Welcome to the enchanting world of the Foxglove Cottage-Lane Bunny. This project captures the essence of a whimsical walk down a country lane lined with tall, majestic wildflowers. The character is a gentle spirit who tends to the hedgerows, dressed in a stunning wrap-style dress in shades of dusty rose and sage green, featuring intricate cable details and hanging foxglove blooms. She wears a textured hat adorned with a floral cluster and sturdy ochre shoes for walking on cobblestones. Her accessories include a rustic messenger bag, a vintage-style lace ribbon, a tiny bottle of morning dew, and a cheerful robin companion. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for nature lovers and collectors of fine fiber art. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the soft, 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 that is durable yet soft to the touch. For the intricate clothing, such as the cabled hem and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp. 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 Foxglove Cottage-Lane 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 of the curves. The outfit is intricate and features advanced techniques such as cabling, lace knitting, and applied embroidery. The dress is a wrap-style garment featuring a cable border that mimics vines, with bell-shaped flowers attached. The accessories include a structured hat, a textured bag, a tiny bottle, and a knitted bird.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Sand.
• Yarn B (Dress Main): 60g DK weight yarn in Dusty Rose or Mauve.
• Yarn C (Dress Trim & Vines): 40g DK weight yarn in Sage Green or Moss.
• Yarn D (Shoes & Hat Trim): 30g DK weight yarn in Ochre, Mustard, or Gold.
• Yarn E (Hat Main & Lace): 30g DK weight yarn in Cream or Ecru.
• Yarn F (Bag & Bottle): 20g DK weight yarn in Beige/Tan and a scrap of Silver/Blue.
• Yarn G (Robin): Scraps of Brown, Red/Orange, and White.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and main clothing. US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories to create a tight fabric.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for bird eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose), stitch holders, small buttons (wooden preferred).

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.
• C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, K2, K2 from cable needle.
• YO: Yarn Over.
• 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 that doesn’t wobble.

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. Pay extra attention to stuffing the neck so the head doesn’t wobble.

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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 Foxglove Wrap Dress

This exquisite dress mimics a wrap-front pinafore. It features a moss-green hem with a cable that looks like a vine, and a dusty rose body. Hanging foxglove flowers are attached to the green cable vine.

Skirt with Vine Hem

Using Yarn C (Sage Green), cast on 76 sts.

• Rows 1-4: Knit (Garter Stitch) for a flat edge.
• Row 5 (Cable Vine Setup): Purl.
• Row 6: *P2, C4F, P2*, repeat to end. (This creates the “vine” twist).
• Row 7: Purl.
• Row 8: Knit.
• Row 9: Purl.
• Row 10: *P2, C4B, P2*, repeat to end.
• Rows 11-12: Work in stockinette.
• Change to Yarn B (Dusty Rose).
• Rows 13-34: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (57 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (46 sts approx)

Crossover Bodice

To create the wrap effect, we will shape the front panels to overlap.

• Row 38 (Divide for V-Neck): K10 (Right Front), cast off 4 (Armhole), K18 (Back), cast off 4 (Armhole), K10 (Left Front).

Back: Work on the center 18 sts for 12 rows. Cast off.

Fronts: Work each side separately. Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge (center) every alternate row to create a diagonal V-shape until 4 stitches remain (shoulder). Cast off.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Overlap the front panels and sew a small button to secure the wrap.

Foxglove Flowers: Using Yarn B (Rose), knit 6-8 small “bells”.

Bell Pattern: Cast on 4 sts. Inc to 8. Knit 3 rows. K2tog across. Draw through. Sew these bells along the Green Cable Vine at the hem, allowing them to dangle.

Part 3: The Cloche Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn E (Cream) with a Yarn D (Ochre) and Yarn C (Green) striped band.

• Brim: Cast on 54 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 7 (Band): Change to Yarn C (Green). Knit 2 rows.
• Row 9: Change to Yarn D (Ochre). Knit 2 rows.
• Row 11: Change back to Yarn E (Cream). Work in stockinette.
• Row 12 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 13: Purl.
• Rows 14-20: Continue decreasing 6 stitches every RS row until 6 sts remain. Draw through.

Decoration: Knit a cluster of 3 small pink flowers and sew them to the side of the band.

Part 4: Honeycomb Shoes

These shoes use a slip-stitch pattern to create a honeycomb texture.

Using Yarn D (Ochre).

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around three sides.
• Rows 1-4 (Honeycomb):

  Row 1: *K1, Sl1 wyib*, repeat.

  Row 2: Purl.

  Row 3: *Sl1 wyib, K1*, repeat.

  Row 4: Purl.

• Row 5 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 2 times, K8. (18 sts)
• Row 8: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam. Crochet a strap or knit a thin I-cord and sew across the instep.

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Part 5: Accessories

The Robin

Using Yarn G (Brown, Red, White), US 2 needles.

• Body: Using Brown, cast on 4 sts. Inc to 12. Knit 2 rows.

  Change to Red (Chest). Knit 4 rows on center 6 sts, keeping brown on sides (Intarsia).

  Change to White (Underbelly). Knit 2 rows.

  Decrease to 6 sts. Draw through. Stuff.

• Wings: Cast on 3 sts in Brown. Knit 4 rows. Cast off. Sew to sides.
• Beak: Embroider a small yellow triangle.

Messenger Bag

Using Yarn F (Beige).

• Body: Cast on 12 sts. Work in Garter Stitch for 4 inches.
• Flap: Dec 1 st at each end of next 2 rows. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold bottom up to make a pocket. Sew sides. Add a small wooden button.
• Strap: Knit an I-cord and attach.

Lace Ribbon

Using Yarn E (Cream). Cast on 6 sts.

Row 1: K2, YO, K2tog, K2.

Row 2: Purl.

Repeat until 6 inches long. Cast off. This can be held by the bunny or draped over the arm.

Bottle of Dew

Using Yarn F (Silver/Blue).

• Cast on 8 sts. Knit 6 rows. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff lightly to make a small cylinder.
• Knit a tiny separate circle in beige for a cork and sew on top.

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 ochre honeycomb shoes on the feet.
   • Put the dress on the bunny, wrapping the front and securing the button.
   • Place the hat on the head.
   • Hang the bag over her shoulder.
   • Place the robin on her shoulder or hand, and the lace ribbon/bottle nearby.

Your Foxglove Cottage-Lane Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of rural charm and floral beauty.