Iris Blue Note Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the melodious and garden-fresh world of the Iris Blue Note Bunny. This exquisite project harmonizes the visual beauty of a blooming botanical garden with the auditory elegance of a classical symphony. Our refined rabbit character is a musician and a botanist, dressed in an outfit that celebrates the striking structure of the Iris flower and the rhythm of sheet music.

She wears a meticulously crafted ensemble designed for a garden concert. Her dress is a creamy, porcelain-hued garment featuring a central, oversized Iris flower motif on the skirt, accompanied by a waistband designed to look like a musical staff. To protect against the cool air of an evening performance, she wears a denim-blue cardigan with deep pockets embroidered with green foliage. Her look is crowned with a slouchy blue beret adorned with a three-dimensional Iris bloom, matching blue shoes with golden buttons, and a collection of unique accessories: a shoulder bag with musical motifs, a miniature songbook, wire spectacles for reading scores, and a tiny sparrow companion who seems ready to sing along. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for music lovers and gardeners alike.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the sophisticated, professional finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the most premium 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 to the touch. The natural crimp of wool helps hide seams and gives a professional look.

For the intricate clothing, such as the embroidered dress and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend. These fibers provide excellent stitch definition, which is crucial for the floral motifs and the musical staff details 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 compose this masterpiece, check your knitting bag for stitch markers 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 Iris Blue Note 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, whether she is sitting at a piano or displayed on a collector’s shelf.

The wardrobe is a study in artistic expression. The dress features a large-scale floral motif, which can be achieved through Intarsia knitting or Swiss Darning (duplicate stitch) after the fabric is complete. The cardigan provides a casual yet elegant layer. The accessories are narrative-driven, with the music notes and the songbook suggesting a story of creativity and performance.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Cardigan, Hat, Shoes): 80g DK weight yarn in Denim Blue, Slate, or Cornflower.
• Yarn C (Dress Base): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream or Ivory.
• Yarn D (Iris Flower): 30g DK weight yarn in Violet, Purple, and Yellow.
• Yarn E (Leaves & Stems): 20g DK weight yarn in Olive Green or Fern Green.
• Yarn F (Music Details): Small amount of Navy Blue or Black.
• Yarn G (Bird & Book): Scraps of Brown, White, and Grey.
• 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 (bird eyes), embroidery floss (black, yellow), stitch holders, small yellow buttons, craft wire (for spectacles).

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. 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).
• 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. 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.

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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.

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Part 2: The Iris Melody Dress

This dress is the centerpiece of the outfit. It features a cream base with a prominent Iris flower and a musical staff detail.

Skirt with Iris Motif

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a sturdy, non-rolling hem.
• Rows 5-30: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream. This provides the canvas for the Iris.
  • Note on the Iris: It is highly recommended to embroider the large Iris flower using Swiss Darning (duplicate stitch) after the knitting is complete. This allows for more precise placement and color blending. If you prefer Intarsia, you would begin the chart around Row 10.

The Musical Staff Waistband

We will now create the visual of a music staff just below the bodice.

• Row 31: Change to Yarn F (Navy Blue/Black). Knit 1 row.
• Row 32: Change to Yarn C (Cream). Purl 1 row.
• Row 33: Change to Yarn F. Knit 1 row.
• Row 34: Change to Yarn C. Purl 1 row.
• Row 35: Change to Yarn F. Knit 1 row.
• Row 36: Change to Yarn C. Purl 1 row.

Waist and Bodice

We will now decrease for the waist to create a gathered look.

• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts)
• Row 38: Purl all stitches.
• Row 39 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (45 sts)
• Rows 40-44: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 45 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 46: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 47-50: Work in stockinette stitch.
• 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.

Embroidery Guide: The Iris

Use Yarn D (Purple/Violet) and Yarn E (Green).

1. Stems: Stitch tall, slender green stems rising from the hemline. Add long, sword-like leaves at the base.
2. Flower: The Iris has a distinct shape with three upright petals (standards) and three drooping petals (falls).
   • Use Purple yarn to satin stitch the petals.
   • Add a streak of Yellow in the center of the drooping petals to represent the “beard” or signal of the iris.

Part 3: The Denim Blue Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn B (Blue) and features deep pockets with leaf embroidery.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem. Use a darker shade of blue if you want a contrast hem (as seen in some variations).
• 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.

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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 (Darker blue cuff optional).
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Leaf Pockets

Knit two small squares in Blue (Cast on 8, knit 10 rows, cast off). Sew them to the front panels. Embroider tall green leaves on the pockets, resembling iris foliage.

Part 4: The 3D Iris Beret

This hat is a stylish beret in Blue, adorned with a massive, dimensional Iris.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn B (Blue).
• Rows 1-6: Work in K1, P1 Ribbing for a snug fit.
• Row 7 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat to end. (80 sts). This creates volume.
• Rows 8-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 27: *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

Knitted Iris Decoration

Using Yarn D (Purple/Violet).

• Petals (Make 3): Cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 8. Knit 4 rows. Decrease to 2. Cast off.
• Center: Knit a small yellow bobble.
• Assembly: Sew the three petals together at the base around the yellow center. Sew this to the side of the beret.

Part 5: Blue Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn B (Blue), 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 yellow button to the side.

Part 6: Musical & Garden Accessories

The Music Bag

Using Yarn C (Cream) and Yarn B (Blue).

• Body: Cast on 16 stitches. Work in stockinette for 3 inches.
• Assembly: Fold in half. Sew side seams.
• Handle: Knit a long I-cord and attach to the top edges.
• Decoration: Embroider musical notes (quavers and treble clefs) and a small blue flower on the front.

The Sparrow Companion

Using Yarn G (Brown, White, Grey), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Brown. Increase to 20. Work 6 rows stockinette.
• Chest: Change to White. Work 4 rows.
• Decrease: Change back to Brown. Decrease to 10 stitches. Draw through. Stuff lightly.
• Wings: Knit two small brown triangles. Sew to sides.
• Prop: Cut a small “music note” from black felt or card and glue/stitch it to the bird’s beak.

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Miniature Songbook

Using Yarn C (Pages) and Yarn G (Cover).

• Cover: Cast on 10 stitches in Grey/Brown. Knit 12 rows in Garter Stitch. Cast off.
• Pages: Cast on 8 stitches in White. Knit 10 rows. Cast off.
• Assembly: Place pages inside cover. Stitch spine. Embroider an Iris on the cover.

Wire Spectacles

Using thin crafting wire:

1. Wrap the wire around a pencil to form the first lens loop.
2. Twist the wire to create the bridge (about 1cm wide).
3. Wrap around the pencil again for the second lens.
4. Bend the remaining wire back to form the arms. Curl the ends for safety.

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 wire glasses) safe? Remove them if giving the toy to a small child.

Your Iris Blue Note Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the harmony between music and nature, the elegance of the iris flower, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a piano or is given as a gift to a music teacher, it is sure to bring a song to its new home.