Welcome to a project that brings the radiant joy of a summer garden right into your home. The Sunny Sunflower Bunny is a cheerful and heartwarming creation, designed to brighten even the gloomiest of days. This heirloom-quality doll is perfect for intermediate knitters who love working with vibrant colors and charming character details. Whether you are looking to buy soft merino wool to create a cuddly texture or searching for the best knitting kits for gifts, this pattern is a fantastic choice. The bunny features a cozy striped sweater, a playful ribbed beanie with a giant pompom, and a signature yellow pinafore dress adorned with a smiling sunflower. The set is completed with a friendly squirrel companion, a mini tote bag, and a picnic blanket. For those who enjoy browsing to shop for knitting supplies online, finding the perfect shade of “sunflower yellow” and “chocolate brown” will be the first exciting step. We recommend you order premium polyester stuffing to ensure your bunny and her squirrel friend stay plump and huggable for years to come.

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 List

To recreate the Sunny Sunflower Bunny and her woodland friend exactly as shown in the photograph, you will need a specific palette of warm, earthy tones mixed with bright accents.

• Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 100g of DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White. A wool/cotton blend is ideal for a smooth finish that defines the stitches well.
• Dress, Pompom, & Shoes Main Yarn: 50g of DK weight yarn in Bright Sunflower Yellow.
• Hat, Sweater Stripes, & Squirrel Body Yarn: 50g of DK weight yarn in Milk Chocolate Brown.
• Sweater Stripes & Squirrel Chest Yarn: 30g of DK weight yarn in Beige or Light Tan.
• Bag & Blanket Main Yarn: 40g of DK weight yarn in Oatmeal or Sand.
• Details Yarn: Small amounts of Dark Green (leaves), White (shoe soles), and Black (embroidery).
• Knitting Needles:
  • US 2.5 (3.0mm) straight needles for the bunny and squirrel parts to ensure a tight fabric.
  • US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the clothing to allow for a comfortable fit.
• Notions:
  • High-quality polyester fiberfill stuffing.
  • Two 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny.
  • Two 6mm black safety eyes for the squirrel.
  • Two small wooden buttons for the dress straps.
  • Dark brown embroidery floss for facial features.
  • A pompom maker (approx 2.5 inches diameter).
  • Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery.
  • Stitch holders.

Gauge and Sizing

For the bunny and squirrel, the gauge should be tight enough so that the stuffing does not show through the fabric. Aim for approximately 26 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the smaller needles. The finished bunny stands approximately 15 inches tall, including the pompom hat. The clothing is designed with positive ease to fit over the bunny’s tummy.

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Part 1: The Bunny Construction

The bunny is knitted in pieces and seamed using mattress stitch. We use the Cream yarn and US 2.5 needles.

Head

The head is knitted from the back of the skull forward to the nose. This direction allows for increases to shape the cheeks and decreases to shape the muzzle.

1. Cast on 14 stitches using Cream yarn.
2. Row 1 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2: Increase in every stitch using Kfb (Knit front and back) (28 sts).
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: [Knit 1, Kfb] repeat to end (42 sts).
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: [Knit 2, Kfb] repeat to end (56 sts).
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: [Knit 3, Kfb] repeat to end (70 sts).
10. Rows 9-23: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch (Knit on RS, Purl on WS) for 15 rows. This establishes the rounded back of the head.
11. Cheek Shaping:

    Row 24: K20, [Kfb] 10 times, K10, [Kfb] 10 times, K20 (90 sts). These rapid increases create the chubby cheeks.

    Rows 25-33: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch.

12. Muzzle Decreases:

    Row 34: K20, [K2tog] 10 times, K10, [K2tog] 10 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, and secure. Sew the chin seam and stuff the head firmly, molding the cheeks as you go.

Body

1. Cast on 18 stitches.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: Kfb in every stitch (36 sts).
4. Row 4: [K1, Kfb] to end (54 sts).
5. Row 6: [K2, Kfb] to end (72 sts).
6. Rows 7-40: Work in Stockinette Stitch. This forms the main torso.
7. Decrease for Neck:

   Row 41: [K7, K2tog] to end (64 sts).

   Rows 42-44: Work straight.

   Row 45: [K6, K2tog] to end (56 sts).

   Rows 46-48: Work straight.

   Row 49: [K5, K2tog] to end (48 sts).

   Row 50: Purl.

   Row 51: [K4, K2tog] to end (40 sts).

   Row 53: [K3, K2tog] to end (32 sts).

   Row 55: [K2, K2tog] to end (24 sts).

8. Bind off. Sew the back seam and stuff firmly. Attach the head securely to the neck opening using a whip stitch.

Legs (Make 2)

The legs are sturdy to support the bunny’s standing posture.

1. Cast on 14 stitches.
2. Increase in every stitch (28 sts).
3. Purl row.
4. [K1, Kfb] to end (42 sts).
5. Work 8 rows Stockinette (Foot).
6. Shape Foot: K14, [K2tog] 7 times, K14 (35 sts).
7. Purl row.
8. K14, [K2tog] 3 times, K15 (32 sts).
9. Purl row.
10. K12, [K2tog] 4 times, K12 (28 sts).
11. Work 35 rows stockinette for the leg shaft.
12. Bind off. Sew back seam. Stuff the foot firmly and the top of the leg lightly so the bunny can sit comfortably.

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Arms (Make 2)

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Increase to 24 stitches over the first two rows.
3. Work 30 rows straight in Stockinette.
4. Decrease: [K2tog] across the row.
5. Cut yarn, draw through, sew seam, and stuff. Attach to shoulders.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long, soft, and floppy.

1. Cast on 16 stitches.
2. Work 46 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
3. Decrease Row: [K2tog, K6] twice (14 sts).
4. Work 2 rows straight.
5. Decrease Row: [K2tog, K5] twice (12 sts).
6. Continue decreasing in this manner until 6 stitches remain. Bind off.
7. Fold the cast-on edge in half and sew to the top of the head.

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Part 2: The Striped Sweater

This sweater is worn underneath the pinafore dress. It features alternating stripes of Brown and Beige. Use US 3 needles.

Back & Front (Knitted separately or in round)

We will knit flat for easier color changes.

1. Using Chocolate Brown yarn, cast on 40 stitches.
2. Work 6 rows in K1, P1 ribbing.
3. Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Begin Stripe Pattern:

   *2 rows Beige, 2 rows Brown*.

4. Work until piece measures 3.5 inches.
5. Armholes: Bind off 4 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows.
6. Continue in stripe pattern for another 2 inches.
7. Bind off. Make two pieces (Front and Back).

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Using Brown yarn, cast on 22 stitches.
2. Work 6 rows in ribbing.
3. Switch to Stripe Pattern. Increase 1 stitch at each end of every 6th row until you have 30 stitches.
4. Work until sleeve measures 3 inches.
5. Bind off.
6. Assembly: Sew shoulder seams, set in sleeves, and sew side seams. Place on the bunny before adding the dress.

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Part 3: The Sunny Sunflower Pinafore Dress

This is the showstopper piece. The dress is a rich yellow with a detailed sunflower face appliqué.

Skirt

1. Using Sunflower Yellow yarn and US 3 needles, cast on 70 stitches.
2. Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a textured hem.
3. Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Work straight for 5 inches.
4. Waist Reduction: [K1, K2tog] repeat to last stitch, K1 (47 sts).
5. Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch for the waistband.

Bib

1. Bind off 12 stitches, Knit 23, Bind off remaining 12 stitches. (You will work on the center 23 stitches only).
2. Rejoin yarn to the center 23 stitches.
3. Work in Stockinette Stitch for 2 inches.
4. Buttonholes: K2, yo, K2tog, K to last 4 sts, K2tog, yo, K2.
5. Knit 2 more rows. Bind off.

Straps (Make 2)

1. Cast on 4 stitches. Knit in Garter stitch until strap is long enough to cross the back and reach the front bib buttonholes (approx 5 inches). Bind off.
2. Sew straps to the back of the waistband. Sew wooden buttons to the front bib corners.

The Sunflower Appliqué

Center Face:

Using Brown yarn, cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 16 (circle). Work 2 rows. Decrease to close. This forms a flat disc. Embroider a smiley face with black thread.

Petals:

Pick up 16 stitches around the brown center using Yellow yarn. *Cast on 3 stitches, cast off 3 stitches* into each stitch around to create looped or picot petals. Alternatively, embroider large lazy daisy loops in yellow yarn around the center.

Leaves:

Using Green yarn, embroider or knit two small triangles and sew them to the bottom of the flower.

Assembly: Sew the completed sunflower to the center of the bib. Sew the skirt back seam up to the waist. Dress the bunny.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

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Part 4: The Brown Beanie Hat

A classic ribbed hat to keep the bunny warm.

1. Using Chocolate Brown yarn, cast on 50 stitches.
2. Row 1: *K2, P2* repeat to end.
3. Repeat this ribbing pattern for 3 inches. This allows for a folded brim.
4. Switch to Stockinette Stitch for the crown. Work 6 rows.
5. Decrease:

   Row 1: *K3, K2tog* around.

   Row 2: Purl.

   Row 3: *K2, K2tog* around.

   Row 4: Purl.

   Row 5: *K1, K2tog* around.

   Row 6: K2tog around.

6. Cut yarn and pull through. Sew the back seam.
7. Pompom: Using the Sunflower Yellow yarn and a pompom maker, create a large, dense pompom. Sew it securely to the top of the hat. Fold the brim up.

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Part 5: Accessories

Yellow Sneakers

1. Sole: Using White yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Knit a strip 2 inches long. Bind off.
2. Upper: Using Yellow yarn, pick up 30 stitches around the sole (leaving one short end free for the heel).
3. Work 4 rows Stockinette.
4. Toe Shaping: K10, [K2tog] 5 times, K10.
5. Purl back.
6. K10, [K2tog] 3 times, K9.
7. Bind off.
8. Finishing: Sew the heel seam. Embroider white laces on the front. Add a white stripe around the base of the yellow section using duplicate stitch or embroidery.

The Squirrel Friend

1. Body: Using Brown yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Knit 15 rows. Decrease and close. Stuff to form an egg shape.
2. Tummy Patch: Use Beige yarn to duplicate stitch an oval on the front.
3. Head: Cast on 8 stitches. Increase to 16. Knit 6 rows. Decrease and close. Sew to body.
4. Ears: Tiny triangles in Brown sewn to head.
5. Tail: Cast on 6 stitches. Knit in loop stitch or garter stitch for 4 inches. Sew to back of body and curl upwards. Brush the yarn with a wire brush to make it fluffy.
6. Arms: Tiny I-cords holding a brown bobble (Acorn).

Sunflower Tote Bag

1. Using Beige yarn, cast on 16 stitches.
2. Work in Stockinette for 3 inches.
3. Fold in half and sew side seams.
4. Handles: Knit two I-cords and attach.
5. Decoration: Knit a smaller version of the sunflower appliqué (Brown center, yellow petal stitches) and sew to the front.

Picnic Blanket

1. Using Cream yarn, cast on 30 stitches.
2. Work in Garter Stitch for a square (approx 30 rows).
3. Border: Pick up stitches around the edge. Work 2 rounds in Yellow, 1 round in Brown, 2 rounds in Yellow. Bind off.

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Final Assembly

1. Face: Using brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. Ensure it is centered.
2. Dressing: Put the striped sweater on first. Then, pull on the yellow pinafore dress and button the straps.
3. Shoes: Slip the yellow sneakers onto the feet.
4. Hat: Place the ribbed beanie on the head, adjusting the rolled brim so it sits just above the eyes.
5. Scene: Fold the picnic blanket and place it near the bunny. Stand the squirrel next to her holding his acorn. Hang the tote bag on the bunny’s arm.

Your Sunny Sunflower Bunny is now ready for a garden adventure! This project is a celebration of happiness and handmade warmth. We hope you enjoy every stitch of this journey. If you are inspired to create more, be sure to browse our site to buy pattern books or check out our recommendations to order premium yarn packs for your next creative endeavor.