Knitting Tutorial: Larkspur Blue-Ribbon Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the prestigious and bustling atmosphere of the county fair with the Larkspur Blue-Ribbon Bunny. This sophisticated project captures the excitement of winning first prize, featuring a rabbit character who embodies excellence and craftsmanship. She is the star of the show, dressed in a breathtaking tiered dress in varying shades of blue, reminiscent of the tall, elegant larkspur flowers that grow in prize-winning gardens.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the award-winning, 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 cream or oatmeal shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft. For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork dress and the rosette accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality blend 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 craft a winner, 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 Larkspur Blue-Ribbon 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 accepting an award or sitting on a display shelf.

The wardrobe is the highlight of this piece. The dress features a complex tiered skirt, mimicking the petals of a flower, with each tier displaying a band of floral colorwork. The cardigan adds texture with a unique central braid or cable detail and a structured collar.

The accessories are intricate and plentiful: a “First Prize” rosette, a structured handbag, a wooden spool of thread, an embroidered handkerchief, and a delightful Quokka companion who also sports a blue ribbon. Each element contributes to the narrative of a master crafter at the fair.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Cream, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress Main & Hat): 80g DK weight yarn in Cornflower Blue or Denim.
• Yarn C (Dress Contrast & Shoes): 50g DK weight yarn in Pale Sky Blue.
• Yarn D (Floral Motifs): 20g DK weight yarn in Deep Violet and Leaf Green.
• Yarn E (Cardigan): 60g DK weight yarn in Slate Blue or Grey-Blue.
• Yarn F (Quokka): 30g DK weight yarn in Camel or Light Brown.
• 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 quokka.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two 6mm beads (quokka eyes), embroidery floss, stitch holders, small buttons, ribbon.

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).
• C4F: Cable 4 Front (used for the braid effect).
• 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 Tiered Larkspur Dress

This dress is designed with three distinct tiers, resembling the layers of petals on a larkspur flower. Each tier features a band of floral colorwork.

Tier 1 (Bottom Tier)

Using Yarn B (Cornflower Blue), cast on 90 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Rows 9-14 (Floral Band): Join Yarn D (Violet and Green). Work a Fair Isle pattern of small larkspur sprigs (V-shaped green stems with purple dots).
• Rows 15-20: Work in stockinette stitch using Yarn B.
• Row 21 (Decrease for Tier): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (60 sts)

Tier 2 (Middle Tier)

Change to Yarn C (Pale Sky Blue). We will knit this tier directly onto the stitches of the first tier.

• Rows 22-24: Knit (Garter Stitch ridge to define the tier).
• Rows 25-30: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Rows 31-36 (Floral Band): Repeat the floral colorwork chart used on the bottom tier.
• Rows 37-40: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 41 (Decrease for Tier): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (48 sts)

Tier 3 (Top Skirt & Bodice)

Change back to Yarn B (Cornflower Blue).

• Rows 42-44: Knit (Garter Stitch ridge).
• Rows 45-55: Work in stockinette stitch. You can add a smaller floral motif here if desired.
• Row 56 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 57-62 (Bodice): Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 63 (Armholes): Knit 6, cast off 4, Knit 16, cast off 4, Knit 6.
• Row 64: Purl 6, cast on 4, Purl 16, cast on 4, Purl 6.
• Rows 65-68: Work in stockinette.
• Row 69: Knit across.
• Row 70: Cast off.

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

Part 3: The Braided Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn E (Slate Blue) and features a central cable or braid detail on the button band area.

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.
• Row 5 (Braid Setup): Knit 2, Purl 1, C4F (Cable), Purl 1, Knit 10.
• Row 6: Purl 10, Knit 1, Purl 4, Knit 1, Purl 2.
• Row 7: Knit 2, Purl 1, Knit 4, Purl 1, Knit 10.
• Row 8: Repeat Row 6.
• Rows 9-20: Continue pattern, twisting the cable every 4th or 6th row.
• 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: Pattern.
• Row 31: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping and cable placement.

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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.

Collar: Pick up stitches around the neck edge after assembly and knit 4 rows in Garter Stitch to create a rounded collar.

Part 4: The Larkspur Beret

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Cornflower Blue) with a ribbed brim and floral embellishments.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Work in K2, P2 Ribbing for a snug fit.
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch for the slouchy part of the hat.
• 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 and sew the back seam.

Decoration: Knit several small flowers in Violet and Pale Blue. Sew them in a cluster on the side of the hat.

Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn C (Pale Sky Blue), 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. Use a silver or grey yarn to embroider a small bow on the front of each shoe.

Part 6: Blue-Ribbon Accessories

The Prize Rosette

Using Yarn B (Dark Blue) and Yarn C (Light Blue).

• Center: Cast on 20 stitches in Light Blue. Knit 2 rows. Change to Dark Blue. Knit 2 rows. Bind off tightly. Coil this strip into a circle and sew flat.
• Tails: Cast on 5 stitches in Dark Blue. Knit a strip 2 inches long. Bind off. Make two. Sew to the back of the rosette.
• Center Detail: Embroider a yellow French knot in the center or sew on a sequin.

The Quokka Companion

Using Yarn F (Camel/Brown), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 8 rows stockinette. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff to make a round, chubby body.
• Head: Pick up 10 stitches. Work 5 rows. Decrease and draw through.
• Ears: Cast on 3 stitches. Knit 2 rows. Bind off. Sew to head (round ears).
• Tail: Cast on 4 stitches. Knit 1 inch. Sew to back.
• Details: Make a miniature Blue Rosette and sew it to the Quokka’s chest.

The Structured Handbag

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal).

• Body: Cast on 15 stitches. Work in stockinette for 3 inches.
• Decoration: Before assembling, sew a large Blue Rosette (made as above) onto the front flap area.
• Assembly: Fold up bottom, sew sides. Add a small handle.

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Embroidered Handkerchief

Using White cotton fabric or a knitted square of Yarn C (Pale Blue).

• If knitting: Cast on 20 stitches. Knit a square. Bind off.
• Embroidery: Use dark grey or silver thread to stitch a delicate bow or floral motif in one corner.

Wooden Spool

Using Yarn F (Brown) and Yarn B (Blue).

• Knit a small brown rectangle (6 sts x 6 rows) and roll it into a tight cylinder to mimic wood.
• Wrap Blue yarn around the center to look like thread. Secure with a stitch.

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 quokka’s tail) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Larkspur Blue-Ribbon Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of excellence, floral beauty, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a trophy shelf or is given as a gift to a special someone, it is sure to be a winning addition to any home.