The Orange Daylily & Ginger Cat Bunny is a masterful artisan creation that captures the warmth of a sun-drenched garden and the playful spirit of feline companions. This heirloom-quality design features a sophisticated taupe-toned rabbit dressed in a cheerful peach sweatshirt and a mint green flared skirt, detailed with vibrant floral and animal motifs. For enthusiasts looking to achieve this professional finish, it is highly recommended to shop knitting supplies that prioritize stitch definition and buy premium yarn made from natural fibers like merino or alpaca. When you order crafting tools such as fine-gauge needles and purchase professional knitting kits, the intricate details of the ginger cat embroidery and the sculptural form of the catnip plant remain crisp and lifelike. This project is a rewarding journey for any fiber artist seeking to buy high-quality wool and transform it into a storied work of art that celebrates botanical elegance and cozy companionship.

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

Technical Specifications and Material Selection

Creating a museum-grade replica of this character requires meticulous attention to yarn weight and fiber content. The design utilizes a fine-gauge approach to ensure the resulting fabric is dense enough to hold a complex shape while remaining soft to the touch. Using a needle size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests is a professional secret for creating a solid, opaque fabric that keeps the internal fiberfill foundation completely concealed, even under tension.

• Main Bunny Body: 150g of DK weight wool in Heathered Taupe or Light Brown.
• Bunny Paws: 30g of DK weight wool in Walnut or Dark Brown.
• Ginger Cat Sweatshirt: 75g of DK weight yarn in Soft Peach or Coral.
• Orange Daylily Skirt: 75g of DK weight yarn in Light Mint Green.
• Bows and Accents: 50g of DK weight yarn in Bright Orange.
• Mary Jane Shoes: 30g of DK weight yarn in Toffee or Chestnut Brown.
• Ginger Cat Pet: 50g of DK weight yarn in Ginger/Orange with small amounts of Cream and Dark Orange for stripes.
• Grey Mouse: 20g of DK weight yarn in Silver Grey.
• Catnip Plant: 30g of DK weight yarn in Sage Green and 20g in Bark Brown for the soil/pot.
• Needle Sizes: US Size 2 (2.75mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the bunny body and limbs; US Size 3 (3.25mm) circular or straight needles for the garments.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 8mm black safety eyes for the bunny; 4mm black beads for the cat and mouse companions.
• Internal Foundation: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 400g).
• Essential Notions: Tapestry needle, fine embroidery needles, stitch markers, small wooden buttons for shoes, and a tiny wooden “CATNIP” sign.

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. The dark brown “paws” are worked first to represent the rabbit’s natural markings.

Leg Architecture (Make 2)

Using the dark brown yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them evenly across your needles and join for working in 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. Round 3: *Knit 3, kfb* repeat from * to the end of the round (40 sts).
4. Rounds 4-12: Knit every stitch straight. This builds the rounded base of the foot.
5. Round 13 (Instep Shaping): Knit 15, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 5 times, knit 15 (35 sts). This creates the curve of the top of the foot.
6. Round 14: Knit 13, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 14 (31 sts).
7. Round 15: Knit 11, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (27 sts).
8. Switch to Heathered Taupe yarn.
9. Round 16: Knit all stitches. This stabilizes the ankle join.
10. Rounds 17-60: Continue in stockinette stitch until the leg measures roughly 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) from the sole. Stuff the foot area very firmly, ensuring the toe is rounded. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility.

Break the yarn for the first leg and place on a holder. Repeat for the second leg, but do not break the yarn; this will be used to join the two pieces for the torso.

Sculpting the Torso and Rounded Hips

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s balance and the flare of the Daylily skirt. We create a bridge of stitches between the legs to provide the wide, rounded hips required for the doll to sit stably on a wooden surface.

Round 61 (The Joining Round): Knit across the 27 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 27 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back (62 sts total). Join for circular knitting.

• Rounds 62-85: Knit every stitch in the round. This establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Focus on maintaining even tension.
• Round 86: *Knit 13, k2tog* repeat around (58 sts).
• Rounds 87-95: Knit all stitches straight.
• Round 96: *Knit 12, k2tog* repeat around (54 sts).
• Rounds 97-105: Knit all stitches. Begin stuffing the lower body firmly, pushing the stuffing toward the sides to define the rounded hip silhouette.
• Round 106: *Knit 7, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rounds 107-112: Knit all stitches.
• Round 113: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
• Round 114: Knit all stitches.
• Round 115: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Round 116: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Round 117: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the neck area. Do not bind off, as the head is worked directly from these stitches.

Shaping the Bunny Head and Facial Sculpting

The head requires specific increases to define the broad cheeks and the tapered bridge of the nose. Firm stuffing is essential here to support the weight of the upright ears and the peach sweatshirt’s high collar.

1. Round 118: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
2. Round 119: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
3. Round 120: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
4. Round 121: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
5. Round 122: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts). This is the widest part of the face.
6. Rounds 123-145: Knit every stitch in stockinette straight. This builds the vertical volume of the face.

Position the 8mm safety eyes between rounds 135 and 136, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Secure the backings firmly.

• Round 146: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
• Round 147: Knit all stitches.
• Round 148: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Round 149: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
• Round 150: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
• Round 151: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
• Begin stuffing the head very firmly. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks.
• Round 152: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
• Round 153: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn and pull through the remaining stitches.

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Upright Ears and Slender Arms

The ears are designed to stand tall and alert, providing a playful contrast to the gentle face. The arms feature dark brown paws to match the legs.

Alert Bunny Ears (Make 2)

Using Heathered Taupe yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Work flat.

• Rows 1-40: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS).
• Row 41: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (10 sts).
• Row 42: Purl all stitches.
• Row 43: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (6 sts).
• Bind off all stitches. Fold the base of the ear in half to create a pinch and sew to the top of the head at Round 148.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

Using Dark Brown yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.

1. Rounds 1-8: Knit every round straight.
2. Switch to Heathered Taupe yarn.
3. Rounds 9-48: Knit every round straight.
4. Round 49: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across (8 sts).
5. Round 50: k2tog around (4 sts). Break yarn and pull through the stitches.
6. Stuff the hand area (the dark brown section) firmly and the upper arm very lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck join at Round 117.

The Ginger Cat Sweatshirt

The sweatshirt is worked with a high ribbed collar and features a central ginger cat motif. The peach color creates a warm, vintage aesthetic that complements the taupe rabbit.

Using Peach yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 44 stitches. Work flat from the top down.

1. Rows 1-8: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for a high, cozy collar.
2. Row 9 (RS): Knit 6 (front), m1, k1 (marker), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (marker), m1, k10 (back), m1, k1 (marker), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (marker), m1, k6 (front).
3. Row 10 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Continue increasing at raglan points every RS row until the sleeve sections have 24 stitches each.
5. Separate for Sleeves: Place sleeve stitches on holders. Join the front and back panels to continue the body for another 3.5 inches.
6. Finish with 4 rows of *K1, P1* ribbing and bind off.
7. Pick up sleeve stitches and work in the round for 4 inches, finishing with a ribbed cuff.

Ginger Cat Embroidery Detail

On the center chest of the sweatshirt, use Ginger, Cream, and Pink yarns to create a cat face using a duplicate stitch (Swiss darning) technique.

• The Face: Create a rounded ginger circle with two pointed ears at the top.
• The Features: Add a small pink nose using a satin stitch. Use black embroidery thread for the whiskers and closed, happy eyes.
• The Stripes: Add tiny dark orange horizontal lines on the forehead for a “tabby” look.

The Orange Daylily Skirt

The skirt is a classic flared garment with a mint green base. The Orange Daylily embroidery is worked evenly around the hem to create a botanical border.

Using Mint Green 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) to create a flat, stable hem.
• Rounds 7-35: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt.
• Round 36 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
• Round 37: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
• Round 38: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist.
• Bind off all stitches loosely.

Detailed Orange Daylily Embroidery

Position six daylilies evenly around the skirt. Each blossom is approximately 3 cm wide.

• The Stems: Using a stem stitch with Sage Green yarn, create a 4 cm vertical line rising from the hem. Add two long, slender leaves at the base.
• The Blossoms: Use Bright Orange yarn to create six trumpeted petals using a series of straight stitches fanning out from a central point.
• The Stamens: In the center of each flower, add three tiny yellow straight stitches with a brown knot at the tip to represent the stamens.

The Ginger Cat and Grey Mouse Pet Companions

These miniature companions add a narrative layer to the design. They are worked with a fine gauge to achieve their compact, round postures.

Miniature 3D Ginger Cat

Use US Size 1 (2.25mm) needles and Ginger yarn. This pet is worked in one piece.

• Body: Cast on 8 stitches. kfb into every stitch (16). Knit 15 rounds.
• Stripes: Every 4th round, switch to Dark Orange to create subtle tabby stripes.
• Details: Add tiny black beads for eyes and a pink thread for the nose. Knit a 2-inch I-cord for the tail and sew it to the back. Add small triangles for ears.

Tiny Grey Mouse

Use Silver Grey yarn and 2.25mm needles. Cast on 6 stitches.

1. Round 1: Inc 1 across (12 sts).
2. Rounds 2-8: Knit straight.
3. Round 9: k2tog across (6 sts). Break yarn and pull through.
4. Details: Add black thread eyes and a pink nose. Attach a 3-inch length of grey yarn for a thin, trailing tail.

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The Catnip Potted Plant and Wooden Label

The Catnip plant provides a botanical setting for the ginger cat pet. The pot is worked in a dense stitch to ensure it stands upright.

Terra Cotta Pot and Soil

Using Bark Brown yarn, cast on 15 stitches. Work in a *K1, P1* seed stitch for 12 rows to create a textured, “wicker” or clay look. Sew into a cylinder and attach a circular base. Stuff firmly and cap with a dark brown circle to represent soil.

Catnip Leaves

Using Sage Green yarn, cast on 4 stitches. Knit 2 rows. Increase at edges for 4 rows, then decrease back to a point. Make 5-7 leaves and sew them into the “soil” of the pot. Attach a small wooden sign that says “CATNIP” to the side of the plant.

Footwear and Final Assembly

Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

Using Chestnut Brown yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.

1. Rounds 1-4: Knit all stitches.
2. Round 5: Knit 7, (k2tog) 3 times, knit 7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe.
3. Rounds 6-12: Knit straight. Bind off 10 stitches for the ankle opening and work the remaining stitches as a strap. Sew a tiny button to secure.

Final Face Detail and Bows

Nose and Mouth: Using pink embroidery thread, stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose. The bunny’s inquisitive look is achieved by keeping the nose stitches small and centered between the safety eyes.

Bright Orange Bow Scarf: Cast on 6 stitches in Bright Orange. Knit in Garter stitch for 12 inches. Wrap around the bunny’s neck and tie into a large, prominent bow. Ensure the bow sits just below the chin to mimic the reference image.

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.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Because this art piece features intricate 3D embroidery and multiple accessories, proper care is essential to preserve its appearance for decades. This bunny is an art doll intended for display and should be handled with care to prevent pilling of the natural 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 or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding any aggressive scrubbing or agitation. Do not scrub the embroidered flowers or the ginger cat motif, as this can distort the stitches. Let the doll soak for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.

The Drying Process: Place the bunny between hai 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. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the delicate colors over time. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing with your fingers to restore her original plump shape.

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. Regularly check the attachment of the miniature accessories like the mouse and cat to ensure the yarn remains secure. By following these maintenance steps, your Orange Daylily & Ginger Cat Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come.