Welcome to the enchanting world of the Wisteria Garden-Party Bunny. This whimsical project captures the magic of a twilight garden in full bloom, featuring a unique lavender-hued rabbit character who embodies the spirit of spring flora. Dressed in an exquisite purple dress with a lace hem and wisteria motif, a textured bolero, and a wide-brimmed sun hat, she is ready to capture the beauty of nature with her vintage camera. She is accompanied by a cheerful bluebird friend and a basket of gardening essentials. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for collectors and nature lovers alike. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the soft, ethereal finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the perfect color palette. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a soft lilac or lavender shade for the bunny’s skin to create that distinct, magical look. For the intricate clothing, such as the lace skirt and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the embroidery stands out. 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 Wisteria Garden-Party 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 of the curves. The outfit is intricate and features advanced techniques such as lace knitting, bobbles, and stranded colorwork (Fair Isle). The dress is the highlight, featuring a scalloped lace hem and a bodice adorned with hanging wisteria blooms. The accessories include a structured sun hat, a vintage-style camera, a watering can, and a bluebird.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Lavender or Lilac.
• Yarn B (Dress Main & Hat): 60g DK weight yarn in Pale Purple or Thistle.
• Yarn C (Dress Contrast & Leaves): 30g DK weight yarn in Mint Green or Sage.
• Yarn D (Wisteria Blooms): 20g DK weight yarn in Deep Purple or Violet.
• Yarn E (Camera): 20g DK weight yarn in Pink and Grey.
• Yarn F (Bluebird & Watering Can): 20g DK weight yarn in Sky Blue.
• 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 bird 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.
• 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.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.

Part 1: The Lavender 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. Note that this bunny uses a unique lavender color for the skin.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Lavender), 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. 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 3-26: 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 Wisteria Lace Dress

This dress is the centerpiece of the outfit. It features a green hem, a lace and bobble skirt, and a wisteria colorwork bodice.

Skirt

Using Yarn C (Mint Green), cast on 72 sts.

• Rows 1-4: Knit (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• Change to Yarn B (Pale Purple).
• Row 5: Knit.
• Row 6: Purl.

Lace and Bobble Band:

Row 7 (Lace): *K2, YO, K2tog, K2*, repeat to end.

Row 8: Purl.

Row 9 (Bobbles): *K5, MB (Make Bobble), K6*, repeat to end.

Row 10: Purl.

Row 11 (Lace): *K2tog, YO, K2, YO, SSK*, repeat to end.

Rows 12-16: Work in stockinette stitch.

Waistband:

Change to Yarn C (Mint Green).

Rows 17-20: Knit (Garter Stitch).

Row 21 (Waist Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (60 sts)

Wisteria Bodice

Change back to Yarn B (Pale Purple).

Join Yarn D (Deep Purple) and Yarn C (Green) for the motif.

• Rows 22-30: Work a Fair Isle pattern depicting hanging wisteria.

  Concept: Use Green for the top “vine” row near the neck, and Deep Purple for hanging clusters of “grapes” or flowers below.

  Example Row 1: *K2 Purple, K1 Green, K2 Purple*.

  Example Row 2: *P1 Purple, P1 D-Purple, P1 Purple, P1 D-Purple, P1 Purple*.

• Rows 31-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Pale Purple.
• Row 35 (Armholes): K8, cast off 4 sts, K24, cast off 4 sts, K8.
• Row 36: P8, cast on 4 sts, P24, cast on 4 sts, P8. (60 sts)
• Row 37: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (45 sts)
• Row 38: Purl.
• Row 39: Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 40: 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 Wide-Brim Sun Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Pale Purple) with a Mint Green band.

• Brim: Cast on 60 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Knit (Garter Stitch) to create a structured brim that holds its shape.
• Row 7 (Band): Change to Yarn C (Mint Green). Knit 2 rows.
• Row 9: Change back to Yarn B (Pale Purple). Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 10 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. (50 sts)
• Row 11: Purl.
• Row 12 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (40 sts)
• Row 13: Purl.
• Row 14 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts)
• Row 15: Purl.
• Row 16 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (20 sts)
• Row 17: K2tog across. (10 sts)

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

Part 4: Ballet Shoes

Using Yarn B (Pale Purple).

• 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.

Ribbons: Use white embroidery floss or thin yarn to create the criss-cross ballet straps up the ankle.

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Part 5: Accessories

Vintage Camera

Using Yarn E (Pink) and Grey.

• Body: Cast on 12 sts in Pink. Work stockinette for 2 inches. Cast off.

  Knit a long strip for the sides/bottom (4 sts wide). Sew together to make a box shape. Stuff firmly.

• Lens: Using Grey, cast on 16 sts. Knit 4 rows. Cast off. Sew short ends to make a ring. Sew to front of camera. Stuff slightly.
• Strap: Knit a long I-cord in Pink.

The Bluebird

Using Yarn F (Sky Blue), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 4 sts. Inc to 12. Work 6 rows stockinette.

  Dec to 6 sts. Draw through. Stuff to make a round body.

• Tail: Pick up 3 sts at the back. Knit 4 rows. Cast off.
• Wings: Cast on 3 sts. Knit 4 rows. Dec 1 st at each end. Cast off. Sew to sides.
• Beak: Embroider with orange/yellow.

Watering Can

Using Yarn F (Sky Blue).

• Can: 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.

Basket

Using Yarn E (Beige/Tan).

• Base: Cast on 10 sts. Knit a square.
• Sides: Pick up stitches around base. Knit 1.5 inches. Cast off.
• Handle: Knit a strip and attach.

Part 6: 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 ballet shoes on the feet and tie the ribbons.
   • Put the wisteria dress on the bunny.
   • Put the bolero cardigan (if made, or just the dress as sleeves are long) on.
   • Place the sun hat on the head.
   • Hang the camera over her shoulder.
   • Place the watering can, basket, and bluebird nearby.

Your Wisteria Garden-Party Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of magical twilight beauty.