Protea Keepsake-Heirloom Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the creation of the Protea Keepsake-Heirloom Bunny, a project designed to capture the timeless elegance of botanical gardens and vintage toys. This sophisticated character is dressed in a palette of cream, dusty rose, and deep mauve, featuring a stunning outfit inspired by the Protea flower. Whether you are looking to buy knitting yarn to match these specific earthy tones or simply want to use up your stash of high-quality merino, this project offers a rewarding challenge for patience and precision.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the bunny and her extensive wardrobe, which includes a textured cardigan, a color-work dress, and a miniature koala companion. As you prepare your workspace, you might want to search for the best knitting needles online, specifically seeking out smooth bamboo or polished metal to handle the intricate cabling and color changes required for this museum-quality piece.

 

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 Protea Keepsake-Heirloom Bunny is an advanced-beginner to intermediate project. The complexity lies not in the stitches themselves, but in the attention to detail required for the finishing touches. The doll stands approximately 12 inches tall. The construction involves knitting flat pieces and seaming them together, a traditional method that provides excellent structure for heirloom toys.

The wardrobe is removable, allowing for dress-up play. We will be using techniques such as cable knitting for the cardigan, stranded colorwork (Fair Isle) for the dress skirt, and sculptural knitting for the 3D Protea flowers on the hat. The accompanying Koala is a miniature project in itself, requiring fine gauge work.

Yarn Requirements

To achieve the soft, matte finish seen in the photograph, a DK (Double Knitting) or Light Worsted weight yarn is recommended. Natural fibers like wool or a wool/cotton blend are best.

• Bunny Body (Cream/Oatmeal): Approximately 100g. Choose a yarn with a tight twist to prevent splitting during the seaming process.
• Dusty Pink (Rose): 60g. Used for the dress hem, hat brim, and shoes.
• Deep Mauve/Berry: 30g. Essential for the Protea petals and contrast details.
• Koala Grey: 20g. A soft, heathered grey gives the most realistic look.
• Green (Olive/Sage): Small amount for flower stems.
• White/Black: Scraps for the Koala’s inner ears and facial embroidery.

Tools and Notions

• Knitting Needles: Pair of US 2.5 (3.00mm) straight needles. We use a needle size smaller than the yarn label recommends to create a dense fabric that hides the stuffing.
• DPNs (Double Pointed Needles): US 2.5 (3.00mm) for the I-cord stems and small limbs of the Koala.
• Cable Needle: For the cardigan sleeves.
• Tapestry Needle: Long, blunt-ended needle for assembly.
• Embroidery Needle: Sharp Chenille needle for facial features.
• Stuffing: High-quality carded polyester fiberfill.
• Safety Eyes: Two 9mm black eyes for the bunny, two 5mm eyes for the koala (or use black yarn).
• Stitch Holders: Essential for the leg joining section.

Part 1: The Bunny Construction

We begin by constructing the bunny from the feet up. This “legs-into-body” method is superior for stability, ensuring your bunny can stand (with support) and has a seamless look at the waist.

Legs (Make 2)

Start with the Cream yarn. We will shape the foot first. Note that the shoes are separate, so this is the bunny’s skin.

1. Cast On: Cast on 11 stitches. Leave a long tail (approx 10 inches) for sewing the sole seam 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: Kfb, Knit 11, Kfb. (15 sts).
6. Row 5: Purl all stitches.
7. Rows 6-8: Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit 1 row, Purl 1 row).
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 shape is complete.
12. Rows 13-35: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch for 23 rows. This creates the leg length.
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 3 cast-on stitches are purled tightly to prevent gaps.
3. Rows 38-52: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch to form the lower belly.
4. Row 53 (Hip Shaping): Knit 5, kfb, Knit 13, kfb, Knit 5. (27 sts).
5. Row 54: Purl all stitches.
6. Rows 55-65: Work straight. Stop and Stuff: It is highly recommended to stuff the legs firmly at this point. Use the end of a knitting needle to push stuffing into the toes.
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 classic rounded bunny cheeks.

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 loops, pull tight, and secure.

Arms (Make 2)

• Cast on 10 stitches using Cream 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 stuff the upper arm lightly so the arms can hang naturally at the sides without sticking out.

The Long Lop Ears (Make 2)

• Cast on 14 stitches.
• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a firm edge that won’t curl.
• 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 Protea Bloom Dress

This dress is the showstopper. It features a unique color-block skirt with stylized Protea flowers and a ribbed bodice.

The Skirt

We work from the bottom hem up. Using Dusty Pink yarn, cast on 54 stitches.

1. Rows 1-3: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a flat hem.
2. Rows 4-15 (The Protea Motif):

   You can work this using Fair Isle (stranding) or Duplicate Stitch later. We will describe the block pattern for the background.

   Change to Cream for the background, but keep Pink attached.

   Imagine the skirt is divided into sections of 9 stitches. In the center of each section, knit a pyramid shape in Mauve/Pink to represent the flower bud.

   Row 4: Knit all Cream.

   Row 5: *Knit 4 Cream, Knit 1 Pink, Knit 4 Cream* repeat.

   Row 6: Purl back, making the pink section 3 stitches wide.

   Row 7: Knit, making pink section 5 stitches wide.

   Row 8: Purl, making pink section 3 stitches wide (tapering).

   Row 9: Knit, pink section 1 stitch wide.

   Continue in Cream Stockinette until the skirt measures 3.5 inches total.

3. Decoration Note: After knitting, use the Deep Mauve yarn to embroider vertical lines on the pink buds to define the petals of the Protea.
4. Waist Decrease: Change to Dusty Pink yarn. *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat across. (45 sts).
5. Purl one row.
6. *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across. (36 sts).

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The Ribbed Bodice

The bodice uses a rib pattern to simulate pleats and texture.

• Change to Cream yarn.
• Row 1: *Knit 2, Purl 2* repeat to end.
• Row 2: *Knit 2, Purl 2* repeat to end (knit the knits, purl the purls).
• Work in this K2,P2 ribbing for 1.5 inches.
• Armhole Shaping: Cast off 4 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (28 sts).
• Work 6 rows straight in ribbing.
• Neckline: Knit 6 in pattern, cast off center 16 stitches, Knit 6 in pattern.
• Work 2 rows on each shoulder strap and cast off.
• Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Leave the bodice open and add a small button at the neck.

Part 3: The Heirloom Cable Cardigan

This cardigan features a rich texture, combining moss stitch (seed stitch) and cables.

Back Panel

• Using Cream yarn, cast on 26 stitches.
• Work 4 rows in K1, P1 ribbing.
• Texture Pattern (Moss Stitch):

  Row 1: *K1, P1* repeat.

  Row 2: *P1, K1* repeat.

  Work in Moss Stitch for 18 rows.

• Cast off 3 stitches at each end for armholes.
• Work 14 rows. Cast off.

Left Front

• Cast on 14 stitches.
• Work 4 rows ribbing.
• Pattern Setup:

  Keep the 4 stitches closest to the front opening in Moss Stitch (border).

  On the remaining stitches, work a small cable twist every 4th row.

  Row 1 (RS): (Moss Stitch 4), P1, K4 (Cable), P1, K2.

  Row 2: Work stitches as they appear.

• Work until height matches back armhole. Cast off 3 stitches at armhole edge.
• Work up to shoulder. Cast off.
• Embroidery: Embroider a small pink Protea bud on the front pocket area.

Right Front

Mirror the Left Front instructions.

Sleeves

• Cast on 18 stitches.
• Work 4 rows ribbing.
• Work in Moss Stitch for 16 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each end of the last row.
• Cast off.

Part 4: The Protea Beret

This hat is a masterpiece of structure, featuring a large dimensional flower.

1. Using Cream yarn, cast on 48 stitches.
2. Brim: Work 6 rows of K1, P1 ribbing.
3. Increase Row: *Knit 1, kfb* repeat to end. (72 sts).
4. Work 14 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
5. Decrease: *Knit 6, k2tog* around. Purl row. *Knit 5, k2tog* around. Purl row. Continue decreasing pattern until 8 stitches remain.
6. Draw yarn through and sew back seam.

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The 3D Protea Flower

This is made of three layers of petals stacked on top of each other.

• Large Layer (Mauve): Cast on 40 sts. Knit 1 row. *Cast off 4 sts, K1* repeat. You will have a strip of loops. Coil this into a circle and sew the base.
• Middle Layer (Dusty Pink): Cast on 30 sts. Knit 1 row. *Cast off 3 sts, K1* repeat. Coil and sew on top of the large layer.
• Center (Cream/Pink): Knit a small bobble (Cast on 3, increase to 6, knit 3 rows, decrease to 3, draw tight). Sew in the center.
• Attach the completed flower to the side of the beret.

Part 5: Accessories

Cream Backpack

• Body: Using Cream yarn, cast on 16 stitches. Work in Stockinette for 4.5 inches. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom 1.5 inches up to form the pouch. Sew sides. Fold the top 1.5 inches down as the flap.
• Button: Sew a small pink button to the body and create a thread loop on the flap.
• Straps: Knit two I-cords (4 inches long). Sew to the back.

The Koala Companion

A tiny friend for the bunny.

• Head: Using Grey yarn, cast on 8 stitches. Increase to 16. Knit 6 rows. Decrease to 8. Draw tight. Stuff.
• Body: Pick up 8 stitches from the head base. Increase to 12. Knit 5 rows. Decrease to 6. Draw tight. Stuff.
• Ears: Cast on 4 stitches. Knit 2 rows. Cast off. Sew to sides of head. Use white yarn to loop stitch “fur” inside the ears.
• Limbs: Knit 4 tiny I-cords (3 stitches x 4 rows). Sew to body.
• Face: Embroider a large oval black nose and two small eyes.

Protea Bouquet

• Stems: Using Green yarn, knit 3 I-cords (3 inches long).
• Flowers: Using Pink/Mauve, cast on 5 stitches. Increase to 10. Knit 4 rows. Decrease to 5. Draw tight. Sew to tops of stems.
• Tie the bunch together with a piece of yarn.

“Protea Keepsake” Tag

• Using Beige yarn, cast on 10 stitches.
• Knit 12 rows in Garter Stitch. Cast off.
• Use dark brown thread to embroider the words “PROTEA” and “KEEPSAKE” in tiny backstitches. Attach a yarn loop to hang it from the bunny’s arm.

Mary Jane 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 Dusty Pink. Knit 1 row. Cast off.
• Strap: Make a small chain or thread loop.
• Embroidery: Stitch a small pink crown or flower on the toe.

 

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The finishing touches define the heirloom quality of this piece.

Seaming and Stuffing

Use the mattress stitch for all vertical seams.

Stuffing Strategy: Stuff the feet firmly to create a flat base. Stuff the legs moderately. Stuff the torso firmly. Stuff the neck extremely firmly to support the head.

Head Attachment: When sewing the head to the body, go around the neck seam twice to ensure it is robust.

Face Sculpting

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

Eye Sockets: Thread a long needle with Cream 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 tight to create indentations. Knot securely.

Attaching Features

• Eyes: Insert safety eyes into the sockets.
• Nose: Use dark brown embroidery thread. Satin stitch a “Y” shape.
• Ears: Sew the ears to the sides of the head. Position them slightly low for a sweet, relaxed look.

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Dressing

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

2. Cardigan: Put the cardigan on.

3. Shoes: Put the shoes on the feet.

4. Beret: Place the hat on the head, tilting it so the Protea flower is visible.

5. Accessories: Place the backpack on the back and tuck the Koala or bouquet into the bunny’s arm.

Care Notes

This heirloom toy is designed to last a lifetime if treated well.

• Cleaning: Spot clean only with cool water and wool detergent. Never machine wash.
• Storage: Store in an acid-free tissue paper or a cotton bag. Include cedar balls to prevent moth damage.
• Handling: Handle with clean hands to prevent oils from staining the cream yarn.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

1. Ends: Are all yarn tails woven in and hidden?
2. Stability: Does the head wobble? Add more stuffing to the neck if needed.
3. Safety: If for a child, ensure the eyes are embroidered, not plastic.
4. Aesthetics: Is the Protea flower on the hat securely attached?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For the collector:

• Dust: Use a soft artist’s brush to dust the 3D flowers and the Koala.
• Sunlight: Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the dusty pinks from fading to grey.
• Refresh: If the stuffing compresses over years, carefully open a back seam and add fresh fiberfill.

We hope you enjoy creating the Protea Keepsake-Heirloom Bunny. May it become a treasured part of your family history.