The Orchid & Hummingbird Bunny is a masterpiece of knitted art, combining the delicate elegance of exotic orchids with the vibrant energy of a hovering hummingbird. This project features a sophisticated color palette of deep imperial purple, bright teal, and soft orchid pink, making it a stunning addition to any heirloom collection. To achieve the professional results seen in the image, it is highly recommended to buy premium extra-fine merino wool or a silk-blend yarn, as these fibers provide the necessary stitch definition for the intricate floral embroidery. When you purchase high-quality materials, you ensure that the 3D orchid petals and the slender hummingbird wings maintain their graceful shape for years to come. This character exudes a sense of botanical wonder and quiet grace.

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

Materials and Specialized Tools

Creating a piece of this complexity requires specific materials to ensure the finished bunny matches the professional aesthetic of the reference image. The density of the fabric is crucial for hiding the internal structure and stuffing.

• Primary Yarn: DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn in the following colors:
  • Taupe or Soft Beige: 100g (Bunny body, head, and limbs).
  • Imperial Purple: 50g (A-line skirt).
  • Bright Teal: 50g (Crossover shawl, headband, and Mary Jane shoes).
  • Orchid Pink: 20g (3D orchid flowers and embroidery).
  • Spring Green: 10g (Flower stems and leaves).
  • White, Red, and Iridescent Green: Scraps (Hummingbird pet).
• Needles: 3.0mm (US size 2.5) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or long circular needles for the magic loop method. Using a needle size slightly smaller than usual for DK yarn creates the firm fabric required for art dolls.
• Notions: 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny, 4mm black beads for the hummingbird eyes, premium polyester fiberfill, a sharp tapestry needle, and a small decorative button for the shawl.
• Embroidery: A fine embroidery needle and silk or cotton embroidery floss in varying shades of pink and purple to add depth to the orchid petals.

Standard Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• st-st: stockinette stitch
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase)
• m1: make one stitch (increase)
• k2tog: knit two stitches together (decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit the two slipped stitches together (decrease)
• RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side
• I-cord: a narrow knitted tube worked on two needles

Bunny Foundation: Leg and Foot Construction

The bunny is built starting with the feet to ensure a seamless transition into the torso. The legs must be stuffed firmly at the bottom to provide stability for the sitting pose seen in the photograph.

Right Leg

Using the taupe yarn, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute the stitches evenly across your DPNs and join for working in the round.

• Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
• Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
• Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This builds the depth of the foot.
• Rnd 10: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shapes the curve of the instep.
• Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
• Rnds 12-42: Continue in st-st until the leg reaches the required height. Stuff the foot area very firmly, shaping the heel and toe as you go. Leave the stitches on a holder.

Left Leg

Repeat the exact instructions as the right leg. After completing Round 42, do not break the yarn. This working yarn will be used to join the two legs and begin the body section immediately.

The Bunny Torso and Hip Shaping

The transition from the legs to the body requires careful stitch placement to create the rounded hip silhouette that fits the deep purple skirt perfectly.

• Rnd 43: Knit across 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on 4 stitches for the back gap (56 sts total).
• Rnds 44-58: Knit all stitches in the round. This establishes the lower abdomen and seat.
• Rnd 59: *k12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
• Rnds 60-65: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 66: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rnds 67-72: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 73: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
• Rnds 74-78: Knit all stitches. Start stuffing the body firmly, focusing on the belly and hip areas.
• Rnd 79: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Rnd 80: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 81: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Rnd 82: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the neck. Do not bind off; we will proceed directly to the head.

The Bunny Head and Facial Structure

The head is worked as a continuation of the neck. Specific increases are used to create the broad cheeks and the gently tapered snout characteristic of this design.

• Rnd 83: *k2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
• Rnd 84: *k3, kfb* repeat around (40 sts).
• Rnd 85: *k4, kfb* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rnd 86: *k5, kfb* repeat around (56 sts).
• Rnd 87: *k6, kfb* repeat around (64 sts).
• Rnds 88-105: Knit all stitches. This vertical growth creates the main volume of the head.
• Insert safety eyes between rounds 96 and 97, leaving 12 stitches between them. Align them with the center of the feet for a balanced gaze.
• Rnd 106: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
• Rnd 107: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 108: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rnd 109: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
• Rnd 110: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts). Begin stuffing the head very firmly. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time to ensure the cheeks are symmetrical and plump.
• Rnd 111: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
• Rnd 112: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
• Rnd 113: k2tog around (8 sts). Break yarn and pull through the remaining stitches to close tightly.

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Long Floppy Ears and Slender Arms

The Rabbit Ears (Make 2)

The ears are worked flat to allow them to drape naturally toward the shoulders. Use the taupe yarn.

• Cast on 12 stitches.
• Rows 1-42: Work in st-st (Knit RS, Purl WS).
• Row 43: k2tog, k8, ssk (10 sts).
• Row 44: Purl all.
• Row 45: k2tog, k6, ssk (8 sts).
• Row 46: Purl all.
• Row 47: k2tog, k4, ssk (6 sts).
• Bind off all stitches. Make two. Fold the cast-on edge slightly in half and sew it to the top of the head at Round 110.

Slender Arms (Make 2)

The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs to allow them to rest gracefully at the bunny’s sides or hold the hummingbird pet.

• Cast on 10 stitches in taupe yarn. Join in the round.
• Rnds 1-38: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 39: *k3, k2tog* (8 sts).
• Rnd 40: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Sew to the body just below the neck line at Round 82.

The Imperial Purple Orchid Skirt

The skirt features an A-line shape that provides a wide canvas for the intricate orchid branch embroidery. It is worked in the round from the bottom up.

• Using imperial purple yarn, cast on 84 stitches. Join in the round.
• Rnds 1-5: Knit all stitches. This creates a clean, weighted hem that hangs perfectly.
• Rnds 6-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt.
• Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *k12, k2tog* repeat around (78 sts).
• Rnd 32: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
• Rnd 33: *k10, k2tog* repeat around (66 sts).
• Rnd 34: *k9, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
• Rnd 35: *k8, k2tog* repeat around (54 sts).
• Bind off all stitches loosely. Place the skirt on the bunny before beginning the embroidery to ensure the placement is correct.

Orchid Branch Embroidery Guide

The embroidery is the focal point of the skirt. It should flow diagonally from the bottom right hem toward the center waist.

• The Stem: Use the spring green yarn and a stem stitch to create a graceful, winding branch that starts at the hem. Add smaller offshoots for buds.
• The Orchid Flowers: Using orchid pink yarn, create five-petaled orchid shapes along the branch. Use a satin stitch for the three outer petals and a more textured bullion knot or padded satin stitch for the center “lip” of the orchid.
• Details: Use a darker purple embroidery floss to add fine lines on the petals, radiating from the center out. Use yellow yarn for a tiny French knot in the very center of each bloom.
• Buds: At the tips of the green branches, create small pink ovals using a satin stitch to represent unopened orchid buds.

The Teal Crossover Shawl

The shawl is a modern wrap style that crosses at the front and secures with a single button. It features a hummingbird motif on the chest panel.

• Using teal yarn and working flat, cast on 30 stitches.
• Rows 1-4: Knit all rows (Garter stitch border).
• Rows 5-20: Work in st-st, keeping 3 stitches at each edge in garter stitch to prevent rolling.
• Row 21: To create the crossover, increase 1 stitch at the beginning of every RS row for the next 10 rows. This creates a diagonal front panel.
• Divide for armholes: Work 10 stitches, bind off 4, work 18, bind off 4, work 10.
• Work the back and front panels separately for 8 rows, then rejoin or bind off and sew the shoulders.
• Finish by knitting a small loop on the edge for the button.

Hummingbird Embroidery on Shawl

On the right front panel of the teal shawl, embroider a miniature hummingbird. Use iridescent green for the body and head, white for the belly, and bright red for the throat. A long, thin straight stitch in black creates the beak. The wings should be spread in a “V” shape using light grey or white thread to suggest movement.

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The Teal Orchid Headband

The headband is a simple knitted band embellished with 3D orchids that match the embroidery on the skirt.

• The Band: Cast on 5 stitches in teal. Work in st-st or garter stitch for 12 inches (or enough to fit around the head). Bind off and sew the ends together.
• 3D Orchid Flowers (Make 3):
  • Outer Petals: Cast on 3 stitches in pink. kfb into every stitch (6 sts). Knit 2 rows. k2tog across (3 sts). Bind off. Make 5 petals for each flower.
  • Assembly: Sew the 5 petals in a circle onto the teal band. Add a small green leaf behind the flowers using a lazy daisy stitch.

Teal Mary Jane Shoes

Make two shoes. They are separate items that slide over the taupe feet.

• Using teal yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
• Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts).
• Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches.
• The Strap: Cast on 10 stitches, bind off immediately. Sew the strap across the top opening of the shoe. Attach a tiny decorative button if desired.

The 3D Hummingbird Pet

This miniature pet is worked in several small parts using variegated scrap yarn to capture the bird’s natural sheen.

• Body: Cast on 6 stitches in green. Join in round. kfb around (12 sts). Knit 6 rounds. k2tog around (6 sts). Stuff firmly and close.
• Head: Cast on 6 stitches. Knit 4 rounds. Close. Sew to the body.
• Beak: Using black thread or a single strand of yarn, create a long, stiff stitch protruding from the head.
• Wings: Cast on 4 stitches. Knit 6 rows, decreasing 1 stitch every other row. Bind off. Make two and sew to the sides of the body at an upward angle.
• Tail: Cast on 3 stitches. Knit 4 rows. Bind off. Sew to the rear of the body.

Glass Plant Mister Accessory (Prop)

The plant mister is a charming prop that emphasizes the bunny’s love for her orchids. You can use a small decorative glass bottle or knit a miniature one using grey and clear yarns.

• Bottle: Cast on 10 stitches in a light blue or clear yarn. Knit 10 rounds. Bind off.
• Mist Top: Use grey yarn to knit a tiny I-cord “spout” and a small “handle” for the pump. Sew to the top of the knitted bottle.

Final Assembly and Facial Details

Proper assembly is what transforms the knitted pieces into a character. Follow these steps for a professional finish:

• Facial Embroidery: Centered between the safety eyes, use brown embroidery thread to stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. The nose should be level with the bottom of the eyes.
• Cheek Blush: Using a small amount of real cosmetic blush and a cotton swab, apply soft pink circles to the bunny’s cheeks. This gives her the healthy, youthful glow seen in the photo.
• Dressing: Place the imperial purple skirt on the bunny first. Layer the teal crossover shawl over the top and secure the button. Place the headband between the ears.
• Positioning: Tuck the Mary Jane shoes onto the feet. The hummingbird can be stitched to the bunny’s arm or perched on her shoulder to look as if it is interacting with the orchids on her skirt.

Preservation and Care

Because this project features extensive 3D embroidery and multiple knitted layers, it requires specific care to maintain its high-end appearance. Art dolls are best treated as decorative pieces, but if cleaning is necessary, follow these guidelines.

Washing the Character

Hand washing is the only recommended method. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent specifically formulated for silk or merino wool. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding any aggressive scrubbing which could snag the orchid embroidery. Let the doll soak for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

To dry, place the bunny between two clean, thick towels and press gently to remove excess moisture. Never wring or twist the doll, as this will distort the internal stuffing and ruin the shape of the crossover shawl. Lay the bunny flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the imperial purple and teal yarns. You may use a light fabric softener in the final rinse to keep the teal shawl and taupe skin feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently reshape the orchid petals using your fingers or a small knitting needle. By following these care steps, your Orchid & Hummingbird Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for generations.

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