The Blush Peony & Puppy Bunny is a breathtaking celebration of soft textures and garden-inspired elegance. This sophisticated character features a gentle oatmeal-toned bunny dressed in a vibrant rose-pink dress, distinguished by a magnificent row of 3D knitted peonies that encircle the hem. Her ensemble is layered with a cozy light beige vest, accented by playful hand-embroidered paw prints, and she carries a matching miniature backpack adorned with a cluster of delicate rosebuds. To achieve the professional, heirloom-quality finish seen in the image, many crafters choose to buy premium extra-fine merino wool or organic cotton blends, as these fibers provide the necessary stitch definition for the intricate floral work. When you purchase specific yarns for this project, you ensure that the finished art doll maintains its shape and soft texture for years of display. This design is perfect for those looking to buy high-quality materials and transform them into a unique work of art that radiates warmth and seasonal beauty.

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 a harmonious color palette. Using DK weight (8-ply) yarn is the standard for this size, providing enough structural integrity for the character to stand or sit comfortably while allowing for fine embroidery details and layered floral construction.

• Main Bunny Body: Approximately 100g of Oatmeal or Soft Beige yarn. A natural wool-cotton blend is ideal for a matte, soft finish.
• Dress and Peonies: 75g of Vibrant Rose Pink yarn. This color is used for the A-line dress and the magnificent 3D flowers.
• Vest and Accessories: 50g of Light Beige or Desert Sand yarn. This matches the vest, the headband, and the small backpack.
• Shoes: 20g of Medium Tan or Dust Pink yarn for the Mary Janes.
• Puppy Companion: 25g of Golden Honey or Light Brown yarn for the puppy and his small basket.
• Embroidery Details: Scraps of Dark Mauve or Plum for the paw prints; Leaf Green for the peony leaves; White and Soft Pink for the backpack rosebuds.
• Needles: 2.75mm (US 2) for the bunny body and 3.25mm (US 3) for the clothing items. Using a smaller needle than recommended for the yarn creates a dense fabric that hides the stuffing.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny; 4mm black beads or embroidery thread for the puppy.
• Stuffing: High-grade polyester fiberfill to ensure a smooth, lump-free shape.
• Tools: Tapestry needle, fine embroidery needle, and stitch markers.

Standard Stitch Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• 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: The Legs

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 the peony dress. We work the legs as seamless tubes for a professional, clean finish that mimics high-end artisanal toys.

Step-by-Step Leg Construction (Make 2)

Using the oatmeal-colored yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 10 stitches. Distribute them across your double-pointed needles and join for working in the round, ensuring the stitches are not twisted. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.

1. Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (20 sts).
2. Rnd 2: *k1, kfb* repeat around (30 sts).
3. Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This forms the base and sides of the foot.
4. Rnd 10: k10, (k2tog) 5 times, k10 (25 sts). This decrease shaping creates the front instep.
5. Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 3 times, k9 (22 sts).
6. Rnds 12-42: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg reaches the required height.

Stuff the foot area very firmly, using your fingers to shape a rounded toe and a distinct heel. The leg should be stuffed moderately as you move upward to allow for natural flexibility at the hip join. Leave the stitches for the first leg on a holder and complete the second leg, keeping the yarn attached to join the body.

Building the Torso and Hips

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture. We will create a bridge between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the rose-pink dress to sit elegantly. This part of the body needs to be stuffed very firmly to prevent the character from leaning.

Rnd 43 (Joining): Knit across the 22 stitches of the second leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 22 stitches of the first leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back (52 sts total).
Rnds 44-58: Knit all stitches in the round. This establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain a firm tension to ensure the fabric is smooth and dense.
Rnd 59: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnds 60-65: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 66: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnds 67-72: Knit all stitches. At this stage, begin stuffing the lower body firmly. Focus on pushing the stuffing toward the sides to define the rounded hip shape seen in the image.
Rnd 73: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Rnd 74: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 75: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
Rnd 76: *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 to avoid a wobbly neck.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Shaping 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, especially since the headband with the heavy peony will be placed on top.

Head Shaping Instructions

1. Rnd 77: *k2, m1* repeat around (32 sts).
2. Rnd 78: *k3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
3. Rnd 79: *k4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
4. Rnd 80: *k5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
5. Rnd 81: *k6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
6. Rnds 82-100: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the vertical volume of the face and forehead.
7. Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 92 and 93, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level with the center of the feet.

Closing the Head

1. Rnd 101: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
2. Rnd 102: Knit all stitches.
3. Rnd 103: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
4. Rnd 104: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
5. Rnd 105: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts). Begin stuffing the head very firmly. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks.
6. Rnd 106: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
7. Rnd 107: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
8. Rnd 108: 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 Floppy Ears and Slender Arms

Detailed Ears (Make 2)

The ears are a defining feature, standing tall at the crown before showing a natural floppy drape. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape. Use the oatmeal yarn and straight needles.

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 to create depth and sew to the top of the head at Round 105. 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 at the bunny’s side. Join oatmeal yarn in the round on DPNs.

1. Cast on 10 stitches.
2. Rnds 1-38: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge.
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 very lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 76.

The Rose Peony A-Line Dress

This dress features a wide, flared silhouette that provides an elegant base for the row of 3D peonies. We use the rose-pink yarn and 3.25mm circular needles to ensure the fabric has a beautiful drape.

Knitting the Dress Body

Cast on 84 stitches in pink. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean hem that won’t roll excessively.
Rnds 5-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, which should fall to 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 34-42: 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.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Creating the 3D Blush Peonies

The defining feature of this character is the row of 3D flowers. You will need to make approximately 6 to 7 large peonies for the skirt and one extra-large peony for the headband.

Large Peony Construction (Make 7)

Using the rose-pink yarn, we will knit long, ruffled strips that are coiled into flower shapes.

1. Cast on 50 stitches.
2. Row 1: *k1, m1* across (100 sts).
3. Row 2: Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: *k1, m1* across (200 sts).
5. Row 4: Bind off all stitches loosely.

The resulting strip will be very curly. Starting from one end, roll the strip tightly into a circular flower shape, stitching through the base of the coil as you go to secure the layers. Sew the flowers evenly spaced around the hem of the dress. Using green embroidery floss, add two small “lazy daisy” leaves between each flower.

Headband Peony

Follow the same instructions but cast on 60 stitches to create a fuller, larger bloom. Sew this flower onto a knitted beige headband (Cast on 5 sts, work in garter stitch for 12 inches, join ends).

The Beige Vest and Paw Print Details

The vest is a modern addition that provides a pop of neutral color and a focal point for the paw print motifs. It is worked flat and features a high, open neckline.

Vest Construction

Using the light beige 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 each section for 10 rows. On the last row, bind off all stitches. Sew the shoulder seams. The vest should remain open at the front as shown in the photo.

Paw Print Embroidery

On the right front panel of the vest, use the dark mauve yarn to embroider two small paw prints. Use a single large satin stitch for the main pad and four tiny dots above it for the toes. This small detail is essential for a 100% accurate character match.

The Rosebud Backpack and Mary Jane Shoes

Miniature Beige Backpack

The bunny carries a small bag that adds to the “harvest” theme. Use the light beige yarn.
Bag Body: 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. Sew two thin I-cords (10 inches each) to the back as shoulder straps.
Rosebud Cluster: Knit three tiny rosebuds. Cast on 6 stitches, k2tog across, break yarn and pull through. Roll into a tiny ball. Make two pink and one white. Sew them in a cluster onto the backpack flap with two small green leaves.

Tan Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

Using the tan 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 box.
Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches loosely.
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, hidden stitch into the leg oatmeal skin if necessary.

The Golden Puppy Companion and Wicker Basket

This tiny pet is what brings the “Puppy Bunny” theme to life. It consists of a small golden-brown puppy nestled in a hand-knitted basket.

Puppy Body and Head

1. Body: Cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb (12). Rnd 2-8: Knit. Rnd 9: k2tog (6). Stuff firmly and close.
2. Head: Cast on 6 stitches. Inc to 12. Knit 4 rnds. Dec to close. Sew to body.
3. Ears: Knit two tiny flat triangles and sew to sides of head so they flop down.
4. Details: Use black thread to embroider a nose and eyes.

Wicker-Style Basket

Using the light tan yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around (20 sts).
Rnd 2-10: *k1, p1* ribbing. This alternating texture mimics the look of a woven basket.
Bind off and sew the bottom edge flat. Place the puppy inside the basket and position it next to the bunny’s feet.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The character’s personality is brought to life during the final assembly. Begin by ensuring the head is perfectly aligned with the center of the chest. 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 for a sweet expression.

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. Dress the bunny in the rose-pink dress first, ensuring the 3D peonies are centered. Layer the beige vest over her shoulders. Place the headband between her ears, tilting the large peony to the right side. Secure the backpack on her shoulders and place the puppy in his basket nearby. Check all seams for any gaps and ensure all loose yarn ends are woven in deeply so they are hidden within the stuffing.

Cleaning and Care Guidelines

Because this project features intricate 3D flowers, fine embroidery, and multiple layers, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom quality. This bunny is an art doll and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or matting of the fibers.

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 3D peonies or the embroidered paw prints, 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 rose-pink and tan colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and vest feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently fluff the 3D peony layers with your fingers to restore their rounded shape.

Knitting a project of this scale and detail is a labor of love. Every stitch in the rose-pink dress and every petal on the 3D peonies 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 bunny to life!

“`