Fuchsia Teardrop-Lace Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the enchanting project of creating the Fuchsia Teardrop-Lace Bunny. This heirloom-quality doll is designed to be a cherished keepsake, perfect for display or gentle play. The intricate details of her tiered dress and the structured elegance of her cable-knit cardigan make this a satisfying challenge for knitters looking to expand their skills. When you set out to buy knitting yarn for this project, we recommend selecting a high-twist merino wool for the bunny’s body to ensure a smooth, durable fabric that holds its shape well against the stuffing.

This pattern guides you through creating a complete scene, including a miniature perfume bottle on a lace doily and a tiny avian friend. As you gather your materials and perhaps search for the best knitting needles online, remember that the magic of this project lies in the patience you invest in each stitch. From the colorwork “teardrops” on the skirt to the delicate shaping of the accessories, every step is described here with the utmost detail to ensure your success.

 

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

 

Comprehensive Material List and Preparation

To achieve the result shown in the photograph, the choice of materials is paramount. The texture of the yarn affects the character of the doll, and the needle size determines the structural integrity.

Yarn Requirements

• Main Body Color (Cream/Oatmeal): Approximately 100g of DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn. Look for a yarn with good stitch definition. A wool blend is ideal as it allows for better sculpting of the face during the finishing stage.
• Dress Main Color (Light Cream): 50g of DK weight yarn. This should match or slightly contrast with the body color, depending on your preference.
• Contrast Color (Fuchsia/Magenta): 40g of DK weight yarn. This vibrant hue is used for the teardrop motifs, the hat flower, the shoe soles, and the bodice details. Ensure this yarn is colorfast so it does not bleed into the cream.
• Cardigan Color (Natural/Beige): 40g of DK weight yarn. A slightly fuzzier yarn like an alpaca blend can add a cozy realism to the knitwear.
• Accessory Colors: Small scraps of Yellow/Green (for the bird), Pink (for the perfume bottle), Grey (for the bottle cap), and White (for the lace doily).

Tools and Notions

• Knitting Needles: A pair of US 2.5 (3.00mm) straight needles. This size is typically smaller than recommended for DK yarn, but it is necessary to create a tight fabric that prevents stuffing from showing through.
• Circular Needles or DPNs: Optional, but useful for holding stitches or working the tiny I-cords for the shoe straps and bag handles.
• Tapestry Needle: A darning needle with a large eye is essential for the mattress stitch seaming and weaving in the many ends created by the colorwork.
• Embroidery Needle: A sharp chenille needle is required for the facial features.
• Stuffing: High-quality carded polyester fiberfill. Avoid lumpy stuffing.
• Safety Eyes: Two 8mm or 9mm black safety eyes.
• Stitch Holders: You will need at least two holders for the legs and cardigan pieces.
• Cardboard: A small piece to stiffen the base of the shoes if you want the bunny to stand more easily (optional).

Gauge and Tension

While the exact size of the bunny is not critical, the fabric density is. Knit a small swatch of 20 stitches by 20 rows using your main yarn and 3.00mm needles. Hold it up to a light source. If you can see significant pinpricks of light through the stitches, your tension is too loose. Try a smaller needle size (2.75mm or 2.5mm). If the fabric is stiff like a board, go up a size. The ideal fabric is firm but pliable.

Part 1: The Bunny Construction

We construct the bunny from the feet upwards. This pattern uses a “joined leg” method which eliminates the tricky sewing of legs to the body and creates a very sturdy doll.

The Legs (Make 2)

We begin with the foot. Note that we are knitting the bunny’s skin here; the shoes are separate items.

1. Cast On: Using Main Body Color (Cream), cast on 11 stitches. Leave a long tail for sewing up the sole later.
2. Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back (kfb) of the first stitch, Knit 9, kfb in the last stitch. (13 stitches).
4. Row 3: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 4 (Increase): Kfb, Knit 11, kfb. (15 stitches).
6. Row 5: Purl all stitches.
7. Rows 6-8: Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) to create the height of the foot.
8. Row 9 (Shape Toe): Knit 5, Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass slipped stitch over (skpo), Knit 1, Knit 2 together (k2tog), Knit 5. (13 stitches).
9. Row 10: Purl all stitches.
10. Row 11 (Shape Ankle): Knit 5, Slip 2 together as if to knit, Knit 1, Pass the 2 slipped stitches over (Center Double Decrease), Knit 5. (11 stitches).
11. Row 12: Purl all stitches. The foot shape is now complete.
12. Rows 13-35: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch for 23 rows. This creates the leg length.
13. Finish First Leg: Cut the yarn and transfer these 11 stitches to a holder.
14. Second Leg: Repeat instructions 1-13, but do not cut the yarn. We will proceed directly to joining.

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Joining the Body

We will now bridge the two legs together to form the base of the torso.

1. Row 36 (The Join): With the second leg on your right-hand needle, Knit across the 11 stitches. Cast on 3 stitches using the thumb method (backward loop). These stitches form the crotch. Knit across the 11 stitches of the first leg from the holder. You now have 25 stitches.
2. Row 37: Purl all stitches. Be sure to purl the 3 cast-on stitches tightly to minimize any gaps.
3. Rows 38-50: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch to form the lower abdomen.
4. Row 51 (Hip Shaping): Knit 5, kfb, Knit to last 6 stitches, kfb, Knit 5. (27 stitches).
5. Row 52: Purl all stitches.
6. Rows 53-65: Work straight. Stuff the legs firmly now, as it becomes difficult later.
7. Row 66 (Waist Decrease): Knit 6, k2tog, Knit 11, skpo, Knit 6. (25 stitches).
8. Row 67: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 68: Knit 5, k2tog, Knit 11, skpo, Knit 5. (23 stitches).
10. Row 69: Purl all stitches.
11. Row 70 (Shoulder Shaping): Knit 4, k2tog, Knit to last 6 stitches, skpo, Knit 4. (21 stitches).
12. Row 71: Purl all stitches.
13. Row 72: Knit 3, k2tog, Knit to last 5 stitches, skpo, Knit 3. (19 stitches).
14. Row 73: Purl all stitches. Do not cast off.

The Head

The head is knitted seamlessly from the neck. We need to increase significantly to get the round “baby bunny” shape.

1. Row 74 (Neck Increases): Kfb in every single stitch across the row. (38 stitches).
2. Row 75: Purl all stitches.
3. Row 76 (Cheek Increases): *Knit 3, kfb* repeat to the last 2 stitches, Knit 2. (47 stitches).
4. Rows 77-96: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch for 20 rows. This provides the space for the face.
5. Row 97 (Crown Decrease): *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat to last 5 stitches, Knit 5.
6. Row 98: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 99: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat to end.
8. Row 100: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 101: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat to end.
10. Row 102: Purl all stitches.
11. Row 103: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat to end.
12. Row 104: k2tog across all stitches.
13. Finish: Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread through remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and secure.

The Arms (Make 2)

• Cast on 9 stitches.
• Work 24 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
• Shape Hand: Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next row. (7 stitches).
• Purl one row.
• Cast off. Sew the side seam and stuff lightly (do not stuff the top inch to allow the arms to hang naturally).

The Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and folded. The pattern includes a garter stitch border to prevent curling.

• Cast on 14 stitches.
• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Row 5: Knit 2, Purl 10, Knit 2.
• Row 6: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until the ear measures 5.5 inches.
• Decrease: k2tog at the start of every row until 2 stitches remain. Pass one over the other and fasten off.

Part 2: The Teardrop-Lace Dress

This exquisite dress features tiers of colorwork. We will use the stranded knitting technique (carrying the yarn across the back). Keep your floats loose to avoid puckering the fabric.

The Skirt (Worked Bottom-Up)

We knit the skirt in two tiers to achieve the layered look seen in the photo.

Bottom Tier:

1. Using Fuchsia yarn, cast on 60 stitches.
2. Knit 2 rows (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
3. Change to Cream yarn. Work 2 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
4. Begin Teardrop Motif (Tier 1):

   Row 1 (RS): *K3 Cream, K1 Fuchsia, K2 Cream* repeat to end.

   Row 2 (WS): Purl using colors as established: *P1 Cream, P3 Fuchsia, P2 Cream*.

   Row 3: *K1 Cream, K5 Fuchsia* repeat to end.

   Row 4: *P2 Cream, P3 Fuchsia, P1 Cream*.

   Row 5: *K3 Cream, K1 Fuchsia, K2 Cream*.

   Row 6: Purl all stitches in Cream.

5. Work 4 rows in Cream Stockinette.
6. Decrease for Tier Joining: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat across. (45 stitches).
7. Place these stitches on a spare needle or holder.

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Top Tier:

1. Using Fuchsia yarn, cast on 48 stitches (separate piece).
2. Knit 2 rows Garter Stitch.
3. Change to Cream. Work 2 rows Stockinette.
4. Work the Teardrop Motif rows 1-6 exactly as above.
5. Work 2 rows Cream Stockinette.
6. Joining the Tiers: Hold the Top Tier in front of the Bottom Tier. You will knit one stitch from the Top Tier together with one stitch from the Bottom Tier. (Note: You may need to decrease a few stitches on the bottom tier piece to match the 48 of the top tier before this step, or k2tog occasionally on the bottom layer as you join). This creates the double-skirt effect.
7. You now have one layer of 48 stitches on the needle.

The Bodice

1. Waistband: Using Fuchsia, knit 2 rows in Garter Stitch.
2. Change to Cream. Work 2 rows Stockinette.
3. Bodice Diamond Motif:

   We will create the central diamond shape seen on the chest.

   Find the center 11 stitches.

   Row 1: K center st Fuchsia, rest Cream.

   Row 2: P center 3 sts Fuchsia, rest Cream.

   Row 3: K center 5 sts Fuchsia.

   Row 4: P center 7 sts Fuchsia.

   Row 5: K center 5 sts Fuchsia.

   Row 6: P center 3 sts Fuchsia.

   Row 7: K center 1 st Fuchsia.

4. Armhole Shaping: Cast off 4 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
5. Work 6 rows straight in Cream.
6. Cast off loosely.

Part 3: The Cable Cardigan

The cardigan adds texture and is designed to fit snugly over the dress.

Back Panel

• With Beige yarn, cast on 22 stitches.
• Work 4 rows K1, P1 ribbing.
• Work 14 rows Stockinette Stitch.
• Cast off 2 stitches at each end for armholes.
• Work 10 rows. Cast off.

Left Front (Cable Panel)

• Cast on 12 stitches.
• Work 4 rows K1, P1 ribbing.
• Row 5 (RS): Knit 2, Purl 1, Cable 4 Front (Slip 2 to cable needle, hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle), Purl 1, Knit 2.
• Row 6 (WS): Purl 2, Knit 1, Purl 4, Knit 1, Purl 2.
• Row 7: Knit 2, Purl 1, Knit 4, Purl 1, Knit 2.
• Row 8: Same as Row 6.
• Repeat Rows 5-8 (cabling every 4th row) until piece measures same as Back to armhole.
• Cast off 2 stitches at armhole edge.
• Continue pattern up to shoulder. Cast off.

Right Front

Work as Left Front, reversing the shaping. Use Cable 4 Back (C4B) if you want symmetrical cables, though C4F is acceptable for both.

Sleeves

• Cast on 16 stitches.
• Work 4 rows ribbing.
• Work 12 rows Stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each end of the last row.
• Cast off.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams. Crochet a tiny chain loop on the neck edge for a button loop if desired.

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Part 4: The Cloche Hat with Flower

This hat features a structured brim and a large statement flower.

1. Brim: Using Cream yarn, cast on 54 stitches.
2. Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a firm brim.
3. Row 5 (Turning Ridge): Purl all stitches (on RS) to create a fold line.
4. Change to Stockinette Stitch. Work 4 rows.
5. Hat Band: Change to Fuchsia. Knit 2 rows. Change back to Cream.
6. Work 6 rows Cream Stockinette.
7. Crown Shaping: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat across. Purl row. *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across. Purl row. *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat across. Purl row. k2tog across.
8. Pull yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

The Fuchsia Flower:

Cast on 40 stitches in Fuchsia.

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2: *Knit 1, Cast off 5 stitches* repeat to end.

You will have a string of scallops. Roll this strip into a rosette shape and stitch the base securely. Sew this to the side of the hat band.

Part 5: Shoes and Accessories

Fuchsia-Soled Shoes

• Sole: With Fuchsia yarn, cast on 12 stitches. Knit 4 rows. Decrease 1 st at each end. Cast off.
• Upper: With Cream yarn, pick up 24 stitches around the perimeter of the sole (leaving the heel back open initially). Knit 4 rows Stockinette.
• Toe: K8, k2tog 4 times, K8.
• Strap: Cast off all stitches except the last 2. Knit an I-cord for 2 inches on these 2 stitches. Fasten off.
• Assembly: Sew the heel seam. Sew the strap across. Add a tiny fuchsia knot or bead to the toe.

The Clamshell Coin Purse

• Using Cream yarn, cast on 10 stitches.
• Row 1: *Kfb* in every stitch (20 sts).
• Rows 2-8: Stockinette Stitch.
• Row 9: Change to Fuchsia. Knit 1 row (ridge).
• Row 10: Purl.
• Row 11: *k2tog* across. (10 sts).
• Cast off. Fold in half. Sew side seams. The fuchsia ridge acts as the “clasp” opening.

The Perfume Bottle and Lace Doily

Bottle:

1. With Pink yarn, cast on 8 stitches.

2. Work 6 rows Stockinette (Base).

3. Decrease: k2tog, K4, k2tog. (6 sts).

4. Change to Grey yarn (Cap). Knit 3 rows.

5. Cut yarn, thread through, pull tight. Sew seam and stuff firmly with a tiny bit of wool.

Lace Doily (Knitted):

1. With White yarn, cast on 4 stitches.

2. Row 1: Knit.

3. Row 2: Kfb in all stitches. (8 sts).

4. Row 3: *Yo, K1* repeat around. (16 sts).

5. Row 4: Knit.

6. Bind off loosely using a picot bind off (*Cast off 2, slip st back to left needle, cast on 1, cast off 3*).

The Yellow Bird

• Body: Cast on 6 stitches in Yellow/Green. Increase to 12. Work 6 rows. Decrease to 6. Stuff. Pull tight.
• Head: Pick up 5 stitches on top. Knit 3 rows. Decrease.
• Wing: Cast on 3 sts. Knit 4 rows. Cast off. Sew to side.
• Beak: Embroider a tiny triangle in brown.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The finishing touches bring your bunny to life.

Seaming and Stuffing

Sew the leg seams using the mattress stitch for an invisible finish. Continue up the back of the body. Stuff the feet firmly to help the bunny stand. Stuff the body firmly, adding extra stuffing to the belly for a cute profile.

Sew the head seam. Stuff the head very firmly to remove wrinkles. Secure the neck join well so the head doesn’t wobble.

Sculpting the Face

Eye Indentation: Before attaching the eyes, use a long needle with cream thread. Insert at the base of the neck, come out at the left eye position, go in one stitch over, come out at the right eye position, go in one stitch over, and return to the neck. Pull the thread tight to create eye sockets and defined cheeks. Knot securely.

Features:

1. Attach safety eyes or sew black beads into the sockets.

2. Use brown embroidery floss to stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. Keep the stitches small and neat.

3. Sew the ears to the sides of the head, slightly low and curved forward.

Dressing the Bunny

Put the dress on first. The tiered skirt should sit fully. Close the back seam of the bodice (or button it if you added buttons). Put the cardigan on. Place the shoes on the feet and the hat on the head. Arrange the accessories around her.

Care Notes

This is a delicate handmade item.

• Cleaning: Surface clean only with a damp sponge and mild detergent. Do not submerge, as the different colored yarns (especially the fuchsia) might bleed.
• Lint: Use a masking tape loop to gently lift dust from the fuchsia yarn.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

1. Have all loose ends been woven in?
2. Is the head stuffing firm enough?
3. Are the eyes symmetrical?
4. Is the teardrop pattern on the dress aligned correctly at the back seam?
5. Are the accessories securely finished?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To ensure this bunny remains a keepsake for years:

• Moth Prevention: Since the bunny contains wool, store with a cedar block or lavender sachet.
• Dusting: Use a soft paintbrush to dust the intricate parts of the dress and the lace doily.
• Handling: Always handle with clean hands. Oils from skin can degrade the yarn fibers over time.
• Repair: Keep a small amount of the original yarn (Cream and Fuchsia) in a labeled bag for any future repairs needed.

We hope you enjoy the process of knitting the Fuchsia Teardrop-Lace Bunny. May it bring elegance and joy to your collection.