Welcome to the cozy and rustic world of the Rosehip Harvest Bunny. This project captures the essence of a crisp autumn day spent foraging in the hedgerows. This delightful rabbit character is dressed warmly for the season in a stunning outfit featuring a cabled bodice, a skirt adorned with a fair isle rosehip motif, and a textured bonnet. She is prepared for a day of gathering with her sturdy backpack, a jar of homemade preserve, and a prickly hedgehog companion. This heirloom-quality doll is designed to be a treasured keepsake, perfect for celebrating the changing seasons. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the warm, professional finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the best materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture. For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork skirt and the structured backpack, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is sharp and the colors remain rich. Before you begin, take a moment to check your knitting supplies; ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for assembly, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to cultivate this beautiful project, 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 Rosehip Harvest Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches (34 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be sturdy, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for precise shaping. The outfit is intricate and features advanced techniques such as cabling and stranded colorwork. The dress is the centerpiece, combining three distinct bands of pattern: a rust-colored textured hem, a central cream band with rosehip berries, and a brown textured waist, topped with a cream cabled bodice. The accessories include a backpack with a flap, a jam jar, and a bobble-stitch hedgehog.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal or Beige.
• Yarn B (Bodice & Hat): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream or Natural.
• Yarn C (Skirt Hem & Berries): 30g DK weight yarn in Rust or Deep Red.
• Yarn D (Skirt Waist & Backpack): 40g DK weight yarn in Light Brown or Camel.
• Yarn E (Shoes): 20g DK weight yarn in Chocolate Brown.
• Yarn F (Leaves): Small amount of Olive Green.
• Yarn G (Hedgehog): 20g DK weight yarn in Dark Brown (for spines) and Beige (for face).
• Yarn H (Jam Jar): Scrap of Red (jam) and White/Check fabric (lid).
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and main clothing. US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for hedgehog eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose), stitch holders, small buttons.

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 a standard gauge allows the clothing to drape nicely.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• 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).
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle.
• MB (Make Bobble): (K1, yo, K1, yo, K1) into next st, turn, P5, turn, K5, turn, P5, turn, K5, pass 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th sts over 1st st.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.

Part 1: The Bunny Body

We begin by knitting the legs separately and joining them to form the body. The head is knitted as a continuation of the neck to ensure a sturdy structure.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal), 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 (Knit RS, Purl WS) 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 leg.

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.

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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.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy. 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 Harvest Dress

This dress is the highlight of the project, worked in three distinct sections: the rust hem, the rosehip band, and the textured brown waist, leading into a cabled bodice.

Skirt

Section 1: The Rust Hem
Using Yarn C (Rust), cast on 72 sts.

• Rows 1-4: Work in Seed Stitch (K1, P1) to create a textured border.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 9: *K2 Rust, K1 Green (Leaf setup), K3 Rust*, repeat to end. (Prepare for colorwork).

Section 2: Rosehip Colorwork Band

Change main color to Yarn B (Cream) but keep Yarn C (Rust) and Yarn F (Green) for the motif. Use Fair Isle technique.

• Row 10: Purl across in Cream.
• Row 11: *K1 Cream, K2 Green (Leaf), K1 Cream, K2 Rust (Berry), K2 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 12: *P2 Cream, P2 Rust, P1 Cream, P2 Green, P1 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 13: *K2 Cream, K1 Green, K2 Cream, K2 Rust, K1 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Rows 14-18: Continue with Cream in stockinette stitch.

Section 3: The Textured Waist

Change to Yarn D (Light Brown/Camel).

• Row 19: Knit.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Basketweave): *K2, P2*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: *P2, K2*, repeat to end.
• Row 23: *P2, K2*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: *K2, P2*, repeat to end.
• Rows 25-28: Repeat rows 21-24.
• Row 29 (Waist Decrease): Using Yarn D, *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (54 sts)
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31 (Waist Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. (45 sts)

Section 4: Cabled Bodice

Change to Yarn B (Cream).

• Row 32: Purl.
• Row 33 (Cable Setup): K10, P2, K6, P2, K5 (Center), P2, K6, P2, K10.
• Row 34: Work stitches as they appear (Knit the knits, Purl the purls).
• Row 35 (Cable Row): K10, P2, C6F (Cable 6 Front), P2, K5, P2, C6F, P2, K10.
• Rows 36-40: Work straight in established pattern.
• Row 41 (Armholes): Cast off 4 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. Maintain pattern.
• Rows 42-46: Work straight.
• Row 47 (Neckline): Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 48: Cast off loosely.

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

Part 3: The Bonnet

This bonnet features open sides for the ears and embroidery details.

Using Yarn B (Cream).

• Brim: Cast on 54 sts.
• Rows 1-4: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 5 (Headband): Work in stockinette stitch for 1 inch.
• Ear Holes: K16, cast off 6 sts, K10, cast off 6 sts, K16.
• Next Row: P16, cast on 6 sts, P10, cast on 6 sts, P16.
• Crown: Work 6 rows in stockinette stitch.
• Decrease: *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. Purl row. *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. Continue decreasing until 8 sts remain. Draw yarn through.

Decoration: Embroider small leaves on the brim using Yarn C (Rust) and Yarn F (Green) to mimic falling autumn leaves.

Part 4: Shoes

Using Yarn E (Chocolate Brown).

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around three sides.
• Rows 1-5: Stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Row 7: Purl.
• Row 8 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 2 times, K8. (18 sts)
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam.

Detail: Embroider a small stem of rosehips on the side of each shoe using French knots (Rust) and straight stitches (Green). Add laces using brown yarn.

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Part 5: Accessories

The Backpack

Using Yarn D (Light Brown).

• Body: Cast on 15 sts. Work in Garter Stitch (to create the ridged texture shown) for 4 inches.
• Flap: Decrease 1 st at each end of the next 4 rows to create a tapered flap. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom third up to create the pouch. Sew side seams. Fold the flap over.
• Straps: Knit two I-cords and attach to the back.

The Hedgehog

Using Yarn G (Dark Brown) and Beige.

• Face: Using Beige, cast on 4 sts. Inc to 12 sts. Knit 4 rows. Break yarn.
• Body: Join Dark Brown.

  Row 1: *K1, Bobble*, repeat to end.

  Row 2: Purl.

  Row 3: *Bobble, K1*, repeat to end.

  Repeat until body measures 2 inches. Decrease heavily and draw through.

• Assembly: Stuff firmly. Sew the beige face to the brown body. Embroider eyes and nose.

Jam Jar

Using Yarn H (Red).

• Jar: Cast on 10 sts. Work in stockinette for 1.5 inches. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff to form a cylinder.
• Lid: Use a small circle of checkered fabric or knit a small white square and tie it over the top of the jar with a piece of yarn/string.

  Label: Embroider “Rosehip” on a small piece of felt or paper and glue/stitch to the jar.

Part 6: Assembly and Finishing

1. Stuffing: Stuff the bunny’s legs, body, and head firmly. Ensure the neck is very stiff so the head doesn’t droop.
2. Seaming: Use mattress stitch for the back of the legs, body, and head. This creates an invisible seam which is professional and neat.
3. Face Details:
   • Eyes: Insert safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spaced about 9 stitches apart.
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery thread, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth.
4. Attaching Parts:
   • Ears: Fold the cast-on edge of the ear slightly in half and sew to the side of the head, level with the eyes, so they drape downwards.
   • Arms: Sew the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam.
5. Dressing:
   • Put the shoes on the feet.
   • Put the dress on the bunny.
   • Place the bonnet on the head, pulling the ears through the holes.
   • Put the backpack on her back.
   • Arrange the hedgehog, loose rosehips, and jam jar around her.

Your Rosehip Harvest Bunny is now complete! This project brings the warmth of the autumn harvest into your home.