The Bougainvillea & Parakeet Bunny is a masterpiece of tropical-inspired amigurumi, designed for those who appreciate the vibrant contrast of lush flora and exotic avian beauty. This high-definition character features a slender oatmeal-toned rabbit dressed in a stunning white flared dress with intricate pink bougainvillea embroidery, a lime green short-sleeved cardigan, and a striking magenta headband. To achieve the professional, museum-quality finish seen in the photographs, it is essential to buy premium merino wool or high-twist cotton blends that provide the necessary stitch definition for the detailed petals. When you purchase specialized knitting supplies and order artisan yarn for this project, you ensure that every component—from the tiny birdcage to the miniature parakeet companion—maintains its structural integrity. This design is a rewarding journey for any textile artist looking to buy high-quality needles and purchase luxury craft materials to create a storied heirloom that captures the essence of a sun-drenched tropical garden.

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

Selecting the correct fiber is the foundation of this project. To ensure your character mirrors the professional aesthetic of the reference image, use a DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn. This weight provides the perfect balance between detail and durability. 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 150g of DK weight wool in Oatmeal or Sand. Natural fibers like wool or alpaca blends offer a soft, matte finish characteristic of boutique art dolls.
• Wardrobe Palette:
  • Soft White or Ivory: 100g for the flared dress.
  • Lime Green: 75g for the cardigan and sandals.
  • Magenta or Fuchsia: 50g for the headband and bougainvillea petals.
• Secondary Detail Yarns:
  • Forest Green: 25g for the bougainvillea stems and parakeet details.
  • Bright Yellow and Orange: 20g for the knitted mango and parakeet beak.
  • Warm Tan: 25g for the miniature birdcage frame.
• Needles: US Size 2 (2.75mm) and US Size 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the main bunny; 4mm black beads for the tiny parakeet.
• Stuffing: 350g of high-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, embroidery needle, stitch markers, and two 4mm buttons for the sandals.

Structural Gauge and Tension Guidelines

Consistency in your tension is what transforms a simple project into a high-end heirloom 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 firm 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 image perfectly. Maintain an even gauge throughout, especially when transitioning between the body and the clothing items.

Foundation: Constructing the Bunny Legs

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward. This provides the bunny with 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.

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.

1. Round 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around (24 sts).
2. Round 2: *Knit 2, kfb* repeat from * to end of round (32 sts).
3. Rounds 3-10: Knit every stitch across the next eight rounds. This builds the rounded base and sides of the foot.
4. Round 11: Knit 12, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
5. Round 12: Knit 10, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 10 (24 sts).
6. Round 13: Knit all stitches around.
7. Rounds 14-45: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures roughly 5.5 inches (14 cm) from the sole. 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 join. Leave these stitches on a holder.

The Left Leg Architecture

Repeat the exact instructions provided for the right leg. After reaching Round 45, do not break the yarn. This working yarn will be used to initiate the joining process for the torso in the next section. Check that both legs are identical in length before proceeding.

Building the Plump Torso and Hips

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

Round 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). Join to work in a large circle.

• Rounds 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.
• Round 63: *Knit 12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
• Rounds 64-68: Knit all stitches.
• Round 69: *Knit 11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rounds 70-74: 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 shape.
• Round 75: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
• Round 76: Knit all stitches around.
• Round 77: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Round 78: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Round 79: *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.

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 magenta headband will exert slight pressure on the crown. The head and body are worked as one piece to eliminate the need for a neck seam.

The Snout and Face

Round 80: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
Round 81: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Round 82: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Round 83: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Round 84: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rounds 85-105: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This vertical growth creates the volume of the face and forehead. It should look like a rounded, slightly elongated dome.

Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 95 and 96, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are centered relative to the front of the feet for a balanced gaze. Secure the backings firmly.

Closing the Crown

• Round 106: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
• Round 107: Knit all stitches.
• Round 108: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Round 109: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
• Round 110: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
• Round 111: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
• Round 112: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
• Round 113: K2tog around (8 sts). Break yarn and pull through to close.

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Long Upright Ears and Slender Arms

The ears stand tall and alert. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. The arms are slender to ensure the cardigan sits properly over the shoulders.

Detailed Ears (Make 2)

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

• 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 stitches.
• 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 110, spacing them about 4 stitches apart.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

1. Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round on 2.75mm needles.
2. Rounds 1-42: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge.
3. Round 43: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat (8 sts).
4. Round 44: K2tog around (4 sts).
5. 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.

The White Bougainvillea Dress

This dress features a classic A-line silhouette with intricate floral embroidery crawling up the side. We use the Ivory yarn and 3.25mm circular needles for a beautiful drape.

Knitting the Dress Skirt

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

1. Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t roll.
2. Rounds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, reaching mid-calf on the rabbit.
3. Round 31 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
4. Round 32: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
5. Round 33: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Pick up 48 stitches along the bound-off waist and work the bodice upward in stockinette for 12 rounds before binding off for armholes. Secure the dress on the bunny with hidden stitches.

Bougainvillea Embroidery Guide

The embroidery is the artistic centerpiece. Use a fine embroidery needle, magenta wool for petals, and forest green thread for the vines.

• The Vines: Using a stem stitch with green yarn, create a long, winding vine that starts at the hem and travels diagonally up toward the waist. Add several smaller branches off the main vine.
• The Petals: Using magenta yarn, work small clusters of three “lazy daisy” loops. Bougainvillea flowers are grouped in threes. Scatter these clusters densely along the green vines. Add a tiny yellow French knot in the center of each magenta loop to represent the small white flower within the bracts.

The Lime Green Parakeet Cardigan

The cardigan is worked flat in rich lime-green wool. It features a cropped silhouette and high-relief parakeet embroidery on the front panels.

Cardigan Body and Sleeves

Using the Lime Green yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 40 stitches. Work flat from the top down.

1. Rows 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for the collar.
2. Row 5 (RS): Knit 6, m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1, m1, k10 (back), m1, k1, m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1, m1, k6.
3. Continue increasing at the raglan points every RS row until the piece measures 2.5 inches from the collar.
4. Separate for Sleeves: Place sleeve stitches on scrap yarn. Join the front and back panels to continue the body for 2 more inches. Finish with 4 rows of garter stitch.
5. Sleeves: Pick up the stitches from scrap yarn and work in the round for 8 rounds. Finish with a 3-row garter cuff. This creates the short-sleeved look seen in the image.

Parakeet Embroidery Detail

On each front panel of the lime cardigan, use the forest green and yellow yarns. Embroider a tiny silhouette of a sitting parakeet using a satin stitch for the body and a long vertical stitch for the tail. Use orange thread for the beak and a single black stitch for the eye. This level of detail is essential for an artisan-quality finish.

The Magenta Headband and Lime Sandals

Headband Construction

The headband frames the bunny’s face and provides a bold pop of color. Use the magenta yarn.

1. Cast on 6 stitches. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 10 inches.
2. Bind off and sew the ends together to form a loop.
3. Place over the bunny’s head, positioning it just in front of the ears. The texture of the garter stitch will help it stay in place.

Lime Green Sandals (Make 2)

Using the lime green yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the sandal.
2. Round 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts) to shape the toe.
3. Round 6: Bind off loosely.
4. The Strap: Pick up 10 stitches across the top and bind off immediately. Sew a tiny 4mm button to the side. Slip onto the bunny’s feet.

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Accessories: Birdcage, Parakeet, and Mango

The Knitted Miniature Birdcage

This accessory requires careful assembly to maintain its cylindrical shape. Use the tan yarn.

• Base and Top: Cast on 6, kfb to 12, *k1, kfb* to 18. Knit 2 rounds and bind off. Make two.
• Bars: Knit six 3-inch I-cords over 3 stitches. Sew the I-cords vertically between the two circles, spacing them evenly.
• Handle: Knit a 2-inch I-cord and attach to the center of the top circle. Place the birdcage on the surface next to the bunny.

The Miniature 3D Parakeet

This tiny companion perches on the table or next to the bunny’s feet.

1. Body: Using Green yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round. kfb into every stitch (12). Knit 8 rounds. Round 9: k2tog around (6). Stuff firmly and close.
2. Tail: Knit a 1.5-inch I-cord in green and sew to the rear.
3. Head: Use yellow yarn to embroider a small patch on the face. Add a tiny orange beak and black bead eyes.

The Tropical Mango Prop

1. Using Yellow yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round. kfb to 12.
2. Knit 10 rounds while gradually incorporating Orange yarn on one side using the intarsia method to create the ripening gradient.
3. Round 11: k2tog around (6). Close the hole. The shape should be slightly asymmetrical, like a real mango. Position it next to the birdcage.

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.

Face Detail: Using Dark Brown embroidery thread, 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.

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. Check all seams for any gaps and ensure all loose yarn ends are woven in deeply so they are hidden within the stuffing.

Dressing: Place the white dress on the bunny first, ensuring the bougainvillea embroidery is centered. Layer the lime cardigan over her shoulders. Slip the sandals onto the feet. Position the magenta headband. Finally, arrange the birdcage, parakeet, and mango as shown.

Detailed Cleaning and Care 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 bougainvillea 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 specifically for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding any aggressive scrubbing or agitation. Do not scrub the embroidered flowers or the parakeet motifs, as this can distort the stitches or cause the vibrant pink and green colors to bleed. Let the doll soak for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.

Drying Process

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 magenta and lime 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.

If the bunny is intended for long-term display, keep her in a dust-free environment, such as a glass-fronted cabinet. Avoid placing her in direct sunlight for extended periods, as natural wool can be sensitive to UV rays. By following these maintenance steps, your Bougainvillea & Parakeet Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come. Every stitch in the lime cardigan and every petal on the floral vine contributes to a narrative of patience and artistic expression. Enjoy the process of bringing this tropical rabbit to life!

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