Embrace the warmth and vibrancy of the sunny season with this delightful Summer Hydrangea Bunny project. Inspired by the lush blooms of a summer garden, this heirloom-quality doll is a perfect challenge for intermediate knitters who enjoy combining textures and intricate details. Whether you are looking to buy luxury cotton yarn to capture the crisp definition of the stitches or searching for the best knitting kits for summer projects, this design offers a rewarding experience. The bunny features a stunning dress with a “bubble” texture reminiscent of hydrangea petals, a classic cabled bodice, and a chic blue bolero. Accessories like the knitted parasol and a tiny garden snail companion make this set a standout piece for any collection. Many crafters who shop for knitting needles online find that working on such detailed miniatures is the best way to refine their skills in garment construction and toy making. This project makes a spectacular gift or a charming addition to your own seasonal decor.

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

Materials and Tools List

To recreate the Summer Hydrangea Bunny exactly as shown in the photograph, you will need to gather specific materials. The texture of the skirt relies heavily on the choice of yarn color.

• Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 100g of DK weight yarn in Oatmeal or Beige. A wool/alpaca blend works well for a soft, furry texture.
• Dress Skirt & Snail Shell Yarn: 50g of Variegated Pastel DK yarn (mix of baby blue, soft pink, and white). Self-striping or short color-change yarn is ideal to create the multi-colored “flower” effect without changing yarns constantly.
• Bodice, Hat, & Parasol Yarn: 50g of Cream or Off-White DK weight yarn.
• Bolero & Shoe Trim Yarn: 30g of Light Blue DK weight yarn.
• Snail Body Yarn: Small amount of Beige (same as bunny).
• Knitting Needles:
  • US 2.5 (3.0mm) straight needles for the bunny parts to ensure a tight fabric where stuffing won’t show through.
  • US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the clothing to allow for drape.
  • A cable needle (for the bodice).
• Notions:
  • High-quality polyester fiberfill stuffing.
  • Two 8mm black safety eyes.
  • Dark brown embroidery floss for the facial features.
  • Wooden dowels or a small umbrella frame for the parasol construction.
  • Tapestry needle for seaming.
  • Stitch holders.
  • Small buttons for the bag and dress closure.

Gauge and Sizing

For the bunny, aim for a tight gauge of approximately 26 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. The finished doll measures approximately 14 inches from the soles of the feet to the top of the ears. For the clothes, the gauge can be slightly looser to ensure they fit comfortably over the stuffed body.

Part 1: The Bunny Body Construction

The bunny is knitted in pieces and seamed. We use the Oatmeal yarn and US 2.5 needles.

Head

The head is knitted from the back of the skull forward to the nose, allowing for shaping of the cheeks.

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2: Increase in every stitch using Kfb (Knit front and back) (24 sts).
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: [Knit 1, Kfb] repeat to end (36 sts).
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: [Knit 2, Kfb] repeat to end (48 sts).
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: [Knit 3, Kfb] repeat to end (60 sts).
10. Rows 9-23: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) for 15 rows. This establishes the back of the head.
11. Shape Cheeks:

    Row 24: K18, [Kfb] 6 times, K12, [Kfb] 6 times, K18 (72 sts). The increases create the chubby cheek area.

    Row 25-31: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch.

12. Decrease for Muzzle:

    Row 32: K18, [K2tog] 6 times, K12, [K2tog] 6 times, K18 (60 sts).

    Row 33: Purl.

    Row 34: [K8, K2tog] repeat to end (54 sts).

    Row 36: [K7, K2tog] repeat to end (48 sts).

    Row 38: [K6, K2tog] repeat to end (42 sts).

    Row 40: [K5, K2tog] repeat to end (36 sts).

    Note: Insert safety eyes now. Place them between rows 22 and 23 (approx), spaced about 12 stitches apart within the cheek increase section.

    Row 42: [K4, K2tog] repeat to end (30 sts).

    Row 44: [K3, K2tog] repeat to end (24 sts).

    Row 46: [K2, K2tog] repeat to end (18 sts).

    Row 48: [K1, K2tog] repeat to end (12 sts).

13. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. Sew the chin seam and stuff firmly.

Body

1. Cast on 15 stitches.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: Kfb in every stitch (30 sts).
4. Row 4: [K1, Kfb] to end (45 sts).
5. Row 6: [K2, Kfb] to end (60 sts).
6. Rows 7-36: Work in Stockinette Stitch. This forms the main torso.
7. Decrease for Neck:

   Row 37: [K8, K2tog] to end (54 sts).

   Rows 38-40: Work straight.

   Row 41: [K7, K2tog] to end (48 sts).

   Rows 42-44: Work straight.

   Row 45: [K6, K2tog] to end (42 sts).

   Row 46: Purl.

   Row 47: [K5, K2tog] to end (36 sts).

   Row 49: [K4, K2tog] to end (30 sts).

   Row 51: [K3, K2tog] to end (24 sts).

8. Bind off. Sew the back seam and stuff firmly. Attach the head securely to the neck opening.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Legs and Feet (Make 2)

The legs incorporate the foot shape seamlessly.

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Increase row: Kfb in every stitch (24 sts).
3. Purl row.
4. Increase row: [K1, Kfb] around (36 sts).
5. Work 6 rows in Stockinette.
6. Shape Top of Foot: K12, [K2tog] 6 times, K12 (30 sts).
7. Purl row.
8. Next row: K12, [K2tog] 3 times, K12 (27 sts).
9. Next row: Purl.
10. Next row: K10, [K2tog] 3 times, K11 (24 sts).
11. Work 30 rows stockinette for the leg shaft.
12. Bind off. Sew the back seam. Stuff the foot firmly to create a round shape and the leg slightly lighter to allow for sitting.

Arms (Make 2)

1. Cast on 10 stitches.
2. Increase to 20 stitches in the first 2 rows.
3. Work 28 rows in Stockinette.
4. Decrease: [K2tog] across the row.
5. Cut yarn, pull through, sew seam, and stuff. Attach to the shoulders.

Ears (Make 2)

1. Cast on 14 stitches.
2. Work 40 rows in Stockinette.
3. Decrease row: [K2tog, K4] twice. Purl back.
4. Decrease row: [K2tog, K3] twice. Purl back.
5. Continue decreasing until 4 stitches remain. Bind off.
6. Fold the cast-on edge in half and sew to the top of the head.

Part 2: The Hydrangea Dress

This is the centerpiece of the outfit. The skirt uses a “Bubble Stitch” to mimic the cluster of hydrangea flowers. Use US 3 needles.

The Skirt (Bubble Pattern)

Using the Variegated Pastel yarn, cast on 80 stitches.

Note on Bubble Stitch: This pattern creates 3D bobbles. Use a multiple of 4 stitches.

1. Rows 1-5: Work in Stockinette Stitch (starting with a Knit row).
2. Row 6 (Bubble Row): *Knit 3, Drop the next stitch off the needle and unravel it down 4 rows. Insert the right needle into the loop of the 5th row down (the live stitch) and under the 4 loose strands, knitting it to catch them all up behind the new stitch.* Repeat from * to end.
3. Rows 7-11: Work in Stockinette Stitch (starting with a Purl row).
4. Row 12 (Alternate Bubble Row): *Knit 1, Drop stitch 4 rows down (make bubble), Knit 2* repeat across. (This offsets the bubbles).
5. Repeat these 12 rows until the skirt measures approximately 5 inches.
6. Waist Reduction: On the final row, [K2, K2tog] across to reduce stitch count to 60 stitches.

The Cabled Bodice

Switch to Cream yarn. Work on the 60 stitches from the skirt waist.

1. Work 4 rows of K1, P1 ribbing to cinch the waist.
2. Establish Cable Pattern:

   Row 1 (RS): K20 (Side), P2, K6 (Cable Panel), P2, K30 (Side). (Adjust stitch counts to center the cable on the front chest).

   Row 2 (WS): P30, K2, P6, K2, P20.

3. Cable Twist Row (Every 6th row): Work to cable panel, Slip 3 sts to cable needle and hold at Front, Knit 3, Knit 3 from cable needle (C6F), continue row.
4. Work in this pattern for 1.5 inches.
5. Armholes: K12, Bind off 4, Work 28 (Front), Bind off 4, K12.
6. Work the Backs and Front separately for 1 inch.
7. Bind off. Sew shoulder seams. Add a button at the back waist.

Part 3: The Blue Bolero Cardigan

This little jacket is knitted in Light Blue yarn using US 3 needles.

1. Back: Cast on 28 stitches. Work 4 rows in K1, P1 rib. Work 14 rows in Stockinette. Bind off 3 stitches at start of next 2 rows (armholes). Work 12 more rows. Bind off.
2. Fronts (Make 2): Cast on 14 stitches. Work 4 rows rib. Work 14 rows Stockinette. Bind off 3 stitches at armhole edge. Work 8 rows. Decrease 1 stitch at neck edge every row for 4 rows. Bind off.
3. Sleeves: Cast on 22 stitches. Work 4 rows rib. Work 10 rows Stockinette. Decrease 1 st at each end of next 4 rows. Bind off.
4. Assembly: Sew shoulders, set in sleeves, sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches along the front opening and neck to knit a narrow ribbed border (2 rows).

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 4: Accessories

Cream Sun Hat

1. Using Cream yarn, cast on 50 stitches.
2. Brim: Work 6 rows in Seed Stitch (K1, P1, next row P1, K1) for a textured, non-rolling brim.
3. Increase Row: *K4, Kfb* around (60 sts).
4. Work 2 more rows in Seed Stitch.
5. Crown: Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Work 10 rows.
6. Decrease for top:

   Row 1: *K8, K2tog* around.

   Row 2: Purl.

   Row 3: *K7, K2tog* around.

   Continue decreasing in this manner until 10 stitches remain. Cut yarn and pull through.

Booties

1. Using Cream yarn, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Knit 2 rows (Garter Stitch) for the sole.
3. Switch to Light Blue. Knit 2 rows (Stripe).
4. Switch back to Cream. Work 4 rows Stockinette.
5. Toe Shaping: K7, [K2tog] 3 times, K7 (17 sts).
6. Work 2 rows K1, P1 rib for the ankle. Bind off.
7. Make a small twisted cord in Blue and thread it through the ankle ribbing to tie a bow.

The Knitted Snail

This cute companion is a simple spiral.

1. Shell: Using the Variegated Pastel yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Knit a strip in Garter Stitch about 6 inches long. Bind off. Roll the strip tightly into a spiral and stitch it in place so it holds the shell shape.
2. Body: Using Beige yarn, cast on 4 stitches. Work an I-cord for 3 inches.
3. Head: Increase into every stitch (8 sts). Work 2 rows plain. Decrease back to 4 sts. Bind off.
4. Sew the shell onto the center of the body. Embroider tiny antennae and eyes on the head.

The Parasol

1. Cover: Using Cream yarn, cast on 8 stitches. Divide onto 3 DPNs or use magic loop. Join in the round.
2. Round 1: [Kfb] in every stitch (16 sts).
3. Round 2: Knit.
4. Round 3: [K1, Kfb] around (24 sts).
5. Round 4: Knit.
6. Continue increasing 8 stitches every other round until the circle measures about 5 inches in diameter.
7. Lace Edge: *YO, K2tog* around. Knit 1 round. Bind off loosely.
8. Assembly: If you have a small doll umbrella frame, stitch the knitted cover over it. Alternatively, use a wooden skewer as the handle and stiffen the knitted circle with starch or glue it to a card circle underneath to hold the shape shown in the picture. The “spokes” can be embroidered with beige yarn to mimic the wooden frame.

The Shoulder Bag

1. Using Variegated yarn, cast on 12 stitches.
2. Work in Stockinette for 3 inches.
3. Fold the bottom third up to form the pocket and sew the sides. The remaining top third acts as the flap.
4. Sew a small button to the front and a loop on the flap.
5. Knit a long I-cord and attach it to the sides as a strap.

Final Assembly and Finishing

Bringing the Summer Hydrangea Bunny to life requires patience in the finishing touches.

1. Facial Features: Using the dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. Ensure it is centered between the cheeks. You can add small eyebrows for extra expression.
2. Dressing: Put the dress on the bunny first. It should fit snugly at the waist. Button the back.
3. Cardigan: Slip the blue bolero over the dress.
4. Shoes: Put the booties on the feet and tie the blue bows securely.
5. Hat: Place the sun hat on the bunny’s head. You may want to tack it down with a few hidden stitches to keep it in place during display.
6. Accessories: Loop the bag strap over one shoulder. Position the parasol in one hand (you can use a small rubber band or stitch to hold it in the paw). Place the snail at the bunny’s feet.

Your Summer Hydrangea Bunny is now complete! This project captures the essence of a lazy summer afternoon in the garden. We hope you enjoyed the variety of stitches and the creative assembly process. If you are inspired to create more, be sure to browse our site to buy pattern books or check out our recommendations to order premium yarn packs for your next knitting adventure.