The Lavender Bee Bunny is a masterpiece of soft-sculpture artistry, blending the fragrant charm of a summer garden with the intricate detail of professional amigurumi design. This character is meticulously dressed in a lavender-toned dress adorned with embroidered floral sprigs and a sage green cardigan featuring a delicate honeybee motif. Her look is completed with a matching embroidered bonnet and deep purple Mary Janes. To achieve the heirloom quality seen in the photographs, many crafters choose to buy premium extra-fine merino wool or organic cotton blends, as these fibers provide the necessary stitch definition for the 3D bee and the fine floral details. When you buy high-quality materials, you ensure that every petal and wing-tip holds its shape for a lifetime of display. This project is ideal for intermediate knitters who enjoy multi-layered construction and the quiet satisfaction of fine embroidery.
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 character exactly as shown, the selection of yarn is paramount. The texture of the fibers will determine how the clothing drapes and how well the stuffing is hidden within the body. We recommend using DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn for all components to maintain consistent proportions.
- Body Color: Oatmeal or Soft Beige (approx. 100g). A wool-cotton blend provides a matte, natural look that mimics traditional soft toys.
- Dress Color: Lavender or Soft Purple (approx. 50g).
- Cardigan Color: Sage Green or Mint (approx. 50g).
- Shoe Color: Deep Plum or Dark Purple (approx. 20g).
- Accessory Colors: Small amounts of Mustard Yellow and Charcoal Black for the bee, Tan for the foraging bag, and White for the bee wings.
- Needles: US size 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles or circular needles for magic loop. Using a slightly smaller needle than the yarn label suggests creates a dense fabric that prevents fiberfill from peeking through.
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm black safety eyes.
- Stuffing: High-grade polyester fiberfill or carded wool.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark green for lavender stems and purple for lavender heads.
- Notions: A sharp tapestry needle, embroidery needle, and stitch markers.
Knitting Abbreviations and Techniques
Consistency in tension is the secret to a professional finish. Ensure you maintain an even gauge throughout, especially when transitioning between the body and the clothing items.
- 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 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
Constructing the Bunny Foundation: Legs and Torso
The bunny is built from the bottom up to ensure the legs are securely integrated into the body. This provides a stable base for the rabbit to stand or sit in a natural posture.
The Right Leg
Using the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Join for working in the round, ensuring the stitches are not twisted. Place a marker at the start of the round.
- Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
- Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat from * to end of round (32 sts).
- Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This forms the foot base.
- Rnd 10: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
- Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
- Rnds 12-42: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures the required height. Stuff the foot area very firmly, shaping the heel and toe with your fingers. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility at the hip join. Leave the stitches on a holder.
The Left Leg
Repeat the exact instructions as the right leg. After finishing Round 42, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from this leg to initiate the join for the torso in the next stage.
Building the Torso and Hips
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 lavender dress to sit elegantly.
Rnd 43 (Joining): 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 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 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 narrow neck area. Do not bind off, as the head is worked directly from these stitches.
Sculpting the Bunny Head and Face
The head requires specific increases to define the broad, sweet cheeks and the slightly tapered bridge of the nose. This part must be stuffed very firmly to maintain its shape over time.
The Snout and Face Shaping
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 builds the vertical volume of the face. It should look like a rounded dome.
Position 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.
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Closing the Head
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 fiberfill at a time to ensure there are no 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, thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the end securely inside the head.
Long Floppy Ears and Slender Arms
Detailed Ears (Make 2)
The ears are a defining feature of this rabbit, standing tall yet showing a natural floppy drape at the tips. They are worked flat and then sewn to the crown.
Using the oatmeal yarn, cast on 12 stitches.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long, elegant rectangle.
Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (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. Fold the bottom edge of the ear slightly in half to create depth and sew to the top of the head at Round 110. The ears should be positioned parallel to each other.
Slender Arms (Make 2)
The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally at the bunny’s side or hold accessories. Use oatmeal yarn and join in the round on DPNs.
Cast on 10 stitches.
Rnds 1-38: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
Rnd 39: *k3, k2tog* (8 sts).
Rnd 40: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the hand area firmly and the upper arm very lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 82.
The Lavender Sprig Skirt and Bodice
This dress features an A-line shape with a simple rolled hem. The floral embroidery is the artistic center of the character and is added after the knitting is complete.
Knitting the Dress Body
Using the lavender yarn and 3.25mm circular needles, cast on 80 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean hem that won’t roll excessively.
Rnds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the main length of the skirt, which should fall 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).
Rnd 34-45: Knit all stitches for the bodice section. Maintain a smooth tension.
Divide for armholes: Knit 10, bind off 4 stitches for the armhole, knit 20, bind off 4 stitches, knit 10.
Work the front and back sections separately flat for 6 rows each, then bind off. Sew the shoulder seams together, leaving a wide opening for the head.
Floral Embroidery Guide
The hem of the skirt is decorated with lavender sprigs. Use a sharp needle, forest green thread, and purple yarn.
The Stems: Using a stem stitch or a simple straight stitch, create 10-12 green stems of varying heights (approx. 1-2 inches) around the circumference of the hem.
The Lavender Heads: At the top of each stem, use the purple yarn to create small clusters of French knots or tiny “lazy daisy” stitches. Space these sprigs evenly around the dress to mimic a blooming field.
The Sage Green Garden Cardigan
The cardigan is a standout piece worked flat with garter stitch borders. The honeybee motif is added to the chest after assembly to give it a whimsical touch.
Cardigan Body and Sleeves
Using the sage green yarn, cast on 36 stitches. We work this flat on straight needles.
Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches (Garter stitch border).
Row 5 (RS): k3, m1, k to last 3 sts, m1, k3 (38 sts).
Row 6 (WS): k3, p to last 3 sts, k3.
Rows 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch, keeping the first and last 3 stitches in garter stitch for the front plackets.
Divide for armholes: Work 9 stitches for the front, bind off 3 stitches, work 14 stitches for the back, bind off 3 stitches, work 9 stitches for the second front. Work these sections separately for 8 rows, then bind off and sew the shoulder seams.
Sleeves: Pick up 16 stitches around the armhole opening and knit for 18 rows in stockinette. Bind off loosely. The cardigan should be cropped, ending just at the waistline of the dress.
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Honeybee Embroidery Detail
On the right front panel of the cardigan, use yellow and black yarn to embroider a tiny bee. Start with a small yellow oval for the body and add three thin black horizontal lines. Use white thread to create two tiny “V” shaped wings at the top. This small detail is essential for a 100% accurate character match.
The Embroidered Oatmeal Bonnet
The bonnet frames the bunny’s face and coordinates with the floral theme of the dress. It is worked flat and then tied under the chin with I-cord strings.
Using the oatmeal yarn, cast on 40 stitches.
Rows 1-4: Knit all rows for the front border.
Rows 5-25: Work in stockinette stitch.
Next row: k2tog across (20 sts).
Next row: p2tog across (10 sts).
Break yarn and pull through the remaining stitches, sewing the back seam halfway up to create the hood shape.
Bonnet Ties: Pick up 3 stitches at each bottom corner and knit an I-cord 10 inches long. Tie under the bunny’s chin in a neat bow.
Bonnet Embroidery: Mirroring the skirt, embroider three small lavender sprigs on the right side of the bonnet using green and purple thread. This draws the eye upward to the face.
Mary Jane Shoes and Foraging Bag
Deep Purple Mary Janes (Make 2)
These shoes are separate items that fit over the oatmeal feet. Use the deep purple yarn and 3.0mm needles.
- Cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
- Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the shoe.
- Rnd 11: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
- Rnd 12: Bind off 17 stitches.
- The Strap: Cast on 10 stitches and bind off immediately. Sew the strap across the top opening of the shoe. Slip onto the feet and secure with a small stitch into the leg if necessary.
The Foraging Crossbody Bag
The bunny carries a small tan bag for collecting lavender. This is a simple rectangle folded and sewn.
Using the tan yarn, cast on 12 stitches. Work in garter stitch for 30 rows. Fold the bottom 12 rows up to form a pocket and sew the side seams. Fold the top 6 rows down to act as a flap. Knit a 12-inch I-cord for the strap and sew to the sides of the bag. Drape it over the bunny’s arm as shown in the photo.
The 3D Miniature Honeybee Pet
This tiny companion sits on the bunny’s head or shoulder. It requires very careful color changes to capture the iconic stripes.
Using yellow yarn and 2.5mm needles, cast on 6 stitches in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around (12 sts).
Rnd 2: Knit all yellow.
Rnd 3: Join black yarn. Knit all.
Rnd 4: Knit black.
Rnd 5: Change to yellow. Knit all.
Rnd 6: Knit yellow.
Rnd 7: Change to black. Knit all.
Rnd 8: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (8 sts).
Stuff the tiny body firmly. Change to black for the head. Rnd 9: k2tog around (4 sts). Close the hole. Use white thread to knit two tiny wing flaps (cast on 3, knit 2 rows, bind off) and sew them to the top of the yellow stripes.
The Lavender Bouquet Prop
A loose bouquet of lavender completes the garden scene. We use green I-cords and purple bobbles to simulate the flowers.
Stems (Make 10): Using green yarn, cast on 3 stitches and work a 5-inch I-cord. Bind off.
Flower Heads: At the tip of each green stem, use purple yarn to create a “popcorn” stitch or a large French knot. Once all 10 sprigs are ready, bundle them together and tie them with a small scrap of purple yarn into a bow. Place the bouquet next to the bunny’s feet or stitch it to her hand.
Final Assembly and Facial Expression
Proper assembly is what transforms knitted pieces into a character with a soul. Follow these steps for a professional finish:
Face: Use brown embroidery thread to stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered exactly between the safety eyes. The mouth should be small and positioned low to create a sweet, innocent expression. Use a single stitch of white yarn at the outer edge of each safety eye to create a “sparkle” effect.
Cheeks: Using a cotton swab, apply a very small amount of actual pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a circular motion. This adds a youthful, healthy glow that mimics the reference photo perfectly.
Dressing: Place the lavender dress on the bunny first, pulling it up to the neck and sewing the shoulder seams if necessary. Layer the sage green cardigan over her shoulders. Secure the Mary Janes on her feet. Position the embroidered bonnet on her head and tie the I-cords in a neat bow under the chin. Finally, place the 3D honeybee on her head/ear area and position the bag and bouquet. Check all seams and hide any loose yarn ends inside the body stuffing to ensure a clean, professional finish.
Detailed Cleaning and Care Guidelines
Because this project features intricate embroidery and multiple layers of high-quality knitwear, proper care is essential to maintain its heirloom status. This bunny is an art piece and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the lavender 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 skirt or the 3D bee, 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 lavender and green colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and clothing feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape.
Knitting a project of this scale and detail is a labor of love. Every stitch in the sage green cardigan and every embroidered lavender sprig 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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