The Fuchsia Dancer Bunny is a breathtaking celebration of movement, nature, and the delicate beauty of forest flora. This character captures the spirit of a graceful performer, dressed in a flared imperial purple skirt that serves as a canvas for a magnificent vine of dancing fuchsia blossoms. Her bright fuchsia cardigan features intricate hummingbird embroidery, echoing the presence of her tiny 3D feathered companion. To achieve the professional, heirloom-quality finish seen in the photographs, it is essential to buy high-quality natural fibers. When you buy premium extra-fine merino wool or a silk-merino blend, you ensure that the complex embroidery and structural elements like the flared skirt maintain their crisp definition and soft drape for decades. This project is a rewarding journey into the art of amigurumi and miniature garment construction, perfect for any enthusiast looking to buy unique materials and transform them into a storied work of art.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Materials and Specialized Tools
Selecting the correct textures is the foundation of creating a doll that looks 100% like the professional version. For this design, a DK weight (8-ply) yarn is the standard, but the choice of fiber matters immensely for the embroidery.
- Main Color (Body): 100g of Oatmeal or Taupe DK yarn. A wool-cotton blend provides a soft, matte finish that hides the stuffing well.
- Dress Color: 50g of Imperial Purple or Deep Violet DK yarn.
- Cardigan & Shoes Color: 50g of Vibrant Fuchsia or Magenta DK yarn.
- Foliage & Stems: 20g of Leaf Green or Sage Green yarn for the skirt embroidery and bag details.
- Flower Accents: Scraps of Light Pink and Bright Pink for the fuchsia petals.
- Pet & Embroidery Details: Scraps of Teal, Iridescent Green, White, and Black for the hummingbird and the cardigan motifs.
- Needles: US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the limbs and US Size 3 (3.25mm) circular needles for the larger clothing pieces.
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny.
- Ribbon: 1 yard of 1/4-inch soft pink satin ribbon for the ballet slipper laces.
- Stuffing: High-grade polyester fiberfill (approx. 200g).
- Tools: Tapestry needle, fine embroidery needle, and stitch markers.
Gauge and Structural Integrity
Maintaining a firm gauge is vital for amigurumi-style characters. If the stitches are too loose, the fiberfill will peek through, detracting from the high-end look. For the bunny body, aim for a density where the fabric feels solid. The clothing items are designed to fit snugly over the stuffed form, so checking the fit frequently as you knit the garments is recommended.
Standard Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- sts: stitches
- rnd(s): round(s)
- 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)
- RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side
- I-cord: a narrow tube of knitting worked on two needles
Bunny Foundation: The Legs
The construction begins at the feet and moves upward to ensure the bunny has the stability to support the heavy knitted wardrobe. The legs are worked as seamless tubes for a professional finish.
Right Leg Construction
Using the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across three needles and join for working in the round.
- Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
- Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
- Rnds 3-9: Knit all stitches. This forms the base and sides of the foot.
- 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 roughly 5 inches (13 cm).
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. Leave the stitches on a holder.
Left Leg Construction
Repeat the exact instructions as the right leg. After finishing Round 42, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from the left leg to join the two pieces and begin the torso.
Constructing the Bunny Torso and Hips
Joining the legs correctly determines the bunny’s posture and the width of the hips. Place the legs side-by-side with the toes pointing forward.
Rnd 43 (Joining): Knit across the 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center, knit across the 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on 4 stitches for the back (56 sts total).
Rnds 44-58: Knit every stitch in the round. This section establishes the wide, rounded hips characteristic of this design.
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. Begin stuffing the body firmly, pushing the fiberfill toward the sides to maintain the plump silhouette.
Rnd 73: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnds 74-78: Knit all stitches.
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.
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Sculpting the Head and Facial Structure
The head is worked directly from the neck to provide structural integrity. We use specific increases to define the broad cheeks and the gently tapered bridge of the nose. This part must be stuffed very firmly to support the weight of the headband and ears.
Head 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.
Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 96 and 97, roughly 12 stitches apart. Ensure they are level with the center of the feet.
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.
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 Rabbit Ears (Make 2)
The ears are long and stand tall with a slight natural floppy curve at the tips. We work them flat to provide a slightly concave shape. Use the oatmeal yarn.
Cast on 12 stitches.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long rectangle.
Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (10 sts).
Row 47: Purl all stitches.
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 and sew to the top of the head at Round 110. The ears should be positioned parallel to each other.
Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)
The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally or hold the hummingbird pet. Join oatmeal yarn in the round on DPNs.
Cast on 10 stitches.
Rnds 1-38: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge.
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 Imperial Purple Fuchsia Skirt
The skirt features a wide, flared silhouette that provides an elegant base for the dancing fuchsia embroidery. We use the imperial purple yarn and 3.25mm circular needles.
Knitting the Skirt
Cast on 84 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 builds the main length of the skirt.
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 vine is positioned correctly relative to the legs.
Dancing Fuchsia Embroidery Guide
The embroidery is the artistic heart of the project. Use the green yarn and pink scraps with a sharp embroidery needle.
The Vine: Using a stem stitch or backstitch with green yarn, create a wandering vine that starts at the hem and curves upward and around the bottom third of the skirt.
The Fuchsia Blossoms: To create the “dancing” flowers, use bright pink for the outer petals (sepals) and light pink for the inner petals (corolla). Use a satin stitch for the sepals, making them point upward or outward. Add tiny white French knots or straight stitches for the dangling stamens. Space 6 to 8 blossoms along the green vine.
The Fuchsia Hummingbird Cardigan
The cardigan is a standout piece worked flat with garter stitch borders. The hummingbird motifs are added after assembly using a mix of duplicate stitch and fine embroidery.
Cardigan Body and Sleeves
Using the vibrant fuchsia 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 3 stitches at each edge 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 10 rows in stockinette. Bind off loosely. The cardigan should be short-sleeved, ending just above the elbow.
Miniature Hummingbird Details
On both front panels of the cardigan, embroider a tiny hummingbird. Use teal yarn for the body, white for the belly, and purple for the wings. A single black straight stitch creates the long beak. The birds should be angled as if they are flying toward the front opening.
The Bow Headband and Ballet Slippers
The Pink Bow Headband
Using the vibrant fuchsia yarn, cast on 4 stitches. Work in stockinette stitch for 12 inches (30 cm). This creates a long, thin strip. Bind off.
The Bow: Cast on 10 stitches and work in stockinette for 4 inches (10 cm). Bind off. Pinch the center of the rectangle and wrap it with yarn to create a bow shape. Sew the bow to the headband strip. Wrap the headband around the bunny’s head, positioning the bow to one side, and sew the ends together hidden under the ears.
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Pink Ballet Slippers (Make 2)
These shoes are knitted as separate items to slide over the oatmeal feet. Use the fuchsia yarn.
Cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the slipper.
Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe.
Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches loosely.
Ribbon Laces: Cut the pink satin ribbon into two equal lengths. Thread a piece of ribbon through the back of each slipper. When dressing the bunny, wrap the ribbon around her ankles in a cross-over pattern and tie in a neat bow at the front.
Accessories: Fuchsia Bag and Hummingbird Pet
Fuchsia Bud Messenger Bag
The bunny carries a small bag that looks like a flower bud. Use the pink and green yarns.
Bag Body: Using bright pink, cast on 10 stitches. Join in round. kfb around (20 sts). Knit 12 rounds. k2tog around (10 sts). Bind off. Sew the bottom edge flat.
Green Sepals: Pick up 10 stitches at the top edge using green yarn. Row 1: *k2, m1* around. Row 2: k across. Row 3: *k1, k2tog* across. Bind off. Fold these green edges down to mimic a flower base.
The Strap: Knit a 12-inch I-cord in green and attach to the sides. Drape it across the bunny’s shoulder.
3D Miniature Hummingbird Pet
This tiny companion is worked in one piece and requires very careful stuffing. It sits on the bunny’s hand or arm.
Using teal yarn and 2.5mm needles.
Body and Head: Cast on 6 stitches in the round. Rnd 1: kfb (12). Rnd 2-8: Knit. Rnd 9: *k1, k2tog* around (8 sts). Rnd 10: kfb around (16 sts) for head. Rnds 11-13: Knit. Stuff firmly. Rnd 14: k2tog around. Close.
Beak: Using black thread, create a 1/2-inch stiff straight stitch protruding from the face.
Wings & Tail: Knit three tiny purple triangles (cast on 4, knit 3 rows, k2tog, k2tog, bind off) and sew them to the sides and back. Use iridescent green thread to add shimmering highlights to the back.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
The personality of the Fuchsia Dancer Bunny comes alive 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. Keep the stitches tight and delicate. Use a single stitch of white yarn at the outer edge of each safety eye to create a “sparkle” effect.
Cheek Blush
Using a cotton swab, apply a very light touch of actual pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a small, circular motion. This adds a youthful, healthy glow that mimics the reference photo perfectly.
Dressing the Bunny
Place the purple skirt on the bunny first, ensuring the vine embroidery is visible. Layer the fuchsia cardigan over her shoulders. Slip the ballet slippers onto the feet and tie the ribbons securely. Place the headband between her ears. Finally, position the fuchsia bag and the 3D hummingbird companion. Check all seams and hide any loose yarn ends deep inside the body stuffing to ensure a professional, clean finish.
Detailed Cleaning and Care Guidelines
Because this project features intricate embroidery, multi-colored colorwork, and delicate ribbon details, 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 fuchsia blossoms.
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 blossoms on the skirt or the hummingbird motifs, as this can distort the stitches. 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 fuchsia and purple colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and cardigan 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 fuchsia cardigan and every petal on the skirt 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 performer to life!
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