Golden Rapeseed Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to this delightful project featuring a charming woodland bunny dressed in the colors of a blooming spring field. This golden rabbit, inspired by the vibrant hues of rapeseed fields, makes for a perfect heirloom gift or a treasured addition to your own collection. For this project, we recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop or online retailer to buy premium merino wool in DK weight to ensure the softest finish. You will also need to update your knitting supplies with a set of sharp bamboo knitting needles or circular needles to handle the small circumferences of the limbs and accessories. Whether you are browsing to purchase yarn in specific shades of mustard yellow and slate blue, or looking to order craft notions like safety eyes and fiberfill, having the right high-quality materials is essential for achieving the professional finish seen in the photos. Get your knitting bag ready for a wonderful journey into toy making.

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

Project Overview and Materials

The Golden Rapeseed Bunny is designed to be a sturdy, huggable friend standing approximately 11 to 12 inches tall. The body is knitted in pieces and seamed, offering structure and stability. The clothing is removable, allowing for interactive play. Special attention is given to the colorwork on the dress, which mimics tiny flowers or rapeseed stalks.

Required Supply List

Yarn A (Bunny & Hat): Approximately 100g of DK weight yarn in Golden Mustard or Rapeseed Yellow.
Yarn B (Cardigan): 50g of DK weight yarn in Slate Blue or Denim.
Yarn C (Legs/Socks & Dress Detail): 30g of DK weight yarn in Cream or White.
Yarn D (Shoes): 20g of DK weight yarn in Chestnut Brown.
Yarn E (Dress Main Color): 40g of DK weight yarn in Bright Yellow.
Yarn F (Leaves): Small amount of Olive Green for the dress embroidery/colorwork.
Yarn G (Chick): Small amount of Pale Yellow.
Yarn H (Backpack): Scraps of Beige, Blue, and Yellow.
Knitting Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles or circulars for flat knitting. US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature chick and flower.
Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming, stitch markers, polyester fiberfill for stuffing, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two 4mm beads or safety eyes (chick), small buttons (shoes and backpack).

Gauge and Sizing

Gauge is not critical for this toy, but the fabric should be dense enough so that the stuffing does not show through. A typical gauge would be 24 stitches and 30 rows to 4 inches (10cm) over stockinette stitch.

Abbreviations

K: Knit
P: Purl
Sts: Stitches
Inc: Increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch (KFB).
Dec: Decrease by knitting two stitches together (K2tog).
SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease).
RS: Right Side
WS: Wrong Side
St st: Stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS).

Part 1: The Bunny

We begin by knitting the legs, which are joined to form the body. The head is worked as a continuation of the body to minimize neck wobble.

Legs (Make 2)

Start with Yarn D (Brown) for the shoes.

Row 1: Cast on 10 sts.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3 (Inc): Inc in every st. (20 sts)
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5 (Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
Rows 6-10: Work in St st starting with a Purl row. This forms the base of the shoe.
Row 11 (Shape top of shoe): K8, (K2tog) 7 times, K8. (23 sts)
Row 12: P8, (P2tog) 3 times, P9. (20 sts)
Rows 13-16: Work in St st.

Change to Yarn C (Cream/White) for the socks/legs.

Row 17: Knit across.
Row 18: Purl.
Rows 19-35: Work in St st. Cut yarn and place these stitches on a holder.

Make the second leg in the same way, but do not cut the yarn after Row 35.

Body

You will now join the two legs together. With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (crotch), then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg held on the holder.

Row 36: Purl across all stitches, including the new cast-on stitches. (42 sts)
Row 37: K20, K2, K20.
Row 38: Purl.
Row 39 (Inc): K10, Inc, K20, Inc, K10. (44 sts)
Rows 40-50: Work straight in St st with Yarn C to represent the undergarments or lower body.

Change to Yarn A (Golden Mustard) for the upper body/fur.

Row 51: Knit.
Row 52: Purl.
Row 53 (Dec): K10, SSK, K20, K2tog, K10. (42 sts)
Row 54: Purl.
Row 55: *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Rows 56-65: Work straight in St st.
Row 66: *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
Row 67: Purl.
Row 68: *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
Row 69: Purl. This row marks the neck.

Head

Continuing with Yarn A.

Row 70 (Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Row 71: Purl.
Row 72 (Inc): *K2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
Row 73: Purl.
Row 74 (Inc): *K7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
Rows 75-95: Work straight in St st. This creates the main height of the face.
Row 96 (Dec): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
Row 97: Purl.
Row 98 (Dec): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
Row 99: Purl.
Row 100 (Dec): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Row 101: Purl.
Row 102 (Dec): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
Row 103 (Dec): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
Row 104 (Dec): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
Row 105 (Dec): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
Row 106 (Dec): K2tog across. (6 sts)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread through remaining loops, pull tight, and secure.

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Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A.

Row 1: Cast on 8 sts.
Row 2 (Inc): Inc in every st. (16 sts)
Rows 3-22: Work in St st.
Row 23: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (12 sts)
Row 24: Purl.
Row 25: K2tog across. (6 sts)

Draw thread through stitches and seam the side. Stuff lightly.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are comprised of two pieces each: an outer ear (Yarn A – Golden) and an inner ear (Yarn C – Cream), which are seamed together for a structured look.

Outer Ear (Yarn A):

Row 1: Cast on 12 sts.
Rows 2-25: Work in St st.
Row 26: SSK, K8, K2tog. (10 sts)
Rows 27-30: St st.
Row 31: SSK, K6, K2tog. (8 sts)
Row 32: Purl.
Row 33: SSK, K4, K2tog. (6 sts)
Row 34: SSK, K2, K2tog. (4 sts)
Row 35: SSK, K2tog. (2 sts)
Row 36: K2tog. Fasten off.

Inner Ear (Yarn C): Work exactly as for Outer Ear. Place Inner and Outer pieces wrong sides together and mattress stitch around the perimeter.

Part 2: The Rapeseed Field Dress

This dress is the highlight of the project, featuring a fair-isle inspired motif of green stalks and white buds against a sunny yellow background.

Skirt

Using Yarn E (Bright Yellow), cast on 64 sts.

Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
Rows 5-6: Work in St st (Knit 1 row, Purl 1 row).

Begin Colorwork Pattern: Join Yarn F (Green) and Yarn C (White/Cream). You will carry the strands loosely across the back (Fair Isle technique).

Row 7 (RS): *K3 Yellow, K1 Green, K1 White, K1 Green, K2 Yellow*, repeat from * to * to end.
Row 8 (WS): Purl across using Yellow only.
Row 9: *K2 Yellow, K1 Green, K3 Yellow, K1 Green, K1 Yellow*, repeat from * to * to end.
Row 10: Purl across using Yellow only.
Rows 11-14: Work in Yellow St st.
Row 15: Repeat the motif from Row 7 but offset it: *K7 Yellow, K1 Green, K1 White, K1 Green, K6 Yellow* (Adjust placement to center the flower between the lower ones).
Rows 16-24: Continue in St st with Yellow, repeating the flower motif rows every 6th row.

Waist Shaping:

Row 25 (Dec): Using Yellow only, *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
Row 26: Purl.
Row 27 (Dec): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Row 28: Purl.

Bodice

Row 29: *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
Rows 30-36: Work in St st.
Row 37 (Armholes): K5, cast off 4 sts, K12, cast off 4 sts, K5.
Row 38: P5, cast on 4 sts, P12, cast on 4 sts, P5.
Rows 39-42: Work in St st.
Row 43: Knit.
Row 44: Knit (Garter ridge for neck).
Row 45: Cast off.

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Leave the bodice open and attach a small button or snap fastener.

Part 3: The Blue Raglan Cardigan

Using Yarn B (Slate Blue), this cardigan is worked top-down or flat in pieces. Here we provide instructions for knitting flat.

Back

Row 1: Cast on 24 sts.
Rows 2-5: K1, P1 ribbing.
Rows 6-18: St st.
Row 19 (Armhole shaping): Cast off 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. (20 sts)
Rows 21-32: St st.
Row 33: Cast off.

Left Front

Row 1: Cast on 14 sts.
Rows 2-5: K1, P1 ribbing.
Rows 6-18: St st.
Row 19 (Armhole): Cast off 2 sts at beginning of RS row.
Row 20: Purl.
Rows 21-28: St st.
Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 4 sts at neck edge.
Row 30: Purl.
Row 31: Dec 1 st at neck edge.
Row 32: Purl.
Row 33: Cast off shoulder sts.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing all shapings.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Row 1: Cast on 16 sts.
Rows 2-5: K1, P1 ribbing.
Rows 6-20: St st, inc 1 st at each end of row 10 and row 16. (20 sts)
Row 21: Cast off.

Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves. Sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches along the front edges and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for the button bands.

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Part 4: The Cloche Hat

This hat features a distinct rolled brim and a structured crown.

Using Yarn A (Golden Mustard):

Row 1: Cast on 56 sts.
Rows 2-10: Work in St st. This section will naturally roll up to form the brim shown in the photo.
Row 11 (Ridge): Purl on the Right Side (Reverse Stockinette). This acts as a stopper for the roll.
Rows 12-25: Work in St st.
Row 26 (Dec): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (49 sts)
Row 27: Purl.
Row 28 (Dec): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
Row 29: Purl.
Row 30 (Dec): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (35 sts)
Row 31: Purl.
Row 32 (Dec): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (28 sts)
Row 33: Purl.
Row 34 (Dec): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (21 sts)
Row 35: K2tog across.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and sew the back seam.

Part 5: Accessories

The charm of this project lies in the tiny details. Do not skip these!

Miniature Chick

Using Yarn G (Pale Yellow) and US 2 needles.

Body: Cast on 8 sts.
Row 1: Inc in every st. (16 sts)
Rows 2-8: St st.
Row 9: K2tog across. (8 sts)
Row 10: Cut yarn, draw through sts.

Stuff firmly to make a ball. Using a scrap of orange yarn, embroider a tiny “V” for the beak. Sew two beads for eyes or use black French knots. Make tiny orange feet with a few strands of yarn.

Tiny Backpack

Using Yarn H (Beige for flap/base, Striped Blue/Yellow for body).

Row 1: Cast on 15 sts with Beige.
Rows 2-5: Knit (Garter base).
Change to Blue: Work 2 rows St st.
Change to Yellow: Work 2 rows St st.
Change to Blue: Work 2 rows St st.
Change to Beige (Flap):
Row 12: K2tog, K11, K2tog.

Row 13: Knit.

Row 14: K2tog, K9, K2tog.

Row 15: Knit. Cast off.

Fold the striped section up to meet the start of the flap. Sew side seams. Crochet or knit two small I-cords for straps and attach to the back. Sew a small button on the front.

Shoe Straps

After sewing the back seam of the shoes (knitted as part of the legs): Pick up 3 stitches on one side of the shoe opening. Knit 8 rows. Cast off. Sew the end to the opposite side of the shoe. Sew a small brown button on top for decoration.

Rapeseed Flower Accessory

Using Green and Yellow yarn.

Stem: Cast on 3 sts with Green. Work I-cord for 3 inches.
Petals: At the top of the I-cord, switch to Yellow. *Cast on 3 sts, cast off 3 sts*, repeat 5 times into the same central stitch loop to create a cluster. Fasten off.

Part 6: Assembly Guide

Stuffing: Stuff the feet and legs firmly. Stuff the body moderately, keeping it squishy. Stuff the head firmly to ensure it is round and displays the embroidery well.
Face: Insert safety eyes between rows 85 and 86, spaced about 10 stitches apart. Using dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth.
Attaching Ears: Position the ears on the sides of the head, roughly 5 rows down from the final gathered top. Curve them slightly forward so they frame the face.
Arms: Sew the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam.
Dressing: Put the dress on first (feet in first). Put on the cardigan. Place the hat on the head. Put the backpack straps over the arms.

Enjoy your finished Golden Rapeseed Bunny! This project requires patience with the small parts, but the result is a beautifully detailed toy that celebrates the joy of knitting.