Welcome to the breathtaking heights of the mountains with the Edelweiss Alpine Keepsake Bunny. This adventurous and charming project captures the spirit of a hiker exploring the pristine alpine meadows. Dressed in a traditional dirndl-inspired dress featuring delicate white edelweiss embroidery, a heathered slate-blue cardigan to ward off the mountain chill, and a matching beret, she is ready for a day on the trails. She comes prepared with a vintage-style camera to capture the views, a thermos flask of hot cocoa, and a rugged little marmot companion to share the journey. This heirloom-quality doll is designed to be a treasured keepsake for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the rugged yet refined 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 clothing, such as the heathered wool for the cardigan and the crisp cotton for the dress, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool 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 climb to new crafting heights, 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 Edelweiss Alpine Keepsake 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, featuring colorwork bands and surface embroidery to mimic traditional alpine folk wear. The dress has a scalloped or picot hem and a floral bodice. The accessories are unique: a vintage camera, a vacuum flask, a shoulder satchel, and a small woodland marmot.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in White or Cream.
• Yarn B (Cardigan & Hat): 80g DK weight yarn in Heathered Slate Blue or Grey-Blue.
• Yarn C (Dress Main): 60g DK weight yarn in Light Blue or Sky Blue.
• Yarn D (Shoes & Bag): 30g DK weight yarn in Medium Grey.
• Yarn E (Marmot): 20g DK weight yarn in Walnut Brown.
• Yarn F (Camera & Flask): Scraps of Black, Silver/Grey, and Blue.
• Embroidery Floss: White (for edelweiss petals), Yellow (centers), Green (stems/leaves).
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and main clothing. US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for marmot eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose), stitch holders, small buttons.

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.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.

Part 1: The White 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.

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.

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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 3-26: 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.

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 Alpine Dress

This dress features a picot edge, embroidery at the hem, and a contrasting chest band with flowers.

Skirt

Using Yarn C (Light Blue), cast on 72 sts.

• Row 1 (Picot Hem Setup): Knit 4 rows in stockinette.
• Row 5: *K2tog, YO*, repeat to end.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Rows 7-10: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Hem Assembly: Fold the cast-on edge up to the purl side of Row 11 and knit stitches together to create the picot edge.
• Rows 11-28: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 29 (Embroidery Band): You will later embroider white snowflakes or edelweiss flowers along this section.
• Row 30 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Row 31: Purl.
• Row 32 (Waist Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (45 sts)

Bodice

Change to Yarn B (Slate Blue) to create the bodice band.

• Rows 33-38: Work in stockinette stitch in Slate Blue.
• Row 39: Change back to Yarn C (Light Blue). Work 2 rows.
• Row 41 (Armholes): K8, cast off 4 sts, K21, cast off 4 sts, K8.
• Row 42: P8, cast on 4 sts, P21, cast on 4 sts, P8. (45 sts)
• Rows 43-46: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 47: Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 48: Cast off loosely.

Embroidery: Using White and Yellow embroidery floss, stitch a row of daisy-like flowers across the Slate Blue band on the chest. Stitch larger edelweiss flowers (star shapes with white floss) along the bottom of the skirt.

Part 3: The Heathered Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn B (Slate Blue) and features a simple, rugged texture suitable for hiking.

Back

Cast on 32 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 18 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 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 20 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 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. Embroider a small edelweiss flower on the left pocket area.

Part 4: The Alpine Beret

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Slate Blue) to match the cardigan.

• Brim: Cast on 52 sts.
• Rows 1-6: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 7 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat to end. (78 sts)
• Rows 8-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat to last 6 sts, K6.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 27: *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: K2tog across.

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

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Edelweiss Appliqué: Using White yarn, cast on 5 sts. Knit a small star shape or crochet a simple flower. Sew it to the brim of the beret with a yellow center knot.

Part 5: Hiking Shoes

Using Yarn D (Grey).

• 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.

Strap: Crochet a small chain or knit a thin strip and sew across the foot. Use white yarn to embroider faux stitching or laces.

Part 6: Adventure Accessories

The Camera

Using Yarn F (Black and Silver).

• Body: Cast on 12 sts in Black. Knit a rectangle about 2 inches long. Cast off.

  Knit a second identical rectangle.

  Knit a long strip 1 inch wide to go around the sides/top/bottom. Sew pieces together to form a box. Stuff firmly.

• Lens: Using Silver/Grey, cast on 16 sts. Work 4 rows st st. Cast off. Sew short ends together to make a cylinder. Sew to front of camera. Stuff lightly.
• Details: Embroider buttons with silver yarn. Add a strap using an I-cord.

The Vacuum Flask

Using Yarn B (Blue) and Silver.

• Base: Cast on 8 sts in Blue. Knit 10 rows.
• Body: Pick up 24 sts around base. Work 2 inches in Blue.

  Change to Silver for 1 inch (Neck).

  Change to Blue for 0.5 inch (Cup lid).

  K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff firmly.

• Handle: Knit a small strip and sew to the side.

The Marmot

Using Yarn E (Brown).

• Body: Cast on 10 sts. Inc to 20. Work 10 rows St st. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff to make a chubby oval.
• Head: Pick up 10 sts. Work 5 rows. Dec and draw through.
• Ears: Tiny loop stitches on head.
• Tail: Cast on 4 sts. Knit 2 inches. Sew to back.
• Arms: Knit two small tabs and sew to front so it can “hold” the camera.

Shoulder Bag

Using Yarn D (Grey).

• Main Piece: Cast on 12 sts. Work in Garter Stitch for 5 inches. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom up 2 inches to form a pocket. Sew sides. The top 1 inch folds down as a flap.
• Closure: Sew a small button to the pocket and a loop to the flap.
• Strap: Knit a long I-cord and attach to the sides.

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 dress on the bunny.
   • Put the cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the beret on the head.
   • Hang the bag and camera over her shoulder.
   • Place the flask and marmot nearby to complete the scene.

Your Edelweiss Alpine Keepsake Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of mountain adventure and fresh air.