The Sweet William & Snail Bunny project represents a delightful intersection of traditional heritage knitting and modern whimsical character design. This particular creation finds its inspiration in the classic cottage gardens of old, where the bi-color Sweet William flowers bloom alongside slow-moving garden companions. The ensemble features a serene bunny in a natural oatmeal tone, dressed in a soft sage-green dress that boasts a striking Fair Isle waistband of red and white diamonds. Over this, a bold red crossover capelet provides a splash of warmth, accented by a tiny, hand-knitted snail brooch. Her look is completed with a highly detailed stranded colorwork beret and sturdy dark brown Mary Jane shoes. To ensure your finished doll reaches the professional standard seen in the image, many crafters choose to buy premium extra-fine merino wool or specialized alpaca blends. When you buy high-quality fibers, the stitch definition of the intricate patterns becomes remarkably crisp. You can buy all the necessary supplies, including safety eyes and ergonomic needles, from reputable online retailers to begin this rewarding creative journey.

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

Project Overview and Aesthetic Goals

This design is curated for the intermediate to advanced knitter who enjoys the precision of stranded colorwork and the artistry of miniature construction. The goal is to produce a 100% accurate replica of the garden bunny, focusing on the sophisticated color palette and the textural variety between the smooth stockinette of the bunny and the patterned accessories. The Sweet William flower is represented through the geometric red and white motifs, mimicking the serrated petals of the real bloom.

Consistency in tension is the most critical factor when working on the stranded sections of the dress and the hat. If the tension is too tight, the fabric will pucker, making it difficult to fit the clothing onto the stuffed form. If it is too loose, the design will lose its clarity. By following the detailed row-by-row instructions, you will create a character that is not only a toy but a storied piece of fiber art. Every component, from the floppy ears to the tiny terracotta pot, contributes to a cohesive narrative of a peaceful morning in a blooming garden.

Recommended Materials and Tools

Selecting the right materials ensures the longevity and tactile appeal of the bunny. Natural fibers are preferred for their ability to hold shape and their resistance to pilling over time.

• Primary Yarn: DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn in the following shades:
  • Natural Oatmeal or Light Beige: 100g (Body and limbs).
  • Sage Green: 50g (Dress skirt and bodice).
  • Bright Cherry Red: 50g (Capelet, hat pattern, and snail brooch).
  • Pure White: 25g (Hat pattern and dress colorwork).
  • Dark Chocolate Brown: 25g (Mary Jane shoes and snail shell).
  • Terracotta/Brick Red: Scraps (For the mini plant pot).
• Knitting Needles:
  • US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for limbs and small accessories.
  • US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) circular needles (80cm) for the magic loop method on the body and head.
  • US Size 3 (3.25mm) needles for the clothing items to allow for a slightly more flexible drape.
• Notions:
  • 9mm black safety eyes.
  • High-quality polyester fiberfill (hypoallergenic).
  • Sharp tapestry needle for seamless assembly.
  • Fine embroidery needle for facial details.
  • Stitch markers and row counter.
  • Optional: Small amount of pink cosmetic blush for the cheeks.

Standard Stitch Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• st-st: stockinette stitch
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase)
• m1: make one stitch (increase)
• k2tog: knit two stitches together (decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit the two slipped stitches together (decrease)
• MC / CC: Main Color / Contrast Color
• I-cord: a narrow tube of knitting worked on two needles

Constructing the Bunny Foundation: Legs and Feet

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

The Right Leg

Using the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across your DPNs and join for working in the round, taking care not to twist the stitches.

1. Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
2. Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
3. Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This forms the volume of the foot.
4. Rnd 10: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shapes the front instep.
5. Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
6. Rnds 12-42: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg reaches the required length. Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring the heel and toe are rounded. Stuff the upper leg moderately to allow for seated flexibility. Leave the stitches on a holder.

The Left Leg

Repeat the exact instructions as provided for the right leg. Upon completing Round 42, do not break the yarn. This working yarn will be used to initiate the body join in the next section.

Building the Bunny Torso and Hip Shaping

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture. We will create a gap between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the green dress to sit elegantly.

Rnd 43: Knit across 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back gap (56 sts total).
Rnds 44-58: Knit all stitches in the round. This establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain even tension for a smooth skin texture.
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. At this stage, begin stuffing the body firmly. Ensure you push stuffing toward the hip areas to create the rounded silhouette seen in the reference image.
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 proceed immediately to the head.

The Bunny Head and Facial Sculpting

The head is worked directly from the neck to provide structural integrity. We use rapid increases to define the broad, sweet cheeks and the gently tapered snout characteristic of this heritage design.

Rnd 83: *k2, m1* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 84: *k3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 85: *k4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 86: *k5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 87: *k6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rnds 88-105: Knit all stitches. This builds the vertical volume of the face and forehead.
Insert the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 96 and 97, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are centered relative to the front of the feet.

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. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks and a smooth forehead.
Rnd 111: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Rnd 112: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Rnd 113: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn, thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the end securely inside the head.

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Long Upright Ears and Slender Arms

The Rabbit Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and upright, worked flat to allow them to frame the beret. Use the oatmeal yarn and straight needles.

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS).
3. Row 46: k2tog, k8, ssk (10 sts).
4. Row 47: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 48: k2tog, k6, ssk (8 sts).
6. Row 49: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 50: k2tog, k4, ssk (6 sts).
8. Bind off all stitches. Fold the bottom edge slightly in half and sew to the top of the head at Round 110, ensuring they are parallel.

Slender Arms (Make 2)

The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs to allow them to rest naturally or hold accessories. Join oatmeal yarn in the round on DPNs.

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

The Sage Green Sweet William Dress

This dress is the centerpiece of the outfit. It is worked in the round from the bottom up, featuring a wide skirt and a complex stranded colorwork band at the waist. We use sage green as the main color (MC) and red/white for the Fair Isle section.

The Skirt and Hem

Using Sage Green and 3.25mm circular needles, cast on 84 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This forms a garter-style hem that sits flat.
Rnds 7-28: Continue in stockinette stitch (K every round). The skirt should flare nicely over the bunny’s hips.

Sweet William Colorwork Band

Join White and Red yarns. This section requires 100% accuracy to the diamond/floral band seen in the image. Follow the pattern sequence below:

• Rnd 29: *k1 Red, k1 White* repeat around.
• Rnd 30: *k1 White, k1 Red* repeat around.
• Rnd 31: *k3 Red, k1 White* repeat around.
• Rnd 32: *k1 White, k2 Red, k1 White* repeat around.
• Rnd 33: *k3 Red, k1 White* repeat around.
• Rnd 34: Repeat Rnd 29 and Rnd 30 to close the diamond pattern.

The Bodice

Continue in Sage Green only.
Rnd 35 (Waist Shaping): *k12, k2tog* repeat around (78 sts).
Rnd 36: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Rnd 37: *k10, k2tog* repeat around (66 sts).
Rnd 38-45: Knit all stitches for the upper bodice.
Divide for armholes: Knit 16 stitches for the front, bind off 6 stitches, knit 16 stitches for the back, bind off 6 stitches. Work the front and back sections separately flat for 6 rows each, then bind off and sew shoulder seams.

The Red Crossover Capelet and Snail Brooch

The capelet is a bold red accessory that adds a vintage feel to the character. It is worked flat and features a crossover front that secures under a decorative brooch.

Capelet Construction

Using Red yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 36 stitches. Work flat.
Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter stitch border).
Row 5 (RS): k3, m1, k to last 3 sts, m1, k3 (38 sts).
Row 6 (WS): Knit all stitches.
Continue increasing at both ends every other row while maintaining a garter stitch texture until the piece measures 2 inches from the start. Bind off loosely. When dressing the bunny, overlap the front edges and secure with a small stitch.

Miniature Snail Brooch

This tiny detail is essential.
Shell: Using Dark Brown, cast on 3 stitches. Work a 2-inch I-cord. Roll it into a tight spiral and stitch it flat.
Body: Using Oatmeal, cast on 3 stitches. Work a 1-inch I-cord. Sew the shell onto the body. Attach the finished snail to the left lapel of the red capelet.

The Stranded Pattern Beret

The hat is the most technically demanding accessory, featuring a zig-zag and block pattern in red and white that matches the Sweet William theme.

Using Red yarn, cast on 46 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: *k1, p1* ribbing in Red.
Rnd 5: Join White yarn. kfb in every stitch around (92 sts).
Rnd 6-8: *k2 Red, k2 White* repeat around.
Rnd 9-11: *k2 White, k2 Red* repeat around.
Rnd 12-14: *k1 Red, k3 White* repeat around.
Rnd 15-17: Knit all stitches in Red. This creates the “puffy” part of the beret.
Rnd 18: *k8, k2tog* repeat around in Red.
Rnd 19: *k7, k2tog* repeat around.
Continue decreasing in this manner until 8 stitches remain. Pull yarn through and fasten off.
The Tassel: Create a bi-color tassel using Red and White yarn (approx 2 inches long) and sew it firmly to the top center of the beret.

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Mary Jane Shoes and Snail Companion

Dark Brown Mary Janes (Make 2)

These shoes are knitted separately to fit over the bunny’s feet.
Using Dark Brown yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the shoe.
Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe.
Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches. For the strap, pick up 10 stitches from one side of the shoe opening, bind off immediately, and sew to the other side. Slip onto the feet.

The Garden Snail Companion

This 3D pet sits next to the bunny and requires firm stuffing to hold its spiral shape.
Snail Body: Using Oatmeal yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. k for 3 inches. Decrease and close. Embroider two tiny black eyes at one end.
Snail Shell: Using Dark Brown yarn, cast on 8 stitches. Join in round. k for 5 inches. Stuff lightly as you go. Bind off. Roll the long tube into a large spiral (as seen in the image) and sew through the layers to secure. Attach the shell to the middle of the oatmeal body.

The Miniature Plant Pot

Using Terracotta yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Join in round. k for 8 rounds. Rnd 9: kfb around (20 sts). k 2 more rounds and bind off. Sew the bottom edge flat. Stuff with a small circle of brown knitting to represent soil.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The personality of the Sweet William & Snail Bunny comes alive during the final assembly. Follow these steps for a 100% accurate finish:

Face: Centered between the safety eyes, use a single strand of dark brown yarn to embroider a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. The nose should be roughly level with the bottom of the eyes. Keep the stitches tight and delicate.

Cheeks: Using a very light touch of pink blush and a cotton swab, apply small circles to the bunny’s cheeks. This mimics the soft, innocent glow seen in the photo.

Dressing: Place the sage green dress on the bunny first, ensuring the colorwork band is centered at the waist. Layer the red capelet over her shoulders, crossing the front panels. Secure the snail brooch carefully. Place the Mary Janes on the feet. Position the patterned beret between her ears, tilting it slightly to one side for a fashionable look.

Final Placement: Secure the miniature snail pet next to the bunny’s feet and place the terracotta pot nearby. Hide all loose yarn ends deep inside the body stuffing to ensure a professional, clean finish.

Detailed Cleaning and Care Guidelines

Because this project features multiple layers of clothing and intricate stranded patterns, proper care is essential to preserve its quality. This bunny is an heirloom-quality art doll and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the Fair Isle stitches.

Washing Instructions

Hand washing is the only recommended method. 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 colorwork areas on the dress or hat, as this can cause the fibers to felt or the patterns to distort. Let the doll soak for 10 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 red and sage green colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the oatmeal skin and green dress feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape.

Preservation

If the bunny is intended for 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. By following these maintenance steps, your Sweet William & Snail Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for years to come.

Knitting a character of this complexity is a labor of love. Every stitch in the colorwork beret and every diamond on the dress waistband 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!