Clematis Trellis-Bloom Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the enchanting garden of the Clematis Trellis-Bloom Bunny. This sophisticated project captures the vertical beauty of a summer garden, where vibrant purple vines climb towards the sun against a rustic wooden lattice. Our elegant rabbit character is the head gardener of this vertical paradise, dressed in an ensemble that reflects the intricate beauty of climbing flora and the structure that supports it.

She wears a stunning cream dress featuring a unique “trellis” textured stitch on the skirt, which serves as a backdrop for trailing embroidered vines and bold, star-shaped Clematis flowers in shades of violet and mauve. To keep the evening chill at bay, she wears a cropped, moss-green cardigan with leaf-shaped lace detailing on the cuffs. Her look is completed with a wide-brimmed sun hat, sturdy gardening shoes, and a collection of horticultural accessories including a watering can, a seed packet, and a friendly garden snail companion. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the durable, professional finish seen in the concept, 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 sandy beige shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch. For the intricate clothing and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the trellis pattern pops.

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 the extensive assembly and embroidery, 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 Clematis Trellis-Bloom 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 traditional method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time, whether she is tending her garden or sitting on a shelf.

The wardrobe is a celebration of texture and botanical accuracy. The dress skirt utilizes a knit-and-purl combination to simulate a wooden garden trellis. The cardigan adds a layer of organic softness with its mossy texture. The accessories are intricate and narrative-driven, adding depth to the character’s story as a master gardener.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Warm Sand.
• Yarn B (Dress Base): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Unbleached Cotton (to make the flowers pop).
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Vines): 60g DK weight yarn in Leaf Green or Moss.
• Yarn D (Clematis Flowers): 40g DK weight yarn in Violet, Purple, and Mauve.
• Yarn E (Accessories): Scraps of Grey (Watering Can), Brown (Shoes), and Beige (Snail).
• 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 small beads (snail eyes), embroidery floss (yellow, dark green), stitch holders, small buttons, cardboard for the shoe soles.

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.
• Seed Stitch: K1, P1 across; on next row, P1 over K, K over P.

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. This method creates a continuous flow and minimizes bulky seams at the waist.

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. This sets up the wrong side.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You will now have 24 stitches. This rapid increase creates the base of the foot pad.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches. Keep your tension even to avoid gaps.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts). This widens the foot to create a cute, chubby paw.
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row. This smooth section forms the height of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. This creates the instep of the foot, curving the fabric to form the toe area. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 9. (24 sts). The foot is now taking its final shape.
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts). This tightens the ankle to define the leg.
• 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.

Break the yarn for the first leg and place the stitches on a stitch holder or a spare piece of yarn. 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 together.

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Torso and Head

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

• Row 43: You should now have 42 stitches on your needle. Ensure both legs are facing the same way (Right Side facing you).
• Row 44: Purl all stitches. Treat the new cast-on stitches carefully so they don’t stretch.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (44 sts). This increase helps shape the bunny’s bottom.
• 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). We are now beginning to shape the chest.
• 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 to elongate the upper body slightly.
• 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). The head begins to widen immediately.
• 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). This gives the bunny lovely chubby cheeks.
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give the bunny its classic round face and room for eye placement.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts). We begin closing the top of the head.
• 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. This forms the length of the arm.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to the end. (15 sts). Shaping the shoulder.
• 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 to allow movement.

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). Tapering the tip.
• 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.

Part 2: The Trellis-Stitch Dress

This dress is designed to act as a garden trellis, providing a textured background for the Clematis vines. The stitch pattern simulates a diagonal lattice.

Skirt with Trellis Texture

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• The Trellis Pattern:
  • Row 1 (RS): *Knit 2, Purl 2*, repeat to end.
  • Row 2: *Knit 2, Purl 2*, repeat to end.
  • Row 3: *Purl 2, Knit 2*, repeat to end.
  • Row 4: *Purl 2, Knit 2*, repeat to end.
  • Repeat these 4 rows. This creates a “basketweave” or grid effect that looks like a garden lattice. Continue for 4 inches.
• Transition: Work 4 rows in smooth stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This is where the main embroidery will happen.

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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.

Clematis Embroidery Guide

Clematis flowers are large, star-shaped, and usually have 6-8 petals. Use Yarn D (Purple/Mauve) and Yarn C (Green).

1. Vines: Using Green yarn, stitch twisting vines climbing up the “trellis” texture of the skirt. Use a stem stitch or chain stitch.
2. Leaves: Stitch small, lance-shaped leaves along the vines.
3. Flowers:
   • Choose 3-4 spots on the skirt (and maybe one on the bodice) to place a large flower.
   • Using Purple yarn, create 6 long loops (Lazy Daisy stitch variation) radiating from a center point. These are the petals.
   • Using Yellow embroidery floss, stitch a dense cluster of French knots in the center of the petals.

Part 3: The Moss-Green Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Leaf Green) and features a moss stitch texture to represent foliage.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• Rows 5-20: Work in Seed Stitch (*K1, P1* across, offset on next row).
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight in Seed Stitch.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in Seed 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: Pattern.
• Row 31: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off remaining stitches.

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 (for smoothness), increasing 1 stitch at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Assembly: Sew the cardigan pieces together. Pick up stitches along the front opening and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for a button band. Add small wooden buttons.

Part 4: The Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Cream) or Yarn A (Oatmeal) and features a large Clematis flower on the brim.

• Brim: Cast on 70 stitches (extra wide).
• Rows 1-8: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a stiff, floppy brim.
• Row 9 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Rows 10-20: Work in stockinette stitch for the crown.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: K2tog across.

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Draw yarn through remaining stitches and sew the back seam.

Decoration: Knit a single large Clematis flower using the embroidery method described above (or crochet a flower) and sew it to the side of the hat.

Part 5: Gardening Shoes

Using Yarn E (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.

Sew the back heel seam. Use a lighter yarn to create a strap across the foot. Embroider a tiny green leaf on the toe.

Part 6: Garden Accessories

The Watering Can

Using Yarn E (Grey/Zinc color).

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Knit in stockinette for 2 inches. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff firmly (cylinder shape).
• Spout: Pick up 6 stitches on the side near the bottom. Knit a tube for 2 inches. Bind off. Insert a pipe cleaner to help it hold its angle.
• Handle: Knit a 3-inch I-cord. Attach one end to top rim, one to back of body.
• Rose (Sprinkler head): Knit a tiny grey circle and sew to the tip of the spout.

The Garden Snail

Using Yarn E (Beige for shell, Brown for body).

• Shell: Cast on 4 stitches in Beige. Increase to 8. Knit a long strip (approx 6 inches). Bind off. Roll the strip into a tight spiral and stitch in place.
• Body: Using Brown, cast on 4 stitches. Knit an I-cord for 3 inches.
• Assembly: Sew the shell onto the middle of the body.
• Antennae: Use stiffened brown thread or yarn knots to make eye stalks. Sew beads for eyes.

The Seed Packet

Using Yarn B (Cream).

• Cast on 10 stitches.
• Knit in stockinette for 1.5 inches.
• Knit 2 rows Garter Stitch. Cast off.
• Fold the bottom up to create an envelope.
• Embroidery: Use green and purple thread to stitch a tiny picture of a Clematis on the front and some black lines for “text”.

Clematis Climbing Frame (Mini Trellis)

This is a fun prop. You can use craft sticks or stiffened yarn.

• If knitting: Knit 3 long I-cords in Brown. Knit 3 shorter I-cords.
• Sew them together in a grid pattern.
• Attach a knitted vine and flower to it.

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.
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 watering can handle) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Clematis Trellis-Bloom Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the vertical beauty of gardens, the satisfaction of nurturing growth, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a potting bench or is given as a gift to a green-thumbed friend, it is sure to bring the joy of the garden indoors.