Knitting Tutorial: Raccoon Berry Garden Dress Doll – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet knitted raccoon doll wears a mustard garden dress over a blue top, a soft ivory cardigan with tiny berry embroidery, green flower sandals, a brown mushroom crossbody bag, and a pink flower headband. The design includes a rounded raccoon head, black facial mask, white muzzle, gray striped face shaping, pointed ears, gray arms and legs, and a dark fluffy tail.

 

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 as a small knitted soft toy with separate clothing and accessories. The body, head, limbs, ears, tail, dress, cardigan, sandals, bag, flowers, and embroidered berry details are all shaped with specific stitch counts so the finished piece closely follows the image.

• Finished size: About 10 to 11 inches tall when made with DK yarn and 2.75 mm needles.
• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
• Main technique: Small-circumference knitting in the round, short rows, color changes, mattress stitch, embroidery, and light shaping.
• Recommended needles: US 2 or US 3 double-pointed needles, or long circular needle for magic loop.
• Seam allowance: Use mattress stitch with matching yarn unless otherwise stated.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in medium gray for head, body, arms, legs, and face markings.
• DK weight yarn in dark charcoal or black for eye mask, ear tips, paws, feet, and tail stripes.
• DK weight yarn in cream or warm white for muzzle, eyebrow patches, and cardigan.
• DK weight yarn in mustard yellow for the dress.
• DK weight yarn in muted denim blue for the upper shirt.
• DK weight yarn in olive green for sandals and leaf details.
• DK weight yarn in soft brown for the bag and headband cord.
• Small amounts of pink, red, purple, yellow, and white yarn for flowers, berries, and mushroom spots.
• Two 7 mm black safety eyes or glossy black beads.
• One small black safety nose or embroidered black nose.
• Four tiny wooden-look buttons, about 6 mm wide.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, and removable row markers.

Gauge

Gauge is important because the doll needs firm knitted fabric that holds stuffing without gaps. Work a small stockinette swatch in the round with your main needle size. A good gauge is 7 stitches and 10 rounds per inch. If your fabric is loose, go down one needle size.

• Stuffed toy gauge: Firm, dense, and slightly tight.
• Dress fabric: Smooth but not stiff.
• Cardigan fabric: Slightly softer than the body, but still neat.
• Embroidery: Use small stitches so berries and flowers stay delicate.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on.
• BO: Bind off.
• k: Knit.
• p: Purl.
• st / sts: Stitch / stitches.
• rnd / rnds: Round / rounds.
• RS: Right side.
• WS: Wrong side.
• kfb: Knit into front and back of the same stitch.
• k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: Slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together.
• M1R: Make 1 right-leaning stitch.
• M1L: Make 1 left-leaning stitch.
• PM: Place marker.
• SM: Slip marker.
• st st: Stockinette stitch.

Construction Notes

The raccoon is built from the feet upward, with the legs joined into one body. The head is knitted separately and sewn on at a slight forward-facing angle. The dress slips over the body, while the cardigan is worked flat and sewn at the shoulders and sides.

To match the photo, keep the head larger than the body. The head should be about 40 percent of the full doll height. The dress begins just below the blue shirt section and flares gently toward the hem. The cardigan sits open at the front and ends slightly above the dress waist.

• Use firm stuffing in the head and body.
• Use lighter stuffing in arms and tail so they bend naturally.
• Place all face details before sewing the head to the body.
• Pin clothing pieces in place before stitching permanently.
• Keep the cardigan sleeves short enough to show gray paws.

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Legs and Feet

Right Foot and Leg

Start with dark charcoal yarn for the rounded paw shoe area. Work in the round. This creates the dark foot visible under the mustard dress and inside the green sandal.

1. CO 8 sts and divide evenly over needles.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st around. You will have 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k16.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. You will have 24 sts.
5. Rnds 4-6: k24.
6. Rnd 7: k6, k2tog 6 times, k6. You will have 18 sts.
7. Rnd 8: k18.
8. Rnd 9: k4, k2tog 5 times, k4. You will have 13 sts.
9. Change to medium gray yarn.
10. Rnd 10: k13 through the back loops to make a neat color edge.
11. Rnd 11: k6, kfb, k6. You will have 14 sts.
12. Rnds 12-24: k14.
13. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly as you go.
14. Cut yarn, leaving stitches live on a holder.

Left Foot and Leg

1. Repeat the right foot and leg exactly through Rnd 24.
2. Do not cut yarn after Rnd 24.
3. Keep 14 sts live for the left leg.
4. Hold the right leg beside the left leg with toes pointing forward.

Joining the Legs and Knitting the Body

The raccoon body is slim and hidden partly by the dress. The upper chest is blue, just like the visible shirt collar under the cardigan. Work the lower body in gray first, then change to blue for the shirt section.

1. With medium gray yarn on the left leg, k14 across left leg.
2. CO 4 sts for the center front.
3. K14 across right leg.
4. CO 4 sts for the center back. You now have 36 sts.
5. PM at center back. This is the beginning of the round.
6. Rnds 1-5: k36.
7. Rnd 6: k7, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 32 sts.
8. Rnds 7-12: k32.
9. Rnd 13: k6, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 28 sts.
10. Rnds 14-17: k28.
11. Change to muted denim blue yarn for the visible shirt.
12. Rnd 18: k28 through the back loops.
13. Rnds 19-25: k28.
14. Rnd 26: k5, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 24 sts.
15. Rnds 27-29: k24.
16. Rnd 30: k4, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 20 sts.
17. Stuff body firmly, keeping the waist narrow and the chest smooth.
18. Rnd 31: k2tog around. You will have 10 sts.
19. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in.

Head

The head is round with a slightly tapered lower muzzle area. The face uses gray as the main color, dark charcoal for the mask, and cream for the muzzle and eyebrow patches. Work the main head first, then add the color patches with duplicate stitch and knitted appliqué pieces.

Main Head Shape

1. Using medium gray yarn, CO 8 sts and divide evenly.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st around. You will have 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k16.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, repeat around. You will have 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k24.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb, repeat around. You will have 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: k32.
8. Rnd 7: k3, kfb, repeat around. You will have 40 sts.
9. Rnd 8: k40.
10. Rnd 9: k4, kfb, repeat around. You will have 48 sts.
11. Rnds 10-18: k48.
12. Rnd 19: k10, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 44 sts.
13. Rnd 20: k44.
14. Rnd 21: k9, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 40 sts.
15. Rnd 22: k40.
16. Rnd 23: k8, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 36 sts.
17. Rnd 24: k36.
18. Rnd 25: k4, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 30 sts.
19. Rnd 26: k3, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 24 sts.
20. Pause and stuff the head firmly. Shape it into a round top with a soft lower cheek area.
21. Rnd 27: k2, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 18 sts.
22. Rnd 28: k1, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 12 sts.
23. Rnd 29: k2tog around. You will have 6 sts.
24. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

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White Muzzle Patch

The muzzle is an oval cream piece sewn onto the lower front of the face. It should sit centered, with the top edge just below the eyes and the lower edge near the chin.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: p6.
3. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. You will have 8 sts.
4. Row 3: p8.
5. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. You will have 10 sts.
6. Rows 5-7: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
7. Row 8: ssk, k6, k2tog. You will have 8 sts.
8. Row 9: p8.
9. Row 10: ssk, k4, k2tog. You will have 6 sts.
10. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.
11. Sew to the face with the cast-on edge at the upper muzzle and the bound-off edge at the chin.

Black Face Mask

The raccoon mask is created with two dark knitted patches. Each patch curves around one eye and narrows toward the nose, matching the black mask seen in the image.

1. Using dark charcoal yarn, CO 5 sts for the right mask patch.
2. Row 1: p5.
3. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. You will have 7 sts.
4. Row 3: p7.
5. Row 4: kfb, k5, kfb. You will have 9 sts.
6. Rows 5-8: work 4 rows in st st.
7. Row 9: p2tog, p5, p2tog. You will have 7 sts.
8. Row 10: ssk, k3, k2tog. You will have 5 sts.
9. BO all sts.
10. Make a second patch the same way.
11. Pin each patch diagonally from the upper outer eye area down toward the side of the muzzle.
12. Sew with tiny whipstitches using matching dark yarn.

Cream Eyebrow Patches

1. Using cream yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: p4.
3. Row 2: kfb, k2, kfb. You will have 6 sts.
4. Row 3: p6.
5. Row 4: ssk, k2, k2tog. You will have 4 sts.
6. BO all sts.
7. Make a second patch.
8. Sew one small patch above each eye, angled slightly inward.

Facial Center Stripe

The gray center stripe should run from the forehead down between the eyes. Use dark gray duplicate stitch over the existing gray head fabric so the stripe looks knitted into the face.

• Start 8 rounds above the eyes.
• Work 2 vertical duplicate stitches down the center forehead.
• Widen to 3 duplicate stitches between the eyes.
• Stop just above the cream muzzle.
• Add two short dark gray duplicate-stitch lines beside the center stripe for natural fur texture.

Eyes, Nose, and Mouth

1. Place the eyes between Rnds 16 and 17 of the head.
2. Leave 8 sts between the eyes.
3. Place each eye through the center of a black mask patch.
4. Attach safety backs before final stuffing if using safety eyes.
5. Sew or insert the nose at the upper center of the cream muzzle.
6. With black embroidery yarn, stitch one short vertical line below the nose.
7. Add a shallow smiling curve, 2 sts wide on each side.
8. Use one strand of white yarn to add a tiny catchlight beside each eye.

Ears

The ears are triangular and slightly rounded. They use charcoal on the outside and a little gray inner detail. Sew them to the upper sides of the head so they point up and outward.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. Using dark charcoal yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: p10.
3. Row 2: k10.
4. Row 3: p10.
5. Row 4: ssk, k6, k2tog. You will have 8 sts.
6. Row 5: p8.
7. Row 6: ssk, k4, k2tog. You will have 6 sts.
8. Row 7: p6.
9. Row 8: ssk, k2, k2tog. You will have 4 sts.
10. Row 9: p4.
11. Row 10: ssk, k2tog. You will have 2 sts.
12. Row 11: p2tog. You will have 1 st.
13. Cut yarn and pull through.

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Inner Ear, Make 2

1. Using medium gray yarn, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: p6.
3. Row 2: k6.
4. Row 3: p6.
5. Row 4: ssk, k2, k2tog. You will have 4 sts.
6. Row 5: p4.
7. Row 6: ssk, k2tog. You will have 2 sts.
8. Row 7: p2tog. You will have 1 st.
9. Cut yarn and pull through.
10. Sew each gray inner ear to one charcoal outer ear.

Attach ears between Rnds 8 and 14 of the head. The inner lower corner of each ear should sit about 7 sts from the center top line. Angle the ears slightly outward so they frame the head like the photo.

Arms

The arms are narrow and hang naturally beside the body. The paws are gray-dark at the lower end and the sleeves of the cardigan cover most of the upper arm.

1. Using dark charcoal yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st around. You will have 16 sts.
3. Rnds 2-4: k16.
4. Rnd 5: k2, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 12 sts.
5. Change to medium gray yarn.
6. Rnds 6-20: k12.
7. Stuff the paw lightly. Leave the upper arm almost unstuffed.
8. Rnd 21: k2tog around. You will have 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and close.
10. Make the second arm the same way.

Sew the arms to the upper body at the shoulder line, just below the blue shirt neck area. Angle each arm downward, with paws resting beside the dress. Make sure the cardigan sleeves will cover the shoulder joins.

Tail

The tail is dark, soft, and visible along one side behind the dress. It should be slightly curved, thick at the base, and tapered toward the tip.

1. Using dark charcoal yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st around. You will have 20 sts.
3. Rnds 2-4: k20.
4. Change to medium gray yarn.
5. Rnds 5-7: k20.
6. Change to dark charcoal yarn.
7. Rnds 8-10: k20.
8. Change to medium gray yarn.
9. Rnds 11-14: k20.
10. Rnd 15: k8, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 18 sts.
11. Change to dark charcoal yarn.
12. Rnds 16-18: k18.
13. Rnd 19: k7, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 16 sts.
14. Rnds 20-22: k16.
15. Rnd 23: k2, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 12 sts.
16. Rnd 24: k12.
17. Stuff lightly, keeping a soft curve.
18. Rnd 25: k2tog around. You will have 6 sts.
19. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and close.

Sew the tail to the back of the body before adding the dress. Place it slightly toward the doll’s left side so it peeks out behind the skirt, similar to the image.

Mustard Garden Dress

The mustard dress has a straight upper bib and a flared skirt. It is knitted separately from the body so it can sit cleanly over the raccoon’s torso. Use a firm but flexible tension so the skirt hangs smoothly.

Skirt

1. Using mustard yarn, CO 72 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: p72 for the lower garter ridge.
3. Rnd 2: k72.
4. Rnd 3: p72.
5. Rnd 4: k72.
6. Rnds 5-12: k72.
7. Rnd 13: k7, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 64 sts.
8. Rnds 14-21: k64.
9. Rnd 22: k6, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 56 sts.
10. Rnds 23-28: k56.
11. Rnd 29: k5, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 48 sts.
12. Rnds 30-34: k48.
13. Rnd 35: k4, k2tog, repeat around. You will have 40 sts.
14. Rnds 36-38: k40.
15. Do not bind off yet.

Dress Waist and Front Bib

1. Rnd 39: p40 to create a waist ridge.
2. Rnd 40: k40.
3. BO 10 sts for the back opening, k20 for the front bib area, BO 10 sts.
4. Turn. You will now work the center 20 sts flat.
5. Row 1 WS: p20.
6. Row 2 RS: k20.
7. Rows 3-10: continue in st st over 20 sts.
8. Row 11 WS: p20.
9. Row 12 RS: k2, ssk, k12, k2tog, k2. You will have 18 sts.
10. Row 13 WS: p18.
11. Row 14 RS: k2, ssk, k10, k2tog, k2. You will have 16 sts.
12. Rows 15-18: work in st st over 16 sts.
13. BO all sts neatly.

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Dress Straps, Make 2

1. Using mustard yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: k5.
3. Row 2: p5.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 until the strap measures 3 inches.
5. BO all sts.
6. Sew straps to the top corners of the bib.
7. Cross them slightly at the back and sew to the back waist ridge.

Slide the dress over the doll from the feet upward. The hem should cover the upper legs and stop above the sandals. The bib should sit over the blue shirt and under the open cardigan.

Blue Shirt Neck Section

The blue shirt is already knitted into the upper body, but a small ribbed collar makes it more visible under the cardigan. This collar sits around the neck and peeks above the mustard bib.

1. Using blue yarn, CO 26 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k1, p1 across each row.
3. Rows 5-8: work in st st.
4. BO all sts loosely.
5. Wrap the strip around the base of the neck.
6. Sew the back seam closed.
7. Tack the lower edge to the blue body section with small stitches.

Ivory Cardigan

The cardigan is cropped, open at the front, and slightly loose. It has simple sleeves, a small front placket, tiny buttons, and berry embroidery on both lower front panels.

Back Panel

1. Using cream yarn, CO 30 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p30.
3. Row 2 RS: k30.
4. Rows 3-22: continue in st st.
5. Row 23 WS: p30.
6. Row 24 RS: k5, BO 20 sts, k5.
7. Place the first 5 shoulder sts on a holder.
8. Work the second 5 shoulder sts for 2 rows in st st.
9. BO those 5 sts.
10. Return to the held 5 shoulder sts, work 2 rows, and BO.

Left Front Panel

1. Using cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p16.
3. Row 2 RS: k16.
4. Rows 3-18: continue in st st.
5. Row 19 WS: p16.
6. Row 20 RS: k12, ssk, k2. You will have 15 sts.
7. Row 21 WS: p15.
8. Row 22 RS: k11, ssk, k2. You will have 14 sts.
9. Row 23 WS: p14.
10. Row 24 RS: k10, ssk, k2. You will have 13 sts.
11. Row 25 WS: p13.
12. Row 26 RS: k8, BO 5 shoulder sts.
13. BO remaining sts loosely along the neckline.

Right Front Panel

1. Using cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p16.
3. Row 2 RS: k16.
4. Rows 3-18: continue in st st.
5. Row 19 WS: p16.
6. Row 20 RS: k2, k2tog, k12. You will have 15 sts.
7. Row 21 WS: p15.
8. Row 22 RS: k2, k2tog, k11. You will have 14 sts.
9. Row 23 WS: p14.
10. Row 24 RS: k2, k2tog, k10. You will have 13 sts.
11. Row 25 WS: p13.
12. Row 26 RS: BO 5 shoulder sts, k8.
13. BO remaining sts loosely along the neckline.

Cardigan Sleeves, Make 2

1. Using cream yarn, CO 22 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: k1, p1 rib around.
3. Rnds 4-12: k22.
4. Rnd 13: k9, k2tog, k9, k2tog. You will have 20 sts.
5. Rnds 14-20: k20.
6. Rnd 21: k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog. You will have 18 sts.
7. Rnds 22-24: k18.
8. BO all sts loosely.

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Cardigan Assembly

1. Sew shoulder seams of the front panels to the back panel.
2. Sew sleeves into armholes with the sleeve seam hidden underneath.
3. Sew side seams from underarm to lower edge.
4. Keep the front open and slightly relaxed.
5. Fold the front edges inward by 1 stitch and tack lightly for a neat placket.
6. Sew four small buttons down the doll’s right front edge.
7. Do not make working buttonholes. The cardigan is decorative and should stay open.

Berry Embroidery on Cardigan

The cardigan has small berry stems on both lower front panels. Place the embroidery low enough to be visible above the dress waist and away from the button line.

• On each front panel, stitch one short green stem about 5 knitted rows tall.
• Add two small green leaves using lazy daisy stitches.
• Make two purple berries with French knots or small satin stitches.
• Make two red berries below the purple berries.
• Keep each berry group about 1 inch tall.
• Repeat on the other front panel, mirroring the placement.

Green Sandals

The sandals sit over the dark feet and have a green strap across the top with a light sole edge. Each sandal includes a tiny flower on the outer side.

Sandal Sole, Make 2

1. Using light tan yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p8.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. You will have 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p10.
5. Rows 4-9: work in st st.
6. Row 10: ssk, k6, k2tog. You will have 8 sts.
7. Row 11: p8.
8. BO all sts.

Green Strap, Make 2

1. Using olive green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-12: work in garter stitch by knitting every row.
3. BO all sts.
4. Wrap the strap over the top of the foot.
5. Sew strap ends to the sides of the sole.
6. Tack the sole lightly under the dark foot.

Sandal Flowers, Make 2

1. Using pink yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. BO all 5 sts, leaving a tail.
3. Coil the short strip into a tiny flower.
4. Secure the center with yellow yarn.
5. Make a second flower in cream yarn for the other sandal.
6. Sew one flower to the outer side of each sandal strap.

Crossbody Mushroom Bag

The bag is a small brown pouch worn across the body. It hangs on the front of the dress near the doll’s right hip. A red mushroom with white spots and green stems is embroidered on the bag front.

Bag Body

1. Using soft brown yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p18.
3. Row 2 RS: k18.
4. Rows 3-18: continue in st st.
5. Row 19 WS: p18.
6. Row 20 RS: k2, ssk, k10, k2tog, k2. You will have 16 sts.
7. Row 21 WS: p16.
8. Row 22 RS: k2, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2. You will have 14 sts.
9. Row 23 WS: p14.
10. BO all sts.

Bag Back

1. Make a second piece exactly the same as the bag body.
2. Place front and back pieces together with wrong sides facing.
3. Sew side and lower edges closed.
4. Lightly stuff the bag so it looks soft but not round.
5. Leave the top edge slightly open and relaxed.

Bag Strap

1. Using brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures 14 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew one end to the upper left side of the bag.
5. Sew the other end to the upper right side of the bag.
6. Place the strap over one shoulder and across the chest.
7. Tack the strap behind the shoulder and near the bag so it stays in position.

Mushroom Embroidery

• Use red yarn to make a rounded mushroom cap on the lower front of the bag.
• Work the cap with 5 horizontal satin stitches, widest in the center.
• Use cream yarn to add 4 tiny white spots on the cap.
• Use light green yarn for two short stems below the cap.
• Add two darker green leaf stitches beside the stems.

Pink Flower Headband

The headband is a thin brown cord with a pink flower placed above one side of the forehead. It sits across the top of the head and behind both ears.

Headband Cord

1. Using brown yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work a 3-stitch I-cord for 8 inches.
3. BO all sts.
4. Wrap around the head, passing behind the ears.
5. Sew ends together at the back of the head.
6. Tack the band in three places so it does not slide.

Pink Flower

1. Using pink yarn, CO 20 sts.
2. Row 1: k20.
3. Row 2: k2tog across. You will have 10 sts.
4. Cut yarn, thread through all 10 sts, and pull gently to gather.
5. Coil the gathered strip into a 5-petal flower.
6. Use yellow yarn to sew a small center knot.
7. Sew the flower to the headband above the doll’s left eye.

Small Whiskers

The whiskers are delicate and should be added last. Use thin black or dark gray embroidery thread, not bulky yarn. This keeps the face soft and expressive.

• Add three whiskers on each side of the muzzle.
• Each whisker should be about 1 inch long.
• Insert the needle near the side of the cream muzzle.
• Bring the thread out toward the cheek and trim evenly.
• Add a tiny dot of fabric glue inside the muzzle if needed to secure the threads.

Putting the Doll Together

1. Place the dress on the body before attaching the head permanently.
2. Sew the crossed dress straps at the back waist.
3. Position the cardigan over the blue shirt and mustard dress.
4. Put the arms through the cardigan sleeves.
5. Sew the cardigan lightly at the shoulders to prevent slipping.
6. Position the head on the body with the face looking slightly upward.
7. Use a long strand of gray yarn to sew the head to the neck in two full rounds.
8. Pull gently after each round so the join is firm.
9. Attach the tail at the back, behind the dress, if not already sewn on.
10. Place sandals on both feet and tack them securely.
11. Place the bag strap diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite hip.
12. Add the headband and flower after the ears and facial details are complete.

Shaping Tips for a Photo-Matching Look

The image has a handmade knitted softness, not a perfectly stiff toy shape. After stuffing, roll each piece gently between your palms. This smooths the stockinette surface and helps the raccoon look rounded and natural.

• Make the head wider than the shoulders.
• Keep the body narrow so the dress looks slightly oversized.
• Stuff the cheeks more firmly than the back of the head.
• Keep the arms soft so they hang naturally.
• Let the cardigan fronts curve slightly open.
• Do not overstuff the bag; it should look like a soft pouch.
• Angle the ears outward for the gentle raccoon expression.

Optional Knit Texture Details

To make the doll look closer to the image, add subtle surface texture with duplicate stitch and light brushing. Do this carefully and only on the raccoon fur areas, not on the dress or cardigan.

• Use medium gray yarn to add short duplicate stitches on the forehead.
• Add two darker stitches above the nose for natural raccoon fur shading.
• Brush the ear edges lightly with a clean soft brush.
• Do not brush the face mask too much because the eye area must stay neat.
• Add a few small gray stitches down the legs to show knitted fur direction.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the full doll from the front before securing the last ends. The eyes should be even, the nose centered, and the muzzle slightly raised. The black mask patches should frame the eyes without covering the cream eyebrow patches.

• Hide all yarn tails inside the stuffed parts.
• Secure safety eyes and safety nose firmly.
• Reinforce the head join with a second sewing pass.
• Check that the bag strap crosses smoothly over the cardigan.
• Make sure the cardigan buttons line up vertically.
• Steam very lightly from a distance if the dress hem curls.

Care Notes

This doll is best used as a decorative handmade item. Because it has small buttons, embroidered pieces, and possible safety eyes, it is not recommended for children under three years old.

• Spot clean only with cool water.
• Do not machine wash.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Keep away from high heat and direct strong sunlight.
• Reshape gently while damp if needed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The raccoon has a round gray head with black mask patches.
• The cream muzzle is centered below the eyes.
• The ears are dark, pointed, and angled outward.
• The mustard dress has a flared skirt and front bib.
• The blue shirt is visible above the dress.
• The ivory cardigan sits open with small buttons.
• Berry embroidery appears on both cardigan fronts.
• The brown bag hangs across the body and has a mushroom design.
• The green sandals have tiny side flowers.
• The pink flower headband sits above one eye.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the doll upright or lying flat in a dry place. If dust gathers on the knitted surface, use a soft dry brush and move in the direction of the stitches. Avoid pulling embroidered berries, flower petals, whiskers, or bag details.

• For small stains, dab gently with a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Press with a dry towel to remove extra moisture.
• Let the doll air dry completely before storing.
• Place tissue paper under the dress if storing long term.
• Keep the headband and bag strap flat so they do not stretch.