The Autumn Fox & Aster Bunny is an exquisite heirloom project that celebrates the transition into the golden season. This sophisticated character features a gentle bunny crafted in natural taupe tones, dressed in a cozy cream raglan sweater with a detailed fox motif and a flared rust-orange skirt embellished with a geometric aster pattern. Accompanied by a tiny fox companion and a textured chestnut backpack, this design is a masterpiece of seasonal storytelling. To achieve the professional, high-end finish seen in the image, many crafters choose to buy premium merino wool or a high-twist cotton blend, as these fibers provide the necessary stitch definition for the intricate intarsia and stranded colorwork. When you shop for quality yarn and professional-grade amigurumi supplies, your finished work becomes a museum-quality art doll. This guide provides every detail necessary to create this woodland-themed rabbit, ensuring you can purchase the best materials and transform them into a cherished family treasure for generations to come.

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 Specialized Tools

Ensuring that your finished doll looks 100% like the professional version requires specific fiber weights and needle sizes. Using a needle size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests is a secret for creating a dense fabric that keeps the fiberfill concealed. This design is optimized for DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn.

• Bunny Skin: 150g of Natural Taupe or Warm Beige DK yarn. A wool or wool-blend is recommended for a soft, matte finish.
• Wardrobe Selection:
  • Cream/Ivory: 50g for the raglan sweater and tail accents.
  • Rust/Burnt Orange: 75g for the A-line skirt, the fox hat, and the fox companion.
  • Medium Brown: 25g for the textured backpack and the Mary Jane boots.
• Colorwork and Accents:
  • White: 10g for the fox face and skirt pattern details.
  • Lavender/Purple: 10g for the aster flowers at the skirt hem.
  • Black: Scraps for the fox ears and facial details.
  • Deep Red: 10g for the knitted oak leaf.
• Knitting Needles: US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) and US Size 3 (3.25mm) circular needles for the garments.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm black safety eyes for the main bunny; 4mm beads for the tiny fox companion.
• Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 250g-300g).
• Notions: A sharp tapestry needle, fine embroidery needle, stitch markers, and a single tiny wooden button for the backpack.

Standard Abbreviations and Technical Information

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd(s): round(s)
• st-st: stockinette stitch
• 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 the two slipped stitches together (decrease)
• RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side
• I-cord: a narrow tube of knitting worked on two needles

Constructing the Bunny Foundation: Legs and Torso

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward to ensure the bunny has the structural integrity to support the heavy knitted layers and the companion fox. We work the legs as seamless tubes for a professional finish.

The Right Leg

Using the taupe yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across three needles and join for working in the round. Ensure the stitches are not twisted and place a marker for the start of the round.

Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 3-10: Knit every stitch. This builds the rounded base and sides of the foot.
Rnd 11: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
Rnd 12: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
Rnd 13: Knit all stitches.
Rnds 14-45: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures roughly 5.5 inches (14 cm). Maintain a consistent tension to ensure the skin is smooth. 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.

The Left Leg

Repeat the exact instructions as the right leg. After reaching Round 45, do not break the yarn. This working yarn will be used to initiate the body join in the next section.

Building the Plump Torso and Hips

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture. Place the legs side-by-side with the toes pointing forward. We will create a gap between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the rust skirt to sit elegantly.

Rnd 46 (Joining): Knit across the 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center, knit across the 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back gap (56 sts total).
Rnds 47-62: Knit every stitch in the round. This section establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain even tension for a smooth skin texture.
Rnd 63: *k12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
Rnds 64-68: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 69: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnds 70-74: Knit all stitches. At this stage, 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 75: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnds 76-80: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 81: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Rnd 82: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 83: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
Rnd 84: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the narrow neck area. Do not bind off, as the head is worked directly from these stitches to ensure strength.

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Shaping the Bunny Head and Facial Sculpting

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 maintain its shape over time, especially since the heavy fox hat will sit on top.

The Snout and Face

Rnd 85: *k2, m1* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 86: *k3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 87: *k4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 88: *k5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 89: *k6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rnds 90-110: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This vertical growth creates the main volume of the face and forehead.
Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 100 and 101, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level and aligned with the center of the feet for a balanced, thoughtful gaze.

Closing the Crown

Rnd 111: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 112: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 113: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 114: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 115: *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 116: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Rnd 117: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Rnd 118: 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.

Long Floppy Ears and Slender Arms

Detailed Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and stand tall with a slight natural floppy curve at the mid-point. They are worked flat and then sewn to the crown. Use the taupe yarn and straight needles.

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 stitches.
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. Make two. Fold the bottom edge of the ear slightly in half to create depth and sew them to the top of the head at Round 114, spacing them about 4 stitches apart.

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 taupe yarn in the round on DPNs.

Cast on 10 stitches.
Rnds 1-40: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
Rnd 41: *k3, k2tog* (8 sts).
Rnd 42: 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 84.

The Cream Raglan Sweater and Fox Motif

This sweater is the centerpiece of the outfit. It is worked top-down in the round using the soft cream yarn and 3.25mm circular needles.

Sweater Body

Cast on 32 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: *k1, p1* ribbing for the collar.
Rnd 5: k4 (front), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k6 (sleeve), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k8 (back), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k6 (sleeve), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k4 (front).
Rnds 6-18: Knit every round, performing increases on either side of the 4 raglan stitches every other round.
Rnd 19: Place sleeve stitches on scrap yarn. Join the front and back panels to continue the body in the round (48 sts).
Rnds 20-35: Knit all rounds in stockinette. The sweater should reach the waistline of the bunny.
Rnds 36-38: *k1, p1* ribbing for the bottom hem. Bind off loosely.

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Fox Head Intarsia Motif

On the front center of the sweater, you will add the fox head motif. This is best done using the duplicate stitch technique after the sweater is finished for 100% precision. Use rust yarn for the main head, white for the muzzle/cheeks, and black for the nose and eyes. The fox head should span approximately 14 stitches wide and 12 rows high. Ensure the ears are pointed and the muzzle is a sharp ‘V’ shape.

Sweater Sleeves

Pick up the sleeve stitches and work in stockinette for 22 rounds. Finish with 3 rounds of ribbing. Repeat for the second sleeve. The sleeves should be long enough to reach the bunny’s wrists.

The Flared Rust Skirt and Aster Pattern

The skirt features a wide A-line silhouette with a complex geometric aster pattern at the hem. We use the rust yarn and 3.25mm circular needles.

Knitting the Skirt

Cast on 84 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean hem that won’t roll.
Rnds 7-12: Join the purple and white yarn. Work the aster pattern. Each blossom consists of a purple center with white “sparks” or star-like petals. Follow this sequence:
*k3 Rust, k1 White, k3 Rust* repeat around.
*k2 Rust, k1 White, k1 Purple, k1 White, k2 Rust* repeat around.
*k3 Rust, k1 White, k3 Rust* repeat around.
Rnds 13-30: Continue in stockinette stitch with rust yarn only. 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).
Bind off all stitches loosely. Place the skirt on the bunny and secure it at the waist with hidden stitches.

Autumn Accessories: Fox Hat and Mary Janes

The Fox Beanie Hat

This hat frames the bunny’s face and creates the “Autumn Fox” theme. Use the rust yarn.
Cast on 48 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches for a rolled brim.
Rnds 7-25: Continue in stockinette stitch.
Rnd 26: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnd 27: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Continue decreasing in this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through and fasten off.
Fox Hat Ears (Make 2): Using rust yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Work in stockinette for 4 rows, then k2tog at the start and end of every row until 2 stitches remain. Bind off. Knit two smaller white triangles and sew them to the front of the rust ears. Sew the ears to the top of the beanie, spaced 6 stitches apart. Use black yarn to embroider a tiny tip on the top of the ears.

Brown Mary Jane Boots (Make 2)

Using the medium brown yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the shoe.
Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches.
The Strap: Pick up 10 stitches across the top opening of the shoe and bind off immediately. Slip onto the feet and secure with a small stitch into the leg oatmeal skin if necessary.

Accessories: Backpack, Leaf, and Companion

Miniature Textured Backpack

Using the medium brown yarn, cast on 12 stitches. Work in a textured seed stitch (k1, p1 alternating) for 32 rows. Fold the bottom 12 rows up to form a pocket and sew the side seams. Fold the top 8 rows down to act as a flap. Sew a tiny button to the center. Knit two 10-inch I-cords for shoulder straps and sew them to the back. For the “chestnuts” inside, knit small brown balls (cast on 6, kfb to 12, knit 2 rows, k2tog to 6, close) and place them peeking out of the pocket.

The Red Oak Leaf

Using deep red yarn, cast on 3 stitches. Row 1: k1, m1, k1, m1, k1 (5 sts). Row 2: Purl. Row 3: kfb into all (10 sts). Work increases and decreases at the edges to create three distinct points on each side. Finish with a 1-inch I-cord stem. Position this on the table near the bunny.

The Miniature Fox Companion

This tiny pet is worked in rust and white yarn to capture the look of a real forest animal.
Body and Head: Cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. Rnd 1: kfb (12). Rnd 2-8: Knit. Rnd 9: k2tog (6). Stuff lightly and close.
Tail: Knit a 3-inch I-cord in rust, switching to white for the last 1/2 inch. Sew to the back.
Details: Use black thread to embroider a nose and eyes. Position the fox in the bunny’s arm.

Final Assembly and Facial Expression

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 sweater to sit flat.

Face Embroidery: Use the dark brown yarn 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. Use a single stitch of white yarn at the outer edge of each safety eye to create a “sparkle” effect.

Cheek Blush: Using a cotton swab, apply a very light touch of actual pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a small, circular motion. This adds a youthful, healthy glow that mimics the soft lighting in the photo.

Dressing: Place the rust skirt on the bunny first, followed by the cream sweater. Slip the Mary Janes onto the feet. Place the fox hat on her head, ensuring her long ears poke out naturally from the sides. Secure the backpack on her shoulders. Finally, place the tiny fox in her arm and the red leaf 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, colorwork, and multiple layers, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom quality. This bunny is an art doll and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or matting of the fibers.

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 fox motif or the skirt pattern, 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 rust and red colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and sweater feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape.

Knitting a project of this scale and detail is a labor of love. Every stitch in the cream sweater and every petal on the skirt 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 autumn-inspired rabbit to life!