Edelweiss Alpine Sweetheart Bunny – Knitting

Edelweiss Alpine Sweetheart Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to this incredibly charming alpine-themed project. Whenever passionate crafters decide to buy premium knitting yarn online, they are usually searching for the perfect materials to create a highly detailed, lasting heirloom. This alpine sweetheart is exactly that kind of masterpiece.

With her intricately textured traditional garments, sweet accessories, and a delightful little goat companion, this project is a joy to knit. Gathering the highest quality sport weight wool will ensure your stitches remain crisp, especially for the lattice apron and the structured beret. Let us begin this wonderful crafting adventure.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Project Specifications and Materials

Creating this detailed woodland character requires careful attention to the yarn colors and materials used. The finished dimensions and the lovely drape of the traditional garments rely entirely on your tension and the yarn weight.

We will be using multiple rich colors to achieve the rustic, mountain-inspired look. Please review this comprehensive material list carefully before casting on.

Yarn Requirements

  • Main Bunny Yarn: 1 skein of premium sport weight yarn in Light Cream or Pale Beige (approximately 180 yards).
  • Dress Yarn: 1 skein of sport weight yarn in Rust or Terracotta, and 1 skein in Dark Chocolate Brown (approximately 100 yards each).
  • Apron and Beret Yarn: 1 skein of sport weight yarn in Cream or Soft Ivory (approximately 140 yards).
  • Cardigan Yarn: 1 skein of sport weight yarn in Dark Chocolate Brown (approximately 120 yards).
  • Accessory Yarns: Small amounts of sport weight yarn in Warm Tan (bag), Crimson Red, Forest Green, and Black (kerchief), and Golden Yellow (bells).
  • Embroidery Yarns: Small scraps of Pure White and Golden Yellow for the daisy motifs and cardigan flecks.
  • Goat Companion Yarn: Small amounts of sport weight yarn in Light Heather Grey, Dark Grey, and Forest Green.

Tools and Hardware

  • US 2.5 (3.0 mm) double-pointed needles (set of 5) for working all amigurumi pieces seamlessly in the round.
  • US 2.5 (3.0 mm) circular needles (24-inch cable) for knitting the flat garments like the cardigan and the wide dress skirt.
  • Premium polyester fiberfill for firm, even, and smooth stuffing of the bunny and goat.
  • One pair of 6mm black safety eyes for the bunny.
  • One pair of 4mm black safety eyes for the miniature goat.
  • A small scrap of dark brown embroidery floss for the facial details on both animals.
  • Four tiny wooden buttons (approximately 6mm) for the double-strap shoes.
  • Four small brown buttons (approximately 8mm) for the cardigan, and one for the bag.
  • Tapestry needle for seaming pieces and weaving in all yarn ends.
  • Stitch markers and cable needle (for the apron).

Stitch Abbreviations

Please familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations. Maintaining a tight, even tension is extremely crucial for stuffed toys so the fiberfill remains completely hidden inside the knitted fabric.

  • CO: Cast on
  • BO: Bind off
  • K: Knit
  • P: Purl
  • St(s): Stitch(es)
  • Rnd(s): Round(s)
  • RS / WS: Right side / Wrong side
  • K2tog: Knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
  • SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
  • M1L / M1R: Make one left / Make one right (increases)
  • C4F / C4B: Cable 4 front / Cable 4 back
  • PM / SM: Place marker / Slip marker

The Alpine Bunny Base Structure

We will construct the foundation of our character first. The legs and body are worked as a single seamless piece from the bottom up. This specific method ensures structural stability, allowing the toy to sit nicely on a ledge or table.

The Legs (Make 2)

Start with the first leg using the Light Cream yarn and your double-pointed needles. The foot is shaped first, then transitions smoothly into the tall, slender leg.

Round 1: Cast on 12 sts. Distribute them evenly across three needles, join to work in the round being careful not to twist, and PM for the beginning of the round.

Round 2: Knit all sts to establish the circular work.

Round 3: (K1, M1R, K4, M1L, K1) twice. You will now have 16 sts.

Rounds 4-8: Knit all sts. This section builds the height and volume of the foot.

Round 9 (Ankle Shaping): (K2, M1R, K4, M1L, K2) twice. You will now have 20 sts.

Rounds 10-36: Knit all sts continuously. This creates the long leg. Stuff the foot firmly right now, as it will be very difficult to reach later. Continue stuffing the leg gently as you work upwards.

At the end of Round 36 on the first leg, break the yarn and place these stitches securely on a holder or a piece of scrap yarn.

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For the second leg, repeat all the previous steps exactly, but do not break the yarn at the end. You will use this working yarn to join the pieces.

The Torso

Now we will join the two legs together to begin forming the hips and lower torso. Ensure both feet are pointing in the exact same direction before making the join.

Round 37 (Joining Round): With the working yarn still attached to the second leg, knit 10 sts. Cast on 4 sts using the backward loop method to create the base of the body.

Pick up the first leg and knit across all 20 sts. Cast on 4 sts again using the backward loop method. Finally, knit the remaining 10 sts of the second leg. You now have 48 sts total on the needles.

Rounds 38-48: Knit all sts. This section forms the lower belly and hips. Make sure to stuff the transition area between the legs very firmly to prevent any loose gaps from forming.

Round 49 (Waist Decrease): (K10, K2tog) 4 times. (44 sts)

Rounds 50-54: Knit all sts evenly to build the midsection.

Round 55: (K9, K2tog) 4 times. (40 sts)

Rounds 56-62: Knit all sts evenly.

Round 63: (K8, K2tog) 4 times. (36 sts)

Rounds 64-69: Knit all sts. Continue adding stuffing, shaping the torso so it is slightly wider at the bottom and tapers gently towards the upper chest area.

Round 70: (K7, K2tog) 4 times. (32 sts)

Rounds 71-74: Knit all sts evenly.

Round 75 (Shoulder Decrease): (K6, K2tog) 4 times. (28 sts)

Round 76: Knit all sts. Finish stuffing the upper chest completely and firmly so the neck will be supported.

Round 77 (Neck Shaping): (K2, K2tog) 7 times. (21 sts)

Round 78: Knit all sts. Bind off leaving a very long tail for attaching the head to the body during assembly.

The Head

The head features wide, rounded cheeks and a gently tapering snout. It is worked from the tip of the nose backwards to the base of the skull for the best shape.

Round 1: Using Light Cream yarn, cast on 6 sts. Distribute on DPNs and join carefully.

Round 2: Knit into the front and back (Kfb) of every single st. (12 sts)

Round 3: (K1, Kfb) 6 times. (18 sts)

Round 4: (K2, Kfb) 6 times. (24 sts)

Rounds 5-9: Knit all sts. This forms the gentle forward projection of the snout.

Round 10 (Cheek Increases): K6, (Kfb) 12 times across the top and sides, K6. (36 sts)

Round 11: K6, (K1, Kfb) 12 times, K6. (48 sts)

Rounds 12-17: Knit all sts evenly around the widest part of the face.

Round 18: (K7, Kfb) 6 times. (54 sts)

Rounds 19-30: Knit all sts. During this wide section, insert the safety eyes between rounds 13 and 14, spacing them about 16 stitches apart, centered directly above the snout.

Round 31 (Begin Decreasing): (K7, K2tog) 6 times. (48 sts)

Round 32: (K6, K2tog) 6 times. (42 sts)

Round 33: (K5, K2tog) 6 times. (36 sts)

Round 34: (K4, K2tog) 6 times. (30 sts). Pause here to begin stuffing the head firmly. Pay special attention to padding the cheek increases so the face looks wide, round, and gentle.

Round 35: (K3, K2tog) 6 times. (24 sts)

Round 36: (K2, K2tog) 6 times. (18 sts)

Round 37: (K1, K2tog) 6 times. (12 sts). Add any final bits of stuffing needed to shape the back of the head properly.

Round 38: (K2tog) 6 times. (6 sts). Break the yarn, thread the tail through the remaining loops, and pull tightly to close the hole securely. Weave in the end.

The Ears (Make 2)

The ears are knitted flat and then seamed together. This specific folded technique gives them a lovely thickness and allows them to drape beautifully down the sides of the head.

Row 1: Using Light Cream yarn, cast on 12 sts on straight or circular needles.

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Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts across the row.

Row 3 (RS): K1, M1R, K10, M1L, K1. (14 sts)

Row 4: Purl all sts.

Row 5: K1, M1R, K12, M1L, K1. (16 sts)

Rows 6-42: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 37 complete rows. This creates the signature long, elegant shape of the drooping ear.

Row 43: Purl all sts.

Row 44: SSK, K12, K2tog. (14 sts)

Row 45: Purl all sts.

Row 46: SSK, K10, K2tog. (12 sts)

Row 47: Purl all sts.

Row 48: SSK, K8, K2tog. (10 sts)

Rows 49-54: Work in stockinette stitch. Bind off all stitches. Fold the bound-off edge in half and sew it pinched together. This pinched end will be attached directly to the head later.

The Arms (Make 2)

The arms are worked in the round from the bottom up. They are stuffed firmly at the hands but lightly at the top so they rest naturally against the body.

Round 1: Using Light Cream yarn, cast on 10 sts. Distribute evenly on DPNs and join.

Round 2: (K1, M1R, K3, M1L, K1) twice. (14 sts)

Rounds 3-32: Knit all sts. The arms are kept simple and slender to fit neatly into the long sleeves of the brown cardigan without becoming too bulky.

Round 33: (K5, K2tog) twice. (12 sts)

Rounds 34-36: Knit all sts. Stuff the lower two-thirds of the arm firmly, leaving the top inch completely empty.

Round 37: (K2tog) 6 times. (6 sts). Break the yarn, pull through the remaining loops, and secure tightly.

The Traditional Alpine Garments

The clothing gives this bunny her distinct sweetheart look. The dress is worked with a lovely rust and brown color block, featuring delicate embroidered flowers along the hem band.

The Rust and Brown Alpine Dress

Row 1 (Neckline): Using White yarn (for the collar peek), cast on 32 sts. Work 2 rows in garter stitch.

Row 3 (Switch to Rust Yarn): K5, PM, K4, PM, K14, PM, K4, PM, K5.

Row 4 (and all WS rows): Purl all sts across.

Row 5 (Raglan Increase): *Knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, K1, SM, K1, M1L; repeat from * 3 more times, knit to the end of the row. (40 sts)

Rows 6-17: Repeat Rows 4 and 5 six more times. You will have 88 sts on the needle.

Row 18: Purl all sts.

Row 19 (Dividing for Sleeves): Knit to the first marker, remove marker, bind off the next 18 sts for the sleeve (this dress is sleeveless under the cardigan). Cast on 2 sts for the underarm.

Knit across the back 30 sts to the next marker, remove marker, bind off the next 18 sts for the second sleeve. Cast on 2 sts for the underarm. Knit the remaining front sts to the end. (56 sts on the needle)

Rows 20-28: Work in stockinette stitch across these 56 body stitches using the Rust yarn to form the bodice.

Row 29 (Skirt Increase): *K1, M1L; repeat from * to the end of the row. (112 sts). Join the work to begin knitting in the round. PM to mark the beginning of the round.

Rounds 30-40: Knit all sts using the Rust yarn.

Round 41 (Second Increase): *K2, M1L; repeat from * to end. (168 sts).

Rounds 42-50: Knit all sts in Rust.

Rounds 51-60 (The Dark Brown Band): Switch to Dark Chocolate Brown yarn. Knit 10 rounds evenly.

Rounds 61-64 (The Rust Hem): Switch back to Rust yarn. Knit 2 rounds. Purl 2 rounds to create a neat garter edge. Bind off loosely purlwise.

Embroidering the Daisies

Take a tapestry needle and Pure White yarn. Along the Dark Brown band of the skirt, embroider small, 8-petaled daisies using the lazy daisy stitch, spacing them evenly around the dress. Use Golden Yellow yarn to stitch a small French knot in the center of each white daisy. This creates the beautiful edelweiss border effect.

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The Cream Diamond Lattice Apron

The apron adds a rich, rustic texture. It is knitted flat from the bottom up, featuring an intricate traveling stitch diamond pattern.

Row 1: Using Cream yarn, cast on 34 sts.

Rows 2-4: Knit all sts (garter stitch border).

Row 5 (Setup for Lattice): K3, *P4, K2; repeat from * to last 7 sts, P4, K3.

Row 6 (and all WS rows): Knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they present themselves. Keep the first and last 3 sts as K3 for the garter border.

Row 7 (Begin Diamonds): K3, *P3, Cross 2 Right (knit 2nd st on left needle, then knit 1st st, drop both), P3; repeat from * to end, keeping border.

Row 9: K3, *P2, Cross 2 Right over Purl (slip 1 to cable needle, hold back, K1, P1 from cable needle), Cross 2 Left over Purl (slip 1 to cable needle, hold front, P1, K1 from cable needle), P2; repeat from * to end.

Continue this diagonal traveling stitch method, moving the knit stitches outward to form diamonds, then inward to close them. Work this pattern until the apron measures roughly 3.5 inches long.

Final Rows: Work 4 rows in garter stitch. Bind off all stitches. Pick up 4 stitches at the top left corner to knit a long I-cord tie (about 40 rows). Repeat for the top right corner. These ties will secure the apron around the bunny’s waist.

The Speckled Brown Cardigan

This cozy cardigan matches the dress hem perfectly. It is knitted flat from the top down and decorated with tiny white flecks to resemble traditional tweed or embroidery.

Row 1: Using Dark Chocolate Brown yarn, cast on 40 sts. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.

Row 5 (Setup): K6, PM, K6, PM, K16, PM, K6, PM, K6.

Row 6 (and all WS rows): K3 (garter button band), purl to last 3 sts, K3.

Row 7: K3, *knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, K1, SM, K1, M1L; repeat from * 3 times, knit to last 3 sts, K3.

Rows 8-21: Repeat Rows 6 and 7 seven more times. You will have 104 sts.

Row 22: K3, purl to end, K3.

Row 23 (Divide for Sleeves): Knit to first marker, place 22 sts on holder, cast on 3 sts, knit 34 back sts, place 22 sts on holder, cast on 3 sts, knit to end.

Rows 24-36: Work in stockinette stitch across the body stitches, maintaining the 3-stitch garter edge on both the left and right sides.

Rows 37-40: Work 4 rows in garter stitch across all stitches. Bind off.

Cardigan Sleeves and Details

Transfer the 22 sleeve stitches back to DPNs. Pick up 3 stitches at the underarm. Knit in the round in Dark Brown for 25 rounds. Work 4 rounds in garter stitch (purl one round, knit one round). Bind off. Repeat for the other sleeve.

The Flecks: Using a tapestry needle and Pure White yarn, embroider tiny “V” shapes randomly scattered across the front panels and sleeves of the cardigan. Finally, sew four small brown buttons evenly down the front left button band.

Alpine Accessories and Footwear

These detailed finishing touches bring the character’s story to life. Take your time knitting the accessories to ensure they fit properly.

The Cream Eyelet Beret

Round 1: Using Cream yarn, cast on 54 sts. Join in the round.

Rounds 2-6: Work in K1, P1 ribbing for a snug brim.

Round 7 (Increase Round): *K3, M1L; repeat from * to end. (72 sts)

Rounds 8-10: Knit all sts.

Round 11 (Eyelet Detail): *K4, YO, K2tog; repeat from * to end. This creates a ring of decorative holes.

Rounds 12-16: Knit all sts.

Round 17 (Decrease Round): *K10, K2tog; repeat from * to end. (66 sts)

Round 18: Knit all sts.

Round 19: *K9, K2tog; repeat from * to end. (60 sts)

Continue decreasing in this established pattern (working one less stitch between decreases each alternate round) until 6 sts remain. Knit one round. Break yarn and pull tightly through the remaining loops to close the crown.

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The Double-Strap Brown Shoes (Make 2)

Round 1: Using Dark Chocolate Brown yarn, cast on 22 sts. Join in the round.

Round 2: Knit into the front and back of every stitch. (44 sts)

Rounds 3-6: Purl all sts. This creates the thick, defined sole edge of the mountain shoe.

Rounds 7-10: Knit all sts for the sides of the shoe.

Round 11 (Toe Decreases): K14, (K2tog) 8 times, K14. (36 sts)

Round 12: K14, (K2tog) 4 times, K14. (32 sts). Bind off all stitches.

The Straps: For each shoe, pick up 1 stitch on the side of the opening, cast on 16 stitches, and attach to the far side. Bind off. Repeat this process slightly further down the shoe opening to create the second strap. Sew a tiny button on the edge of each strap.

The Tan Cross-Body Bag

Row 1: Using Warm Tan yarn, cast on 16 sts.

Rows 2-26: Work in stockinette stitch. This long piece will fold up to form the pouch.

Rows 27-32: Work in garter stitch to form the textured flap.

Row 33: SSK, knit to last 2 sts, K2tog. (14 sts)

Row 34: SSK, knit to last 2 sts, K2tog. (12 sts). Bind off.

Assembly: Fold the bottom up and seam the sides. Fold the flap over and sew a small button to the center. Pick up 1 stitch on the side and knit a 50-row I-cord. Sew the strap to the other side of the bag.

The Striped Kerchief and Bells

Row 1: Using Crimson Red yarn, cast on 3 sts.

Row 2: Knit all sts.

Row 3: K1, M1L, K1, M1R, K1. (5 sts)

Rows 4-15: Continue knitting in garter stitch, increasing 1 st inside the edge stitches on every RS row until you have 17 sts.

Rows 16-20: Switch to Forest Green yarn. Continue increases.

Rows 21-22: Switch to Black yarn. Knit 2 rows without increasing. Bind off loosely.

The Bells (Make 2): Using Golden Yellow yarn, cast on 6 sts on DPNs. Knit 1 round. Increase to 12 sts. Knit 4 rounds. Round 7: (K1, YO, K2tog) around to create a flared edge. Bind off. Sew these tiny bells to the bottom point of the kerchief.

The Miniature Mountain Goat Companion

This adorable little friend wears his own alpine sweater and matching hat.

Goat Head and Body

Round 1: Using Light Grey yarn, cast on 6 sts. Join in the round.

Round 2: (Kfb) in every st. (12 sts)

Rounds 3-12: Knit all sts. Stuff firmly to create the plump torso.

Round 13 (Neck): (K2tog) 6 times. (6 sts)

Round 14: Knit all sts.

Round 15 (Head Base): (Kfb) in every st. (12 sts)

Round 16: (K1, Kfb) 6 times. (18 sts).

Rounds 17-21: Knit all sts. The goat has a slightly longer snout than the bunny.

Round 22: (K1, K2tog) 6 times. (12 sts). Stuff the head firmly.

Round 23: (K2tog) 6 times. Break yarn and pull tight to close.

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Goat Features and Clothing

Horns (Make 2): Using Dark Grey yarn, cast on 4 sts. Knit as a tiny I-cord for 6 rows. Bind off tightly and curve slightly. Sew to the top of the head.

Ears (Make 2): Using Light Grey yarn, cast on 4 sts. Knit 6 rows in stockinette. Bind off and sew below the horns.

Limbs (Make 4): Using Light Grey yarn, cast on 5 sts. Knit an I-cord for 8 rows. Switch to Dark Grey for the last 2 rows for hooves. Bind off and sew to the body.

Green Sweater: Using Forest Green yarn, cast on 20 sts. Work flat in stockinette for 8 rows. Add a garter stitch border for 2 rows. Bind off. Wrap around the goat’s torso and seam up the belly. Add tiny green I-cord sleeves if desired.

Green Beret: Using Forest Green yarn, cast on 16 sts. Join. Knit 1 round. Increase round: (K1, M1) to end. (32 sts). Knit 3 rounds. Decrease round: (K2tog) to end. (16 sts). Next round: (K2tog) to end. Break yarn and pull tight. Add a tiny black French knot to the top.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Careful assembly makes all the difference in amigurumi. Use the long cream tail from the torso to sew the bunny’s head securely onto the neck using the mattress stitch. Pin the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck seam and attach them firmly. Position the tall ears on either side of the head, allowing them to droop, and sew them securely in place.

For the face, use the dark brown embroidery floss to stitch a delicate ‘Y’ shape exactly between the safety eyes to form the nose and mouth. Dress the bunny by sliding the floral rust dress on first. Tie the cream lattice apron around her waist. Put the brown speckled cardigan over her arms. Place the double-strap shoes on the feet, adjust the eyelet beret on the head, and loop the tan bag over her shoulder. Position the kerchief and the tiny goat companion nearby.

Care Notes

Because this alpine project contains intricate lattice work, delicate embroidery, and multiple small stuffed components, it should be treated as a gentle heirloom rather than a rough plaything. Keep the pieces away from sharp objects that might snag the floating yarns on the inside of the skirt or the twisted stitches of the apron. Ensure the environment is free from moths if using natural animal fibers.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Are all yarn ends securely woven in, especially around the apron and cardigan?
  • Is the bunny’s head firmly attached and not wobbling under the weight of the hat?
  • Are the safety eyes on both the bunny and the miniature goat firmly locked in place?
  • Are the tiny accessories (shoes, bag, kerchief, bells) completed and fitted correctly?
  • Are the embroidered facial details symmetrical and neat?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

If cleaning becomes absolutely necessary due to dust or a spill, never machine wash or tumble dry this handmade item. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and a gentle, no-rinse wool wash. Submerge the bunny and accessories, pressing gently to clean without wringing or twisting the fabric. Twisting can distort the delicate cables and shift the internal stuffing. Rinse thoroughly in cool water if needed. Press out excess moisture using a thick, clean towel. Reshape the ears, the flared dress skirt, the lattice apron, and the tiny accessories while they are damp. Lay the entire project flat on a dry towel in a shaded, well-ventilated area until completely dry to preserve the vibrant yarn colors and structural integrity.

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