The Sweet Pea & Butterfly Bunny is a masterpiece of garden-inspired design, capturing the delicate elegance of climbing sweet peas and the ephemeral beauty of a garden butterfly. This character is dressed in a soft pink dress featuring detailed floral embroidery that winds around the hem, paired with a charming lilac vest accented by a tiny butterfly motif. A coordinating pink bonnet and light purple Mary Jane shoes complete her outfit, while a large, realistic knitted butterfly perches gracefully on her arm. For crafters who wish to achieve this heirloom quality, it is essential to buy premium extra-fine merino wool to ensure the embroidery stands out and the texture remains soft for years. Choosing to purchase specific pastel shades of DK weight yarn will guarantee your finished bunny matches the serene, springtime aesthetic seen in the reference images. This project is a rewarding journey into texture, colorwork, and miniature assembly.

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

Essential Materials and Tools for Success

Selecting the right materials is the first step toward creating a doll that looks 100% like the professional version. Texture and weight play a crucial role in how the clothing drapes over the bunny’s body. For the best results, use a high-quality DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn throughout the project.

• Yarn Colors:
  • Oatmeal/Light Beige: 100g (For the bunny’s skin and body).
  • Soft Rose Pink: 50g (For the dress and the bonnet).
  • Lavender/Lilac: 50g (For the vest and matching shoes).
  • Forest Green: 20g (For the embroidered sweet pea vines).
  • Bright Pink and Deep Purple: Scraps (For sweet pea flower petals).
  • White and Black: Scraps (For the butterfly wings and detailing).
• Needles: 2.75mm (US 2) and 3.25mm (US 3). Using smaller needles than standard for DK yarn creates a tighter fabric that prevents stuffing from peeking through.
• Notions: 9mm black safety eyes, premium polyester fiberfill, a sharp embroidery needle, a tapestry needle for assembly, and two tiny buttons for the vest.
• Special Detail: A small amount of pink cosmetic blush for the bunny’s cheeks.

Knitting Abbreviations and Terminology

Before casting on, familiarize yourself with these standard terms used in this guide. Consistent tension is the secret to a professional finish.

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• st-st: stockinette stitch
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch (increase)
• m1: make 1 stitch by lifting the bar between stitches (increase)
• k2tog: knit two stitches together (decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit the two slipped stitches together (decrease)
• RS / WS: Right side / Wrong side
• I-cord: a narrow tube of knitting worked on two needles

Part 1: The Bunny Body Foundation

The bunny is constructed from the feet up. This method creates a sturdy base and allows for seamless joining of the legs to the torso. We use the oatmeal-colored yarn for all body parts.

Knitting the Legs (Make 2)

Cast on 10 stitches using 2.75mm needles. We work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (20 sts).
2. Rnd 2: *k1, kfb* repeat around (30 sts).
3. Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This builds the volume of the foot.
4. Rnd 10: k10, (k2tog) 5 times, k10 (25 sts). This shapes the front curve of the foot.
5. Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 3 times, k9 (22 sts).
6. Rnd 12-40: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the height of the leg.

Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring it has a rounded, solid shape. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately. Leave the stitches for the first leg on a holder. Complete the second leg and keep the yarn attached to proceed with the body join.

The Bunny Torso and Hips

Joining the legs requires careful alignment to ensure the toes point forward.

1. Rnd 41: Knit across 22 stitches of the second leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center, knit across 22 stitches of the first leg, and cast on 4 stitches for the back (52 sts total).
2. Rnd 42-55: Knit all stitches in the round. This establishes the rounded hips.
3. Rnd 56: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
4. Rnd 57-63: Knit all stitches.
5. Rnd 64: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
6. Rnd 65-70: Knit all stitches. Stuff the body firmly as you work upward.
7. Rnd 71: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
8. Rnd 72: Knit all stitches.
9. Rnd 73: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
10. Rnd 74: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the neck area. Do not bind off.

Part 2: Shaping the Head and Face

The head is worked directly from the neck. We use rapid increases to create broad, plump cheeks, followed by a gradual decrease at the crown.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Head Construction

1. Rnd 75: *k2, m1* repeat around (36 sts).
2. Rnd 76: *k3, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
3. Rnd 77: *k4, m1* repeat around (60 sts).
4. Rnd 78-92: Knit all stitches. This builds the vertical height of the face.
5. Insert safety eyes between Rnd 84 and Rnd 85, roughly 10 stitches apart.
6. Rnd 93: *k8, k2tog* repeat around (54 sts).
7. Rnd 94: Knit all stitches.
8. Rnd 95: *k7, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
9. Rnd 96: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
10. Start stuffing the head very firmly. Focus on the cheek areas to ensure symmetry.
11. Rnd 97: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
12. Rnd 98: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
13. Rnd 99: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
14. Rnd 100: k2tog around (8 sts).

Cut the yarn, thread the tail through the remaining stitches, and pull tightly to close the head. Weave in the end.

Part 3: Bunny Ears and Arms

Long Upright Ears (Make 2)

The ears are worked flat and then sewn to the crown of the head. This gives them a natural, expressive look.

1. Cast on 12 stitches in oatmeal yarn.
2. Rows 1-35: Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS).
3. Row 36: k2tog, k8, ssk (10 sts).
4. Row 37: Purl all.
5. Row 38: k2tog, k6, ssk (8 sts).
6. Row 39: Purl all.
7. Row 40: k2tog, k4, ssk (6 sts).
8. Bind off all stitches.

Fold the bottom edge of the ear slightly and sew it to the top of the head at Rnd 98. Space them about 4 stitches apart.

Slender Arms (Make 2)

The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally or hold the butterfly.

1. Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1-35: Knit all stitches.
3. Rnd 36: *k3, k2tog* repeat (8 sts).
4. Rnd 37: k2tog around (4 sts).

Thread yarn through stitches and fasten. Stuff the hand area firmly and the rest of the arm lightly. Sew to the body at Rnd 73.

Part 4: The Soft Rose Pink Dress

The dress features a simple A-line silhouette that provides a smooth surface for the sweet pea embroidery. We use the rose pink yarn and 3.25mm needles.

Dress Construction

1. Cast on 72 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1-5: Knit all stitches. This establishes the hem.
3. Rnd 6-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the skirt.
4. Rnd 31 (Waist): *k7, k2tog* repeat around (64 sts).
5. Rnd 32: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
6. Rnd 33: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
7. Rnd 34-40: Knit all stitches for the bodice.
8. Rnd 41: k10, bind off 4 stitches for the armhole, k20, bind off 4 stitches, k10.

Work the front and back panels separately flat for 6 rows each, then bind off. Sew the shoulder seams, leaving a wide opening for the head.

Sweet Pea Embroidery Guide

This is the most detailed part of the outfit. Use forest green for the stems and pinks/purples for the blooms.

• Vines: Use a stem stitch to create a meandering green line that starts at the hem and curves upward and outward.
• Leaves: Add small lazy-daisy stitches in green along the vine.
• Blossoms: At the tip of the vines, create small clusters of petals. Use a bullion knot or three straight stitches in a fan shape using bright pink or purple yarn. Add a tiny French knot in the center of each blossom for depth.

Part 5: The Lilac Vest and Butterfly Motif

The vest is a cropped, open-front garment that adds a layer of texture to the bunny’s wardrobe.

Vest Construction

Using lilac yarn, cast on 30 stitches. Work flat.

1. Row 1-4: k1, p1 ribbing.
2. Row 5: k6 (front), cast on 6 stitches for armhole, k12 (back), cast on 6 stitches, k6 (front).
3. Row 6-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. On the right front panel, work a small butterfly motif using the duplicate stitch technique. Use dark purple for the wings and black for the body.
5. Bind off all stitches. Sew shoulder seams if you worked the pieces separately.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 6: Pink Bonnet and Purple Shoes

The Rose Bonnet

The bonnet is designed to tie securely under the chin, framing the face beautifully.

1. Cast on 40 stitches in pink.
2. Rows 1-15: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Next row: k2tog across (20 sts).
4. Next row: Purl all.
5. Next row: k2tog across (10 sts).
6. Break yarn and pull through. Sew the back seam halfway up to create the bonnet shape.
7. Ties: Cast on 3 stitches in pink and work two 10-inch I-cords. Sew one to each corner of the bonnet.

Light Purple Mary Janes (Make 2)

These shoes fit snugly over the oatmeal feet.

1. Cast on 20 stitches in lilac yarn. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches.
3. Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts).
4. Rnd 6: Bind off 17 sts.
5. Strap: Cast on 8 stitches, bind off immediately. Sew across the top opening of the shoe.

Part 7: The Large Realistic Butterfly Pet

This 3D butterfly is the signature accessory of this design. It consists of four wing sections and a central body.

Wing Sections (Make 2 Top, 2 Bottom)

Top Wings: Cast on 4 stitches in white.

Row 1: kfb into all sts (8 sts).

Row 2-6: Stockinette.

Row 7: Decrease 1 st at each end.

Row 8: Bind off.

Bottom Wings: Cast on 3 stitches. kfb into all (6 sts). Knit 3 rows. Bind off.

Butterfly Body: Cast on 4 stitches in black. Work an I-cord for 2 inches. Bind off.

Assembly of the Butterfly

Sew the wing sections to the black body. Use a tapestry needle and purple/pink yarn to add intricate “veins” to the white wings. Use black thread to create two tiny antennae at the head. Position the butterfly on the bunny’s arm and secure with a few invisible stitches.

Final Assembly and Finishing

The secret to a doll that looks exactly like the image is in the fine details. Follow these steps for the final touch:

1. Facial Embroidery: Use brown embroidery thread to create a tiny “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. It should be centered exactly between the safety eyes.
2. Cheek Blush: Using a cotton swab, apply a tiny amount of pink blush to the cheeks in a circular motion. This adds a youthful, healthy glow.
3. Dressing: Put on the rose pink dress first. Ensure the embroidery is visible and neat. Place the lilac vest over it and secure with the tiny buttons. Tie the bonnet under her chin, making a large, floppy bow.
4. Shoes: Slip the lilac Mary Janes onto the feet. If they feel loose, you can add a tiny drop of fabric glue inside the heel.

Proper Care and Maintenance of Your Knitted Bunny

Because this doll features delicate embroidery and multiple knitted layers, it requires specific care to maintain its pristine appearance. Heirloom dolls are best treated as decorative pieces, but if cleaning is necessary, follow these guidelines to preserve the yarn and the shape.

Washing Guidelines

Hand washing is the only recommended method. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent specifically formulated for wool or delicate knitwear. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing, which can cause pilling or snag the sweet pea embroidery. Let the bunny soak for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

To dry, place the bunny between two clean, thick towels and press gently to remove excess moisture. Never wring or twist the doll, as this will distort the internal stuffing and the knitted structure. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant rose and lilac yarns. Use a fabric softener during the final rinse if you want the fibers to remain exceptionally soft.

Professional Finishing and Display

If the sweet pea blossoms or the butterfly wings become flattened during storage, you can gently reshape them using your fingers or a small knitting needle to “pop” them back into shape. Always store your knitted characters in a dust-free environment, such as a glass-fronted cabinet, to preserve the clarity of the colors and the integrity of the stitches. By following these steps, your Sweet Pea & Butterfly Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for years to come.

Knitting a project of this complexity is a labor of love. Every stitch contributes to a story of patience and artistry. Whether you are adding this to your own collection or gifting it to someone special, the Sweet Pea & Butterfly Bunny is a testament to the beauty of handmade fiber arts.

 

Happy Knitting!

“`