The Golden Wattle & Koala Bunny is an exquisite masterpiece of high-end amigurumi, capturing the soulful essence of the Australian bush with the delicate artistry of traditional fiber crafts. This sophisticated art doll features a gentle oatmeal-toned bunny dressed in a serene grey sleeveless top and a flared olive-green skirt adorned with vibrant yellow wattle blossoms. To achieve the professional finish seen in the high-definition 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 buy professional-grade needles, the intricate embroidery of the koala motif and the 3D texture of the companion pet will stand out with museum-quality precision. This project is a rewarding journey for any artisan looking to buy high-quality craft materials and transform them into a storied heirloom that celebrates nature’s quiet beauty and heritage craftsmanship.

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 images, selecting the correct fiber weights is the most critical first step. This project is optimized for DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn. 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, ensuring the bunny maintains its structural integrity and remains durable over time.

• Main Body Fiber: Approximately 150 grams of DK weight wool in Oatmeal or Heathered Taupe. A natural, high-quality wool blend provides a soft, matte finish characteristic of boutique art dolls.
• Sleeveless Top: 50 grams of DK weight yarn in Heathered Grey or Silver.
• Skirting Layer: 75 grams of DK weight yarn in Olive Green or Deep Moss.
• Accessory and Colorwork Palette:
  • Mustard Yellow: 50 grams for the bucket hat and wattle blossoms.
  • Earth Brown: 25 grams for the sandals and bag details.
  • Charcoal Black: 15 grams for the facial features and koala nose.
  • Warm Tan: 25 grams for the tote bag and eucalyptus seed pods.
  • Sage Green: 15 grams for the eucalyptus leaf prop and stems.
  • White: 10 grams for the koala ears and sock details.
• Needle Sizes: US Size 2 (2.75mm) for the bunny body and limbs to ensure a tight gauge. US Size 3 (3.25mm) circular or straight needles for the larger clothing components.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the main bunny; 2mm black beads or embroidery thread for the miniature koala companion.
• Internal Foundation: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approximately 300 grams).
• Notions: A sharp tapestry needle for assembly, fine embroidery needles for motifs, stitch markers, and two tiny 4mm brown buttons for the sandals.

Establishing Proper Gauge and Tension

Consistency in your tension is what transforms a simple project into a high-end heirloom piece that looks professional. For the bunny skin, aim for a gauge of approximately 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) 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 top and skirt against the bunny’s torso as you progress is highly recommended to ensure the proportions match the image perfectly. If your knitting tends to be loose, consider dropping down half a needle size to maintain the crisp silhouette of the character.

Foundation: Constructing the Standing Legs

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward. This provides the bunny with the stability needed for its tall, upright 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 characteristic of classic woodland characters.

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 to track your progress.

1. Round 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around (24 stitches).
2. Round 2: Execute a sequence of *Knit 2, kfb* and repeat this pattern from * to the end of the round (32 stitches).
3. Rounds 3 through 10: Knit every stitch across the next eight rounds. This builds the rounded base and the vertical sides of the foot.
4. Round 11: Knit 12 stitches, then perform the decrease (knit 2 together – k2tog) four times in succession, and finish by knitting the remaining 12 stitches (28 stitches total). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
5. Round 12: Knit 10 stitches, perform (k2tog) four times again, and finish with 10 knit stitches (24 stitches total).
6. Round 13: Knit all stitches around the round.
7. Rounds 14 through 50: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures roughly 6 inches (15 centimeters) 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 left leg. After reaching Round 50 on the second leg, do not break the yarn, as we will use the working yarn 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 gap between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the olive skirt 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 through 70: Knit every stitch in the round for nineteen rounds. This section establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain a firm, even tension to ensure the fabric remains smooth and dense.
• Round 71: Perform a decrease round: *Knit 12, k2tog* and repeat around (52 stitches).
• Rounds 72 through 76: Knit all stitches around without decreasing.
• Round 77: *Knit 11, k2tog* and repeat around (48 stitches).
• Rounds 78 through 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 through 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.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

The arms are worked as separate tubes and attached later. They should be long and slender to hang gracefully at her sides. Using oatmeal yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 10 stitches and join in the round.

1. Rounds 1 through 42: Knit all stitches in stockinette for forty-two rounds. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
2. Round 43: Perform a decrease: *Knit 3, k2tog* and repeat (8 stitches).
3. Round 44: Knit 2 together around (4 stitches).

Break the yarn and pull through the remaining stitches. Stuff the hand area (bottom) firmly and the upper arm very lightly so they can rest naturally at the bunny’s sides. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 92.

Shaping the Bunny Head and Ears

The head requires specific increases to define the broad, sweet cheeks and the slightly tapered bridge of the nose characteristic of high-definition amigurumi designs. This part must be stuffed very firmly to maintain its shape over time, especially since the heavy drooping ears add weight to the crown. Continue from the 24 neck stitches.

1. Round 93: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* and repeat around (32 stitches).
2. Round 94: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 stitches).
3. Round 95: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 stitches).
4. Round 96: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 stitches).
5. Round 97: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 stitches). Establish this as the widest part of the face.
6. Rounds 98 through 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.

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 for a balanced, thoughtful gaze. Secure the backings firmly before proceeding with the closing rounds.

• Round 119: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 stitches).
• Round 120: Knit all stitches. This round stabilizes the decrease.
• Round 121: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 stitches).
• Round 122: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 stitches).
• Round 123: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 stitches).
• Round 124: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 stitches).
• Round 125: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 stitches).
• Round 126: k2tog around until 8 stitches remain.

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. 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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Tall Upright Ears (Make 2)

The ears are a defining feature of this bunny, standing tall and slightly pointed at the crown. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. Use the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles.

1. Cast on 12 stitches. Work flat on two needles.
2. Rows 1 through 45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long rectangle.
3. Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (10 stitches).
4. Row 47: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 48: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 stitches).
6. Row 49: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 50: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (6 stitches).
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 stand upright but have a natural, alert posture.

Knitting the Outback Wardrobe

The wardrobe for the Golden Wattle & Koala Bunny is designed with high contrast and Australian textures. We will begin with the sleeveless grey top, which features a hand-embroidered koala motif. The skirt uses a deep olive-green yarn and features 3D wattle blossom embroidery at the hem.

Heathered Grey Koala Top

Using the grey heathered yarn and 3.25mm circular needles, cast on 44 stitches. We work this piece from the bottom up to allow for a neat ribbed hem.

• Rounds 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for a snug waist fit.
• Rounds 5-20: Continue in stockinette stitch. At Round 12, the koala motif should begin. This is best achieved using the duplicate stitch technique after the top is knitted.
• Koala Motif: The koala is depicted climbing a vertical brown branch. Use grey yarn for the koala body, white for the fluffy ears, and charcoal black for the large oval nose. A single white stitch in the eye area adds a lively sparkle.
• Round 21: Divide for armholes by binding off 4 stitches on each side. Work the front and back panels separately for 10 rows.
• Round 31: Bind off all stitches. Sew the shoulder seams together, leaving a wide opening for the bunny’s head. The top should be sleeveless as shown in the reference photo.

The Olive Wattle Skirt

The skirt captures the dense foliage of the Australian bush with a flared A-line silhouette. We use the olive-green yarn and 3.25mm circular needles for a beautiful drape.

1. Cast on 84 stitches in Olive Green. Join in the round.
2. Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean hem that won’t roll.
3. Rounds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, reaching mid-calf on the rabbit.
4. Round 31: Perform a gathering round: *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
5. Round 32: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
6. Round 33: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist snugly.
7. Bind off all stitches. Secure the skirt at the bunny’s waist with hidden stitches into the oatmeal body.

Wattle Blossom Embroidery Detail

The golden wattle is the national floral emblem of Australia, and its representation here is vital. Use a fine embroidery needle and the mustard-yellow yarn. The “puffs” of the wattle are created using a series of large, loose French knots or bullion knots. Arrange them in clusters along embroidered brown stems that rise from the skirt’s hem. Space these clusters approximately 2 inches apart around the entire circumference. This 3D texture is essential for the museum-quality look.

Mustard Bucket Hat and Brown Sandals

The accessories provide the finishing touches to the character’s personality. The bucket hat frames the face with a warm hug, while the sandals ground the outfit in a practical, outdoorsy aesthetic. We use the mustard-yellow yarn for the hat and dark earth-brown for the footwear.

Mustard Yellow Bucket Hat

Using the mustard yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 48 stitches. Join in the round.

• Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This forms the flat, protective brim of the bucket hat.
• Rounds 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the walls of the hat.
• Round 19: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around.
• Round 20: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around.
• Continue decreasing in this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Fasten off and weave in ends. The hat sits between her ears in a casual style.

Brown Mary-Jane Sandals (Make 2)

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

1. Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the sturdy base of the shoe.
2. Round 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box seen in the image.
3. Round 6: Bind off 17 stitches loosely.
4. The Strap: Pick up 10 stitches across the top opening of the sandal and bind off immediately to create the functional strap. Sew a tiny decorative button to the side join. Slip onto the bunny’s feet.

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Bush Accessories: Bag, Seeds, and Leaves

The character’s backstory as a bush explorer is brought to life through her specialized props. These include a tan tote bag containing “honky nuts” (eucalyptus seeds) and a standalone eucalyptus leaf sprig. These small items require a fine gauge and careful assembly to maintain the high-quality look of the original art doll.

Tan Seed Tote Bag

Using the tan yarn, cast on 14 stitches. Work flat in stockinette for 6 inches to create a long rectangle. Fold the piece in half and sew the side seams. Knit an 8-inch I-cord for the strap and attach it to the top corners. Place the bag over the bunny’s shoulder.

The Knitted “Honky Nuts” (Eucalyptus Seeds)

Using the brown yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round. kfb to 12. Knit 4 rounds. k2tog to 6 and close. These small rounded pods should be tucked into the bag, peeking out as seen in the photo.

The Eucalyptus Leaf Prop

Using the sage green yarn, we will knit a cluster of three pointed leaves. For each leaf: Cast on 3 stitches. Row 1: k1, m1, k1, m1, k1 (5 sts). Knit 6 rows. Row 7: k2tog, k1, ssk (3 sts). Row 8: k3tog. Bind off. Sew the three leaves to a short brown I-cord stem and place the prop on the table next to the bunny.

The Miniature 3D Koala Companion

This tiny pet perches next to the bunny and requires very careful assembly to achieve its realistic, rounded posture. It is worked in one piece for the head and body using a fine gauge.

1. Using Heathered Grey yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round. kfb into every stitch (12).
2. Knit 12 rounds for the body, slightly widening at the hips.
3. Round 13: *Knit 1, k2tog* around (8). Stuff the body firmly into a plump oval.
4. Round 14: k2tog around (4). Pull through to close for the head.
5. Details: Use white yarn to embroider large, fluffy ears. Use black thread for the eyes and a large black satin stitch for the nose. Position the koala sitting next to the bunny’s feet.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The personality of your Golden Wattle & Koala 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 warmth of a sun-drenched day in the bush. Check all seams for any gaps and ensure all loose yarn ends are woven in deeply so they are hidden within the stuffing. Dress the bunny in the top first, followed by the skirt, sandals, and hat. Finally, arrange her accessories to complete the Australian landscape scene.

Preservation 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 wattle blossoms. 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 wattle on the skirt or the koala motif on the top, as this can distort the stitches or cause the vibrant yellow 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 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 colors over time. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and wardrobe 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 wattle blossom puffs back into their rounded form.

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 Golden Wattle & Koala Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come. Every stitch in the grey top and every embroidered petal on the green skirt contributes to a narrative of patience and artistic expression. Enjoy the process of bringing this Australian-inspired rabbit to life!

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