The Peruvian Lily & Alpaca Bunny is an exquisite masterpiece of high-end amigurumi art, designed for collectors and fiber artists who appreciate the intersection of botanical elegance and traditional Andean textile motifs. This character features a soft, oatmeal-toned rabbit dressed in a stunning ensemble: a rose-pink flared dress adorned with hand-embroidered Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lilies), a cream triangular poncho featuring a detailed alpaca motif, and a Fair Isle beanie with protective earflaps. To achieve the professional, museum-grade finish seen in the photographs, it is essential to buy premium merino wool or purchase luxury alpaca yarn that offers superior stitch definition. When you order specialized knitting kits and shop for professional needles, the intricate embroidery and the delicate stranded colorwork on the hat will remain crisp and perfectly defined. This project is a rewarding journey for those looking to buy artisan craft materials and invest their creative energy into a piece that will be cherished for many generations as a centerpiece of any heirloom doll collection.
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 Technical Specifications
Selecting the correct fibers is the most critical foundation for this project. To ensure your finished bunny mirrors the high-definition aesthetic of the reference image, use a DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn for the main components. Using a needle size slightly smaller than the manufacturer suggests is a professional secret for creating a dense, opaque fabric that keeps the internal fiberfill completely concealed, ensuring the bunny maintains its structural integrity over time.
- Main Body: Approximately 150g of DK weight wool in Oatmeal or Heathered Tan. Natural fibers like wool or wool-alpaca blends provide the matte, lifelike texture characteristic of boutique art dolls.
- Dress Wardrobe: 100g of DK weight yarn in Dusty Rose or Muted Pink.
- Poncho/Capelet: 75g of DK weight yarn in Soft Cream or Ecru.
- Accessory and Colorwork Palette:
- Light Tan: 25g for the alpaca motif, miniature companion, and handbag.
- Charcoal Black: 15g for the lily stems and hat patterns.
- Bright Pink and Peach: 20g each for the Peruvian Lily petals.
- Forest Green: 15g for the leaves on the dress and bag.
- White: 25g for the socks and hat patterns.
- Earth Brown: 30g for the lace-up boots.
- Knitting Needles: US Size 2 (2.75mm) for the bunny body and limbs to ensure a durable gauge. US Size 3 (3.25mm) for the larger clothing components.
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the main bunny; 4mm black beads for the tiny alpaca pet.
- Internal Foundation: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approximately 350 grams).
- Notions: A sharp tapestry needle for assembly, fine embroidery needles for the floral motifs, stitch markers, and two 4mm brown buttons for the boots.
Structural Gauge and Tension Management
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 poncho against the bunny’s torso as you progress is highly recommended to ensure the proportions match the reference image perfectly. If your knitting is naturally loose, consider dropping down half a needle size to maintain the crisp silhouette of the character.
Foundation: Constructing the Bunny 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.
Right Leg Architecture
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, ensuring the stitches are not twisted. Place a marker at the start of the round.
- Round 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around to double the count (24 stitches).
- Round 2: Perform a sequence of *Knit 2, kfb* and repeat from * to the end of the round (32 stitches).
- 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.
- Round 11: Knit 12, then perform the decrease (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times in succession, and finish by knitting the remaining 12 stitches (28 stitches total). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
- Round 12: Knit 10, perform (k2tog) 4 times again, and finish with 10 knit stitches (24 stitches total).
- Round 13: Knit all stitches around the round. This stabilizes the ankle join.
- Rounds 14-50: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures roughly 6 inches (15 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 for the second leg. After reaching Round 50 on the second leg, do not break the yarn, as this working yarn will be used to join the two pieces and begin the torso.
Sculpting the Torso and Plump 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 rose-pink dress to sit elegantly over the lower body. This part must be stuffed very firmly to prevent the character from leaning over time.
Round 51 (The Join): Knit across the 24 stitches of the first leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 24 stitches of the second leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back (56 stitches total). Connect into a large circle to begin the torso rounds.
- Rounds 52-70: 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 opaque.
- Round 71: Perform a decrease round: *Knit 12, k2tog* and repeat around (52 stitches).
- Rounds 72-76: Knit all stitches around without further decreases.
- Round 77: *Knit 11, k2tog* and repeat around (48 stitches).
- Rounds 78-82: 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 83: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 stitches).
- Rounds 84-88: Knit all stitches around.
- Round 89: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 stitches).
- Round 90: Knit all stitches around.
- Round 91: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 stitches).
- Round 92: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (24 stitches). This forms the narrow neck area. Do not bind off, as the head is worked directly from these stitches to ensure structural strength.
Sculpting the Bunny Head and Ears
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 colorwork beanie will sit on the crown. Continue from the 24 neck stitches.
- Round 93: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* and repeat around (32 stitches).
- Round 94: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 stitches).
- Round 95: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 stitches).
- Round 96: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 stitches).
- Round 97: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 stitches). Establish this as the widest part of the face.
- Rounds 98-118: Knit every stitch in stockinette. This vertical growth creates the main volume of the face and forehead. It should look like a rounded, slightly elongated dome.
- Eye Placement: Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 108 and 109, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are centered relative to the front of the feet.
- Decrease Rounds: Gradually reverse the increase rounds (*K6, k2tog*, then *K5, k2tog*, and so on) until 8 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through the remaining loops to close the top of the head securely.
Shaping the Floppy Ears (Make 2)
The ears stand tall at the crown before curving gracefully downward. 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 on two needles.
- Rows 1-50: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long, elegant rectangle.
- Row 51: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (10 stitches).
- Row 52: Purl all stitches.
- Row 53: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 stitches).
- Row 54: Purl all stitches.
- Row 55: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (6 stitches).
- 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 120, spacing them about 4 stitches apart. They should stand upright but have the flexibility to frame the beanie.
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. They are worked as separate tubes. Join the oatmeal yarn in the round on the smaller 2.75mm needles.
- Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
- Rounds 1-42: Knit all stitches in stockinette for forty-two rounds. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
- Round 43: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across (8 stitches).
- Round 44: k2tog around (4 stitches).
- 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.
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The Rose Peruvian Lily Dress
The dress is the artistic centerpiece of the character’s wardrobe, using a classic A-line silhouette with intricate hand-embroidered lilies at the hem. We use the dusty rose 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 surface work.
Knitting the Dress Skirt
- Cast on 84 stitches in Rose Pink. Join in the round.
- Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t curl upward.
- Rounds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, reaching mid-calf on the rabbit.
- Round 31: Perform a gathering round: *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 stitches).
- Round 32: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 stitches).
- Round 33: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 stitches). This gathers the waist snugly to fit the bunny’s torso.
- Bind off all stitches loosely. Secure the skirt at the bunny’s waist with hidden stitches into the oatmeal body during final assembly.
Peruvian Lily Embroidery Guide
The lilies are positioned in three large clusters on the front center of the skirt hem. Each Alstroemeria blossom requires precision and multi-colored layering to achieve 100% accuracy to the image. Use a fine embroidery needle and the accent palette.
- The Stems: Using charcoal black thread and a stem stitch, create three long, vertical stalks rising from the hem. Add a few forest green leaves using a satin stitch or lazy-daisy loop.
- The Petals: Each lily has six petals. Work three outer petals in soft peach and three inner petals in bright pink. Use a satin stitch to create the teardrop shapes.
- Detailed Markings: Using charcoal thread, add a series of tiny vertical dashes or dots on the inner pink petals. This is the defining characteristic of the Peruvian Lily.
- The Center: Add a tiny yellow French knot in the very center of each blossom for the stamen.
The Cream Poncho and Alpaca Motif
The poncho is a traditional Andean-style triangular capelet worked flat in soft cream wool. It features a high-relief alpaca motif on the center chest, which can be worked as an intarsia piece or added after using the duplicate stitch technique for absolute precision.
Poncho Construction
The poncho is worked as a square with a neck hole, positioned diagonally on the bunny to create the triangular front and back points.
- Cast on 40 stitches in Cream. Work flat.
- Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a neat border.
- Work in stockinette for 5 inches. In the center of the piece, work the alpaca motif.
- Alpaca Motif: Use the light tan yarn. The alpaca should have a long neck, four slender legs, and a rounded body. Use charcoal thread for the eye and nose. For a textured look, use a few “loop stitches” or French knots on the alpaca’s body to represent thick fleece.
- Divide for Neck: In the center row, bind off 12 stitches. On the next row, cast on 12 stitches to replace them. This creates the neck opening.
- Continue in stockinette for another 5 inches, finishing with 4 rows of garter stitch. Bind off.
- When placing the poncho on the bunny, turn it 45 degrees so the points fall over the front, back, and shoulders.
The Andean Fair Isle Beanie
This hat frames the bunny’s face and coordinates with the mountain theme. It features earflaps with braided ties and a complex geometric pattern worked using stranded colorwork (Fair Isle).
Earflap Construction (Make 2)
Cast on 3 stitches in Rose Pink. Work flat. Increase 1 stitch at the beginning and end of every right-side row until you have 15 stitches. Place on a holder. Repeat for the second flap. Do not break the yarn on the second flap.
Hat Body and Patterns
- Join the earflaps: Knit across first flap, cast on 10 stitches for the front, knit across second flap, cast on 6 stitches for the back. (46 stitches total). Join in the round.
- Fair Isle Bands:
- Band 1: Alternate charcoal and white every stitch for 2 rounds.
- Band 2: Work a row of pink “diamonds” on a white background.
- Band 3: Alternate cream and grey every two stitches.
- Continue the crown in solid Rose Pink for 10 rounds, then decrease rapidly to close the top.
- Ties: Cut six 10-inch lengths of pink, white, and tan yarn. Thread them through the bottom of the earflaps and braid them together. Add a small tassel at the end.
Boots, Handbag, and Alpaca Pet
Brown Lace-up Boots (Make 2)
Using the earth brown yarn and US Size 2 needles, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
- Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the sides of the boot.
- Round 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 stitches). This shapes the rounded toe box.
- Round 6: Bind off all stitches loosely.
- The Laces: Use a tapestry needle and a scrap of tan yarn to embroider a criss-cross pattern on the front of the boot. Tie a tiny bow at the top. Slip these onto the bunny’s feet over white socks (simple 6-row white tubes).
Floral Embroidered Handbag
The bunny carries a small bag designed with a rustic texture. Use the light tan yarn and the 3.25mm needles.
- Cast on 12 stitches. Work in garter stitch for 6 inches to create a long rectangle.
- Fold the bottom 2.5 inches up to form a pocket and sew the side seams using a mattress stitch.
- Embroidery: On the front flap, use pink, green, and yellow yarn to embroider a tiny version of the Peruvian Lily.
- Handle: Knit an 8-inch I-cord over 3 stitches and sew the ends to the top corners of the bag. Position the bag over the bunny’s shoulder.
The Miniature 3D Alpaca Companion
This tiny pet perches next to the bunny and requires a specialized “loop stitch” to achieve its realistic, curly fleece. It is worked in several small parts and seamed together.
- Body: Using Tan yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Join in round. Work 15 rounds of loop stitch. Stuff firmly and close.
- Head/Neck: Cast on 6 stitches. Work 4 rounds of stockinette (neck) and then 6 rounds of loop stitch (head). Add tiny tan ears and charcoal bead eyes.
- Legs: Knit four tiny 1-inch I-cords in tan and sew to the bottom of the body. The alpaca should stand independently next to the bunny’s feet.
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Prop Hay Bundle
Take a small bundle of tan yarn scraps (about 20 strands, 4 inches long). Tie them tightly in the middle with a single strand of tan yarn. This prop adds to the narrative of the bunny caring for her alpaca friend.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
The personality of your Peruvian Lily & Alpaca 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, inquisitive 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 rose skirt first, then layer the cream poncho over the top. Slip the white socks and brown boots onto the feet and position the Fair Isle beanie between her ears. Finally, position the handbag over her shoulder and place the miniature alpaca and hay bundle next to her feet. Check all seams and hide any loose yarn ends deep inside the body stuffing to ensure a professional, clean finish.
Detailed Maintenance 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 delicate flower petals. Regular maintenance will ensure she remains as beautiful as the day you finished her.
Professional 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 lilies on the dress or the loop stitches on the tiny alpaca, as this can distort the texture 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.
Drying and Long-Term Preservation
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 rose and charcoal colors over time. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and poncho 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 lily petals back into their rounded form. By following these maintenance steps, your Peruvian Lily & Alpaca Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come. Enjoy the process of bringing this Andean-inspired rabbit to life!
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