Welcome to a project that captures the zesty freshness of a spring morning in the orchard. The Fresh Lemon Grove Bunny is a meticulously designed character, radiating charm with her citrus-themed wardrobe and intricate accessories. This project is ideal for knitters who appreciate the fine details of garment construction and the joy of creating miniature worlds. If you are looking to buy organic cotton yarn to achieve the crisp stitch definition seen in the photos, or if you need to shop for double-pointed needles to master the small circumference knitting required for the limbs, this design is the perfect opportunity to invest in high-quality tools. The bunny features a stunning yellow lace cardigan, a mint green dress adorned with embroidered lemons, and a collection of unique props including a mesh market bag and a tiny knitted turtle. Many crafters who order knitting supplies online find that sourcing the perfect shades of lemon yellow and sage green is key to bringing this vision to life. This heirloom-quality doll makes a sophisticated gift or a beautiful addition to a seasonal display.

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

Materials and Tools Required

To recreate the Fresh Lemon Grove Bunny with the exact aesthetic shown in the image, material selection is paramount. The crispness of the lace and the structure of the bag suggest a cotton or cotton-blend yarn.

• Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 100g of DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White. A high-twist cotton blend will give the smooth stockinette finish seen in the photo.
• Cardigan & Cup Yarn: 50g of DK weight yarn in Lemon Yellow.
• Dress & Shoes Yarn: 50g of DK weight yarn in Mint Green or Sage.
• Bonnet & Bag Yarn: 40g of DK weight yarn in Bright White.
• Turtle Yarn: Small amounts of Olive Green (shell) and Lime Green (body).
• Embroidery & Details: Scraps of Dark Green (leaves), Yellow (lemons on dress), and Brown (facial features).
• Knitting Needles:
  • US 2.5 (3.0mm) straight needles for the bunny body to ensure a tight gauge where stuffing won’t peek through.
  • US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the clothing to allow for a graceful drape.
  • Set of US 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the small accessories like the cup and turtle legs.
• Notions:
  • High-quality polyester fiberfill stuffing.
  • Two 8mm black safety eyes.
  • Small yellow buttons (approx 8-10mm) for the cardigan.
  • Tapestry needle for seaming and duplicate stitch embroidery.
  • Stitch holders and stitch markers.
  • A small piece of cardboard to reinforce the base of the lemonade cup.

Gauge and Sizing Information

While exact gauge is not critical for a toy, consistency is key. For the bunny body, you should aim for approximately 26 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10cm) using the smaller needles. The fabric should be firm. The finished bunny stands approximately 14 to 15 inches tall, excluding the ears. The clothing is designed with slightly positive ease to fit over the stuffed body without stretching the lace patterns.

Part 1: The Bunny Body

The bunny is knitted in separate flat pieces and seamed using mattress stitch. This method allows for precise shaping of the curves.

The Head

The head is designed with a pear-like shape, wider at the cheeks and narrower at the top, to give that classic “baby bunny” look.

1. Using Cream yarn and US 2.5 needles, cast on 14 stitches. Start at the base of the neck.
2. Row 1 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2: Increase in every stitch [Kfb] (28 sts).
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: [K1, Kfb] repeat to end (42 sts).
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: [K2, Kfb] repeat to end (56 sts).
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: [K3, Kfb] repeat to end (70 sts).
10. Rows 9-23: Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit on RS, Purl on WS) for 15 rows. This section forms the back of the skull.
11. Cheek Shaping:

    Row 24: K20, [Kfb] 8 times, K14, [Kfb] 8 times, K20 (86 sts). These increases create the chubby cheeks.

    Row 25-33: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch.

12. Face Decreases:

    Row 34: K20, [K2tog] 8 times, K14, [K2tog] 8 times, K20 (70 sts).

    Row 35: Purl.

    Row 36: [K5, K2tog] repeat to end (60 sts).

    Row 38: [K4, K2tog] repeat to end (50 sts).

    Note: Insert safety eyes now. Place them between rows 26 and 27, spaced about 14 stitches apart within the cheek area.

    Row 40: [K3, K2tog] repeat to end (40 sts).

    Row 42: [K2, K2tog] repeat to end (30 sts).

    Row 44: [K1, K2tog] repeat to end (20 sts).

    Row 46: [K2tog] repeat to end (10 sts).

13. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight. Sew the chin seam and stuff the head firmly, paying extra attention to the cheeks.

The Body

1. Cast on 18 stitches.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: Kfb in every stitch (36 sts).
4. Row 4: [K2, Kfb] to end (48 sts).
5. Row 6: [K3, Kfb] to end (60 sts).
6. Rows 7-35: Work in Stockinette Stitch. This forms the rounded tummy.
7. Shape Neck:

   Row 36: [K8, K2tog] across (54 sts).

   Rows 37-39: Work straight.

   Row 40: [K7, K2tog] across (48 sts).

   Rows 41-43: Work straight.

   Row 44: [K6, K2tog] across (42 sts).

   Row 45: Purl.

   Row 46: [K5, K2tog] across (36 sts).

   Row 48: [K4, K2tog] across (30 sts).

   Row 50: [K3, K2tog] across (24 sts).

8. Bind off. Sew the back seam and stuff firmly. The neck opening should match the base of the head. Sew the head to the body securely using a whip stitch.

The Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long, wide, and floppy. They are knit flat.

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: Kfb, Knit to last st, Kfb (14 sts).
4. Row 4: Kfb, Knit to last st, Kfb (16 sts).
5. Rows 5-45: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch.
6. Shape Tip:

   Row 46: ssk, K to last 2 sts, k2tog (14 sts).

   Row 48: ssk, K to last 2 sts, k2tog (12 sts).

   Row 50: ssk, K to last 2 sts, k2tog (10 sts).

   Row 52: ssk, K to last 2 sts, k2tog (8 sts).

   Row 54: ssk, K to last 2 sts, k2tog (6 sts).

7. Bind off. Fold the cast-on edge in half vertically and sew it to the top of the head, curving the ear slightly forward so it flops down.

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Legs (Make 2)

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Increase in every stitch (24 sts).
3. Purl row.
4. [K1, Kfb] to end (36 sts).
5. Work 8 rows Stockinette (Foot).
6. Shape Foot: K12, [K2tog] 6 times, K12 (30 sts).
7. Purl row.
8. K12, [K2tog] 3 times, K12 (27 sts).
9. Work 32 rows for the leg.
10. Bind off. Sew back seam. Stuff the foot firmly and the top of the leg lightly so the bunny can sit comfortably.

Arms (Make 2)

1. Cast on 10 stitches.
2. Increase to 20 stitches.
3. Work 30 rows straight.
4. Decrease: [K2tog] across.
5. Cut yarn, draw through, sew seam, and stuff. Attach to shoulders.

Part 2: The Lemon Lace Cardigan

This cardigan utilizes a “Leaf Lace” panel pattern on the fronts to mimic the foliage of a lemon grove. Use US 3 needles and Lemon Yellow yarn.

Back Panel

1. Cast on 32 stitches.
2. Work 6 rows in K1, P1 ribbing.
3. Work in Stockinette Stitch for 18 rows.
4. Armhole Shaping: Bind off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows (26 sts).
5. Work 14 more rows straight.
6. Bind off loosely.

Left Front Panel

1. Cast on 18 stitches.
2. Work 6 rows in K1, P1 ribbing.
3. Begin Lace Pattern:

   Row 1 (RS): K2, yo, K1, ssk, P1, K2tog, K1, yo, K2, K remaining sts.

   Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches.

   Row 3: K2, K1, yo, ssk, P1, K2tog, yo, K1, K2, K remaining sts.

   Row 5: K2, yo, K1, ssk, P1, K2tog, K1, yo, K2, K remaining sts.

4. Continue this pattern until the piece measures the same as the back to the armhole.
5. Armhole: Bind off 3 stitches at the beginning of the RS row.
6. Continue working until the armhole depth is almost complete.
7. Neck Shaping: Bind off 4 stitches at the neck edge. Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge on the next 2 RS rows.
8. Bind off remaining shoulder stitches.

Right Front Panel

Work as for Left Front, reversing the shaping and the placement of the lace panel (place lace at the end of the row instead of the beginning). Make 3 buttonholes on the button band edge if knitting the band integrally, or create loops later.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Cast on 22 stitches.
2. Work 6 rows in K1, P1 ribbing.
3. Work in Stockinette Stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each end of the 5th and 10th rows (26 sts).
4. Work straight until sleeve measures 2.5 inches.
5. Bind off.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves. Sew side and sleeve seams. Sew the small yellow buttons to the left front band.

Part 3: The Mint Lemon Dress

The dress features a gathered skirt and duplicate stitch embroidery.

Skirt

1. Using Mint Green yarn and US 3 needles, cast on 60 stitches.
2. Knit 4 rows (Garter Stitch) for a non-rolling hem.
3. Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Work for 4.5 inches.
4. Waist Decrease: [K1, K2tog] repeat to end (40 sts).
5. Work 4 rows in K1, P1 ribbing for the waistband.

Bodice

1. Switch back to Stockinette. Work 1 inch.
2. Divide for Armholes: K10, Bind off 4, K12 (Front), Bind off 4, K10.
3. Work the Backs and Front separately for 1.5 inches.
4. Bind off all stitches.
5. Sew shoulder seams. Sew the back seam up to the waist, leaving the bodice open for easy dressing. Add a snap or button.

Embroidery

Using the Yellow yarn, duplicate stitch small ovals (approx 3 stitches wide by 2 rows high) randomly across the skirt near the hem. Using Dark Green yarn, stitch a small “V” on top of each yellow oval to represent leaves.

Part 4: The Accessories

White Lace Bonnet

1. Using White yarn, cast on 46 stitches.
2. Brim: Work 4 rows in K1, P1 ribbing.
3. Lace Section:

   Row 1: *K2tog, yo, K2* repeat to last 2 sts, K2.

   Row 2: Purl.

   Row 3: Knit.

   Row 4: Purl.

   Repeat these 4 rows 3 times.

4. Back Shaping: Switch to Stockinette.

   Row 1: *K4, K2tog* across.

   Row 3: *K3, K2tog* across.

   Row 5: *K2, K2tog* across.

   Row 7: *K1, K2tog* across.

   Row 9: K2tog across.

5. Cut yarn, pull through remaining stitches. Sew the back seam. Attach braided yarn ties to the corners.

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Green Mary Janes

1. Using Sage Green, cast on 22 stitches.
2. Knit 2 rows (Garter sole).
3. Stockinette 4 rows.
4. Toe: K8, [K2tog] 3 times, K8 (19 sts).
5. Purl back.
6. Strap: Cast on 8 stitches at the end of the row. Knit back across all stitches. Bind off.
7. Sew back seam and sole. Attach strap with a tiny button.

Mesh Market Bag

This bag uses a mesh stitch to hold the lemons.

1. Using Beige yarn, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Knit 2 rows.
3. Mesh Pattern:

   Row 1: K1, *yo, K2tog* to last st, K1.

   Row 2: Purl.

   Repeat for 4 inches.

4. Knit 2 rows. Bind off. Fold in half and sew side seams.
5. Handles: Knit two I-cords (4 stitches, 3 inches long) and sew to the top edge.
6. Lemons: Cast on 6 stitches in Yellow. Increase to 12. Work 4 rows. Decrease to 6. Cut yarn, stuff, and draw tight. Make 3-4 and place in bag.

Knitted Turtle

1. Shell: Using Olive Green, cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Knit 8 rows. Decrease to 10. Bind off. (Makes a domed oval).
2. Belly: Using Lime Green, cast on 10 stitches. Knit 10 rows. Bind off. Sew to bottom of shell, stuffing lightly.
3. Head: Cast on 6 stitches in Lime. Increase to 12. Knit 4 rows. Decrease to 6. Draw tight. Sew to front.
4. Legs: Pick up 4 stitches at each corner. Knit tiny I-cords (3 rows). Bind off.

Lemonade Cup

1. Using Yellow, cast on 8 stitches. Increase to 24 (circle).
2. Knit straight for 1.5 inches.
3. Switch to White (Cup sleeve). Knit 4 rows.
4. Switch back to Yellow. Knit 4 rows.
5. Decrease to close top. Stuff firmly, inserting a cardboard circle at the base for stability.
6. Straw: Make a tiny green I-cord and sew to the top.

Final Assembly

1. Face: Using brown thread, embroider a Y-shape for the nose and mouth. Keep it small and delicate.
2. Dressing: Put the mint dress on the bunny first. Fasten at the back.
3. Layering: Put the yellow cardigan over the dress. Button the top button.
4. Shoes: Slip the green shoes onto the feet.
5. Bonnet: Place the bonnet on the head, tying it loosely under the chin.
6. Scene: Arrange the market bag, the turtle, and the lemonade cup around the bunny to complete the lemon grove story.

Your Fresh Lemon Grove Bunny is now complete! This project is a celebration of texture and color, perfect for welcoming the warmer months. We hope you enjoy the process of bringing this character to life. If you found this pattern delightful, please consider browsing our other pages to buy knitting pattern books or explore our recommendations to order premium yarn packs for your next creative adventure.