Geranium Vest-and-Gore Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the sun-drenched, botanical world of the Geranium Vest-and-Gore Bunny. This project captures the essence of a dedicated gardener tending to her prize-winning blooms in the height of spring. Our diligent rabbit character is a horticulturist at heart, dressed in an ensemble that blends the practicality required for potting plants with the vintage elegance of a garden party.

To create this heirloom-quality piece, we recommend visiting a specialized yarn shop to select premium fibers. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a textured oatmeal or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin to ensure a soft, huggable finish. For the clothing, consider purchasing cotton yarn which offers excellent stitch definition for the intricate colorwork on the vest and the gore shaping of the skirt. Before you begin, check your knitting supplies for a set of high-quality bamboo knitting needles and plenty of fiberfill. If you are ready to grow your knitting skills, 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 Geranium Vest-and-Gore Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be sturdy, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed. This method allows for precise stuffing and shaping, ensuring the doll maintains its posture while tending to her garden.

The wardrobe is a study in structural knitting and floral embellishment. The “gore” skirt utilizes increase techniques to create a flared, A-line silhouette that swings beautifully. The vest features a high neck with stranded colorwork foliage, while the central motif showcases detailed embroidery.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Vest, Headband, Shoes): 80g DK weight yarn in Mint Green or Aqua.
• Yarn C (Skirt Base): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn D (Geranium Pink): 30g DK weight yarn in Coral or Bright Pink.
• Yarn E (Foliage Green): 20g DK weight yarn in Dark Green.
• Yarn F (Accessories/Bag): 40g DK weight yarn in Camel or Beige.
• Yarn G (Panda): Small amounts of Black, White, Grey, and Beige.
• Yarn H (Pot): Small amount of Terracotta/Rust.
• 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), embroidery floss, stitch holders, cardstock (for bag 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. 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).
• M1: Make 1 (Increase by lifting the bar between stitches).
• 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. 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. (30 sts). This creates the instep of the foot, curving the fabric to form the toe area.
• 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.

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Part 2: The Cream Gore Skirt

This skirt uses a “gore” construction method. This means we divide the skirt into panels and increase stitches within those panels to create a flared shape, rather than gathering it all at the waist.

Using Yarn C (Cream), cast on 42 stitches (Wait measurement).

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the waistband.
• Row 5 (Setup): *Knit 7, Place Marker*, repeat to end. You have 6 sections (panels).
• Row 6: Purl all stitches.
• Row 7 (Increase Row): *Knit to 1 stitch before marker, M1, K1, slip marker, M1*, repeat to end. This adds 12 stitches per row (2 per panel).
• Rows 8-12: Work in stockinette stitch (Purl WS, Knit RS).
• Row 13: Repeat Increase Row.
• Rows 14-30: Continue in stockinette, repeating the Increase Row every 6th row. The skirt will fan out into a beautiful A-line shape.

Floral Embroidery & Border

Before finishing the skirt, we will add the decoration.

1. Scatter Pattern: On the upper and middle sections of the skirt panels, use Yarn D (Pink) and Yarn E (Green) to embroider small “V” shapes with green for stems/leaves, and top them with 3-4 pink French knots to resemble small geranium buds. Scatter these randomly.
2. Hem Border: 5 rows up from the bottom edge, work a duplicate stitch or embroidery line. Create a horizontal vine in Green. At regular intervals, stitch larger clusters of Pink French knots to create full geranium heads.
3. Hem: Knit 4 rows of Garter Stitch in Yarn D (Pink) or keep it Cream for a cleaner look. Cast off loosely.

Part 3: The Mint Geranium Vest

The vest is knitted in Yarn B (Mint Green) and features colorwork near the neck.

Back Panel

Cast on 34 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Rows 5-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 17 (Armhole): Cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (28 sts).
• Rows 19-24: Work straight.
• Row 25 (Colorwork Yoke): Join Yarn E (Dark Green). Work a row of: *Knit 1 Mint, Knit 1 Dark Green*, repeat. This creates the “foliage” look near the neck.
• Row 26: Purl using Mint only.
• Rows 27-30: Work in Mint stockinette.
• Row 31: Cast off.

Front Panels (Make 2)

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 17: Cast off 3 stitches at the armhole edge.
• Rows 19-24: Work straight.
• Row 25: Work the colorwork row to match the back.
• Rows 27-30: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge on every RS row.
• Row 31: Cast off remaining shoulder stitches.

The Central Medallion

The large floral circle in the center of the vest is best achieved through embroidery on the finished knit fabric to keep it circular.

1. Sew the shoulder and side seams of the vest.
2. Pick up stitches along the front opening and knit a button band (3 rows garter stitch).
3. Medallion: Using Yarn D (Pink) and E (Green), stitch a large circular motif in the center of the chest (or split across the button band). Outline a circle in green stem stitch. Fill the inside with dense clusters of pink bullion knots or French knots to look like a prize-winning geranium head. Add green leaves radiating outward.

Part 4: The Twisted Headband

Using Yarn B (Mint Green).

• Cast on 12 stitches.
• Work in Garter Stitch until the piece measures 10 inches.
• The Twist: Before sewing the ends together, give the strip a half-twist.
• Sew the cast-on edge to the cast-off edge.
• Flower: Knit or crochet a separate pink flower (5 petals) and sew it to the side of the headband.

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Part 5: Mint Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn B (Mint Green), cast on 12 stitches.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around three sides of the sole.
• 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 strand of mint yarn to create a strap across the instep.

Part 6: Garden Accessories

The “Birkin” Style Bag

This bag has a structured, rectangular shape. Use Yarn F (Camel).

• Base: Cast on 20 stitches. Knit in Garter Stitch for 1.5 inches.
• Body: Pick up stitches around the entire rectangle (approx 60 sts). Work in stockinette stitch or Seed Stitch (for texture) for 2 inches.
• Flap: Work back and forth on the back 20 stitches for 1 inch. Decrease at corners to round it off. Cast off.
• Straps: Knit two I-cords and attach as handles.
• Buckle Detail: Embroider a small latch on the flap using brown thread. Insert a piece of cardboard in the base to keep it flat.

The Panda Companion

Using Yarn G (Black and White), US 2 needles.

• Legs/Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Black. Knit 4 rows (legs). Change to White. Increase to 20 stitches. Knit 6 rows (belly). Decrease to 10 stitches.
• Head: Change to White. Increase to 16 stitches. Knit 4 rows. Decrease to 8. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Eye Patches: Embroider two black ovals on the face. Sew white beads on top for eyes.
• Clothes:
  • Sweater: Knit a tiny strip in Beige, wrap around the body.
  • Skirt: Knit a tiny strip in Grey, pick up stitches and ruffle slightly, sew to waist.
  • Beret: Cast on 10 sts in Beige. Increase to 20. Knit 2 rows. Decrease to 5. Draw through. Sew to head.

Potted Geranium & Trowel

• Pot: Using Yarn H (Terracotta), cast on 10 sts. Increase to 20. Knit 8 rows. Decrease to 15 (rim). Knit 2 rows (lip). Cast off. Stuff firmly.
• Plant: Knit green I-cords for stems. Sew pink pom-poms or knitted bobbles to the tops. Insert into the pot.
• Trowel: Knit a small grey triangle (blade) and a small brown tube (handle). Sew together.

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 pink 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 panda’s clothes) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

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Your Geranium Vest-and-Gore Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the vibrant life of a garden, the structural beauty of tailoring, and the art of knitting. Whether she sits in a greenhouse or is given as a gift to a green-thumbed friend, she is sure to bring a sense of floral joy to her new home.