Lily Pad Pond Bunny – Knitting

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of a quiet garden water feature with the Lily Pad Pond Bunny. This serene project captures the essence of a peaceful afternoon by the water, featuring a bunny dressed in a nature-inspired ensemble of sage greens, aquatic blues, and soft floral pinks. When you set out to buy knitting yarn for this project, we recommend looking for cool-toned cottons or smooth merino blends that reflect the crisp, fresh colors of a lily pond. The texture of the yarn is key to achieving the smooth finish on the bunny’s face and the delicate definition of the water lily petals.

This comprehensive guide is designed to be a meditative journey for the knitter. From the intricate wrap-style cardigan to the playful miniature frog companion, each component offers a unique technical challenge. As you gather your materials and perhaps search for the best knitting needles online to handle the fine gauge of the accessories, remember that this heirloom doll is more than just a toy; it is a piece of fiber art. We will guide you through every stitch, shaping technique, and embroidery detail to ensure your finished bunny is a perfect reflection of the image.

 

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 and Material Selection

The Lily Pad Pond Bunny is an intermediate-level project that focuses heavily on colorwork application and garment construction. The doll stands approximately 11 to 12 inches tall. The body is knitted flat and seamed, creating a sturdy structure that allows the bunny to stand with support. The wardrobe is the highlight here: a kimono-style two-tone cardigan, a pond-themed skirt, and a structured bucket hat with a 3D floral finial.

The project requires patience, particularly for the surface embellishments. The water lilies are created using a combination of intarsia (or duplicate stitch) and applied knitting. The miniature frog is a delightful exercise in micro-knitting using double-pointed needles.

Yarn Requirements

To replicate the exact look in the photograph, you will need DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn (Light Worsted/8-ply). Cotton or a Cotton/Wool blend is excellent for stitch definition.

• Main Body Color (Oatmeal/Beige): Approximately 100g. Choose a neutral, earthy tone for the bunny’s fur.
• Pond Blue (Light Blue): 60g. Used for the skirt, the hat, and the top underneath the cardigan.
• Sage Green: 40g. Used for the right side of the cardigan, the frog, and the lily pad leaves.
• Cream/Off-White: 30g. Used for the left side of the cardigan and the shoes.
• Lotus Pink (Soft Pink): 20g. Essential for the water lily petals on the cardigan, skirt, and hat.
• Yellow: Small scrap for the flower centers.
• Dark Green: Scrap for stems.

Tools and Notions

• Knitting Needles: A pair of US 2.5 (3.00mm) straight needles. Using a smaller needle size is crucial for toys to create a dense fabric that holds stuffing well.
• Double Pointed Needles (DPNs): US 2.5 (3.00mm) for the tiny frog legs and I-cord stems.
• Tapestry Needle: A long, blunt needle for mattress stitch seaming.
• Embroidery Needle: A sharp Chenille needle for adding facial features and fine floral details.
• Stuffing: Premium polyester fiberfill.
• Safety Eyes: Two 9mm black safety eyes.
• Stitch Holders: Two are needed for the leg construction.
• Cardboard: Small circles to stiffen the shoe soles.

Part 1: The Bunny Construction

We construct the bunny using a “bottom-up” method where the legs are knitted individually and then joined to create the body. This seamless transition at the hips provides superior stability.

Legs (Make 2)

Start with the Oatmeal/Beige yarn. We begin at the sole of the foot. Note that the bunny wears shoes, so this represents the skin.

1. Cast On: Cast on 11 stitches leaving a long tail for sewing the sole later.
2. Row 1: 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 sts).
4. Row 3: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 4 (Increase): Kfb, Knit 11, kfb. (15 sts).
6. Row 5: Purl all stitches.
7. Rows 6-8: Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) for 3 rows.
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 sts).
9. Row 10: Purl all stitches.
10. Row 11 (Shape Ankle): Knit 5, Center Double Decrease (slip 2 together knitwise, k1, pass slipped stitches over), Knit 5. (11 sts).
11. Row 12: Purl all stitches. The foot structure is complete.
12. Rows 13-35: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch for 23 rows to create the leg.
13. First Leg: Cut the yarn and place stitches on a holder.
14. Second Leg: Repeat steps 1-13 but do not cut the yarn. We will proceed to join them.

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Joining the Body

Now we join the two legs to form the torso.

1. Row 36 (Join): Knit across the 11 stitches of the second leg. Cast on 3 stitches (using the backward loop method). Knit across the 11 stitches of the first leg from the holder. You now have 25 stitches.
2. Row 37: Purl all stitches, ensuring the cast-on stitches are purled tightly to prevent gaps.
3. Rows 38-50: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch. This forms the lower abdomen.
4. Row 51 (Hip Shaping): Knit 5, kfb, Knit 13, kfb, Knit 5. (27 sts).
5. Row 52: Purl all stitches.
6. Rows 53-65: Work straight. Tip: Stuff the legs firmly now. It is difficult to reach the toes once the body grows higher.
7. Row 66 (Waist Decrease): Knit 6, k2tog, Knit 11, skpo, Knit 6. (25 sts).
8. Row 67: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 68: Knit 5, k2tog, Knit 11, skpo, Knit 5. (23 sts).
10. Row 69: Purl all stitches.
11. Row 70 (Shoulder Shaping): Knit 4, k2tog, Knit 11, skpo, Knit 4. (21 sts).
12. Row 71: Purl all stitches.
13. Row 72: Knit 3, k2tog, Knit 11, skpo, Knit 3. (19 sts).
14. Row 73: Purl all stitches. Do not cast off.

The Head

The head is knitted directly onto the body neck stitches. We increase rapidly to create the round face.

1. Row 74 (Neck Increase): Kfb in every stitch across the row. (38 sts).
2. Row 75: Purl all stitches.
3. Row 76 (Cheek Increase): *Knit 2, kfb* repeat to the last 2 stitches, Knit 2. (50 sts).
4. Rows 77-96: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch for 20 rows. This provides the height of the face.
5. Row 97 (Crown Decrease): *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat to end.
6. Row 98: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 99: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat to end.
8. Row 100: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 101: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat to end.
10. Row 102: k2tog across all stitches.
11. Finish: Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

Arms (Make 2)

• Cast on 10 stitches using Beige yarn.
• Work 24 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
• Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next row. (8 sts).
• Purl one row.
• Cast off. Sew side seams. Stuff the hand area firmly, but the upper arm lightly so they hang naturally.

The Long Lop Ears (Make 2)

The ears should be soft and drape well.

• Cast on 14 stitches.
• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a neat edge.
• Row 5: Knit 2, Purl 10, Knit 2.
• Row 6: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until the ear measures 6.5 inches long.
• Decrease: k2tog at the start of every Knit row until 2 stitches remain. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Pond Skirt

This skirt sets the scene. It features a blue background representing the water, with appliqued or embroidered flora.

Skirt Base

Using Pond Blue yarn, cast on 55 stitches.

1. Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a non-rolling hem that mimics ripples.
2. Row 5: Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Work until the skirt measures 3.5 inches from the cast-on edge.
3. Decoration Phase: Before decreasing for the waist, it is easier to add the details while the fabric is flat.

   Lily Pads: Using Sage Green yarn, use duplicate stitch or satin stitch embroidery to create oval shapes along the hemline. Make them look like flat discs floating on the “water” (the blue fabric).

   Stems: Using Dark Green yarn, stitch vertical lines rising from the lily pads.

   Buds: At the top of the stems, embroider small pink teardrop shapes to represent closed water lily buds.

4. Waist Decrease: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across. (44 sts).
5. Purl one row.
6. *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat across. (33 sts).
7. Purl one row.

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The Textured Bodice

The top part of the dress (visible under the cardigan) has a texture like rippled water.

• Row 1: *Knit 1, Purl 1* repeat to end (Moss Stitch).
• Row 2: *Purl 1, Knit 1* repeat to end.
• Work in Moss Stitch for 1.5 inches.
• Armholes: Cast off 4 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows.
• Work 6 rows straight.
• Neckline: Knit 6, cast off center 13 stitches, Knit 6. Work straps for 2 rows and cast off.
• Sew the back seam of the skirt/bodice.

Part 3: The Two-Tone Wrap Cardigan

This unique garment is a “Kimono” or crossover style. The left front is Cream, and the right front/sleeve is Sage Green.

Back Panel

To match the front, you can knit the back in two blocks or a single color. For simplicity and neatness, we will knit the back in Sage Green.

• Cast on 26 stitches.
• Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Work 18 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
• Cast off 3 stitches at each end for armholes.
• Work 14 rows. Cast off.

Left Front (Cream Side)

This side features the large Water Lily motif.

• Using Cream yarn, cast on 16 stitches (wider to allow for crossover).
• Work 4 rows Garter Stitch.
• Work in Stockinette Stitch.
• The Motif: Use Intarsia or Duplicate Stitch to create a large pink lotus/water lily in the center of the panel. Use Pink for petals and Yellow for the center. Add Green leaves at the base.
• Work until height matches the back armhole. Cast off 3 stitches at the armhole edge (right side of work).
• Neckline Shaping: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge (left side of work) every other row to create the diagonal crossover shape.
• Cast off remaining shoulder stitches.

Right Front (Green Side)

This side is plain green to let the other side shine.

• Using Sage Green yarn, cast on 16 stitches.
• Work 4 rows Garter Stitch.
• Work in Stockinette Stitch until the armhole.
• Cast off 3 stitches at the armhole edge (left side of work).
• Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge (right side of work) every other row for the diagonal shape.
• Cast off.

Sleeves

Left Sleeve (Cream): Cast on 18 stitches in Cream. Work 4 rows Garter Stitch. Work 16 rows Stockinette. Cast off.

Right Sleeve (Green Textured): Cast on 18 stitches in Sage Green. Work 4 rows Garter Stitch.

Texture Pattern (Leaf Lace):

Row 1: *K1, yo, skpo, K3* repeat.

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: *K2, yo, skpo, K2* repeat.

Row 4: Purl.

Repeat this texture for 16 rows. Cast off. This gives the green sleeve the leaf pattern seen in the photo.

Assembly

Sew the shoulders. Sew the Cream sleeve to the Cream side, and the Green sleeve to the Green side. Sew side seams. Add a small tie or snap to hold the crossover closed.

Part 4: The Water Lily Bucket Hat

A structured hat with a unique brim and topper.

1. Using Pond Blue, cast on 50 stitches.
2. Brim (Textured Wave):

   Row 1: Knit.

   Row 2: Purl.

   Row 3: *K2tog, yo, K1, yo, K2tog* repeat to end.

   Row 4: Knit (creates a ridge).

   Repeat these 4 rows twice.

3. Hat Body: Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Work for 1.5 inches.
4. Crown Decrease: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around. Purl row. *Knit 2, k2tog* around. Purl row. *Knit 1, k2tog* around. Purl row. k2tog across.
5. Draw yarn through. Sew back seam.

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The Hat Finial (Bud)

This sits on the very top.

• Base: Using Green yarn, cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 8. Knit 3 rows.
• Tip: Change to Pink. Knit 3 rows. Decrease to 4. Decrease to 1. Fasten off.
• Stuff lightly and sew to the top center of the hat.

Part 5: Accessories

The Frog Companion

This tiny amphibian is a masterpiece of small-scale knitting.

• Body: Using Sage Green and DPNs, cast on 9 stitches. Join in the round. Increase to 18. Knit 8 rounds. Decrease to 9. Stuff firmly. Draw tight to close.
• Head: Pick up 9 stitches from the top of the body. Increase to 15. Knit 5 rounds. Decrease to 6. Draw tight.
• Eyes: Knit two tiny bobbles (cast on 2, kfb both, knit 1 row, k2tog both). Sew to top of head. Embroider black pupils.
• Limbs: Knit 4 I-cords (3 stitches x 6 rows). Sew to body. Bend them to look like frog legs.
• Flower: Make a tiny pink loop and attach to the frog’s hand.

The Pond Tote Bag

• Using Light Grey/Off-White yarn, cast on 20 stitches.
• Work in Garter Stitch for 1 inch (Base).
• Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Work for 2.5 inches.
• Cast off.
• Fold the Garter stitch section to form the bottom. Sew side seams.
• Handle: Knit an I-cord 4 inches long. Sew to the top rim.
• Button: Sew a small Green button to the front for closure.
• Contents: Knit small green circles (pads) and place inside the bag.

Lily Pad Shoes

• Using Cream yarn, cast on 14 stitches.
• Work 4 rows Garter Stitch (sole).
• Pick up 30 stitches around sole. Work 3 rows Stockinette.
• Toe Shaping: K10, k2tog 5 times, K10.
• Rim: Change to Sage Green. Knit 1 row. Cast off.
• Decoration: Embroider a green circle with a “slice” missing (like a Pac-Man shape) on the toe to represent a lily pad.

 

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The final assembly is where the bunny gets its personality.

Seaming and Stuffing

Method: Use the mattress stitch for all vertical seams. This creates an invisible join that looks professional.

Stuffing: Stuff the feet firmly to create a flat base so the bunny can stand. Stuff the legs moderately. Stuff the torso firmly. Critical Step: Stuff the neck extremely firmly. If the neck is soft, the heavy head will flop over. You can insert a small roll of felt or fabric into the neck column for extra support.

Face Sculpting

Sew the back of the head seam. Stuff the head into a firm sphere.

Eye Sockets: To give the face character, we create eye sockets. Thread a long needle with Beige yarn. Insert at the base of the neck, come out at the left eye position, go back in one stitch over, pass through the stuffing to the right eye position, go out and back in one stitch over, and return to the neck. Pull the yarn tight to indent the face slightly. Knot securely.

Attaching Features

• Eyes: Insert safety eyes into the indented sockets.
• Nose: Use dark brown embroidery thread. Satin stitch a “Y” shape. The top V is the nose, the vertical line is the mouth.
• Ears: Sew the ears to the sides of the head. Position them to frame the face.

Dressing the Bunny

1. Dress: Slip the blue dress on. Fasten the back.

2. Cardigan: Put the wrap cardigan on. Cross the Cream side over the Green side (or vice versa, depending on your preference, though the photo shows Cream crossing over Green). Secure with a hidden stitch or snap.

3. Shoes: Put the cream shoes on the feet.

4. Hat: Place the bucket hat on the head.

5. Accessories: Loop the bag over the arm and place the frog next to the bunny.

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Care Notes

This handcrafted item requires gentle care.

• Cleaning: Spot clean only with cool water and mild detergent. Do not submerge, especially if you used cardboard in the shoe soles.
• Storage: Store in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the blue and green yarns from fading.
• Pilling: If the yarn develops fuzz balls over time, gently trim them with scissors.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

1. Ends: Are all yarn tails woven in and hidden inside the body cavity?
2. Stability: Does the head wobble? If so, open a small seam at the neck and add more stuffing.
3. Safety: If this toy is for a child under 3, ensure the safety eyes are secure or replace them with embroidery.
4. Embroidery: Are the lily pads on the skirt evenly spaced?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For collectors:

• Dusting: Use a soft makeup brush or a lint roller to remove dust from the fabric.
• Moths: Wool is susceptible to moth damage. Store with a cedar block or lavender sachet.
• Handling: Handle with clean hands to prevent oils from transferring to the light-colored cream yarn.

We hope you enjoy the peaceful process of knitting the Lily Pad Pond Bunny. May it bring a touch of nature’s calm to your home.