When dedicated crafters set out to create a truly breathtaking heirloom toy, they often search to buy premium knitting yarn online to ensure the finest results.
Selecting the absolute best materials is essential for capturing the rustic, romantic textures of this beautiful, intricate countryside design.
Many passionate makers look to purchase high-quality sport weight wool and luxury amigurumi stuffing to achieve the crisp stitch definition required for detailed character making.
This enchanting character is dressed perfectly for a delightful afternoon picnic in the summer meadows, radiating warmth, elegance, and classic charm.
She comes complete with a magnificent pleated green skirt, a striking two-tone wrap cardigan, beautiful miniature accessories, and a sweet little lamb companion.
Grab your best needles, prepare your cozy workspace, and let us begin this wonderful and highly rewarding crafting journey together.
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 stunning meadow companion requires careful attention to the exact materials and fiber types used throughout the entire process.
The finished dimensions and the lovely, structured drape of the pleated skirt rely entirely on your tension and the specific yarn weights you choose.
We will be using multiple rich, nature-inspired colors to achieve the vintage, picnic-ready look seen in the finished photographs.
Please review this comprehensive material list carefully before casting on to ensure you have absolutely everything needed for the complete set.
Yarn Requirements
- Main Bunny Yarn: One skein of premium sport weight yarn in Warm Sand or Light Beige (approximately 180 yards).
- Sock and Lace Yarn: One skein of sport weight yarn in Pure White (approximately 100 yards).
- Cardigan Yarns: One skein of sport weight yarn in Cream, and one skein in Crimson Red (approximately 100 yards each).
- Skirt Yarn: One skein of sport weight yarn in Muted Meadow Green or Sage (approximately 140 yards).
- Shoe and Basket Yarn: Small amounts of sport weight yarn in Light Brown or Tan.
- Floral Accents: Scraps of sport weight yarn in Deep Black and Crimson Red for the poppy flowers and bobbles.
- Companion Yarn: Small amounts of sport weight yarn in Slate Grey, Pure White, and Denim Blue for the miniature lamb.
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 wrap cardigan and the wide pleated skirt.
- Premium polyester fiberfill for firm, even, and smooth stuffing of the main bunny and the small companion animal.
- One pair of 6mm black safety eyes for the main bunny figure.
- One pair of 4mm black safety eyes for the miniature lamb companion.
- A small scrap of dark brown embroidery floss for the delicate facial details on both animals.
- Tiny decorative wooden or pearl buttons for the bunny’s shoes and the lamb’s overalls.
- Tapestry needle for seaming pieces, duplicate stitching the poppy, and weaving in all yarn ends securely.
- Stitch markers to track your rounds, colorwork repeats, and raglan edge decreases.
Stitch Abbreviations
Please familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations before beginning your project to ensure a smooth crafting experience.
Maintaining a tight, even tension is extremely crucial for stuffed toys so the white 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)
- YO: Yarn over
- MB: Make Bobble (knit into front, back, front of same stitch, turn, purl 3, turn, knit 3, turn, purl 3 together)
- PM / SM: Place marker / Slip marker
The 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 construction method ensures great structural stability, preventing the heavy head from drooping later on in the assembly.
Working the body this way allows the finished toy to sit perfectly against a prop without slouching or losing its charming posture.
Take your time with the foundational rounds on the feet to ensure exceptionally neat and tight stitches before moving upwards.
The Legs and White Socks (Make 2)
Start with the first leg using the Warm Sand yarn and your double-pointed needles. The foot is shaped first for the base.
We will integrate the white ribbed socks directly into the leg structure to reduce bulk when putting the brown shoes on later.
Round 1: Cast on 12 sts using Warm Sand. Distribute them evenly across three needles.
Join to work in the round being careful not to twist the stitches, and PM for the beginning of the round.
Round 2: Knit all sts to establish the circular work and secure the initial cast-on edge.
📌Thank you for reading the article
Round 3: (K1, M1R, K4, M1L, K1) twice. You will now have 16 sts on your needles.
Rounds 4-8: Knit all sts in Warm Sand. This section builds the necessary height and volume of the bunny’s foot.
Round 9: (K2, M1R, K4, M1L, K2) twice. You will now have 20 sts. This creates the gentle curve of the foot.
Rounds 10-14: Knit all sts continuously. Stuff the foot firmly right now, as it will be very difficult to reach the bottom later.
Round 15 (Sock Transition): Switch to Pure White yarn. Knit all sts.
Rounds 16-24: Using Pure White, work in K1, P1 ribbing. This creates the textured, realistic look of a knitted sock hugging the ankle.
Round 25 (Leg Transition): Switch back to Warm Sand yarn. Knit all sts evenly to begin the bare leg.
Rounds 26-44: Knit all sts in Warm Sand. Continue adding small amounts of stuffing to the leg as you work your way upwards.
Keeping the stuffing even prevents lumpy legs and ensures the toy sits straight.
At the end of Round 44 on the first leg, break the yarn and place these stitches securely on a holder or a piece of scrap yarn.
For the second leg, repeat all the previous steps exactly. However, do not break the yarn at the end of this leg.
You will use this active working yarn to join the two pieces together and begin the lower torso.
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 forward direction before making the critical joining stitch.
Round 45 (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 bridge of the body.
Pick up the first leg from the holder and knit across all 20 sts.
Cast on 4 sts again using the backward loop method to mirror the front bridge.
Finally, knit the remaining 10 sts of the second leg to complete the circuit.
You now have 48 sts total on the needles. Place a marker here to indicate the new beginning of the round at the center back of the bunny.
Rounds 46-56: 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 or weak spots from forming.
Round 57 (Waist Decrease): (K10, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 44 sts. This slight decrease begins the gentle shaping of the waist.
Rounds 58-63: Knit all sts evenly to build the midsection of the torso.
Round 64: (K9, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 40 sts on the needles.
Rounds 65-72: Knit all sts evenly. Keep adding fiberfill, ensuring the belly is beautifully round and plump.
Round 73: (K8, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 36 sts remaining.
Rounds 74-78: Knit all sts. Shape the torso so it is wider at the bottom and tapers gently towards the upper chest area.
Round 79: (K7, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 32 sts.
Rounds 80-84: Knit all sts evenly to create the upper chest and shoulders.
Round 85 (Shoulder Decrease): (K6, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 28 sts.
Round 86: Knit all sts. Finish stuffing the upper chest completely and firmly so the neck will be strong enough to support the head.
Round 87 (Neck Shaping): (K2, K2tog) 7 times. You now have 21 sts left on the needles.
Round 88: Knit all sts. Bind off these remaining stitches.
Leave a very long tail for attaching the head to the body securely during the final assembly phase.
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 absolute best shape.
Round 1: Using Warm Sand yarn, cast on 6 sts. Distribute on DPNs and join carefully.
Round 2: Knit into the front and back (Kfb) of every single st. You will have 12 sts.
Round 3: (K1, Kfb) 6 times. You will have 18 sts.
Round 4: (K2, Kfb) 6 times. You will have 24 sts.
📌Thank you for reading the article
Rounds 5-11: Knit all sts. This extended section forms the gentle forward projection of the bunny’s snout.
Round 12 (Cheek Increases): K6, (Kfb) 12 times across the top and sides, K6. You now have 36 sts.
These rapid increases build the distinctly chubby cheeks characteristic of this design.
Round 13: K6, (K1, Kfb) 12 times, K6. You now have 48 sts. The face is becoming much wider here.
Rounds 14-20: Knit all sts evenly around the widest part of the face.
Round 21: (K7, Kfb) 6 times. You now have 54 sts.
Rounds 22-35: Knit all sts. During this wide section, you must insert the safety eyes.
Place them securely between rounds 16 and 17. Space them about 16 stitches apart, centered directly above the snout.
Round 36 (Begin Decreasing): (K7, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 48 sts.
Round 37: (K6, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 42 sts.
Round 38: (K5, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 36 sts.
Round 39: (K4, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 30 sts. Pause here to begin stuffing the head firmly.
Pay special attention to padding the cheek increases well from the inside.
This ensures the face looks wide, round, and remarkably gentle from all angles.
Round 40: (K3, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 24 sts.
Round 41: (K2, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 18 sts.
Round 42: (K1, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 12 sts.
Add any final bits of stuffing needed to shape the back of the head properly.
Round 43: (K2tog) 6 times. You have 6 sts left.
Break the yarn, thread the tail through the remaining loops, and pull tightly to close the hole securely. Weave in the end.
The Drooping Ears (Make 2)
The ears are knitted flat and then seamed together.
This specific folded technique gives them a lovely realistic thickness and allows them to drape beautifully down the sides of the head.
Row 1: Using Warm Sand yarn, cast on 12 sts on straight or circular needles.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts across the row.
Row 3 (RS): K1, M1R, K10, M1L, K1. You now have 14 sts.
Row 4: Purl all sts.
Row 5: K1, M1R, K12, M1L, K1. You now have 16 sts.
Rows 6-48: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 43 complete rows.
This creates the signature long, elegant shape of the drooping ear seen in the photos.
Row 49: Purl all sts.
Row 50: SSK, K12, K2tog. You now have 14 sts.
Row 51: Purl all sts.
Row 52: SSK, K10, K2tog. You now have 12 sts.
Row 53: Purl all sts.
Row 54: SSK, K8, K2tog. You now have 10 sts.
Rows 55-60: Work in stockinette stitch for six more rows. Bind off all stitches neatly.
Fold the bound-off edge in half and sew it pinched together.
This pinched end will be attached directly to the sides of the head later during assembly.
The Arms (Make 2)
The arms are worked in the round from the bottom up.
📌Thank you for reading the article
They are stuffed firmly at the hands but lightly at the top so they rest naturally against the body.
Round 1: Using Warm Sand yarn, cast on 10 sts. Distribute evenly on DPNs and join.
Round 2: (K1, M1R, K3, M1L, K1) twice. You now have 14 sts.
Rounds 3-40: Knit all sts. The arms are kept simple and slender to fit neatly into the long sleeves of the wrap cardigan.
Round 41: (K5, K2tog) twice. You now have 12 sts.
Rounds 42-44: Knit all sts. Stuff the lower two-thirds of the arm firmly right now.
Leave the top inch completely empty of stuffing so the arm can fold downwards gracefully.
Round 45: (K2tog) 6 times. You have 6 sts remaining.
Break the yarn, pull through the remaining loops, and secure tightly.
The Picnic Garments
The clothing gives this bunny her distinct summer picnic look.
The outfit features a magnificent pleated green skirt with striking red bobbles, paired with an intricate two-tone wrap cardigan.
The Green Pleated Bobble Skirt
This skirt is knitted in the round from the waist down, utilizing a ribbed structure to create natural, flowing pleats.
Round 1 (Waistband): Using Muted Green yarn, cast on 56 sts on a circular needle. Join in the round.
Rounds 2-6: Work in K1, P1 ribbing for a snug waistband.
Round 7 (Pleat Setup): *K6, P2; repeat from * around. This establishes the wide knit pleats and the purl folds.
Round 8 (Increase Round): *K1, M1L, K4, M1R, K1, P2; repeat from * around. You have 70 sts.
Rounds 9-12: *K8, P2; repeat from * around.
Round 13 (Increase Round): *K1, M1L, K6, M1R, K1, P2; repeat from * around. You have 84 sts.
Rounds 14-20: *K10, P2; repeat from * around. The pleats are growing wider beautifully.
Round 21 (First White Stripe): Switch to Pure White yarn. *K10, P2; repeat from * around. Switch back to Green.
Rounds 22-26: Using Green, *K10, P2; repeat from * around.
Round 27 (Increase Round): *K1, M1L, K8, M1R, K1, P2; repeat from * around. You have 98 sts.
Round 28 (Second White Stripe): Switch to Pure White yarn. *K12, P2; repeat from * around. Switch back to Green.
Rounds 29-38: Using Green, *K12, P2; repeat from * around.
Round 39 (The Red Bobble Row): In this round, we will integrate the striking red details into the center of each wide knit pleat.
Using Green, knit 6 stitches. Drop the green yarn (do not cut), and pick up the Crimson Red yarn.
Work a MB (Make Bobble) in the next stitch using the red yarn. Cut the red yarn, leaving tails to tie inside later.
Pick the green yarn back up, knit 5, purl 2. Repeat this sequence (*K6, Red MB, K5, P2*) around the entire skirt.
Rounds 40-44: Using Green, *K12, P2; repeat from * around, securing the red bobbles firmly in the fabric.
Round 45: Purl one round to create a neat horizontal folding edge.
Round 46: Bind off all stitches loosely to ensure the hem flares naturally.
The Two-Tone Wrap Cardigan
This unique piece crosses over the front like a ballet wrap. The back is knit first, then the right and left front panels are knit separately.
The Back Panel:
Row 1: Using Crimson Red yarn, cast on 40 sts. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for the bottom border.
Row 5: Switch to Cream yarn for the left half. Knit 20 sts in Cream, twist yarns, knit 20 sts in Red.
Rows 6-30: Work in stockinette stitch, maintaining the Cream/Red split down the exact center back using the intarsia method.
Row 31 (Armhole shaping): Bind off 3 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. You have 34 sts.
Rows 32-46: Continue in stockinette stitch with the color split. Bind off all stitches.
The Right Front Panel (Red):
Row 1: Using Crimson Red yarn, cast on 24 sts. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
📌Thank you for reading the article
Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 21 (V-Neck Decrease): K1, SSK, knit to end. Repeat this decrease at the neck edge every right-side row.
Row 25 (Armhole): Bind off 3 sts at the side edge.
Continue working the V-neck decreases until 10 sts remain for the shoulder. Bind off at the same height as the back panel.
The Left Front Panel (Cream with Poppy):
Row 1: Using Cream yarn, cast on 28 sts (this panel is wider to cross completely over). Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch. In the center of this panel, you will duplicate stitch the poppy motif later, leaving a blank cream canvas for now.
Row 21 (V-Neck Decrease): Knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. Repeat this decrease at the neck edge every right-side row.
Row 25 (Armhole): Bind off 3 sts at the side edge.
Continue working the decreases until 10 sts remain. Bind off.
Cardigan Sleeves:
Seam the shoulders together. Pick up 26 sts around the armhole opening using Cream yarn for the left sleeve, and Red yarn for the right sleeve.
Knit in the round for 30 rounds. Work 4 rounds in garter stitch with a row of eyelets (*K2tog, YO*) just before the cuff. Bind off.
Cardigan Edging and Tie:
Pick up stitches along the entire V-neck edge and front borders using Crimson Red yarn. Knit 3 rows in garter stitch.
At the bottom corner of the cream panel, cast on 30 extra stitches and immediately bind them off to create the long wrap tie string.
Duplicate Stitching the Poppy
Take your tapestry needle and Crimson Red yarn. On the center of the left Cream panel, use the duplicate stitch method to embroider a large, four-petaled poppy flower.
Stitch a solid red circle about 8 stitches wide and 10 rows high. Use Deep Black yarn to stitch a textured center, and Green yarn to stitch a downward trailing stem with a small leaf.
Accessories and Headwear
These incredibly detailed props tell the story of our picnic Bunny.
The Lace Trim Headband/Bonnet
Row 1: Using Green yarn, cast on 45 sts. Knit 6 rows flat in garter stitch to form the sturdy band.
Row 7: Switch to Pure White yarn. *K1, YO, K2tog; repeat from * to end to create an eyelet base.
Row 8: Purl all sts.
Row 9: Bind off using a picot method (*Cast on 2 sts, bind off 4 sts*) across the entire edge to create the delicate white lace ruffle. Sew the ends together under the chin.
The Beige Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)
These classic shoes slip perfectly over the integrated white socks.
Round 1: Using Light Brown yarn, cast on 24 sts. Join in the round.
Round 2: Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You have 48 sts.
Rounds 3-6: Purl all sts. This creates the thick, highly defined ridge for the sole.
Rounds 7-12: Knit all sts to build the sturdy sides of the shoe.
Round 13 (Toe Decreases): K16, (K2tog) 8 times, K16. You have 40 sts.
Round 14: K16, (K2tog) 4 times, K16. You have 36 sts.
Round 15: Bind off all stitches loosely.
The Strap: Pick up 1 stitch on the side of the shoe opening. Cast on 16 stitches horizontally.
Attach to the opposite side of the shoe. Bind off. Sew a tiny decorative button where the strap meets the shoe.
The Woven-Look Picnic Basket
Base: Using Light Brown yarn, cast on 16 sts. Work flat in garter stitch for 10 rows to form a rectangle. Pick up stitches around all four sides.
Sides: Work in the round. Use a basketweave stitch (*K4, P4* for 4 rounds, then *P4, K4* for 4 rounds) for 16 rounds.
Lid and Handle: Purl one round. Knit 4 rounds. Bind off. Knit a separate flat rectangle for the lid and a 4-stitch I-cord for the sturdy curved handle. Sew them securely to the basket base.
📌Thank you for reading the article
The White Lace Napkin and Loose Poppies
Napkin: Using Pure White yarn, cast on 20 sts. Knit in stockinette for 24 rows. Work a picot bind off around all four edges. Add a tiny green embroidery detail in one corner.
Loose Poppies: Using Red yarn, cast on 5 sts. Knit 1 row. Bind off tightly to create a tiny rosette. Add a black French knot to the center. Make three of these to scatter on the picnic napkin.
The Miniature Lamb Companion
This adorable little friend stands beside the bunny, wearing his own detailed outfit.
Lamb Head and Body
Round 1: Using Slate Grey yarn, cast on 6 sts. Join in the round.
Round 2: (Kfb) in every st. You have 12 sts.
Rounds 3-6: Knit all sts. This forms the grey snout.
Round 7: Switch to Pure White yarn. (K1, M1L) around. You have 24 sts. The face widens here.
Rounds 8-15: Work in a textured seed stitch (K1, P1) to mimic a fluffy fleece. Insert 4mm safety eyes during these rounds.
Round 16: (K2tog) around to decrease back to 12 sts. Stuff the head firmly.
Rounds 17-28: Continue in White seed stitch to form the plump, fluffy body. Stuff firmly.
Round 29: (K2tog) around to 6 sts. Break yarn and pull tight.
Lamb Features and Clothing
Ears (Make 2): Using Slate Grey yarn, cast on 4 sts. Knit 6 rows flat, decreasing to a point. Sew to the sides of the fluffy head so they flop outwards.
Limbs (Make 4): Cast on 6 sts in White. Knit a tiny I-cord for 8 rows. Switch to Slate Grey for the final 2 rows for the hooves. Bind off and attach to the body.
Denim Blue Overalls: Using Blue yarn, cast on 28 sts. Join in the round. Knit 8 rounds. Divide the stitches in half to knit two short, tubular legs for 5 rounds each.
Bind off. Slide over the lamb’s legs. Knit a tiny flat square for the front bib and two tiny flat straps to cross over the back, securing them with tiny buttons.
Tiny Cap: Using White yarn, cast on 16 sts. Knit 4 rounds. Decrease to close the top dome. Add a stripe of Red and Blue yarn around the brim. Sew onto the lamb’s head between the ears.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Careful assembly makes all the difference in achieving a professional amigurumi finish.
Use the long sand-colored 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 drooping ears on either side of the head 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 pleated green bobble skirt on first. Wrap the two-tone cardigan over her torso and tie the string at the side.
Place the brown shoes on the feet, adjust the lace headband around her head, and position the picnic basket over her arm.
Arrange the white napkin, loose poppies, and the exquisitely dressed miniature lamb companion nearby to complete the scene.
Care Notes
Because this spectacular summer project contains intricate bobbles, delicate lace trims, and multiple small stuffed components, it should be treated as a gentle display heirloom rather than a rough plaything.
Keep the pieces away from sharp objects that might snag the floating yarns on the inside of the cardigan or the delicate embroidered poppy flower.
Ensure the display environment is free from moths and direct, harsh sunlight if using natural animal fibers.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Are all yarn ends securely woven in, especially around the intarsia cardigan and the red skirt bobbles?
- Is the bunny’s head firmly attached and not wobbling at the neck?
- Are the safety eyes on both the main bunny and the miniature lamb firmly locked in place from the inside?
- Are the tiny accessories (shoes, basket, headband, loose poppies) completed and fitted correctly?
- Are the embroidered facial details, the poppy flower, and the lamb’s overalls symmetrical and exceptionally neat?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
If cleaning becomes absolutely necessary due to dust, 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 severely distort the delicate skirt pleats and shift the internal stuffing permanently.
Rinse thoroughly in cool water if needed. Press out excess moisture using a thick, clean towel.
Carefully reshape the long ears, the pleated skirt, the wrap cardigan, 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 red and green yarn colors and structural integrity.
