Yarrow Gathered-Kirtle Cozy Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the rustic and healing world of the Yarrow Gathered-Kirtle Cozy Bunny. This heartwarming project captures the essence of a cottage apothecary, where bunches of dried yarrow hang from the rafters and the air smells of wholesome herbs and warm wool. Our gentle rabbit character is a gatherer and a healer, dressed in an ensemble that reflects the earthy tones of dried botanicals and the comfort of traditional knitwear.

She wears a meticulously crafted outfit designed for a day of foraging and preserving. Her dress, or “kirtle,” is a lovely cream creation featuring a gathered waist and a skirt adorned with a geometric, fair-isle border in shades of tan and brown, reminiscent of woven baskets. To stay cozy in the drafty cottage, she wears a unique sage green wrap cardigan that crosses over the chest and ties at the back or side. Her look is completed with a matching sage bonnet with a white picot brim, tan ballet-style shoes with ribbon ties, and a collection of apothecary essentials: a woven-style basket, a jar of golden honey or salve with a wooden spoon, a folded linen cloth, a bouquet of dried yarrow, and a tiny sheep companion wearing a tweed sweater. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the professional, soft, and durable finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the finest 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 provides a smooth surface for the stuffing.

For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork kirtle and the textured wrap cardigan, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend. These fibers provide excellent stitch definition, which is crucial for the geometric motifs and the structural details to stand out clearly against the knitted fabric. 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 embrace the slow living lifestyle, 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 Yarrow Gathered-Kirtle Cozy 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 standing at her worktable or sitting by the hearth.

The wardrobe is a study in rustic utility and folk art aesthetics. The kirtle utilizes stranded colorwork to create a border that mimics traditional weaving patterns. The wrap cardigan introduces a unique construction method that differs from standard button-up sweaters, adding variety to your knitting skills. The accessories are narrative-driven, with the jar and spoon adding layers of storytelling to the piece.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Kirtle/Dress Main): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream, Unbleached Cotton, or Ivory.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Bonnet): 60g DK weight yarn in Sage Green or Muted Willow.
• Yarn D (Colorwork & Accessories): 40g DK weight yarn in Tan, Caramel, or Light Brown.
• Yarn E (Shoes): 20g DK weight yarn in Tan (matching Yarn D).
• Yarn F (Sheep): Small amounts of Cream and Dark Brown.
• 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 (sheep eyes), embroidery floss (black, brown, green), stitch holders, small ribbon for shoe ties.

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. (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.

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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 Yarrow Cream Kirtle

This dress is designed to look like a traditional peasant dress or kirtle. It features a cream base with a geometric border in tan/brown.

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Skirt with Geometric Border

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.
• Row 9 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn D (Tan). We will create the first geometric band.

  Pattern (Diamonds):

  Row 9: *Knit 1 Cream, Knit 1 Tan*, repeat across.

• Row 10: *Purl 1 Tan, Purl 1 Cream*, repeat.
• Rows 11-14: Work in Stockinette using Cream only.
• Row 15 (Main Band): Join Yarn D again. *Knit 2 Cream, Knit 1 Tan, Knit 3 Cream*, repeat. (You can substitute a simple XOXO or diamond chart here).
• Row 16: Purl row following pattern.
• Row 17: *Knit 1 Cream, Knit 3 Tan, Knit 2 Cream*, repeat.
• Rows 18-20: Complete the geometric band.
• Row 21: Break contrast color. Knit across in Cream.
• Rows 22-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.

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 Sage Wrap Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Sage Green). This is a wrap-style garment, meaning the front panels overlap significantly.

Back Panel

Cast on 34 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. (28 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front (Wrap Side)

This side needs to be wider to wrap across the chest. Cast on 24 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
  • Decrease Row: On every 4th row, decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge (left side of RS row) to create a V-neck slope.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 stitches at the armhole edge (right side of RS row).
• Rows 22-34: Continue working straight on armhole side while decreasing on neck side until 8 stitches remain for shoulder.
• Row 35: Cast off remaining stitches.

Right Front (Under Wrap)

Work as for the Left Front, reversing the shaping for the armhole and neck slope.

Colorwork Detail: On the bottom hem of the cardigan, work a small checkerboard pattern using Cream yarn to match the dress.

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.

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Finishing: Sew the cardigan pieces together. Crochet or knit long ties to the corners of the front panels so they can be wrapped around the bunny’s waist and tied.

Part 4: The Sage Bonnet

This bonnet frames the face with a delicate white trim.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn C (Sage).
• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Rows 5-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 17 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 18: Purl.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

Decoration: Crochet or knit a separate white picot edge (Cast on 3, cast off 2, slip st back to needle, repeat) and sew it to the brim of the bonnet. Add a small cluster of knitted flowers to the side.

Part 5: Tan Ballet Shoes

Using Yarn E (Tan), 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 piece of tan ribbon to tie around the ankle like ballet slippers, crossing over the instep.

Part 6: Apothecary Accessories

The Woven Basket

Using Yarn D (Tan).

• Base: Cast on 10 stitches. Knit 10 rows.
• Sides: Pick up stitches around the square (40 sts).
  • Rows 1-8: Work in a basketweave stitch (*K2, P2* for 2 rows, then *P2, K2* for 2 rows).
• Handle: Cast on 4 stitches. Knit a strip 6 inches long. Sew to opposite sides.

The Honey Jar

Using Yarn D (Tan/Gold) and Yarn B (Cream for lid).

• Jar: Cast on 10 stitches in Gold. Increase to 20. Knit 6 rows. Decrease to 12. Knit 2 rows. Cast off.
• Lid: Knit a small cream circle. Place over the top and secure with a rubber band or yarn tie.
• Spoon: Carve a tiny piece of wood or use a toothpick.

The Sheep Companion

Using Yarn F (Cream/Brown), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Cream. Increase to 20. Work 8 rows in Garter Stitch (to look like wool). Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Using Brown, pick up 8 stitches. Knit 4 rows. Decrease. Embroider eyes.
• Limbs: Knit 4 small brown tubes for legs.
• Sweater: Knit a tiny brown strip to wrap around the sheep’s body.

Yarrow Bouquet

• Stems: Knit 3 Green I-cords.
• Flowers: Use Cream or Yellow yarn to make clusters of French knots at the top of each stem. Yarrow has flat heads, so group the knots closely.
• Tie the bouquet with a scrap of twine.

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.

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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 sheep’s eyes) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Yarrow Gathered-Kirtle Cozy Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the rustic beauty of the cottage, the healing power of herbs, and the art of knitting. Whether she sits on a pantry shelf or is given as a gift to a nature lover, she is sure to bring a sense of warmth and comfort to her new home.