The Strawberry Patch Hedgehog Bunny is a breathtaking example of the heights reachable in contemporary amigurumi, merging high-fashion doll couture with classic cottagecore aesthetics. This character stands as a testament to the beauty of detailed craftsmanship, featuring a serene oatmeal-colored rabbit outfitted in a layered garden ensemble. Her coral-pink dress showcases a sophisticated field of embroidered strawberries, while her white cropped cardigan provides the perfect canvas for a whimsical hedgehog appliqué. To ensure your finished heirloom reaches this level of professional quality, it is vital to order premium merino wool and high-grade amigurumi supplies. Many collectors find that buying luxury knitting needles and purchasing organic fiberfill significantly improves the structural integrity of the bunny’s sitting posture. This project is a rewarding pursuit for any artisan looking to buy specialty yarns and transform them into a storied work of art that captures the essence of a tranquil summer harvest.

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 recreate the exact visual weight and texture seen in the reference image, the selection of fibers is the most critical stage. This design relies on the soft drape of fine wool to allow the clothing to sit naturally on the rabbit’s frame without adding excessive bulk. The following list ensures a 100% accurate reproduction of the original character.

• Primary Yarn (Oatmeal/Beige): 100g of DK weight extra-fine merino wool. A natural, slightly heathered beige provides the timeless “oatmeal” look for the skin.
• Dress Yarn (Coral/Rose Pink): 50g of DK weight wool in a warm, saturated rose pink or coral shade.
• Cardigan & Hat Yarn (White/Cream): 75g of light DK yarn in a crisp off-white or cream tone.
• Shoe Yarn (Sage Green): 25g of DK weight yarn in a muted leafy green.
• Accessory Yarn (Tan/Brown): 50g of DK weight yarn for the basket, the hedgehog’s body, and the jam jar accents.
• Textured Yarn (Fuzzy Brown): 25g of mohair or eyelash yarn for the hedgehog’s “spines.”
• Accent Colors: Small amounts of Crimson Red (strawberries), Leaf Green (stems), and Charcoal (facial features).
• Knitting Needles: US Size 2 (2.75mm) and US Size 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circulars for the magic loop method. The smaller needles are used for the body to create a dense, stitch-hidden fabric.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the main bunny; 4mm beads for the hedgehog companion.
• Stuffing: High-density polyester fiberfill to allow the bunny to sit firmly.
• Notions: Two tiny 4mm buttons for the shoes and cardigan, a tapestry needle, and a fine embroidery needle for the floral details.

Structural Specifications and Gauge

The integrity of this doll depends on a firm gauge. Unlike a garment intended for a human, amigurumi must be knit tightly enough so that when the piece is stuffed, the fiberfill remains invisible. For the bunny’s body, aim for 28 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the 2.75mm needles.

The clothing items are knit with slightly larger needles (3.25mm) to allow for flexibility and ease of dressing the doll. Always measure your work as you go, as slight variations in tension can affect the fit of the pink dress over the bunny’s hips. Consistency in your tension is the secret to a professional finish. Ensure you maintain an even gauge throughout, especially when transitioning between the body and the clothing items.

Bunny Foundation: Leg and Torso Construction

The construction begins at the base of the feet to provide a stable foundation. The legs are worked as seamless tubes and then joined to form the lower abdomen. This ensures the rabbit has the structural strength required for its signature seated posture.

The Legs (Make 2)

Using the oatmeal-colored yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across three needles and join for working in the round. Place a marker to indicate 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 from * to end of round (32 sts).
Rnds 3-10: Knit every stitch. This builds the rounded volume 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 extremely consistent to avoid any visible “jog” in the stitches. Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring the toe is rounded and the heel is defined. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility at the hip join. Leave the stitches for the first leg on a holder. Repeat for the second leg but do not break the yarn.

Building the Plump Torso and Hips

Joining the legs correctly is the most critical stage for the character’s posture. We will create a gap between the legs to give the bunny her wide, rounded hips, which are necessary for the flared strawberry dress to sit correctly.

Rnd 46 (Joining): Knit across the 24 stitches of the second leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 24 stitches of the first leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back gap (56 sts total).
Rnds 47-65: 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 66: *Knit 12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
Rnds 67-72: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 73: *Knit 11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnds 74-78: 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 silhouette seen in the image.
Rnd 79: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnds 80-84: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 85: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Rnd 86: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 87: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
Rnd 88: *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 and prevent “floppy head” syndrome.

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 white bucket hat will be placed on top.

The Snout and Face

Rnd 89: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 90: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 91: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 92: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 93: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rnds 94-115: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This vertical growth creates the main volume of the face and forehead. It should look like a rounded dome.
Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 104 and 105, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level and aligned with the center of the feet for a balanced, thoughtful gaze.

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Closing the Crown

Rnd 116: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 117: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 118: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 119: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 120: *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 121: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Rnd 122: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Rnd 123: 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 Floppy Ears and Slender Arms

The Ears (Make 2)

The ears are a defining feature, standing tall at the crown before showing a natural floppy drape. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. Use the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles.

Cast on 12 stitches. Work flat.
Rows 1-50: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long, elegant rectangle.
Row 51: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (10 sts).
Row 52: Purl all stitches.
Row 53: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).
Row 54: Purl all.
Row 55: 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 118, spacing them about 5 stitches apart. They should stand upright but have the flexibility to flop naturally backward as shown in the harvest scene.

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 strawberry basket. Join oatmeal yarn in the round on 2.75mm DPNs.

Cast on 10 stitches.
Rnds 1-45: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
Rnd 46: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat (8 sts).
Rnd 47: 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 88.

The Strawberry Patch Dress

This dress is the artistic centerpiece of the character. It features a flared A-line silhouette with a simple rolled hem and hand-embroidered strawberries scattered across the fabric. We use the rose pink yarn and 3.25mm circular needles.

Knitting the Skirt

Cast on 96 stitches in Rose Pink. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t curl.
Rnds 7-35: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, which should fall to the bunny’s mid-calf.
Rnd 36 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 10, k2tog* repeat around (88 sts).
Rnd 37: *Knit 9, k2tog* repeat around (80 sts).
Rnd 38: *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Rnd 39: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist perfectly to fit the bunny’s torso.

The Bodice

Rnds 40-52: Knit all stitches in Rose Pink. Maintain a smooth, even 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. Slip the dress onto the bunny before moving to the embroidery.

Strawberry Field Embroidery Guide

The strawberries are placed randomly yet balanced across the skirt. Use a sharp needle and the crimson red and leaf green yarns.
The Berry: Using red yarn, work a small “Swiss Darning” or duplicate stitch over a single knit stitch to form a teardrop shape. Use white thread to add two tiny “seed” specks to the red berry.
The Hull: At the top of each red berry, use the green thread to create two tiny “lazy daisy” loops to represent the leaves. Repeat this process roughly 20-25 times around the skirt hem for 100% accuracy to the patch theme.

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The White Cardigan and Hedgehog Appliqué

The cardigan is a cozy outer layer worked flat with specific sleeve shaping. It features an open front and a signature embroidery on the left panel (bunny’s left).

Cardigan Body

Using the white/cream yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 40 stitches. Work flat.
Rows 1-4: Knit every row for a garter stitch border.
Rows 5-25: Work in stockinette stitch, maintaining 3 stitches of garter at each edge for the placket.
Divide for armholes: Work 9, bind off 3, work 16, bind off 3, work 9. Work sections separately for 12 rows, then bind off. Sew the shoulder seams.

Sleeves

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 and wide, mimicking a cozy garden sweater.

Hedgehog Appliqué Embroidery

On the left front panel, we will create the tiny hedgehog. Use brown yarn to embroider a small oval for the body. Use the textured fuzzy brown yarn and long straight stitches to create the “spines” along the back. Use beige yarn for a tiny pointed face. Embroider a miniature red strawberry in the hedgehog’s paws to match the theme. This detail is essential for a museum-quality finish.

The White Bucket Hat and Strawberry Side Accent

The hat frames the bunny’s face and provides a crisp contrast to her colorful dress. Use the white yarn and 3.25mm needles.

Cast on 52 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-8: Knit every round. This forms the slightly flared brim.
Rnds 9-20: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the side walls of the hat.
Rnd 21: *Knit 11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 22: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 23: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
Continue decreasing in this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through and fasten off.
Strawberry Side Detail: Knit a separate small 3D strawberry. Cast on 6, kfb to 12, knit 4 rounds, k2tog to 6, close. Sew this red berry to the right side of the white hat. Add three tiny green embroidered leaves at the base.

Green Mary Jane Shoes and Jam Jar Accessory

Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

These shoes are separate items that fit over the oatmeal feet. Use the sage green 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. Sew the small 4mm button to the side of the strap for a functional look.

The Strawberry Jam Jar

This accessory adds narrative depth to the bunny’s harvest. Use red and tan yarn.
Jar Body: Using red yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Join in round. kfb to 20. Knit 10 rounds. Bind off. Sew a flat circle to the bottom.
Label: Using white embroidery thread, stitch the word “JAM” across the front of the red jar.
Lid: Using tan yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb to 12. *k1, kfb* to 18. Knit 2 rounds. Bind off. Sew the tan lid to the top of the red jar, allowing it to overhang slightly like a fabric topper.

The Miniature Hedgehog Companion

The companion is a 3D figure that sits next to the bunny. It requires the most texture to look realistic.

Body and Spines

Using smooth tan yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb to 12. *k1, kfb* to 18. Knit 5 rounds.
Switch to fuzzy textured yarn. Knit 8 rounds.
Next Rnd: *K1, k2tog* around (12 sts).
Stuff very firmly with fiberfill.
Next Rnd: k2tog around (6 sts). Close the hole.
The textured yarn creates the spiky back. Use beige yarn to embroider a sharp pointed muzzle at the front of the tan section. Add 4mm beads for eyes. Place a tiny knitted strawberry in the hedgehog’s arms, secured with a small stitch.

Strawberry Harvest Basket

The basket is worked using the tan yarn in a specific “linen stitch” to mimic wicker weaving.
Base: Cast on 6, kfb to 12, *k1, kfb* to 18, *k2, kfb* to 24.
Sides: Rnd 1: *K1, slip 1 with yarn in front* repeat around. Rnd 2: *Slip 1 with yarn in front, K1* repeat around. Continue for 12 rounds. Bind off.
Handle: Knit a 5-inch I-cord and sew to the sides. Fill the basket with several tiny knitted strawberries and place the miniature wooden spoon inside.

Final Assembly and Facial Expression

The personality of the Strawberry Patch Hedgehog Bunny emerges during the final assembly. Follow these steps for a professional finish:

Face Detailing: Use charcoal 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 harvest lighting in the photo.

Dressing: Place the rose pink dress on the bunny first, ensuring the strawberry embroidery is centered. Layer the white cardigan over her shoulders. Slip the Mary Jane shoes onto the feet. Position the bucket hat between her ears, ensuring the side strawberry detail is visible. Finally, place the strawberry basket and jam jar next to her feet and secure the hedgehog companion under her right arm.

Detailed Cleaning and Care Guidelines

Because this project features intricate 3D appliques, fine embroidery, and textured mohair-blend fibers, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom quality. This bunny is intended as an art doll rather than a play toy, and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the stitches.

Washing Instructions: Hand washing is the only recommended method. 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 hedgehog’s fuzzy back or the embroidered strawberries, as this can distort the stitches or cause the mohair to mat. 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 coral and red 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 fluff the hedgehog’s spines with a soft brush to restore their original shaggy texture.

Long-term Maintenance: 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. By following these maintenance steps, your Strawberry Patch Hedgehog 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 white cardigan and every tiny seed on the 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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