The Strawberry & Hedgehog Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the enchanting world of the Strawberry & Hedgehog Bunny. This delightful project captures the essence of a warm summer afternoon spent in a berry patch, surrounded by the sweet scent of ripening fruit and the rustle of friendly garden creatures. Our charming rabbit character is the keeper of the patch, dressed in an outfit that celebrates the vibrant red and fresh green of the season.

She wears a nostalgic ensemble designed for a day of gathering sweets. Her dress is a masterpiece of colorwork, featuring a cream background adorned with rows of juicy red strawberries and green leaves. To keep comfortable when the sun dips behind the clouds, she wears a cropped moss-green cardigan. Her look is completed with a snug red bonnet speckled with white, mimicking the texture of a berry, and matching red shoes. She is accompanied by a hand-knitted jar of strawberry jam and a shy hedgehog friend.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the heirloom-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 in a soft oatmeal or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft. 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. Before you begin, take a moment to check your knitting supplies; ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to start this sweet journey, check your knitting bag 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 Strawberry & Hedgehog 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 method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time.

The wardrobe is a study in cheerful summer motifs. The dress utilizes stranded colorwork (Fair Isle) to create the repeating strawberry pattern. The cardigan provides a solid color block to rest the eye. The accessories are intricate and narrative-driven, with the jar of jam and the textured hedgehog adding layers of storytelling to the display.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress Background): 50g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn C (Strawberries/Bonnet/Shoes/Jam): 50g DK weight yarn in Bright Red or Ruby.
• Yarn D (Cardigan/Leaves): 40g DK weight yarn in Grass Green or Moss Green.
• Yarn E (Hedgehog): 30g DK weight yarn in Beige (face) and Textured Brown/Variegated (quills).
• Yarn F (Details): Small amount of White (bonnet dots) and Yellow (flower center).
• 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 jam jar.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads (hedgehog eyes), embroidery floss (black, brown), stitch holders, small buttons, cardboard for the jar base.

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).
• Loop Stitch: Knit into stitch but do not drop, bring yarn forward, wrap around thumb, bring yarn back, knit into stitch again, drop original stitch, pass 2nd st over 1st to lock loop.
• 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.

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.

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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 Strawberry Dress

This dress is a stunning piece of Fair Isle knitting. The pattern involves alternating between Cream and Red yarn to create rows of strawberries. It is knitted from the bottom up.

Skirt with Strawberry Motif

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a flat, non-rolling hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.

Colorwork Chart (Strawberry Pattern):

You will now join Yarn C (Red). We will create alternating rows of strawberries.

• Row 9: *Knit 3 Cream, Knit 3 Red (Base of Berry), Knit 2 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 10: *Purl 1 Cream, Purl 5 Red (Widest part of berry), Purl 2 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 11: *Knit 2 Cream, Knit 5 Red, Knit 1 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 12: *Purl 2 Cream, Purl 3 Red, Purl 3 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 13 (Green Tops): Join Yarn D (Green). *Knit 2 Cream, Knit 3 Green, Knit 3 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 14: Break Red and Green yarns. Purl across in Cream.
• Rows 15-18: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.

Second Tier of Strawberries:

Repeat the colorwork pattern (Rows 9-13), but shift the pattern by 4 stitches so the strawberries are staggered (brick formation) compared to the first row.

• Rows 19-34: Continue in Cream stockinette stitch. This allows the skirt to have a clean upper section before the bodice.

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 Green Cropped Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn D (Green) and is a simple, cropped style that allows the dress to shine.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• Rows 5-18: Work in stockinette stitch. (This is shorter than usual to be cropped).
• Row 19 (Armhole): Cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (26 sts)
• Rows 21-30: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 31: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19: Cast off 3 stitches at the armhole edge.
• Rows 20-26: Work straight.
• Row 27 (Neck): Cast off 5 stitches at the neck edge.
• Row 28: Purl.
• Row 29: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge.
• Row 31: 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 5-18: Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each end of Row 8. (22 sts)
• Row 19: Cast off.

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Daisy Appliqué: Knit or crochet a tiny white flower with a yellow center and sew it to the left side of the cardigan.

Part 4: The Berry Bonnet

This hat is knitted in Yarn C (Red) with white “seeds” embroidered or knitted in.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a snug fit.
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Decoration (Seeds): You can either knit single stitches of White yarn randomly throughout this section (Fair Isle) or use White yarn to embroider small “V” shapes (Swiss Darning) after knitting.
• 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. Attach ties to the corners of the brim.

Part 5: Red Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn C (Red), 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. Crochet a strap and sew a small red button to the side.

Part 6: Berry Patch Accessories

The Jam Jar

This accessory mimics a jar of homemade preserves.

• Jar Body: Using Yarn C (Red), cast on 12 stitches. Increase to 24. Knit stockinette for 2 inches. Stuff firmly to create a cylinder.
• Lid Skirt: Using Yarn B (Cream), pick up stitches around the top rim of the red jar. Knit 1 round. Increase in every stitch to create a ruffle. Cast off.
• Lid Top: Knit a flat cream circle and sew it over the opening.
• Details: Tie a piece of twine or beige yarn around the neck of the jar. Embroider a small white square on the front for a label and stitch a tiny strawberry on it.

The Hedgehog Companion

Using Yarn E (Beige/Brown), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Beige. Increase to 20. Work 4 rows stockinette.
• Quills (Back): Switch to Textured Brown yarn. Work the back of the hedgehog in Loop Stitch or Garter Stitch to create texture. Work for 2 inches.
• Face: Switch back to Beige. Decrease stitches to form a pointed snout. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Finish: Sew contrasting ears. Add black bead eyes.
• Prop: Knit a tiny red strawberry (cone shape) and sew it to the hedgehog’s paws.

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 hedgehog’s quills) secure?

Your Strawberry & Hedgehog Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the sweetness of summer, the joy of the harvest, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a kitchen shelf or is given as a gift to a sweet-toothed friend, it is sure to bring a taste of sunshine into any home.