The Siberian Iris & Husky Bunny is a breathtaking heirloom-quality creation that blends the delicate elegance of winter blooms with the rugged charm of a northern sled dog. This sophisticated design features a gentle oatmeal-toned rabbit dressed in a serene sky-blue flared skirt adorned with hand-embroidered Siberian Irises, a textured slate-grey cardigan featuring a detailed Husky motif, and a cozy trapper-style earflap hat. To achieve the professional, high-definition finish seen in the inspiration photographs, it is essential to buy premium merino wool or a high-twist natural fiber that offers superior stitch definition for the intricate embroidery and colorwork. When you shop for professional knitting supplies and order specialized artisan yarns, the complex textures of the winter ensemble and the sculptural form of the miniature Husky companion remain crisp and perfectly defined. This project is a rewarding journey for any fiber artist looking to purchase luxury craft materials and transform them into a storied work of art that celebrates the serene beauty of a Siberian winter landscape.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Material Selection and Technical Specifications

Achieving a 100% accurate reproduction of this character requires meticulous attention to yarn weight and tension. The bunny and its accessories are designed using a fine-gauge approach to ensure the fabric is dense enough to hold its shape while remaining soft to the touch. It is highly recommended to use a needle size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests; this is a professional secret for creating a solid, opaque fabric that keeps the internal fiberfill completely concealed.

• Main Bunny Body: 150g of DK weight wool in Oatmeal or Soft Cream. A natural, slightly heathered wool provides the best organic texture.
• Iris Blue Skirt: 75g of DK weight yarn in Sky Blue.
• Cardigan and Trapper Hat: 100g of DK weight yarn in Slate Grey or Charcoal Heather.
• Winter Boots: 50g of DK weight yarn in Pure White, combined with a strand of fuzzy or “eyelash” yarn for the cuffs.
• Husky Motif and Companion: 50g of DK weight yarn in Jet Black, 30g in Silver Grey, and 30g in Pure White.
• Floral Embroidery:
  • Deep Purple: 20g for the iris petals.
  • Bright Yellow: 10g for the iris centers (the “falls”).
  • Leaf Green: 15g for the stems and leaves.
• Needles: US Size 2 (2.75mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the bunny body and US Size 3 (3.25mm) for the clothing.
• Safety Eyes: 9mm deep black safety eyes for the bunny; 4mm bright blue beads for the Husky eyes.
• Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 350g).

Constructing the Bunny Foundation: Legs and Feet

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward to ensure the bunny has the structural integrity needed for its 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 that look realistic when posed on the winter sled.

Right Leg Architecture

Using the oatmeal 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 the end of the round (32 sts).
3. Rounds 3-10: Knit every stitch straight. This builds the height of the foot and ankle area.
4. Round 11 (Instep Shaping): Knit 12, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This creates the curve of 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 14-52: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures roughly 6 inches (15 cm) from the sole. Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring the toe is rounded and the heel has a distinct shape. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility at the hip join.

Break the yarn and place these stitches on a holder. Repeat the exact instructions for the Left Leg. After reaching Round 52 on the second leg, do not break the yarn; this will be used to join the two pieces and begin the torso.

Sculpting the Torso and Rounded Hips

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s balance and the flare of the blue skirt. We create a bridge of stitches between the legs to provide the wide, rounded hips required for the Siberian Iris embroidery to be displayed prominently.

Round 53 (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 (56 sts total). Join for circular knitting.

• Rounds 54-75: Knit every stitch in the round. This establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Focus on maintaining even tension.
• Round 76: *Knit 12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
• Rounds 77-84: Knit all stitches.
• Round 85: *Knit 11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rounds 86-92: Knit all stitches. Begin stuffing the lower body firmly, pushing the stuffing toward the sides to define the rounded hip silhouette.
• Round 93: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
• Round 94: Knit all stitches.
• Round 95: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Round 96: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Round 97: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the narrow neck. Do not bind off.

The Bunny Head and Facial Sculpting

The head requires specific increases to define the broad, sweet cheeks and the tapered bridge of the nose. Firm stuffing is essential here to support the weight of the Trapper Hat. The head and body are worked as one piece to eliminate the need for a neck seam, providing a more stable structure for the heavy earflap accessory.

1. Round 98: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
2. Round 99: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
3. Round 100: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
4. Round 101: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
5. Round 102: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts). Establish this as the widest part of the face.
6. Rounds 103-125: Knit every stitch in stockinette straight. This builds the vertical volume of the face.

Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 115 and 116, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level and aligned with the center of the feet. Secure the backings firmly before proceeding with the closing rounds.

• Round 126: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
• Round 127: Knit all stitches.
• Round 128: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Round 129: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
• Round 130: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
• Round 131: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
• Begin stuffing the head very firmly at this point. Use small pinches of stuffing to avoid lumps.
• Round 132: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
• Round 133: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn and pull through the remaining stitches.

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Winter Ears and Slender Arms

The ears are designed to stand tall but possess a gentle curve at the tips, giving the bunny an inquisitive look. The arms are kept slender to allow the grey cardigan to fit perfectly without restricted movement.

Ears (Make 2)

Using oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Work flat in stockinette stitch.
Rows 1-50: Work straight. This creates a long, elegant rectangle.
Row 51: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (10 sts).
Row 52: Purl all stitches.
Row 53: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).
Row 54: Purl all stitches.
Row 55: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (6 sts).
Bind off. Fold the base of the ear slightly and sew to the top of the head at Round 128, spacing them about 4 stitches apart.

Arms (Make 2)

Using oatmeal yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
Rounds 1-45: Knit every round. Maintain a consistent gauge.
Round 46: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat (8 sts).
Round 47: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the hand area firmly and the upper arm very lightly. Sew to the body just below the neck join.

The Sky Blue Iris Skirt

The skirt is a classic flared garment with a weighted hem to prevent rolling. The Siberian Iris embroidery is the artistic centerpiece and should be worked with high-quality embroidery needles to ensure the purple petals look lifelike against the blue fabric.

Using Sky Blue yarn and 3.25mm circular needles, cast on 84 stitches. Join in the round.
Rounds 1-6: Knit all stitches (Garter stitch in the round).
Rounds 7-38: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt.
Round 39 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Round 40: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
Round 41: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist snugly.
Bind off loosely. Secure the skirt at the bunny’s waist with hidden stitches into the oatmeal body during final assembly.

Siberian Iris Embroidery Details

Position five irises evenly around the skirt hem. Each blossom head is approximately 3 cm wide.
Stems: Use Leaf Green yarn and a stem stitch to create a 4 cm vertical line rising from the hem.
Leaves: Add two long, sword-like leaves at the base using a satin stitch.
Blossoms: Use Deep Purple yarn to create three upright petals (the “standards”) and three drooping petals (the “falls”). In the center of each drooping petal, add a vibrant yellow line of straight stitches to represent the flower’s signature center highlight.

The Grey Husky Cardigan

The cardigan is worked flat and features a detailed Husky dog motif on the left front panel. This piece requires careful color management to ensure the Husky’s blue eyes stand out prominently.

Using Slate Grey yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 44 stitches. Work flat from the top down.
Rows 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for the collar.
Row 5 (RS): Knit 6 (front), m1, k1 (marker), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1, m1, k10 (back), m1, k1, m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1, m1, k6.
Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.
Continue increasing at raglan points every RS row until the body measures 2.5 inches from the collar. Separate for sleeves. Continue the body for 2.5 more inches. Finish with 4 rows of ribbing.

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Husky Motif Details

On the left front panel, use Jet Black, Silver Grey, and Pure White yarns to create a Husky head using a duplicate stitch (Swiss darning). The mask should be black and grey, with a pure white muzzle. Use the bright blue beads for the eyes to capture the signature Husky gaze. Add three tiny grey buttons to the front edge to complete the closure.

The trapper Hat and Fuzzy Winter Boots

Grey Trapper Hat (Earflap Style)

Using Slate Grey yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 48 stitches. We work the earflaps first and join them to the main hat body.
Earflaps (Make 2): Cast on 4 stitches. Knit flat, increasing at edges until you have 10 stitches. Knit 10 rows. Place on holder.
Hat Body: Join the earflaps by casting on stitches between them to reach 48 total. Knit in the round for 15 rounds. Decrease by *Knit 6, k2tog* around until 6 stitches remain. Close tight. Finish the edges with a row of garter stitch for texture.

White Fuzzy Boots (Make 2)

Using Pure White yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rounds 1-4: Knit all stitches. This builds the sole edge.
Round 5: Knit 7, (k2tog) 3 times, knit 7 (17 sts). Shapes the toe.
Rounds 6-15: Knit straight up. This forms the boot shaft.
Cuff: Switch to the white fuzzy/eyelash yarn. Knit 6 rounds and bind off loosely. The fuzzy texture must be prominent to match the winter theme in the photo.

Miniature Sled and Husky Companion

Miniature Husky Friend

This tiny pet sits on the sled and requires a very fine gauge. Use 2.25mm needles and Jet Black/White yarn.
Body/Head: Cast on 8 stitches in white. kfb into every stitch (16). Knit 10 rounds for the body, switching to grey for the back. For the head, decrease back to 8 stitches, knit 6 rounds, and close. Add tiny black triangles for ears and blue bead eyes.

Wooden Sled Construction

The sled is a stylized prop. You can knit a small 3-inch by 2-inch rectangle in a “Wood” brown color using a Garter stitch to provide a rigid, flat surface. Attach two 4-inch black I-cords underneath the rectangle to represent the metal runners. Secure the miniature Husky to the top of the sled with a small hidden stitch.

Final Facial Details and Snowflake Prop

The bunny’s personality is defined by its facial embroidery. All stitches must be symmetrical and centered relative to the safety eyes.

• Nose and Mouth: Using a dark brown or charcoal embroidery thread, stitch a small “Y” shape. The center of the “Y” should be exactly between the eyes. Keep the stitches tight to maintain the sweet expression.
• 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 mimicking the cold winter air.
• Snowflake Accessory: Using White or Sky Blue yarn, knit a tiny hexagon or use a crochet hook to create a 5 cm star shape. Attach this near the bunny’s hand or place it on the sled to complete the wintery narrative.

Heirloom Maintenance and Preservation

Because this art piece features intricate 3D embroidery, multi-layered clothing, and delicate accessories like the sled, proper care is essential to preserve its museum-quality appearance. This bunny is an art doll intended for display and should be handled with extreme care to prevent pilling of the high-end merino fibers.

Professional Cleaning: Hand washing is the only recommended method. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of a gentle detergent designed specifically for wool. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding any aggressive scrubbing or agitation. Do not scrub the embroidered irises or the Husky motif, as this can distort the stitches or cause the vibrant purple color to bleed. Let the doll soak for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.

The Drying Process: 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 flared sky-blue skirt. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the delicate embroidery colors over time. 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 fuzzy boot cuffs and the iris petals back into their rounded form.

Long-term Care: 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. Regularly check the joints of the arms and the attachment of the sled to ensure the yarn remains secure. By following these maintenance steps, your Siberian Iris & Husky Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come. Every stitch in the slate-grey cardigan and every embroidered petal on the blue border contributes to a narrative of patience and artistic expression. Enjoy the process of bringing this winter-inspired rabbit to life!

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