Kawaii Strawberry Pocket Doll Free Knit Pattern
Introduction
This little Kawaii Strawberry Pocket Doll is the perfect first stuffie for new knitters. It's made from two simple garter-stitch shapes that are sewn together and lightly stuffed, so there's no fiddly shaping in the round and no complicated stitch patterns to memorize. The terracotta body has a soft, squishy feel with a gently rounded top and a tapered point at the bottom, and the mustard leaf crown on top makes it look just like a tiny strawberry. With embroidered eyes, blushed cheeks, and a little smile, it's sweet enough to tuck into a pocket, perch on a shelf, or gift to a friend.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic yarn in terracotta (approx. 30 yards) and mustard (approx. 5 yards)
- Needles: 4.0 mm (US 6) knitting needles
- Notions: Tapestry needle, small amount of fiberfill stuffing, scissors
- Embroidery yarn: Small lengths of black, pink, and white yarn for the face
- Optional: 4.0 mm crochet hook if you want to add the single crochet edging
- Finished size: Approx. 3.5 inches wide by 4 inches tall (including crown)
Abbreviations
- K: Knit
- Kfb: Knit front and back (increase one stitch by knitting into the front and then the back of the same stitch)
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease one stitch)
- Sts: Stitches
- Sc: Single crochet (used only for the optional edging)
Gauge
18 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch. To check your gauge, knit a small swatch in garter stitch and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your needle size if needed so your finished doll comes out the right size.
Tips Before You Start
- Garter stitch is stretchy, so don't pull your yarn too tight — a relaxed tension keeps the body soft and easy to stuff.
- Count your stitches after every increase and decrease row; the counts in this pattern are your best guide to keeping the shape even.
- Knit both body pieces with the same yarn and tension so the front and back match when sewn together.
- Leave long tails when you bind off — you'll use them for seaming and for attaching the leaves.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Strawberry Body (Terracotta) — Make 2
Cast on 16 sts.
Row 1: Knit (16 sts).
Row 2: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (18 sts).
Row 3: Knit (18 sts).
Row 4: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (20 sts).
Rows 5-20: Knit all sts (20 sts).
Row 21: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (18 sts).
Row 22: Knit (18 sts).
Row 23: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (16 sts).
Row 24: Knit (16 sts).
Row 25: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (14 sts).
Row 26: Knit (14 sts).
Row 27: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (12 sts).
Row 28: Knit (12 sts).
Row 29: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (10 sts).
Row 30: Knit (10 sts).
Row 31: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (8 sts).
Row 32: Knit (8 sts).
Row 33: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (6 sts).
Row 34: Knit (6 sts).
Row 35: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (4 sts).
Row 36: Knit (4 sts).
Row 37: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (2 sts).
Row 38: Knit (2 sts).
Row 39: K2tog (1 st).
Bind off. Make a second piece identical for the back.
Leaf Crown (Mustard) — Make 3
Cast on 3 sts.
Row 1: Knit (3 sts).
Row 2: K1, kfb, k1 (4 sts).
Row 3: Knit (4 sts).
Row 4: K1, kfb, knit to last st, kfb, k1 (6 sts).
Row 5: Knit (6 sts).
Row 6: K1, kfb, knit to last st, kfb, k1 (8 sts).
Row 7: Knit (8 sts).
Row 8: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (6 sts).
Row 9: Knit (6 sts).
Row 10: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (4 sts).
Row 11: Knit (4 sts).
Row 12: K1, k2tog, k1 (3 sts).
Row 13: Knit (3 sts).
Bind off. Make 3 leaves total.
Embroidery (Front Only)
Using black yarn, embroider two eyes as small vertical stitches centered on the front, about 0.5 inch apart.
Using pink yarn, embroider two small horizontal stitches for cheeks below the eyes.
Using white yarn, embroider a small V-shape for the mouth below the eyes.
Optional Edging
With mustard yarn and a 4.0 mm crochet hook, work a single crochet edging evenly around the entire strawberry, or leave the doll as is.
Assembly and Finishing
Place the front and back strawberry pieces with wrong sides together. Sew them together using terracotta yarn, leaving a 1-inch opening at the bottom. Lightly stuff the doll with fiberfill, then sew the opening closed. Sew the three mustard leaves to the top of the strawberry, overlapping them slightly to form the crown. Weave in all ends securely, then gently shape the doll with your fingers. If you like, lightly steam-block the finished piece to smooth the edges.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the terracotta for pink or red yarn for a different berry look, or use a soft cotton for a smoother finish.
- Add a tiny loop of yarn at the top of the crown to turn the doll into a hanging ornament.
- Try a contrasting edging color, or skip the stuffing and leave it flat as a pocket-sized bookmark or applique.