Knitting Tutorial: Tulip Glasshouse Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the sophisticated and botanical world of the Tulip Glasshouse Bunny. This exquisite project captures the serene atmosphere of a Victorian conservatory or a dedicated gardener’s glasshouse in the height of spring. Our refined rabbit character is a horticulturalist at heart, dressed in an ensemble that celebrates the structural beauty and vibrant colors of prize-winning tulips.

She wears a spectacular cream dress featuring a skirt with “stained glass” or “garden bed” panels, where purple and pink tulips are framed in geometric borders. To ward off the chill of the early morning garden, she wears a cropped cream cardigan with classic rope cable detailing and embroidered floral motifs. Her outfit is topped with a structured bucket hat adorned with a cluster of blooms. She is accompanied by a unique “Glasshouse” handbag, a packet of tulip bulbs, a fresh bouquet, and a friendly otter companion. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for gardeners and lovers of fine fiber arts.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the museum-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 for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch. The slight halo of merino adds a lifelike quality to the toy.

For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork dress and the structured glasshouse bag, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-twist wool blend. These fibers provide excellent stitch definition, which is crucial for the geometric patterns and embroidery to stand out clearly. 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 cultivate this beautiful project, 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 Tulip Glasshouse 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 among your house plants or sitting on a display shelf.

The wardrobe is the centerpiece of this design. The dress uses stranded colorwork (Intarsia or Fair Isle) to create rectangular panels that resemble the panes of a greenhouse or formal garden beds containing tulips. The cardigan adds texture with vertical cabling, contrasting with the flat stockinette of the dress.

The accessories are highly detailed. The “Glasshouse” bag is a structural knitting challenge that results in a delightful, house-shaped accessory. The otter is a unique choice for a companion, representing the wildlife found near garden streams. The tiny seed packet adds a narrative touch of “planting” for the future.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Cream, Oatmeal, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Clothing Base – Dress, Hat, Cardigan): 100g DK weight yarn in Warm Cream or Ivory.
• Yarn C (Tulip Purple): 30g DK weight yarn in Deep Violet or Plum.
• Yarn D (Tulip Pink): 30g DK weight yarn in Rose or Magenta.
• Yarn E (Leaves & Stems): 30g DK weight yarn in Leaf Green or Forest Green.
• Yarn F (Glasshouse framing): 20g DK weight yarn in Slate Blue or Grey.
• Yarn G (Otter): 30g DK weight yarn in Chocolate 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 seed packet and otter.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes, embroidery floss (black, yellow, green), stitch holders, small buttons, plastic canvas or stiff cardboard (for bag structure).

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 (Slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle).
• 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 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. This seamless transition at the neck provides better stability for the head.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Cream) 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 (Cream), 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 Stained-Glass Tulip Dress

This dress is a showstopper. It features a cream background with rectangular panels containing tulip motifs. The panels are outlined in a contrasting color (Grey or Dark Blue) or simply defined by the color blocks, resembling stained glass or garden plots.

Skirt Construction

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem edge.
• Row 5 (Scallop Edge): *Knit 2, YO, K2tog*, repeat to end. This creates a small eyelet line for the scalloped lace effect.
• Rows 6-8: Work in Stockinette stitch in Cream.

Colorwork Chart Instructions (The Tulip Panels)

The main skirt features 6 panels. Each panel is approximately 12 stitches wide. You will use the Intarsia technique for the cleanest result, or stranded knitting if you are comfortable carrying floats loosely.

The Chart Concept:

Background: The vertical lines between flowers can be done in Yarn F (Grey) or Yarn C (Purple) to create a “frame,” or keep the background Cream and just knit the flowers.

• Rows 9-28: Work the Floral Chart.

  Panel A (Purple Tulip): 2 sts Cream, 8 sts Purple (flower shape), 2 sts Cream.

  Panel B (Pink Tulip): 2 sts Cream, 8 sts Pink (flower shape), 2 sts Cream.

  Stems/Leaves: Use Yarn E (Green) at the base of the flowers (Rows 9-15) to create leaves flanking the stem.

  Alternate Purple and Pink tulips across the row.

• Rows 29-34: Work in Cream stockinette stitch. This clears the top of the flowers.

Waist and Bodice

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

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Attach a small snap fastener to the bodice back.

Lace Hem Finish: If you knitted the eyelet row (Row 5), you can crochet a simple scallop into it, or sew on a pre-made lace trim for extra delicacy.

Part 3: The Cabled Garden Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn B (Cream) and features a sophisticated cable detail on the front lapels.

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 in stockinette.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Row 5 (Cable Setup): Knit 2, Purl 1, C4F (Cable 4 Front), Purl 1, Knit 10.
• Row 6: Purl 10, Knit 1, Purl 4, Knit 1, Purl 2.
• Row 7 (Cable Twist): Knit 2, Purl 1, Knit 4, Purl 1, Knit 10.
• Row 8: Repeat Row 6.
• Rows 9-20: Continue pattern, twisting cable every 6th row.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 stitches at armhole edge.
• Rows 22-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 stitches at neck edge.
• Row 30: Work pattern.
• Row 31: Decrease 1 stitch at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off.

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Right Front

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

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.

Embroidery

Once assembled, use Pink and Purple yarn to embroider a tulip motif on the chest area of the cardigan (the plain stockinette part, not the cable). Use satin stitch for the petals and stem stitch for the leaves.

Part 4: The Tulip Bucket Hat

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

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-8: Work in Seed Stitch (*K1, P1* across; next row *P1, K1*) to create a sturdy, textured brim.
• Rows 9-18: 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.

Decoration: Knit a small cluster of 3 tulips (cast on 4 sts, knit 4 rows, dec, bind off) in Pink and Purple. Sew them to the side of the hat band with green leaves.

Part 5: Shoes

Using Yarn B (Cream), 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 embroidery floss to create a strap and stitch a tiny purple tulip on the toe of each shoe.

Part 6: Glasshouse Accessories

The Glasshouse Bag

This unique bag mimics a greenhouse structure. Using Yarn F (Grey/Blue) and Yarn C/D (Flower colors).

• Base: Cast on 12 stitches. Knit a square.
• Walls: Pick up stitches around the base. Work in stockinette using Grey yarn to create “frames” (vertical lines of slipped stitches or embroidery later).
• Pattern: Inside the “frames,” knit small tulip motifs using Intarsia.
• Roof: Decrease stitches at two opposite sides to create a pointed roof shape.
• Structure: Cut pieces of plastic canvas to fit the base, sides, and roof. Insert them before sewing the final seam to ensure the bag keeps its house shape.
• Strap: Knit a long I-cord and attach to the roof peak.

The Otter Companion

Using Yarn G (Chocolate Brown).

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 10 rows stockinette. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Pick up 10 stitches. Work 5 rows. Decrease and draw through.
• Tail: Cast on 6 stitches. Knit 2 inches. Decrease to point. Sew to back (thick tail is key for an otter).
• Ears: Tiny loop stitches on the side of the head (otters have very small ears).
• Arms/Legs: Knit 4 small tabs and sew to body.

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Seed Packet

Using Yarn A (Cream).

• Cast on 8 stitches. Work 1.5 inches in stockinette. Cast off.
• Fold up bottom. Sew sides.
• Embroider “TULIPS” and a small flower on the front.

Tulip Bouquet

• Make 5-6 individual tulips.
• Head: Cast on 5 sts in Pink/Purple. Inc to 10. Knit 4 rows. K2tog. Draw through.
• Stem: Green I-cord.
• Tie together with a scrap of cream yarn or lace.

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

Your Tulip Glasshouse Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the beauty of spring bulbs, the elegance of glasshouse gardening, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a shelf or is given as a gift, it is sure to bring the freshness of the garden into any home.