The Chamomile & White Goose Bunny – Knitting

The Chamomile & White Goose Bunny is a breathtaking example of high-end amigurumi art, blending the soft textures of fine-gauge knitting with the intricate precision of botanical design. This heirloom character features a gentle oatmeal-toned bunny dressed in a striking sunny-yellow skirt, meticulously adorned with a garden of embroidered chamomile blossoms at the hem. Her look is completed with a delicate sky-blue cardigan featuring a hand-embroidered white goose motif and a charming floral bonnet. To achieve the professional, museum-quality finish seen in the photographs, it is essential to buy premium merino wool or high-twist organic cotton blends, as these fibers provide the necessary stitch definition for the detailed petals. When you purchase specific yarns for this project, you ensure that the finished work maintains its structural integrity and soft, tactile appeal for years of display. This project is a rewarding journey for any artisan looking to order luxury craft supplies and transform them into a storied masterpiece that captures the vibrant essence of a peaceful summer meadow.




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 Technical Specifications

To ensure your finished bunny matches the professional aesthetic of the reference image, selecting the correct fiber weights and high-quality knitting supplies is paramount. This project is optimized for DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn, which provides the necessary structure for the bunny’s standing pose while allowing for fine detail in the clothing and accessories. Using a needle size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests is a professional secret for creating a dense, opaque fabric that keeps the internal fiberfill completely concealed.

  • Main Bunny Body: Approximately 100g of Oatmeal or Warm Taupe DK yarn. A natural wool-cotton blend is recommended for a matte, heritage finish.
  • Wardrobe Palette:
    • Sky Blue: 50g (Cardigan).
    • Bright Yellow: 50g (Skirt).
    • Tan/Beige: 30g (Basket and Shoes).
    • White: 25g (Goose companion and chamomile petals).
    • Floral Print Fabric: A small scrap for the bonnet (or white yarn for a knitted version).
  • Needles: US Size 2.5 (3.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the body and US Size 3 (3.25mm) circular needles for the clothing components.
  • Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the bunny.
  • Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 250g).
  • Notions: A sharp tapestry needle, fine embroidery needle, stitch markers, and four tiny brown wooden buttons for the cardigan and shoes.
  • Embroidery Floss: Green (stems), Yellow (flower centers), Orange (goose beak).

Structural Gauge and Tension Guidelines

Consistency in your tension is what transforms a simple project into a museum-quality piece. For the bunny’s body, the gauge should be tight enough to prevent the fiberfill from peeking through the stitches. Aim for approximately 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. The clothing is designed to fit snugly over the stuffed form, so checking the fit frequently as you progress is highly recommended to maintain the correct proportions seen in the image. If you find your knitting is loose, consider switching to a smaller needle size to maintain the crisp silhouette of the character.

Foundation: Leg and Foot Construction

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward. This provides the bunny with the stability needed for its upright posture. We work the legs as seamless tubes to avoid bulky side seams that would detract from the professional finish.

Right Leg Construction

Using the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them evenly across your needles and join for working in the round. Place a marker to indicate the start of the round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch (24 sts).
  2. Rnd 2: *Knit 2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
  3. Rnds 3-10: Knit every stitch. This builds the height of the foot.
  4. Rnd 11: Knit 12, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This shapes the front instep of the foot.
  5. Rnd 12: Knit 10, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 10 (24 sts).
  6. Rnds 13-42: Knit every stitch in stockinette.

Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring the toe is rounded and the heel has a distinct shape. Stuff the leg moderately to allow for flexibility at the hip. Place these stitches on a holder.

Left Leg Construction

Repeat the steps for the Right Leg exactly. Do not break the yarn after the final round of the second leg, as this working yarn will be used to join the two pieces together to form the base of the torso.

Building the Torso and Hips

Joining the legs is the most critical stage for the character’s balance. We will create a bridge of stitches between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the sunny-yellow skirt to sit elegantly. This part must be stuffed very firmly to prevent the character from leaning over time.

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 44-62: Knit every stitch in the round. This 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.
Rnd 75: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnds 76-80: Knit all stitches. At this point, begin stuffing the lower body firmly. Focus on pushing the stuffing toward the sides to define the rounded hip silhouette.
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; we will proceed immediately to the head.

Sculpting the Bunny Head and Face

The head is worked directly from the neck stitches to ensure structural integrity. Specific increases create 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 floral bonnet.

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 builds the vertical volume of the face and forehead. It should look like a rounded dome.
Insert 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.

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 and a smooth forehead. 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 Upright Ears and Slender Arms

The ears are a defining feature, standing tall at the crown before showing a natural curve. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they rest naturally at the bunny’s side.

Detailed Ears (Make 2)

Using the Oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Work flat.

  1. Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long rectangle.
  2. Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (10 sts).
  3. Row 47: Purl all stitches.
  4. Row 48: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).
  5. Row 49: Purl all.
  6. 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 frame the bonnet.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

Using Oatmeal yarn and 2.75mm DPNs, cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.

  1. Rnds 1-38: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
  2. Rnd 39: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat (8 sts).
  3. 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 84.




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The Sunny Chamomile Garden Skirt

This skirt features a classic A-line silhouette with intricate chamomile embroidery along the bottom hem. We use the bright yellow yarn and 3.25mm circular needles for a beautiful drape. This garment is worked from the bottom up to ensure the tension is correct for the floral details.

Knitting the Skirt

Cast on 84 stitches in Yellow. Join in the round.

  1. Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t curl.
  2. Rnds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, which should fall to the bunny’s mid-calf.
  3. Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
  4. Rnd 32: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
  5. Rnd 33: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist perfectly.

Bind off all stitches loosely. Place the skirt on the bunny, pulling it over the legs and securing it at the waistline with hidden stitches into the oatmeal body.

Chamomile Embroidery Guide

The flowers are positioned in a row around the hem. Use a fine embroidery needle, white yarn, and yellow floss.
The Stems: Using a stem stitch or backstitch with green thread, create short vertical stems (about 1 cm) starting from the hem line.
The Petals: Create 6 to 8 small “lazy daisy” loops in white around a central point.
The Centers: In the center of each flower, create a plump yellow French knot. Space the flowers approximately 1 inch apart around the entire circumference for 100% accuracy to the meadow theme.

The Sky Blue Cardigan and White Goose Motif

The cardigan is a cozy outer layer worked flat with specific raglan shaping. It features a hand-embroidered white goose on the right front panel. Use the sky blue yarn and 3.25mm needles.

Cardigan Body and Sleeves

Cast on 40 stitches. Work flat from the top down.

  1. Rows 1-4: *K1, P1* ribbing for the collar.
  2. Row 5 (RS): Knit 6 (front), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k10 (back), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k6 (front).
  3. Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.
  4. Continue increasing at the raglan points every RS row until the piece measures 2.5 inches.
  5. Separate for Sleeves: Place sleeve stitches on holders and continue the body for 2 inches. Finish with 4 rows of ribbing.

Pick up the sleeve stitches and work in the round for 18 rounds. Finish with a 3-row ribbed cuff. Sew two tiny buttons to the front edge to match the image.

Goose Embroidery Detail

On the right front panel of the cardigan, use white yarn to embroider a silhouette of a standing goose. Use a satin stitch for the body and a long vertical stitch for the neck. Use orange thread for a tiny beak and a brown bow around the neck to mimic the companion goose pet. This level of detail is essential for an artisan-quality finish.

The Floral Bonnet and Brown Mary Janes

The Bonnet Construction

The bonnet is the crowning accessory of this ensemble. It is crafted from a vintage-style floral print fabric. If you prefer to knit it, use white yarn to create a simple hood shape and then embroider tiny colorful flowers over the surface to match the image’s aesthetic.

  1. Cast on 40 stitches in White. Work in stockinette for 5 inches.
  2. Fold the piece and sew the back seam to form a hood.
  3. Floral Details: Use pink, yellow, and blue yarn scraps to embroider tiny “bullion knot” roses and “lazy daisy” blossoms across the entire surface of the bonnet.
  4. Ties: Create a 12-inch I-cord from the bottom corners and tie it in a soft bow under the bunny’s chin.

Brown Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

These shoes are separate items that fit over the oatmeal feet. Use the brown yarn and 3.0mm needles.

  1. Cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the shoe.
  3. Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
  4. Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches loosely.
  5. The Strap: Pick up 10 stitches across the top opening and bind off immediately. Sew a tiny button to the side. Slip onto the feet and secure with a small stitch.

The 3D Miniature White Goose Companion

This tiny pet sits next to the bunny and requires very careful assembly to achieve its realistic look. It is worked in several small parts and then joined.

Goose Body and Head

  1. Using White yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round. kfb into every stitch (12 sts).
  2. Knit 12 rounds for the body. Rnd 13: k2tog around (6 sts).
  3. Stuff the body firmly and continue for the neck: Knit 8 rounds on these 6 stitches.
  4. Head: kfb into every stitch (12 sts). Knit 4 rounds. Rnd 25: k2tog around (6 sts). Close the hole.
  5. Details: Use orange thread to embroider a tiny pointed beak. Tie a brown yarn bow around the neck. Use a single black stitch for the eye. The goose should stand independently next to the bunny’s feet.




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Accessories: The Flower Basket

The bunny carries a small knitted tote filled with dried chamomiles. Use the tan yarn to mimic a wicker texture.

  1. Basket Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in stockinette for 4 inches. Fold in half and sew side seams.
  2. Handle: Create two 3-inch I-cords and attach them to the top edges of the bag.
  3. Filling: Knit 5 tiny chamomile flowers (white petals, yellow centers) and secure them inside the bag so they peek out over the top. Position the basket handle over the bunny’s arm.

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. Begin by ensuring the head is centered perfectly 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 small and positioned low on the face to create a sweet, innocent expression.

Cheek Blush: Using a cotton swab, apply a very small amount of actual pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a small, circular motion. This adds a youthful, healthy glow that mimics the soft lighting in the photo. 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, delicate floral work, and multiple layers of high-quality knitwear, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom status. This bunny is an art doll intended for display and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the merino 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 embroidered chamomiles or the goose motif, 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 skirt. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant yellow and blue 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 scale and detail is a labor of love. Every stitch in the sky-blue cardigan and every embroidered petal on the yellow 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 rabbit to life!

 

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