Knitting Tutorial: Gerbera Sunshine-Studio Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the inspiring and creative world of the Gerbera Sunshine-Studio Bunny. This artistic project captures the joy of painting “en plein air” on a crisp, golden afternoon. Our talented rabbit character is a master painter, capturing the beauty of the changing seasons on her canvas.

She is dressed in an outfit that reflects her artistic spirit and the vibrant colors of her palette. She wears a cream dress featuring large, bold Gerbera daisies in shades of rust and orange, mimicking the flowers she loves to paint. To stay warm in her drafty studio, she wears a speckled oatmeal cardigan with delicate floral embroidery running down the lapels.

Her look is topped with a chic newsboy-style cap, perfect for keeping her ears warm while she works. She is fully equipped with a knitted artist’s palette, tiny tubes of paint, a shoulder satchel, and a helpful sparrow companion. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for artists and dreamers alike.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the high-quality, 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 in a soft oatmeal or biscuit shade 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 colorwork dress and the miniature painting accessories, allow yourself to purchase cotton yarn or a fine sport-weight wool blend. These fibers provide excellent stitch definition, which is crucial for the tiny details like the paint tubes. 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 create this masterpiece, 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 and Design Philosophy

The Gerbera Sunshine-Studio Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be robust yet elegant, 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, whether she is standing at her easel or sitting on a shelf.

The wardrobe is a study in color and texture. The dress features Intarsia or Duplicate Stitch floral motifs that demand attention. The cardigan utilizes a tweed or speckled yarn to give a rustic, “artist’s smock” feel, enhanced by surface embroidery.

The accessories are intricate and plentiful: a kidney-shaped palette with embroidered paint blobs, individual paint tubes, a structured bag, and a bird friend. Each element contributes to the narrative of a day spent creating art.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Sand.
• Yarn B (Dress Main): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn C (Gerbera Flowers): 30g DK weight yarn in Rust, Burnt Orange, and Terracotta.
• Yarn D (Cardigan & Hat): 60g DK weight yarn in Speckled Oatmeal or Tweed Beige.
• Yarn E (Leaves & Stems): 20g DK weight yarn in Muted Green.
• Yarn F (Accessories – Paint/Palette): Scraps of Wood Brown, White, Blue, Red, Yellow.
• Yarn G (Sparrow): Small amount of Brown and Tan.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories like the paint tubes.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads (bird eyes), embroidery floss, stitch holders, small buttons.

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).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.

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 Gerbera Sunshine Dress

This dress is the canvas for our artist bunny. It features a cream background with large, stunning Gerbera daisy motifs in rust and orange tones. The skirt has a delicate eyelet hem.

Skirt with Eyelet Hem

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

• Rows 1-2: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Eyelet Lace): *Knit 2, YO, K2tog*, repeat to the end. This creates a scalloped effect when blocked.
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.

Gerbera Motif Application

Option A: Intarsia (Advanced)

If you are comfortable with Intarsia, begin the flower chart on Row 9. Use separate bobbins for the rust/orange flower centers and petals against the cream background.

Option B: Duplicate Stitch (Recommended)

Knit the skirt entirely in Cream stockinette stitch (Rows 9-34). After knitting, use the Rust and Orange yarns to stitch the flowers on top of the knit stitches. This allows for greater detail and placement control.

Placement:

Place three large Gerbera blooms evenly spaced around the skirt.

1. Center: Stitch a dark brown/black circle about 4 stitches wide.

2. Petals: Radiate long, teardrop-shaped petals outwards using Rust and Orange yarn. The petals should be about 6 rows high.

3. Stems: Use Green yarn to stitch a simple line from the flower base to the hem.

Waist and Bodice

We will now decrease for the waist to create a gathered look.

• 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)
• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 44: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 45-48: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 49: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Leave the bodice open and attach a small snap fastener.

Part 3: The Speckled Studio Cardigan

This cardigan mimics a painter’s smock or a cozy tweed jacket. Using a speckled yarn adds immediate texture, but you can also use plain beige and embroider small specks later.

Back Panel

Using Yarn D (Speckled Oatmeal), cast on 32 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• 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 in stockinette stitch.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

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 for the armhole and neck.

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.

Floral Embroidery

Once the cardigan is assembled, add vertical columns of embroidery down the front lapels.

1. Stems: Stitch a vertical green vine.

2. Flowers: Use Orange and Pink yarn to make small French knots or lazy daisy flowers along the vine.

Part 4: The Newsboy Cap

This hat has a distinct shape with a brim (visor) and a fuller crown.

The Crown

Using Yarn D (Speckled Oatmeal), cast on 60 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the band.
• Row 5 (Increase for Volume): *Knit 4, Inc*, repeat to end. (72 sts)
• Rows 6-16: Work in stockinette stitch. This creates the “floppy” top part of the cap.
• Row 17 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 18: Purl.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

The Visor (Brim)

Pick up 18 stitches along the front edge of the garter stitch band.

• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3: K2tog, Knit to last 2 sts, K2tog.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: K2tog, Knit to last 2 sts, K2tog.
• Row 6: Cast off.

Decoration: Crochet or knit a small Rust-colored flower and sew it to the side of the cap.

Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn D (Speckled Oatmeal) or Yarn C (Rust), cast on 12 stitches.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around three sides of the sole rectangle.
• 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. Use embroidery floss to create a small strap and add a flower decoration on the toe.

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Part 6: The Studio Accessories

The Artist’s Palette

Using Yarn F (Wood Brown).

• Cast on 8 stitches.
• Row 1: Increase in first and last stitch. (10 sts)
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3: Increase in first and last stitch. (12 sts)
• Row 4: Purl.
• Rows 5-8: Stockinette.
• Row 9: Cast off 4 stitches (to create the thumb hole indentation), Knit to end.
• Row 10: Purl to gap, cast on 4 stitches.
• Row 11: Knit.
• Row 12: Decrease at each end.
• Row 13: Decrease at each end. Cast off.
• Paint Blobs: Use scraps of Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, and White to embroider satin stitch circles (paint blobs) on the surface.

Paint Tubes

Using White yarn, US 2 needles.

• Cast on 6 stitches. Work in stockinette for 1 inch.
• Change to Color (e.g., Blue, Green, Red) for the cap. Knit 2 rows.
• Cut yarn, draw through stitches to close the top. Sew the side seam. Stuff very lightly.
• Embroider a small label on the white section using the cap color.

The Shoulder Bag

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal).

• Body: Cast on 12 stitches. Work in Garter Stitch for 3.5 inches.
• Flap: Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 2 rows. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom up to create a pocket. Sew sides. Sew a button on the front.
• Strap: Knit a long I-cord and attach to sides.

The Sparrow Companion

Using Yarn G (Brown/Tan), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 8 stitches. Increase to 16. Work 6 rows stockinette. Decrease to 8. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Pick up 8 stitches on top. Work 4 rows. Decrease and draw through.
• Wings: Knit two small triangles in Dark Brown. Sew to sides.
• Beak: Embroider a tiny yellow triangle.
• Prop: Sew a tiny knitted Paint Tube to the sparrow’s wing, as if it is helping the bunny.

Gerbera Bouquet

• Make 3-4 flowers using the same method as the hat decoration (small cast on, knit, gather).
• Knit green I-cords for stems.
• Wrap the stems in a small piece of fabric or knit a tiny white square (the polka dot cloth) to wrap them.

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.

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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 paint tubes) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Gerbera Sunshine-Studio Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of creativity, the warmth of the sun, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on an art desk or is given as a gift to a creative soul, it is sure to inspire joy and imagination.