The Snapdragon & Garden Mouse Bunny is an heirloom-quality design that captures the whimsical spirit of a thriving cottage garden. This sophisticated amigurumi project features a gentle bunny character in a natural taupe shade, layered with a vibrant sunshine-yellow sweater and a refreshing lime-green garden skirt. Every detail is meticulously planned, from the large intarsia mouse motif on the chest to the functional pocket that houses a tiny, three-dimensional mouse companion. To achieve the professional results seen in this design, it is highly recommended to buy premium wool yarn or extra-fine merino blends that offer superior stitch definition. When you purchase high-quality knitting needles and source the best amigurumi supplies, you ensure that the intricate embroidery of the snapdragon flowers and the sculptural shaping of the backpack remain crisp and durable for years. This character is not merely a toy but a storied art piece, perfect for those looking to order artisan crafting materials and invest their time into creating a masterpiece that celebrates nature and friendship.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Project Materials and Preparation

Creating a 100% accurate reproduction of this character requires specific attention to the color palette and yarn weights. Using a consistent DK weight (8-ply) throughout ensures that the clothing fits the bunny’s proportions perfectly. The fabric must be dense to hide the fiberfill, so choosing a needle size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests is a professional secret for high-end doll making.

• Main Bunny Body: 100g of Natural Taupe or Warm Beige DK wool.
• Sweater Color: 50g of Bright Sunshine Yellow DK wool.
• Skirt and Hat Color: 50g of Lime Green or Chartreuse DK wool.
• Backpack and Shoe Colors: 25g each of Medium Brown, Rust, and Olive Green for the striped textures.
• Mouse Motif and Pet: Scraps of Light Grey, Pink, and White for the intarsia face and the 3D mouse companion.
• Flower Details: Small amounts of Magenta, Rose Pink, and Golden Yellow for the snapdragon spikes.
• Needles: US Size 2 (2.75mm) and US Size 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circulars for the magic loop method.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny; 4mm beads or embroidery thread for the tiny mouse.
• Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 250g).
• Notions: Tapestry needle, embroidery needle, stitch markers, and two tiny 4mm wooden buttons for the shoes and backpack.

Structural Gauge and Tension Guidelines

Consistency in your tension is the most critical factor for this design. For the bunny body, the gauge should be tight enough to prevent the fiberfill from peeking through the stitches. Aim for approximately 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the 2.75mm needles. The clothing is 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 silhouette seen in the image.

Foundation: Knitting 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. We work the legs as seamless tubes for a professional, clean finish. This bunny is designed to have a natural seated posture, so the joint between the legs and torso is specifically shaped.

Right Leg Construction

Using the taupe-colored yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across your 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: 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).
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 (knit every round) until the leg measures roughly 5.5 inches (14 cm) from the sole. 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 these stitches on a holder or a spare needle.

Left Leg Construction

Repeat the exact instructions provided for 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 joining process 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 gap between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the lime green skirt to sit elegantly. This part must be stuffed very firmly to maintain the character’s upright seated posture.

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 silhouette seen in the image.
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 and prevent a wobbly head.

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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 green bucket hat will be placed on top later.

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. It should look like a rounded, slightly elongated dome.
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: *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. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
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

The ears are a defining feature of this breed, standing tall and slightly pointed. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. The arms should be slender to fit comfortably under the yellow sweater.

Detailed Ears (Make 2)

Using the taupe yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Work flat on two needles.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit on Right Side, Purl on Wrong Side). This creates a long, elegant rectangle.
Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (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. They should stand upright but have the flexibility to frame the hat later.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally at the bunny’s side. Join taupe yarn in the round on 2.75mm DPNs.
Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-40: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge.
Rnd 41: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat (8 sts).
Rnd 42: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the hand area (bottom) firmly and the upper arm very lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 84.

The Sunshine Garden Mouse Sweater

This sweater is the centerpiece of the outfit. It is worked top-down in the round using the bright yellow yarn and 3.25mm circular needles. The large mouse face is created using the intarsia method or detailed duplicate stitch.

Sweater Body Instructions

Cast on 32 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for the neck collar.
Rnd 5: Distribute stitches for raglan increases: 6 sts (front), 1 st (raglan), 8 sts (sleeve), 1 st (raglan), 12 sts (back), 1 st (raglan), 8 sts (sleeve), 1 st (raglan), 6 sts (front).
Rnd 6-18: Perform raglan increases (m1) on every other round on either side of the 4 raglan markers until you have 80 stitches total.
Rnd 19: Place the sleeve stitches on scrap yarn. Join the front and back panels to continue the body (48 sts total).
Rnds 20-40: Continue in stockinette. On the front panel, work the large mouse face motif. The face is a wide brown circle with cream cheeks, pink inner ears, and black whiskers. Follow the intarsia instructions closely to ensure the mouse looks friendly and centered.
Rnds 41-44: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for the bottom hem. Bind off loosely.

Intarsia Mouse Face Details

The mouse motif should span approximately 22 stitches wide and 18 rows high. Use the medium brown yarn for the main head and ears. Use the cream yarn for the lower half of the muzzle. Once the knitting is complete, use a fine embroidery needle and black thread to stitch the eyes, nose, and long whiskers. This level of detail is essential for a 100% accurate match to the garden bunny theme.

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Sweater Sleeves

Pick up the stitches from the scrap yarn. Knit in the round in yellow for 22 rounds. Finish with 3 rounds of *K1, P1* ribbing. Repeat for the second sleeve. The sleeves should be long enough to reach the bunny’s wrists as shown in the image.

The Lime Garden Skirt with Snapdragon Embroidery

The skirt features a flared A-line silhouette with a simple rolled hem and a functional front pocket. We use the lime green yarn and 3.25mm circular needles for a beautiful drape.

Skirt Construction

Cast on 84 stitches in Lime Green. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem.
Rnds 7-30: 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 perfectly. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Functional Front Pocket

Knit a separate small square in lime green (12 sts x 12 rows). Sew this to the front right side of the skirt, leaving the top open. This pocket is designed to hold the miniature grey mouse pet. Decorate the pocket with a tiny yellow “cheese” embroidery if desired.

Snapdragon Flower Embroidery Guide

The snapdragon flowers are positioned vertically on the left side of the skirt. Use a fine embroidery needle, rose pink, magenta, and leaf green yarn.
The Stems: Using a stem stitch or backstitch with green yarn, create three vertical stems of varying heights (approx. 2 inches).
The Snapdragon Spikes: At the top of each stem, use the pink and magenta yarns to create clusters of bullion knots or large French knots. These should be grouped in an elongated cone shape to mimic the look of real snapdragons. Add a few small “lazy daisy” leaves in green at the base of the stems.

The Miniature Grey Mouse Pet

This tiny companion is what brings the “Garden Mouse” theme to life. It is worked in one piece and requires very careful assembly to achieve the realistic look of the original.
Body and Head: Using grey yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb to 12. Knit 10 rounds. Rnd 11: *K1, k2tog* around (8 sts). Stuff firmly. Rnd 12: k2tog around (4 sts). Close the hole and pull the yarn through to form a tiny pointed nose.
Ears: Pick up 2 stitches on the top of the head. Knit 2 rows and bind off. Repeat for the second ear. Use pink thread to color the inner ear.
Tail: Knit a 3-inch I-cord using 2 stitches. Sew to the rear. Place the mouse inside the skirt pocket so its head peeks out playfully.

The Lime Green Bucket Hat and Striped Backpack

Bucket Hat Construction

The hat frames the bunny’s face and coordinates with the garden theme. Use the lime green yarn and 3.25mm needles.
Cast on 48 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This forms the slightly flared brim.
Rnds 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the side walls of the hat.
Rnd 19: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnd 20: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Continue decreasing in this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through the remaining stitches and fasten off. The hat should sit snugly between the ears.

The Striped Garden Backpack

The bunny carries a multi-colored backpack filled with seeds and garden tools. Use the brown, rust, and olive yarns.
Bag Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in stockinette, alternating colors every 2 rows for 32 rows total. This creates a striped rectangle.
Fold the bottom 12 rows up to form a pocket and sew the side seams. Fold the top 8 rows down as a decorative flap. Sew a tiny 4mm wooden button to the center. Knit two 10-inch I-cords for shoulder straps and sew them to the back of the bag. Place a small yellow “cheese wedge” peeking out from the bag flap.

Brown Mary Jane Shoes and Cheese Accessory

Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

Using the medium brown yarn and 3.0mm needles, 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. Sew a tiny bead or button to the side. Slip onto the bunny’s feet.

The Cheese Wedge Prop

Using the golden yellow yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Work in garter stitch, decreasing 1 stitch at the start of every row until you have a triangle. Fold the triangle and stuff lightly to form a thick wedge. Embroider small brown circles for the “holes” in the cheese. Position this near the bunny or inside her bag.

Final Assembly and Facial Expression

The personality of the Snapdragon & Garden Mouse Bunny emerges 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 mouth should be small and 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 the Bunny: Place the lime green skirt on the bunny first, ensuring the snapdragon embroidery is on the left side. Layer the yellow mouse sweater over her shoulders. Secure the Mary Jane shoes on her feet. Position the bucket hat between her ears, tilting it slightly to one side. Place the tiny grey mouse in the skirt pocket. Secure the striped backpack on her shoulders. Check all seams and hide any loose yarn ends deep inside the body stuffing to ensure a clean, professional finish.

Detailed Cleaning and Care Guidelines

Because this project features intricate embroidery, intarsia colorwork, and multiple layers of high-quality knitwear, proper care is essential to maintain its heirloom status. This bunny is an art piece intended for display and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the delicate snapdragon blossoms.

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 intarsia mouse face or the snapdragon embroidery, 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 skirt. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant yellow and lime-green 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 sunshine sweater and every embroidered 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 garden-dwelling rabbit to life!

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