The Tall Hollyhock & Rough Collie Bunny is a breathtaking heirloom-quality masterpiece that captures the poetic transition of a summer garden into the world of fine needlework. This sophisticated design features a gentle oatmeal-toned bunny with signature tall, inquisitive ears, dressed in a stunning cream A-line dress adorned with intricate vertical hollyhock embroidery. The ensemble is completed with a soft tan capelet featuring a detailed Rough Collie brooch and a matching brown explorer hat. To achieve the high-definition results and professional finish seen in these photographs, it is essential to buy premium merino wool or purchase luxury alpaca yarn that offers superior stitch definition for the complex surface work. When you order specialized knitting kits and buy professional-grade needles from a reputable source, the delicate details of the floral stalks and the miniature canine companion will stand out with museum-quality precision. This project is a rewarding journey for any fiber artist looking to buy high-quality craft materials and transform them into a storied work of art that celebrates the harmony between nature 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.

Project Specifications and Preparation

To ensure your finished bunny mirrors the professional aesthetic of the reference image, selecting the correct fiber weights is the first and most critical stage of the process. 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, opaque fabric that keeps the internal fiberfill completely concealed.

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 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 capelet against the bunny’s torso as you progress is highly recommended to ensure the proportions match the reference image perfectly.

Essential Materials

• Main Body Fiber: Approximately 150 grams of DK weight wool in Oatmeal or Warm Tan. A natural, high-quality wool blend provides a soft, matte finish characteristic of boutique art dolls.
• A-Line Dress: 100 grams of DK weight yarn in Soft Cream or Ivory.
• Capelet & Hat: 75 grams of DK weight yarn in Tan or Camel Brown.
• Floral & Collie Palette:
  • Forest Green: 15 grams for hollyhock stems and leaves.
  • Magenta, Rose, and Lilac: 10 grams each for the layered hollyhock blossoms.
  • Sable Orange: 15 grams for the Collie markings.
  • Pure White: 10 grams for the Collie “ruff” and muzzle.
  • Charcoal Black: 10 grams for the facial features and boot soles.
• Footwear: 30 grams of Earth Brown DK yarn.
• 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 or embroidery thread for the miniature Collie pet.
• Internal Foundation: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 350 grams).
• Essential Notions: A sharp tapestry needle, fine embroidery needles, stitch markers, and four tiny 4mm brown buttons for the shoes and journal.

Constructing the Bunny Foundation: The Head

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 explorer hat 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.

Using the oatmeal yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 6 stitches. Divide them among your needles for working in the round.

• Round 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch (12 sts).
• Round 2: *K1, kfb* repeat around (18 sts).
• Round 3: *K2, kfb* repeat around (24 sts).
• Round 4: *K3, kfb* repeat around (30 sts).
• Round 5: *K4, kfb* repeat around (36 sts).
• Round 6: *K5, kfb* repeat around (42 sts).
• Round 7: *K6, kfb* repeat around (48 sts).
• Round 8: *K7, kfb* repeat around (54 sts).
• Round 9: *K8, kfb* repeat around (60 sts).
• Rounds 10-25: Knit every stitch straight in stockinette.
• Round 26: *K8, k2tog* repeat around (54 sts).
• Round 27: *K7, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Round 28: *K6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
• Round 29: *K5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Round 30: *K4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Round 31: *K3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the narrow neck area.

Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 18 and 19, leaving approximately 10 stitches between them. Ensure they are level. Stuff the head extremely firmly at this stage, focusing on the roundness of the cheeks. Break the yarn if you prefer working the body separately, but for maximum stability, continue directly into the torso instructions.

Sculpting the Slender Torso and Rounded Hips

The body is designed to be slightly pear-shaped, widening toward the base to provide support for the bunny’s standing pose. The wide hips allow the A-line dress to flare naturally as seen in the photograph.

• Round 32: *K3, kfb* repeat around (30 sts).
• Round 33: Knit all stitches.
• Round 34: *K4, kfb* repeat around (36 sts).
• Round 35: Knit all stitches.
• Round 36: *K5, kfb* repeat around (42 sts).
• Round 37: Knit all stitches.
• Round 38: *K6, kfb* repeat around (48 sts).
• Round 39: *K7, kfb* repeat around (54 sts).
• Round 40: *K8, kfb* repeat around (60 sts).
• Rounds 41-60: Knit every stitch straight.
• Round 61: *K8, k2tog* repeat around (54 sts).
• Round 62: *K7, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Round 63: *K6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
• Round 64: *K5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Round 65: *K4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Round 66: *K3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
• Round 67: *K2, k2tog* repeat around (18 sts).
• Round 68: *K1, k2tog* repeat around (12 sts).
• Round 69: k2tog around (6 sts). Close the gap and weave in the ends.

Stuff the body gradually as you knit, ensuring the bottom area is packed very firmly. This weight acts as a ballast to help the doll stand when the shoes are attached.

Constructing the Signature Tall Ears

The ears are a defining feature of this character, standing exceptionally tall and alert. 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 in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS).
2. Rows 1-60: Continue in stockinette until the ear measures approximately 7 inches.
3. Row 61: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, K1 (10 sts).
4. Row 62: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 63: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, K1 (8 sts).
6. Row 64: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 65: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, K1 (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 5, spacing them about 4 stitches apart. They should stand upright but possess a natural, flexible quality.

The Slender Limbs: Arms and Legs

Detailed 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 like the flower basket. They are worked as separate tubes. Join the oatmeal yarn in the round on the smaller 2.75mm needles.

1. Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rounds 1-45: Knit all stitches in stockinette for forty-five rounds.
3. Round 46: *K3, k2tog* repeat across (8 sts).
4. Round 47: 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.

Standing Leg Architecture (Make 2)

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward. We work the legs as seamless tubes to avoid bulky side seams. Using the oatmeal-colored yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches.

1. Round 1: Kfb of every stitch around (24 sts).
2. Round 2: *K2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
3. Rounds 3-10: Knit every stitch straight. This builds the vertical sides of the foot.
4. Round 11 (Instep): Knit 12, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This shapes the top of the foot.
5. Round 12: Knit 10, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 10 (24 sts).
6. Round 13: Knit all stitches. This stabilizes the ankle join.
7. Rounds 14-55: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures roughly 6.5 inches from the sole. Ensure your tension remains extremely consistent.

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Stuff the foot area very firmly, shaping a rounded toe and a distinct heel. The leg should be stuffed moderately as you move upward. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, ensuring they are spaced wide enough for the bunny to remain balanced.

The Tall Hollyhock Cream Dress

This dress features a classic A-line silhouette with intricate botanical embroidery at the hem. The hollyhocks are the artistic centerpiece of the garment and are added after the base knitting is complete for maximum control over the placement. We use the cream yarn and 3.25mm circular needles for a beautiful drape.

Knitting the Dress Skirt

1. Cast on 84 stitches in Cream. Join in the round.
2. Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches straight. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t roll.
3. Rounds 7-35: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, reaching mid-calf on the rabbit.
4. Round 36 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
5. Round 37: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
6. Round 38: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist snugly.
7. 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.

Detailed Hollyhock Embroidery Guide

The hollyhocks are positioned in tall, vertical stalks around the entire circumference of the skirt hem. Each stalk should reach different heights for a natural look. Use a fine embroidery needle, forest green for stems, and the pink/purple palette for petals.

• The Stalks: Using a stem stitch with green yarn, create long vertical lines (ranging from 3 to 5 cm) rising from the hem. Add small “lazy daisy” loops on either side of the stem for leaves.
• The Blossoms: Using the magenta, rose, and lilac yarns, work several small “bullion knots” or clusters of French knots along the upper half of the stalks. Hollyhocks bloom in dense clusters; ensure the knots are thick and slightly overlapping.
• The Buds: Near the very top of each green stalk, add two or three tiny green French knots to represent unopened buds. Space these stalks approximately 1.5 inches apart around the entire skirt hem.

The Tan Capelet and Collie Brooch

The capelet is a standout piece of the character’s wardrobe, worked flat in rich tan wool. It features a rounded collar and a high-relief Rough Collie brooch on the left chest panel. This piece adds a sophisticated, heritage-themed layer to the outfit.

Capelet Construction

1. Using Tan yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 44 stitches. We work this piece flat.
2. Rows 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for the collar.
3. Rows 5-20: Continue in stockinette stitch while performing increases at the edges of every second row to create the flared, cape-like shape seen in the image.
4. Round the edges by performing decreases for the final three rows to create the soft, curved front panels.
5. Finish the entire outer edge with a single row of garter stitch or a neat slip-stitch border to prevent curling. Sew a tiny clasp or button at the neck.

Rough Collie Brooch Detail

On the left front panel of the tan capelet, use the sable orange, white, and black yarns. Embroider a tiny silhouette of a Rough Collie head using a satin stitch for the main face. Use white for the muzzle and the signature “white ruff,” and black for the nose and eyes. This level of detail is essential for a 100% accurate match to the image theme. Add a tiny white felt backing to the embroidery to give it a 3D brooch-like appearance before stitching it securely to the capelet.

The Brown Explorer Hat and Mary Janes

The accessories provide the finishing touches to the character’s personality. The explorer hat frames the face with a warm hug, while the shoes ground the outfit in a classic doll style. We use the brown yarn for the hat and dark earth brown for the footwear.

Brown Explorer Hat Architecture

1. Cast on 48 stitches in Brown. Join in the round using 3.25mm needles.
2. Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This forms the protective brim of the hat.
3. Rounds 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the walls of the hat.
4. Round 19: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around.
5. Round 20: *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. The hat should sit casually between her ears as shown in the composition.

Brown Lace-up Shoes (Make 2)

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

1. Cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 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 seen in the image.
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 to create the functional strap. Use a darker brown thread to embroider “laces” in a criss-cross pattern on the front. Slip onto the bunny’s feet.

Botanical and Literary Accessories

The Woven Flower Basket

The bunny carries a small basket designed with a rustic texture. Use the earth brown yarn and the 3.25mm needles.

1. Base: Cast on 10 stitches. Work in garter stitch for 10 rows. Bind off.
2. Sides: Pick up 40 stitches around the edge of the base. Work in seed stitch (k1, p1 alternating) for 12 rounds to mimic a woven texture. Bind off.
3. Handle: Knit an 8-inch I-cord over 3 stitches and sew to the sides.
4. Basket Contents: Knit several tiny colorful blossoms (magenta, purple, yellow) using a simple petal increase/decrease pattern and tuck them into the basket.

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The Knitted Explorer’s Journal

This accessory is a masterpiece of miniature knitting. It requires a fine gauge and careful assembly to achieve the rigid book look.

1. Using Earth Brown yarn, cast on 12 stitches. Work in stockinette for 6 inches to create a long rectangle.
2. Fold the rectangle in half. Add a tiny 4mm brown button on the edge for the “clasp.”
3. Insert several small pieces of folded cream felt inside and sew along the center fold to create “pages.” Position the book next to the bunny as a prop.

The Miniature 3D Rough Collie Companion

This tiny pet stands faithfully next to the bunny and requires very careful assembly to achieve its realistic sitting posture. It is worked in one piece for the head and body with color changes to create the markings.

1. Using Sable Orange yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round using 2.0mm needles. kfb into every stitch (12).
2. Knit 12 rounds for the body, incorporating White patches on the front chest and neck using the intarsia method.
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: Add two tiny sable triangles for ears. Use black thread for the nose and eyes. Use a long-and-short stitch with white yarn around the neck to create the signature “fluffy” Rough Collie collar. Position the dog sitting faithfully next to the bunny’s feet as seen in the high-definition photograph.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The personality of your Tall Hollyhock & Rough Collie Bunny emerges during the final sewing stage. Ensure all parts are aligned perfectly with the reference image before securing knots. Begin by ensuring the head is perfectly aligned with the center of the chest.

Face Detail: Using charcoal black 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, inquisitive expression. Use a single stitch of white yarn at the outer edge of each safety eye to create a “sparkle” effect. This breathes life into the character.

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

Dressing the Bunny: Place the hollyhock dress on the bunny first, ensuring the floral stalks are centered. Layer the tan capelet over her shoulders and secure the brooch. Slip the brown shoes onto the feet and position the explorer hat between her ears. Finally, arrange the flower basket, journal, and Collie companion as shown in the composition. Check that the ears are standing tall and symmetrical.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation 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 hollyhocks on the dress or the Collie brooch on the capelet, 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 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 magenta and lilac 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 flower petals back into their rounded form. By following these maintenance steps, your creation will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come.

Knitting a project of this scale and detail is a labor of love. Every stitch in the tan capelet and every embroidered petal on the hollyhock border contributes to a narrative of patience and artistic expression. Whether this bunny is intended for a personal collection or as a significant gift for a loved one, the effort and quality materials invested in her creation make her truly priceless. Enjoy the process of bringing this garden-inspired rabbit to life, knowing you have created a piece of art that bridges the gap between traditional craft and contemporary storytelling.

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