The Marigold & Green Frog Bunny is a sophisticated project that blends the rustic charm of late summer gardens with the whimsical elements of forest folklore. This character stands as a testament to the beauty of detailed craftsmanship, featuring a vibrant burnt orange dress accented by sunshine yellow marigold embroidery. Her ensemble is layered with a sage green turtleneck vest that boasts a playful hand-embroidered frog face, perfectly coordinating with her tiny amphibian companion. For those looking to achieve a professional, heirloom finish, it is highly recommended to buy premium extra-fine merino wool or organic cotton blends that offer superior stitch definition. When you purchase specific earth-toned palettes, you ensure the color transitions between the terracotta dress and the mossy greens are seamless. This project is a rewarding endeavor for any enthusiast looking to buy high-quality materials and transform them into a unique work of art.

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

To ensure your finished bunny matches the reference image with 100% precision, selecting the correct fiber weights and textures is the most critical step. For the bunny’s skin, an oatmeal or light taupe DK-weight yarn is required to provide a natural, soft appearance. For the wardrobe, you will need several specific shades: a rich burnt orange or terracotta for the dress, a bright pumpkin orange for the hat, a muted sage green for the vest and the large leaf accessory, and a vibrant sunshine yellow for the floral details. Small amounts of dark brown and light yellow are also needed for the shoes and the frog’s facial highlights.

The recommended needles for this design are 2.75mm (US size 2) for the bunny body and 3.25mm (US size 3) for the clothing items. Using a needle size slightly smaller than what is typically recommended for DK yarn creates a dense, firm fabric that prevents the fiberfill from peeking through the stitches. You will also need 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny, 4mm black beads for the tiny frog pet, high-quality polyester fiberfill, a sharp tapestry needle, and embroidery needles. If you need to source these items, many crafters prefer to buy ergonomic sets and premium stuffing through reliable online shops to maintain consistent tension and comfort during long knitting sessions.

Stitch Abbreviations and Technical Terms

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• st-st: stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side)
• kfb: knit into the 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)
• yo: yarn over
• I-cord: a narrow tube of knitting worked on two double-pointed needles

Bunny Foundation: The Legs and Feet

The construction begins at the base of the feet. This ensures a sturdy foundation and allows the bunny to stand or sit with a realistic weight. We will knit two separate legs and then bridge them together to form the lower torso.

Right Leg Construction

Using the oatmeal yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 10 stitches. We will work in the round to create a seamless finish.
Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (20 sts).
Rnd 2: *k1, kfb* repeat from * to the end of the round (30 sts).
Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This builds the main volume of the foot.
Rnd 10: k10, (k2tog) 5 times, k10 (25 sts). This decrease shapes the front curve of the foot.
Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 3 times, k9 (22 sts).
Rnds 12-40: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg reach the required height. Proceed carefully to maintain even tension, as this forms the visible skin of the bunny. Stuff the foot area very firmly, using your fingers to shape a rounded toe and a distinct heel. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility. Leave these stitches on a holder.

Left Leg Construction

Repeat the exact instructions provided for the right leg. After reaching Round 40, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from the left leg to initiate the joining process for the torso.

Constructing the Torso and Hips

The transition from the legs to the body is a critical point in the design. We must create a wide enough base to accommodate the flared burnt orange dress.

Rnd 41 (Joining): Knit across the 22 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 22 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back of the crotch area (52 sts total).
Rnds 42-55: Knit all stitches in the round. This establishes the rounded hips and lower abdomen.
Rnd 56: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnds 57-62: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 63: *k10, k2tog* repeat around (44 sts).
Rnds 64-70: Knit all stitches. Begin stuffing the body firmly, pushing the fiberfill towards the sides to define the hip shape seen in the image.
Rnd 71: *k9, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 72: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 73: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 74: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the narrow neck area. Do not bind off, as we will proceed directly into the head shaping rounds.

Shaping the Bunny Head and Face

The head is worked directly from the neck to avoid a wobbly result. We use specific increases to create the broad, plump cheeks and the slightly tapered bridge of the nose.

Rnd 75: *k2, m1* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 76: *k3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 77: *k4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 78: *k5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnds 79-92: Knit all stitches. This build-up creates the vertical height needed for the facial features.
Position the safety eyes between rounds 84 and 85, roughly 10-12 stitches apart. Align them with the center of the feet to ensure the bunny has a balanced gaze. Insert the safety washers and lock them in place.
Rnd 93: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 94: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 95: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 96: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts). Start stuffing the head very firmly. Use small amounts of fiberfill at a time to ensure the cheeks are symmetrical and the face is smooth.
Rnd 97: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Rnd 98: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Rnd 99: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn and pull the tail through the remaining stitches to close tightly.

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The Long Floppy Ears and Slender Arms

The Rabbit Ears (Make 2)

The ears are a defining feature of this character. They are worked flat and then sewn to the crown of the head to give them a natural, flexible drape.
Cast on 12 stitches in oatmeal yarn.
Rows 1-40: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS).
Row 41: k2tog, k8, ssk (10 sts).
Row 42: Purl all.
Row 43: k2tog, k6, ssk (8 sts).
Row 44: Purl all.
Row 45: k2tog, k4, ssk (6 sts).
Bind off all stitches. Make two. Fold the cast-on edge of each ear slightly in half and sew them to the top of the head at Round 95, spacing them about 4 stitches apart.

The Slender Arms (Make 2)

The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally or hold the large green leaf accessory.
Cast on 10 stitches in oatmeal yarn. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-35: Knit all stitches. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
Rnd 36: *k3, k2tog* (8 sts).
Rnd 37: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the paw area firmly and the upper arm lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 74.

The Burnt Orange Marigold Dress

This dress features an A-line silhouette with a wide hem and intricate embroidery. We will work the main body of the dress first and add the floral details later.

Using the burnt orange or terracotta yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 80 stitches. Join for working in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean hem that will sit flat against the bunny’s legs.
Rnds 7-32: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt.
Rnd 33 (Waist Shaping): *k8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Rnd 34: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
Rnd 35: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 36: Knit all stitches. This is the waistline round.
Rnds 37-45: Knit all stitches for the bodice section.
Divide for armholes: Knit 10, bind off 4 stitches, knit 20, bind off 4 stitches, knit 10.
Work the front and back sections separately flat for 6 more rows each, then bind off all stitches. Sew the shoulder seams together, leaving a wide opening for the head. The dress should fit snugly at the waist and flare out at the bottom.

Yellow Marigold Embroidery Guide

The embroidery around the hem of the dress is the centerpiece of the outfit. Use the sunshine yellow yarn and a sharp needle.
The Stems: Using a stem stitch or backstitch with green yarn, create short vertical stems spaced about 1.5 inches apart around the hem.
The Blooms: For each marigold, create a cluster of yellow petals. Use the bullion knot stitch or three small straight stitches in a fan shape to mimic the dense, ruffled look of a marigold flower. Add a tiny French knot in a darker yellow or orange at the very center of each bloom to add depth.

The Sage Green Frog Vest

The vest is a modern addition that provides a pop of color and a focal point for the character’s theme. It features a high turtleneck and a prominent embroidered frog face.

Using the sage green yarn, cast on 44 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-10: *k2, p2* ribbing. This creates the long turtleneck that can be folded down.
Rnd 11: Knit all stitches, increasing 4 stitches evenly across the round (48 sts).
Rnds 12-20: Knit all stitches.
Divide for armholes: Work 20 stitches for the front, bind off 4, work 20 for the back, bind off 4.
Work the front and back sections flat for 12 rows. On the front section, we will work the frog face using the duplicate stitch technique (or Swiss darning).
Frog Face Pattern: Use a lighter green yarn to create an oval shape in the center of the chest. Once the oval is knitted or embroidered, add two white circles for eyes and two tiny black beads or French knots for the pupils. Embroider a wide, cheerful smile using black thread. Bind off and sew the shoulder seams.

The Pumpkin Orange Hat and Brown Shoes

The Orange Bucket Hat

This hat frames the bunny’s face and matches the vibrant autumnal theme of the marigolds.
Using the bright orange yarn, cast on 48 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This allows the brim to roll slightly upward.
Rnds 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch.
Rnd 19: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnd 20: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Continue decreasing in this manner until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through the remaining stitches and fasten off securely. The hat should sit low on the forehead, just above the safety eyes.

Brown Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

The shoes are knitted as separate pieces that slide over the oatmeal feet. They feature a distinct sole and a strap.
Using the dark brown yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 5: k8, (k2tog) 2 times, k8 (18 sts). This shapes the toe box.
Rnd 6: Bind off 18 stitches. To create the strap, cast on 10 stitches, bind off immediately, and sew it across the top of the shoe opening. Slip the shoes onto the feet and secure them with a small, hidden stitch into the leg.

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Accessories: The Large Leaf and Miniature Frog

The Large Green Lily Pad Leaf

The bunny holds a large, structured leaf. We will knit this flat to create a realistic, slightly irregular heart shape.
Using the sage green yarn, cast on 3 stitches.
Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb (5 sts).
Row 2 and all even rows: Purl.
Row 3: kfb, k3, kfb (7 sts).
Continue increasing at each end of the row until you have 25 stitches. Work 4 rows in stockinette. Then, begin decreasing 1 stitch at each end every row until you have 5 stitches. Bind off.
The Stem: Pick up 3 stitches at the base of the leaf. Work an I-cord for 6 inches. BO. Insert a piece of craft wire into the I-cord if you want the leaf to maintain the upright, reaching pose seen in the image.

The Miniature Green Frog Pet

This tiny companion is worked in a single piece and requires very careful stuffing to maintain its rounded shape.
Using sage green yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch (12 sts).
Rnds 2-8: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 9 (Neck): *k1, k2tog* repeat around (8 sts).
Rnd 10 (Head): kfb in every stitch (16 sts).
Rnds 11-14: Knit all stitches. Stuff the body very firmly.
Rnd 15: *k2, k2tog* around (12 sts).
Rnd 16: k2tog around (6 sts). Close the hole. Sew two black beads for eyes and embroider a thin yellow line for the mouth. Position him next to the bunny’s feet.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The character’s personality is truly brought to life during the final assembly. Begin by ensuring the head is perfectly aligned with the center of the chest. Use the oatmeal yarn and a tapestry needle to embroider a small “Y” shape centered between the safety eyes for the nose and mouth. Ensure the stitches are small and tight for a delicate look.

Apply a very light touch of pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a small, circular motion. This adds a youthful, healthy glow that mimics the reference photo. Dress the bunny in the burnt orange dress first, followed by the sage green vest. Fold the turtleneck down neatly. Place the orange hat on her head, allowing the long ears to poke out naturally from the sides. Secure the large green leaf in one of the bunny’s paws with a few invisible stitches. Check all seams for any gaps and ensure all loose yarn ends are woven in deeply so they are hidden within the stuffing.

Cleaning and Care Guidelines

Because this project features intricate embroidery and several layers of knitted clothing, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom quality. This bunny is an art piece and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the delicate marigold petals.

Washing Instructions

Hand washing is the only recommended method for this character. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of a gentle detergent designed for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Do not scrub the embroidered areas on the dress or the vest, as this can distort the stitches. Let the doll soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

To dry, place the bunny between two clean, thick towels and press down gently to remove excess moisture. Never wring or twist the doll, as this will distort the internal fiberfill and ruin the shape of the head and hips. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant burnt orange and pumpkin colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the sage green vest feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape. By following these maintenance steps, your Marigold & Green Frog Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for years to come.

Knitting a project of this complexity is a labor of love. Every stitch in the burnt orange skirt and every petal on the yellow marigolds contributes to a narrative of patience and artistic expression. Whether this bunny is intended for a personal collection or as a significant gift, the effort invested in her creation makes her truly priceless.

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