyes, blush, or glued accents.
  • Let the doll air dry completely on a towel.
  • Reshape the ears, flower crown, shoes, and purse while damp if needed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • The head is larger than the body and firmly stuffed.
  • The cream face patch is smooth and centered.
  • The muzzle is raised with a neat black nose.
  • The ears are pointed, cupped, and angled outward.
  • The romper has olive edging, vines, leaves, and a red mushroom.
  • The shoes are olive green with tan trim and tiny acorns.
  • The flower crown includes pink roses, leaves, and brown acorns.
  • The acorn purse crosses the chest and sits at the hip.
  • The hat, mushroom, and basket are finished as separate props.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the deer doll away from direct sunlight so the pink roses, olive shoes, and cream romper stay fresh in color. Keep it in a dry place and avoid crushing the flower crown or hat pom-pom.

  • For dust, use a soft brush and move gently with the direction of the knitted stitches.
  • For small marks, dab with a damp cloth instead of rubbing.
  • Keep the doll away from high heat, strong perfume, and moisture.
  • When storing, wrap loosely in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton cloth.

Your Woodland Deer Acorn Mushroom Doll is complete when the soft deer face, leafy outfit, tiny mushroom, flower crown, acorn purse, green shoes, matching hat, and little basket all work together as one cozy forest-themed knitted scene.

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