Marigold Hearth Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the warm and inviting world of the Marigold Hearth Bunny. This project captures the golden glow of a late autumn afternoon, where the kitchen is filled with the scent of preserving jams and the garden is ablaze with the final, resilient blooms of the season. Our cozy character is the keeper of the hearth, dressed in an ensemble that reflects the rich, earthy tones of falling leaves and harvest sunsets. She embodies the spirit of home, comfort, and the simple joy of a handmade life.

To create this heirloom treasure, we highly recommend that you visit your local yarn shop to select the most tactile and high-quality fibers available. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a warm oatmeal or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin, ensuring a texture that is both durable for play and soft enough for cuddling. For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork dress and the detailed accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp. Before you begin this journey, take a moment to inventory your knitting supplies; ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for the detailed assembly, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to bring this cozy friend to life, check your knitting bag and let us 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 Marigold Hearth Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall from the tips of her toes to the top of her floral hat. The construction is designed to be traditional and robust, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed. This method allows for precise shaping of the curves, particularly around the face and ankles, ensuring the doll maintains its posture over time. The seaming process also adds structural integrity, allowing the bunny to stand with a little support.

The wardrobe is a celebration of the “Cottagecore” aesthetic, focusing on rustic colors and floral motifs. The dress features a rust-colored skirt with a stranded colorwork band of yellow marigolds, transitioning into a textured golden bodice. The cardigan is a classic cream layer, providing a neutral backdrop for the vibrant accessories. Speaking of accessories, this project includes a wealth of them: a structured sun hat, a jar of preserves, a ladybug companion, and a shoulder bag. Each element adds to the storytelling potential of the piece.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Warm Sand, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Skirt & Shoes): 80g DK weight yarn in Rust, Terracotta, or Burnt Orange.
• Yarn C (Bodice & Flowers): 60g DK weight yarn in Golden Yellow, Mustard, or Ochre.
• Yarn D (Cardigan & Hat Base): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream or Unbleached Wool.
• Yarn E (Leaves & Stems): 20g DK weight yarn in Olive Green or Moss.
• Yarn F (Ladybug & Jar): Scraps of Red, Black, and Beige.
• 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 ladybug.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, high-quality polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), embroidery floss (black, brown, green), stitch holders, small wooden buttons, a small circle of 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 of the bunny. If your fabric is too loose, the white stuffing will show through the stitches when the toy is filled, detracting from the professional finish. If you are a loose knitter, consider sizing down your needles. Consistency is key when making matching limbs to ensure the bunny stands evenly.

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).
• P2tog: Purl 2 together.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.
• Garter Stitch: Knit every row.

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 of the work.
• 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 between stitches.
• 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.

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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.

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 Marigold Harvest Dress

This dress is designed to reflect the transition from late summer to autumn. It features a rust-colored skirt with a Marigold floral band and a golden bodice with a textured pattern.

Skirt with Floral Band

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy, non-rolling hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Rust.
• Row 9 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn C (Yellow) and Yarn E (Green). We will create a band of Marigold flowers.

  Pattern: *Knit 2 Rust, Knit 3 Green (Stems/Leaves), Knit 2 Rust*, repeat to end.

• Row 10: *Purl 1 Rust, Purl 5 Green, Purl 1 Rust*, repeat to end.
• Row 11: *Knit 3 Rust, Knit 1 Yellow (Flower Base), Knit 3 Rust*, repeat to end.
• Row 12: *Purl 2 Rust, Purl 3 Yellow (Petals), Purl 2 Rust*, repeat to end.
• Row 13: *Knit 2 Rust, Knit 1 Yellow, Knit 1 Rust, Knit 1 Yellow, Knit 2 Rust*, repeat to end.
• Row 14: Break contrast colors. Purl across in Rust.
• Rows 15-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Rust. This creates the main body of the skirt.

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Waist and Textured Bodice

We will now decrease for the waist and switch to the Golden Yellow yarn for the 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)
• Row 38: Change to Yarn C (Golden Yellow). Purl across.

Honeycomb Texture Bodice:

To create the textured look seen in the photo, we will use a slip-stitch pattern or a simple seed stitch.

• Row 39: *K1, P1* across.
• Row 40: *P1, K1* across.
• Rows 41-44: Continue in this seed stitch pattern to create a nubby texture.
• Row 45 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8. (Note: Maintain the texture pattern where possible).
• Row 46: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 47-50: Work in pattern.
• Row 51: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 52: 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 Cream Garden Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn D (Cream) and serves as a neutral layer that highlights the colorful dress. It features simple embroidery on the front panels.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• 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 stitch.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette 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: Purl.
• 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, increasing 1 stitch at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Decoration: Once the cardigan is assembled, embroider a large Marigold flower on the left and right front panels. Use Yarn C (Yellow) for the petals (lazy daisy stitch works well) and Yarn E (Green) for the stems and leaves.

Part 4: The Marigold Bucket Hat

This hat is a structured bucket shape in Cream, featuring a rust-colored band and large 3D flowers.

• Brim: Cast on 64 stitches using Yarn D (Cream).
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a stiff brim.
• Row 7: Change to Yarn B (Rust). Knit across.
• Row 8: Purl across.
• Row 9: Change back to Yarn D (Cream). Knit across.
• Rows 10-20: Work in stockinette stitch for the crown.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 29: *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 30: K2tog across.

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Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

Decoration: Knit three small marigold flowers (using Yarn C and B). Cast on 20 stitches, knit 2 rows, bind off. Roll the strip into a rosette and sew to the side of the hat.

Part 5: Rust Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn B (Rust), 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 or use a small I-cord to go across the instep. Sew a tiny yellow button to the side.

Part 6: Hearth & Garden Accessories

The Jar of Preserves

Using Yarn F (Red/Amber for contents) and Yarn D (Cream for cloth lid).

• Jar Body: Cast on 12 stitches in Red. Increase to 24. Knit stockinette for 2 inches. Stuff firmly to create a cylinder.
• Lid Ruffle: Using Yarn D, pick up stitches around the neck of the 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.
• Tie: Tie a piece of twine or brown yarn around the neck of the jar.

The Ladybug Companion

Using Yarn F (Red and Black), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 8 stitches in Black (Underbelly). Increase to 16. Knit 4 rows.
• Wings: Change to Red. Knit 6 rows. Decrease to 8 stitches. Draw through. Stuff lightly.
• Head: Pick up stitches at one end in Black. Knit 3 rows. Decrease and fasten off.
• Spots: Embroider small black French knots on the red back.

The Shoulder Bag

Using Yarn A (Beige/Oatmeal).

• Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in Garter Stitch for 3 inches.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom up to create a pouch. Sew side seams.
• Flap: You can knit a separate flap or just leave the top open.
• Strap: Knit a long I-cord and attach to the sides.

Marigold Bouquet

• Flowers: Cast on 6 stitches in Orange/Yellow. Knit into front and back of every stitch (12 sts). Knit 1 row. Bind off. Gather the cast-on edge to form a pom-pom shape. Make 3.
• Stems: Knit Green I-cords.
• Tie together with a scrap of green yarn.

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.

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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 ladybug) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Marigold Hearth Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the warmth of the hearth, the bounty of the garden, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a kitchen shelf or is given as a gift to someone who loves the coziness of home, it is sure to bring a glow of happiness.