The Blue Gentian & Marmot Bunny is a magnificent heirloom-quality creation that captures the spirit of alpine meadows and mountain peaks. This character features a gentle oatmeal-colored rabbit dressed for a high-altitude hike in a grey-blue dress adorned with vibrant blue gentian flowers, a textured brown mountain vest, and a cozy ribbed beanie. To achieve the professional, museum-grade finish seen in the photographs, it is essential to buy premium merino wool or high-twist natural fibers that offer exceptional stitch definition. When you purchase specific artisanal yarns and shop for high-quality knitting supplies, the intricate floral motifs and the sculptural form of the tiny marmot companion remain crisp and perfectly defined. This project is a rewarding journey for any fiber artist looking to order luxury craft materials and transform them into a storied work of art that captures the essence of a peaceful mountain trek and the timeless charm of woodland wildlife.

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 Technical Specifications

To ensure your finished bunny matches the professional aesthetic of the reference image, selecting the correct fiber weights and high-quality notions is paramount. This project is optimized for DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn, which provides the necessary structure for the bunny’s standing pose while allowing for fine detail in the multi-layered mountain wardrobe.

• Main Bunny Body: Approximately 150g of Oatmeal or Warm Sand DK wool. A natural wool-cotton blend is recommended for a soft, heritage finish.
• Alpine Wardrobe Palette:
  • Alpine Grey/Blue: 50g (Dress).
  • Earth Brown: 50g (Vest and Marmot Companion).
  • Stone Grey: 30g (Hat and Backpack).
  • Mountain Blue: 20g (Gentian Blossoms and Beret details).
  • Forest Green: 15g (Flower stems and leaves).
• Needles: US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the body and US Size 3 (3.25mm) circular needles for the clothing components.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the bunny.
• Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 300g).
• Notions: A sharp tapestry needle, fine embroidery needle, stitch markers, and four tiny brown wooden buttons for the vest and shoes.
• Prop: A small twig or knitted I-cord for the walking stick.

Structural Gauge and Tension Guidelines

Consistency in your tension is what transforms a simple project into a museum-quality piece. For the bunny’s 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. The clothing is designed to fit snugly over the stuffed form, so checking the fit frequently as you progress is highly recommended to maintain the correct proportions seen in the image. If you find your knitting is loose, consider switching to a smaller needle size to maintain the crisp silhouette of the character.

Foundation: Leg and Foot Construction

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward. This provides the bunny with the stability needed for its upright posture. We work the legs as seamless tubes to avoid bulky side seams that would detract from the professional finish.

Right Leg Construction

Using the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them evenly across your needles and join for working in the round. Place a marker to indicate the start of the round.

1. Round 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch (24 sts).
2. Round 2: *Knit 2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
3. Rounds 3-10: Knit every stitch. This builds the height of the hiking foot.
4. Round 11: Knit 12, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This shapes the front instep of the foot.
5. Round 12: Knit 10, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 10 (24 sts).
6. Rounds 13-42: 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 join. 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 to form the base of the torso.

Building the Plump 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 her the wide, rounded hips required for the grey-blue dress to sit elegantly. This part must be stuffed very firmly to prevent the character from leaning over time.

Round 43: 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).
Rounds 44-62: Knit every stitch in the round. This establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain a firm tension to ensure the fabric is smooth and dense.
Round 63: *Knit 12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
Rounds 64-68: Knit all stitches.
Round 69: *Knit 11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rounds 70-74: 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.
Round 75: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rounds 76-80: Knit all stitches.
Round 81: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Round 82: Knit all stitches.
Round 83: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
Round 84: *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 alpine design. This part must be stuffed very firmly to support the weight of the ribbed beanie.

Round 85: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
Round 86: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Round 87: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Round 88: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Round 89: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rounds 90-110: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the vertical volume of the face and forehead. It should look like a rounded dome.
Insert the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 100 and 101, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are centered relative to the front of the feet for a balanced, thoughtful gaze.

Round 111: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
Round 112: Knit all stitches.
Round 113: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Round 114: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Round 115: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
Begin stuffing the head very firmly at this point. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks and a smooth forehead. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
Round 116: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Round 117: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Round 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 Drooping Ears and Slender Arms

The ears are a defining feature, standing tall at the crown before showing a natural curve. 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.

Alpine Ears (Make 2)

Using 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. 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 hang down naturally on either side of the face.

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Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

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

1. Rounds 1-38: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
2. Round 39: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat (8 sts).
3. Round 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 84.

The Grey-Blue Gentian Garden Dress

This dress features a classic A-line silhouette with intricate blue gentian motifs at the hem. We use the alpine grey/blue yarn and 3.25mm circular needles for a beautiful drape. This garment is worked from the bottom up to ensure the tension is correct for the floral details.

Knitting the Skirt

Cast on 84 stitches in Grey-Blue. Join in the round.

1. Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t curl.
2. Rounds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt.
3. Round 31 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
4. Round 32: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
5. Round 33: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist perfectly.

Bind off all stitches loosely. Pick up 48 stitches along the bound-off edge and work the bodice upward in stockinette for 12 rounds before binding off for armholes. Secure the dress on the bunny with hidden stitches.

Blue Gentian Embroidery Guide

The flowers are positioned in a row around the hem. Use a fine embroidery needle, blue yarn, and forest green thread.
The Stems: Using a stem stitch with green thread, create short vertical stems (about 1.5 cm) starting from the hem line.
The Blossoms: Use the blue yarn to create three-petaled bell shapes at the top of each stem. Each petal is a single “lazy daisy” loop tucked close together. Space the flowers approximately 1.5 inches apart around the entire circumference for 100% accuracy to the alpine theme.

The Earth Brown Mountain Vest

The vest provides a rugged, outdoorsy layer. It is worked flat in a textured garter stitch or moss stitch to mimic the look of mountain gear. Use the earth brown yarn and 3.25mm needles.

Vest Construction

Cast on 44 stitches. Work flat from the bottom up.

1. Rows 1-20: Work in garter stitch (knit every row) to create the heavy texture.
2. Row 21: Bind off 4 stitches at the start of the next two rows for armholes.
3. Rows 22-35: Continue working the front and back panels separately to form the neck opening.
4. Sew the shoulder seams.

On the right front panel, use a slightly lighter tan yarn to embroider a silhouette of a standing marmot. Use a satin stitch for the body and a tiny black stitch for the eye. This detail is essential for the mountain-themed aesthetic.

The Stone Grey Ribbed Beanie and Hiking Boots

Ribbed Beanie Construction

The hat frames the bunny’s face and provides warmth. Use the stone grey yarn.
Cast on 46 stitches. Join in the round.
Rounds 1-30: Work in *Knit 2, Purl 2* ribbing. This creates the stretchy, folded look.
Round 31: *K2tog, P2tog* repeat around.
Pull yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight. Create a large, fluffy pom-pom using the oatmeal and brown yarn scraps and attach to the top. Place the beanie over the bunny’s head, ensuring the ears hang comfortably beneath it.

Mountain Hiking Boots (Make 2)

Using the dark earth brown yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.

1. Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the boot.
2. Round 7: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
3. Round 8: Bind off loosely.

Use a scrap of oatmeal yarn to embroider “laces” in an X-pattern on the front of each boot. Slip onto the bunny’s feet.

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Accessories: The Mountain Backpack and Stick

Knitted Alpine Backpack

1. Backpack Body: Cast on 14 stitches in Stone Grey. Work in stockinette for 5 inches. Fold the bottom 2 inches up and sew side seams.
2. Flap: Continue knitting the back panel for another 1 inch and shape into a triangle. Sew a tiny button for the closure.
3. Straps: Knit two 4-inch I-cords and attach to the back of the bag.
4. Contents: Secure a few strands of yellow/tan “straw” yarn peeking out from the top flap. Position the backpack over the bunny’s shoulders.

Walking Stick

Knit a 6-stitch I-cord over a length of 5 inches using brown yarn. Insert a small twig or wire inside for rigidity. Secure the stick to the bunny’s right hand with a hidden stitch.

The 3D Miniature Marmot Companion

This tiny pet sits next to the bunny and is worked in several small parts.

1. Body and Head: Using Brown yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round. kfb into every stitch (12 sts). Knit 12 rounds for the body. Rnd 13: k2tog around (6 sts). Stuff firmly.
2. Details: Use a lighter tan thread to embroider the muzzle. Use black thread for tiny eyes. The marmot should stand independently next to the bunny’s boots.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The character’s personality is brought to life during the final sewing stage. Ensure all parts are aligned perfectly with the reference image. Begin by ensuring the head is centered perfectly on the neck. 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, inquisitive expression.

Cheek Blush: Using a cotton swab, apply a very small amount of actual pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a small, circular motion. This adds a youthful, healthy glow that mimics the crisp mountain air. 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, delicate floral work, and multiple layers of high-quality knitwear, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom status. This bunny is an art doll intended for display and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the merino fibers.

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 gentian flowers or the marmot motif, as this can distort the stitches. Let the doll soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

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 blue and brown colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and beanie 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 earthy vest and every embroidered gentian blossom 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 mountain-dwelling rabbit to life!

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