Knitting Tutorial: Nasturtium Kitchen-Garden Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the bountiful and vibrant world of the Nasturtium Kitchen-Garden Bunny. This heartwarming project captures the essence of a harvest afternoon spent gathering fresh produce for a family meal. Our industrious rabbit character is the guardian of the vegetable patch, dressed in a practical yet beautiful outfit inspired by the climbing nasturtiums that grace the garden fences.

She wears a stunning oatmeal-colored wrap dress adorned with intricate embroidery of trailing green vines and bright orange nasturtium flowers. To keep her hair tidy while she works, she wears a matching headscarf with a delicate lace edge. She is fully prepared for her culinary adventures with a mesh market bag filled with knitted carrots and tomatoes, a “recipe” tag, and a mischievous raccoon friend who seems intent on “borrowing” her harvest. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the rustic, heirloom 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 for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable and soft. For the detailed accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn to ensure the stitch definition is crisp. Check your knitting supplies 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 Nasturtium Kitchen-Garden Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be sturdy, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for precise shaping. This method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time, whether she is sitting on a kitchen shelf or being carried on an adventure.

The wardrobe is the highlight of this piece. The dress features a vintage-inspired wrap silhouette with a picot or lace hem, decorated with surface embroidery. The embroidery adds a layer of artistry, allowing you to “paint” with yarn.

The accessories are intricate and plentiful: a mesh produce bag, realistic vegetables, crisscross shoes, and a complex raccoon companion labeled “Vegetable Thief”. Each element contributes to the charming narrative of a garden harvest.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Warm Sand.
• Yarn B (Dress & Headscarf): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Unbleached Cotton color.
• Yarn C (Shoes & Raccoon Detail): 30g DK weight yarn in Cinnamon or Light Brown.
• Yarn D (Embroidery Vines): 10g DK weight yarn in Leaf Green.
• Yarn E (Flowers & Vegetables): Scraps of Bright Orange, Red, and Green.
• Yarn F (Raccoon Main): 30g DK weight yarn in Grey or Taupe.
• Yarn G (Raccoon Mask): Small amount of Black or Charcoal.
• 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 raccoon.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown, orange, green), stitch holders, small buttons, cardstock for the “Recipe” and “Thief” signs.

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 Nasturtium Garden Dress

This dress is designed to look like a rustic linen garment. It features a picot lace hem and serves as a blank canvas for the intricate nasturtium embroidery.

Skirt with Picot Hem

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Row 5 (Picot Row): *Knit 2 together, Yarn Over*, repeat to the end of the row. This creates the holes that will form the scalloped points when folded.
• Rows 6-10: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Hemming: Fold the cast-on edge up to the wrong side at the Picot Row line. Knit the next row by picking up a loop from the cast-on edge and knitting it together with the live stitch on the needle. This creates a permanent, neat scalloped hem.
• Rows 11-34: Work in stockinette stitch. This smooth surface is where the vines will be embroidered.

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)

Upper Bodice:

The bodice is worked with a wrap-style front or a simple bodice. We will knit it flat and create armholes.

• 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 40-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Dot Texture): *Knit 3, Purl 1*, repeat across. This creates the small “seeds” or texture seen on the upper bodice.
• Rows 44-48: Continue 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.

Nasturtium Embroidery

This step brings the dress to life. You will need your embroidery floss and a sharp needle.

1. Vines: Using Green yarn or floss, stitch a wavy, trailing line that wraps around the entire circumference of the skirt, about 1 inch above the hem. Use a stem stitch or a simple backstitch.
2. Leaves: Nasturtium leaves are distinctively round (lily-pad shaped). Stitch small green circles or rounded hexagons along the vine.
3. Flowers: Using Orange yarn, stitch 5-petal flowers. Use satin stitch to fill in the petals, making them vibrant and bold. Place them at the peaks of the vine waves. Add small yellow centers (French knots) for detail.
4. Bodice Dots: Using Orange floss, make small French knots scattered across the upper bodice to mimic pollen or seeds.

Part 3: The Garden Headscarf

This accessory mimics a tied headscarf or bonnet, protecting the bunny from the garden sun.

• Cast On: Using Yarn B (Cream), cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the brim.
• Row 5 (Lace Detail): *Knit 2, Yarn Over, Knit 2 Together*, repeat to end.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Rows 7-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Shaping the Crown:
  • Row 17: *Knit 8, K2tog*, repeat to end.
  • Row 18: Purl.
  • Row 19: *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat to end.
  • Row 20: Purl.
  • Continue decreasing in this manner until 12 stitches remain.
  • Cut yarn and draw through.
• Decoration: Embroider a trailing green vine and leaves along the front brim of the headscarf to match the dress.

Part 4: Crisscross Garden Shoes

Using Yarn C (Cinnamon/Brown), 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.

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Sew the back heel seam. Crochet two long chains in the same yarn. Sew them to the sides of the shoe and cross them over the ankle, stitching them in place or using a small snap. Sew a small white flower button to the side.

Part 5: The Vegetable Harvest

The Mesh Market Bag

Using Yarn B (Cream) or a natural hemp color.

• Base: Cast on 10 stitches. Knit in Garter Stitch for a square base. Pick up stitches around the square (approx 36 sts).
• Mesh Pattern:
  • Row 1: *Yarn Over, Knit 2 Together*, repeat to end.
  • Row 2: Purl.
  • Row 3: *Knit 2 Together, Yarn Over*, repeat to end.
  • Row 4: Purl.
• Repeat these 4 rows for approx 2.5 inches. The fabric will be stretchy.
• Top Edge: Knit 3 rows in Garter Stitch. Cast off.
• Handle: Knit a long I-cord or Garter strip and attach to the sides.

Carrots

Using Orange yarn.

• Cast on 9 stitches. Distribute on 3 needles (3 sts each) to knit in the round, or knit flat and seam.
• Knit 5 rounds.
• Decrease round: *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat. (6 sts).
• Knit 3 rounds.
• Decrease round: K2tog around. (3 sts).
• Draw yarn through. Stuff firmly.
• Tops: Loop green yarn through the top and trim to look like greens.

Tomatoes/Radishes

Using Red yarn.

• Cast on 8 stitches. Increase to 16. Knit 5 rows. Decrease to 8. Draw through. Stuff firmly to make a ball. Add green leaves on top.

Part 6: The “Vegetable Thief” Raccoon

This character adds humor and storytelling to the set.

Using Yarn F (Grey), Yarn G (Black), and Yarn A (Cream/White).

• Body: Using Grey, cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 8 rows. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff.
• Head:
  • Cast on 10 stitches in Grey.
  • Row 1: Increase to 15.
  • Rows 2-3: Work in Grey.
  • Mask Row: Knit 5 Grey, Knit 5 Black, Knit 5 Grey. (Intarsia).
  • Rows 5-6: Continue mask pattern.
  • Row 7: Switch to Cream/White for the snout. Decrease to 10 stitches.
  • Rows 8-9: Work in Cream.
  • Row 10: Draw through. Stuff head.
• Ears: Cast on 3 stitches in Grey. Knit 3 rows. Bind off. Sew to head.
• Tail: Cast on 5 stitches. Knit in stripes of Grey and Black. Sew to body.
• Legs: Knit 4 small black tabs for feet.
• Sign: Cut a small rectangle of cardstock. Write “VEGETABLE THIEF” on it. Glue it to a toothpick or small stick and tuck it into the raccoon’s arm.

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.

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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 raccoon’s sign) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Nasturtium Kitchen-Garden Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the harvest, the humor of gardening, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a kitchen shelf or is given as a gift, it is sure to bring the warmth of the garden into any home.