The Zinnia Garden & Corgi Bunny is an heirloom-quality art doll that captures the essence of a late summer stroll through a blooming flower patch. This design features a gentle oatmeal-toned bunny dressed in a vibrant ensemble of rust-orange stripes and a lush forest-green skirt, accented by a colorful border of knitted zinnias. The centerpiece of the outfit is a sophisticated striped sweater featuring a detailed Corgi face, accompanied by a loyal miniature Corgi pet and a whimsical bone-shaped messenger bag. To achieve the professional, high-end finish seen in the reference images, it is essential to buy premium merino wool or a high-twist cotton-merino blend. When you purchase specialized amigurumi kits and buy high-quality knitting needles, the stitch definition remains crisp, ensuring the Corgi silhouette and the delicate flower petals are perfectly defined. This project is a rewarding journey for those looking to order artisan yarn supplies and invest their time into creating a masterpiece that celebrates the bond between nature and our favorite four-legged friends.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Essential Project Materials and Preparation
To ensure your finished bunny mirrors the professional aesthetic of the inspiration photo, selecting the correct fiber weights is the first and most critical step. This project is optimized for DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn. Using a needle size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests is a professional secret for creating a dense, opaque fabric that keeps the internal fiberfill completely concealed. This ensures the bunny maintains its structural integrity and remains durable over time.
- Bunny Skin: Approximately 100g of Oatmeal or Warm Beige DK wool. A natural, slightly heathered fiber provides a soft, matte finish characteristic of high-end art dolls.
- Sweater & Skirt Palette:
- Rust / Burnt Orange: 50g (Sweater stripes, beret, and miniature Corgi).
- Cream / Ivory: 50g (Sweater base and Corgi white patches).
- Forest Green / Sage: 50g (Skirt).
- Zinnia Border: Small amounts (10g each) of Mustard Yellow, Bright Orange, and Deep Red for the flowers.
- Accessories: 25g of Tan or Medium Brown for the boots and 20g of Ivory for the bone bag and Corgi accents.
- Needles: US Size 2 (2.75mm) for the bunny body and US Size 3 (3.25mm) for the clothing components.
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the bunny; 4mm black beads for the tiny pet.
- Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 250g-300g).
- Notions: A sharp tapestry needle, fine embroidery needle, stitch markers, and two tiny 4mm brown wooden buttons for the shoes.
Structural Gauge and Tension Control
Consistency in your tension is what transforms a simple project into a museum-quality piece. For the bunny’s body, aim for a gauge of approximately 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the 2.75mm needles. The fabric should feel solid and have very little “give” when stretched. The clothing is designed to fit snugly over the stuffed form; therefore, checking the fit of the sweater and skirt against the bunny’s torso as you progress is highly recommended to ensure the proportions match the reference image perfectly.
Foundation: Knitting the Bunny Legs
The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward. This provides the bunny with the stability needed for its seated posture. We work the legs as seamless tubes to avoid bulky side seams that would detract from the professional finish.
The Right Leg
Using the oatmeal yarn and 2.75mm 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 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 until the leg measures roughly 5.5 inches (14 cm) from the sole. 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 provided for the right leg. After reaching Round 45, do not break the yarn. This working yarn will be used 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. 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 forest green skirt to sit elegantly. This part must be stuffed very firmly to prevent the character from leaning.
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.
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 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 rust beret will add weight to the crown.
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 centered and level 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
Detailed Ears (Make 2)
The ears are long and stand strictly upright. 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 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long 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. 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 2.75mm needles.
- Cast on 10 stitches.
- 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 firmly and the upper arm very lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 84.
The Striped Corgi Sweater
This sweater is the centerpiece of the outfit. It features alternating 2-round stripes of Rust and Cream, with a large Corgi face motif on the chest. We work this piece top-down for a perfect fit.
Sweater Body
Using Rust yarn and 3.25mm circular needles, cast on 32 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for the collar.
Rnd 5: Join Cream. Knit all stitches.
Rnds 6-18: Perform raglan increases (m1) every other round at four points (Front, Sleeves, Back) while alternating colors every 2 rounds (Rust and Cream).
Rnd 19: Place sleeve stitches on scrap yarn. Join the front and back panels.
Rnds 20-38: Continue the stripe sequence. The sweater should end at the bunny’s waist.
Rnd 39-42: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing in Rust. Bind off loosely.
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The Corgi Face Motif
On the front center of the sweater, you will add the Corgi face using the duplicate stitch technique. This ensures 100% accuracy to the image. Use Rust for the outer face and ears, Cream for the lower muzzle and the blaze between the eyes, and Black for the nose and eyes. The motif should span 18 stitches wide and 14 rows high. Add a small “Best Friend” badge using a tiny cream felt circle and blue thread on the left chest.
The Forest Green Flared Skirt and Zinnia Border
The skirt features a wide A-line silhouette that provides a base for the colorful flower border. We use the forest green yarn and 3.25mm circular needles.
Knitting the Skirt
Cast on 84 stitches in Green. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches for a clean hem.
Rnds 7-28: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the main length.
Rnd 29: *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Rnd 30: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
Rnd 31: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist.
Bind off all stitches. Secure the skirt at the bunny’s waist with hidden stitches.
Knitted Zinnia Border
The flowers are worked individually and then sewn to the skirt hem. You will need roughly 10-12 flowers to encircle the hem. Alternate between Red, Orange, and Yellow.
Flower Pattern: Cast on 10 stitches. Row 1: *Knit 1, bind off 1* repeat across to form small petals. Join the ends to form a circle. Create a textured center using a contrasting color French knot. Sew these evenly spaced around the bottom edge of the skirt.
The Rust Beret and Brown Boots
Beret Construction
The hat frames the bunny’s face and creates the garden theme. Use the Rust yarn.
Cast on 46 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing.
Rnd 5: *Kfb, knit 1* repeat around (69 sts). This creates the “puffy” volume of a beret.
Rnds 6-18: Continue in stockinette stitch.
Rnd 19: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around.
Rnd 20: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around.
Continue decreasing until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through and fasten off. Place the beret on the head, tilting it slightly backward.
Brown Lace-up Boots (Make 2)
Using 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 17 stitches loosely.
Finishing: Use a dark brown thread to embroider “laces” in an ‘X’ pattern on the front. Use ivory yarn to knit a 4-row garter stitch “sock” detail peeking out from the top of the boot. Slip onto the feet.
Accessories: Bone Bag and Miniature Corgi
Bone Messenger Bag
Using Ivory yarn, we will knit a bone shape.
Bag Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Knit for 4 inches in stockinette. Fold in half and sew side seams.
Bone Ends: For each corner, knit a tiny 4-stitch circle and sew to the corners of the bag.
Strap: Knit a 12-inch I-cord and attach to the sides. Drape it diagonally across the bunny’s chest.
The Miniature Corgi Pet
This tiny companion is worked in one piece and requires careful color changes.
Body: Using Rust yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb (12). Work 8 rounds, including a white patch on the chest. Rnd 9: k2tog (6). Stuff firmly and close.
Head: Cast on 8 stitches, increase to 12. Knit 4 rounds. Use white for the muzzle. Close and sew to body.
Details: Add tiny pointed ears and a short upright tail. Embroider eyes and nose. Position the Corgi standing next to the bunny.
Final Assembly and Facial Expression
The character’s personality is brought to life during the final assembly. Begin by ensuring the head is perfectly aligned with the center of the chest.
Face Detail: Use dark brown embroidery thread to stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between 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 circular motion to give her a youthful glow.
Dressing: Place the forest green skirt on the bunny first, ensuring the zinnias are centered. Layer the striped sweater over her shoulders. Slip the boots onto the feet. Position the beret between her ears. Finally, place the bone bag over her shoulder and position the miniature Corgi 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 3D flowers, duplicate stitch embroidery, and multiple layers of high-quality wool, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom quality. This bunny is an art doll intended for display and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the zinnia petals.
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 embroidered Corgi motif or the delicate zinnia border, as this can distort the stitches or cause the flower centers to fray. 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 rust and 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 stripe in the sweater and every petal on the zinnias 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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