The Sweet Pea Butterfly Bunny is an ethereal creation that brings the magic of a hidden woodland garden into your home. This sophisticated amigurumi project features a gentle cream-colored rabbit dressed in a lush lavender sweater and a pink skirt adorned with delicate trailing vines. Her most enchanting features are the majestic knitted butterfly wings and a floral crown that supports a tiny, vibrant butterfly companion. To achieve the professional, heirloom-quality finish seen in the image, it is vital to source high-quality knitting supplies. Many collectors prefer to buy premium merino wool or a silk-merino blend for its superior stitch definition and soft hand-feel. When you shop for luxury yarn and professional-grade amigurumi eyes, your finished work becomes a museum-quality art doll. This guide provides every detail necessary to create this magical 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.

Essential Materials and Specialized Tools

To ensure your bunny looks identical to the professional version, specific fiber weights and needle sizes are required. 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: 100g of Oatmeal or Light Beige DK yarn. A natural wool or wool-cotton blend is recommended for a soft, matte finish.
• Wardrobe Selection:
  • Lavender/Lilac: 50g for the raglan sweater and shoe accents.
  • Soft Rose Pink: 50g for the A-line skirt and sweet pea flower buds.
  • Cream/Ivory: 25g for the braided headband and the miniature backpack.
• Wing Construction: 25g of Medium Purple and 10g of Light Lavender for the butterfly wing details.
• Embroidery and Accents:
  • Leaf Green: 20g for the trailing vines and flower stems.
  • Butterfly Pet: Scraps of Orange, Yellow, and Black for the Monarch butterfly.
  • Facial Details: Small lengths of Dark Brown and Rose Pink yarn.
• 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 butterfly pet.
• Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 250g).
• Notions: A sharp tapestry needle, fine embroidery needle, stitch markers, and a single tiny wooden button for the backpack.

Standard Stitch Abbreviations

• 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

Bunny Foundation: Leg and Foot Construction

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 wings. We work the legs as seamless tubes for a professional, clean finish.

The Right Leg

Using the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across three needles and join for working in the round, ensuring the stitches are not twisted. Place a marker at 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 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 pink skirt to sit elegantly. This part must be stuffed very firmly to maintain the character’s upright posture.

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.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

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 headband with the floral weight will be placed 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 Upright 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 oatmeal 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 oatmeal 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 Lavender Raglan Sweater

This sweater is the cozy top layer of the bunny’s ensemble. It is worked top-down in the round using the soft lavender yarn and 3.25mm circular needles.

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.
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 Rose Pink Sweet Pea Skirt

The skirt features a flared A-line silhouette with intricate trailing sweet pea embroidery. We use the soft rose pink yarn and 3.25mm circular needles to ensure a beautiful drape.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

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 excessively.
Rnds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, which 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, pulling it over the legs and securing it at the waistline with a few hidden stitches into the body.

Sweet Pea Embroidery Instructions

The embroidery is the artistic centerpiece of the project. Use the leaf green yarn and pink scraps with a sharp embroidery needle.
The Vines: Using a stem stitch or backstitch with green yarn, create three wandering vines that start at the hem and curve upward toward the waist. The vines should loop organically around the bottom third of the skirt.
The Sweet Pea Blossoms: To create the “ruffled” flower look, use three small vertical satin stitches in rose pink. Add a tiny light lavender bullion knot at the base of each flower to represent the sepals. Space 6 to 8 blossoms along the green vines. Add small “lazy daisy” leaves in green at the junction of stems.

Constructing the Fairy Butterfly Wings

These wings are what transform the rabbit into a garden fairy. They are worked flat in two symmetrical pieces and then attached to the back of the lavender sweater.

Using the medium purple yarn, cast on 10 stitches.
Row 1: kfb, k to last st, kfb (12 sts).
Rows 2-10: Work in stockinette, increasing at each end every row until you have 30 stitches. This creates the broad top of the wing.
Row 11: Bind off 10 stitches at the start of the row. k to end (20 sts).
Row 12: Bind off 10 stitches at the start of the row. k to end (10 sts).
Rows 13-20: Decrease 1 st at each end every row until 4 stitches remain.
Bind off. Make two.
Wing Detailing: Use the light lavender yarn and a chain stitch to outline the edges of the wings. Add three diagonal lines of backstitch across the center of each wing to represent the wing veins. Sew the wings firmly to the center back of the lavender sweater, ensuring they are symmetrical.

The Braided Floral Headband and Butterfly Pet

Braided Headband

This accessory adds a soft, feminine touch, framing the bunny’s face with dangling floral blossoms. Use the cream yarn.
The Band: Cast on 4 stitches. Work a 14-inch I-cord. Fold it into a circle that fits comfortably around the bunny’s forehead and sew the ends together. Repeat this twice more to have three identical I-cords. Braid the three cords together tightly and secure the ends.
Dangling Blossoms (Make 4): Knit a 1-inch green I-cord stem. Using pink yarn, cast on 5 stitches, kfb into every stitch (10 sts), work 2 rows of stockinette, then k2tog across. Bind off and pull tight to form a bud. Sew these pink buds to the green stems and attach them to the headband so they hang over the bunny’s ears.

3D Miniature Butterfly Pet

This tiny companion perches on the bunny’s head. Use the monarch-inspired color palette.
Wings: Knit four small triangles (cast on 3, inc to 8, dec back to 3, bind off) in orange with black edges.
Body: Knit a 1-inch black I-cord. Stuff lightly.
Assembly: Sew the wings to the body. Use black thread for the antennae. Position the butterfly on the top right side of the bunny’s head (on the headband) and secure it with a few hidden stitches.

Accessories: Backpack and Purple Shoes

Miniature Flower Backpack

The bunny carries a small beige bag filled with garden treasures. Use the cream yarn.
Bag Body: Cast on 12 stitches. Work in garter stitch 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.
Shoulder Straps: Knit two 10-inch I-cords and sew them to the back of the bag. Place several tiny pink and lavender knitted blossoms peeking out from under the flap.

Lavender Mary Janes (Make 2)

Using the lavender 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. For the strap, pick up 10 stitches across the top opening of the shoe and bind off immediately. Slip onto the feet.

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 wings to show clearly from the back.

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. The nose should be level with the bottom of the eyes.

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 the Bunny: Place the pink skirt on the bunny first, followed by the lavender sweater. Slip the Mary Janes onto the feet. Place the braided headband on her head, ensuring the dangling flowers hang gracefully over her ears. Secure the backpack on her shoulders. 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 3D wings, fine embroidery, 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 snagging of the delicate butterfly and wing details.

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 vines on the skirt or the delicate fairy wings, as this can distort the stitches or cause the lavender accents to lose their shape. Let the doll soak for 10-15 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 skirt. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant lilac and pink 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.

Maintenance: If the 3D butterfly wings become flattened during storage, use a small knitting needle to gently “fluff” the wing layers back into their rounded shape. This project is a testament to the beauty of handmade crafts, and with the right care, your Sweet Pea Butterfly Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come.

“`

“`