Crochet Tutorial: Squirrel Acorn Harvest Sweater Doll – Free Crochet Pattern.

This cozy squirrel doll is dressed for an autumn harvest day, with a cream-and-green striped sweater, tiny acorn motifs, beige pants, acorn slippers, a crossbody pouch, leafy berry head decoration, tufted ears, and a big fluffy squirrel tail. The set also includes a green acorn cap cushion, a small berry basket, and a red mushroom prop to match the woodland scene.

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 crochet terms and is designed as a detailed amigurumi-style project. The finished squirrel is worked mostly in continuous rounds, with separate pieces sewn together carefully to create the soft rounded form shown in the photo.

The doll has a large rounded head, a smaller soft body, short legs, rounded arms, oversized green eyes, cream facial panels, a brown squirrel mask shape, tufted ears, and a large curved tail attached behind one side of the body.

• Finished doll size: about 11 inches tall when using sport or light DK yarn.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
• Construction: head, body, legs, arms, ears, tail, sweater, pants details, slippers, pouch, and props are made separately, then assembled.
• Main style: tight amigurumi stitches with soft shaping and embroidered details.

Materials

• Sport weight or light DK cotton yarn in warm brown, cream, beige, green, red, dark brown, tan, white, and a small amount of yellow-gold.
• 2.25 mm crochet hook for the doll.
• 2.5 mm crochet hook for accessories if you want them slightly softer.
• 10 mm black safety eyes, 2 pieces.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Yarn needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Scissors.
• Blush powder or pink embroidery yarn for cheeks.
• Black embroidery thread for tiny eye shine if desired.
• Small piece of cardboard or plastic canvas for the basket base if desired.

Abbreviations

• MR: magic ring
• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• inc: 2 sc in the same stitch
• dec: invisible decrease over 2 stitches
• BLO: back loop only
• FLO: front loop only
• st: stitch
• sts: stitches
• R: round or row
• FO: fasten off

Gauge and Tension

For this doll, tight tension is important because the stuffing should not show through the stitches. With a 2.25 mm hook, 8 sc and 8 rounds should measure about 1 inch. Exact gauge is less important than keeping all body parts consistent.

Use firm stuffing in the head, body, and tail. Use lighter stuffing in the ears, arms, and slippers so they remain soft and easy to position. The large head should feel round and stable, while the body should remain slightly smaller and cuddly.

Main Color Guide

• Warm brown: head cap, ears, arms, tail, nose, pouch, acorn caps, shoe tops.
• Cream: face panels, muzzle, sweater base, mushroom stem, eye highlights.
• Beige: pants, legs, basket, skin-tone belly area.
• Green: sweater stripes, eye rings, leaves, acorn cushion, cuffs.
• Red: berries, mushroom cap, tiny shoe berries.
• Dark brown: embroidery, acorn details, strap, mouth.
• Yellow-gold: pouch acorn applique.

Head Base

Work the head in warm brown first. The head is large and round with a slightly flattened lower front where the cream face panels and muzzle will be sewn. Stuff firmly as you go.

1. R1: With warm brown, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: inc around. (12)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. R5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. (30)
6. R6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. (36)
7. R7: sc 5, inc, repeat around. (42)
8. R8: sc 6, inc, repeat around. (48)
9. R9: sc 7, inc, repeat around. (54)
10. R10: sc 8, inc, repeat around. (60)
11. R11-R20: sc around. (60)
12. R21: sc 8, dec, repeat around. (54)
13. R22: sc 7, dec, repeat around. (48)
14. R23: sc 6, dec, repeat around. (42)
15. R24: sc 5, dec, repeat around. (36)
16. R25: sc 4, dec, repeat around. (30)
17. R26: sc 3, dec, repeat around. (24)
18. R27: sc 2, dec, repeat around. (18)

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Stuff the head very firmly, especially the cheeks and crown. FO with a long tail if you want to close the bottom now, or leave open for sewing to the neck later.

Cream Face Panels

The squirrel face has two large cream panels shaped like soft teardrops. They sit on the front of the head and meet near the center under the brown forehead. Make one right panel and one left panel.

Left Face Panel

1. R1: With cream, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: inc around. (12)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. R5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. (30)
6. R6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. (36)
7. R7: sc 8, hdc 6, dc 4, hdc 6, sc 12. (36)
8. R8: sc 9, hdc 6, 2 hdc in next 2 sts, hdc 6, sc 13. (38)

FO with a long tail. Flatten gently. The taller hdc and dc section forms the outer cheek curve.

Right Face Panel

1. R1: With cream, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: inc around. (12)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. R5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. (30)
6. R6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. (36)
7. R7: sc 12, hdc 6, dc 4, hdc 6, sc 8. (36)
8. R8: sc 13, hdc 6, 2 hdc in next 2 sts, hdc 6, sc 9. (38)

FO with a long tail. Pin both panels to the face before sewing. They should begin around R8 of the head, curve around the eyes, and end near R22. Leave a narrow brown line between them at the center forehead.

Cream Muzzle

The muzzle is small, rounded, and placed at the lower center of the face. It should sit over the bottom edges of the two cream face panels.

1. R1: With cream, ch 5. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 3, 3 sc in last ch. Work on other side of chain, sc 2, inc in last st. (10)
2. R2: inc, sc 2, inc 3 times, sc 2, inc 2 times. (16)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, sc 3, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 3, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc. (22)
4. R4-R5: sc around. (22)

FO with a long tail. Add a little stuffing under the muzzle while sewing so the face has a soft raised shape.

Brown Nose

1. R1: With warm brown, make MR, 5 sc in ring. (5)
2. R2: inc around. (10)
3. R3: sc around. (10)
4. R4: dec around. (5)

FO and close. Sew the nose vertically at the top center of the muzzle. Shape it slightly oval by sewing through the top and bottom of the nose twice.

Eyes and Green Eye Rings

The eyes are large and expressive. Each eye has a green crochet ring, a white highlight area, and a black safety eye in the center. Place the eyes between R13 and R16 of the head, about 7 stitches apart.

Green Eye Rings

1. R1: With green, ch 8, join with sl st to form a ring.
2. R2: ch 1, work 12 sc into the ring, join with sl st. (12)
3. R3: ch 1, sc 1, inc, repeat around, join with sl st. (18)

Make 2. FO and leave tails for sewing. Insert each black safety eye through the center of the green ring and through the head before securing the washer. Add a tiny white embroidery stitch on each eye for shine.

Body

The body is smaller than the head and slightly pear-shaped. The top is narrow for the neck, while the lower part is fuller to support the pants and sweater.

1. R1: With beige, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: inc around. (12)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. R5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. (30)
6. R6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. (36)
7. R7-R12: sc around. (36)
8. R13: sc 10, dec, repeat around. (33)
9. R14: sc around. (33)
10. R15: sc 9, dec, repeat around. (30)
11. R16: sc around. (30)
12. R17: sc 8, dec, repeat around. (27)
13. R18: sc around. (27)
14. R19: sc 7, dec, repeat around. (24)
15. R20: sc 2, dec, repeat around. (18)
16. R21: sc around. (18)

Stuff firmly. FO with a long tail for sewing the body to the head. The neck should fit neatly into the lower opening of the head.

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Legs and Pants

The legs are worked in beige to match the soft pants in the image. Each leg has a rounded foot area and a simple cuff. Make 2 legs.

1. R1: With beige, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: inc around. (12)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. R5-R8: sc around. (24)
6. R9: sc 6, dec 6 times, sc 6. (18)
7. R10-R20: sc around. (18)
8. R21: BLO sc around. (18)
9. R22: sc around. (18)

Stuff each leg firmly at the foot and moderately toward the top. FO the first leg. Do not FO the second leg if you want to join the legs directly to the body base, or sew both legs under the finished body if you prefer easier assembly.

Pants Cuffs

Attach beige yarn to the front loop left on R21 of each leg.

1. R1: FLO sc around. (18)
2. R2: sl st around loosely. (18)

FO and weave in ends. The cuff should look like a rolled hem just above each slipper.

Arms

The arms have brown paws with cream-and-green sweater sleeves above them. Make 2 arms. Stuff only the lower half so the arms lie naturally against the body.

1. R1: With warm brown, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (9)
3. R3-R5: sc around. (9)
4. R6: Change to cream, BLO sc around. (9)
5. R7: sc around. (9)
6. R8: Change to green, sc around. (9)
7. R9: Change to cream, sc around. (9)
8. R10: Change to green, sc around. (9)
9. R11-R14: Change to cream, sc around. (9)
10. R15: Flatten opening, sc through both layers across. (4)

FO with a long tail. Sew arms to the upper sides of the body under the sweater shoulder line, angled slightly downward.

Sweater Body

The sweater is made separately and slipped over the body before final head attachment. It has cream as the base color, green stripes, green cuffs, and three small acorn motifs across the chest.

1. R1: With green, ch 37, join with sl st, being careful not to twist. Work 36 sc around. (36)
2. R2: ch 1, sc around, join with sl st. (36)
3. R3: Change to cream, sc around, join. (36)
4. R4: cream sc around, join. (36)
5. R5: Change to green, sc around, join. (36)
6. R6: Change to cream, sc around, join. (36)
7. R7: cream sc around, join. (36)
8. R8: Change to green, sc around, join. (36)
9. R9: Change to cream, sc around, join. (36)
10. R10: cream sc around, join. (36)
11. R11: sc 4, dec, repeat around. (30)
12. R12: Change to green, sc around. (30)
13. R13: Change to cream, sc around. (30)
14. R14: sc 3, dec, repeat around. (24)
15. R15: Change to green, sc around. (24)
16. R16: sc around. (24)

FO and weave in ends. Slip the sweater over the body from the bottom upward. The green band should sit at the waist, and the narrow green neckline should sit neatly under the head.

Sweater Sleeve Openings

After the sweater is on the body, use a yarn needle and cream yarn to tack the sweater around each arm. This makes the sleeves look connected to the sweater without needing complex shaping.

• Sew 5 to 6 small stitches around the left shoulder opening.
• Sew 5 to 6 small stitches around the right shoulder opening.
• Keep the arms angled forward slightly, as shown in the image.

Acorn Motifs on Sweater

Make 3 tiny acorns for the front of the sweater. They should sit across the cream chest area, just below the neckline and above the middle green stripe.

Tiny Acorn Body

1. R1: With tan, make MR, 5 sc in ring. (5)
2. R2: inc around. (10)
3. R3: sc around. (10)
4. R4: sc 3, dec, repeat twice. (8)

Flatten slightly and FO. Make 3.

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Tiny Acorn Cap

1. R1: With dark brown, ch 4.
2. R2: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 3. (3)
3. R3: ch 1, turn, sc 3. (3)

FO and sew one cap to each tiny acorn body. Add one short dark brown stitch at the top as the stem. Sew the acorns to the sweater front in a gentle curve.

Large Tail

The tail is a large rounded squirrel tail that sits behind the right side of the doll. It should be plump, curved, and visible from the front. Work it in warm brown.

1. R1: Make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: inc around. (12)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. R5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. (30)
6. R6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. (36)
7. R7: sc 5, inc, repeat around. (42)
8. R8-R18: sc around. (42)
9. R19: sc 5, dec, repeat around. (36)
10. R20: sc around. (36)
11. R21: sc 4, dec, repeat around. (30)
12. R22: sc around. (30)
13. R23: sc 3, dec, repeat around. (24)
14. R24-R26: sc around. (24)
15. R27: sc 2, dec, repeat around. (18)
16. R28-R30: sc around. (18)

Stuff the wide end firmly and the narrow base moderately. FO with a long tail. Curve the tail gently by sewing a few hidden stitches from the narrow base toward the side of the wide section. Sew the base to the back right side of the body, starting near the waist and ending near the shoulder.

Ears

The ears are tall, pointed, and decorated with yarn tufts at the tips. Each ear has a warm brown outer ear and a tan inner ear. Make 2 outer ears and 2 inner ears.

Outer Ear

1. R1: With warm brown, make MR, 5 sc in ring. (5)
2. R2: sc around. (5)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat twice, sc 1. (7)
4. R4: sc around. (7)
5. R5: sc 2, inc, repeat twice, sc 1. (9)
6. R6: sc around. (9)
7. R7: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (12)
8. R8-R10: sc around. (12)
9. R11: Flatten opening, sc through both layers across. (6)

FO with a long tail. Make 2.

Inner Ear Patch

1. R1: With tan, ch 5.
2. R2: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 3, 3 sc in last ch. Work on other side, sc 2, inc. (10)
3. R3: sc 2, hdc 4, sc 4. (10)

FO and sew one tan patch to the front of each brown ear.

Ear Tufts

• Cut 8 strands of warm brown yarn, each about 4 inches long, for each ear.
• Use the hook to pull each strand halfway through the tip of the ear.
• Tie with a firm knot close to the ear tip.
• Trim the strands evenly so they fan upward like soft squirrel tufts.

Sew the ears to the top of the head between R5 and R9, about 10 stitches apart. Angle them outward slightly.

Leaf and Berry Head Decoration

The head decoration sits between the ears and slightly toward one side. It has two green leaves and three red berries.

Green Leaves

1. R1: With green, ch 8.
2. R2: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st 1, sc 1, hdc 2, dc 1, hdc 1, 3 sc in last ch.
3. R3: Work on the other side of the chain, hdc 1, dc 1, hdc 2, sc 1, sl st 1.

FO. Make 2 leaves. Pin them like a small bow before sewing.

Red Berries

1. R1: With red, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: sc around. (6)
3. R3: dec around. (3)

FO and close. Make 3 berries. Sew them in a cluster over the two green leaves.

Acorn Slippers

The slippers are small and rounded, with cream soles, brown tops, green leaves, and tiny red berry accents. Make 2 slippers.

Cream Sole

1. R1: With cream, ch 7. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5, 3 sc in last ch. Work on other side, sc 4, inc. (14)
2. R2: inc, sc 4, inc 3 times, sc 4, inc 2 times. (20)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, sc 5, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 5, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc. (26)
4. R4: BLO sc around. (26)
5. R5: sc around. (26)

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Brown Shoe Top

1. R6: Change to warm brown, sc 8, dec 5 times, sc 8. (21)
2. R7: sc 6, dec 4 times, sc 7. (17)
3. R8: sc around. (17)

FO with a long tail. Stuff lightly at the toe. Slip one slipper onto each foot and sew around the ankle opening.

Slipper Leaves and Berries

1. For each leaf, with green, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch, sc 1, hdc 1, sl st 1. FO.
2. For each berry, with red, make MR, 5 sc in ring, sl st to close. FO.

Sew one green leaf and two tiny red berries to the front outer side of each slipper.

Crossbody Acorn Pouch

The pouch is worn across the sweater with a thin brown strap. The bag rests near the lower right side of the body and has a little gold acorn applique with a green leaf.

Pouch Body

1. R1: With warm brown, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: inc around. (12)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. R5-R8: sc around. (24)
6. R9: sc 2, dec, repeat around. (18)
7. R10: sc around. (18)

Stuff lightly and flatten the top. FO with a long tail. Sew the top closed with 9 small stitches.

Pouch Flap

1. R1: With darker brown, ch 10.
2. R2: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 9. (9)
3. R3: ch 1, turn, sc 9. (9)
4. R4: ch 1, turn, dec, sc 5, dec. (7)
5. R5: ch 1, turn, dec, sc 3, dec. (5)

FO and sew the flap over the front of the pouch.

Gold Acorn Applique

1. R1: With yellow-gold, make MR, 5 sc in ring. (5)
2. R2: inc around. (10)
3. R3: sc around. (10)
4. R4: sc 3, dec, repeat twice. (8)

Flatten and sew to the pouch front. Embroider a few dark brown lines across the top to create the acorn cap.

Small Green Leaf for Pouch

1. R1: With green, ch 5.
2. R2: sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc 1, hdc 1, sl st 1.

Sew the leaf under the acorn applique. For the strap, ch 70 with dark brown. Sl st back across the chain for firmness. Sew one end to each side of the pouch. Place the strap diagonally from the squirrel’s left shoulder to the right hip.

Green Acorn Cap Cushion

The green acorn cap prop is round and flat with a dimple in the center. A tiny red berry cluster peeks from underneath one edge.

1. R1: With green, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: inc around. (12)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. R5: sc 3, inc, repeat around. (30)
6. R6: sc 4, inc, repeat around. (36)
7. R7: sc 5, inc, repeat around. (42)
8. R8: sc 6, inc, repeat around. (48)
9. R9: sc 7, inc, repeat around. (54)
10. R10: sc 8, inc, repeat around. (60)
11. R11-R13: sc around. (60)
12. R14: sc 8, dec, repeat around. (54)
13. R15: sc 7, dec, repeat around. (48)
14. R16: sc 6, dec, repeat around. (42)
15. R17: sc 5, dec, repeat around. (36)

Stuff lightly so the cushion stays low 5, dec, repeat around. (36)

Stuff lightly so the cushion stays low and rounded. FO and close the bottom. To create the center dimple, thread green yarn through the center top and bottom several times, pulling gently until the middle sinks inward.

Red Berries Under Cushion

1. Make 3 small berries: with red, MR, 6 sc, sl st to close.
2. Sew them together in a cluster.
3. Attach the cluster under one edge of the green cushion.

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Small Berry Basket

The basket is worked in beige and filled with tiny colorful berries. It sits beside the squirrel as a harvest accessory.

Basket Base and Sides

1. R1: With beige, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: inc around. (12)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. R5: BLO sc around. (24)
6. R6-R9: sc around. (24)
7. R10: sc 2, dec, repeat around. (18)
8. R11: sl st around. (18)

FO and weave in ends. Add a small round of cardboard or plastic canvas inside the base if you want the basket to stand upright.

Basket Handle

1. R1: With beige, ch 24.
2. R2: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st across. (23)

FO with long tails. Sew one end of the handle to each side of the basket.

Basket Berries

• Make 4 red berries using MR, 5 sc, sl st to close.
• Make 3 green berries using MR, 5 sc, sl st to close.
• Make 2 purple berries using MR, 5 sc, sl st to close.
• Sew or glue-free stitch them inside the basket so they mound slightly above the rim.

Red Mushroom Prop

The mushroom has a red cap with small white dots and a cream stem. It should be small enough to sit near the doll’s side.

Mushroom Stem

1. R1: With cream, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (9)
3. R3-R7: sc around. (9)
4. R8: sc 1, dec, repeat around. (6)

Stuff lightly and FO.

Mushroom Cap

1. R1: With red, make MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: inc around. (12)
3. R3: sc 1, inc, repeat around. (18)
4. R4: sc 2, inc, repeat around. (24)
5. R5-R6: sc around. (24)
6. R7: sc 2, dec, repeat around. (18)

Stuff the cap lightly and sew it to the top of the stem. With white yarn, embroider 6 tiny dots across the red cap.

Facial Embroidery

The face is what gives this squirrel its sweet personality. Work slowly and keep the stitches balanced. Use the photo as a guide for placement: large green eyes, soft pink cheeks, curved brows, and a tiny smiling mouth.

• Use dark brown yarn to embroider a short vertical line from the nose down to the muzzle.
• Add a small curved smile under the vertical line.
• Use warm brown or dark brown yarn to embroider one soft eyebrow above each eye.
• Add blush with pink yarn or powder on both cream cheek panels.
• Keep the blush oval and soft, placed below the eyes and toward the outer cheeks.

Head and Body Assembly

Before sewing, pin all main pieces together. The large head should sit centered over the green neckline. The tail should be visible from the right side when the doll is facing forward.

1. Place the sweater on the body.
2. Sew both legs under the body, leaving a small gap between them.
3. Sew the arms to the upper sides of the body.
4. Sew the head to the neck using strong stitches around the full opening.
5. Add extra stitches at the front and back of the neck for support.
6. Sew the large tail to the back right side of the body.
7. Place the pouch strap diagonally across the sweater and secure it with a few hidden stitches.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face from the front before tying off any embroidery ends. The eyes should be level, the muzzle should be centered, and the nose should point slightly downward. Add final cheek color only after the face is completely sewn.

• Sew the ears firmly to the head and angle the tufts upward.
• Sew the leaf-and-berry decoration between the ears.
• Attach the acorn motifs evenly across the sweater chest.
• Secure the slippers so the feet point forward.
• Shape the tail with your hands until it curves softly behind the doll.

Care Notes

Hand washing is recommended for this doll because of the safety eyes, embroidery, and small accessories. Use cool water and mild soap. Do not twist the doll. Gently press out water with a towel and reshape all parts while damp.

• Do not machine dry.
• Keep away from rough Velcro or sharp jewelry.
• Spot clean the face and sweater whenever possible.
• Let the doll dry fully before storing.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The cream face panels are sewn flat and symmetrical.
• The green eye rings sit evenly around the safety eyes.
• The muzzle is lightly stuffed and centered.
• The sweater stripes line up neatly around the body.
• Three tiny acorns are attached to the sweater front.
• The pouch strap crosses from shoulder to opposite hip.
• The tail is firmly sewn and curved behind the body.
• The ears have trimmed yarn tufts.
• The slippers include leaves and red berries.
• The basket, green cushion, and mushroom props are complete.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the shape, store the squirrel doll lying flat or sitting with support behind the tail. Avoid heavy objects pressing on the ears, eye rings, or pouch. If the tail flattens, gently fluff and reshape it by hand.

For long-term display, keep the doll away from direct sunlight to protect the green, red, and brown yarn colors. If dust collects on the surface, use a soft clean brush and work gently around the embroidered face, berries, and sweater acorns.