The Sacred Lotus & Siamese Cat Bunny is a breathtaking piece of artisanal craft that blends the serene beauty of aquatic flora with the elegant mystery of the feline world. This sophisticated project features a gentle oatmeal-toned bunny dressed in a vibrant teal-blue skirt with intricate lotus motifs, a crisp cream cardigan featuring hand-detailed Siamese cat designs, and a rounded pink bonnet. To achieve the museum-quality results seen in the high-definition photographs, it is vital to buy premium merino yarn or high-twist natural fibers that provide the necessary stitch definition. When you purchase professional knitting supplies and order artisan craft materials for this character, you are investing in a storied heirloom that captures the essence of a tranquil water garden. This design offers a rewarding journey for any textile artist looking to buy high-quality needles and purchase luxury yarn to create a masterpiece that celebrates botanical art and animal companionship.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Required Materials and Technical Specifications
Selecting the correct fiber is the most critical stage of creating a professional art doll. This project is optimized for DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn. Using a natural wool or alpaca blend in an oatmeal shade provides a realistic texture for the bunny’s skin. For the clothing, a high-twist merino wool or a cotton-merino blend is recommended to ensure the colorwork motifs sit smoothly on the surface. It is a professional secret to buy specialized amigurumi tools such as high-density fiberfill to provide the structural integrity required for the bunny’s upright posture.
- Main Bunny Body: Approximately 150 grams of DK weight wool in Oatmeal or Soft Sand.
- Lotus Skirt Wardrobe: 100 grams of DK weight yarn in Teal or Deep Aquamarine.
- Cardigan & Mini Siamese: 75 grams of DK weight yarn in Cream or Soft Ivory.
- Accessory Palette:
- Vibrant Pink: 50 grams for the hat and lotus blossoms.
- Seal Brown/Dark Chocolate: 25 grams for cat “points,” flower stems, and shoes.
- Sage Green: 15 grams for lily pads.
- Charcoal Black: 20 grams for the navy cushion prop.
- Assorted Scraps: Rainbow colors for the fish; Light Blue for water ripples.
- Needle Specifications: US Size 2 (2.75mm) for the bunny body to ensure a tight, opaque fabric; US Size 3 (3.25mm) for the dress, cardigan, and hat.
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the main bunny; 4mm blue beads for the tiny Siamese companion.
- Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 350 grams).
- Essential Tools: A sharp tapestry needle, fine embroidery needles, stitch markers, and four tiny 4mm cream buttons for the shoes and cardigan.
Establishing Gauge and Technical Foundation
Consistency in your tension is what transforms a simple project into a museum-quality piece. For the bunny skin, 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 stretch. The clothing is designed to fit snugly over the stuffed form; therefore, checking the fit of the dress and cardigan against the bunny’s torso as you progress is highly recommended to ensure the proportions match the reference image perfectly.
The standing stability of the bunny depends on a firm, dense fabric that resists stretching once stuffed. If you find your knitting is naturally loose, consider dropping down half a needle size. For the intarsia and duplicate stitch sections on the skirt and cardigan, maintain a relaxed tension to prevent the embroidery from puckering the underlying knit fabric.
Foundation: Constructing the Standing Legs
The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward to ensure the bunny has the stability needed for its upright standing posture. We work the legs as seamless tubes to avoid bulky side seams that would detract from the professional finish. This bunny is designed with long, slender limbs that look elegant and realistic when posed.
Right Leg Construction
Using the oatmeal-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 to track your progression through the row counts.
- Round 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around (24 sts).
- Round 2: *Knit 2, kfb* and repeat from * to the end of the round (32 sts).
- Rounds 3-10: Knit every stitch across the next eight rounds. This builds the rounded base and the vertical sides of the foot. Maintain a firm tension here.
- Round 11 (Instep Shaping): Knit 12, then perform the decrease (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times in succession, and finish by knitting the remaining 12 stitches (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
- Round 12: Knit 10, perform (k2tog) 4 times again, and finish with 10 knit stitches (24 sts).
- Round 13: Knit all stitches around the round. This stabilizes the ankle join.
- Rounds 14-50: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures roughly 6 inches (15 cm) from the sole. Ensure your tension remains extremely consistent to avoid any visible “jog” in the stitches.
Stuff the foot area very firmly, using your fingers to shape a rounded toe and a distinct heel. The leg should be stuffed moderately as you move upward to allow for a natural flexibility at the hip join. Leave these stitches on a holder or spare needle. Repeat the exact instructions for the left leg. After reaching Round 50 on the second leg, do not break the yarn, as this working yarn will be used to initiate the joining process for the torso.
Sculpting the Plump Torso and Rounded Hips
Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture and the width of the hips. Place the legs side-by-side with the toes pointing forward. We will create a bridge of stitches between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the teal skirt to sit elegantly. This part must be stuffed very firmly to prevent the character from leaning over time.
Round 51 (The Joining Round): 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). Join to work in a large circle.
- Rounds 52-70: Knit every stitch in the round for nineteen rounds. This section establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain a firm tension to ensure the fabric is smooth and dense.
- Round 71: Perform a decrease round by knitting *12, k2tog* and repeat around (52 sts).
- Rounds 72-76: Knit all stitches around without further decreases.
- Round 77: *Knit 11, k2tog* and repeat around (48 sts).
- Rounds 78-82: Knit all stitches around. 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.
- Round 83: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
- Rounds 84-88: Knit all stitches around.
- Round 89: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
- Round 90: Knit all stitches around.
- Round 91: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
- Round 92: *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.
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 heavy pink hat will be placed on top. The head and body are worked as one piece in this style to eliminate the need for a neck seam.
The Snout and Cheek Construction
- Round 93: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
- Round 94: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
- Round 95: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
- Round 96: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
- Round 97: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts). Establish this as the widest part of the face.
- Rounds 98-118: Knit every stitch in stockinette straight for twenty-one rounds. 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 108 and 109, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are centered relative to the front of the feet for a balanced, thoughtful gaze. Secure the backings firmly before proceeding with the closing rounds.
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Closing the Crown
- Round 119: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
- Round 120: Knit all stitches. This round stabilizes the decrease.
- Round 121: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
- Round 122: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
- Round 123: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
- Round 124: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
- Round 125: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
- Round 126: k2tog around until 8 stitches remain.
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. Break the yarn, leave a long tail, thread 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 a defining feature of this bunny, standing tall and slightly pointed at the crown. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. Use the oatmeal yarn and the 3.0mm needles to allow for a slightly softer fabric than the body.
- Cast on 12 stitches. Work flat on two needles.
- 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 stitches.
- 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 122, spacing them about 4 stitches apart. They should stand upright with a natural, alert posture.
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 the smaller 2.75mm needles.
- Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
- Rounds 1-42: Knit all stitches in stockinette for forty-two rounds. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
- Round 43: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across (8 sts).
- Round 44: k2tog around (4 sts).
- Break the yarn and pull through the remaining stitches. 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 92.
The Teal Sacred Lotus Garden Skirt
This skirt features a classic A-line silhouette with intricate botanical motifs at the hem. The Sacred Lotus blossoms are the artistic centerpiece of the garment and are added using a combination of intarsia and surface embroidery. We use the teal yarn and 3.25mm circular needles for a beautiful drape.
Knitting the Dress Skirt
- Cast on 84 stitches in Teal. Join in the round.
- Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t roll.
- Rounds 7-35: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, reaching mid-calf on the rabbit.
- Round 36 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
- Round 37: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
- Round 38: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist snugly to fit the bunny’s torso.
- Bind off all stitches loosely. Secure the skirt at the bunny’s waist with hidden stitches into the oatmeal body during final assembly.
Sacred Lotus Motif Guide
The flowers are positioned around the entire circumference of the skirt hem. Each lotus head is approximately 3 cm wide. Use a fine embroidery needle, vibrant pink wool for petals, and sage green thread for the lily pads.
- The Lily Pads: Using a satin stitch with green yarn, create flat, circular leaves resting at the hemline. Leave a small “v” notch in each pad for accuracy.
- The Lotus Petals: Use the vibrant pink yarn to create several teardrop-shaped loops radiating upward from the pad. Layer them to create a full, blooming flower.
- The Centers: In the center of each flower, create a cluster of tiny yellow French knots to represent the seed pod.
- Water Ripples: Use light blue yarn to work a series of long, horizontal “running stitches” around the base of the lily pads to represent the tranquil water surface.
The Cream Cardigan and Siamese Cat Motif
The cardigan is a standout piece of the character’s wardrobe, worked flat in crisp cream wool. It features a cropped silhouette and high-relief Siamese cat embroidery on both front panels. This piece is worked from the top down to ensure the shoulders sit perfectly on the bunny’s form.
Cardigan Body and Sleeves
Using the Cream yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 44 stitches. We work this piece flat from the top down.
- Rows 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for the collar.
- Row 5 (RS): Knit 6 (front), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k10 (back), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k6 (front).
- Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Continue increasing at the raglan points every RS row until the piece measures 2.5 inches (6 cm) from the collar.
- Separate for Sleeves: Place sleeve stitches on scrap yarn. Join the front and back panels to continue the body for 2.5 more inches. Finish with 4 rows of garter stitch and bind off.
- Sleeves: Pick up the 16 stitches from the scrap yarn. Knit in the round for 18 rounds. Finish with a 3-row garter cuff. Repeat for the second sleeve.
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Siamese Cat Embroidery Detail
On each front panel of the cream cardigan, use the cream and seal brown yarns. Embroider a tiny silhouette of a sitting Siamese cat head using a satin stitch for the main face. Use the seal brown for the mask, pointed ears, and nose. Add two tiny blue bead eyes. This level of detail is essential for a 100% accurate match to the image theme. Add two tiny cream buttons to the front edge to finish the look.
The Pink Bonnet and Cream Shoes
The accessories provide the finishing touches to the character’s personality. The bonnet frames the face with a warm hug, while the shoes ground the outfit in a classic doll aesthetic. We use the fuchsia/magenta yarn for the hat and cream for the footwear.
Pink Rounded Bonnet
- Cast on 48 stitches in Fuchsia. Join in the round using 3.25mm needles.
- Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches in garter stitch (K1 round, P1 round) to form the rolled brim.
- Rounds 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the side walls of the hat.
- Round 19: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around.
- Round 20: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around.
- Continue decreasing in this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through the remaining stitches and fasten off. The hat should sit casually between her ears.
Cream Slip-on Shoes (Make 2)
These shoes are separate items that fit over the oatmeal feet. Use the cream 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.
- Round 5: Knit 7, (k2tog) 3 times, knit 7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
- Round 6: Bind off 17 stitches loosely. Slip onto the bunny’s feet.
Accessories: Cushion, Fish, and Pet Siamese
Dark Navy Floor Cushion
The bunny perches near a structured floor cushion. Use charcoal black or navy yarn.
- Cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
- Round 1: Kfb in every stitch (40 sts).
- Rounds 2-25: Knit all stitches.
- Round 26: K2tog around (20 sts).
- Stuff very firmly with fiberfill into a puck-like shape. Close the ends. Use orange thread to embroider “segments” radiating from the center to the edges to create the tufted look.
Rainbow Striped Fish Prop
Using rainbow scraps, cast on 6 stitches in the round. kfb to 12. Knit 10 rounds while changing colors every 2 rounds. Round 11: K2tog around (6). Close. Pick up 4 stitches at the rear and knit a tiny flat triangle for the tail. Add a black bead eye.
The Miniature 3D Siamese Cat Companion
This tiny pet perches next to the bunny and requires very careful assembly to achieve its realistic sitting posture. It is worked in one piece for the head and body with color changes to create the points.
- Using Cream yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round. kfb into every stitch (12).
- Knit 12 rounds for the body, incorporating Seal Brown on the paws and tail using the intarsia method.
- Round 13: *Knit 1, k2tog* around (8). Stuff the body firmly into a plump oval.
- Round 14: k2tog around (4). Pull through to close for the head.
- Details: Add two tiny brown triangles for ears. Use blue beads for the eyes and a small brown satin stitch for the face mask. Position the cat sitting faithfully next to the bunny’s feet.
Final Assembly and Facial Expression
The personality of your Sacred Lotus & Siamese Cat Bunny emerges during the final assembly. Begin by ensuring the head is perfectly aligned with the center of the chest. 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 positioned low on the face to create a sweet, inquisitive expression. Use a single stitch of white yarn at the outer edge of each safety eye to create a “sparkle” effect.
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 perfectly. Dress the bunny in the teal skirt first, ensuring the lotus embroidery is centered. Layer the cream cardigan over her shoulders. Slip the shoes onto the feet and position the pink bonnet between her ears. Finally, arrange the floor cushion, rainbow fish, and Siamese companion as shown. Check all seams and hide any loose yarn ends deep inside the body stuffing to ensure a professional, clean finish.
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this project features intricate embroidery, multi-layered clothing, and delicate 3D appliques, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom quality. This bunny is an art doll intended for display rather than rough play, and should be handled with care to prevent pilling of the merino fibers and snagging of the delicate flower petals. Regular maintenance will ensure she remains as beautiful as the day you finished her.
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 specifically for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding any aggressive scrubbing or agitation. Do not scrub the embroidered blossoms on the dress or the cat motif on the cardigan, as this can distort the stitches or cause the vibrant colors to bleed. Let the doll soak for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
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 colors over time. 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 massage the stuffing with your fingers to restore her original plump shape and use a small needle to “fluff” the flower petals back into their rounded form. By following these maintenance steps, your creation will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years.
