The Scottish Heather & Dog Bunny is a project that captures the rugged and romantic essence of the Highlands. This character is designed with deep heritage roots, featuring a beautiful purple vest adorned with a silhouette of a classic Scottish Terrier, a mossy green skirt embroidered with delicate purple heather, and a traditional tartan beret. To achieve the professional, heirloom-quality finish seen in the image, it is vital to buy premium wool that provides excellent stitch definition. Many crafters prefer to purchase specific heathered yarns to mimic the natural colors of the Scottish landscape. This design is a celebration of texture, involving intricate stranded colorwork, embroidery, and assembly techniques that result in a truly unique art doll. Every detail, from the shaggy dog companion to the miniature plaid messenger bag, contributes to a storied, handmade masterpiece that is meant to be cherished for generations.

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

Required Materials and Tools

To recreate this bunny exactly as pictured, selecting the correct fibers is the most critical step. High-quality natural fibers are recommended for their durability and classic appearance. Using a slightly smaller needle size than the yarn label suggests is a professional secret for creating a dense fabric that keeps the fiberfill concealed.

• Yarn Selection:
  • Oatmeal or Cream: 100g of DK weight yarn for the bunny body, head, and limbs. Look for a soft merino or wool-cotton blend.
  • Deep Purple/Plum: 50g of DK weight yarn for the vest and the pom-pom on the hat.
  • Sage Green/Moss Green: 50g of DK weight yarn for the skirt and the base of the beret.
  • Black: 25g of DK weight yarn for the Scottie dog companion and the silhouette on the vest.
  • Tartan Colors: Scraps of red, navy blue, and a darker green for the plaid pattern on the hat and bag.
  • Red: A small length of red ribbon or yarn for the dog’s bow.
• Knitting Needles: US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) and US Size 4 (3.5mm). You will need double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a long circular needle if you prefer the magic loop method.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny.
• Stuffing: High-grade polyester fiberfill (approximately 200g).
• Embroidery Tools: A sharp tapestry needle and a fine embroidery needle for the heather floral details.
• Notions: A small button for the vest (optional) and a thin black strap for the bag.

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 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

Bunny Foundation: Leg and Foot Construction

The construction begins with the legs to establish a sturdy base. The feet are worked in a way that allows them to support the weight of the bunny when seated. We will knit two separate legs and then bridge them together to form the lower torso.

Right Leg

Using the oatmeal yarn and US 2.5 needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across three double-pointed needles and join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker to indicate the start of the round.

Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat from * to end of round (32 sts).
Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This forms the base and sides of the foot.
Rnd 10: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep.
Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
Rnds 12-42: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures roughly 5 inches from the sole. Stuff the foot area very firmly to ensure it holds its shape. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility at the hip. Leave the stitches on a holder or spare needle.

Left Leg

Work the left leg exactly as the right leg. After reaching Round 42, do not break the yarn. This working yarn will be used to initiate the body join in the next section.

Constructing the Bunny Torso and Hip Shaping

Joining the legs creates the foundation of the torso. The spacing between the legs determines the width of the hips, which is vital for the fit of the heather-green skirt. The transition must be seamless and strong.

Rnd 43: Knit across the 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the crotch gap, knit across the 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back (56 sts total).
Rnds 44-58: Knit all stitches in the round. This establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain even tension to ensure the fabric is smooth.
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. At this stage, begin stuffing the body firmly. Ensure you push stuffing toward the hip areas to create the rounded silhouette seen in the image.
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 proceed immediately to the head.

Shaping the Bunny Head and Facial Structure

The head is worked directly from the neck to provide structural integrity. We use specific increases to define the broad, sweet cheeks and the slightly tapered snout characteristic of this heritage design.

The Snout and Face

Rnd 83: *k2, m1* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 84: *k3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 85: *k4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 86: *k5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 87: *k6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rnds 88-105: Knit all stitches. This vertical growth creates the main volume of the head and allows space for the facial features.
Insert the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 96 and 97, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are centered relative to the front of the feet for a balanced, thoughtful gaze.

Closing the Crown

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. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks and a smooth forehead. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
Rnd 111: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Rnd 112: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Rnd 113: 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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Long Floppy Ears and Slender Arms

The Rabbit Ears (Make 2)

The ears are worked flat and then sewn to the crown of the head. This method allows them to drape naturally toward the shoulders. Use the oatmeal yarn.

Cast on 12 stitches.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS).
Row 46: k2tog, k8, ssk (10 sts).
Row 47: Purl all stitches.
Row 48: k2tog, k6, ssk (8 sts).
Row 49: Purl all stitches.
Row 50: k2tog, k4, ssk (6 sts).
Bind off all stitches. Make two. Fold the cast-on edge slightly in half to create depth and sew them to the top of the head between rounds 110 and 112, leaving enough space for the beret to sit comfortably between them.

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 messenger bag strap. Use the oatmeal yarn and join in the round.

Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-38: Knit all stitches in stockinette.
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 82.

The Purple Scottie Vest

The vest is a modern addition that provides a focal point for the character’s theme. It features a high neckline and a prominent intarsia or duplicate stitch Scottish Terrier silhouette.

Vest Construction

Using the deep purple yarn and US Size 4 needles to ensure it fits over the body comfortably, cast on 44 stitches. We will work this flat initially to allow for easy embroidery of the dog motif.

Rows 1-4: k1, p1 ribbing.
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.
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 12 rows. On the center back or front panel, we will add the dog silhouette.

The Dog Silhouette Motif

Using black yarn and a tapestry needle, work a silhouette of a Scottish Terrier onto the center of the vest chest. Use the “duplicate stitch” technique. The shape should be a blocky rectangle for the body, a small square for the head, two pointed ears, and a short, upright tail. This mimics the classic Scottie logo. Once the motif is complete, sew the shoulder seams and the side seams of the vest. Fit it onto the bunny before finishing the skirt.

The Mossy Green Heather Skirt

The skirt features an A-line shape with a garter stitch hem. The purple heather flowers are added after the knitting is complete using embroidery techniques.

Skirt Knitting

Using the sage green yarn, cast on 80 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a weighted hem that won’t roll.
Rnds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the main length of the skirt, which should fall to 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, positioning it just under the bottom edge of the purple vest.

Heather Embroidery Guide

The embroidery should be clustered around the hem of the skirt to look like a meadow of wildflowers. Use the purple yarn and green embroidery thread.
Stems: Use a stem stitch with green thread to create short, upright stems spaced 1 inch apart around the hem.
Blossoms: At the top of each stem, use the purple yarn to create small clusters of French knots or tiny straight stitches. For a realistic heather look, vary the height of the stems slightly and use two different shades of purple if available. This adds depth and texture to the green fabric.

The Tartan Beret and Black Shoes

The Plaid Beret

The beret is the most complex accessory, requiring frequent color changes to create the plaid effect. Use green as the base and alternate with purple and red stripes.

Using green yarn, cast on 46 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: k1, p1 ribbing (Purple).
Rnd 5: Join green, kfb in every stitch around (92 sts).
Rnd 6: *k2 Green, k2 Red* repeat around.
Rnd 7: *k2 Green, k2 Red* repeat around.
Rnd 8: *k2 Purple, k2 Navy* repeat around.
Rnd 9: *k2 Purple, k2 Navy* repeat around.
Rnds 10-18: Continue alternating blocks of color to create a grid pattern. This builds the “puffy” part of the beret.
Rnd 19: *k8, k2tog* repeat around.
Rnd 20: *k7, k2tog* repeat around.
Continue decreasing until 8 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through and fasten off. Create a large, dense pom-pom using the purple yarn and sew it firmly to the center top of the beret.

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Black Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

The shoes are knitted as separate items to slide over the oatmeal feet. They feature a distinct sole and a contrasting white edge at the top to mimic socks.

Using black yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the sole sides.
Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the toe box.
Rnd 6: Join white yarn. Knit 1 round in garter stitch (purl).
Rnd 7: Bind off all stitches loosely in white. This creates the “sock” trim. For the strap, pick up 10 stitches in black from one side of the shoe, bind off immediately, and sew it across to the other side. Slip onto the feet.

The Tartan Messenger Bag

The bag is a tiny folded rectangle that matches the beret. It is a vital accessory that adds character to the bunny.

Cast on 12 stitches using the plaid colors (green and red).
Rows 1-20: Work in stockinette stitch, alternating colors every 2 stitches and 2 rows to create a small check pattern.
Row 21: Bind off all stitches. Fold the bottom 8 rows up to form a pocket and sew the side seams. Fold the top 4 rows down to act as a flap. Using black yarn, knit an I-cord 12 inches long for the strap. Sew the strap to the sides of the bag and drape it across the bunny’s shoulder diagonally.

The Miniature Black Dog Companion

This tiny Scottish Terrier is knitted in one piece and requires careful shaping to capture the blocky head and short legs characteristic of the breed.

Dog Body and Head

Using black yarn and US Size 2.5 needles, cast on 6 stitches in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch (12 sts).
Rnds 2-10: Knit all stitches. This forms the long body cylinder.
Rnd 11 (Neck): *k1, k2tog* around (8 sts).
Rnd 12 (Head): kfb in every stitch (16 sts).
Rnds 13-18: Knit all stitches. This creates the boxy head shape.
Rnd 19: *k2, k2tog* around (12 sts).
Rnd 20: k2tog around (6 sts). Close the hole. Stuff very firmly to maintain the stiff posture of a Terrier.

Dog Legs, Tail, and Bow

Legs (Make 4): Cast on 4 stitches. Knit 4 rounds of stockinette and bind off. Sew to the bottom of the body. They should be short and sturdy.
Ears: Pick up 3 stitches on top of the head. Knit 2 rows and k2tog, k1. Bind off. These should be pointed and upright.
Tail: Knit a 3-stitch I-cord for 1 inch. Sew to the back of the body so it stands straight up.
Finishing: Tie a small red ribbon or a piece of red yarn around the dog’s neck in a bow. Place the dog next to the bunny’s feet.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

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 high enough to allow the vest to sit flat.

The Face

Use the oatmeal 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 green heather skirt on the bunny first, followed by the purple vest. Ensure the dog silhouette is perfectly centered on the chest. Tuck the black Mary Janes onto the feet. Position the beret between the ears, tilting it slightly to one side for a fashionable Highland look. Drape the plaid bag across the chest and place the black dog companion nearby. 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 a shaggy pom-pom, 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 heather blossoms.

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 skirt or the pom-pom on the hat, 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 dress. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant purple and green colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the 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 dog companion’s bow becomes frayed, it can easily be replaced with a fresh piece of ribbon. By following these maintenance steps, your Scottish Heather & Dog Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come.

Knitting a project of this complexity is a labor of love. Every stitch in the tartan beret and every petal on the heather 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 Highland-dwelling rabbit to life!