The Daisy Meadow Sheep Bunny is a timeless heirloom creation that brings the charm of a spring countryside into your crafting room. This project features a gentle oatmeal-colored rabbit dressed in a lush grass-green dress and a cozy cream cardigan, accented with hand-embroidered daisies and a miniature sheep motif. To achieve the professional results seen in the image, it is essential to buy high-quality merino wool or a soft cotton blend from a reputable online yarn store. Choosing to purchase premium knitting needles and order amigurumi supplies such as safety eyes and fiberfill ensures your finished doll remains durable and soft for years. This design is perfect for those who want to invest in artisan craft materials to create a storied art doll that captures the essence of a tranquil garden meadow.
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 Specifications
To ensure your bunny is 100% accurate to the reference image, selecting the correct fiber weights and textures is the most critical stage. This character relies on the interplay between the smooth stockinette bunny body and the textured clothing layers.
- Bunny Skin: 150g of DK weight yarn in an Oatmeal or Light Taupe shade. Natural wool provides the best finish.
- Meadow Dress: 50g of DK weight yarn in Grass Green or Moss Green.
- Sheep Cardigan and Bonnet: 75g of DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
- Shoe and Detail Color: 25g of Light Brown or Tan for the shoes and “Garden” embroidery.
- Daisy Embroidery: Small scraps of Pure White and Sunshine Yellow.
- Sheep Pet: 20g of White textured “bouclé” or “pipsqueak” yarn for the body; smooth beige for the face.
- Knitting Needles: US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the limbs and US Size 3 (3.25mm) needles for the garments.
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm black safety eyes for the main bunny; 4mm beads for the tiny sheep.
- Stuffing: High-grade polyester fiberfill.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, fine embroidery needle, a tiny silver bell for the sheep, and a small red ribbon.
- Bag Prop: Two small toothpicks or bamboo skewers for the mini knitting needles.
Gauge and Structural Integrity
Amigurumi-style characters require a firm, dense fabric to prevent the internal fiberfill from peeking through the stitches. For the bunny body, aim for 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. The clothing items are designed to fit snugly over the stuffed form, so checking the fit frequently as you progress through the garment sections is highly recommended to maintain the correct proportions seen in the image.
The Foundation: Constructing the Bunny Legs
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 of her wardrobe. The legs are worked as seamless tubes for a professional, clean finish.
Right Leg Construction
Using the oatmeal-colored yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across your needles and join for working in the round. Place a marker at the start of the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around (24 sts).
- Rnd 2: *Knit 2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
- Rnd 3-10: Knit every stitch. This builds the rounded base and sides of the foot.
- Rnd 11: Knit 12, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
- Rnd 12: Knit 10, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 10 (24 sts).
- Rnd 13: Knit all stitches.
- Rnds 14-45: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures roughly 5.5 inches (14 cm). Ensure your tension remains firm.
Stuff the foot area very firmly, using your fingers to shape a rounded toe and a distinct heel. The leg should be stuffed moderately as you move upward to allow for natural flexibility at the hip join. Leave the stitches for the first leg on a holder.
Left Leg Construction
Repeat the exact instructions as the right leg. After finishing Round 45, 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 section.
Building the Plump Torso and Hips
Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture. We will create a bridge between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the green meadow dress to sit elegantly over the lower body.
Rnd 46 (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 47-62: Knit every stitch in the round. This section establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain a firm tension to ensure the fabric is smooth and dense.
Rnd 63: *Knit 12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
Rnds 64-68: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 69: *Knit 11, 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.
Rnd 75: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnds 76-80: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 81: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Rnd 82: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 83: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
Rnd 84: *Knit 3, 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 structural strength.
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Shaping the Bunny Head and Facial Structure
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 lace bonnet will be tied securely under the chin.
The Snout and Face
- Rnd 85: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
- Rnd 86: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
- Rnd 87: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
- Rnd 88: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
- Rnd 89: *Knit 6, 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.
Closing the Crown
- Rnd 111: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
- Rnd 112: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 113: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
- Rnd 114: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
- Rnd 115: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts). Begin stuffing the head very firmly at this point. Use your fingers to ensure the cheeks are symmetrical.
- Rnd 116: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
- Rnd 117: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
- Rnd 118: 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 Ears (Make 2)
The ears are a defining feature, standing tall initially before showing a natural floppy drape at the mid-point. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape. Use the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles.
Cast on 12 stitches. Work flat.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long 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. 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 the garden bag. Join oatmeal yarn in the round on 2.75mm needles.
- Cast on 10 stitches.
- Rnds 1-40: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge.
- Rnd 41: *Knit 3, 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 Green Daisy Meadow Dress
This dress features a classic A-line silhouette with intricate daisy embroidery across the chest. We use the grass-green yarn and 3.25mm circular needles for a beautiful drape.
Knitting the Dress Skirt
Cast on 84 stitches in Green. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean hem.
Rnds 5-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, which should fall to the bunny’s mid-calf.
Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Rnd 32: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
Rnd 33: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist.
The Bodice and Yoke
Rnds 34-42: Knit all stitches in Green for the upper bodice.
Divide for armholes: Knit 10, bind off 4 stitches, 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. Slip the dress onto the bunny before moving to the floral embroidery.
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Daisy Chain Embroidery Guide
The daisies are positioned in a row across the upper chest/yoke area. Use a fine embroidery needle, pure white yarn, and sunshine yellow scrap yarn.
The Petals: Use the “Lazy Daisy” stitch to create 8 small white petals for each flower. Aim for approximately 5 flowers spaced evenly across the chest.
The Centers: In the center of each white daisy, create a small, textured French knot using the yellow yarn. Ensure the flowers are secured tightly to the green fabric.
The Cream Garden Cardigan and Sheep Pocket
The cardigan is a cozy outer layer worked flat with raglan shaping. It features a specific textured sheep applique on the right pocket, which is the signature detail of this outfit.
Cardigan Body and Sleeves
Using the cream yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 40 stitches. We work this piece flat from the top down.
Rows 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for the collar.
Row 5 (RS): Knit 6 (front), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k10 (back), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k6 (front).
Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.
Continue increasing at the raglan points every RS row until the piece measures 2.5 inches (6 cm).
Separate for Sleeves: Work the front stitches, place sleeve stitches on scrap yarn, work back stitches, place second sleeve stitches on scrap yarn, work the second front. Continue the body for 2 inches (5 cm). Finish with a garter stitch hem (knit 4 rows) and bind off.
The Sheep Appliqué Pocket
On the right front panel, we will create a pocket with a textured sheep.
Pocket: Cast on 10 stitches, work 10 rows of stockinette, bind off. Sew to the cardigan.
Textured Sheep: Using the white textured yarn, knit a tiny 1-inch circle. Sew this to the pocket. Using smooth beige yarn, embroider a tiny “Y” shape for the head and two small lines for the legs. Use black thread for the eyes. The sheep should look “woolly” and three-dimensional.
The Lace Daisy Bonnet and Tan Loafers
The Cream Bonnet
The bonnet is worked flat and then shaped to frame the face. Use the cream yarn.
Cast on 40 stitches.
Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches (garter border).
Rows 5-25: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 26: k2tog across (20 sts). Row 27: p2tog across (10 sts). Break yarn and pull through to close the back seam.
Lace Trim: Using white embroidery thread, work a blanket stitch or simple crochet shell edge around the front brim to mimic the lace seen in the image.
Embroidered Daisies: On the left side of the bonnet, embroider two small daisies matching the ones on the dress. Add I-cord ties to each side to secure under the bunny’s chin.
Tan Loafer Shoes (Make 2)
These shoes are separate items that fit over the oatmeal feet. Use the tan 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 all stitches.
Detailing: Use a darker brown thread to embroider a small horizontal line across the top of the shoe to mimic the loafer strap. Attach a tiny tan bead to the side for the button detail.
Accessories: Garden Bag and Sheep Companion
The “Garden” Tote Bag
The bunny carries a small bag containing her knitting supplies. Use cream yarn.
Bag Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in stockinette for 4 inches. Fold in half and sew side seams. Knit two 3-inch I-cords for handles and attach to the top.
Embroidery: Using brown yarn and a fine needle, embroider the word “Garden” in cursive across the front of the bag. Place a small ball of oatmeal yarn and two toothpicks (mini needles) inside the bag, securing them with a small stitch so they don’t fall out.
The Miniature Fluffy Sheep
This tiny pet sits next to the bunny and requires very careful assembly to achieve the realistic look of the original.
Body: Using the white textured yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb (12). Knit 10 rounds. k2tog around (6). Stuff firmly and close. The textured yarn provides the “wool.”
Head and Limbs: Using smooth beige yarn, knit a tiny 4-stitch I-cord for the head (1 inch long) and four 2-stitch I-cords for the legs. Sew to the body.
Finishing: Tie a tiny silver bell around the sheep’s neck using a scrap of red ribbon. The sheep should be plump and stand independently.
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 cardigan to sit flat.
Facial Detailing
Using dark brown embroidery thread, stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered exactly between the safety eyes. The nose should be level with the bottom of the eyes. Keep the stitches small and tight for a delicate look. Apply a very light touch of actual pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a small, circular motion to give her a youthful, healthy glow.
Dressing the Bunny
Place the grass-green dress on the bunny first, ensuring the daisy embroidery is centered. Layer the cream cardigan over her shoulders, but do not button it—let it hang open as shown. Place the lace bonnet on her head and tie the I-cord strings in a neat bow under her chin. Tuck the tan loafers onto her feet. Finally, position the “Garden” tote bag in her right arm and place the miniature fluffy sheep next to her. 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, textured yarns, and multiple layers of high-quality knitwear, 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 delicate daisy petals.
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 specifically for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Do not scrub the embroidered daisies or the textured sheep appliqué, 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 green and yellow colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and cardigan 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 cardigan and every petal on the green dress 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 garden-dwelling rabbit to life!
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