The Daffodil & Lamb Bunny project captures the serene essence of a springtime meadow. This exquisite knitted character features a soft, taupe-colored rabbit dressed in a pastoral ensemble of spring green and buttercup yellow. Her dress is a standout piece, meticulously adorned with 3D knitted daffodils that encircle the hemline. Over this, she wears a cozy cream-colored cardigan with delicate pockets featuring miniature lamb motifs. The look is completed with a ruffled yellow bonnet and matching shoes. To achieve the professional, heirloom-quality finish seen in the image, many crafters choose to buy premium wool-blend yarns that offer superior stitch definition. When you purchase high-quality materials, you ensure that the intricate details, such as the textured lamb wool and the delicate flower trumpets, remain crisp and beautiful for years to come. This design is perfect for those who appreciate the fine art of miniature knitting and character creation.

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

Required Materials and Specialized Tools

Selecting the appropriate fibers is the most critical step in ensuring your finished bunny looks identical to the one pictured. For the bunny’s skin, a light brown or taupe DK-weight yarn is necessary. You will need approximately 100g of this base color. For her wardrobe, gather 50g of sage or spring green for the dress, 50g of cream for the cardigan, and 50g of bright yellow for the bonnet and shoes. Small amounts of white and black are needed for the lamb motifs and the bird-like bottle detail.

The needles recommended for this project are 2.75mm (US 2) and 3.25mm (US 3). Using smaller needles than standard for DK yarn is a deliberate technique to create a dense, firm fabric that hides the internal stuffing. You will need double-pointed needles for the limbs and a pair of straight needles for the flat-knitted clothing components. Additional supplies include 9mm black safety eyes, premium polyester fiberfill, a sharp tapestry needle, and a small amount of pink embroidery thread for the nose. For the lamb pet, a shaggy or bouclé yarn in white will help replicate the textured wool effect.

Stitch Abbreviations and Essential Techniques

The following terms are used throughout this guide. Consistency in tension is paramount for the clothing to fit the bunny body snugly. It is recommended to check your gauge frequently, especially when transitioning between different yarn brands.

• k: Knit
• p: Purl
• sts: Stitches
• rnd: Round
• kfb: Knit into front and back of the same stitch (increase)
• m1: Make one stitch by lifting the horizontal bar between stitches (increase)
• k2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
• ssk: Slip, slip, knit the two slipped stitches together (decrease)
• st-st: Stockinette stitch (Knit on RS, Purl on WS)
• RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side
• I-cord: A narrow knitted tube worked on two needles

Bunny Body: Foundation and Leg Construction

The rabbit is built from the ground up, starting with the legs which are eventually joined to form the torso. This method creates a seamless transition and a stable base for the bunny to stand or sit.

The Right Leg

Using the taupe yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. We will work in the round to avoid bulky seams on the legs.
Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnds 3-10: Knit all stitches. This builds the foot area.
Rnd 11: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shapes the instep.
Rnd 12: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
Rnds 13-42: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the height of the leg. Ensure you stuff the foot area very firmly as you work. Leave these stitches on a holder.

The Left Leg

Repeat the exact instructions for the right leg. Do not break the yarn after Round 42. We will use the working yarn from the left leg to begin the joining round for the body.

Constructing the Torso and Hips

Joining the legs requires careful alignment. The “crotch” gap is created by casting on new stitches between the two leg pieces.

Rnd 43: Knit across the 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches, knit across the 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on 4 stitches (56 sts total).
Rnds 44-58: Knit all stitches in the round. This section creates the rounded hips and lower belly.
Rnd 59: *k12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
Rnds 60-65: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 66: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnds 67-72: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 73: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnds 74-78: Knit all stitches. Begin stuffing the lower body firmly.
Rnd 79: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Rnd 80: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 81: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
Rnd 82: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the neck. Do not bind off; we will proceed directly to the head.

The Bunny Head and Snout Shaping

The head requires specific increases to create the broad cheeks and the slightly elongated nose bridge seen in the reference image.

Rnd 83: *k2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 84: *k3, kfb* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 85: *k4, kfb* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 86: *k5, kfb* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 87: *k6, kfb* repeat around (64 sts).
Rnds 88-105: Knit all stitches. This builds the main volume of the head.
Insert the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 96 and 97, leaving about 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level with each other.
Rnd 106: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 107: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 108: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 109: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 110: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts). Begin stuffing the head very firmly, using your fingers to push the stuffing into the cheek areas to create a symmetrical, plump face.
Rnd 111: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Rnd 112: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Rnd 113: k2tog around (8 sts). Break yarn and pull through the remaining stitches to close tightly.

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Ears and Arms

The ears are long and floppy, while the arms are slender enough to rest naturally at the bunny’s sides.

The Bunny Ears (Make 2)

Using taupe yarn and working flat on straight needles:
Cast on 12 stitches.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch. This creates a long, rectangular strip.
Row 46: k2tog, k8, ssk (10 sts).
Row 47: Purl all.
Row 48: k2tog, k6, ssk (8 sts).
Row 49: Purl all.
Row 50: k2tog, k4, ssk (6 sts).
Row 51: k2tog, k2, ssk (4 sts).
Bind off all stitches. When attaching to the head, fold the bottom edge slightly to give the ear depth and sew them to the crown between rounds 110 and 112.

Slender Arms (Make 2)

Cast on 10 stitches in taupe yarn. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-38: Knit all stitches. Stuff the bottom (paw area) firmly and the upper half lightly.
Rnd 39: *k3, k2tog* (8 sts).
Rnd 40: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Sew to the body just below the neck line at Round 82.

The Spring Green A-Line Dress

The dress is worked in a vibrant green and features a flared skirt that showcases the daffodil decorations.

Using green yarn, cast on 80 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This allows the hem to stay flat or roll slightly depending on preference.
Rnds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch.
Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *k8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Rnd 32: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
Rnd 33: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 34: Knit all stitches. This is the waistline.
Rnds 35-42: Knit all stitches for the bodice.
Divide for armholes: Knit 10, bind off 4, knit 20, bind off 4, knit 10.
Work the front and back sections separately flat for 8 more rows, then bind off. Sew the shoulder seams together, leaving a wide opening for the head.

3D Daffodil Embroidery and Trumpets

To create the flowers on the skirt, we use a combination of knitted petals and small tubes for the centers.

Daffodil Petals (Make 6 flowers)

For each flower, you need 5 petals. Cast on 4 stitches in yellow yarn. Knit 4 rows of stockinette. Row 5: k2tog twice. Bind off. Arrange 5 petals in a circle and sew them to the green skirt near the hem.

The Trumpet (Center)

Cast on 6 stitches in bright yellow yarn. Join in the round. Knit 3 rounds. Bind off loosely. This creates a tiny cup or tube. Sew this into the center of the 5 petals. Repeat this process for each of the six flowers around the hem of the dress.

The Cream Lamb Cardigan

The cardigan is a classic layer that provides warmth and detail to the character’s outfit.

Back Panel: Cast on 28 stitches in cream yarn. Work 24 rows in stockinette stitch. Bind off.
Front Panels (Make 2): Cast on 14 stitches. Work 24 rows. On one panel, at Row 12, create a small buttonhole by: k2, yo, k2tog, k to end.
Sleeves: Cast on 16 stitches. Work 20 rows in stockinette. Bind off.
Pockets: Cast on 8 stitches. Work 8 rows. On the surface of the pocket, use white shaggy yarn to embroider a small lamb face or use the duplicate stitch technique. Sew the pockets to the front panels before assembling the cardigan.

Lamb Motif Details

Use black thread to add tiny eyes and a nose to the white shaggy lamb motifs on the pockets. This brings the “lamb” theme to life on the clothing. After the pockets are ready, sew the shoulder and side seams of the cardigan and attach the sleeves.

The Buttercup Yellow Ruffled Bonnet

The bonnet frames the bunny’s face and features a distinct ruffled edge that matches the image exactly.

Cast on 40 stitches in yellow yarn. Work flat.
Rows 1-12: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 13 (Increase for Ruffle): *k1, m1* repeat across the row (80 sts).
Rows 14-16: Knit all stitches. This creates the gathered ruffle effect.
Bind off all stitches loosely.
The Ties: Cast on 3 stitches. Work a 10-inch I-cord. Make two. Sew one to each side of the bonnet so it can be tied under the bunny’s chin.

Yellow Mary Jane Shoes

Make two shoes. They are knitted as separate items that slide onto the taupe feet.

Cast on 20 stitches with yellow yarn. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts).
Rnd 6: Bind off all stitches.
The Strap: Cast on 8 stitches, bind off immediately. Sew the strap across the top opening of the shoe. Slip onto the bunny’s feet and secure with a small stitch if necessary.

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The Miniature Textured Lamb Pet

This tiny companion is knitted using a shaggy white yarn to represent wool and taupe yarn for the face and legs.

Lamb Body: Using shaggy white yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round and knit for 12 rounds. Stuff firmly and sew both ends shut to form an oval shape.
Lamb Head: Using taupe yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Increase to 12. Knit 4 rounds. Decrease and close. Sew to the white body.
Lamb Legs: Cast on 4 taupe stitches. Knit 4 rows. Make four and sew to the bottom of the body. Use black thread to add eyes to the lamb face.

The Accessory Baby Bottle

A small but significant detail, the bottle is a simple cylinder with a bird-like cap.

Using white yarn, cast on 8 stitches. Join in the round. Knit 8 rounds. Change to blue for 1 round (the ring). Change to pink for 2 rounds (the nipple). Bind off and sew the bottom shut, stuffing it lightly. Place near the lamb or stitch it to the bunny’s hand.

Final Assembly and Facial Details

The secret to a 100% accurate character is in the alignment of the parts. Once all the limbs are attached to the body, dress the bunny in her green daffodil dress first. Place the cream cardigan over it and secure with a small button. Tie the yellow bonnet under her chin, ensuring her long ears poke out from the sides naturally.

The Face: Centered between the safety eyes, use pink embroidery thread to stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. The nose should be roughly level with the bottom of the eyes. You may apply a tiny bit of actual pink blush or a colored pencil to the cheeks to give her a soft, healthy glow.

Place the miniature lamb next to her feet and position the baby bottle. Check all your seams for any gaps and ensure all loose yarn ends are tucked deep into the stuffing. Your Daffodil & Lamb Bunny is now finished, standing as a beautiful testament to your patience and skill.

Professional Care and Maintenance

Because this doll features various textures including 3D flowers, shaggy lamb wool, and delicate ruffles, it requires specific care to maintain its pristine appearance. Heirloom dolls are best displayed in a dust-free environment, but if handling occurs, follow these preservation steps.

Washing the Character

Hand washing is the only recommended method for this doll. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent specifically formulated for delicate knits. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding excessive agitation. Do not scrub the 3D daffodils or the lamb’s wool as this can cause pilling or matting of the fibers. Let the bunny soak for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

To dry, place the doll between two thick, clean towels and press gently to remove excess moisture. Never wring or twist the doll, as this will distort the internal stuffing and ruin the shape of the head. Lay the bunny flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant yellow and green yarns. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse to keep the cream cardigan and taupe skin feeling exceptionally soft.

Reshaping After Storage

If the bunny has been stored for a long period, the 3D daffodils may become flattened. Simply use your fingers or a small knitting needle to “pop” the yellow trumpets back into their round shape. For the lamb pet, a soft-bristled brush can be used to gently fluff the shaggy yarn back into a woolly state. By following these maintenance tips, your Daffodil & Lamb Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for generations to come.