Welcome to the delightful world of the Rosewater Strawberry Garden Bunny. This charming project captures the essence of a late summer harvest, featuring a gentle rabbit character dressed in a sweet strawberry-themed ensemble. From her berry-red beret to her pink dress speckled with seeds, every detail is designed to evoke the warmth of a country garden. This heirloom-quality doll is perfect for collectors or as a special gift for a loved one. To achieve the soft, professional finish seen in the photos, we recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the best materials. For the bunny’s skin, a high-quality merino wool yarn in a soft oatmeal or beige shade provides a warm, natural look. The clothing benefits from a smooth DK weight yarn; you might want to buy cotton yarn or a wool blend for the dress to provide a crisp canvas for the seed embroidery. Ensure your knitting supplies are complete with a set of fine bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for assembly, and premium polyester fiberfill. If you are ready to create this garden masterpiece, check your knitting bag for stitch markers and let’s cast on.

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 Rosewater Strawberry Garden Bunny stands approximately 13 inches (33 cm) tall. The body is knitted flat and seamed, a method that allows for precise shaping of the curves and ensures the doll stands upright beautifully. The outfit is completely removable, allowing for dress-up play. The dress features a “strawberry” design with a green leafy hem and embroidered seeds. The cardigan showcases a classic cable design on the front panels. The set also includes detailed instructions for the whimsical garden snail and a basket of harvest treats.

Supply List

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Beige, or Light Tan.
• Yarn B (Dress Main): 50g DK weight yarn in Rose Pink or Light Strawberry.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Hat Main): 60g DK weight yarn in Dark Rose or Strawberry Red.
• Yarn D (Leaves & Stems): 20g DK weight yarn in Leaf Green.
• Yarn E (Shoes & Basket): 40g DK weight yarn in Chocolate Brown.
• Yarn F (Snail): Small amounts of Beige (body) and Variegated/Scrap yarn (shell).
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and main clothing. US 2 (2.75mm) for the shoes and miniature snail to create a tight fabric.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for snail eyes (optional), embroidery floss (dark red for seeds, dark brown for bunny nose), stitch holders.

Gauge

24 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A firm gauge is essential for the toy parts to prevent stuffing from showing through, while a standard gauge allows the clothing to drape nicely.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch (KFB).
• Dec: Decrease (K2tog).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.

Part 1: The Bunny Body

We begin by knitting the legs separately and joining them to form the body. The head is knitted as a continuation of the neck to ensure a sturdy structure that doesn’t wobble.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Beige/Oatmeal), cast on 12 stitches.

• Row 1: Purl.
• Row 2 (Inc): Inc in every st. (24 sts)
• Row 3: Purl.
• Row 4 (Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) starting with a Purl row.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): K12, (K2tog) 6 times, K12. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): K9, (K2tog) 6 times, K9. (24 sts)
• Row 13: Purl.
• Row 14 (Ankle): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Rows 15-40: Work straight in stockinette stitch to create the long leg.

Break yarn for the first leg and place stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg in the same manner but do not break the yarn.

Torso

We will now join the legs to form the body.

• Row 41 (Join): With the second leg on the needle, cast on 2 stitches, then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg (from holder). (42 sts total)
• Row 42: Purl all stitches.
• Row 43 (Hip Increase): K10, Inc, K20, Inc, K10. (44 sts)
• Row 44: Purl.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): K11, Inc, K20, Inc, K11. (46 sts)
• Rows 46-65: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the bunny’s tummy.
• Row 66 (Decrease): *K8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 sts, K6. (42 sts)
• Row 67: Purl.
• Row 68 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 69-72: Work straight.
• Row 73 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 74: Purl.
• Row 75 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 76: Purl. This marks the neck.

Head

Continue with Yarn A from the neck stitches.

• Row 77 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 78: Purl.
• Row 79 (Increase): *K2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 80: Purl.
• Row 81 (Increase): *K7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Rows 82-102: Work straight in stockinette stitch to form the height of the face.
• Row 103 (Decrease): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 104: Purl.
• Row 105 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
• Row 106: Purl.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 108: Purl.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 110 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 111 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
• Row 112 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
• Row 113: K2tog across. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining loops, pull tight, and secure. Sew the back seam of the head and body using mattress stitch, stuffing firmly as you go. Pay extra attention to stuffing the neck so the head doesn’t wobble.

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Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A.

• Row 1: Cast on 10 sts.
• Row 2: Inc in every st. (20 sts)
• Rows 3-25: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 26: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (15 sts)
• Row 27: Purl.
• Row 28: K2tog across to last st, K1. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, sew side seam. Stuff lightly.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy. Use Yarn A.

• Row 1: Cast on 14 sts.
• Rows 2-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, K10, K2tog. (12 sts)
• Row 44: Purl.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, K8, K2tog. (10 sts)
• Row 46: Purl.
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, K6, K2tog. (8 sts)
• Row 48: Purl.
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, K4, K2tog. (6 sts)
• Row 50: Purl.
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, K2, K2tog. (4 sts)
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Strawberry Dress

This dress features a hemline that mimics strawberry leaves and a body speckled with seeds.

Skirt

Using Yarn D (Leaf Green), cast on 60 sts.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Leaf Pattern): *K2, YO, K1, YO, K2*, repeat to end. (80 sts)
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: *K3, YO, K1, YO, K3*, repeat to end. (100 sts)
• Row 6: Purl.
• Change to Yarn B (Rose Pink).
• Row 7 (Decrease to shape): *K3, K2tog*, repeat across to reduce bulk slightly. (80 sts)
• Row 8: Purl.
• Rows 9-34: Work in stockinette stitch (Pink).

Seed Embroidery Note: While working the pink section, you can either knit in small red stitches (Fair Isle) or, for a cleaner look, embroider them later using Red floss and simple straight stitches or “V” stitches scattered randomly.

• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (60 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (40 sts)
• Row 38: Purl.
• Row 39 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)

Bodice

• Rows 40-44: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 45 (Armholes): K5, cast off 4 sts, K12, cast off 4 sts, K5.
• Row 46: P5, cast on 4 sts, P12, cast on 4 sts, P5. (30 sts)
• Rows 47-50: Work straight.
• Row 51: Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 52: Cast off loosely.

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

Part 3: The Cable Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Dark Rose) and features a cable panel on the front.

Back

Cast on 26 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows. (22 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 15 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 5 (Cable Set Up): K2, P1, K4, P1, K7.
• Row 6: P7, K1, P4, K1, P2.
• Row 7 (Cable Twist): K2, P1, C4F, P1, K7.
• Row 8: Repeat Row 6.
• Rows 9-20: Continue pattern, twisting cable every 4th or 6th row as desired.
• Row 21: Cast off 2 sts (armhole), work pattern to end.
• Row 30: Cast off 5 sts (neck).
• Row 31: Dec 1 st at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping and cable placement (K7, P1, K4, P1, K2).

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 16 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 16. (20 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches along the front edges and knit 2 rows of garter stitch for the button band.

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Part 4: The Strawberry Beret

This hat is knitted in Yarn C (Red) with Yarn D (Green) leaves on top.

• Brim: Using Yarn C, cast on 44 sts.
• Rows 1-5: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 6 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (66 sts)
• Row 7: Purl.
• Rows 8-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (55 sts)
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (44 sts)
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (33 sts)
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (22 sts)
• Row 26: K2tog across. (11 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew back seam.
Leaves: Using Yarn D (Green), cast on 5 sts. Knit 5 rows. Decrease 1 st at each end of next row. K3tog. Fasten off. Make 3 or 4 leaves and sew them to the center top of the beret. Add a small I-cord stem in the center.

Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn E (Brown).

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around the three sides of the sole.
• Rows 1-4: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 5 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K8, (K2tog) 2 times, K8. (18 sts)
• Row 8: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam.

Strap: Pick up 3 sts on one side of the shoe opening. Knit a strip long enough to reach the other side. Cast off and sew in place.

Part 6: Accessories

The Garden Snail

Using US 2 needles.

• Body: Using Yarn A (Beige), cast on 4 sts. Work I-cord for 3 inches. Cast off.

  Insert a pipe cleaner if you want it to hold a shape, or stuff lightly. Bend one end up for the head. Embroider eyes.

• Shell: Using Yarn F (Variegated or Scrap color), cast on 6 sts.

  Knit in Garter stitch for 6 inches. Cast off.

  Roll the strip tightly into a spiral and stitch in place to hold the shape. Sew the shell onto the back of the body.

Basket of Jam

Using Yarn E (Brown).

• Basket: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 20 rows (Garter). Cast off.

  Fold in half and sew side seams to make a pouch/basket shape.

  Handle: Cast on 3 sts. Knit 4 inches. Sew to sides.

• Contents: Knit small colorful bobbles (Red, Purple) to represent jam jar lids or flowers and sew them peeking out of the top of the basket.

Part 7: Assembly and Finishing

1. Stuffing: Stuff the bunny’s legs, body, and head firmly. Ensure the neck is very stiff so the head doesn’t droop.
2. Seaming: Use mattress stitch for the back of the legs, body, and head. This creates an invisible seam which is professional and neat.
3. Face Details:
   • Eyes: Insert safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spaced about 9 stitches apart.
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery thread, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth.
4. Attaching Parts:
   • Ears: Fold the cast-on edge of the ear slightly in half and sew to the side of the head, level with the eyes, so they drape downwards.
   • Arms: Sew the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam.
5. Dressing:
   • Put the shoes on the feet.
   • Put the strawberry dress on the bunny.
   • Put the cable cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the beret on the head.
   • Place the basket and snail near the bunny to complete the garden scene.

Your Rosewater Strawberry Garden Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of summer warmth and harvest joy, perfect for display.