The English Rose & Bluebird Bunny is a breathtaking example of the heights reachable in contemporary amigurumi, merging high-fashion doll couture with classic cottagecore aesthetics. This character stands as a testament to the beauty of detailed craftsmanship, featuring a serene oatmeal-colored rabbit outfitted in a layered garden ensemble. Her rose-pink dress showcases a sophisticated vine of red roses along the hem, while her sky-blue vest provides the perfect canvas for a whimsical bluebird motif. To ensure your finished heirloom reaches this level of professional quality, it is vital to order premium merino wool and high-grade amigurumi supplies. Many collectors find that buying luxury knitting needles and purchasing organic fiberfill significantly improves the structural integrity of the bunny’s standing posture. This project is a rewarding pursuit for any artisan looking to buy specialty yarns and transform them into a storied work of art that captures the essence of a tranquil English garden in peak bloom.

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 the exact visual weight and texture seen in the reference image, the selection of fibers is the most critical stage. This design relies on the soft drape of fine wool to allow the clothing to sit naturally on the rabbit’s frame without adding excessive bulk. The following list ensures a 100% accurate reproduction of the original character.

• Primary Yarn (Oatmeal/Beige): 100g of DK weight extra-fine merino wool. A natural, slightly heathered beige provides the timeless “oatmeal” look for the skin.
• Dress Yarn (Rose Pink): 50g of DK weight wool in a soft, dusty rose or medium pink shade.
• Vest Yarn (Sky Blue): 30g of Sport weight or light DK yarn in a clear periwinkle or sky blue tone.
• Accessory Yarn (Tan/Sand): 50g of DK weight yarn for the sun hat and heart-shaped bag.
• Shoe Yarn (Dark Pink): 20g of DK weight yarn in a deep rose or magenta.
• Accent Colors: Small amounts of Crimson Red (roses), Forest Green (stems), Bright Blue (3D bird), and Ivory (letter/envelope).
• Knitting Needles: US Size 2 (2.75mm) and US Size 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circulars for the magic loop method. The smaller needles are used for the body to create a dense, stitch-hidden fabric.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes.
• Stuffing: High-density polyester fiberfill to allow the bunny to stand firmly.
• Notions: Two tiny tan buttons (4mm) for the shoes, a tapestry needle, and a fine embroidery needle for the floral details.

Structural Specifications and Gauge

The integrity of this doll depends on a firm gauge. Unlike a garment intended for a human, amigurumi must be knit tightly enough so that when the piece is stuffed, the fiberfill remains invisible. For the bunny’s body, aim for 28 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the 2.75mm needles. The clothing items are knit with slightly larger needles to allow for flexibility and ease of dressing the doll. Always measure your work as you go, as slight variations in tension can affect the fit of the pink dress over the bunny’s hips. Consistency in your 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.

Bunny Foundation: Leg and Foot Construction

The construction begins at the base of the feet to provide a stable foundation. The legs are worked as seamless tubes and then joined to form the lower abdomen. This ensures the rabbit has the structural strength required for an upright posture. We work the legs as tubes and then bridged together.

The Right Leg

Using the oatmeal-colored yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across three needles and join for working in the round. Place a marker to indicate the start of the round.

Rnd 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around (24 sts).
Rnd 2: *Knit 2, kfb* repeat from * to end of round (32 sts).
Rnds 3-10: Knit every stitch. This builds the rounded volume of the foot.
Rnd 11: Knit 12, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
Rnd 12: Knit 10, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 10 (24 sts).
Rnd 13: Knit all stitches.
Rnds 14-45: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures roughly 5.5 inches (14 cm). Ensure your tension remains extremely consistent to avoid any visible “jog” in the stitches. Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring the toe is rounded and the heel is defined. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility. Leave these stitches on a holder or a spare needle.

The Left Leg

Repeat the exact instructions provided for the right leg. After finishing Round 45, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from the left leg to initiate the joining process for the torso.

Building the Torso and Hips

Joining the legs correctly is the most critical stage for the character’s posture. We will create a gap between the legs to give the bunny her wide, rounded hips, which are necessary for the flared rose dress to sit correctly. This part must be stuffed very firmly to maintain the character’s upright posture.

Rnd 46 (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 47-62: Knit every stitch in the round. This section establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain a firm tension to ensure the fabric is smooth and dense.
Rnd 63: *Knit 12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
Rnds 64-68: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 69: *Knit 11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnds 70-74: 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 silhouette seen in the image.
Rnd 75: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnds 76-80: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 81: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Rnd 82: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 83: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
Rnd 84: *Knit 3, 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 ensure structural strength and prevent “floppy head” syndrome.

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Shaping the Bunny Head and Facial Sculpting

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 heavy sun hat with the 3D bird will be placed on top.

The Snout and Face

Rnd 85: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 86: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 87: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 88: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 89: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rnds 90-110: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This vertical growth creates the main volume of the face and forehead. It should look like a rounded, slightly elongated dome.
Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 100 and 101, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are centered relative to the front of the feet for a balanced, thoughtful gaze.

Closing the Crown

Rnd 111: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 112: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 113: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 114: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 115: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
Begin stuffing the head very firmly at this point. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
Rnd 116: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Rnd 117: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Rnd 118: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn, leaving a long 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 that mimics the internal ear flap. Use the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles.

Cast on 12 stitches. Work flat.
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, slip-slip-knit (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 them to the top of the head at Round 114, spacing them about 4 stitches apart. They should stand upright but have the flexibility to flop naturally as shown.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally at the bunny’s side or hold accessories. Join oatmeal yarn in the round on 2.75mm DPNs.

Cast on 10 stitches.
Rnds 1-40: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
Rnd 41: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat (8 sts).
Rnd 42: 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 84.

The Rose Vine English Garden Dress

This dress is the artistic centerpiece of the character. It features a flared A-line silhouette with intricate hand-embroidered rose sprigs along the bottom hem. We use the rose-pink yarn and 3.25mm circular needles.

Knitting the Skirt

Cast on 84 stitches in rose pink. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean hem.
Rnds 5-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, which should fall to the bunny’s mid-calf.
Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Rnd 32: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
Rnd 33: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist.

The Bodice and Embroidery

Rnds 34-42: Knit all stitches in rose pink for the upper bodice.
Divide for armholes: Knit 10, bind off 4 stitches, 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. Slip the dress onto the bunny before moving to the floral embroidery.
Rose Vine Embroidery: Use a fine needle, crimson red yarn, and forest green thread. Along the hem, work a winding stem stitch with green. At intervals, create small “spider web” roses or French knots in crimson. Add tiny “lazy daisy” leaves in green at the junction of stems. This detail must be repeated around the entire circumference of the skirt hem for 100% accuracy.

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The Sky Blue Bird Cardigan

The vest is a cropped accessory worked flat with a specific decorative border. The bluebird motif is added using a duplicate stitch or detailed surface embroidery.

Vest Construction

Using the sky blue 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.
Bluebird Embroidery: On the right front panel of the vest, use bright blue and orange yarn to embroider a tiny bluebird silhouette. Start with a small blue oval for the body and add a tiny wing. Use orange thread for a tiny triangular beak. This small detail is essential for a 100% accurate character match.

The English Sun Hat and 3D Bluebird

Sun Hat Construction

The hat frames the bunny’s face and coordinates with the floral theme. Use the tan yarn and 3.25mm needles.

Cast on 48 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This forms the slightly flared brim.
Rnds 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the side of the hat.
Rnd 19: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnd 20: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Continue decreasing in this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through and fasten off.
Red Rose Accent: Knit a separate small rose using crimson yarn (Cast on 10, *knit 1, bind off 1* repeat across, join into a circle) and sew it firmly to the right side of the hat brim.

The 3D Miniature Bluebird Pet

This tiny companion sits on top of the hat. Use bright blue yarn.
Body: Cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. Rnd 1: kfb (12). Rnd 2-8: Knit. Rnd 9: k2tog (6). Stuff firmly and close.
Wings: Knit two tiny blue triangles (cast on 3, kfb, bind off) and sew to the sides of the bird.
Tail: Knit a 1-inch I-cord and sew to the back. Use black thread for eyes and orange for a beak. Position the bird on the hat and secure with a few hidden stitches.

Accessories: Heart Messenger Bag and Mary Janes

The Tan Heart Bag

The bunny carries a small bag that adds to the charm. Use the tan yarn.
Bag Body: Cast on 2 stitches. Row 1: kfb twice (4). Row 2: kfb, k2, kfb (6). Continue increasing until you have 14 stitches. Work 4 rows straight. For the top “humps,” work 7 stitches separately, decreasing at the ends to round them off. Repeat for the back. Sew the two heart panels together.
The Strap: Knit a 12-inch I-cord and attach to the sides. Drape it diagonally across the bunny’s chest.

Dark Pink Mary Janes (Make 2)

These shoes are separate items that fit over the oatmeal feet. Use the dark pink 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.
The Strap: Pick up 10 stitches across the top opening of the shoe and bind off immediately. Sew the small tan button to the side of the strap for a functional look.

Final Assembly and Facial Expression

Assembly is where your character truly comes to life. Begin by ensuring the head is perfectly centered on the neck. Use dark brown embroidery thread to stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered exactly between the safety eyes. The mouth should be positioned low on the face to create a sweet, youthful expression. 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 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 soft lighting in the photo.

Dressing the Bunny: Place the rose pink dress on the bunny first, ensuring the vine embroidery is centered. Layer the blue vest over her shoulders. Slip the Mary Jane shoes onto the feet. Position the sun hat on her head, ensuring the 3D bluebird is visible on top. Place the tan heart bag over her shoulder. Finally, place the small cream envelope near her hand or secure it to the bag.

Detailed Cleaning and Care Guidelines

Because this project features intricate embroidery, textured yarns, 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 delicate rose 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 bird, 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 and blue 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 blue vest and every embroidered rosebud 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!