The Snowdrop & Robin Bunny – Knitting

The Snowdrop & Robin Bunny is a nostalgic and winter-inspired project that captures the quiet beauty of the first blooms of the year. This elegant character is dressed in a soft sky-blue dress adorned with delicate white snowdrop embroidery, layered with a cozy rust-colored vest that features a tiny robin motif. Her look is completed with a crisp white knitted hat and sturdy brown lace-up boots. To ensure your creation matches this professional aesthetic, it is essential to buy high-quality natural fibers like merino or alpaca blends. When you purchase premium yarn and specialized amigurumi tools, the stitch definition becomes crisp, allowing every embroidered detail to stand out vividly. This pattern is designed for those who appreciate fine details and wish to create a timeless heirloom that brings the spirit of a winter garden into their home.




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

Recommended Materials and Tools

Selecting the right materials is the foundation of a successful knitting project. For the bunny’s body, I recommend a soft, oatmeal-colored DK weight yarn. A blend of wool and cotton is excellent for maintaining shape while providing a pleasant tactile experience. For the sky-blue dress, seek out a smooth pima cotton or a silk-merino mix to ensure the snowdrop embroidery sits perfectly on the surface. The rust-colored vest requires a slightly more textured wool to provide a rustic contrast. You will also need a small amount of white yarn for the hat and brown for the boots.

Regarding tools, you will need US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles or a long circular needle if you prefer the magic loop method. Using a needle size slightly smaller than what is recommended on the yarn label is a professional secret for creating a dense fabric that prevents stuffing from showing through. For embroidery, gather sharp needles and high-quality embroidery floss in white, green, and red. You will also need 9mm black safety eyes, premium polyester fiberfill, and a tapestry needle for seamless assembly. If you need to source these items, most are readily available to buy through online craft retailers or local specialty yarn shops.

Abbreviations Used in this Guide

  • K: Knit
  • P: Purl
  • Sts: Stitches
  • Rnd: Round
  • Kfb: Knit into the front and back of the same stitch (increase)
  • M1: Make one stitch (increase)
  • K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
  • SSK: Slip, slip, knit the two slipped stitches together (decrease)
  • St-st: Stockinette stitch
  • RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side

Knitting the Bunny Body: Legs and Foundation

The bunny is constructed from the bottom up to provide a stable base for the clothing. We begin with the legs, which are later joined to form the torso.

Right Leg Construction

Using the oatmeal yarn, cast on 10 stitches. We will work in the round to avoid bulky seams.
Rnd 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch (20 sts).
Rnd 2: *K1, kfb; repeat from * to the end of the round (30 sts).
Rnds 3–10: Knit every stitch. This builds the foot area.
Rnd 11: K10, (k2tog) 5 times, K10 (25 sts). This decrease shapes the front of the foot.
Rnd 12: K10, (k2tog) 3 times, K9 (22 sts).
Rnd 13: Knit all stitches.
Rnds 14–40: Continue knitting every stitch in stockinette until the leg reaches the required height. Ensure you stuff the foot area very firmly as you work. Place these stitches on a holder.

Left Leg Construction

Repeat the exact instructions provided for the right leg. After completing Round 40, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from this leg to initiate the joining process for the torso.

Forming the Bunny Torso and Hips

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture. We will create a gap between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips seen in the image.

Rnd 41: Knit across the 22 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center, knit across the 22 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back (52 sts total).
Rnds 42–55: Knit all stitches in the round. This section establishes the lower abdomen.
Rnd 56: *K11, k2tog; repeat from * around (48 sts).
Rnds 57–62: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 63: *K10, k2tog; repeat from * around (44 sts).
Rnds 64–70: Knit all stitches. Stuff the lower body firmly, ensuring the hips are well-rounded.
Rnd 71: *K9, k2tog; repeat from * around (40 sts).
Rnd 72: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 73: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * around (32 sts).
Rnd 74: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * around (24 sts). This forms the neck area. Do not bind off.

Shaping the Bunny Head and Facial Structure

The head is worked directly from the neck stitches. We use rapid increases to create the broad cheeks that give the bunny her sweet expression.

Rnd 75: *K2, kfb; repeat from * around (32 sts).
Rnd 76: *K3, kfb; repeat from * around (40 sts).
Rnd 77: *K4, kfb; repeat from * around (48 sts).
Rnd 78: *K5, kfb; repeat from * around (56 sts).
Rnds 79–92: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the vertical height of the head.
Insert 9mm safety eyes between rounds 84 and 85, spaced about 10 stitches apart. Ensure they are level with each other.
Rnd 93: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * around (48 sts).
Rnd 94: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 95: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * around (40 sts).
Rnd 96: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * around (32 sts). Start stuffing the head very firmly, using your fingers to shape the cheeks symmetrically.
Rnd 97: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * around (24 sts).
Rnd 98: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * around (16 sts).
Rnd 99: K2tog around (8 sts).
Break the yarn and pull through the remaining stitches to close the top of the head.

Ears and Arms: Adding Character

Rabbit Ears (Make 2)

Using the oatmeal yarn, cast on 12 stitches. We work these flat to give them a natural, flexible drape.
Rows 1–35: Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS).
Row 36: K2tog, K to last 2 sts, SSK (10 sts).
Row 37: Purl all stitches.
Row 38: K2tog, K to last 2 sts, SSK (8 sts).
Row 39: Purl all stitches.
Row 40: K2tog, K to last 2 sts, SSK (6 sts).
Bind off all stitches. When sewing to the head, fold the bottom of the ear slightly to create depth. Attach them to the top of the head between rounds 95 and 97.




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Slender Arms (Make 2)

Using oatmeal yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Work in the round.
Rnds 1–35: Knit all stitches. Stuff the lower half of the arm firmly but leave the upper half lightly stuffed so it can hang naturally at the bunny’s side.
Rnd 36: K2tog around (5 sts).
Break yarn and pull through. Sew the arms to the body at the neck level (Rnd 74).

The Sky Blue Snowdrop Dress

The dress is a classic A-line silhouette worked in the round from the bottom up. The embroidery is added after the knitting is complete.

Using the sky-blue yarn, cast on 72 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1–4: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, non-rolling hem.
Rnds 5–25: Knit all stitches in stockinette.
Rnd 26: *K7, k2tog; repeat from * around (64 sts).
Rnds 27–30: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 31: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * around (56 sts).
Rnd 32: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * around (48 sts).
Rnds 33–40: Knit all stitches for the bodice.
Next Rnd: Knit 10, bind off 4 stitches for the armhole, knit 20, bind off 4 stitches, knit 10.
Work the front and back sections separately flat for 6 rows each, then bind off. Sew the shoulder seams together, leaving a wide opening for the bunny’s head.

Snowdrop Embroidery Guide

Using a sharp needle and white yarn, create the snowdrop petals at the hem of the dress. Use three straight stitches for each flower head, making them hang downward. Use green yarn to stitch long, slightly curved stems and two narrow leaves for each bloom. Space them evenly around the circumference of the skirt hem as shown in the photo.

The Rust-Colored Robin Vest

The vest is a cropped garment worked flat to provide texture and layering to the outfit.

Using the rust or burnt orange yarn, cast on 30 stitches.
Rows 1–2: Knit all stitches (Garter stitch border).
Row 3 (RS): K2, Knit to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 4 (WS): K2, Purl to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 5: K2, Kfb, Knit to last 3 sts, Kfb, K2 (32 sts).
Rows 6–15: Continue in stockinette with garter borders.
Row 16: Bind off 4 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows for armholes.
Work the back and two front panels separately for 10 rows. Bind off all stitches. Sew the shoulder seams. The vest should remain open at the front, secured by a single small button if desired.

Miniature Robin Embroidery

On the left chest of the vest, use red and brown embroidery floss to create a tiny robin. Use a small satin stitch for the red breast and a brown backstitch for the wings and head. Add a tiny black dot for the eye. This small detail is crucial for matching the original design accurately.

Winter Accessories: Hat and Boots

The White Knitted Hat

Using white yarn, cast on 44 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1–4: *K1, P1; repeat from * for a ribbed brim.
Rnds 5–15: Knit every stitch.
Rnd 16: *K9, k2tog; repeat from * around.
Rnd 17: *K8, k2tog; repeat from * around.
Continue decreasing in this pattern until 8 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through and fasten off.
Chin Ties: Pick up 3 stitches at the side of the hat. Work an I-cord for 10 inches. Repeat for the other side. This ensures the hat stays securely on the bunny’s head.

Brown Lace-Up Boots (Make 2)

Using brown yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1-3: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 4: K8, (k2tog) 2 times, K8 (18 sts).
Rnd 5: Bind off 18 sts.
Sole and Assembly: Sew the bottom edge together flat. Use a contrasting light brown thread to create mock laces on the front of the boots. Slip them onto the bunny’s feet and secure them with a few invisible stitches.




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The Miniature Robin Pet and Berry Branch

Small 3D Robin

Using red and brown yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round.
Rnd 1: Kfb around (12 sts).
Rnd 2: Knit all stitches. Change colors between rounds to create the red breast.
Rnd 3: K1, k2tog (8 sts). Stuff lightly.
Rnd 4: K2tog around. Close and weave in ends. Embroider a tiny yellow beak and black eyes.

The Berry Branch

Using brown yarn, knit a 4-inch I-cord. For the berries, use red yarn to create tiny bobbles or French knots along the length of the I-cord. Position the robin on a separate twig or have the bunny hold the branch as seen in the photograph.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The secret to a 100% accurate character is in the final assembly. Begin by ensuring the head is centered on the neck. Sew the ears securely to the crown of the head. Use brown embroidery thread to create a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the safety eyes. You may apply a tiny bit of pink cosmetic blush to the cheeks using a cotton swab to give her a soft, healthy glow.

Dress the bunny in her sky-blue dress first, ensuring the embroidery is visible. Layer the rust vest over the dress. Place the white hat on her head and tie the I-cords under her chin in a neat bow. Position the boots on her feet. Finally, tuck the berry branch under one arm and place the robin pet nearby. Check all seams and hide any loose yarn ends inside the body stuffing to maintain a professional finish.

Preserving Your Hand-Knitted Bunny

Because this project involves intricate embroidery and delicate layering, proper care is essential to maintain its pristine appearance. Heirloom dolls are best treated as decorative pieces, but if cleaning becomes necessary, follow these guidelines carefully. Hand washing is the only recommended method. Use lukewarm water and a very gentle detergent specifically formulated for wool or delicate fibers. Avoid any aggressive scrubbing, especially over the snowdrop and robin embroidery, as this can cause the stitches to snag or pill.

To dry, place the bunny between two thick, clean 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 head and ears. Lay the bunny flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant rust and sky-blue yarns. You may use a light fabric softener in the final rinse to keep the oatmeal skin feeling soft and supple. By following these care instructions, your Snowdrop & Robin Bunny will remain a cherished part of your collection for many years. Knitting a character of this complexity is a labor of love, and every stitch contributes to the story of a beautiful winter garden.

 

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