Morning Glory Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the enchanting world of the Morning Glory Bunny. This project captures the serene beauty of a garden at dawn, featuring a gentle rabbit character who loves tending to her climbing vines and feeding the hummingbirds. Dressed in a pristine white dress adorned with hand-embroidered morning glory vines and a delicate butterfly motif, she is ready for a sunny day outdoors. Her outfit is completed with a soft lavender cardigan, a structured straw-colored sun hat, and strappy gardening sandals. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake, perfect for nature lovers and collectors alike. To achieve the exquisite finish seen in the photos, we recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the perfect color palette. For the bunny’s skin, a high-quality merino wool yarn in a soft cream or oatmeal shade provides a warm, natural look. The clothing benefits from a smooth DK weight yarn; you might want to buy cotton yarn for the dress to provide a crisp canvas for the embroidery. Ensure your knitting supplies are complete with a set of fine bamboo knitting needles, embroidery floss in vibrant violets and greens, and premium polyester fiberfill. If you are ready to create this botanical masterpiece, check your knitting bag for stitch markers and let’s cast on.

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

Project Overview

The Morning Glory Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches tall. The body is knitted flat and seamed, allowing for precise shaping of the curves. The outfit is removable, making it perfect for display or play. The dress is knitted as a simple white canvas, with the intricate morning glory vines and butterfly added afterwards using embroidery techniques. The set also includes instructions for the miniature hummingbird friend, a “SEED” sack, and a tiny embroidery hoop accessory.

Materials and Tools

Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Cream, Biscuit, or Off-White.
Yarn B (Dress & Bag): 60g DK weight yarn in White (for dress) and a small amount of Beige (for seed bag).
Yarn C (Cardigan & Hat Band): 50g DK weight yarn in Lavender or Light Purple.
Yarn D (Hat): 30g DK weight yarn in Tan, Beige, or Straw color.
Yarn E (Sandals): 20g DK weight yarn in Medium Brown.
Yarn F (Hummingbird): Small amounts of Green, White, and Purple fingering or sport weight yarn.
Embroidery Floss: Dark Green, Light Green, Purple, Blue, Yellow (for flowers and vines), Dark Brown (for bunny face).
Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles (or circulars worked flat) for the bunny and clothes. US 1 (2.25mm) or US 2 (2.75mm) for the hummingbird and small details.
Notions: Tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for bird eyes (optional), small buttons for sandals, stitch holders.

Gauge

24 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A firm gauge is essential for the toy parts to prevent stuffing from showing through, while the clothing should have a nice drape.

Abbreviations

K: Knit
P: Purl
Sts: Stitches
Inc: Increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch (KFB).
Dec: Decrease (K2tog).
SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
RS: Right Side
WS: Wrong Side
Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.
Garter Stitch: Knit every row.

Part 1: The Bunny Body

The bunny is constructed by knitting the legs separately, joining them to form the body, and continuing up to the head. This method reduces seaming at the neck and provides a stable structure.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Cream), cast on 12 stitches.

Row 1: Purl.
Row 2 (Inc): Inc in every st. (24 sts)
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4 (Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row.
Row 10 (Shape Foot): K12, (K2tog) 6 times, K12. (30 sts)
Row 11: Purl.
Row 12 (Shape Foot): K9, (K2tog) 6 times, K9. (24 sts)
Row 13: Purl.
Row 14 (Ankle): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette stitch to create the long legs.

Break yarn for the first leg and place stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg in the same manner but do not break the yarn.

Torso

We will now join the legs to form the body.

Row 43 (Join): With the second leg on the needle, cast on 2 stitches, then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg (from holder). (42 sts total)
Row 44: Purl all stitches.
Row 45 (Hip Increase): K10, Inc, K20, Inc, K10. (44 sts)
Row 46: Purl.
Row 47 (Hip Increase): K11, Inc, K20, Inc, K11. (46 sts)
Rows 48-68: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the bunny’s tummy.
Row 69 (Decrease): *K8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 sts, K6. (42 sts)
Row 70: Purl.
Row 71 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Rows 72-76: Work straight.
Row 77 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
Row 78: Purl.
Row 79 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
Row 80: Purl. This marks the neck.

Head

Continue with Yarn A from the neck stitches.

Row 81 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Row 82: Purl.
Row 83 (Increase): *K2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
Row 84: Purl.
Row 85 (Increase): *K7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch to form the height of the face.
Row 107 (Decrease): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
Row 108: Purl.
Row 109 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
Row 110: Purl.
Row 111 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Row 112: Purl.
Row 113 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
Row 114 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
Row 115 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
Row 116 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
Row 117: K2tog across. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining loops, pull tight, and secure. Sew the back seam of the head and body using mattress stitch, stuffing firmly as you go. Pay extra attention to stuffing the neck so the head doesn’t wobble.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A.

Row 1: Cast on 10 sts.
Row 2: Inc in every st. (20 sts)
Rows 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 27: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (15 sts)
Row 28: Purl.
Row 29: K2tog across to last st, K1. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, sew side seam. Stuff lightly.

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Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and soft. Use Yarn A.

Row 1: Cast on 14 sts.
Rows 2-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, K10, K2tog. (12 sts)
Row 44: Purl.
Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, K8, K2tog. (10 sts)
Row 46: Purl.
Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, K6, K2tog. (8 sts)
Row 48: Purl.
Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, K4, K2tog. (6 sts)
Row 50: Purl.
Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, K2, K2tog. (4 sts)
Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Morning Glory Dress

This dress is the canvas for your embroidery. It is knitted in plain White (Yarn B) to allow the colorful Morning Glory vines to stand out.

Skirt

Using Yarn B (White), cast on 64 sts.

Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches (Garter Stitch) for a non-rolling hem.
Rows 5-34: Work in stockinette stitch. This provides the smooth surface for embroidery.
Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
Row 36: Purl.
Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Row 38: Purl.

Bodice

Rows 39-44: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 45 (Armholes): K6, cast off 4 sts, K16, cast off 4 sts, K6.
Row 46: P6, cast on 4 sts, P16, cast on 4 sts, P6. (36 sts)
Rows 47-50: Work straight.
Row 51: Knit (Garter ridge).
Row 52: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Leave the bodice open and attach a small snap fastener or button.

Embroidery Guide

This is the most critical step for the “Morning Glory” look.

The Vines: Using Dark Green embroidery floss and a split stitch or stem stitch, create a waving vine pattern that circles the lower third of the skirt. Add smaller offshoot stems.
The Leaves: Using Green floss, embroider heart-shaped leaves along the vine. You can use satin stitch to fill them in for a lush look, or a lazy daisy stitch for smaller leaves.
The Flowers: Using Purple and Blue floss, embroider trumpet-shaped flowers. You can achieve this by creating a circle of satin stitches with a lighter color in the center (white or pale yellow) to represent the throat of the morning glory. Place about 6-8 flowers randomly along the vine.
The Butterfly: On the center of the bodice chest, use Purple floss to outline a delicate butterfly. Use a backstitch for the wings and a satin stitch for the body. The wings should be open and detailed.

Part 3: The Lavender Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Lavender (Yarn C) and features a simple raglan style.

Back

Cast on 28 sts.

Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
Rows 5-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 19 (Armhole): Cast off 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows. (24 sts)
Rows 21-32: Work straight.
Row 33: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 16 sts.

Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
Rows 5-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 19: Cast off 2 sts at armhole edge.
Row 20: Purl.
Rows 21-28: Work straight.
Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 sts at neck edge.
Row 30: Purl.
Row 31: Dec 1 st at neck edge.
Row 35: Cast off.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 18 sts.

Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
Rows 5-20: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 16. (22 sts)
Row 21: Cast off.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches along the front edges and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for the button band.

Part 4: The Sun Hat

This hat is knitted in Tan/Straw (Yarn D) with a Lavender band (Yarn C).

Brim: Cast on 60 sts with Yarn D.
Rows 1-8: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a stiff, textured brim.
Row 9: *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. (50 sts)
Rows 10-14: Work in stockinette stitch (Crown base).
Change to Yarn C (Lavender) for Band:
Rows 15-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
Change back to Yarn D:
Row 19 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (40 sts)
Row 20: Purl.
Row 21 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts)
Row 22: Purl.
Row 23 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (20 sts)
Row 24: K2tog across. (10 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, sew back seam.

Ribbons: Cut two long strips of lavender yarn or ribbon and attach them to the sides of the hat band to tie under the chin.

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Part 5: Strappy Sandals

Using Yarn E (Brown).

Sole: Cast on 8 sts. Knit 12 rows (Garter). Cast off.
Heel Cup: Pick up 14 sts around one end of the sole rectangle. Knit 4 rows. Cast off.
Toe Straps: Pick up 4 sts on one side of the toe end. Knit a strip long enough to reach the other side (approx 1.5 inches). Cast off and sew to the other side. Repeat for a second strap slightly higher up.
Ankle Strap: Crochet a chain or knit a thin I-cord attached to the heel cup to wrap around the ankle.

Part 6: The Hummingbird Companion

This miniature bird is a delicate project. Use US 1 or 2 needles.

Body: Using Green yarn, cast on 6 sts. Inc to 12 sts. Knit 4 rows.
Change to White for belly (work center 4 sts in white, outer in green). Work 4 rows.

Change to Purple for throat patch. Work 2 rows.

Decrease to 6 sts. Draw through. Stuff with a tiny scrap of wool.
Wings (Make 2): Using Grey/Brown yarn, cast on 3 sts. Knit 5 rows. Dec to 1 st. Fasten off. Sew to sides.
Beak: Use a toothpick colored brown or stiffened brown thread sewn into the face.
Eyes: Use tiny black beads or French knots.
Assembly: Sew the hummingbird to the bunny’s hand or attach it with a clear thread so it appears to be hovering.

Part 7: Accessories

Seed Bag

Using Yarn D (Beige/Tan).

Cast on 14 sts. Work in stockinette for 2.5 inches. Cast off.
Fold in half and sew side seams.
Embroider the word “SEED” in purple block letters on the front.
Make a twisted cord using purple yarn and thread it through the top fabric to act as a drawstring.

Miniature Embroidery Hoop

Fabric Disc: Using White yarn, cast on 8 sts. Inc to 12. Knit 4 rows. Dec to 8. Cast off to make a rough circle.

Hoop: Crochet a chain in Beige yarn long enough to encircle the white disc. Sew it around the edge.

Detail: Embroider a tiny purple flower and green leaf in the center of the white disc.

Part 8: Assembly and Finishing

Stuffing: Stuff the bunny’s legs, body, and head firmly. The neck needs to be very firm to support the head.
Seaming: Use mattress stitch for the back of the legs, body, and head. This creates an invisible seam which is professional and neat.
Face: Insert safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spaced about 9 stitches apart. Embroider a “Y” nose with dark brown floss.
Ears: Sew the cast-on edge of the ears to the sides of the head. Position them to flop downwards nicely.
Arms: Sew arms to the body.
Dressing:
- Put the sandals on the feet.
- Put the dress on the bunny.
- Put the cardigan over the dress.
- Tie the hat on the head with the ribbons.
- Place the seed bag and embroidery hoop near the bunny.
- Attach the hummingbird to her hand.

Your Morning Glory Bunny is now complete! This project is a celebration of fine details and garden beauty, creating a scene that is sure to delight anyone who sees it.