The Hyacinth & White Mouse Bunny project is a celebration of springtime elegance and intricate fiber artistry. This sophisticated design features a rabbit in a soft oatmeal tone, dressed in a vibrant magenta bubble-textured dress and a crisp white bolero jacket. The bolero is particularly special, showcasing a hand-embroidered miniature white mouse holding a bouquet of flowers. To achieve the high-end heirloom quality seen in the images, it is essential to buy premium extra-fine merino wool or a silk-merino blend, as these fibers provide the necessary stitch definition for the popcorn texture. When you purchase specific pastel and jewel-toned yarns for this project, you ensure that the finished character remains a durable, soft treasure for generations. The estimated cost for high-quality materials is approximately $20 to $30 USD, whereas a finished art doll of this complexity would typically command a price of $130 to $180 USD in a boutique. You can conveniently buy all necessary knitting needles, safety eyes, and organic fiberfill from major online retailers like Amazon or specialized yarn boutiques.

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

Project Materials and Preparation

Creating a 100% accurate representation of this bunny requires attention to yarn weight and needle size. This design is optimized for DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn, which allows for detailed texture without becoming overly bulky. Consistency in your tension is the secret to ensuring the clothing fits the stuffed bunny body perfectly.

Gather the following supplies before beginning:

• Main Color (MC): 100g of Oatmeal or Light Beige DK yarn for the bunny body.
• Dress Color (DC): 50g of Magenta or Deep Rose Pink DK yarn.
• Bolero Color (BC): 50g of Pure White DK yarn.
• Shoe & Accessory Color: 25g of Bright Purple DK yarn.
• Flower & Mouse Color: Scraps of Sage Green, White, and Soft Pink.
• Needles: 2.75mm (US 2) and 3.0mm (US 2.5) double-pointed needles or circulars for magic loop.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm black safety eyes.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, embroidery needle, stitch markers, and premium polyester fiberfill.

Understanding the Bubble Stitch Technique

The defining feature of this bunny is her magenta dress, which utilizes a dense “bubble” or “popcorn” stitch. This adds a three-dimensional depth that mimics the clustered petals of a hyacinth flower. To create a bubble: knit into the next stitch, but do not drop it from the left needle; yarn over, knit into the same stitch again, yarn over, and knit into the same stitch once more (5 loops from 1 stitch). Turn the work, purl 5, turn, knit 5, turn, purl 5. Finally, turn and knit these 5 stitches together. This creates a firm, rounded protrusion on the right side of the fabric.

Bunny Foundation: Leg Construction

The construction starts at the feet. The legs are worked as seamless tubes to provide a clean, professional appearance. We use the 2.75mm needles to ensure the fabric is tight enough to hide the stuffing completely.

Right Leg

Using Oatmeal yarn, cast on 12 stitches. Join for working in the round.
Rnd 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch (24 sts).
Rnd 2: *K2, kfb; repeat from * to end (32 sts).
Rnds 3-10: Knit all stitches. This forms the foot base.
Rnd 11: K12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep.
Rnd 12: K10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
Rnd 13: Knit all stitches.
Rnds 14-45: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg reaches the desired length. Stuff the foot area very firmly, shaping the heel and toe with your fingers. Stuff the upper leg moderately to allow the bunny to sit naturally. Place stitches on a holder.

Left Leg

Repeat the exact instructions for the right leg. After finishing Round 45, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from the left leg to join the two pieces and begin the torso.

The Bunny Torso and Hip Shaping

Joining the legs is a crucial step for the bunny’s posture. Place the legs side-by-side with the toes pointing forward.

Rnd 46 (Join): Knit across the 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on 4 stitches for the back (56 sts total).
Rnds 47-60: Knit all stitches. This builds the wide, rounded hips required for the dress to sit correctly.
Rnd 61: *K12, k2tog; repeat from * to end (52 sts).
Rnds 62-66: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 67: *K11, k2tog; repeat from * to end (48 sts).
Rnds 68-72: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 73: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end (42 sts).
Rnds 74-78: Knit all stitches. Begin stuffing the torso firmly, pushing the fiberfill into the hip areas to maintain the plump silhouette.
Rnd 79: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end (36 sts).
Rnd 80: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 81: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end (30 sts).
Rnd 82: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end (24 sts). This forms the neck. Do not bind off; we proceed immediately to the head.

Head Construction and Facial Sculpting

The head requires specific increases to create the broad, gentle cheeks seen in the photograph. This part must be stuffed very firmly to support the weight of the ears and hat.

The Head Shape

Rnd 83: *K2, m1 (increase); repeat from * to end (32 sts).
Rnd 84: *K3, m1; repeat from * to end (40 sts).
Rnd 85: *K4, m1; repeat from * to end (48 sts).
Rnd 86: *K5, m1; repeat from * to end (56 sts).
Rnd 87: *K6, m1; repeat from * to end (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 centered relative to the legs.

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Closing the Crown

Rnd 106: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end (56 sts).
Rnd 107: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 108: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end (48 sts).
Rnd 109: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end (40 sts).
Rnd 110: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end (32 sts).
Begin stuffing the head very firmly. Focus on the cheek area to ensure a symmetrical, plump face.
Rnd 111: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end (24 sts).
Rnd 112: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end (16 sts).
Rnd 113: K2tog around (8 sts). Break yarn and pull through the remaining stitches to close tightly.

Long Upright Ears and Slender Arms

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and elegant, standing upright with a slight natural curve. We work these flat in Oatmeal yarn.
Cast on 12 stitches.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS).
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).
Bind off all stitches. Fold the cast-on edge slightly to create depth and sew the ears to the crown of the head between rounds 110 and 112.

Arms (Make 2)

The arms should be slender to allow the bolero to fit over them without bulk.
Cast on 10 stitches in Oatmeal yarn. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-40: Knit all stitches in stockinette.
Rnd 41: *K3, k2tog; repeat (8 sts).
Rnd 42: K2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the hand (bottom) firmly and the rest of the arm lightly. Sew the arms to the body at Rnd 82.

The Magenta Bubble Texture Dress

This dress is the centerpiece of the ensemble. It is worked in the round from the bottom up to create a flared A-line silhouette with extreme texture.

The Skirt

Using Magenta yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 90 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches (hem).
Rnd 5 (Bubble Setup): *K4, Make Bubble (as explained in techniques); repeat from * around.
Rnds 6-10: Knit all stitches in stockinette.
Rnd 11: *K2, Make Bubble, K2; repeat from * around. This offsets the bubbles.
Rnds 12-16: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 17: Repeat Rnd 5.
Rnd 18-35: Continue alternating bubble rounds with 5 rounds of plain knitting. The skirt should reach the bunny’s ankles.
Rnd 36 (Waist Shaping): *K8, k2tog; repeat from * around (81 sts).
Rnd 37: *K7, k2tog; repeat from * around (72 sts).
Rnd 38: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * around (48 sts).

The Bodice

Rnds 39-48: Knit all stitches. This forms the smooth upper part of the dress.
Rnd 49: 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 together, leaving a wide opening for the head. The dress should fit snugly at the waist and flare out dramatically at the bottom.

The White Bolero with Mouse Embroidery

The bolero is worked flat and features short sleeves. The pure white yarn provides a crisp contrast to the dark pink dress.

Back Panel: Cast on 24 stitches in white. Work in stockinette for 15 rows. Bind off.
Front Panels (Make 2): Cast on 12 stitches. Work in stockinette for 15 rows. On the right front panel, we will add the embroidery after assembly.
Sleeves: Cast on 16 stitches. Work in stockinette for 8 rows. Bind off.
Assembly: Sew the shoulder and side seams. Attach the sleeves to the armholes. The bolero should be cropped, ending just above the dress’s waistline.

Embroidering the White Mouse

Using a fine embroidery needle and a single strand of white yarn, stitch a small oval for the mouse body on the right front panel of the bolero. Add two tiny pink ears and a small pink nose. Use green thread to stitch three thin lines representing flower stems and add tiny white French knots for the flower heads. This small detail is essential for matching the image 100%.

The Tassel Hat and Purple Shoes

The Pink Tassel Hat

This hat is a unique pointed design with two long tassels that frame the bunny’s face.
Cast on 44 stitches in Magenta yarn. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-5: Knit all stitches (brim).
Rnds 6-15: Continue in stockinette.
Rnd 16 (Top Shaping): *K9, k2tog; repeat from * to end.
Decrease every other round until 6 stitches remain. Pull yarn through and fasten.
Tassels: Pick up 3 stitches on either side of the hat. Knit a 6-inch I-cord for each. At the end of each I-cord, attach a small yarn tassel or pom-pom in the same magenta color. The hat should sit low on the forehead.

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Purple Mary Janes (Make 2)

These shoes are separate items that fit over the Oatmeal feet.
Using Purple yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 5: K7, (k2tog) 3 times, K7 (17 sts). This shapes the toe.
Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches. For the strap, cast on 10 stitches, bind off immediately, and sew it across the top opening of the shoe. Slip onto the bunny’s feet and secure with a small stitch into the leg.

The Miniature White Mouse Pet

This tiny companion is knitted in several small pieces. It is the bunny’s constant friend.
Body: Cast on 6 stitches in white. Rnd 1: kfb around (12). Rnd 2-8: Knit. Rnd 9: k2tog around (6). Stuff firmly and close.
Head: Cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 8. Knit 3 rounds. Close. Sew to the body.
Ears: Knit two tiny pink circles and sew to the top of the head.
Tail: Knit a 2-inch I-cord in pink and sew to the rear. Place the mouse next to the bunny’s feet as shown in the image.

The Knitted Hyacinth Prop

The hyacinth is a complex accessory consisting of a beige pot, green leaves, and white flowers.

The Pot

Cast on 6 stitches in beige. Join in round. Rnd 1: kfb around (12). Rnd 2: *K1, kfb* (18). Rnd 3: *K2, kfb* (24). Rnd 4 (Back Loops Only): Knit all. Rnds 5-15: Knit all. Bind off. Stuff the base and add a circle of brown knitting on top to represent dirt.

The Flower

Stem: Knit a 5-inch I-cord in green. Insert a craft wire for stability.
Flower Head: Using white yarn, cast on 15 stitches. Row 1: *K1, yo, k2tog; repeat from * to end. Row 2: Purl. Continue for 20 rows. Bind off. Wrap this lacey fabric around the top 3 inches of the green stem and sew securely. The holes in the knitting mimic the individual blossoms of a hyacinth. Sew the stem into the center of the brown dirt in the pot.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The personality of the Hyacinth & White Mouse Bunny emerges during the final sewing stage. Follow these steps for a professional finish:

Face: Use brown embroidery thread to create a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the safety eyes. The mouth should be positioned low on the face to create a sweet, innocent expression. Use a light touch of real pink cosmetic blush or a pink colored pencil to add soft circular blushes to the bunny’s cheeks.

Dressing: Place the magenta bubble dress on the bunny first, followed by the white Mary Janes. Layer the white bolero over her shoulders. Position the tassel hat between her ears, ensuring the tassels hang symmetrically. Finally, place the knitted hyacinth and the white mouse pet next to her. Check all seams for any gaps and ensure all loose yarn ends are woven in deeply so they are hidden within the stuffing.

Professional Care and Maintenance

Because this project features intricate bubble textures and multiple layers of delicate knitwear, proper care is essential to maintain its heirloom quality. This bunny is an art piece and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the bubble stitches.

Washing Guidelines

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 specifically formulated for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Do not scrub the bubble-textured skirt, as this can cause the yarn to pill or lose its rounded shape. 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 magenta and purple colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the white bolero feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape.

Long-Term Preservation

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 hyacinth flower loses its shape, gently bend the internal wire back into position. By following these maintenance steps, your Hyacinth & White Mouse Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come.

Knitting a project of this complexity is a labor of love. Every stitch in the magenta skirt and every embroidered detail on the bolero 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 and quality materials invested in her creation make her truly priceless. Enjoy the process of bringing this garden-dwelling rabbit to life!

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