The Golden Wattle & Koala Bunny is an exquisite knitted character that brings the spirit of the Australian bush into your crafting room. This design is a celebration of vibrant contrasts, featuring a deep emerald green dress adorned with sunny yellow wattle bobbles and a bright yellow cardigan with a charming miniature koala motif nestled on the pocket. This bunny is an ideal heirloom piece for collectors or a special gift for those who cherish artisanal handmade dolls. To achieve the best results and ensure the longevity of your creation, many crafters choose to buy premium extra-fine merino wool or organic cotton blends. When you buy high-quality fibers, the stitch definition for the wattle bobbles remains crisp and the overall texture stays soft for years to come. This guide focuses on every minute detail, from the upright ears to the tiny eucalyptus branch, ensuring a professional and high-end finish.

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 Specialized Tools

To recreate this bunny with absolute precision, selecting the correct yarn weight and needle size is paramount. This project uses a combination of textures to distinguish between the soft rabbit fur, the sturdy cotton dress, and the fluffy cardigan. A consistent tension is required to ensure all clothing components fit the body proportions accurately.

• Yarn Requirements (DK Weight / 8-ply):
  • Light Oatmeal or Beige: 150g (For the bunny body, head, and limbs).
  • Emerald/Forest Green: 50g (For the wattle dress).
  • Bright Sunshine Yellow: 75g (For the cardigan, wattle bobbles, and hat accents).
  • Cream or Off-White: 50g (For the bucket hat).
  • Tan or Medium Brown: 25g (For the sandals and eucalyptus branch).
  • Light Grey and Charcoal: Scraps (For the koala pet and pocket motif).
  • Sage Green: Scraps (For the eucalyptus leaves).
• Needles and Notions:
  • US Size 2.5 (3.0 mm) double-pointed needles or circulars for magic loop.
  • US Size 3 (3.25 mm) needles for the clothing to allow for a slightly looser drape.
  • One pair of 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny.
  • One pair of 4mm black safety eyes or beads for the miniature koala.
  • High-grade polyester fiberfill for firm and smooth stuffing.
  • A sharp tapestry needle for seamless assembly.
  • Fine embroidery thread in brown for the bunny’s nose and mouth.

Gauge and Structural Specifications

Maintaining a firm gauge is vital for amigurumi-style knitting. If the stitches are too loose, the stuffing will be visible through the fabric. For the body parts, aim for 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the 3.0 mm needles. The clothing is designed to be slightly more flexible, fitting over the stuffed form without stretching the fabric excessively. Always measure the bunny’s torso before finishing the dress to ensure a perfect fit at the waistline.

Constructing the Bunny Foundation: Legs and Torso

The bunny is built from the bottom up to ensure structural integrity. We begin with the legs and join them to form the lower body, creating a seamless silhouette that supports the standing or sitting posture.

Step-by-Step Leg Construction (Make 2)

Using the oatmeal-colored yarn and 3.0 mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Join for working in the round, ensuring the stitches are not twisted. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.

Rnd 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around (24 sts).

Rnd 2: *Knit 2, kfb; repeat from * to end (32 sts).

Rnds 3-10: Knit every stitch. This forms the base and sides of the foot.

Rnd 11: Knit 12, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep.

Rnd 12: Knit 10, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 10 (24 sts).

Rnd 13: Knit every stitch.

Rnds 14-42: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures the required height. Stuff the foot area very firmly, shaping the heel and toe to be rounded and solid. Stuff the leg moderately as you move upward. Place the stitches for the first leg on a holder and repeat for the second leg. Do not break the yarn after the second leg.

Joining the Legs and Shaping the Torso

Position the two legs side-by-side with the toes pointing forward. We will now bridge them together to start the torso.

Rnd 43: Knit across the 24 stitches of the first leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center, knit across the 24 stitches of the second leg, and cast on 4 stitches for the back (56 sts total).

Rnds 44-58: Knit every stitch. This section creates the wide, rounded hips typical of this character design.

Rnd 59: *Knit 12, k2tog; repeat from * around (52 sts).

Rnds 60-65: Knit every stitch.

Rnd 66: *Knit 11, k2tog; repeat from * around (48 sts).

Rnds 67-72: Knit every stitch.

Rnd 73: *Knit 6, k2tog; repeat from * around (42 sts). Begin stuffing the body firmly, pushing the fiberfill into the hip areas to maintain the plump shape.

Rnd 74-78: Knit every stitch.

Rnd 79: *Knit 5, k2tog; repeat from * around (36 sts).

Rnd 80: *Knit 4, k2tog; repeat from * around (30 sts).

Rnd 81: *Knit 3, k2tog; repeat from * around (24 sts). This forms the neck. Do not bind off; we will continue directly into the head.

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Sculpting the Head and Facial Features

The head requires specific increases to create the broad, gentle cheeks seen in the photograph. This part must be stuffed very firmly to prevent the safety eyes from sinking or the head from wobbling.

The Head Shaping Rounds

Rnd 82: *Knit 2, m1 (make 1 increase); repeat from * around (32 sts).

Rnd 83: *Knit 3, m1; repeat from * around (40 sts).

Rnd 84: *Knit 4, m1; repeat from * around (48 sts).

Rnd 85: *Knit 5, m1; repeat from * around (56 sts).

Rnds 86-102: Knit every stitch. This builds the vertical volume of the head.

Insert 9mm safety eyes between rounds 92 and 93, with a spacing of approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level with the feet.

Closing the Head

Rnd 103: *Knit 5, k2tog; repeat from * around (48 sts).

Rnd 104: *Knit 4, k2tog; repeat from * around (40 sts).

Rnd 105: *Knit 3, k2tog; repeat from * around (32 sts).

Stuff the head very firmly, using your fingers to sculpt the cheek area from the inside.

Rnd 106: *Knit 2, k2tog; repeat from * around (24 sts).

Rnd 107: *Knit 1, k2tog; repeat from * around (16 sts).

Rnd 108: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and pull tight. Weave in the end securely.

Constructing the Long Upright Ears and Arms

Detailed Ear Instructions (Make 2)

The ears are long and stand strictly upright. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape. Use the oatmeal yarn.

Cast on 12 stitches.

Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit on RS, Purl on WS).

Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (slip, slip, knit) (10 sts).

Row 47: Purl all.

Row 48: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).

Row 49: Purl all.

Row 50: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (6 sts).

Bind off all stitches. When sewing to the head, fold the bottom edge of the ear slightly in half to create depth. Attach to the top of the head between rounds 103 and 105, ensuring they are perfectly parallel.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

Cast on 10 stitches in oatmeal yarn. Join for working in the round.

Rnds 1-35: Knit every stitch. This creates a slender arm that can rest naturally at the bunny’s side.

Rnd 36: *Knit 3, k2tog; repeat (8 sts).

Rnd 37: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and thread through. Stuff the hand area firmly and the upper arm lightly. Sew the arms to the body at Round 81, just below the neck line.

The Emerald Green Golden Wattle Dress

The dress is a focal point of the outfit, featuring a rich emerald green color with 3D yellow bobbles representing wattle blossoms. We use the 3.25 mm needles for a soft drape.

The Skirt and Bodice

Cast on 80 stitches in emerald green. Join for working in the round.

Rnds 1-4: Knit every stitch. This creates a clean, weighted hem.

Rnds 5-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. The skirt should be flared and reach the bunny’s ankles.

Rnd 31 (Waistline): *Knit 8, k2tog; repeat from * around (72 sts).

Rnd 32: *Knit 4, k2tog; repeat around (60 sts).

Rnd 33: *Knit 3, k2tog; repeat around (48 sts).

Rnd 34: Knit every stitch.

Rnds 35-42: Knit every stitch for the bodice.

Divide for armholes: Knit 10, bind off 4 stitches, knit 20, bind off 4 stitches, knit 10. Work the front and back panels separately flat for 6 rows each, then bind off. Sew the shoulder seams, leaving a wide neck opening.

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Adding the Wattle Bobbles

The yellow wattle blossoms are added around the bottom half of the emerald skirt. You can knit these bobbles directly into the dress or knit them separately and sew them on for 100% accuracy.

Wattle Bobble Pattern: In a yellow stitch, (k1, yo, k1, yo, k1) all in the same stitch. Turn, p5, turn, k5, turn, p2tog, p1, p2tog, turn, slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over. This creates a tight, round yellow ball.

Space these bobbles in clusters of three or four around the hem of the dress to mimic a blooming wattle branch.

The Sunshine Yellow Cardigan and Koala Pocket

The cardigan is worked flat and features a cropped design with long sleeves. The bright yellow color provides a striking contrast to the emerald dress.

Cardigan Body and Sleeves

Using the yellow yarn, cast on 36 stitches. Work flat.

Rows 1-4: Knit all rows (Garter stitch border).

Rows 5-20: Continue in stockinette stitch, maintaining a 3-stitch garter border at each edge for the front plackets.

Divide for armholes: Work 9 sts, bind off 3, work 12 sts, bind off 3, work 9 sts.

Work each section for 10 rows, then bind off.

Sleeves: Cast on 16 stitches, work in stockinette for 22 rows, then bind off. Sew the sleeves into the armholes and close the side seams.

Buttons: Attach two tiny yellow buttons to the front placket.

The Miniature Koala Pocket Motif

On the right front panel of the cardigan, we will add a tiny grey koala face.

Using light grey yarn, knit a small circle (cast on 6, kfb around, bind off). Sew this to the cardigan to form a pocket shape. Embroider two tiny black eyes and a large charcoal oval for the nose. Add two small tufts of white mohair or fluffy yarn to the sides for the iconic koala ears.

Accessories: Cream Floral Hat and Brown Sandals

The Cream Bucket Hat

Using cream yarn, cast on 48 stitches. Join in the round.

Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This forms the brim.

Rnds 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch.

Rnd 19: *Knit 6, k2tog; repeat around.

Continue decreasing every round until 6 stitches remain. Break yarn and pull tight.

Hat Decoration: Knit a small yellow wattle cluster (3 yellow bobbles) and sew them to the front-right side of the hat. Add a few small sage green leaves using lazy daisy stitches.

Brown Strappy Sandals (Make 2)

Using the brown yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.

Rnd 1-3: Knit all stitches. This forms the sole.

Rnd 4: Bind off 12 stitches.

Work the remaining 8 stitches flat for 4 rows. Bind off.

Straps: Use a tapestry needle and brown yarn to create three decorative horizontal straps across the front of the bunny’s foot, exactly as shown in the photo. Secure them firmly into the oatmeal skin to ensure the sandals do not slip off.

The Miniature Koala and Eucalyptus Accessory

This 3D accessory set is what brings the “Golden Wattle” theme to life. It consists of a tiny koala pet and a detailed eucalyptus branch.

The 3D Miniature Koala

Using grey yarn and 2.5 mm needles.

Body and Head: Cast on 6 stitches. Rnd 1: kfb around (12). Rnd 2-8: Knit. Rnd 9: k2tog around (6). Stuff firmly and close.

Limbs: Cast on 4 stitches, knit 4 rows, bind off. Make four. Sew these to the body in a “hugging” position.

Facial Details: Use black thread for the eyes and charcoal yarn for the large, prominent nose. Add white fuzzy yarn to the ears.

The Eucalyptus Branch

Using brown yarn, cast on 4 stitches. Work a 6-inch I-cord. Insert a piece of craft wire for stability.

Leaves: Using sage green yarn, cast on 3 stitches. Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb (5). Row 2: Purl. Row 3: k2tog, k1, ssk. Bind off. Make 5 to 7 leaves and sew them to the top of the brown branch. Add a single yellow bobble to the branch to represent a stray wattle blossom. Position the koala so it is hugging the branch and secure it to the bunny’s paw.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The personality of your Golden Wattle & Koala Bunny is finalized in the assembly. Follow these steps for a 100% accurate character representation.

Face Embroidery: Using brown embroidery thread, stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the eyes. The mouth should be small and positioned low to create a sweet, youthful expression.

Cheek Blush: Using a very small amount of actual pink cosmetic blush and a cotton swab, apply soft circular blushes to the bunny’s cheeks. This gives her a healthy, sun-kissed glow.

Dressing: Slip the emerald green dress onto the bunny first, ensuring the wattle bobbles are visible. Layer the yellow cardigan over her shoulders. Place the cream bucket hat between the ears, tilting it slightly for a fashionable look.

Final Positioning: Secure the sandals on her feet. Place the koala and eucalyptus branch in her right arm, using a few hidden stitches to keep the accessory in the correct pose as seen in the reference image.

Cleaning and Care Guidelines

Because this doll features delicate 3D bobbles and several layers of high-quality knitwear, proper care is essential to maintain its heirloom quality. This character is an art piece and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging.

Washing the Character

Hand washing is the only recommended method. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of a gentle detergent specifically formulated for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing which can flatten the wattle bobbles or damage the embroidery on the cardigan. Let the doll soak for 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 the A-line dress. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant emerald and yellow colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the yellow cardigan feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape.

Preservation for Display

If the bunny is intended for long-term display, keep her in a dust-free environment, such as a glass-fronted cabinet. Avoid placing her in direct sunlight for extended periods, as natural wool can be sensitive to UV rays. If the eucalyptus branch loses its shape, gently bend the internal wire back into position. By following these maintenance steps, your Golden Wattle & Koala Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for years to come.

Knitting a character of this scale and detail is a labor of love. Every stitch contributes to a story of patience and artistic expression. Whether you are adding this bunny to your own collection or giving it as a significant gift, the effort invested in her creation makes her truly priceless. Enjoy the process of bringing this Australian-inspired rabbit to life!

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