The Cornflower & Goldfinch Bunny is an exquisite heirloom project that brings the serene beauty of a summer meadow into your hands. This character features a soft, earth-toned bunny dressed in a pastoral ensemble: a sunshine-yellow skirt, a white bodice decorated with delicate blue cornflower embroidery, and a vibrant blue vest showcasing a miniature goldfinch. Her look is completed with a rustic straw hat and mustard-yellow T-strap shoes. This project is ideal for intermediate knitters who enjoy combining structural knitting with decorative embroidery. To achieve the professional finish seen in the image, many crafters choose to buy premium extra-fine merino wool or organic cotton blends, as these fibers provide the necessary stitch definition for the intricate bird and floral motifs. When you buy high-quality materials, you ensure that your finished bunny remains a durable and soft treasure for years to come. This design is not just a toy but a storied work of art, perfect for gifting or display.

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

Project Materials and Tools

Creating a 100% accurate representation of this bunny requires specific attention to color and fiber texture. The following list includes everything needed to complete the bunny, her wardrobe, and her tiny companions.

• Bunny Skin: Approximately 100g of DK weight yarn in a medium taupe or oatmeal shade. A wool or wool-blend yarn is recommended for a soft, natural look.
• Wardrobe Colors:
  • Pale Lemon Yellow: 50g (Skirt).
  • Bright Cornflower Blue: 30g (Vest and hat ribbon).
  • Pure White: 30g (Bodice).
  • Mustard Yellow: 20g (Shoes).
  • Straw/Tan: 30g (Hat).
• Embroidery and Pet Details: Small amounts (scraps) of black, bright yellow, red, and forest green yarn or embroidery floss for the cornflowers and goldfinch.
• Miniature Goldfinch: A small amount of bright yellow, black, and white yarn for the 3D bird perched on the shoulder.
• Wheat Accessory: Golden yellow yarn for the stalks and grains.
• Needles: 3.0mm (US 2.5) double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop. Using a slightly smaller needle size than recommended on the yarn label creates a dense fabric that keeps the stuffing hidden.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny.
• Stuffing: High-grade polyester fiberfill.
• Tools: Tapestry needle, embroidery needle, stitch markers, and a small piece of blue ribbon if you prefer it over knitted cord for the hat.

Standard Stitch Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• st-st: stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side)
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase)
• m1: make one stitch by lifting the bar between stitches (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 tube of knitting worked on two needles

Bunny Foundation: The Legs

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward to ensure the bunny has the structural integrity to stand and sit gracefully. We work the legs as seamless tubes.

Right Leg Construction

Using the taupe/oatmeal yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Distribute them across your needles and join for working in the round.

Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (20 sts).
Rnd 2: *k1, kfb* repeat from * to end of round (30 sts).
Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This forms the foot base.
Rnd 10: k10, (k2tog) 5 times, k10 (25 sts). This decrease shaping creates the front of the foot.
Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 3 times, k9 (22 sts).
Rnd 12: Knit all stitches.
Rnds 13-40: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg reaches the required height. Stuff the foot area very firmly as you go, using your fingers to shape a rounded toe and heel. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility at the hip join. Leave these stitches on a holder.

Left Leg Construction

Work the left leg exactly as the right leg. After reaching Round 40, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from this leg to initiate the body join in the next section.

Constructing the Torso and Hips

Joining the legs is the most critical stage for the character’s posture. The spacing between the legs determines the width of the hips, which must accommodate the flared yellow skirt.

Rnd 41 (Joining): Knit across the 22 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 22 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back gap (52 sts total).
Rnds 42-55: Knit all stitches in the round. This establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Ensure your tension remains consistent to avoid gaps at the join.
Rnd 56: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnds 57-62: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 63: *k10, k2tog* repeat around (44 sts).
Rnds 64-70: Knit all stitches. At this point, begin stuffing the body firmly. Focus on pushing the stuffing toward the sides to define the rounded hip shape.
Rnd 71: *k9, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 72: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 73: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 74: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the narrow neck area. Do not bind off, as the head is worked directly from these stitches.

Shaping the Bunny Head and Snout

The head requires specific increases to define the broad, sweet cheeks and the slightly tapered bridge of the nose. This part must be stuffed very firmly to maintain its shape over time.

Rnd 75: *k2, m1* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 76: *k3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 77: *k4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 78: *k5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnds 79-92: Knit all stitches. This builds the vertical volume of the head. It should look like a rounded dome.
Position the safety eyes between rounds 84 and 85, roughly 12 stitches apart. Ensure they are level with the center of the feet. Lock the washers in place.
Rnd 93: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 94: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 95: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 96: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts). Start stuffing the head very firmly. Use small amounts of fiberfill at a time to ensure the cheeks are symmetrical.
Rnd 97: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Rnd 98: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Rnd 99: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn, leaving a tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the end securely inside the head.

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The Long Upright Ears and Slender Arms

Detailed Ear Instructions (Make 2)

The ears are long and stand strictly upright. We work them flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. Use the taupe yarn.

Cast on 12 stitches.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long, elegant rectangle.
Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (10 sts).
Row 47: Purl all.
Row 48: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).
Row 49: Purl all.
Row 50: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (6 sts).
Bind off all stitches. Fold the bottom edge of the ear slightly in half to create depth and sew to the top of the head at Round 95. The ears should be positioned parallel to each other.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally at the bunny’s side or hold the wheat stalks. Join taupe yarn in the round.

Cast on 10 stitches.
Rnds 1-38: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
Rnd 39: *k3, k2tog* (8 sts).
Rnd 40: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the hand (lower) area firmly and the upper arm very lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 74.

The White Bodice and Cornflower Embroidery

The bodice is a separate layer or can be worked directly onto the upper torso if preferred. To match the image perfectly, we will work it as a separate white top that fits under the blue vest.

Using the pure white yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 24 stitches. Work flat.
Rows 1-12: Stockinette stitch. This forms the back panel.
Row 13: Cast on 6 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows for the armholes.
Rows 14-25: Stockinette stitch.
Divide for neck: Knit 12, bind off 12 for the neck opening, knit 12. Work the front panels separately for 10 rows and bind off.
Sew the shoulder and side seams. Slip the top onto the bunny.

Cornflower Embroidery Guide

The embroidery is the artistic heart of this character. Use cornflower blue yarn and forest green floss.
The Stems: Using a stem stitch, create three green stems starting from the waist and radiating upward on the white bodice.
The Flowers: At the tip of each stem, create 5 or 6 small “Lazy Daisy” loops in cornflower blue to form the petals. Add a tiny yellow French knot in the very center of each bloom to represent the pollen. This detail should be dainty and centered on the chest.

The Pale Yellow A-Line Skirt

The skirt features a wide, flared silhouette with a garter stitch hem that matches the image’s rustic style. Use the pale lemon yellow yarn.

Cast on 80 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This creates a sturdy, weighted hem that won’t roll.
Rnds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. The skirt should fall just above the bunny’s ankles.
Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *k8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Rnd 32: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
Rnd 33: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Bind off all stitches loosely. Place the skirt on the bunny, pulling it over the white bodice and securing it at the waistline with a few hidden stitches.

The Bright Blue Garden Vest

The vest is a modern addition that provides a bold pop of color and a focal point for the goldfinch motif. It is worked flat and features a high neckline.

Using the cornflower blue yarn, cast on 44 stitches.
Rows 1-4: Knit all rows (Garter stitch border).
Row 5: Knit all stitches, increasing 4 stitches evenly across the row (48 sts).
Rows 6-20: Knit all stitches on RS, purl all stitches on WS, keeping the first and last 3 stitches in garter stitch for the front plackets.
Divide for armholes: Work 12 stitches for the front, bind off 4 stitches, work 16 stitches for the back, bind off 4 stitches, work 12 stitches for the second front.
Work the sections separately for 10 rows. Bind off and sew the shoulder seams. The vest should remain open at the front as shown in the photo.

Goldfinch Embroidery on Vest

On the right front panel of the blue vest, embroider a miniature goldfinch. Use yellow yarn for the body, black for the wings and tail, and a tiny dot of red for the face. A single white stitch represents the eye. The bird should be angled as if it is looking toward the cornflowers.

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The Straw Hat and Mustard Shoes

The Straw Bucket Hat

This hat frames the bunny’s face and matches the harvest theme. We use a tan or straw-colored yarn to mimic natural material.
Using the tan yarn, cast on 48 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This forms the brim.
Rnds 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch.
Rnd 19: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnd 20: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Continue decreasing in this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through the remaining stitches and fasten off. To complete the hat, wrap a strand of cornflower blue yarn around the crown and tie it into a small, neat bow on the side as seen in the image.

Mustard T-Strap Shoes (Make 2)

The shoes are separate items that slide over the taupe feet. They feature a distinct sole and a decorative strap.
Using the mustard yellow yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the shoe.
Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the toe.
Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches. To create the T-strap: pick up 10 stitches from the heel area, knit 2 rows, and bind off. Pick up 10 stitches across the top of the foot and sew to the heel strap. Secure them with a small hidden stitch into the leg skin.

The Miniature Goldfinch Pet

This tiny companion is worked in a single piece and requires very careful stuffing to maintain its delicate bird shape. It is the signature detail of this design.

Using yellow yarn and US 1 (2.25mm) needles (or the smallest you have).
Body and Head: Cast on 6 stitches in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch (12 sts).
Rnds 2-8: Knit all stitches. Change to black yarn for the last 2 rounds.
Rnd 9 (Neck): *k1, k2tog* repeat around (8 sts).
Rnd 10 (Head): kfb in every stitch (16 sts).
Rnds 11-14: Knit all stitches.
Stuff the body firmly. Change to red for the face area for 1 round.
Rnd 15: *k2, k2tog* around (12 sts).
Rnd 16: k2tog around (6 sts). Close the hole. Use black thread for eyes and a single white stitch for the wing bar. Position the bird on the bunny’s left shoulder and sew securely.

The Knitted Wheat Stalks

The bunny holds a cluster of wheat. We use golden yellow yarn and a specific texture to represent the grains.

The Stems (Make 3): Cast on 3 stitches. Work a 6-inch I-cord. Bind off.
The Grains: At the top 2 inches of the I-cord, use a tapestry needle and golden yellow yarn to create many small “V” stitches (duplicate stitch) or French knots. These should be densely packed to mimic a wheat head. Tie the three stalks together with a scrap of straw-colored yarn and stitch the bundle into the bunny’s hand.

Final Assembly and Facial Details

The character’s personality is brought to life during the final sewing stage. Ensure all parts are aligned perfectly with the reference image. The head should be centered on the neck, and the arms should be positioned at a height that allows the vest to sit flat.

Facial Embroidery

Use the taupe yarn and a tapestry needle to embroider a small “Y” shape centered between the safety eyes for the nose and mouth. Ensure the stitches are small and tight for a delicate look. The nose should be level with the bottom of the eyes. You may apply a very light touch of pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a small, circular motion to give her a healthy, outdoor glow.

Final Dressing

Place the white bodice on the bunny first, ensuring the cornflower embroidery is centered. Slip the yellow skirt over it. Layer the blue vest over the top. Tuck the mustard shoes onto the feet. Position the straw hat between the ears, tilting it slightly to one side. Secure the goldfinch pet on the shoulder and the wheat stalks in the hand. Check all seams for any gaps and ensure all loose yarn ends are woven in deeply so they are hidden within the stuffing.

Detailed Cleaning and Care Guidelines

Because this project features intricate embroidery, stranded colorwork, and delicate accessories, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom quality. This bunny is an art piece and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the cornflower petals.

Washing Instructions

Hand washing is the only recommended method for this character. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of a gentle detergent designed for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Do not scrub the embroidered areas on the bodice or the goldfinch pet, as this can distort the stitches. Let the doll soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

To dry, place the bunny between two clean, thick towels and press down gently to remove excess moisture. Never wring or twist the doll, as this will distort the internal fiberfill and ruin the shape of the head and the A-line skirt. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant blue and yellow colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and wardrobe feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape.

Knitting a project of this complexity is a labor of love. Every stitch in the blue vest and every embroidered cornflower contributes to a narrative of patience and artistic expression. Whether this bunny is intended for a personal collection or as a significant gift, the effort and quality materials invested in her creation make her truly priceless. Enjoy the process of bringing this meadow-dwelling rabbit to life!

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