The Columbine & Swallowtail Bunny is a breathtaking heirloom character that captures the inquisitive spirit of a naturalist exploring a mountain meadow. This sophisticated project features a gentle oatmeal-toned rabbit dressed in a rich plum-purple dress adorned with delicate columbine blossoms, a soft lavender cardigan featuring detailed swallowtail butterfly motifs, and a matching purple beret topped with a three-dimensional butterfly. To achieve the professional, high-definition finish seen in the inspiration photographs, it is essential to buy professional knitting supplies and high-twist natural fibers that provide exceptional stitch definition. Many seasoned artisans prefer to order luxury merino wool or high-quality cotton blends to ensure the intricate floral embroidery and the character’s expressive face remain crisp and perfectly defined. When you purchase specific yarn colors and buy high-quality needles from a reputable online craft store, you are investing in a piece that will be cherished for many generations as a centerpiece of any collection. This design offers a rewarding challenge for those looking to transform fine fibers into a storied work of art that captures the essence of scientific wonder and the beauty of the natural world.

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 mirrors the professional aesthetic of the reference photo, selecting the correct fiber weights and needle sizes is the most critical stage. This project is optimized for DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn, which provides the necessary structural integrity for the bunny’s standing pose while allowing for fine detail in the multi-layered wardrobe. Using a needle size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests is a professional secret for creating a dense fabric that keeps the internal fiberfill completely concealed, ensuring the bunny maintains its shape over decades of display.

• Main Bunny Body: Approximately 150 grams of DK weight wool in Oatmeal or Sand. A natural, high-quality wool blend provides a soft, matte finish characteristic of boutique art dolls.
• Dress Wardrobe: 100 grams of DK weight yarn in Deep Purple or Plum.
• Cardigan and Details: 75 grams of DK weight yarn in Lavender or Light Lilac.
• Beret: 50 grams of DK weight yarn in Deep Purple (matching the dress).
• Embroidery and Accent Palette:
  • Sunny Yellow: 25 grams for shoes, columbine centers, and swallowtail wings.
  • Forest Green: 15 grams for flower stems and leaves.
  • Charcoal Black: 15 grams for butterfly outlines, eyes, and markings.
  • Soft White: 10 grams for columbine petals and butterfly accents.
  • Medium Grey: 15 grams for the magnifying glass frame.
  • Warm Brown: 10 grams for the magnifying glass handle and journal accents.
• Needle Sizes: US Size 2 (2.75mm) for the bunny body and limbs to ensure a tight, durable gauge; US Size 3 (3.25mm) circular or straight needles for the clothing components.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the main bunny; 4mm black beads for the tiny butterfly body.
• Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 350 grams).
• Notions: A sharp tapestry needle for assembly, fine embroidery needles for the flower details, stitch markers, and two tiny 4mm yellow buttons for the Mary Jane shoes.

Structural Gauge and Tension Control

Consistency in your tension is what transforms a simple project into a museum-quality piece. For the bunny skin, aim for a gauge of approximately 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the 2.75mm needles. The fabric should feel solid and have very little stretch. The clothing is designed to fit snugly over the stuffed form; therefore, checking the fit of the dress and cardigan against the bunny’s torso as you progress is highly recommended to ensure the proportions match the reference image perfectly.

If you find your knitting is naturally loose, consider dropping down half a needle size to maintain the crisp silhouette of the character. Maintain an even gauge throughout, especially when transitioning between the body and the clothing items. The standing stability of the bunny depends on a firm, dense fabric that resists stretching once stuffed.

Foundation: Constructing the Standing Legs

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward to ensure the bunny has the stability needed for its upright standing posture. We work the legs as seamless tubes to avoid bulky side seams that would detract from the professional finish. This bunny is designed with long, slender limbs that look elegant and realistic when posed.

The Right Leg Architecture

Using the oatmeal-colored yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them evenly across your needles and join for working in the round, ensuring the stitches are not twisted. Place a marker at the start of the round to track your progression through the row counts.

1. Round 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around (24 sts).
2. Round 2: Perform a sequence of *Knit 2, kfb* and repeat from * to the end of the round (32 sts).
3. Rounds 3-10: Knit every stitch across the next eight rounds. This builds the rounded base and the vertical sides of the foot. Maintain a firm tension here.
4. Round 11 (Instep Shaping): Knit 12, then perform the decrease (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times in succession, and finish by knitting the remaining 12 stitches (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
5. Round 12: Knit 10, perform (k2tog) 4 times again, and finish with 10 knit stitches (24 sts).
6. Round 13: Knit all stitches around the round. This stabilizes the ankle.
7. Rounds 14-45: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures roughly 5.5 inches (14 cm) from the sole. Ensure your tension remains extremely consistent to avoid any visible “jog” in the stitches.

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 a natural flexibility at the hip join. Leave these stitches on a holder or spare needle. Repeat the exact instructions provided for the right leg to create the left leg. After reaching Round 45 on the second leg, do not break the yarn, as this working yarn will be used to initiate the joining process for the torso in the next section.

Sculpting the Plump Torso and Rounded Hips

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture and the width of the hips. Place the legs side-by-side with the toes pointing forward. We will create a bridge of stitches between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the flared purple dress to sit elegantly. This part must be stuffed very firmly to prevent the character from leaning or sagging over time.

Round 46 (The Joining Round): 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). Join to work in a large circle.

• Rounds 47-65: Knit every stitch in the round for nineteen rounds. This section establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain a firm tension to ensure the fabric is smooth and dense.
• Round 66: Perform a decrease round by knitting *12, k2tog* and repeat around (52 sts).
• Rounds 67-72: Knit all stitches around without further decreases.
• Round 73: *Knit 11, k2tog* and repeat around (48 sts).
• Rounds 74-78: Knit all stitches around. 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.
• Round 79: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
• Rounds 80-84: Knit all stitches around.
• Round 85: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Round 86: Knit all stitches around.
• Round 87: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Round 88: *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 a wobbly head.

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 characteristic of this heirloom design. This part must be stuffed very firmly to maintain its shape over time, especially since the heavy purple beret will be placed on top. The head and body are worked as one piece in this style to eliminate the need for a neck seam.

The Snout and Face

Round 89: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
Round 90: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Round 91: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Round 92: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Round 93: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rounds 94-115: 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 104 and 105, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level and aligned with the center of the feet for a balanced, thoughtful gaze. Secure the backings firmly before proceeding with the closing rounds.

Closing the Crown

• Round 116: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
• Round 117: Knit all stitches.
• Round 118: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Round 119: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
• Round 120: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
• Round 121: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
• Round 122: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
• Round 123: k2tog around until 8 stitches remain. Break the yarn, leave a long tail, thread through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the end securely inside the head.

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Long Lop Ears and Slender Arms

Detailed Ears (Make 2)

The ears are a defining feature of this bunny, standing tall at the crown before showing a natural drooping curve. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. Use the oatmeal yarn and the 3.0mm needles to allow for a slightly softer fabric than the body.

1. Cast on 12 stitches. Work flat on two needles.
2. Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long, elegant rectangle.
3. Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (10 sts).
4. Row 47: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 48: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).
6. Row 49: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 50: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (6 sts).
8. 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 122, spacing them about 4 stitches apart. They should hang down naturally on either side of the face.

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 the magnifying glass. Join oatmeal yarn in the round on 2.75mm needles.

1. Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rounds 1-42: Knit all stitches in stockinette for forty-two rounds. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
3. Round 43: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across (8 sts).
4. Round 44: k2tog around (4 sts).
5. Break the yarn and pull through the remaining stitches. Stuff the hand area (bottom) firmly and the upper arm very lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 92.

The Plum Columbine Garden Dress

This dress features a classic A-line silhouette with a simple garter stitch hem and vibrant floral motifs. The columbine embroidery is the artistic centerpiece of the garment and is added after the knitting is complete. We use the Deep Purple yarn and 3.25mm circular needles for a beautiful drape.

Knitting the Dress Skirt

Cast on 84 stitches in Purple. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t roll.
Rnds 7-35: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, reaching mid-calf on the rabbit.
Round 36 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Round 37: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
Round 38: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist perfectly to fit the bunny’s torso. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Columbine Embroidery Guide

The flowers are positioned in a row around the entire circumference of the skirt hem. Each flower head is approximately 2 cm wide. Use a fine embroidery needle, white wool for petals, yellow for centers, and forest green thread for the stems.

• The Stems: Using a stem stitch with green yarn, create short vertical stalks (about 2 cm) rising from the hem. Add two small “lazy daisy” loops on either side of the stem for leaves.
• The Petals: Use the deep purple and white yarn to create the complex spurred shape of the columbine. Work five long “satin stitch” petals in purple, and overlay them with smaller white loops to represent the inner bell of the flower.
• The Centers: In the center of each inner white bell, create a cluster of tiny yellow French knots to represent the pollen-rich center. Space these motifs approximately 2 inches apart around the entire skirt hem.

The Lavender Cardigan and Swallowtail Motif

The cardigan is a standout piece of the character’s wardrobe, worked flat in soft lavender wool. It features a cropped silhouette and high-relief butterfly embroidery on both front panels. This piece is worked from the top down to ensure the shoulders sit perfectly on the bunny’s form.

Cardigan Body and Sleeves

Using the Lavender yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 40 stitches. We work this piece flat from the top down.

1. Rows 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* 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 (6 cm) from the collar.
5. Separate for Sleeves: Place sleeve stitches on scrap yarn. Join the front and back panels to continue the body for 2.5 more inches. Finish with 4 rows of garter stitch and bind off.
6. Sleeves: Pick up the 16 stitches from the scrap yarn. Knit in the round for 18 rounds. Finish with a 3-row garter cuff. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Butterfly Embroidery Detail

On each front panel of the lavender cardigan, use the charcoal and yellow yarns. Embroider a tiny swallowtail butterfly silhouette using a satin stitch for the main wing sections. Start with a yellow base for the wings and add charcoal black outlines and spots. Use a single black stitch for the body and antennae. This level of detail is essential for a 100% accurate match to the image theme.

The Purple Beret and Yellow Mary Janes

The accessories provide the finishing touches to the character’s personality. The beret adds a classic touch, while the shoes ground the outfit in a vibrant primary color. We use the deep purple yarn for the hat and sunny yellow for the footwear.

Beret Construction

Using the Purple yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 46 stitches. Join in the round to work the brim.

1. Rnds 1-5: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for a firm brim.
2. Round 6: *Kfb, knit 1* repeat around (69 sts). This creates the necessary volume for the “puffy” beret look.
3. Rounds 7-20: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the height of the hat.
4. Round 21: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around.
5. Round 22: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around.
6. Continue decreasing in this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through the remaining stitches and fasten off. Place the beret on her head, allowing it to slouch slightly to one side.

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Yellow Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

These shoes are separate items that fit over the oatmeal feet. Use the sunny yellow 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. Round 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
4. Round 6: Bind off 17 stitches loosely.
5. The Strap: Pick up 10 stitches across the top opening of the shoe and bind off immediately. Sew a tiny 4mm yellow button to the side of the strap. Slip onto the bunny’s feet.

Accessories: Magnifying Glass and Nature Journal

The naturalist theme is completed with these specialized props. The magnifying glass is held in her hand, and the journal rests nearby, highlighting her hobby of documenting wildflowers and butterflies.

The Knitted Magnifying Glass

Use the medium grey and warm brown yarn for this accessory.

• Frame: Using grey yarn, knit a 4-inch I-cord over 3 stitches. Form the I-cord into a circle and sew the ends together.
• Handle: Using brown yarn, pick up 4 stitches from the join of the circle. Knit a 1.5-inch tube in stockinette. Round off the end and sew closed.
• “Lens”: (Optional) You can knit a small circle in light blue or white to fit inside the frame, or leave it open as shown in the photo.

The Nature Journal

The journal is a small rectangular book with an embroidered cover. Use the oatmeal and forest green yarns.

1. Cover: Cast on 15 stitches in Oatmeal. Work in stockinette for 6 inches. Fold the piece into thirds to create the front cover, back cover, and an internal flap.
2. Pages: Cut several pieces of white felt to fit inside the cover and sew them along the center spine.
3. Embroidery: On the front cover, use green yarn to embroider a single leaf and a tiny white flower with a yellow center. Add a small brown strap and button closure to keep the journal “shut.”

The 3D Butterfly Prop

This tiny butterfly perches on the beret and requires very careful assembly to achieve its realistic, delicate posture. It is worked in small sections using yellow and black yarn.

1. Upper Wings (Make 2): Cast on 4 stitches in yellow. Knit 4 rows while increasing to 6 stitches. Decrease back to 1 and bind off. Use a fine needle to add charcoal black borders and vein lines.
2. Lower Wings (Make 2): Cast on 3 stitches in yellow. Knit 3 rows and bind off. Add black borders.
3. Body: Knit a 0.5-inch tiny I-cord in black.
4. Assembly: Sew the wings to the black body. Attach the butterfly to the top side of the purple beret so it looks as if it has just landed.

Final Assembly and Facial Expression

The personality of your Columbine & Swallowtail Bunny emerges during the final assembly. Begin by ensuring the head is perfectly aligned with the center of the chest. Use dark charcoal 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, innocent expression. Use a single stitch of white yarn at the outer edge of each safety eye to create a “sparkle” effect.

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 perfectly. Dress the bunny in the purple dress first, then layer the lavender cardigan over the top. Slip the yellow Mary Janes onto the feet and position the beret between her ears. Finally, position the magnifying glass in her hand and place the nature journal nearby. Check all seams and hide any loose yarn ends deep inside the body stuffing to ensure a professional finish.

Maintenance and Cleaning Guidelines

Because this project features intricate embroidery, multi-layered clothing, and delicate 3D appliques, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom quality. This bunny is an art doll intended for display rather than rough play, and should be handled with care to prevent pilling of the merino fibers and snagging of the delicate flower petals. Regular maintenance will ensure she remains as beautiful as the day you finished her.

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 specifically for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding any aggressive scrubbing or agitation. Do not scrub the embroidered columbines on the dress or the butterfly motif on the cardigan, as this can distort the stitches or cause the vibrant colors to bleed. Let the doll soak for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.

To dry, place the bunny between two clean, thick towels and press down gently to remove 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 purple and yellow colors over time. 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 with your fingers to restore her original plump shape and use a small needle to “fluff” the columbine petals back into their rounded form. By following these maintenance steps, your creation will remain a pristine example of textile art for many years.

Knitting a project of this scale and detail is a labor of love. Every stitch in the lavender cardigan and every embroidered petal on the plum 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 nature-loving rabbit to life!

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