The Sweet Strawberry Bunny is a masterpiece of knitted art, combining the rustic charm of a garden harvest with the delicate precision of heirloom toy making. This character features a soft oatmeal-colored body dressed in a pristine white dress decorated with vibrant red strawberry motifs. Over her dress, she wears a cozy, bright red cardigan with a functional pocket that hides a tiny, secret mouse companion. Her outfit is topped with a crisp white bucket hat adorned with dangling 3D strawberries, and she wears matching red Mary Jane shoes. To achieve the high-quality finish seen in the image, it is recommended that you buy premium extra-fine merino wool or a high-twist cotton blend for the best stitch definition. When you buy specific yarns like these, the strawberry embroidery pops with realistic texture. The estimated cost for high-quality materials is approximately $20 to $30 USD, while a finished artisanal doll of this complexity can be sold for upwards of $150 USD. You can purchase your favorite colors and essential 3.0mm needles from reputable online retailers like Amazon or your local specialty fiber shop.

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 Specifications

To ensure your finished bunny matches the professional aesthetic of the reference image, selecting the correct fiber weights is paramount. This project is designed for DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn, which provides the necessary structure for the bunny’s seated pose and the intricate details of her wardrobe.

• Yarn Selection:
  • Oatmeal or Soft Beige: 100g (Bunny body, head, and limbs).
  • Bright Red: 75g (Cardigan, shoes, strawberries, and bag).
  • Pure White: 50g (Dress and hat).
  • Leaf Green: 25g (Strawberry stems and bag details).
  • Light Grey or Cream: Scraps (Tiny mouse companion).
  • Light Tan: Scraps (Miniature jam jar lid and ribbon).
• Knitting Needles: US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles for the magic loop method. Using a slightly smaller needle size than recommended for the yarn weight creates a dense fabric that prevents stuffing from showing through.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny; 4mm black beads or embroidery thread for the tiny mouse.
• Filling: High-grade polyester fiberfill (approx. 200g).
• Embroidery Tools: A sharp tapestry needle and a fine embroidery needle for the strawberry details and facial features.
• Notions: Two tiny red buttons for the cardigan and dress; a small wooden spoon for the accessory set.

Standard Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd(s): round(s)
• st-st: stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS)
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase)
• m1: make one 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

Bunny Foundation: Leg and Foot Construction

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward to ensure the bunny has the structural integrity to support the heavy knitted layers of her outfit. The legs are worked as seamless tubes for a professional, clean finish.

Right Leg Construction

Using the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across three double-pointed needles 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 from * to end of round (32 sts).
3. Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This forms the base and sides of the foot.
4. Rnd 10: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep.
5. Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
6. Rnd 12-42: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures roughly 5 inches (13 cm) from the sole.

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 at the hip join. Leave these stitches on a holder or a spare needle.

Left Leg Construction

Repeat the exact instructions as the right leg. After reaching Round 42, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from this leg to initiate the body join in the next section.

Constructing the Bunny Torso and Hip Shaping

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture. The spacing between the legs determines the width of the hips, which is vital for the fit of the white strawberry dress. The transition must be seamless and strong.

Rnd 43: 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 another 4 stitches for the back (56 sts total).
Rnds 44-58: Knit all stitches in the round. This establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain even tension to ensure the fabric is smooth.
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 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.

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Shaping the Bunny Head and Facial Structure

The head is worked directly from the neck to provide structural integrity. We use specific increases to define the broad, sweet cheeks and the slightly tapered bridge of the nose characteristic of this heritage design. This part must be stuffed very firmly to support the weight of the hat and ears.

The Snout and Face

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 in stockinette. This vertical growth creates the main volume of the head and allows space for the facial features.
Insert the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 96 and 97, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level and aligned with the center of the feet for a balanced, thoughtful gaze.

Closing the Crown

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. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
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, leaving a tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the end securely inside the head.

Long Bunny Ears and Slender Arms

The Rabbit Ears (Make 2)

The ears are worked flat and then sewn to the crown of the head. This method allows them to drape naturally toward the shoulders. Use the oatmeal yarn and straight needles.

Cast on 12 stitches.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS).
Row 46: k2tog, k8, ssk (10 sts).
Row 47: Purl all stitches.
Row 48: k2tog, k6, ssk (8 sts).
Row 49: Purl all stitches.
Row 50: k2tog, k4, ssk (6 sts).
Bind off all stitches. Make two. Fold the cast-on edge slightly in half to create depth and sew them to the top of the head between rounds 110 and 112, leaving enough space for the hat to sit comfortably between them.

Slender Arms (Make 2)

The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs to allow them to rest gracefully at the bunny’s sides or hold the wooden spoon accessory. Use the oatmeal yarn and join in the round on DPNs.

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

The White Strawberry Motif Dress

The dress is a classic A-line silhouette worked in the round from the bottom up. The small strawberry motifs are added after the knitting is complete using embroidery techniques to ensure 100% accuracy to the photo.

Knitting the Dress

Using pure white yarn and 3.25mm circular needles, cast on 80 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t roll.
Rnds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the main length of the skirt, which should fall to just above the bunny’s ankles.
Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *k8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Rnd 32: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
Rnd 33: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Bind off all stitches loosely. Place the skirt on the bunny before beginning the embroidery to ensure the strawberries are positioned correctly relative to the legs.

Strawberry Embroidery Guide

The embroidery should be scattered evenly around the bottom half of the skirt. Use the bright red yarn and leaf green thread.
The Berry: Use a satin stitch or a small French knot with red yarn to create a teardrop shape about 2 stitches wide. Use white thread to add two tiny “seeds” to the berry.
The Hull: At the top of the red berry, use green thread to create three tiny straight stitches in a fan shape to represent the leaves. Space these berries roughly 2 inches apart around the circumference of the skirt.

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The Bright Red Cardigan with Pocket

The cardigan is worked flat and features a cropped design with long sleeves and a functional pocket for the mouse pet. The bright red color provides a striking contrast to the white dress.

Cardigan Body and Sleeves

Using the bright red yarn, cast on 36 stitches. Work flat on straight needles.
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.
Pocket: Cast on 8 stitches. Work 8 rows in stockinette. Bind off and sew to the right front panel of the cardigan. On the pocket, use green yarn to embroider a tiny yellow square with a cross to mimic a cheese block charm as seen in the reference.

White Bucket Hat and Red Mary Janes

The White Hat with Strawberry Dangles

Using pure white 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: *k6, k2tog* repeat around.
Continue decreasing every round until 6 stitches remain. Break yarn and pull tight.
Strawberry Dangles: Knit three tiny red strawberries. Cast on 4 stitches, knit 3 rounds, k2tog around, close. Attach a 1-inch green I-cord stem to each berry and sew them to the brim of the hat so they dangle playfully.

Red Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

Using bright red yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the sole sides.
Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
Rnd 6: Bind off all stitches. For the strap, pick up 10 stitches in red from one side of the shoe opening, bind off immediately, and sew it across to the other side. Slip onto the feet and secure with a small, hidden stitch into the leg skin.

Accessories: Miniature Mouse and Strawberry Bag

The Secret Mouse Pet

This tiny companion is worked in a single piece using grey yarn and US 1 (2.25mm) needles to ensure it is small enough to fit inside the cardigan pocket.
Head and Body: Cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. Rnd 1: kfb (12). Rnd 2-8: Knit. Rnd 9: k2tog (6). Stuff lightly and close.
Ears: Knit two tiny pink circles and sew to the top. Embroider eyes and a nose using black thread. Place the mouse inside the red cardigan pocket.

Strawberry-Shaped Messenger Bag

The bunny carries a small bag that looks exactly like a large strawberry.
Bag Body: Using red yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb (12). *k1, kfb* (18). *k2, kfb* (24). Knit 10 rounds. *k2, k2tog* (18). *k1, k2tog* (12). Stuff very lightly to keep it flat. Close.
Leaves and Strap: Use green yarn to knit a 5-pointed leaf shape and sew to the top. Knit a 12-inch I-cord strap in red and attach to the sides. Use white thread to embroider seeds all over the bag. Drape across the bunny’s shoulder.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The character’s personality is brought to life during the final sewing stage. Ensure all parts are aligned perfectly with the reference image. The head should be centered on the neck, and the arms should be positioned high enough to allow the cardigan to sit flat.

The Face

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. The nose should be level with the bottom of the eyes. You may apply a very light touch of pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a small, circular motion to give her a healthy, outdoor glow.

Final Dressing

Place the white dress on the bunny first, ensuring the strawberry embroidery is centered. Slip the red Mary Janes onto the feet. Layer the red cardigan over her shoulders and tuck the secret mouse into the pocket. Position the bucket hat between the ears, ensuring the strawberry dangles hang over her ears. Place the strawberry-shaped bag across her chest and place the jam jar and wooden spoon nearby. Check all seams for any gaps and ensure all loose yarn ends are woven in deeply so they are hidden within the stuffing.

Detailed Cleaning and Care Guidelines

Because this project features intricate embroidery, stranded colorwork, and delicate 3D strawberries, 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 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 designed for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Do not scrub the embroidered strawberries or the dangling hat charms, as this can distort the fibers. 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 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 colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the oatmeal skin feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape.

Knitting a project of this complexity is a labor of love. Every stitch in the red cardigan and every embroidered berry on the dress 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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