The Red Clover & Tiny Bunny is a project that captures the whimsical spirit of a rustic countryside meadow. This design features a charming brown rabbit dressed in a vibrant, grass-green dress decorated with hand-knitted red clover bobbles. To complement her dress, she wears a cozy pink and purple striped vest and a matching sun hat, perfect for a day of foraging. Her deep blue lace-up boots provide a sturdy contrast to her soft, knitted form. She is accompanied by a miniature bunny friend and a tiny wicker basket overflowing with crimson blooms. For enthusiasts who want to create this heirloom-quality set, it is best to buy high-quality natural fibers like merino wool or soft cotton blends to ensure the colors remain vivid and the texture feels premium. You can easily purchase all the necessary yarn and tools to begin this journey into advanced character knitting.

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

To achieve a result that is 100% faithful to the image, the selection of materials is of the highest importance. The textures of the different components—the shaggy clover bobbles, the smooth dress, and the sturdy boots—require specific yarn weights and needle sizes. I recommend using DK weight yarn throughout for consistency, but you can experiment with slightly thinner yarns for the miniature bunny pet.

• Yarn Colors:
  • Oatmeal or Medium Brown: 150g (Main Bunny body and miniature bunny).
  • Grass Green: 50g (A-line dress).
  • Lavender and Rose Pink: 50g each (Striped vest, clovers, and hat).
  • Navy Blue: 30g (Lace-up boots).
  • Tan or Light Brown: 20g (Wicker basket).
  • Forest Green: Small amount (Clover stems).
• Needles: US 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or long circulars for the magic loop method. Using a smaller needle than recommended on the yarn ball band ensures the stuffing stays hidden.
• Notions: 9mm black safety eyes for the main bunny, 5mm black beads for the tiny bunny, high-quality polyester fiberfill, a tapestry needle, and a fine embroidery needle.
• Extras: One small pink button for the vest and a small piece of cardboard for the base of the basket.

Knitting Abbreviations (US Terms)

Familiarize yourself with these standard abbreviations before casting on. Maintaining an even tension is crucial for the fit of the clothing over the bunny’s body.

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• kfb: knit into front and back of the same stitch (increase)
• m1: make 1 stitch by lifting the horizontal bar between stitches (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
• I-cord: a narrow knitted tube worked on two DPNs
• MB (Make Bobble): (k1, yo, k1, yo, k1) into the next stitch, turn, p5, turn, k5, turn, p2tog, p1, p2tog, turn, sk2p.

Main Bunny Foundation: Leg Construction

The bunny is constructed from the feet upward to create a stable, seamless base. The legs are worked as tubes and eventually joined to form the torso.

Right Leg

Using the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Join for working in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnds 3-10: k all stitches. This builds the depth of the foot.
Rnd 11: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shapes the instep.
Rnd 12: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
Rnd 13: k all stitches.
Rnds 14-45: Continue in st-st until the leg reaches approximately 5 inches in length. Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring the toe is rounded and the heel is defined. Stuff the upper leg moderately to allow for seated flexibility. Leave the stitches on a holder.

Left Leg

Follow the instructions for the right leg exactly. After Round 45, do not break the yarn. This working yarn will be used to join the two legs together and start the torso immediately.

Constructing the Bunny Torso and Hips

The joining round is the most critical part of the body shaping. It determines the width of the bunny’s hips and the overall posture.

Rnd 46: 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 of the crotch (56 sts total).
Rnds 47-60: k all stitches in the round. This establishes the lower belly and seat area.
Rnd 61: *k12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
Rnds 62-66: k all stitches.
Rnd 67: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnds 68-72: k all stitches.
Rnd 73: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnds 74-78: k all stitches. Begin stuffing the body firmly, pushing fiberfill into the hips to create a rounded, plump shape.
Rnd 79: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Rnd 80: k 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; proceed directly to the head.

Shaping the Bunny Head and Face

The head requires specific increases to create the broad, gentle cheeks and the tapered bridge of the nose seen in the reference image.

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: k all stitches. This builds the vertical volume of the face.
Insert the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 96 and 97, leaving 12 stitches between them. Align them carefully with the front of the feet.
Rnd 106: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 107: k 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 your fingers to shape the cheeks from the inside to ensure symmetry.
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.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Long Upright Bunny Ears

The ears are worked flat in oatmeal yarn to give them a natural, flexible drape. They are sewn to the crown of the head later.

Cast on 12 stitches.
Rows 1-45: Work in st-st (Knit RS, Purl WS).
Row 46: k2tog, k8, ssk (10 sts).
Row 47: Purl all.
Row 48: k2tog, k6, ssk (8 sts).
Row 49: Purl all.
Row 50: k2tog, k4, ssk (6 sts).
Row 51: k2tog, k2, ssk (4 sts).
Bind off all stitches. Make two. Fold the cast-on edge slightly to create depth and sew them to the top of the head at Rnd 110. The ears should stand high and frame the hat.

Slender Arms and Paws

The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally at the bunny’s sides or hold the basket handle.

Cast on 10 stitches in oatmeal yarn. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-40: k all stitches.
Rnd 41: *k3, k2tog* (8 sts).
Rnd 42: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the paw area (bottom) firmly and the upper arm lightly. Sew to the body just below the neck at Rnd 82.

The Grass Green A-Line Dress

The dress features a wide skirt and a canvas for the red clover bobble embroidery. It is worked in the round from the bottom up.

Using grass green yarn, cast on 80 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: k all stitches. This establishes a clean, non-curling hem.
Rnds 7-30: Continue in st-st. The skirt should flare out widely.
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).
Rnd 34: k all stitches. This is the waistline.
Rnds 35-42: k all stitches for the bodice.
Divide for armholes: Knit 10, bind off 4 stitches, knit 20, bind off 4, knit 10.
Work front and back sections flat for 8 rows, then bind off. Sew shoulder seams together, leaving a wide opening for the head.

Red Clover Bobble Embroidery

The red clovers are placed around the hem of the dress. Use a mix of pink and purple yarn to create the “Red Clover” effect.
Stems: Use forest green yarn and a stem stitch to create short, upright stems around the hem.
Clover Bobbles: At the top of each stem, work a bobble (MB) using either pink or purple yarn. To make them look like clovers, you can stitch two or three bobbles in a tight cluster. Space them about 2 inches apart around the circumference of the skirt.

The Purple and Pink Striped Vest

The vest is a cropped, open-front garment. It uses alternating colors to create the striped pattern seen in the image.

Back Panel: Cast on 28 stitches in lavender yarn.
Rows 1-2: k all (Garter border).
Row 3 (RS): Join pink yarn, k all.
Row 4: p all.
Row 5 (RS): Change to lavender, k all.
Continue alternating colors every 2 rows for 20 rows. Bind off.
Front Panels (Make 2): Cast on 14 stitches. Follow the same striped pattern. On the right panel, at Row 10, use a small amount of oatmeal yarn to embroider a tiny bunny face motif on the pocket area (or use duplicate stitch).
Assembly: Sew shoulder and side seams. Attach a tiny pink button at the top neckline. The vest should be short, ending just at the dress waist.

The Striped Summer Sun Hat

This hat frames the bunny’s head and coordinates with the striped vest. It is worked in the round.

Cast on 48 stitches with pink yarn. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: k all (Brim).
Rnd 7: Join lavender yarn, k all.
Rnd 8: k all.
Rnd 9: Change to pink, k all.
Continue alternating stripes until the hat crown measures 3 inches from the brim.
Decrease Rnds: *k6, k2tog* around. k 1 rnd. *k5, k2tog* around. Continue decreasing until 6 stitches remain. Pull yarn through and fasten off securely. The hat should sit low on the forehead.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Navy Blue Lace-Up Boots

Make two. These are separate items that fit over the bunny’s taupe feet.

Cast on 20 stitches with navy blue yarn. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: k all stitches.
Rnd 5: k8, (k2tog) 2 times, k8 (18 sts). This shapes the toe.
Rnds 6-12: k all stitches for the ankle shaft.
Bind off all stitches.
Boot Laces: Use a strand of dark blue yarn or cord. Criss-cross the thread through the front of the boot to mimic real laces. Tie a neat bow at the top ankle. Slip the boots onto the bunny’s feet.

The Miniature Bunny Companion

This tiny pet is a scaled-down version of the main bunny. Use 2.5mm needles and oatmeal yarn.

Head/Body: Cast on 6 stitches. Rnd 1: kfb (12). Rnds 2-8: k all. Rnd 9: k2tog (6). Stuff firmly and close.
Ears: Cast on 4 stitches. k 6 rows. Bind off. Sew to head.
Limbs: Cast on 3 stitches. Work 4 rows. Make four and sew to the body.
The Clover: Knit a tiny I-cord in green. At the tip, work one pink bobble (MB). Sew the clover to the tiny bunny’s paws so it looks like it is holding the flower.

The Wicker Basket and Red Clovers

The basket provides a rustic touch. We use tan yarn and a specific texture to mimic wicker.

Basket Base: Cast on 6 stitches with tan yarn. kfb around (12). Rnd 2: *k1, kfb* (18). Rnd 3: *k2, kfb* (24).
Basket Walls: Rnd 4: In back loops only, k all. Rnds 5-12: *k2, p2* ribbing. This creates the textured wicker look. Bind off.
Handle: Cast on 3 stitches. Work I-cord for 5 inches. Sew to the sides of the basket.
Contents: Knit several green I-cords (2 inches each). Attach pink and purple bobbles to the tips to represent the foraged clovers. Place them inside the basket.

Assembly and Facial Details

The soul of the character is in the final sewing. Ensure the ears are positioned high enough so that the hat sits comfortably between them. Use brown embroidery thread to create a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the eyes. Ensure the mouth is quite small and low for a sweet expression.

Apply a very light touch of actual pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a circular motion. This gives her the healthy, outdoorsy glow seen in the photo. Dress the bunny in the green dress first, then the boots. Secure the vest over the dress. Place the hat on her head. Finally, position the miniature bunny companion next to her and place the basket in her other paw. Check all seams and hide any loose yarn ends deep inside the stuffing.

Care and Preservation of Your Character

Because this project involves complex 3D bobbles, striped patterns, and embroidery, proper care is essential to keep the character in pristine condition. Heirloom dolls like this are best kept as decorative items, but if cleaning is required, follow these steps.

Washing Guidelines

Hand washing is the only recommended method for this character. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent specifically formulated for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Do not scrub the clover bobbles, as this can cause the yarn to pill or lose its rounded shape. 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 down 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 the A-line dress. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant green and purple yarns. You can use a light fabric softener in the final rinse if you want to keep the oatmeal skin and striped vest feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape. By following these care steps, your Red Clover & Tiny Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for generations.

Knitting a character of this detail is a labor of love. Every stripe in the vest and every petal on the clovers contributes to a story of patience and artistry. Whether you are keeping this bunny for your own collection or giving it as a meaningful gift, the time and quality fibers invested in her creation make her truly priceless. Enjoy the process of bringing this meadow-dwelling rabbit to life!