The Bluebell Woods Bunny is an exquisite heirloom piece that captures the tranquil atmosphere of a spring forest in full bloom. This character is designed with a sophisticated color palette of soft periwinkle blue, sage green, and natural oatmeal tones, making it a standout addition to any handcrafted collection. To achieve the professional results shown in the photographs, it is highly recommended to buy premium extra-fine merino wool or a high-quality wool-blend yarn, as these fibers provide the crisp stitch definition required for the delicate floral and animal embroidery. When you buy specific yarns like these, your finished creation will possess a luxurious feel and a durability that lasts for generations. This project is ideal for intermediate to advanced knitters who enjoy multi-layered construction and fine decorative details, resulting in a storied art doll that exudes peace and woodland charm.

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

Selecting the correct materials is the foundation of creating a character that looks 100% like the professional version. Texture and weight are vital for the clothing to drape correctly over the bunny’s body.

• Yarn Selection (DK Weight / 8-ply):
  • Oatmeal/Light Taupe: 150g (For the bunny’s skin, head, and limbs).
  • Periwinkle Blue: 50g (For the dress and the stocking cap).
  • Sage Green: 50g (For the vest and the foraging basket).
  • Cream/White: 25g (For the pom-pom and embroidery highlights).
  • Light Brown: 25g (For the boots and the miniature fawn pet).
  • Forest Green & Cornflower Blue: Small scraps for the bluebell embroidery.
• Knitting Needles:
  • US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the limbs and small accessories.
  • US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) circular needles (at least 32 inches) for the magic loop method on the head and torso.
  • US Size 3 (3.25mm) needles for the clothing to allow for a slightly more flexible drape.
• Notions:
  • 9mm black safety eyes for the main bunny.
  • 4mm black beads or embroidery thread for the miniature fawn’s eyes.
  • Premium polyester fiberfill (approx. 250g).
  • Tapestry needle and a fine embroidery needle.
  • Two tiny brown wooden buttons for the vest and foraging basket.
  • Light brown embroidery thread for the nose and mouth.

Knitting Abbreviations and Techniques

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd(s): round(s)
• st-st: stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS)
• 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

The Foundation: Knitting the Legs

The construction begins at the base of the feet to ensure a sturdy foundation and a seamless transition into the torso. The legs are worked as tubes and then bridged together.

Right Leg Construction

Using the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Join for working in the round, taking care 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 base and sides of the foot.
4. Rnd 10: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the bunny’s foot.
5. Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
6. Rnd 12: Knit all stitches.
7. Rnds 13-42: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures the required height.

Stuff the foot area very firmly, using your fingers to shape a rounded toe and a distinct heel. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility at the hip join. Leave these stitches on a holder or spare needle.

Left Leg Construction

Repeat the exact instructions provided for the right leg. After finishing Round 42, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from the left leg to initiate the join for the torso in the next stage.

Building the Torso and Hips

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture. We will create a gap between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the periwinkle dress to sit elegantly.

Rnd 43 (Joining): Knit across the 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back gap (56 sts total).
Rnds 44-58: Knit all stitches in the round. This section establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain a firm tension to ensure the fabric is dense enough to hide the stuffing.
Rnd 59: *k12, k2tog; repeat from * around (52 sts).
Rnds 60-65: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 66: *k11, k2tog; repeat from * around (48 sts).
Rnds 67-72: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 73: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around (42 sts).
Rnds 74-78: Knit all stitches. At this point, begin stuffing the lower body firmly. Focus on pushing the stuffing toward the sides to define the rounded hip shape seen in the image.
Rnd 79: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * around (36 sts).
Rnd 80: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 81: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around (30 sts).
Rnd 82: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around (24 sts). This forms the narrow neck area. Do not bind off, as the head is worked directly from these stitches.

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Sculpting the Head and Face

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 support the weight of the stocking cap and long ears.

Head Shaping Instructions

Rnd 83: *k2, m1; repeat from * around (32 sts).
Rnd 84: *k3, m1; repeat from * around (40 sts).
Rnd 85: *k4, m1; repeat from * around (48 sts).
Rnd 86: *k5, m1; repeat from * around (56 sts).
Rnd 87: *k6, m1; repeat from * around (64 sts).
Rnds 88-105: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the vertical volume of the face. It should look like a rounded dome.
Position 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.

Closing the Crown

Rnd 106: *k6, k2tog; repeat from * around (56 sts).
Rnd 107: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 108: *k5, k2tog; repeat from * around (48 sts).
Rnd 109: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * around (40 sts).
Rnd 110: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around (32 sts). Begin stuffing the head very firmly. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks and a smooth forehead.
Rnd 111: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * around (24 sts).
Rnd 112: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * around (16 sts).
Rnd 113: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the end securely inside the head.

Long Upright Ears and Slender Arms

Detailed Rabbit Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and stand strictly upright with a slight natural curve. We work them flat to provide a slightly concave shape. Use the oatmeal 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 110. 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 accessories. Join oatmeal yarn in the round on DPNs.

Cast on 10 stitches.
Rnds 1-38: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
Rnd 39: *k3, k2tog; repeat (8 sts).
Rnd 40: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the hand area firmly and the upper arm very lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 82.

The Periwinkle Bluebell Dress

This dress features an A-line shape with a simple rolled hem. The floral embroidery is the artistic center of the character and is added after the knitting is complete.

Knitting the Dress Body

Using the periwinkle yarn and 3.25mm circular needles, cast on 80 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem.
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).
Rnd 34-45: Knit all stitches for the bodice section. Maintain a smooth tension.
Divide for armholes: Knit 10, bind off 4 stitches for the armhole, knit 20, bind off 4 stitches, knit 10.
Work the front and back sections separately flat for 6 rows each, then bind off. Sew the shoulder seams together, leaving a wide opening for the head.

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Bluebell Embroidery Guide

Using a sharp needle, forest green yarn, and cornflower blue thread, we will embroider the bluebells on the chest of the bodice.
The Stems: Using a stem stitch, create three graceful green stems radiating from the center waist upward toward the neck.
The Blossoms: At the top of each stem, create three small bell-shaped flowers. Use the “lazy daisy” stitch for each petal, making them hang downward. Add a tiny white French knot at the base of each bell for depth. Space the embroidery evenly on the front center of the bodice as seen in the reference image.

The Sage Green Deer Vest

The vest is a cropped accessory worked flat with a specific decorative border. The deer motif is added using a duplicate stitch or detailed surface embroidery.

Vest Construction

Using the sage green yarn, cast on 36 stitches. We work this flat on straight needles.
Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches (Garter stitch border).
Row 5 (RS): k3, m1, k to last 3 sts, m1, k3 (38 sts).
Row 6 (WS): k3, p to last 3 sts, k3.
Rows 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch, keeping the first and last 3 stitches in garter stitch for the front plackets.
Divide for armholes: Work 9 stitches for the front, bind off 3 stitches, work 14 stitches for the back, bind off 3 stitches, work 9 stitches for the second front.
Work each section for 10 rows. On the last row, bind off all stitches. Sew the shoulder seams. The vest should remain open at the front as shown.

Fawn Embroidery Detail

On the right front panel of the vest, use light brown and cream yarn to embroider a tiny fawn. Start with a small brown oval for the body and a smaller circle for the head. Add two pointed ears. Use white yarn to create tiny “lazy daisy” spots on the fawn’s back. This small detail is essential for a 100% accurate character match.

Woodland Accessories: Hat and Boots

The Periwinkle Stocking Cap

The hat is a long, pointed stocking cap that fits snugly between the bunny’s ears. Use the periwinkle yarn and join in the round.

Cast on 44 stitches.
Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches for a rolled brim.
Rnds 5-20: Continue in stockinette stitch.
Rnd 21: *k9, k2tog; repeat from * around.
Rnd 22-25: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 26: *k8, k2tog; repeat around.
Continue decreasing in this pattern every 5 rounds until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through and fasten off.
White Pom-pom: Create a dense 1.5-inch pom-pom using the white yarn and sew it firmly to the tip of the hat. Position the hat on the bunny’s head, tilting it slightly to the side.

Lace-up Leather-Style Boots (Make 2)

These shoes are separate items that fit over the oatmeal feet. Use the light brown yarn and 3.0mm needles.

Cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the sole sides.
Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe.
Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches loosely.
The Laces: Using a length of dark brown yarn and a tapestry needle, create cross-over stitches through the front of the boot to mimic laces. Tie a small bow at the top ankle. Slip onto the feet and secure with a small, hidden stitch into the leg oatmeal skin if necessary.

The Miniature Fawn Companion

This tiny pet is worked in one piece and requires very careful stuffing to maintain the delicate deer silhouette. Use light brown yarn and US 1 (2.25mm) needles if available.

Fawn Body and Head

1. Body: Cast on 6 stitches. Rnd 1: kfb around (12 sts). Rnd 2-8: Knit. Rnd 9: k2tog around (6 sts). Stuff firmly.
2. Head: Cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 8. Knit 3 rounds. Close and sew to the body.
3. Legs: Knit four tiny I-cords (3 stitches, 4 rows) and sew to the bottom.
4. Details: Use black thread for eyes and white yarn to add tiny spots on the back. Position the fawn next to the bunny’s feet.

The Foraging Basket and Mushroom Set

Knitted Foraging Pouch

Using sage green yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round. Knit for 12 rounds. Rnd 13: kfb around (20 sts). Knit 2 more rounds and bind off. Sew the bottom edge flat. Attach a tiny wooden button to the front for decoration. Use an I-cord for the handle.

Miniature Mushrooms

Stems: Using cream yarn, cast on 4 stitches and work a 1-inch I-cord.
Caps: Using brown yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb (12). Knit 2 rnds. k2tog around. Stuff lightly and sew the stem into the cap. Make three mushrooms and place them inside the foraging basket along with a small twig from your garden.

Final Assembly and Detailing

The personality of the Bluebell Woods Bunny comes alive during the final assembly. Begin by ensuring the head is perfectly centered on the neck. The ears should be positioned high on the crown, allowing the stocking cap to sit comfortably between them.

The Face: Centered between the safety eyes, use light brown embroidery thread to stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. The nose should be level with the bottom of the eyes. Keep the stitches tight and delicate. Use a tiny amount of actual pink cosmetic blush and a cotton swab to apply soft circular blushes to the bunny’s cheeks. This adds the youthful, healthy glow seen in the photo.

Dressing: Place the periwinkle dress on the bunny first, ensuring the bluebell embroidery is visible. Layer the sage green vest over her shoulders. Secure the brown boots on her feet. Position the stocking cap between her ears. Finally, place the miniature fawn next to her and position the foraging basket in her other arm. Check all seams and hide any loose yarn ends deep inside the stuffing for a clean, professional finish.

Professional Cleaning and Long-term Care

Because this project features multiple layers of clothing and intricate embroidery, proper care is essential to maintain its quality. This bunny is an heirloom-quality art doll and should be handled with care to prevent pilling of the merino fibers.

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 specifically designed for wool. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Do not scrub the embroidered areas or the pom-pom, 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 dress. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant periwinkle and sage colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and clothing feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape.

Knitting a character of this complexity is a labor of love. Every stitch in the periwinkle hat and every tiny spot on the fawn companion 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 woodland-inspired rabbit to life!

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