The Blue Bluebell & Bluebird Bunny is a breathtaking creation that combines the softness of a classic stuffed rabbit with the intricate artistry of high-end floral design. This project is ideal for those who appreciate the delicate balance of color and texture, featuring a serene cream and blue palette. To achieve the professional results seen in the photographs, many enthusiasts choose to buy premium extra-fine merino wool, as it provides the necessary stitch definition for the 3D hydrangea decorations and the graceful bluebird companion. When you buy the correct materials, you ensure that every petal and wing-tip holds its shape for a lifetime of display. This character exudes elegance and peace, making her a standout piece in any handcrafted collection.

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

Essential Materials and Tools

To recreate this bunny exactly as shown, selecting the right textures is vital. You will need DK weight yarn in several specific colors. For the bunny’s skin, a soft cream or ivory shade is required. For the wardrobe, you will need a matching ivory for the dress, a vibrant cornflower or sky blue for the cardigan and beret, and a deep navy for the shoes. A small amount of silver-grey yarn is used for the watering can accessory.

The needles recommended for this project are 3.0mm (US size 2.5) double-pointed needles or circular needles if you prefer the magic loop method. Using a slightly smaller needle size than the yarn label suggests helps create a dense, firm fabric that keeps the fiberfill stuffing hidden. You will also need 9mm black safety eyes, a tapestry needle for sewing pieces together, and small embroidery thread in green for the flower stems. High-quality polyester fiberfill is necessary to give the bunny her plump, huggable form.

Stitch Abbreviations and Terminology

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• st-st: stockinette stitch
• kfb: knit into front and back of the same stitch (increase)
• m1: make one stitch (increase)
• k2tog: knit two stitches together (decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• MB: Make Bobble (for hydrangea petals)

The Foundation: Knitting the Legs

The bunny begins from the feet up. We will knit two separate legs and then join them to form the body. This ensures a sturdy base for the doll to stand or sit comfortably.

Right Leg Construction

Using the cream yarn, cast on 12 stitches onto three double-pointed needles. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

1. Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
2. Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat from * to end of round (32 sts).
3. Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This forms the foot.
4. Rnd 10: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shapes the front of the foot.
5. Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
6. Rnd 12-40: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the height of the leg.

Stuff the foot area very firmly, shaping the heel and toe. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately. Leave the stitches on a holder or a spare needle.

Left Leg Construction

Repeat the exact steps as the right leg. Once you reach Round 40, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from the left leg to begin joining the body.

The Plump Body and Graceful Neck

Joining the legs creates the lower torso. This section requires careful attention to the stitch count to ensure the bunny has her signature rounded hips.

Joining the Legs

1. Rnd 41: 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 gap (56 sts total).
2. Rnd 42-55: Knit all stitches. The body will begin to widen naturally.
3. Rnd 56: *k12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
4. Rnd 57-62: Knit all stitches.
5. Rnd 63: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
6. Rnd 64-68: Knit all stitches.
7. Rnd 69: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
8. Rnd 70-74: Knit all stitches.
9. Rnd 75: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
10. Rnd 76: Knit all stitches. Start stuffing the body firmly, focusing on the belly area.
11. Rnd 77: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
12. Rnd 78: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the neck area. Do not bind off, as we will continue directly to the head.

The Bunny Head and Facial Features

The head is worked as a continuation of the neck. We increase rapidly to create the rounded cheeks seen in the image, then decrease gradually at the top.

Head Shaping

1. Rnd 79: *k2, m1* repeat around (36 sts).
2. Rnd 80: *k3, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
3. Rnd 81: *k4, m1* repeat around (60 sts).
4. Rnd 82-95: Knit all stitches. This builds the main volume of the head.
5. Rnd 96: *k8, k2tog* repeat around (54 sts).
6. Rnd 97: Knit all stitches.
7. Rnd 98: *k7, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
8. Rnd 99: Knit all stitches.

Position the safety eyes between Rnd 88 and Rnd 89, approximately 10 stitches apart. Ensure they are centered relative to the legs. Begin stuffing the head very firmly, using your fingers to shape the cheeks symmetrically. The head should be quite firm to support the hat later.

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Top of Head Closure

1. Rnd 100: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
2. Rnd 101: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
3. Rnd 102: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
4. Rnd 103: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
5. Rnd 104: k2tog around (8 sts).

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread it through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close the hole, and weave in the end securely. The face will be embroidered later during the assembly stage.

Long Bunny Ears

The ears are a defining feature of this breed. They are worked flat and then sewn to the top of the head. This gives them a natural, slightly floppy drape.

1. Using cream yarn, cast on 12 stitches.
2. Row 1-35: Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS).
3. Row 36: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (10 sts).
4. Row 37-40: Work in stockinette stitch.
5. Row 41: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (8 sts).
6. Row 42-45: Work in stockinette stitch.
7. Row 46: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (6 sts).
8. Row 47: Purl all.
9. Row 48: k2tog, k2, ssk (4 sts).
10. Bind off all stitches.

Make two ears. Do not stuff them. When finishing, you can use a bit of pink blush to lightly color the inside center of the ears for a realistic look. Sew them to the crown of the head, spaced about 4 to 6 stitches apart.

Slender Arms and Paws

The arms are slender and joined at the shoulders. They should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally or hold the bird and watering can.

1. Cast on 10 stitches using cream yarn.
2. Rnd 1-35: Knit all stitches in the round.
3. Rnd 36: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (8 sts).
4. Cut yarn and thread through the remaining stitches.

Stuff the paw area (bottom) firmly and the rest of the arm lightly. Make two. Sew the open end of the arms to the body at Rnd 77, just below the neck line.

The Ivory Hydrangea Dress

The dress is a beautiful A-line piece. It is worked in the round from the bottom up. The 3D hydrangea flowers are created using a bobble stitch and attached to the front.

Dress Skirt

1. Using the ivory yarn, cast on 84 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1-4: Knit every round. This creates a small rolled hem.
3. Rnd 5-30: Knit all stitches in stockinette.
4. Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *k5, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
5. Rnd 32: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
6. Rnd 33: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
7. Rnd 34: Knit all stitches.

Dress Bodice

1. Rnd 35-42: Knit all stitches.
2. Next Rnd: k10, bind off 4 stitches for the armhole, k20, bind off 4 stitches for the second armhole, k10.
3. Work the front and back sections separately flat for 6 rows each.
4. On the next row, bind off all stitches.

Sew the shoulder seams, leaving a wide opening for the bunny’s head. The dress should fit snugly at the waist and flare out at the bottom.

3D Hydrangea Clusters

Hydrangeas are made of many small petals. We will use clusters of bobbles to mimic this effect. Use the blue yarn.

1. Hydrangea Petal (MB): In one stitch, (k1, p1, k1, p1) all in the same stitch. Turn, k4, turn, p4, turn, k4tog. This creates a small round bobble.
2. Knit a small circle of 12 stitches. In every other stitch, perform a MB.
3. Make three large hydrangea clusters and two smaller ones.

Sew the hydrangea clusters to the center front of the dress. Using green embroidery thread, stitch a small stem and a couple of leaves radiating from the bottom of the flower cluster.

The Bluebird Bolero Cardigan

The blue bolero is a cropped jacket that sits over the dress. It features long sleeves and delicate bluebird motifs on the front panels.

Bolero Body

1. Using blue yarn, cast on 30 stitches. We will work this flat.
2. Row 1-4: *k1, p1* ribbing.
3. Row 5-15: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. Row 16: Cast on 10 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows to form the sleeves (50 sts total).
5. Row 17-25: Knit all stitches on RS, Purl on WS.
6. Row 26: Knit 18, bind off 14 stitches for the neck, knit 18.
7. Work the two front panels separately for 10 rows. Bind off.

Sew the side seams and the underarm sleeve seams. The bolero should be short, ending just above the dress waist. Once assembled, use a fine needle and black/yellow thread to embroider a tiny bluebird silhouette on each side of the front opening.

The Blue Beret with Feather Accent

The beret is a classic rounded hat. It features a unique knitted feather or leaf detail on the side to give it a whimsical woodland feel.

1. Using the blue yarn, cast on 44 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1-4: *k1, p1* ribbing for the brim.
3. Rnd 5: kfb in every stitch (88 sts).
4. Rnd 6-15: Knit all stitches. This builds the volume.
5. Rnd 16: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (77 sts).
6. Rnd 17: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (66 sts).
7. Rnd 18: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (55 sts).
8. Rnd 19: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (44 sts).
9. Rnd 20: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (33 sts).
10. Rnd 21: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (22 sts).
11. Rnd 22: k2tog around.

Pull the yarn through the remaining stitches and fasten. Place the beret on the bunny’s head between the ears, tilting it slightly to one side.

Knitted Feather/Leaf Detail

1. Using the cream yarn, cast on 3 stitches.
2. Row 1: k1, m1, k1, m1, k1 (5 sts).
3. Row 2 and all even rows: Purl.
4. Row 3: k2, m1, k1, m1, k2 (7 sts).
5. Row 5: ssk, k3, k2tog (5 sts).
6. Row 7: ssk, k1, k2tog (3 sts).
7. Row 9: k3tog.

Fasten off and sew this detail to the side of the beret as seen in the image.

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Navy Mary Jane Shoes

The shoes are simple and elegant, providing a dark contrast to the light outfit. Make two.

1. Using navy blue yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches.
3. Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts).
4. Rnd 6: Bind off all stitches.

Sew the bottom edge together flat to form the sole. For the strap, cast on 8 stitches, bind off immediately, and sew it across the top opening of the shoe. Slip the shoes onto the bunny’s feet.

The Miniature Bluebird Companion

The bluebird pet is a small 3D figure that can be stitched to the bunny’s hand or arm. It has a rounded body and spread wings.

Bird Head and Body

1. Using blue yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around (12 sts).
3. Rnd 2-8: Knit all stitches.
4. Rnd 9: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (8 sts).
5. Stuff the body firmly with a tiny bit of fiberfill.
6. Rnd 10: k2tog around (4 sts). Bind off.

Bird Tail and Wings

1. Tail: Cast on 6 stitches. Work flat. Row 1: kfb in every stitch (12 sts). Row 2: Purl all. Row 3: Bind off loosely to create a fan shape.
2. Wings: Cast on 8 stitches. Knit 4 rows of stockinette. On Row 5, k2tog at the beginning and end. Bind off. Make two.

Sew the tail to the back of the body and the wings to the sides. Use a tiny dot of black thread for the eyes and a single stitch of yellow for the beak. Position the bird on the bunny’s hand.

The Silver Watering Can

The watering can is a structural accessory. It consists of a main body, a handle, and a spout.

Can Body

1. Using silver-grey yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch (20 sts).
3. Rnd 2: *k1, kfb* repeat around (30 sts).
4. Rnd 3-15: Knit all stitches.
5. Rnd 16: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (20 sts).
6. Bind off. Sew a flat knitted circle to the bottom to close.

Spout and Handle

1. Spout: Cast on 6 stitches. Knit 8 rows in the round. Bind off and sew to the side of the body at a 45-degree angle.
2. Handle: Knit a 3-stitch I-cord for 3 inches. Sew to the back of the body in a loop.
3. Rose (Spout Tip): Knit a tiny flat circle of 6 stitches and sew to the end of the spout.

Final Assembly and Details

The final steps bring the character to life. Use the light brown embroidery thread to create a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the safety eyes. Apply a light touch of pink cosmetic blush to the cheeks in small circular motions to give her a youthful glow.

Ensure all yarn tails are woven into the center of the bunny so they are invisible. Check that the hydrangea clusters are secured tightly to the dress. The bluebird motifs on the cardigan should be neat. Your Blue Hydrangea & Bluebird Bunny is now complete and ready for display or gifting.

Care for Your Hand-Knitted Bunny

Because this bunny features delicate 3D hydrangeas, knitted feathers, and a separate bolero, it should be treated with care. If the bunny becomes dusty, a gentle surface cleaning is best. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a very soft brush to remove dust from the petals and the beret.

If a deeper clean is necessary, hand washing is highly recommended. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent specifically formulated for wool or delicate fibers. Submerge the bunny carefully, avoiding excessive agitation which can cause the yarn to pill or the stuffing to clump. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and gently press the water out using a clean towel. Never wring or twist the bunny. Lay her flat on a dry towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Reshape the ears and hydrangea clusters while damp to ensure they dry in their original form. A touch of fabric softener in the final rinse can help keep the clothing feeling soft and smelling fresh. With proper care, this bunny will remain a pristine and cherished treasure for many years.

Knitting a project of this detail is a labor of love. Every stitch contributes to a story of craftsmanship and patience. Whether you are keeping this for yourself or giving it as a gift, the Blue Hydrangea & Bluebird Bunny is a testament to the beauty of handmade art.

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