The Spring Tulip Puppy Bunny is an exquisite heirloom creation that captures the vibrant spirit of a garden in bloom. This design features a gentle rabbit crafted in soft oatmeal tones, adorned with a minty-fresh dress and a striking scarlet cardigan. The intricate floral embroidery and the presence of a loyal golden puppy make this a storied piece for any collection. For artisans looking to recreate this look, it is vital to buy premium extra-fine merino wool to ensure the stitch definition remains crisp. When you purchase high-quality knitting supplies, you invest in a durable treasure that will last for generations. This guide provides comprehensive instructions for every detail, from the delicate tulip petals to the tiny puppy’s bandana, ensuring your finished work mirrors the professional artistry seen in the inspiration images. Whether you are creating this for a nursery or as a centerpiece for seasonal decor, the use of high-end fibers will elevate the tactile experience and visual appeal of the finished doll.

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 Specialized Tools

To begin this ambitious project, you must gather specific materials that support the weight and structure of an art doll. Using the correct needle size is paramount to achieving a tight fabric that prevents the stuffing from showing through the stitches.

• Main Body Yarn: Approximately 150 yards of DK weight wool in Oatmeal or Light Beige.
• Dress Yarn: 100 yards of DK weight wool in Mint Green or Seafoam.
• Cardigan Yarn: 80 yards of DK weight wool in Scarlet Red.
• Accessory Yarns: Small amounts of Pink and Red for the tulips, Leaf Green for stems, Cream for the headband and bag, and Golden Honey for the puppy.
• Knitting Needles: US Size 2 (2.75mm) and US Size 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needles or circulars for the magic loop method.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the bunny; 4mm black beads or eyes for the puppy.
• Stuffing: High-quality polyester fiberfill or organic carded wool for a firm yet soft feel.
• Embroidery Tools: A sharp tapestry needle for assembly and a fine embroidery needle for the floral details.
• Notions: Stitch markers, row counter, and a single tiny wooden button for the Mary Jane shoes.

Gauge and Tension Specifications

For this amigurumi project, gauge is less about fit and more about fabric density. You should aim for a fabric that is firm and opaque. If you are a loose knitter, consider dropping down a needle size. A suggested gauge is 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the smaller needles. Consistency across the limbs is vital to ensure the bunny sits symmetrically.

Foundation: Knitting the Bunny Legs

The legs provide the base for the bunny’s sitting posture. We begin at the feet and work upward to the hips. Both legs are worked identically before being joined to form the lower torso.

Right Leg Construction

Using the Oatmeal yarn and the 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them evenly across your needles and join for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch (24 sts).
2. Rnd 2: *Knit 2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
3. Rnds 3-10: Knit every stitch. This builds the height of the foot.
4. Rnd 11: Knit 12, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This shapes the front instep of the foot.
5. Rnd 12: Knit 10, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 10 (24 sts).
6. Rnds 13-40: Knit every stitch in stockinette.

Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring the toe is rounded and the heel has a distinct shape. Stuff the leg moderately to allow for flexibility at the hip. Place these stitches on a holder.

Left Leg Construction

Repeat the steps for the Right Leg exactly. Do not break the yarn after the final round of the second leg, as this working yarn will be used to join the two pieces together.

Building the Torso and Hips

Joining the legs is the most critical stage for the character’s balance. We will create a bridge of stitches between the legs to give the bunny her wide, rounded hips.

Rnd 41: 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 (56 sts total).
Rnds 42-60: Knit every stitch in the round. This establishes the plump lower abdomen seen in the sitting bunny. Ensure your tension remains firm to keep the body fabric smooth.
Rnd 61: *Knit 12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
Rnds 62-66: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 67: *Knit 11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnds 68-72: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 73: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat 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 silhouette.
Rnd 79: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Rnd 80: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 81: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
Rnd 82: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the narrow neck area. Do not bind off; we will proceed immediately to the head.

Sculpting the Bunny Head and Face

The head is worked directly from the neck stitches to ensure structural integrity. Specific increases create the broad, sweet cheeks and the slightly tapered bridge of the nose characteristic of this heritage design.

Rnd 83: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 84: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 85: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 86: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 87: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rnds 88-106: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the vertical volume of the face and forehead. It should look like a rounded, slightly elongated dome.
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.

Rnd 107: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 108: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 109: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 110: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 111: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
Begin stuffing the head very firmly at this point. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
Rnd 112: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Rnd 113: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Rnd 114: 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.

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Long Upright Ears and Slender Arms

The ears are a defining feature, standing tall at the crown. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they rest naturally at the bunny’s side.

Detailed Ears (Make 2)

Using the Oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Work flat.

1. Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long, elegant rectangle.
2. Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (10 sts).
3. Row 47: Purl all stitches.
4. Row 48: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).
5. Row 49: Purl all.
6. 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 110, spacing them about 4 stitches apart. They should stand upright but have the flexibility to frame the hood headband.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

Using Oatmeal yarn and 2.75mm DPNs, cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.

1. Rnds 1-38: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
2. Rnd 39: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat (8 sts).
3. 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 Spring Mint Dress with Tulip Embroidery

This dress features a classic A-line silhouette with a simple garter stitch hem. The floral embroidery is the artistic centerpiece of the garment and is added after the knitting is complete. We use the Mint Green yarn and 3.25mm circular needles.

Knitting the Dress Skirt

Cast on 84 stitches in Mint Green. Join in the round.

1. Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t curl.
2. Rnds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, which should fall to the bunny’s mid-calf.
3. Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
4. Rnd 32: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
5. Rnd 33: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist perfectly to fit the bunny’s torso.

The Bodice and Yoke

Rnds 34-42: Knit all stitches in Mint Green for the upper bodice.
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. Slip the dress onto the bunny before moving to the floral embroidery.

Tulip Embroidery Guide

The tulips are positioned in a row across the upper chest area. Use a fine embroidery needle, red/pink yarn, and leaf green yarn.
The Stems: Using a stem stitch or backstitch with green yarn, create five short vertical stems (about 1.5 cm) starting from the mid-chest line.
The Petals: To create the tulip heads, work three vertical satin stitches in pink or red. Use two stitches for the side petals and one slightly longer stitch in the middle. Ensure the flowers are secured tightly to the mint fabric. This detail must be repeated across the chest for 100% accuracy to the garden theme.

The Scarlet Cardigan with Paw Print Detail

The cardigan is a cozy outer layer worked flat with specific sleeve shaping. It features an open front and a signature white paw print on the left panel. Use the Scarlet Red yarn and 3.25mm needles.

Cardigan Body

1. Cast on 40 stitches. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: Knit every row for a garter stitch border.
3. Rows 5-25: Work in stockinette stitch, maintaining 3 stitches of garter at each edge for the front plackets.
4. Divide for armholes: Work 9, bind off 3, work 16, bind off 3, work 9.
5. Work sections separately for 12 rows, then bind off. Sew the shoulder seams.

Sleeves and Paw Print

Pick up 16 stitches around the armhole opening. Knit in the round using DPNs for 22 rounds. Finish with 4 rounds of garter stitch and bind off loosely. The sleeves should be long, mimicking a cozy garden sweater.
Paw Print Detail: On the left front panel (bunny’s left), use white yarn to embroider a tiny paw print. Use a single large satin stitch for the main pad and four tiny dots above it for the toes. This small detail is essential for a museum-quality finish.

The Minty Hood and Large Scarlet Bow

The hood is a unique accessory that frames the bunny’s face. It is worked flat and features a large, structural red bow on the side. Use the Mint Green and Scarlet Red yarns.

Hood Construction

1. Cast on 36 stitches in Mint Green. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-6: *K1, P1* ribbing for the front edge.
3. Rows 7-25: Continue in stockinette stitch.
4. Row 26: k2tog across (18 sts). Row 27: p2tog across (9 sts).
5. Break yarn and pull through to close the back seam, forming a snug hood shape.
6. Ties: Pick up 3 stitches at each bottom corner of the hood and knit a 10-inch I-cord. These will tie under the bunny’s chin.

Large Red Bow Accent

Cast on 15 stitches in Scarlet Red. Work in stockinette for 6 inches. Bind off. Fold the piece into a loop and sew the ends. Pinch the center of the loop and wrap it tightly with a strand of red yarn to form a bow shape. Sew the finished bow firmly to the right side of the hood, positioned just above the ear opening. The bow should be large and prominent, as seen in the photo.

Mary Jane Shoes and Crossbody Bag

These accessories provide the finishing touches to the bunny’s personality. The shoes are separate items that slide over the oatmeal feet, and the bag is a circular piece draped diagonally across the chest.

Red Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

Using Scarlet Red yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the shoe.
2. Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
3. Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches.
4. The Strap: Pick up 10 stitches across the top opening of the shoe and bind off immediately. Sew the small wooden button to the side of the strap. Slip onto the feet and secure with a small, hidden stitch into the leg oatmeal skin.

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Beige Circular Crossbody Bag

Using the Cream yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch (12 sts).
Rnd 2: *K1, kfb* repeat around (18 sts).
Rnd 3: *K2, kfb* repeat around (24 sts).
Knit 4 rounds in garter stitch (alternating knit and purl rounds). Repeat for a second circle. Sew the two circles together around three-quarters of the edge to form a pocket. Knit a 12-inch I-cord for the strap and sew to the sides. Drape this over the bunny’s shoulder.

The Golden Puppy Pet and Bandana

The companion is a 3D figure that sits next to the bunny. It is worked in a textured bouclé yarn to achieve the shaggy retriever look.

Puppy Body and Head

1. Using the Golden yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb to 12. *k1, kfb* to 18. Knit 10 rounds for the body.
2. Next Rnd: *K1, k2tog* around (12 sts). Stuff firmly.
3. Rnd 11: kfb into all (24 sts) for the head. Knit 6 rounds.
4. Rnd 18: *K2, k2tog* around (18 sts). Rnd 19: *K1, k2tog* around (12 sts). Rnd 20: k2tog around (6 sts). Close the hole.
5. Ears and Tail: Pick up 4 stitches on the side of the head and knit 5 rows. Bind off. Knit a 1-inch I-cord for the tail.
6. Red Bandana: Cast on 20 stitches in Scarlet Red. Row 1: k2tog, k to last 2, k2tog. Repeat until 2 stitches remain. Bind off. Tie this around the puppy’s neck.

The Tulip Bouquet and Wrapping

The bunny holds a small bouquet wrapped in paper. This is a purely decorative prop that adds narrative depth to the spring theme.

Individual Tulips (Make 5): Knit a 3-inch green I-cord. Using pink or red yarn, knit a tiny ball (cast on 6, kfb to 12, knit 2 rows, k2tog to 6, close). Sew the flower head to the green stem.
Newspaper Wrap: Cut a small square of printed fabric or parchment paper. Bundle the flowers inside and tie with a scrap of green yarn. Position the bouquet in the bunny’s hand and secure with a few hidden stitches.

Final Assembly and Facial Expression

The character’s personality is brought to life during the final assembly. Follow these steps for a professional finish:

Face Detailing: Use dark brown embroidery thread to stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered exactly between the safety eyes. The nose should be positioned low on the face to create a sweet, innocent expression. 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 small amount of actual pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a circular motion. This adds a youthful, healthy glow that mimics the soft lighting in the photo.

Dressing: Place the mint dress on the bunny first, ensuring the tulip embroidery is centered. Layer the scarlet cardigan over her shoulders. Slip the Mary Jane shoes onto the feet. Position the hood on her head and tie the I-cord strings in a neat bow under her chin. Place the crossbody bag over her shoulder. Finally, position the golden puppy next to her and place the bouquet in her arm. 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, multi-layered clothing, and delicate accessories, 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 snagging of the tulip 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 for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Do not scrub the embroidered tulips on the dress or the paw print on the cardigan, as this can distort the stitches. Let the doll soak for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Drying Process

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 red and mint 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.

Long-term Preservation

If the bunny is intended for long-term 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 tulip blossoms on the dress become flattened, gently use a small knitting needle to “fluff” the stitches back into their rounded shape. By following these maintenance steps, your Spring Tulip Puppy Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come.

Knitting a project of this scale and detail is a labor of love. Every stitch in the scarlet cardigan and every petal on the mint 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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