Welcome to the serene and blossoming world of the Sweet Alyssum Windowbox Bunny. This intricate project brings to life a dedicated little gardener who spends her days tending to her prize-winning blooms. Dressed in a pristine white dress featuring a fair isle yoke of alyssum flowers and a skirt dotted with texture, she is the picture of spring freshness. Her outfit is completed with a classic white cardigan, sturdy gardening shoes, and a stunning lilac lace bonnet adorned with fresh flowers. She is prepared for a day’s work with her trusty green backpack, gardening gloves, a silver watering can, and a window box overflowing with colorful blooms. She is even joined by a fluffy lamb companion. This heirloom-quality doll is designed to be a treasured keepsake. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the crisp, professional finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the best materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture. For the delicate colorwork on the dress and the structure of the accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality blend to ensure the stitch definition is sharp. Before you begin, take a moment to check your knitting supplies; ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for assembly, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to cultivate this beautiful project, 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

The Sweet Alyssum Windowbox Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches (34 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be sturdy, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for precise shaping. The outfit is intricate and features advanced techniques such as stranded colorwork (Fair Isle), lace knitting, and bobbles. The dress combines a scalloped hem with a floral yoke. The accessories are numerous: a structured backpack with a flap, a rectangular window box planter, a shaped watering can, tiny gloves, and a loop-stitch sheep.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in White or Cream.
• Yarn B (Dress & Cardigan): 80g DK weight yarn in Bright White.
• Yarn C (Hat & Yoke Flowers): 40g DK weight yarn in Lilac or Lavender.
• Yarn D (Backpack, Gloves, Leaves): 30g DK weight yarn in Sage Green or Leaf Green.
• Yarn E (Window Box & Backpack Trim): 20g DK weight yarn in Medium Brown.
• Yarn F (Watering Can): 20g DK weight yarn in Grey or Silver.
• Yarn G (Sheep): 20g DK weight yarn in White (Bouclé is optional, or use plain yarn with loop stitch).
• Scrap Yarns: Pink, Yellow, Purple for tiny flowers.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and main clothing. US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories to create a tight fabric.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for sheep eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose), stitch holders, small buttons, a tiny bell for the sheep (optional).

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).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• MB (Make Bobble): (K1, yo, K1, yo, K1) into next st, turn, P5, turn, K5, turn, P5, turn, K5, pass 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th sts over 1st st.
• Loop Stitch: Knit into stitch but keep on left needle, bring yarn forward, wrap around thumb to make loop, bring yarn back, knit into stitch again, pass first stitch over second to lock loop.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side

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.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (White), 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 15-42: 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 43 (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 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): K10, Inc, K20, Inc, K10. (44 sts)
• Row 46: Purl.
• Row 47 (Hip Increase): K11, Inc, K20, Inc, K11. (46 sts)
• Rows 48-68: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the bunny’s tummy.
• Row 69 (Decrease): *K8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 sts, K6. (42 sts)
• Row 70: Purl.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 72-76: Work straight.
• Row 77 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 78: Purl.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 80: Purl. This marks the neck.

Head

Continue with Yarn A from the neck stitches.

• Row 81 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 82: Purl.
• Row 83 (Increase): *K2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 84: Purl.
• Row 85 (Increase): *K7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch to form the height of the face.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 108: Purl.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
• Row 110: Purl.
• Row 111 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 112: Purl.
• Row 113 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 114 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 115 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
• Row 116 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
• Row 117: 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.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A.

• Row 1: Cast on 10 sts.
• Row 2: Inc in every st. (20 sts)
• Rows 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 27: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (15 sts)
• Row 28: Purl.
• Row 29: K2tog across to last st, K1. (8 sts)

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

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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 Alyssum Dress

This dress features a scalloped hem, bobble texture on the skirt, and a Fair Isle floral yoke.

Skirt

Using Yarn B (White), cast on 72 sts.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Scallop Hem): *K1, YO, K4, SK2P, K4, YO*, repeat to end.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: Repeat Row 3.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Rows 7-10: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 11 (Bobble Row): *K5, MB (Make Bobble), K6*, repeat to end.
• Rows 12-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 17 (Offset Bobble): *K11, MB*, repeat to end.
• Rows 18-34: Continue in stockinette stitch, adding bobble rows every 6th row, alternating placement.
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (45 sts)

Floral Yoke

Begin stranded colorwork using Yarn C (Lilac) and Yarn D (Green). Carry yarns loosely across the back.

• Row 38: Purl in White.
• Row 39 (Stems): *K2 White, K1 Green, K2 White*, repeat to end.
• Row 40: *P1 White, P1 Green, P1 White, P1 Green, P1 White*, repeat to end.
• Row 41 (Flowers): *K1 White, K3 Lilac, K1 White*, repeat to end.
• Row 42: *P2 Lilac, P1 White, P2 Lilac*, repeat to end.
• Row 43: *K1 White, K3 Lilac, K1 White*, repeat to end.
• Row 44: Purl in White.
• Row 45 (Armholes): Using White only: K8, cast off 4 sts, K21, cast off 4 sts, K8.
• Row 46: P8, cast on 4 sts, P21, cast on 4 sts, P8. (45 sts)
• Rows 47-50: Work in stockinette stitch.
• 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 White Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn B (White) and features a simple classic cut.

Back

Cast on 30 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. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 16 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21: Cast off 2 sts at armhole edge.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Rows 23-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 sts at neck edge.
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31: Dec 1 st at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 18 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 16. (22 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 3 rows of garter stitch for the button band. Sew small white buttons.

Part 4: The Lace Bonnet

This hat is knitted in Yarn C (Lilac) and features a beautiful lace pattern.

• Brim: Cast on 50 sts.
• Rows 1-4: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 5 (Lace Pattern): *K1, YO, K2, SK2P, K2, YO*, repeat to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: *K2, YO, K1, SK2P, K1, YO, K1*, repeat to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 8: Purl.
• Rows 9-16: Repeat rows 5-8 twice more.
• Rows 17-22: Work in stockinette stitch for the crown.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (40 sts)
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts)
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (20 sts)
• Row 28: K2tog across. (10 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew back seam.

Decorations: Knit tiny flowers using White, Yellow, and Green yarn.

Flower: Cast on 4 sts. *Kfb*, repeat to end (8 sts). Bind off. Roll into a bud. Sew 3 flowers to the side of the bonnet.

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Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn A (White) with Yarn C (Lilac) accent.

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around three sides.
• Rows 1-5: Stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Row 7: Purl.
• Row 8 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 2 times, K8. (18 sts)
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam. Sew a small lilac flower to the side of each shoe.

Strap: Crochet a small chain or knit a thin strip and sew across the foot.

Part 6: Gardening Accessories

The Backpack

Using Yarn D (Green) and Yarn E (Brown).

• Base: With Brown, cast on 12 sts. Knit 4 rows.
• Body: Change to Green. Work in stockinette for 3 inches.
• Flap: Knit the first 12 stitches for 1.5 inches. Cast off. (Fold this down).
• Assembly: Sew side seams. Add brown straps using I-cord. Sew a small buckle or button on the front.

The Window Box

Using Yarn E (Brown).

• Base: Cast on 15 sts. Knit a rectangle 3 inches long.
• Sides: Pick up stitches around the perimeter. Knit 1 inch in basketweave stitch (K2, P2). Cast off.
• Soil: Knit a flat brown rectangle to fit inside.
• Flowers: Knit tiny flowers (cast on 5, bind off) in various colors and sew them onto the “soil” piece. Stuff the box lightly and sew the soil piece on top.

Watering Can

Using Yarn F (Grey).

• Body: Cast on 15 sts. Work stockinette for 1.5 inches. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff. Sew bottom seam.
• Spout: Cast on 6 sts. Knit 1 inch. Cast off. Sew to side.
• Handle: I-cord arc sewn to top and back.

Gardening Gloves (Make 2)

Using Yarn D (Green).

• Cast on 10 sts. Work 4 rows ribbing.
• Work 6 rows stockinette.
• Thumb: Inc in 4th stitch. Work 2 rows. Bind off 2 thumb stitches.
• Work 4 more rows. Bind off. Sew seams to create a mitten shape with a separate thumb.

The Lamb

Using Yarn G (White).

• Body: Cast on 10 sts. Inc to 20. Work 15 rows in Loop Stitch (create loops on RS rows). K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff.
• Head: Using plain stockinette, cast on 8 sts. Inc to 16. Work 5 rows. Dec to 8. Draw through. Sew to body.
• Legs (Make 4): I-cord for 1 inch. Sew to bottom.
• Ears: Cast on 2 sts. Knit 3 rows. Bind off. Sew to head.
• Attach a tiny bell around the neck.

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.
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 dress on the bunny.
   • Put the cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the bonnet on the head.
   • Put the backpack on her back.
   • Arrange the window box, watering can, gloves, and sheep around her.

Your Sweet Alyssum Windowbox Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of spring renewal and gardening joy.