Alstroemeria Garden-Gate Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the enchanting world of the Alstroemeria Garden-Gate Bunny. This delightful project captures the essence of a secret garden, where blooming lilies climb over wooden fences and magical creatures hide among the petals. Our charming character is the keeper of the garden key, dressed in a nostalgic outfit that reflects the beauty of late spring. She wears a sturdy oatmeal-colored dress featuring a textured waffle-stitch hem and a button-down front, adorned with vibrant Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) embroidery in shades of coral and peach.

To keep the morning chill at bay, she wears a cropped beige cardigan with matching floral details. Her look is completed with a structured sun hat, sturdy walking shoes, and a collection of treasures including a “picket fence” handbag, a silver key, and a magical pastel-rainbow squirrel friend. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the heirloom-quality 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 in a warm oatmeal or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin to create a natural, soft texture. For the detailed clothing and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn 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 open the gate to this creative journey, check your knitting bag 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 and Design Philosophy

The Alstroemeria Garden-Gate Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be robust, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for precise shaping of the curves. This method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time.

The wardrobe is a study in rustic elegance. The dress features a unique “waffle” or “grid” texture at the hem, mimicking the lattice of a garden trellis, while the bodice mimics a vintage button-down coat dress. The embroidery is the star here, using satin stitches to create the distinctive speckled petals of the Alstroemeria flower.

The accessories are intricate and narrative-driven. The handbag is knitted to look like a wooden garden gate. The squirrel companion features a whimsical pastel colorway, adding a touch of fantasy to the scene. The “Garden Name Tag” and key add to the storytelling aspect.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Warm Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress & Hat): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Unbleached Linen.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Bag): 60g DK weight yarn in Light Brown or Camel.
• Yarn D (Squirrel): 30g DK weight yarn in Variegated Pastel Rainbow (or scraps of pink, blue, yellow, mint).
• Yarn E (Flowers): Scraps of Coral, Peach, and Sage Green.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two 6mm beads (squirrel eyes), embroidery floss, stitch holders, small wooden buttons, a small metal key charm.

Gauge and Tension

The target gauge is 24 stitches and 30 rows equal to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A firm gauge is essential for the stuffed components. If your fabric is too loose, the stuffing will show through, detracting from the professional finish. If you are a loose knitter, consider sizing down your needles.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase (Knit into the front and back of the stitch – KFB).
• Dec: Decrease (Knit 2 together – K2tog).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.
• Moss Stitch: K1, P1 across; on next row, P1, K1 (to create texture).

Part 1: Constructing the Oatmeal Bunny Body

We begin the construction by knitting the legs individually. This provides a solid foundation for the doll to stand or sit. We will then join them to form the torso and continue seamlessly into the head.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal) and US 3 needles, cast on 12 stitches. Leave a long tail for seaming later. This tail will be used to sew up the foot and the back of the leg.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches across the row.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You will now have 24 stitches.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts)
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row. This smooth section forms the base of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. This creates the instep of the foot, giving it a realistic shape. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 9. (24 sts)
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts)
• Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This long section forms the leg. Ensure your tension remains even here so both legs are identical in length.

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Break the yarn for the first leg and place the stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg in the exact same manner, but do not break the yarn. We will use this working yarn to join the two pieces.

Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (this forms the crotch), then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg from the holder.

• Row 43: You should now have 42 stitches on your needle.
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (44 sts)
• Row 46: Purl all stitches.
• Row 47 (Hip Increase): Knit 11, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 11. (46 sts)
• Rows 48-68: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the tummy area. Stuffing this area firmly later is key to a good shape.
• Row 69 (Decrease): *Knit 8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 stitches, Knit 6. (42 sts)
• Row 70: Purl all stitches.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Rows 72-76: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 77 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts)
• Row 78: Purl all stitches.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts)
• Row 80: Purl all stitches. This row marks the neck.

We will now transition directly into the head. It is important to stuff the neck very firmly during assembly to prevent the head from wobbling.

• Row 81 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Row 82: Purl all stitches.
• Row 83 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts)
• Row 84: Purl all stitches.
• Row 85 (Increase): *Knit 7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts)
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give the bunny its classic round face.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts)
• Row 108: Purl all stitches.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (42 sts)
• Row 110: Purl all stitches.
• Row 111 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Row 112: Purl all stitches.
• Row 113 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts)
• Row 114 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts)
• Row 115 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (18 sts)
• Row 116 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (12 sts)
• Row 117: K2tog across the row. (6 sts)

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining loops using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close the top of the head, and secure with a knot.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal), cast on 10 stitches.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches.
• Row 2 (Increase): Increase in every stitch. (20 sts)
• Rows 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to the end. (15 sts)
• Row 28: Purl all stitches.
• Row 29: K2tog across to the last stitch, Knit 1. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew the side seam. Stuff the hand area firmly and the upper arm lightly.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy, adding to the bunny’s gentle character. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. You can make these longer or shorter depending on your preference.
• Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 10, K2tog. (12 sts)
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 8, K2tog. (10 sts)
• Row 46: Purl all stitches.
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 6, K2tog. (8 sts)
• Row 48: Purl all stitches.
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 4, K2tog. (6 sts)
• Row 50: Purl all stitches.
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 2, K2tog. (4 sts)
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

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Part 2: The Garden-Gate Button Dress

This dress features a beautiful “waffle” or grid texture at the hem, resembling a garden trellis or fence, and a button-down front panel.

Skirt with Trellis Hem

Using Yarn B (Cream), cast on 72 stitches.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch) for the edge.
• Rows 3-12 (Trellis Texture):
  • Row 3 (RS): *Knit 2, Purl 2*, repeat to end.
  • Row 4: *Knit 2, Purl 2*, repeat to end.
  • Row 5: Knit across.
  • Row 6: Purl across.
  • Repeat these 4 rows to create the grid-like texture seen in the photo.
• Rows 13-34: Work in Stockinette stitch. This smooth area is where the Alstroemeria flowers will be embroidered.

Waist and Bodice

We will now decrease for the waist.

• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts)
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (45 sts)

Button-Down Bodice:

We will create a faux button band by knitting a central panel in Garter stitch or Moss stitch.

• Row 38 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 39: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 40-48:
  • Knit 20 in Stockinette, Knit 5 (Center Band in Garter), Knit 20 in Stockinette.
  • Ensure the center 5 stitches are always knitted to create a vertical ridge.
• Row 49: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Sew small wooden buttons down the center front band of the bodice and skirt.

Alstroemeria Embroidery

Use Yarn E (Coral/Peach) and Green yarn.

1. Stems: Stitch wavy green vines around the skirt, just above the trellis hem.
2. Flowers: Alstroemeria have speckled petals.
   • Stitch 3 larger petals in Coral.
   • Stitch 2 smaller upper petals in a lighter Peach.
   • Use dark brown floss to make tiny “specks” or dashes on the upper petals (a signature of this flower).
3. Leaves: Stitch twisted, lance-shaped leaves along the stems.

Part 3: The Cropped Garden Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn B (Cream) or light beige to match the dress, but looks distinct due to the texture.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 stitches at the armhole edge.
• Rows 22-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 stitches at the neck edge.
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off remaining stitches.

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Right Front

Work as for the Left Front, reversing the shaping.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Decoration: Embroider tall Alstroemeria stems on the left and right front panels of the cardigan to match the dress.

Part 4: The Bucket Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Cream) with a textured brim.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a stiff brim.
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

Flower: Knit a large Coral flower (cast on 40 sts, knit 2 rows, K2tog across, roll up) and sew it to the side of the hat with green leaves.

Part 5: Garden Shoes

Using Yarn C (Light Brown/Camel), cast on 12 stitches.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around three sides.
• Rows 1-5: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 5 times, Knit 10. (25 sts)
• Row 7: Purl all stitches.
• Row 8 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 3 times, Knit 9. (22 sts)
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam. Embroider a small pink flower on the toe of each shoe.

Part 6: The Garden Accessories

The Picket Fence Bag

Using Yarn C (Light Brown).

• Body: Cast on 16 stitches.
• Pattern (Picket Fence Texture):
  • Row 1 (RS): *Purl 2, Knit 2*, repeat to end.
  • Row 2: *Purl 2, Knit 2*, repeat to end.
  • Row 3: *Purl 2, Knit 2*, repeat to end.
  • Row 4 (Horizontal Bar): Knit across.
• Repeat these 4 rows for 3 inches.
• Flap: Knit 1 inch in Garter Stitch. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold up the bottom. Sew sides. The vertical ribs look like fence slats.
• Strap: Knit an I-cord approx 10 inches long. Attach to sides.

The Pastel Rainbow Squirrel

Using Yarn D (Pastel Variegated) or changing colors frequently (Pink, Blue, Yellow, Mint).

• Body: Cast on 12 stitches. Increase to 24. Work 10 rows stockinette. Decrease to 12. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Pick up 12 stitches. Work 6 rows. Decrease and draw through.
• Tail (The Highlight): Cast on 15 stitches. Knit 4 inches in Garter Stitch (makes it fluffy/textured). Bind off. Roll into a loose spiral and sew to the back of the squirrel.
• Ears: Tiny triangles on the head.
• Arms: Knit two small tubes. Sew the metal key charm to the squirrel’s paws.

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Garden Tag & Key

• Tag: Knit a small rectangle in Cream (6 sts x 8 rows). Embroider “Garden name tag” or “Alstroemeria” on it in green thread. Attach a loop of brown yarn.
• Key: If you don’t have a metal charm, knit a tiny grey shape: Cast on 4 sts, knit 4 rows (head of key), decrease to 2 sts, knit 4 rows (shaft), cast off. Embroider details.

Alstroemeria Bouquet

• Make 3 flowers using the instructions for the hat flower but smaller (start with 20 sts).
• Knit green I-cords for stems.
• Tie together with a scrap of yarn.

Picot Handkerchief

Using Yarn B (Cream).

• Cast on 20 stitches. Knit a square in stockinette.
• Border: Pick up stitches around the edge. Bind off using a picot bind-off (*Cast on 2, cast off 4*, repeat) to create a lacy edge.
• Embroider a small grid pattern in brown to mimic a garden trellis on the cloth.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The assembly process is where your bunny truly comes to life. Take your time with these steps to ensure a professional finish.

1. Body Assembly: Using the mattress stitch, sew the back seam of the legs and the center back of the body. Stuff the legs firmly to ensure the bunny can stand (if propped) or sit nicely. Leave the very top of the legs slightly softer to allow for bending at the hips. Stuff the body firmly.
2. Head Assembly: Sew the back seam of the head. Stuff the head into a round shape, ensuring the cheeks are plump and symmetrical. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly to support the head; you may want to insert a small roll of felt or extra stuffing into the neck column for stability.
3. Face:
   • Eyes: Insert the safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spacing them about 9 stitches apart. If the head is already closed, you can use black embroidery thread to satin stitch the eyes.
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape in the center of the face. Satin stitch a small triangle at the top of the “Y” for the nose to give it dimension.
4. Limbs: Sew the ears to the sides of the head, curving them slightly forward to frame the face. Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck seam.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Because this is a handmade item, likely containing wool, it requires specific care to last for generations.

• Dusting: Regularly dust the bunny with a soft brush or a lint roller to prevent dirt buildup on the textured knits.
• Washing: Never machine wash this bunny if you used wool. Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild wool detergent. If a full wash is absolutely necessary, submerge gently in cool water with wool wash, press out excess water (do not wring), and reshape on a towel to dry.
• Storage: Store out of direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading. If storing for a long period, place in a breathable cotton bag with a lavender sachet to repel moths.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Have all loose ends been woven in securely?
• Are the safety eyes secured properly (if used)?
• Is the stuffing distributed evenly, without lumps?
• Is the neck sturdy enough? (If not, you may need to open a seam and add more stuffing).
• Are all accessories (like the metal key) securely stitched or removed if the toy is intended for a small child?

Your Alstroemeria Garden-Gate Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the secrets of the garden, the vibrancy of summer flowers, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a potting bench or is given as a gift to a dreamer, it is sure to unlock a world of imagination.