Introduction

Meet the Cheese-Market Mouse—a gentle, friendly character in a mustard eyelet cardigan, charcoal pinafore, white ballet flats, and a tiny pillbox hat, finished with a tote sporting a cheerful cheese appliqué. The fabric is neat DK stockinette, with simple shaping for a clean, modern look that photographs beautifully on wooden tables or market-style props.

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

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Materials Needed

• Yarn (DK, non-fuzzy wool/acrylic blend, approx. 22 sts = 10 cm in stockinette):
  1. Mouse body (fawn/beige): 35 g
  2. Inner ear/paws (light beige): scraps
  3. Cardigan & hat (mustard): 25 g
  4. Pinafore (charcoal): 25 g
  5. Shoes (white/cream): 10 g
  6. Tote (beige): 8 g
  7. Cheese appliqué (yellow): scraps
  8. Nose/smile (soft pink), pocket topstitch (charcoal): scraps
• Needles:
  1. US 3 (3.25 mm) circulars/DPNs for most pieces
  2. US 2.5 (3.0 mm) for ribbing/shoes/hat edge
• Notions: 6 mm safety eyes (or embroider); tapestry needle; 3 tiny buttons (6–7 mm wood); stitch markers; waste yarn; small amount of pipe cleaner or 0.8 mm craft wire (optional) for tail; polyester fiberfill; a few grains of plastic pellets in a sealed pouch for weight (optional); small bit of felt for cheese holes (optional); fabric glue (optional).

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Abbreviations (US Terms)

• CO – cast on
• BO – bind off
• k – knit
• p – purl
• rnd(s) – round(s)
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• kfb – knit front and back (inc 1)
• m1L/m1R – make 1 left/right
• k2tog – knit 2 together
• ssk – slip, slip, knit
• yo – yarn over
• pm/sm – place/slip marker
• tbl – through back loop
• RS/WS – right side / wrong side
• I-cord – knit cord worked on 3–4 sts

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Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge (in the round): ~26 sts × 36 rnds = 10 cm (4″) in stockinette on US 3 (3.25 mm).
• Finished size: ~21–22 cm standing; ear diameter ~5.0 cm; shoe length ~4.0 cm.

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Color & Yardage Map

• Body/Head/Arms/Legs/Tail: fawn DK
• Inner ear/paws: lighter beige (duplicate stitch or separate piece)
• Cardigan + Hat: mustard DK
• Pinafore: charcoal DK
• Shoes: white/cream DK
• Tote: beige DK with yellow cheese appliqué

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Pattern Notes

• Work in the round unless noted.
• Safety eyes are placed between Head rnds 17–18, 10 sts apart (≈ 2.0–2.2 cm).
• Stuff firm but springy; shape nose slightly pointed.
• Use invisible decreases (ssk front, k2tog back) on head/body for smoothness.
• All seams use mattress stitch; weave ends neatly on WS.

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Head (fawn) — from crown down

Using US 3, CO 6 sts, join to work in rnd, pm at start.
Rnd 1: kfb around — 12
Rnd 2: k
Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) around — 18
Rnd 4: k
Rnd 5: (k2, kfb) around — 24
Rnd 6: k
Rnd 7: (k3, kfb) around — 30
Rnd 8: k
Rnd 9: (k4, kfb) around — 36
Rnd 10: k
Rnd 11: (k5, kfb) around — 42
Rnd 12: k
Rnd 13: (k6, kfb) around — 48
Rnd 14–18: k (5 rnds)
Rnd 19: (k7, kfb) around — 54
Rnd 20–23: k (4 rnds).
Eye placement: After Rnd 23, insert 6 mm eyes 10 sts apart between Rnd 17–18.
Rnds 24–27: k (4 rnds).
Begin nose shaping (gentle taper):
Rnd 28: (k7, k2tog) around — 48
Rnd 29: k
Rnd 30: (k6, k2tog) around — 42
Rnd 31: k
Rnd 32: (k5, k2tog) around — 36
Rnd 33: k
Rnd 34: (k4, k2tog) around — 30
Rnd 35: (k3, k2tog) around — 24
Stuff head firmly, emphasizing cheeks.
Rnd 36: (k2, k2tog) around — 18
Rnd 37: (k1, k2tog) around — 12
Rnd 38: k2tog around — 6. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, pull closed.
Embroider pink nose at the tip and a tiny smile.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

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Ears (make 2) — worked flat, then joined

Using US 3 and fawn, CO 6 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k across.
Row 2: p.
Row 3: kfb across — 12
Row 4: p.
Row 5: (k1, kfb) across — 18
Row 6: p.
Row 7: (k2, kfb) across — 24
Row 8–10: work in stockinette.
Row 11: (k2, k2tog) across — 18
Row 12: p.
Row 13: (k1, k2tog) across — 12
Row 14: p.
Row 15: (k2tog) across — 6. BO.
Block lightly into circles. Work a light-beige duplicate stitch inner ear if desired. Leave a long tail to sew with a slight forward tilt.

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Body (fawn) — from hips up

Using US 3, CO 30 sts, join, pm.
Rnd 1: k.
Rnd 2: (k4, kfb) around — 36
Rnd 3: k
Rnd 4: (k5, kfb) around — 42
Rnd 5: k
Rnd 6: (k6, kfb) around — 48
Rnd 7–12: k (6 rnds)
Rnd 13 (shape belly): (k7, kfb) around — 54
Rnd 14–18: k (5 rnds).
Rnd 19: (k7, k2tog) around — 48
Rnd 20: k
Rnd 21: (k6, k2tog) around — 42
Rnd 22: (k5, k2tog) around — 36
Rnd 23–25: k (3 rnds).
Rnd 26 (waist): (k4, k2tog) around — 30
Rnd 27–29: k (3 rnds).
Rnd 30 (upper chest): (k4, m1) around — 36
Rnd 31–33: k (3 rnds).
Rnd 34 (neck): (k4, k2tog) around — 30
Rnd 35: (k3, k2tog) around — 24
Stuff body (firm at base, softer at waist).
Rnd 36: (k2, k2tog) around — 18
Rnd 37: (k1, k2tog) around — 12.
BO leaving long tail to sew to head.

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Arms (make 2, fawn)

Using US 3, CO 8 sts, work I-cord for 16 rows.
Switch to lighter beige for palms (optional) and knit 4 rows I-cord.
Break yarn, thread through live sts to close a soft palm. Lightly stuff upper arm only. Leave tail for sewing. Finished length: ~7.5 cm.

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Legs & Feet (make 2, fawn)

Feet first (for shoes fit):
Using US 3, CO 8 sts, join.
Rnd 1: (k1, kfb) around — 12
Rnd 2: k
Rnd 3: (k2, kfb) around — 16
Rnd 4: k
Rnd 5: (k3, kfb) around — 20
Rnd 6–9: k (4 rnds).
Rnd 10: (k3, k2tog) around — 16
Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) around — 12. Stuff foot oval-shaped.
Rnd 12: (k1, k2tog) around — 8
Switch to leg:
Cont k even 12 rnds for shin.
BO leaving tail for sewing. Finished leg length (incl. foot): ~8.5–9 cm.

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Tail (fawn)

With US 2.5, CO 4 sts, work I-cord 14–16 cm. Optionally thread a thin wire/pipe cleaner inside for poseability. Leave tails at both ends for securing.

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Cardigan (mustard) — cropped, eyelet, 3 buttons

Worked flat top-down.
With US 3, CO 36 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k across.
Row 2 (WS): k1, p to last st, k1.
Row 3 (setup raglan): k4 (button band), pm, k5 (Right Front), pm, k2 (raglan seam), pm, k10 (Sleeve), pm, k2, pm, k10 (Sleeve), pm, k2, pm, k5 (Left Front), pm, k4 (button band).
Raglan inc rows:

• RS: work bands in garter (k each row); k to 1 st before each seam-marker, m1R, k2 (seam), m1L; maintain fronts/back/sleeves.
• WS: k1, p to last st, k1 on body sections; sleeves p; bands k.
  Repeat RS/WS raglan rows 8 times.
  Eyelet body motif (fronts & back only): On RS rows after raglan complete: yo, k2tog every 6th st, offset every other RS row to dot evenly.
  Divide for sleeves: Place sleeve sts on waste yarn, CO 2 sts at each underarm, work body flat 8–10 rows more in motif.
  Hem: Switch to US 2.5, work k1, p1 rib 4 rows. BO in rib.
  Sleeves: Return sleeve sts, pick up 2 underarm sts, work in the round 6–8 rows stockinette, then k1, p1 rib 3 rows. BO.
  Neckline: Pick up sts around neck; work k1, p1 rib 3 rows. BO.
  Buttonholes: On Right Front band, work yo, k2tog spaced evenly for 3 buttonholes (Row 4, 10, 16 from collar). Sew on 3 tiny wood buttons. Length is cropped to the pinafore waist.

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Pinafore Dress with Pocket (charcoal)

Skirt in the round:
With US 3, CO 72 sts, join.
Rnd 1–4: k1, p1 rib.
Rnd 5–24: k even for straight A-line fall.
Rnd 25: (k10, k2tog) around — 66
Rnd 26–34: k.
Rnd 35: (k9, k2tog) around — 60
Rnd 36–40: k.
Waistband: Switch to US 2.5, k1, p1 rib 6 rnds. BO loosely.
Bib (worked flat):
Pick up 22 sts centered on front waist (over 22 of the 60).
Row 1 (WS): p.
Row 2 (RS): k.
Rows 3–18: work stockinette; sl1 wyif at each side every RS to curve edges lightly.
Row 19 (top hem): k1, p1 rib 4 rows; BO.
Straps (make 2): CO 5 sts, work k1, p1 rib to 9 cm; BO. Attach back-to-front crossing slightly, sew to upper corners of bib.
Rounded pocket: CO 12 sts, work 4 rows stockinette; next RS: k2tog at each edge; work 3 rows; next RS: k2tog both edges; BO. Topstitch onto bib with small duplicate-stitch curve on top edge.

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Pillbox Hat (mustard)

Using US 2.5, CO 54 sts, join.
Rnd 1–4: k1, p1 rib.
Rnd 5–12: k even (low cylinder wall).
Rnd 13: (k7, k2tog) around — 48
Rnd 14: k
Rnd 15: (k6, k2tog) — 42
Rnd 16: k
Rnd 17: (k5, k2tog) — 36
Rnd 18: k
Rnd 19: (k4, k2tog) — 30
Rnd 20: (k3, k2tog) — 24
Rnd 21: (k2, k2tog) — 18
Rnd 22: (k1, k2tog) — 12
Rnd 23: k2tog — 6. Draw yarn through remaining, cinch. Lightly block to a flat-top shape.

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Ballet Flats with Bows (white)

Using US 2.5, CO 24 sts, join.
Rnd 1–3: k.
Rnd 4: (k3, kfb) around — 30
Rnd 5–7: k.
Rnd 8 (toe taper): (k3, k2tog) around — 24
Rnd 9: k.
Rnd 10: (k2, k2tog) around — 18
Rnd 11: k.
Rnd 12: (k1, k2tog) around — 12
Rnd 13: k. BO loosely.
Collar band: With RS facing, pick up 24 sts around opening, work k1, p1 rib 3 rows, BO.
Bows (make 2): CO 12 sts, work 4 rows garter, BO. Pinch center and wrap with yarn; sew to vamp.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

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Tote with Cheese Appliqué (beige + yellow)

Bag body: With US 3, CO 18 sts, work garter for 28 rows (rectangle). Fold in half; mattress stitch sides to form a mini tote (~5 × 5.5 cm).
Handles: I-cord 3 sts × 7 cm, make 2; sew to top edges.
Cheese appliqué: With yellow, CO 8 sts, work in stockinette decreasing 1 st at beginning of RS rows for triangle wedge; add tiny felt circles or duplicate stitch for “holes”. Sew appliqué to front.

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Optional Photo Prop: Cheese Wedges (yellow)

CO 12 sts, work stockinette 10 rows; decrease 1 st each RS row until 3 sts, BO. Seam side edges to form a wedge; stuff lightly. Embroider a few holes.

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Assembly & Placement Map

1. Join Head to Body: Align openings; ladder stitch. Aim for vertical head angle (no forward tilt).
2. Ears: Fold base slightly; sew at Head Rnd ~6–8 from crown, positions about 12 sts apart (≈ 3.2–3.5 cm), tilt 10–15° forward.
3. Arms: Sew to body at height matching cardigan armholes—Body Rnd ~30 from cast-on (just below neck). Arms should hang straight with slight front bias (5°).
4. Legs: Attach under body, 2.2–2.5 cm apart. Ensure feet angle parallel so shoes sit flat.
5. Tail: Insert low-back center, 4 rnds above cast-on; angle downward 20°, length 14–16 cm.
6. Face: If embroidered eyes, place 10 sts apart between Head Rnds 17–18. Add pink nose centered on the gathered tip; stitch a tiny curved smile.
7. Dress & Cardigan: Put on pinafore first, then cardigan. Sew buttons to left band to match buttonholes.
8. Shoes: Slip on feet; stitch a hidden tack at heel if needed.
9. Hat: Sit toward back-crown; anchor with a hidden tack.
10. Tote: Hang on left hand or over forearm; a couple of hidden tacks keep it in place.

Final dimensions to match photo:

• Ear diameter ≈5 cm; ear-to-ear outer span ≈8.5–9 cm.
• Cardigan length hits exactly at pinafore waist rib.
• Shoe length ≈4 cm; bow width 1.6–1.8 cm.
• Tote height ≈5–5.5 cm excluding handles.

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Quality Check & Styling

• Symmetry: Count rounds while stuffing; cheeks should be even.
• Neck transition: No step—massage stuffing so head joins softly to torso.
• Eyelet cardigan: Eyelets appear like tiny dots; avoid large holes by keeping yo snug and blocking lightly.
• Pillbox silhouette: Steam-block crown flat; sides straight.
• Pinafore straps: Cross at back; ensure equal tension so bib sits flush.
• Photo styling (optional): Place on a wooden table with a small cutting board and cheese wedges; keep background softly blurred and pastel-warm.

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Care & Safety

This is a display collectible. If gifting to a child under 3, replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes and secure all accessories firmly.

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Pattern Recap (for exact likeness)

• DK gauge 26×36 on US 3.
• Head: to 54 sts, eyes at rnds 17–18, 10 sts apart; tapered nose.
• Ears: thin discs, ~5 cm, slight forward tilt.
• Body: hip 54 sts, waist 30 sts, short neck.
• Arms/Legs: slim cylinders; shoes white ballet flats with bows.
• Outfit: mustard eyelet cardigan (3 buttons), charcoal pinafore with rounded pocket & crossed straps, mustard pillbox, beige tote with cheese appliqué.