Crochet Tutorial: Botanist Giraffe in Garden Outfit – Free Crochet Pattern.

This cheerful botanist giraffe is crocheted as a seated garden doll with a large rounded muzzle, tall spotted neck, soft ears, brown ossicones, embroidered vest, green shorts, cream boots, a crossbody botanist bag, flower details, a tiny bee, a ladybug, a straw hat, a paint palette, and a little flora book. The finished look is bright, playful, and full of small garden-themed details.

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

Finished Size

Using sport weight cotton yarn and a 2.25 mm hook, the seated giraffe measures about 11 inches tall from the bottom of the boots to the top of the ossicones. The head is intentionally large, the neck is long and narrow, the legs hang forward, and the body sits firmly like the doll in the reference photo.

Skill Level

This pattern is best for confident beginners or intermediate crocheters. The main body uses simple amigurumi rounds, while the outfit and accessories use small flat pieces, color changes, surface embroidery, and careful sewing. Read each section before starting so you can prepare the colors and small parts in the correct order.

Materials

• Sport weight cotton yarn in golden yellow for the giraffe body.
• Warm brown yarn for hooves, ossicone tips, spots, muzzle nostrils, and bag details.
• Cream yarn for shirt, boots, book pages, and vest embroidery.
• Mustard yellow yarn for the vest.
• Leaf green yarn for shorts and shoe embroidery.
• Tan or straw beige yarn for the hat, bag strap, and book cover.
• White yarn for eye patches and fluffy boot cuffs.
• Small amounts of pink, red, black, blue, green, purple, and yellow yarn for flowers, bee, ladybug, palette, and details.
• 2.25 mm crochet hook for the doll.
• 2.0 mm crochet hook for flowers, bee, ladybug, embroidery motifs, and tiny accessories.
• 8 mm black safety eyes or black sewn eyes.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• Yarn needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, and embroidery needle.
• Optional: soft pink blush or pink yarn for cheek shading.

Abbreviations in US Terms

• MR means magic ring.
• ch means chain.
• sl st means slip stitch.
• sc means single crochet.
• hdc means half double crochet.
• dc means double crochet.
• tr means treble crochet.
• inc means 2 sc in the same stitch.
• dec means invisible single crochet decrease.
• BLO means back loop only.
• FLO means front loop only.
• st means stitch.
• Rnd means round.
• FO means fasten off.

Gauge and Construction Notes

For a firm amigurumi fabric, 6 sc by 6 rounds should measure about 1 inch. Exact gauge is not critical, but the stuffing should not show through the stitches. Use a smaller hook if your stitches look loose. Keep the head and muzzle firmly stuffed so the face stays round and expressive.

The doll is made from separate crocheted pieces. The head, muzzle, neck, body, arms, legs, ears, ossicones, and accessories are sewn together. The vest, shorts, bag, boots, hat, book, palette, bee, ladybug, flowers, and embroidery are added afterward to match the garden outfit in the image.

Main Head in Golden Yellow

The head is rounded and slightly taller than a perfect sphere. The eye area will be covered later with two white oval patches. Stuff the head very firmly, especially near the forehead and cheeks, because the large muzzle will be sewn across the lower front.

1. Rnd 1: With golden yellow, make 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Sc 3, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 6: Sc 4, inc, repeat around. 36 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Sc 5, inc, repeat around. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 8: Sc 6, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
9. Rnd 9: Sc 7, inc, repeat around. 54 sts.
10. Rnd 10: Sc 8, inc, repeat around. 60 sts.
11. Rnd 11: Sc 9, inc, repeat around. 66 sts.
12. Rnds 12-22: Sc around. 66 sts each round.
13. Rnd 23: Sc 9, dec, repeat around. 60 sts.
14. Rnd 24: Sc 8, dec, repeat around. 54 sts.
15. Rnd 25: Sc 7, dec, repeat around. 48 sts.
16. Rnd 26: Sc 6, dec, repeat around. 42 sts.
17. Rnd 27: Sc 5, dec, repeat around. 36 sts.
18. Rnd 28: Sc 4, dec, repeat around. 30 sts.
19. Rnd 29: Sc 3, dec, repeat around. 24 sts.
20. Stuff firmly. Rnd 30: Sc 2, dec, repeat around. 18 sts.
21. Rnd 31: Sc 1, dec, repeat around. 12 sts. FO, leaving a long tail. Close the hole.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Large Rounded Muzzle in Golden Yellow

The muzzle is wide, oval, and protruding. It covers the lower half of the face and gives the giraffe its soft cartoon expression. Work it as a flattened oval tube. Stuff it before sewing, but do not overstuff the edges; the outer edge should sit smoothly against the head.

1. Rnd 1: Ch 9. Starting in the second ch from hook, sc 7, 3 sc in last ch. Work on the other side of the chain, sc 6, inc in last ch. 18 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc, sc 6, inc 3 times, sc 6, inc 2 times. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, sc 6, repeat sc 1, inc three times, sc 6, repeat sc 1, inc two times. 30 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Sc 2, inc, sc 6, repeat sc 2, inc three times, sc 6, repeat sc 2, inc two times. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Sc 3, inc, sc 6, repeat sc 3, inc three times, sc 6, repeat sc 3, inc two times. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 6: Sc around. 42 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Sc 13, inc, sc 14, inc, sc 13. 44 sts.
8. Rnds 8-11: Sc around. 44 sts each round.
9. Rnd 12: Sc 9, dec, repeat around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 13: Sc around. 40 sts. FO, leaving a long sewing tail.

Pin the muzzle across the lower front of the head, centered between Rnds 18 and 27 of the head. The top edge should sit just below the eye patches. Sew around the muzzle using small stitches. Add extra stuffing before closing the final inch so the muzzle looks full and rounded.

Nostrils and Mouth Line

• With brown yarn, embroider two small upside-down U shapes on the top front of the muzzle, about 7 stitches apart.
• Each nostril should be 3 stitches wide and 2 rounds tall.
• Use one vertical stitch inside each U shape for depth.
• Optional: Add two tiny short brown stitches between the nostrils to suggest a soft mouth curve.

White Eye Patches

The image shows two tall white oval patches sitting above the muzzle. They touch near the center and are divided by a vertical golden line. Crochet them separately and sew them flat before adding the eyes. Keep the edges neat because this area defines the face.

Left Eye Patch

1. Rnd 1: With white, ch 7. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 5, 3 sc in last ch, work across opposite side, sc 4, inc. 14 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc, sc 4, inc 3 times, sc 4, inc 2 times. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, sc 4, repeat sc 1, inc three times, sc 4, repeat sc 1, inc two times. 26 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Sc around. 26 sts. FO, leaving a sewing tail.

Right Eye Patch

1. Repeat the left eye patch pattern in white.
2. When sewing, place both patches vertically with a narrow golden line between them.
3. The bottom of each patch should slightly tuck behind the top edge of the muzzle.

Sew the patches to the head between Rnds 11 and 21. Place them side by side with about 1 stitch gap at the center. Insert or sew black eyes through the white patches between Rnds 16 and 17, about 10 stitches apart. Embroider a straight golden vertical line between the patches from Rnd 11 down to the muzzle.

Cheeks

• Use soft pink yarn or blush powder.
• Place one blush area on each side of the muzzle, slightly below the eyes.
• For yarn cheeks, make 6 sc in MR, sl st to close, FO, and sew one circle to each cheek.
• For a softer look, brush a small amount of blush in a circle about 1 inch wide.

Ears in Golden Yellow

The ears are large, flat, and rounded like soft leaves. They extend sideways from the head. Each ear is crocheted as an oval, lightly shaped, and sewn with the inner edge pinched so the ear cups slightly forward.

1. Rnd 1: Ch 10. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 8, 3 sc in last ch, work opposite side, sc 7, inc. 20 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc, sc 7, inc 3 times, sc 7, inc 2 times. 26 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, sc 7, repeat sc 1, inc three times, sc 7, repeat sc 1, inc two times. 32 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Sc 2, inc, sc 7, repeat sc 2, inc three times, sc 7, repeat sc 2, inc two times. 38 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Sc around. 38 sts.
6. Rnd 6: Sc 3, inc, sc 10, inc, sc 8, inc, sc 10, inc, sc 3. 42 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Sc around. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 8: Sc 5, hdc 6, dc 8, hdc 6, sc 17. 42 sts.
9. Sl st in next st. FO, leaving a long tail.

Make two ears. Do not stuff. Fold the base of each ear slightly and sew the fold with 3 stitches. Attach the ears to the sides of the head between Rnds 11 and 16. The ears should angle slightly downward and outward, matching the wide, friendly look in the photo.

Ossicones

The giraffe has two short horns with golden bases and rounded brown tops. They sit on top of the head, slightly behind the flowers and accessories. Stuff each piece firmly so the ossicones stand upright.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Ossicone Top in Brown

1. Rnd 1: With brown, 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rnds 4-6: Sc around. 18 sts each round.
5. Rnd 7: Sc 1, dec, repeat around. 12 sts.
6. Stuff firmly. Change to golden yellow.

Ossicone Stem in Golden Yellow

1. Rnds 8-14: Sc around. 12 sts each round.
2. Rnd 15: Sc 1, dec, repeat around. 8 sts.
3. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Make two ossicones. Attach them to the top of the head between Rnds 4 and 8, about 10 stitches apart. The brown rounded tops should lean very slightly outward. Sew securely around the base several times because the top accessories will sit close to them.

Neck in Golden Yellow

The neck is tall and narrow. It supports the large head and shows a few brown giraffe spots above the shirt collar. Stuff it firmly, but keep it flexible enough for the head to sit naturally upright.

1. Rnd 1: With golden yellow, 8 sc in MR. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 4-22: Sc around. 24 sts each round.
5. Rnd 23: Sc 5, inc, repeat around. 28 sts.
6. Rnd 24: Sc around. 28 sts.
7. FO, leaving a long tail if sewing to the body separately.

Sew the narrow end of the neck to the underside of the head. The muzzle should face forward and sit centered over the body. Add extra stitches at the back of the neck and underside of the head so the head does not droop.

Body in Golden Yellow

The body is smaller than the head and slightly pear-shaped. The top will be covered by a cream shirt, mustard vest, and crossbody bag. The lower half will be covered with green shorts. Make the body firm enough for the seated position.

1. Rnd 1: With golden yellow, 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Sc 3, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 6: Sc 4, inc, repeat around. 36 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Sc 5, inc, repeat around. 42 sts.
8. Rnds 8-13: Sc around. 42 sts each round.
9. Rnd 14: Sc 12, dec, repeat around. 39 sts.
10. Rnd 15: Sc around. 39 sts.
11. Rnd 16: Sc 11, dec, repeat around. 36 sts.
12. Rnd 17: Sc around. 36 sts.
13. Rnd 18: Sc 4, dec, repeat around. 30 sts.
14. Rnd 19: Sc around. 30 sts.
15. Rnd 20: Sc 3, dec, repeat around. 24 sts.
16. Stuff firmly. Rnd 21: Sc around. 24 sts.
17. FO, leaving a long tail to sew the neck to the body.

Sew the bottom of the neck to the top opening of the body. Keep the body seated upright. The neck should rise straight from the center, with the head balanced slightly forward like the photo.

Arms

The arms are long and slim, with brown hooves at the ends. They hang down from the short sleeves and rest along the sides of the body. Stuff the lower half lightly and leave the upper section softer for easy positioning.

Make Two Arms

1. Rnd 1: With brown, 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 3-6: Sc around. 12 sts each round.
4. Change to golden yellow.
5. Rnds 7-22: Sc around. 12 sts each round.
6. Stuff the hoof and lower arm lightly.
7. Rnd 23: Flatten the opening and sc through both layers across 6 sts.
8. FO, leaving a long sewing tail.

Sew the arms to the body between Rnds 18 and 20, just under the shirt sleeves. Angle them downward. The brown hooves should sit near the lower edge of the vest and shorts.

Legs

The legs are yellow with brown hoof bases hidden partly inside the cream boots. They are long enough to hang forward from the seated body. Stuff the legs firmly at the bottom and lightly near the top so they bend naturally.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Make Two Legs

1. Rnd 1: With brown, 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rnds 4-6: Sc around. 18 sts each round.
5. Change to golden yellow.
6. Rnd 7: BLO sc around. 18 sts.
7. Rnds 8-23: Sc around. 18 sts each round.
8. Stuff the lower leg. Flatten the top and sc through both layers across 9 sts.
9. FO, leaving a long tail.

Sew the legs to the lower front of the body between Rnds 5 and 8 of the body. They should point forward and slightly apart. The boots will be added over the lower legs, so keep the legs aligned before attaching the shorts.

Giraffe Spots

The doll has small brown oval spots on the neck, face sides, and visible body areas. Use different sizes for a natural handmade look. Do not cover the outfit area too heavily because the vest, shirt, and bag are the main front details.

Small Spot

1. Rnd 1: With brown, 6 sc in MR. Sl st to first sc. FO, leaving a tail.

Medium Spot

1. Rnd 1: With brown, 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Sl st to first sc. FO, leaving a tail.

Oval Spot

1. Rnd 1: Ch 5. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 3, 3 sc in last ch, work opposite side, sc 2, inc. 10 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Sc around. 10 sts. FO, leaving a tail.

• Sew one medium spot on each side of the head near the ears.
• Sew two or three spots on the front and side of the neck.
• Sew one oval spot on the visible side of the body if it is not covered by the vest.
• Sew a few small spots on the arms or legs only if they remain visible after dressing.

Cream Shirt

The shirt is a short-sleeved cream layer under the mustard vest. It covers the upper body and peeks out at the shoulders and neckline. This simple removable-style piece is sewn closed at the back after dressing the doll.

Shirt Body

1. Row 1: With cream, ch 37. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 36. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-8: Sc 36. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 9: Sc 6, ch 8, skip 6 sts, sc 12, ch 8, skip 6 sts, sc 6. Ch 1, turn.
4. Row 10: Sc 6, sc 8 into ch space, sc 12, sc 8 into ch space, sc 6. 40 sts. Ch 1, turn.
5. Rows 11-13: Sc 40. Ch 1, turn.
6. FO, leaving a long tail.

Wrap the shirt around the upper body with the armholes aligned at the sides. Sew the back seam neatly. The bottom edge should sit just above the green shorts. The neckline should sit around the base of the neck and be partly covered by the vest.

Short Sleeves

1. Join cream yarn to one armhole.
2. Rnd 1: Work 18 sc evenly around the armhole. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Sc around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Sc 1, dec, repeat around. 12 sts.
5. Sl st to close. FO and weave in ends.
6. Repeat on the second armhole.

Green Shorts

The shorts are bright green and sit high on the body. They have rounded leg openings and a slightly puffy shape. Work them from the waistband down, then divide for two legs.

1. Rnd 1: With green, ch 43. Join with sl st, making sure the chain is not twisted. Sc 42 around. 42 sts.
2. Rnds 2-5: Sc around. 42 sts each round.
3. Rnd 6: Sc 6, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
4. Rnds 7-10: Sc around. 48 sts each round.
5. Divide for legs: Sc 24 sts for the first leg opening and place the remaining 24 sts on hold.
6. First leg Rnd 1: Sc around 24 sts.
7. First leg Rnd 2: Sc 4, dec, repeat around. 20 sts.
8. First leg Rnd 3: Sc around. 20 sts. FO.
9. Second leg: Join green yarn to the remaining 24 sts.
10. Repeat the same 3 rounds for the second leg.

Slip the shorts onto the body before sewing the legs firmly if needed, or sew them around the waist after the legs are attached. The shorts should cover the lower body and stop above the knees, matching the garden outfit in the image.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Mustard Embroidered Vest

The vest is one of the most important clothing pieces. It is mustard yellow with cream edging and pale botanical embroidery on both front panels. The vest is open at the front and sits over the cream shirt.

Vest Back

1. Row 1: With mustard, ch 19. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 18. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-11: Sc 18. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 12: Sc 4, ch 5, skip 5 sts, sc 8, ch 5, skip 5 sts, sc 1. Ch 1, turn.
4. Row 13: Sc 4, sc 5 in ch space, sc 8, sc 5 in ch space, sc 1. 23 sts.
5. Rows 14-16: Sc across. Ch 1, turn.
6. FO.

Left Front Panel

1. Row 1: With mustard, ch 10. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 9. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-6: Sc 9. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 7: Dec, sc 7. 8 sts. Ch 1, turn.
4. Row 8: Sc 8. Ch 1, turn.
5. Row 9: Dec, sc 6. 7 sts. Ch 1, turn.
6. Rows 10-14: Sc 7. Ch 1, turn.
7. FO, leaving a sewing tail.

Right Front Panel

1. Repeat the left front panel, but shape the neckline on the opposite side by working sc 7, dec on Row 7 and sc 6, dec on Row 9.

Vest Edging

1. Sew the shoulder seams of the front panels to the vest back.
2. Sew only 3 rows at each side seam, leaving armholes open.
3. Join cream yarn at the lower back edge.
4. Sc evenly around the entire vest edge, placing 2 sc in each lower front corner.
5. Sl st to close. FO and weave in ends.

Botanical Embroidery on Vest

• Use cream yarn or embroidery thread.
• On each front panel, stitch one curling vine from the lower inside corner toward the upper outside edge.
• Add 5 small lazy-daisy leaves on each vine.
• Add one spiral curl near the lower front of each panel.
• Make two tiny French-knot style dots near each vine using short wrapped stitches.
• Sew one small tan button or crochet a tiny 5 sc circle and attach it near the center front.

Place the vest over the shirt and sew only at the shoulders if you want it permanent. Keep the front open so the embroidered panels remain visible. The vest should sit above the green shorts and under the crossbody strap.

Cream Boots with Fluffy Cuffs

The boots are rounded and oversized compared with the slim legs. They are cream with white fluffy cuffs and small pink flower embroidery on the front. Make two boots and slide them over the lower legs before final positioning.

Boot Foot

1. Rnd 1: With cream, ch 8. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 6, 3 sc in last ch, work opposite side, sc 5, inc. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc, sc 5, inc 3 times, sc 5, inc 2 times. 22 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, sc 5, repeat sc 1, inc three times, sc 5, repeat sc 1, inc two times. 28 sts.
4. Rnd 4: BLO sc around. 28 sts.
5. Rnds 5-6: Sc around. 28 sts each round.
6. Rnd 7: Sc 8, dec 6 times, sc 8. 22 sts.
7. Rnd 8: Sc 7, dec 4 times, sc 7. 18 sts.
8. Rnds 9-13: Sc around. 18 sts each round.
9. Sl st to close. FO if changing to cuff yarn.

Fluffy Cuff

1. Join white yarn to the top of the boot.
2. Rnd 1: Sc around. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Work sl st, ch 1 in each st around to create a soft looped texture.
4. Rnd 3: Sc around loosely. 18 sts.
5. FO and weave in ends.

Boot Embroidery

• With green yarn, embroider one thin stem on the front of each boot.
• Add two small leaves on each stem using straight stitches.
• Make a tiny pink rose by chaining 8, then working 2 sc in each chain. Roll the strip and sew it closed.
• Sew one rose to the upper outer front of each boot.

Crossbody Botanist Bag

The bag is tan-brown with a rectangular body, flap, rose decoration, and the word BOTANIST on the front. It hangs diagonally across the giraffe from shoulder to hip. Keep the bag slightly firm by inserting a small piece of felt or extra yarn ends before closing.

Bag Body

1. Row 1: With tan-brown yarn, ch 13. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 12. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-12: Sc 12. Ch 1, turn.
3. Do not FO. Sc evenly around all four edges, placing 2 sc in each corner. Sl st to close.
4. FO, leaving a sewing tail.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Bag Flap

1. Row 1: With tan-brown, ch 13. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 12. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-5: Sc 12. Ch 1, turn.
3. Row 6: Dec, sc 8, dec. 10 sts.
4. Sc evenly around the flap edge. FO.

Sew the flap to the top back edge of the bag body so it folds forward. With darker brown yarn, add 3 horizontal lines across the bag to create the woven texture seen in the image.

Bag Strap

1. With tan-brown yarn, ch 70.
2. Starting in second ch from hook, sl st in each ch across for a firm strap.
3. FO, leaving tails at both ends.

Sew one strap end to the upper left corner of the bag and the other to the upper right corner. Place the strap diagonally across the doll, from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Sew the bag at the giraffe’s front-left side so the rose and label remain visible.

Bag Label and Rose

• With cream yarn, crochet a small label: ch 8, sc 7, ch 1, turn, sc 7, FO.
• Sew the label to the lower front of the bag.
• Use brown embroidery thread to stitch the word BOTANIST in tiny straight stitches.
• For the rose, ch 16 with pink yarn. Starting in second ch from hook, work 2 sc in each ch. FO, roll into a spiral, and sew closed.
• Sew the rose on the upper left side of the bag flap.
• Add one small green leaf: ch 4, sc, hdc, sc along the chain. FO and sew beside the rose.

Garden Hat

The hat is a straw-style round sun hat placed beside the giraffe in the scene. It has a wide brim, blue-green band, green leaves, and a pink flower. You may sew it to the giraffe’s hand or keep it as a separate prop.

Hat Crown

1. Rnd 1: With straw beige, 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, repeat around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Sc 2, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Sc 3, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 6: Sc 4, inc, repeat around. 36 sts.
7. Rnds 7-12: Sc around. 36 sts each round.
8. Rnd 13: BLO sc around. 36 sts.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 14: FLO sc 2, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 15: Sc 3, inc, repeat around. 60 sts.
3. Rnd 16: Sc 4, inc, repeat around. 72 sts.
4. Rnd 17: Sc around. 72 sts.
5. Rnd 18: Sc 5, inc, repeat around. 84 sts.
6. Rnd 19: Sc around. 84 sts.
7. Sl st to close. FO and weave in ends.

Hat Band and Flower

• With teal or blue yarn, ch 38 and sl st across the chain. Wrap it around the crown and sew it in place.
• Add one narrow yellow stripe beside the teal band using surface slip stitches.
• Make two green leaves with ch 5, sc, hdc, dc, hdc along the chain, then FO.
• Make one pink flower with 5 sc in MR, then work ch 2, dc, ch 2, sl st in each stitch around for 5 petals.
• Sew the flower and leaves to the side of the brim.

Tiny Flora Book

The small book is a cream and tan prop with blue page lines, green leaves, and the word FLORA on the cover. It sits beside the giraffe and strengthens the botanist theme.

Book Pages

1. Row 1: With pale blue or white, ch 14. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 13. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-8: Sc 13. Ch 1, turn.
3. FO.
4. With pale blue yarn, embroider 5 horizontal lines across the side edge to suggest page layers.

Book Cover

1. Row 1: With cream, ch 16. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 15. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-10: Sc 15. Ch 1, turn.
3. Sc evenly around the rectangle with tan yarn, placing 2 sc in each corner.
4. FO, leaving a long tail.

• Sew the cover onto the page piece, leaving the lower blue page edge visible.
• With blue yarn, stitch FLORA near the top of the cover.
• With green yarn, embroider a stem and two leaves in the center.
• Add one tan line down the left side to create the spine.

Paint Palette Prop

The small palette near the hat is an oval cream piece with colorful paint dots and a thumb hole. It can be displayed beside the doll or attached to one hand for a gardening artist look.

1. Rnd 1: With cream, ch 8. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 6, 3 sc in last ch, work opposite side, sc 5, inc. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc, sc 5, inc 3 times, sc 5, inc 2 times. 22 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, sc 5, repeat sc 1, inc three times, sc 5, repeat sc 1, inc two times. 28 sts.
4. Sl st to close. FO.

• For the thumb hole, embroider a small black oval near one side, or leave a small stitched circle unfilled.
• Make paint dots with 5 sc in MR using blue, orange, purple, green, red, and yellow yarn.
• Sew the dots around the palette edge.

Head Flowers and Garden Decorations

The giraffe has a cluster of decorations on the head: a tiny bee near one ossicone, a pink flower near the center, a bow with a ladybug near the other ossicone, and small blue flower details. These pieces should be light and sewn securely.

Pink Head Flower

1. Rnd 1: With pink, 5 sc in MR. Sl st to first sc.
2. Petals: In each st, work ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st. Repeat for 5 petals.
3. FO, leaving a tail. Add a yellow stitch in the center.

Blue Mini Flower

1. Rnd 1: With blue, 5 sc in MR.
2. In each st, work ch 1, hdc, ch 1, sl st. Repeat around.
3. FO, leaving a tail.

Tiny Bee

1. Rnd 1: With yellow, 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Sc around. 6 sts.
3. Change to black. Rnd 3: Sc around. 6 sts.
4. Change to yellow. Rnd 4: Sc around. 6 sts.
5. Change to black. Rnd 5: Sc around. 6 sts.
6. Stuff very lightly. Rnd 6: Dec around. 3 sts. FO.

• For each wing, with white yarn, ch 4, sc in second ch, hdc, sc, FO.
• Sew two wings to the top of the bee.
• Sew the bee to the left top of the head beside one ossicone.

Bow

1. With cream yarn, ch 13.
2. Row 1: Starting in second ch from hook, sc 12. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-5: Sc 12. Ch 1, turn.
4. FO and weave in ends.

Pinch the center of the rectangle and wrap pink yarn around it 8 to 10 times to form the bow center. Sew the bow near the right ossicone. It should sit slightly forward and overlap the top of the head.

Ladybug

1. Rnd 1: With red, 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Sc around. 12 sts.
4. Change to black.
5. Rnd 4: Sc 1, dec, repeat around. 8 sts.
6. FO, leaving a tail.

• With black yarn, embroider a center line down the red back.
• Add 3 tiny black spots on each side.
• Sew the ladybug against the bow or just below it, as shown in the reference.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew the muzzle to the lower face first, then sew the white eye patches above it.
2. Attach the eyes evenly and embroider the golden center line between the eye patches.
3. Sew ears to the sides of the head and ossicones to the top.
4. Sew the neck to the head, then sew the neck to the body.
5. Attach arms under the shirt sleeves and legs at the lower front of the body.
6. Dress the doll with the cream shirt, green shorts, and mustard vest.
7. Add the boots and make sure both feet point forward.
8. Place the bag strap diagonally across the chest and sew the bag at hip level.
9. Sew all spots, flowers, bee, bow, ladybug, and final accessories in place.

Check the face from the front before making permanent stitches. The eyes should look straight ahead, the muzzle should be centered, and the ears should sit at the same height. Add cheek blush last so it stays clean during assembly.

Care Notes

Spot clean the giraffe with cool water and mild soap. Avoid soaking the doll because the small embroidered details, bag label, flower petals, and fluffy boot cuffs may lose shape. Press with a towel and let the piece air dry fully before storing or displaying.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and does not wobble.
• The muzzle is centered and rounded.
• The two white eye patches are even.
• The ears angle outward and slightly downward.
• The vest embroidery is visible on both front panels.
• The green shorts sit above the legs without twisting.
• The crossbody bag hangs diagonally and the BOTANIST label is readable.
• The hat, flora book, palette, bee, bow, ladybug, and flowers are included.
• The boots have white cuffs, green stems, and pink roses.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Keep the finished giraffe away from direct sunlight for long periods, especially if you use cotton yarn in bright yellow, green, pink, and red. Store it upright in a dry place. If the doll is handled often, gently reshape the ears, hat brim, and flowers with your fingers after cleaning.

For long-term display, place the small props beside the doll instead of sewing them to the bench or background. This keeps the set flexible and easier to dust. Use a soft brush to clean between the vest embroidery, bag texture, and tiny floral decorations.