The Pink Dogwood & Cardinal Bunny is an exquisite heirloom project that brings the serene beauty of a spring woodland right into your hands. This character is designed with a high level of detail, featuring a soft oatmeal-colored rabbit dressed in a vibrant rose-pink sweater and a delicate cream-colored skirt. The sweater is the centerpiece of the ensemble, showcasing a beautifully rendered cardinal perched on a branch, while the skirt features hand-embroidered dogwood blossoms along the hem. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, you may wish to buy premium extra-fine merino wool to achieve the luxurious stitch definition seen in this design. Choosing to buy high-quality materials ensures that your finished piece remains a durable and soft treasure for years to come. Making this bunny yourself allows for complete customization and significant savings compared to high-end boutique art dolls, which can often cost hundreds of dollars. It is a rewarding journey for any advanced beginner or intermediate knitter looking to create something truly unique.

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 Tools Preparation

To ensure your bunny looks 100% accurate to the image, the selection of materials is the most critical stage. The texture of the yarn determines the character’s “soul.” I recommend using a DK weight (8-ply) yarn made of natural fibers like wool or a wool-cotton blend for the best results.

• Yarn Colors:
  • Oatmeal/Light Beige: 100g (Bunny body, head, and limbs).
  • Rose Pink: 50g (Sweater and floral headband).
  • Ivory/Cream: 50g (Skirt).
  • Bright Crimson Red: 25g (Shoes and cardinal pet).
  • Forest Green: Small amount (Leaf and stem embroidery).
  • Dark Brown: Small amount (Nose, mouth, and binoculars).
  • Tan/Sand: Small amount (Binoculars and inner ears).
  • Charcoal/Black: Small amount (Cardinal mask and binoculars).
• Knitting Needles: US 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circulars for magic loop. Using a needle size slightly smaller than recommended on the yarn label is a professional secret to creating a firm fabric that hides the stuffing.
• Safety Eyes: 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny; 4mm black beads or eyes for the cardinal.
• Filling: High-grade polyester fiberfill.
• Embroidery Tools: A sharp tapestry needle and a fine embroidery needle for the floral details and cardinal motif.
• Extras: Pink cosmetic blush for the cheeks and a thin I-cord or thread for the binocular strap.

Gauge and Structural Specifications

Maintaining a consistent tension is paramount. For this project, a gauge of approximately 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch is ideal. If your knitting is loose, the fiberfill will peek through the stitches, detracting from the professional appearance. The clothing items are designed to fit snugly over the stuffed form, so always measure your bunny’s proportions before finishing the garments.

Standard Stitch Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• 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 (decrease)
• st-st: stockinette stitch
• RS/WS: right side / wrong side
• I-cord: a narrow tube of knitting worked on two needles

Part 1: The Bunny Foundation (Body and Limbs)

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward. This provides the most stability for a doll meant to stand or sit elegantly.

Right and Left Leg (Make 2)

Using Oatmeal yarn, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across your needles and join for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch (24 sts).
2. Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
3. Rnds 3-9: Knit all stitches. This forms the rounded base of the foot.
4. Rnd 10: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
5. Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
6. Rnds 12-42: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures roughly 5 inches (13 cm).

Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring the toe area is plump. Stuff the leg moderately to allow for a natural drape. Leave the stitches for the first leg on a holder. Complete the second leg and keep the yarn attached to join the body.

The Bunny Torso and Hip Shaping

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture. Place the legs side-by-side with the toes pointing forward.

1. Rnd 43 (Joining): Knit across 24 stitches of the second leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center, knit across 24 stitches of the first leg, and cast on 4 stitches for the back (56 sts total).
2. Rnds 44-58: Knit every stitch in the round. This section builds the wide, rounded hips characteristic of this design.
3. Rnd 59: *k12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
4. Rnds 60-65: Knit all stitches.
5. Rnd 66: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
6. Rnds 67-72: Knit all stitches. Begin stuffing the body firmly, focusing on the hip areas.
7. Rnd 73: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
8. Rnds 74-78: Knit all stitches.
9. Rnd 79: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
10. Rnd 80: Knit all stitches.
11. Rnd 81: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
12. Rnd 82: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the neck. Do not bind off; we proceed directly to the head.

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Sculpting the Head and Facial Structure

The head is worked directly from the neck to ensure structural integrity. We use specific increases to define the broad cheeks and the gently tapered bridge of the nose.

1. Rnd 83: *k2, m1* repeat around (32 sts).
2. Rnd 84: *k3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
3. Rnd 85: *k4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
4. Rnd 86: *k5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
5. Rnd 87: *k6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
6. Rnds 88-105: Knit all stitches. This buildup creates the main volume of the head.
7. Insert safety eyes between rounds 96 and 97, leaving 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level.
8. Rnd 106: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
9. Rnd 107: Knit all stitches.
10. Rnd 108: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
11. Rnd 109: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
12. Rnd 110: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts). Begin stuffing the head very firmly. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks and a smooth forehead.
13. Rnd 111: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
14. Rnd 112: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
15. Rnd 113: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn, thread the tail through the remaining stitches, and pull tight to close.

Long Upright Ears and Slender Arms

The ears are worked flat to allow them to drape naturally, while the arms are slender to fit under the sweater.

Rabbit Ears (Make 2): Using oatmeal yarn, cast on 12 stitches. Work flat in stockinette for 45 rows. On row 46, k2tog at both ends. Continue decreasing every 4 rows until 4 stitches remain. Bind off. Fold the bottom edge slightly and sew to the top of the head at Round 110.

Slender Arms (Make 2): Cast on 10 stitches in oatmeal yarn. Join in the round and knit for 35 rounds. Rnd 36: k2tog around (5 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the paw area firmly and the upper arm lightly. Sew to the body just below the neck at Round 82.

Part 2: The Wardrobe (Sweater and Skirt)

The Rose Pink Sweater with Cardinal Motif

This sweater is worked in the round from the bottom up. The cardinal motif can be worked using the intarsia technique or added later with duplicate stitch for ease.

Using rose pink yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 44 stitches. Join in the round.

1. Rnds 1-4: *k1, p1* ribbing for the bottom hem.
2. Rnds 5-15: Knit all stitches.
3. Rnd 16: Begin the cardinal motif on the front center. Use bright red for the bird’s body and dark brown for the branch. The cardinal is roughly 12 stitches wide and 10 rows high.
4. Rnd 17: Continue working the motif while maintaining the pink background.
5. Divide for armholes: Work 20 stitches for the front, bind off 2 stitches, work 20 stitches for the back, bind off 2 stitches.
6. Work the front and back separately for 10 rows, then rejoin or bind off and sew the shoulders.
7. Sleeves: Pick up 16 stitches around the armhole. Knit in the round for 15 rounds. Bind off loosely.

The Ivory Skirt with Dogwood Embroidery

The skirt is a classic A-line shape that fits perfectly over the bunny’s hips. We use ivory or cream yarn.

1. Cast on 84 stitches in ivory. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: Knit all stitches. This creates a subtle rolled hem that won’t curl too much.
3. Rnds 6-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the length of the skirt.
4. Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *k12, k2tog* repeat around (78 sts).
5. Rnd 32: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
6. Rnd 33: *k10, k2tog* repeat around (66 sts).
7. Rnd 34: *k9, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
8. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Dogwood Embroidery Guide: Use the rose pink yarn and forest green for the hem details. Create five-petaled flowers using a simple satin stitch or lazy daisy stitch. The petals should be pink with a tiny yellow center (french knot). Add small green leaves between the flowers to mimic the look in the photo.

Part 3: Accessories and Finishing Touches

The Red Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

These shoes are knitted as separate items to ensure they sit perfectly on the bunny’s feet.

1. Using bright red yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches. This builds the sides of the shoe.
3. Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shaping creates the front of the shoe.
4. Rnd 6: Bind off all stitches.
5. The Strap: Pick up 10 stitches across the top opening of the shoe. Bind off immediately to create a firm strap. Sew a tiny button or decorative stitch to the side.

The Pink Floral Headband

This accessory adds a feminine touch, framing the bunny’s face with three 3D dogwood blooms.

The Band: Cast on 4 stitches in pink. Work a 10-inch I-cord (or enough to fit around the head). Bind off and sew ends together.

3D Dogwood Blooms (Make 3): Cast on 3 stitches. Row 1: kfb into all (6 sts). Row 2: Purl. Row 3: *k1, kfb* (9 sts). Row 4: Purl. Row 5: Bind off. This creates a single petal. Make 4 petals for each flower and sew them in a circle onto the headband. Add a green embroidered leaf behind each flower.

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The 3D Cardinal Pet Companion

This miniature pet sits on the bunny’s arm or the table. It is worked in bright crimson red.

1. Body: Cast on 6 stitches in red. Rnd 1: kfb around (12). Rnd 2-8: Knit. Rnd 9: k2tog around (6). Stuff firmly and close.
2. Wings: Cast on 4 stitches. Knit 6 rows of garter stitch, decreasing 1 st every other row. Make two and sew to sides.
3. Tail: Cast on 3 stitches. Knit 8 rows. Bind off and sew to the back.
4. Crest: Pick up 3 stitches on top of the head. Knit 2 rows and bind off. This creates the cardinal’s signature crest.
5. Details: Use black thread to embroider the face mask and a tiny orange bead for the beak.

The Binoculars Accessory

The binoculars are a charming prop for the “birdwatching” theme.

• Barrels: Using tan yarn, cast on 8 stitches. Knit 10 rounds. Change to black yarn for 2 rounds. Bind off. Make two and sew them together side-by-side.
• Bridge: Use a single strand of black yarn to connect the two barrels at the top.
• Strap: Knit a very thin 12-inch I-cord in dark brown. Sew both ends to the barrels and drape over the bunny’s shoulder.

Final Assembly and Sculpting

Proper assembly is what transforms knitted pieces into a character with a personality. Start by centering the head on the neck and sewing it firmly. Position the ears high on the crown, ensuring they stand upright. The arms should be sewn to the shoulders at a slight forward angle, allowing the bunny to “hold” the cardinal or the binoculars.

Facial Detailing

Use the dark brown yarn to embroider a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the safety eyes. The mouth should be positioned low on the face to create a sweet, innocent expression. Use a small amount of actual pink cosmetic blush and a cotton swab to apply soft circular blushes to the cheeks. This adds a youthful, healthy glow that mimics the reference photo perfectly.

Dressing the Bunny

Dress the bunny in the ivory skirt first, followed by the pink cardinal sweater. Tuck the Mary Jane shoes onto the feet and secure them with a hidden stitch if necessary. Place the floral headband between the ears. Finally, position the binoculars and the cardinal pet. Ensure all yarn tails are woven in deeply so they are invisible within the stuffing.

Detailed Cleaning and Maintenance Guidelines

Because this project features multiple layers of high-quality knitwear and intricate 3D embroidery, proper care is essential to maintain its heirloom status. This bunny is an art piece and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the dogwood 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 specifically for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Do not scrub the embroidered areas on the sweater or the 3D flowers on the headband, as this can distort the fibers. 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 rose-pink and crimson colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the sweater and oatmeal skin feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape.

Long-term Preservation

If the bunny is intended for display, keep her in a dust-free environment, such as a glass-fronted cabinet. Avoid placing her in direct sunlight for extended periods, as natural wool can be sensitive to UV rays. If the 3D dogwood blooms become flattened, gently use a small knitting needle to “fluff” the petals back into their rounded shape. By following these maintenance steps, your Pink Dogwood & Cardinal Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come.

Knitting a project of this scale and detail is a labor of love. Every stitch in the cardinal motif and every petal on the dogwood blossoms 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 garden-dwelling rabbit to life!

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