The Morning Glory & Budgie Bunny is a breathtaking heirloom-quality creation that blends botanical elegance with whimsical charm. This design features an oatmeal-toned rabbit dressed in a white flared skirt adorned with hand-embroidered morning glories and a bright yellow cardigan. To achieve a professional finish, many fiber artists buy high-quality wool or a high-twist natural fiber for superior stitch definition. When you shop for professional knitting supplies and order specialized artisan yarns, the complex textures and sculptural forms remain perfectly defined. This project is ideal for those looking to purchase luxury craft materials to create a storied work of art.

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

Technical Specifications and Material Selection

Achieving a professional-grade reproduction of this character requires meticulous attention to yarn weight, fiber content, and needle tension. The bunny and its accessories are designed using a fine-gauge approach to ensure the resulting fabric is dense enough to hold a complex shape while remaining soft to the touch. Using a needle size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests is a professional secret for creating a solid, opaque fabric that keeps the internal fiberfill foundation completely concealed, even under tension. This is particularly important for the white skirt, where stuffing visibility would detract from the aesthetic. For the best results, look to purchase high-end needles and buy soft wool blends that provide both durability and a luxury feel.

• Main Bunny Skin: 150g of DK weight wool in Oatmeal or Soft Beige. A natural, slightly heathered wool provides the best organic texture for an artisan doll.
• Morning Glory Skirt: 75g of DK weight yarn in Pure White.
• Yellow Cardigan: 100g of DK weight yarn in Sunshine Yellow or Goldenrod.
• Cloche Hat: 50g of DK weight yarn in Sky Blue or Cornflower Blue.
• Strappy Sandals: 30g of DK weight yarn in Pastel Yellow or Lemon.
• Miniature Budgie Friend: 25g of DK weight yarn in Lime Green, 10g in Bright Yellow, and small amounts of Blue and Black for details.
• Millet Seed Bag: 20g of DK weight yarn in Sandy Brown or Kraft Paper color.
• Striped Bell Accessory: 15g of DK weight yarn in Sky Blue and 10g in Soft Beige.
• Botanical Embroidery Palette:
  • Deep Purple: 20g for the morning glory petals.
  • Bright Blue: 15g for petal highlights.
  • Leaf Green: 15g for the vines and leaves.
  • White: 10g for petal centers.
• Needle Sizes: US Size 2 (2.75mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the bunny body and limbs; US Size 3 (3.25mm) circular or straight needles for the garments and accessories.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the bunny; 4mm black glass beads for the budgie’s eyes.
• Internal Foundation: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 400g).
• Essential Notions: Tapestry needle, fine embroidery needles, stitch markers, small yellow buttons for the cardigan, and embroidery floss for lettering on the seed bag.

Constructing the Bunny Foundation: Legs and Feet

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward to ensure the bunny has the structural integrity needed for its upright 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, sturdy limbs that look realistic when posed. The firmness of the foot stuffing is vital for the doll’s balance.

Right Leg Architecture

Using the oatmeal yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them evenly 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 row count accurately.

1. Round 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around (24 sts).
2. Round 2: *Knit 2, kfb* repeat from * to the end of the round (32 sts).
3. Round 3: *Knit 3, kfb* repeat from * to the end of the round (40 sts).
4. Rounds 4-12: Knit every stitch straight. This builds the rounded base and vertical height of the foot.
5. Round 13 (Instep Shaping): Knit 15, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 5 times, knit 15 (35 sts). This creates the elegant curve of the top of the foot.
6. Round 14: Knit 13, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 14 (31 sts).
7. Round 15: Knit 11, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (27 sts).
8. Round 16: Knit all stitches. This stabilizes the ankle join.
9. Rounds 17-65: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures roughly 7 inches (18 cm) from the sole. Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring the toe is rounded and the heel has a distinct shape. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility at the hip join.

Break the yarn and place these stitches on a holder. Repeat the exact instructions for the Left Leg. After reaching Round 65 on the second leg, do not break the yarn; this will be used to join the two pieces and begin the torso.

Sculpting the Torso and Rounded Hips

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s balance and the flare of the embroidered skirt. We create a bridge of stitches between the legs to provide the wide, rounded hips required for the morning glory vines to be displayed prominently. This section requires firm stuffing to prevent the doll from sagging over time.

Round 66 (The Joining Round): Knit across the 27 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 27 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back (62 sts total). Join for circular knitting.

• Rounds 67-90: Knit every stitch in the round for twenty-four rounds. This section establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Focus on maintaining even tension.
• Round 91: *Knit 13, k2tog* repeat around (58 sts).
• Rounds 92-100: Knit all stitches straight.
• Round 101: *Knit 12, k2tog* repeat around (54 sts).
• Rounds 102-110: Knit all stitches. Begin stuffing the lower body firmly, pushing the stuffing toward the sides to define the rounded hip silhouette.
• Round 111: *Knit 7, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rounds 112-118: Knit all stitches.
• Round 119: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
• Round 120: Knit all stitches.
• Round 121: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Round 122: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Round 123: *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.

Shaping the Bunny Head and Facial Sculpting

The head requires specific increases to define the broad, sweet cheeks and the tapered bridge of the nose. Firm stuffing is essential here to support the weight of the Blue Hat. The head and body are worked as one piece to eliminate the need for a neck seam, providing a more stable structure.

1. Round 124: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
2. Round 125: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
3. Round 126: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
4. Round 127: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
5. Round 128: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts). Establish this as the widest part of the face.
6. Rounds 129-155: Knit every stitch in stockinette straight for twenty-seven rounds. This builds the vertical volume of the face and forehead.

Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 140 and 141, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level and aligned for a thoughtful gaze. Secure the backings firmly before proceeding with the closing rounds.

• Round 156: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
• Round 157: Knit all stitches. This round stabilizes the decrease.
• Round 158: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Round 159: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
• Round 160: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
• Round 161: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
• Begin stuffing the head very firmly at this point. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks and a smooth forehead. Use small pinches of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
• Round 162: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
• Round 163: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn and pull through the remaining stitches. Weave the end securely inside the head.

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Bunny Ears and Slender Arms

The ears are designed to stand tall but possess a gentle pink interior texture. The arms are kept slender to allow the yellow cardigan to fit perfectly without restricted movement or bulkiness.

Upright Ears (Make 2)

Using oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 14 stitches. We work these flat to allow for a slightly concave interior shape. To mimic the pink interior seen in the image, you can work the first 4 rows in oatmeal, then switch to a pale pink yarn for the center 6 stitches of each row using the intarsia method.

• Rows 1-55: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS).
• Row 56: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (12 sts).
• Row 57: Purl all stitches.
• Row 58: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (10 sts).
• Row 59: Purl all stitches.
• Row 60: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).
• Bind off all stitches. Fold the base of the ear slightly in half to create depth and sew to the top of the head at Round 158, spacing them about 4 stitches apart.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

Using oatmeal yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round to match the leg construction style.

1. Rounds 1-50: Knit every round straight. Maintain a consistent gauge.
2. Round 51: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across (8 sts).
3. Round 52: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through the stitches.
4. Stuff the hand area (the bottom 1 inch) firmly and the upper arm very lightly. This allows the arms to rest naturally at the bunny’s sides. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck join at Round 123.

The Yellow Budgie Cardigan

The cardigan is worked flat and features a bright, cheery texture. It is a top-down raglan design that ensures a perfect fit over the bunny’s shoulders. The budgie motif is added later using duplicate stitch or surface embroidery.

Using Sunshine Yellow yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 44 stitches. We work this piece flat from the top down.

1. Rows 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for the collar.
2. Row 5 (RS): Knit 6 (front), m1, k1 (marker), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (marker), m1, k10 (back), m1, k1 (marker), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (marker), m1, k6 (front).
3. Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Continue increasing at raglan points every RS row until the body measures 2.5 inches (6 cm) from the collar.
5. Separate for Sleeves: Place sleeve stitches on holders. Join the front and back panels to continue the body for another 3.5 inches.
6. Row 7 (Button Band): On every RS row, work the first and last 4 stitches in Garter stitch to create the button bands.
7. Finish the body with 4 rows of ribbing and bind off.
8. Sleeves: Pick up the stitches from the holder and knit in the round for 4 inches. Finish with a 3-round ribbed cuff.

Budgie Motif Embroidery Detail

On the left front panel of the yellow cardigan, use Lime Green and Bright Yellow yarns to create a budgie using a duplicate stitch (Swiss darning) technique. The head should be yellow with a small black bead for the eye. The body is green with tiny horizontal black lines to represent wing feathers. Add two small blue straight stitches on the cheek of the bird for a 100% accurate look.

The White Morning Glory Skirt

The skirt is a classic flared garment with a weighted hem to prevent rolling. The Morning Glory embroidery is the artistic centerpiece and should be worked with high-quality embroidery needles and vibrant purple yarn.

Using White yarn and 3.25mm circular needles, cast on 90 stitches. Join in the round.

• Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches (Garter stitch in the round). This creates a flat, non-rolling edge.
• Rounds 7-45: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, which should reach the mid-shin of the bunny.
• Round 46 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (81 sts).
• Round 47: *Knit 7, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
• Round 48: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
• Round 49: *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.

Morning Glory Embroidery

Position five to six morning glory blossoms around the skirt hem. Each blossom head is approximately 3.5 cm wide. Use a fine embroidery needle and the purple, blue, white, and green palette.

• The Vines: Using a stem stitch with green yarn, create long, winding vines that move upward from the hem in a graceful curve. Add small, heart-shaped leaves along the vines using a satin stitch.
• The Blossoms: Use Deep Purple and Bright Blue yarn to create funnel-shaped blossoms. Work the outer edges in purple and the inner highlights in blue using a series of long-and-short stitches.
• The Center: In the center of each blossom, add a small white star shape using straight stitches to represent the inner throat of the morning glory. This detail is essential for a realistic botanical look.

Blue Cloche Hat and Yellow Sandals

Sky Blue Cloche Hat

Using Blue yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 48 stitches. Join in the round.

• Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This creates the small brim.
• Rounds 7-20: Continue in stockinette stitch.
• Shaping the Crown: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around until 6 stitches remain. Pull through and close.
• Finish the edges with a single row of garter stitch for texture. Ensure the hat fits snugly between the ears.

Yellow Strappy Sandals (Make 2)

Using Pastel Yellow yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round to create a seamless sandal base.

1. Rounds 1-4: Knit all stitches. This builds the base of the sole.
2. Round 5: Knit 7, (k2tog) 3 times, knit 7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
3. Rounds 6-8: Knit straight up.
4. The Straps: Bind off 10 stitches for the heel area. On the remaining 7 stitches, work 2 rows flat, then bind off. Attach a small length of yarn to create a T-strap that joins the front to the ankle.

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Miniature Accessories: Budgie Friend, Bell, and Seed Bag

Miniature 3D Budgie Friend

Use US Size 1 (2.25mm) needles and Lime Green yarn. This pet is worked in one piece from tail to head.

• Body: Cast on 6 stitches. kfb into every stitch (12). Knit 10 rounds.
• Head: Switch to Yellow yarn. Knit 6 rounds. Decrease back to 6 stitches and close.
• Details: Add tiny black triangles for the beak and the blue bead eyes. Position the pet in a sitting posture next to the bunny.

Striped Bell Accessory

Using Blue and Soft Beige yarn, cast on 12 stitches. Join in the round.

1. Rounds 1-4: Knit in Beige.
2. Rounds 5-6: Knit in Blue.
3. Round 7: *Knit 1, kfb* around (18 sts).
4. Round 8: Knit all stitches.
5. Bind off. Attach a small loop of brown yarn to the top of the bell.

Millet Seed Bag

Using Sandy Brown yarn, cast on 15 stitches. Work flat in stockinette for 30 rows. Fold in half and sew side seams. Fill with a small amount of stuffing.

Lettering: Using dark embroidery thread, stitch the words “MILLET SEEDS” on the front of the bag in small capital letters. Add a small twine tie around the neck of the bag.

Final Assembly and Face Detail

Bringing the bunny to life requires a gentle touch during the final assembly. Ensure the head is perfectly aligned with the center of the chest before securing any knots. All facial features must be symmetrical to the safety eyes.

Nose and Mouth: Using a dark brown or charcoal embroidery thread, stitch a small “Y” shape. The center of the “Y” should be positioned exactly between the safety eyes, about two rounds below them. Keep the tension of your stitches firm to maintain the 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. Be careful to build the color slowly to avoid over-saturation.

Assembly Order:

1. Place the Morning Glory Skirt on the bunny and secure at the waist.
2. Layer the Yellow Budgie Cardigan over the skirt and fasten the tiny yellow buttons.
3. Position the Blue Hat on the head between the ears.
4. Slide the sandals onto the feet.
5. Arrange the Budgie Friend, Bell, and Millet Seeds bag around the bunny on the display surface.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Because this art piece features intricate 3D embroidery and delicate accessories, proper care is essential to preserve its appearance for decades. This bunny is an art doll intended for display rather than active play.

Professional Cleaning: Hand washing is the only recommended method. 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 flowers or the budgie motif, as this can distort the stitches. Let the doll soak for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

The Drying Process: 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. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the delicate embroidery colors over time. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing with your fingers to restore her original plump shape.

Long-term Care: If the bunny is intended for long-term display, keep her in a dust-free environment, such as a glass-fronted cabinet. Regularly check the attachment of the miniature accessories to ensure the yarn remains secure. By following these maintenance steps, your Morning Glory & Budgie Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come.

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