Coneflower Prairie Polaroid Bunny – Knitting

Meet a sweet prairie bunny dressed for a sunny photo walk, complete with a straw-style hat, cozy cardigan, coneflower dress, lace-up boots, and a tiny instant-camera bag. This project is ideal if you love heirloom dolls, cottagecore outfits, and detailed accessories that look great in product photos. Gather DK yarn, double-pointed needles, toy stuffing, safety eyes, embroidery floss, and a small amount of felt or fabric for the camera details. You can also shop for mini buttons, ribbon, and floral appliqué supplies to personalize the look while keeping the silhouette true to the finished bunny.

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

Finished Size and Fit

This bunny is designed as a seated collectible doll. Finished height is approximately 12–14 in (30–35 cm) from boot soles to hat crown, depending on yarn and tension. The small hedgehog friend finishes about 4–5 in (10–13 cm) tall. The clothing is fitted to this bunny’s body proportions and will not necessarily fit other dolls.

Materials

• DK weight yarn (or light worsted) in: Beige (bunny), Cream (muzzle/boots), Sage green (cardigan), Denim blue (dress), Dusty pink (coneflower petals), Chocolate brown (coneflower centers), Straw beige (hat), Small amounts of: White, Black, Red, Sky blue, Mint, Orange, Purple, Dark brown (camera and bouquet)
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) for tight toy fabric, optional US 3 (3.25 mm) for dress if you prefer softer drape
• Double-pointed needles (DPNs) or magic loop for small circumferences
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
• Toy stuffing
• Safety eyes: 6–8 mm (or embroider eyes for child-safe option)
• Embroidery floss in black and brown for face and hat florals
• Thin ribbon or i-cord for bag strap (or knit strap)
• Optional: tiny snap/Velcro for cardigan closure, mini button for cardigan top
• Optional: thin craft foam or felt pieces for camera details

Gauge and Fabric Notes

Toy knitting needs a firm fabric so stuffing does not show. Aim for a dense stockinette where stitches are compact and smooth. Exact gauge is less important than firmness and consistent shaping. If holes appear between stitches, switch to a smaller needle. If fabric feels stiff like cardboard, go up a needle size.

Techniques Used

• Knitting in the round (DPNs or magic loop)
• Stockinette stitch in the round (knit every round)
• Flat stockinette (knit RS, purl WS)
• Increases: kfb, m1L, m1R (choose one and be consistent)
• Decreases: k2tog, ssk
• Short seams with mattress stitch
• Simple embroidery for details
• Picking up stitches for bands and trims

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS/WS = right side/wrong side
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• kfb = knit front and back (increase)
• m1L/m1R = make one left/right
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on

Color Planning

Keep the bunny body in a warm beige with a slightly lighter cream muzzle and boot accents. The cardigan is a muted sage green. The dress is denim blue with a wide hem decorated by three large coneflower motifs: dusty pink petals and brown centers. The hat is straw beige with tiny embroidered flowers around the brim.

Order of Work

1. Knit bunny head and body as one piece.
2. Knit arms and legs separately, then attach.
3. Knit ears and sew on.
4. Knit dress, cardigan, boots, and hat.
5. Knit camera bag and bouquet.
6. Knit small hedgehog friend with dress and hat.
7. Assemble, add face, and final styling.

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Bunny Head and Body (One Piece)

Work in the round from top of head down to body. Use Beige yarn and US 2 (2.75 mm). Place a marker for beginning of round. Stuff firmly as you go, shaping often so the head stays round and the body stays softly pear-shaped.

Head Top

1. CO 6 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st (12).
3. Rnd 2: k all (12).
4. Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) repeat (18).
5. Rnd 4: k all (18).
6. Rnd 5: (k2, kfb) repeat (24).
7. Rnd 6: k all (24).
8. Rnd 7: (k3, kfb) repeat (30).
9. Rnd 8: k all (30).
10. Rnd 9: (k4, kfb) repeat (36).
11. Rnd 10: k all (36).
12. Rnd 11: (k5, kfb) repeat (42).
13. Rnd 12: k all (42).
14. Rnd 13: (k6, kfb) repeat (48).
15. Rnd 14: k all (48).

Head Sphere

Continue in stockinette (k every rnd) until the head looks round and full. This section sets the gentle, plush proportion you see in the photo: a slightly oversized head compared to the body, with a smooth face area.

1. Rnds 15–26: k all (48).

Eye Placement Guide

Before shaping the neck, mark eye positions. Place safety eyes between Rnds 21 and 22, about 10–11 sts apart (center to center). Adjust a stitch or two to match your face width. The eyes in the photo are small, dark, and set calmly wide for a soft expression.

Neck Shaping

1. Rnd 27: (k6, k2tog) repeat (42).
2. Rnd 28: k all (42).
3. Rnd 29: (k5, k2tog) repeat (36).
4. Rnd 30: k all (36).
5. Rnd 31: (k4, k2tog) repeat (30).
6. Rnd 32: k all (30).

Body Increase (Upper Chest)

The bunny wears a fitted cardigan and dress, so keep the torso slim at the top, then gently widen for the skirt and seated posture. Stuff lightly at first, then more firmly as you reach the belly.

1. Rnd 33: (k4, kfb) repeat (36).
2. Rnd 34: k all (36).
3. Rnd 35: (k5, kfb) repeat (42).
4. Rnd 36: k all (42).
5. Rnd 37: (k6, kfb) repeat (48).
6. Rnd 38: k all (48).

Body Length

1. Rnds 39–54: k all (48).

Lower Body and Seat Shaping

To help the bunny sit, create a slightly wider lower torso, then taper for the base. This keeps the doll stable when posed on a bench or shelf like the image.

1. Rnd 55: (k7, kfb) repeat (54).
2. Rnd 56: k all (54).
3. Rnds 57–60: k all (54).
4. Rnd 61: (k7, k2tog) repeat (48).
5. Rnd 62: k all (48).
6. Rnd 63: (k6, k2tog) repeat (42).
7. Rnd 64: k all (42).
8. Rnd 65: (k5, k2tog) repeat (36).
9. Rnd 66: k all (36).
10. Stuff the body firmly, smoothing lumps with your fingers.
11. Rnd 67: (k4, k2tog) repeat (30).
12. Rnd 68: (k3, k2tog) repeat (24).
13. Rnd 69: (k2, k2tog) repeat (18).
14. Rnd 70: (k1, k2tog) repeat (12).
15. Rnd 71: k2tog around (6).
16. Cut yarn, thread tail, draw closed, and weave in.

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Muzzle Panel (Cream Insert)

The face in the photo shows a subtle, lighter oval muzzle area. This can be made as a separate knitted oval and stitched on, creating a gentle raised shape without changing the head knitting. Use Cream yarn and knit flat.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): k.
3. Row 2 (WS): p.
4. Row 3: kfb, k to last st, kfb (12).
5. Row 4: p.
6. Row 5: kfb, k to last st, kfb (14).
7. Row 6: p.
8. Rows 7–10: work stockinette (k RS, p WS).
9. Row 11: ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog (12).
10. Row 12: p.
11. Row 13: ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog (10).
12. Row 14: p.
13. BO loosely. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy, attaching at the sides of the head and draping down. Knit flat to keep them smooth and wide, then fold slightly at the base when sewing. Use Beige yarn.

Ear Piece

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1–6: stockinette (k RS, p WS).
3. Row 7 (RS): kfb, k to last st, kfb (16).
4. Row 8: p.
5. Rows 9–18: stockinette.
6. Row 19: kfb, k to last st, kfb (18).
7. Row 20: p.
8. Rows 21–34: stockinette.
9. Begin taper: Row 35 (RS): ssk, k to last 2, k2tog (16).
10. Row 36: p.
11. Row 37: ssk, k to last 2, k2tog (14).
12. Row 38: p.
13. Rows 39–46: stockinette.
14. Round tip: Row 47: ssk, k to last 2, k2tog (12).
15. Row 48: p.
16. Row 49: ssk, k to last 2, k2tog (10).
17. Row 50: p.
18. Row 51: ssk, k to last 2, k2tog (8).
19. Row 52: p.
20. Row 53: ssk, k to last 2, k2tog (6).
21. Row 54: p.
22. BO. Leave tail for sewing.

Ear Finishing

Lightly steam-block each ear so it lies flat, but do not stretch. Fold the top edge slightly to round it, then sew the ear to the head. Attach so the inner edge starts about one stitch behind the eye line, angled down.

Arms (Make 2)

The arms are simple and slightly rounded, ending in mitten-like paws. They sit at the sides under the cardigan, with a relaxed forward angle. Use Beige yarn and knit in the round for a seamless look.

1. CO 6 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around (12).
3. Rnds 2–8: k all (12).
4. Rnd 9: (k2, kfb) repeat (16).
5. Rnds 10–14: k all (16).
6. Rnd 15: (k2, k2tog) repeat (12).
7. Rnds 16–28: k all (12).
8. Lightly stuff the paw and lower arm, leaving top unstuffed for easier sewing.
9. Flatten opening and BO across 6 sts. Leave a long tail.

Legs (Make 2)

The legs are thicker than the arms and built to sit in boots. Knit in the round, with a slightly wider thigh so the dress falls nicely. Use Beige yarn.

1. CO 6 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around (12).
3. Rnd 2: k all (12).
4. Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) repeat (18).
5. Rnds 4–10: k all (18).
6. Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) repeat (12).
7. Rnds 12–26: k all (12).
8. Stuff firmly, especially the thigh and calf.
9. Flatten opening and BO across 6 sts. Leave long tail.

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Dress (Denim Blue)

The dress in the photo is a one-piece with a fitted top and a gently flared skirt. The hem is decorated with large coneflower motifs spaced around the front. Work the dress mostly in the round from the top down, then add hem and appliqués.

Dress Bodice (Top-Down, In the Round)

1. With Denim blue, CO 36 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnds 1–4: k all (36).
3. Rnd 5: (k5, k2tog) repeat (30).
4. Rnds 6–10: k all (30).
5. Armholes: BO 4 sts, k 11, BO 4 sts, k 11 (22 sts remain on needle for front and back sections joined).

Work Bodice Flat to Create Armholes

1. Row 1 (RS): k across.
2. Row 2 (WS): p across.
3. Rows 3–8: continue stockinette for 6 rows.
4. Rejoin in the round by knitting across and casting on 4 sts under each arm (use backward loop CO).
5. You should have 30 sts again in the round.

Skirt Shaping

Increase gradually so the skirt flares but still looks neat and slightly structured, like the dress in the image. Keep the skirt length long enough to cover the top of the boots while seated.

1. Rnd 1: (k4, kfb) repeat (36).
2. Rnds 2–4: k all (36).
3. Rnd 5: (k5, kfb) repeat (42).
4. Rnds 6–10: k all (42).
5. Rnd 11: (k6, kfb) repeat (48).
6. Rnds 12–18: k all (48).
7. Rnd 19: (k7, kfb) repeat (54).
8. Rnds 20–32: k all (54).

Dress Hem Band

1. Work 4 rounds in garter-in-the-round effect: alternate 1 rnd knit, 1 rnd purl, repeated twice.
2. BO loosely so hem sits flat.

Coneflower Hem Motifs (Make 3 Large Flowers)

The dress shows large coneflower shapes along the lower edge. Each flower has a raised brown center and long dusty pink petals. Knit the center as a small bobble-like circle, then knit petals separately and sew around it. Place three flowers across the front hem.

Brown Center (Make 3)

1. With Chocolate brown, CO 8 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnds 1–4: k all.
3. Rnd 5: (k2tog) repeat (4).
4. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, pull tight.
5. Stuff lightly with a pinch of fiberfill for a puffy center.

Dusty Pink Petals (Make 18 Petals Total, 6 per Flower)

1. With Dusty pink, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): k.
3. Row 2 (WS): p.
4. Row 3: kfb, k to last st, kfb (8).
5. Row 4: p.
6. Rows 5–10: stockinette.
7. Row 11: ssk, k to last 2, k2tog (6).
8. Row 12: p.
9. Row 13: ssk, k2tog (4).
10. Row 14: p.
11. BO. Leave tail for sewing.

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Flower Assembly and Placement

Sew 6 petals around each brown center, overlapping slightly at the base so the petals radiate. Each coneflower should be about 2–2.5 in wide. Stitch each flower securely to the dress hem so it curves naturally with the skirt. Keep petals pointing down and out.

Cardigan (Sage Green)

The cardigan is a short, fitted piece with long sleeves and a small collar edge. It sits above the waistline and frames the dress. Work it flat from the bottom up, then add sleeves and a simple neck edging. Use Sage green yarn.

Back Panel

1. CO 28 sts.
2. Work 6 rows of garter stitch (k every row) for the hem.
3. Switch to stockinette: Rows 7–24 (18 rows): k RS, p WS.
4. Armhole shaping: BO 2 sts at each side once (24 sts).
5. Continue stockinette for 10 rows.
6. Shoulders: BO 6 sts at start of next 2 RS rows (12 sts remain for neck).
7. BO remaining 12 sts.

Front Panels (Make 2)

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Work 6 rows garter for hem.
3. Work stockinette for 18 rows.
4. Armhole: BO 2 sts at side edge once (14 sts).
5. Continue stockinette for 8 rows.
6. Neck shaping: BO 2 sts at front edge once, then BO 1 st at front edge on next 3 RS rows.
7. Continue stockinette until front matches back height.
8. BO remaining shoulder sts.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. CO 18 sts, work flat.
2. Work 6 rows garter for cuff.
3. Switch to stockinette for 18 rows.
4. Optional gentle taper: on each RS row, ssk at start, k to last 2, k2tog, repeated 3 times (makes a slimmer wrist-to-elbow line).
5. BO. Seam sleeve into tube with mattress stitch.

Cardigan Assembly

Seam shoulders first, then set in sleeves, then seam side seams and sleeve seams in one continuous line. Keep seams neat because the cardigan is worn open and visible. Try it on the bunny as you go, pinning edges so the fit is snug but not stretched.

Neck and Front Edge Band

1. With RS facing, pick up sts evenly along one front edge, around neck, and down other front edge.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch for a clean, slightly rounded band.
3. BO loosely.
4. Add one small closure at the top if desired (mini button, snap, or hidden Velcro).

Boots (Cream with Lace-Up Detail)

The bunny wears tall lace-up boots with a rounded toe. Knit each boot in the round from the toe up, then add a folded cuff and embroidered laces. Use Cream yarn for boots. Add tiny pink flowers near the ankle for the sweet prairie look.

Boot Toe (Make 2)

1. CO 8 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: (k1, kfb) repeat (12).
3. Rnd 2: k all (12).
4. Rnd 3: (k2, kfb) repeat (16).
5. Rnd 4: k all (16).
6. Rnds 5–10: k all (16).

Foot and Ankle

1. Rnd 11: (k6, k2tog) repeat (14).
2. Rnds 12–18: k all (14).
3. Rnd 19: (k5, kfb) repeat (16).
4. Rnds 20–30: k all (16).

Boot Shaft and Cuff

1. Rnds 31–40: k all (16).
2. Work 4 rounds of garter-in-the-round effect: alternate knit round and purl round twice.
3. BO loosely. Fold cuff slightly outward if desired.

Lace-Up and Flower Details

Use a thin strand of Beige yarn or embroidery floss to embroider crisscross laces down the front. Add a small stitched flower on the outer ankle: 5 tiny petals in dusty pink with a brown center stitch. Slide boots onto the bunny’s legs before dressing.

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Straw-Style Hat (Straw Beige)

The hat has a flat-ish brim and a rounded crown, with small embroidered flowers on the brim. Knit in the round from the crown top down, then increase for the brim. Use Straw beige yarn and keep stitches even for a neat “woven” look.

Crown Top

1. CO 6 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around (12).
3. Rnd 2: k all (12).
4. Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) repeat (18).
5. Rnd 4: k all (18).
6. Rnd 5: (k2, kfb) repeat (24).
7. Rnd 6: k all (24).
8. Rnd 7: (k3, kfb) repeat (30).
9. Rnd 8: k all (30).

Crown Sides

1. Rnds 9–18: k all (30).

Brim

1. Rnd 19: (k4, kfb) repeat (36).
2. Rnd 20: k all (36).
3. Rnd 21: (k5, kfb) repeat (42).
4. Rnd 22: k all (42).
5. Rnd 23: (k6, kfb) repeat (48).
6. Rnd 24: k all (48).
7. Rnd 25: (k7, kfb) repeat (54).
8. Rnd 26: k all (54).
9. Work 3 rounds garter-in-the-round effect for a crisp brim edge.
10. BO loosely.

Hat Flowers (Embroidery)

Embroider small flowers around the brim: tiny petals in muted pink and little green leaf stitches. Space them evenly, leaving some gaps. Add a few French-knot style dots if you like, but keep it delicate so the hat still looks airy and straw-like.

Polaroid-Style Camera Bag (Mini Crossbody)

The bunny carries a small square camera bag with a strap across the chest. Knit a tiny pouch, then add a front “camera” panel using simple intarsia-like stripes or surface embroidery. The camera face includes a lens circle, a small button, and a rainbow stripe detail.

Bag Body (Knit Flat, Then Seam)

1. With Beige or light tan, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1–28: stockinette (k RS, p WS).
3. Fold piece so the bottom 10 rows form the base and the top forms the back flap.
4. Seam sides with mattress stitch, leaving the flap unsewn.

Bag Flap Edge

1. Pick up sts along flap edge.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. BO. Add a tiny stitched “button” dot if desired.

Camera Front Details

• Lens: embroider a dark circle slightly off-center using black and blue, then add a smaller highlight stitch.
• Flash window: stitch a small white rectangle near the top.
• Button: add one tiny red stitch circle.
• Rainbow stripe: embroider short curved lines in red, orange, and green near the bottom corner.

Strap

1. Knit an i-cord: CO 3 sts, knit 55–70 rows (length to fit across bunny body), or crochet a chain cord.
2. Sew ends to bag sides so it sits diagonally like the photo.

Bouquet of Prairie Flowers

The bunny holds a small bunch with purple and orange blooms and green stems. Make simple knitted flower heads, then gather them into a wrap. Keep the bouquet compact so it fits against the bag and cardigan without hiding the dress motifs.

Simple Flower Head (Make 3–5)

1. CO 10 sts in your flower color (purple or orange).
2. Row 1 (RS): (k1, yo) repeat to end.
3. Row 2 (WS): p all.
4. Row 3: k all.
5. BO loosely, leaving a long tail.
6. Gather along cast-on edge to form a ruffled flower, stitch center tight.
7. Add a small dark center with embroidery floss.

Stems and Wrap

• Stems: knit i-cords in green (CO 3 sts) to desired length, or use floral wire wrapped with yarn for stability.
• Wrap: knit a small rectangle in beige, roll around stems, and stitch closed.
• Arrange: stitch flower heads to stem tops, then bundle and tack together.

Small Hedgehog Friend

The tiny companion in the photo wears a floral dress and a mini straw hat. Knit the body as a simple oval with a textured back to suggest “spines.” Keep the face smooth and light. The hedgehog should sit close to the bunny’s side without towering.

Hedgehog Body (In the Round)

1. With light beige, CO 6 sts, join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around (12).
3. Rnd 2: k all (12).
4. Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) repeat (18).
5. Rnd 4: k all (18).
6. Rnd 5: (k2, kfb) repeat (24).
7. Rnds 6–10: k all (24).
8. Switch to dark brown for back texture.
9. Rnds 11–16: k all, and every 3rd stitch, work kfb then immediately k2tog on next rnd to form tiny nubs.
10. Switch back to light beige.
11. Rnd 17: (k2, k2tog) repeat (18).
12. Rnd 18: k all (18).
13. Rnd 19: (k1, k2tog) repeat (12).
14. Stuff firmly.
15. Rnd 20: k2tog around (6).
16. Draw closed, weave in.

Hedgehog Face

Add two tiny black stitched eyes and a small nose. Keep the mouth minimal so the expression stays gentle and matchy with the bunny. If using safety eyes, choose 4–5 mm and place slightly wide for a cute look.

Hedgehog Floral Dress

This dress is a simple skirted wrap. Use a light fabric print effect yarn if you have it, or knit in cream and add tiny embroidered flowers. Keep it short, like a little smock.

1. CO 24 sts, work 4 rows garter.
2. Work 10 rows stockinette.
3. Increase for skirt: Row 15 (RS): (k3, kfb) repeat.
4. Work 6 more rows stockinette.
5. BO. Seam into a tube and slip onto hedgehog.

Mini Hedgehog Hat

1. With straw beige, CO 6 sts, join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around (12).
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) repeat (18).
5. Rnds 4–7: k all (18).
6. Brim: Rnd 8: (k2, kfb) repeat (24).
7. Rnd 9: k all (24).
8. Rnd 10: (k3, kfb) repeat (30).
9. BO loosely. Add tiny embroidered flowers.

Assembly and Dressing

Work slowly and test-fit frequently. This design relies on proportion: a large head, slim shoulders, and long ears that drape under the hat brim. The outfit layers are important. Dress the bunny in this order so nothing bunches.

1. Sew muzzle panel onto head, centered below eyes. Stuff lightly under it if you want a gentle lift.
2. Embroider nose: a small “Y” shape in dark brown, with a short vertical line and two small angled mouth lines.
3. Attach ears to head sides so they hang down past the shoulders.
4. Sew arms to upper body at about Rnd 40–42 area, angled slightly forward.
5. Sew legs to lower body front, spaced so the bunny can sit. Keep feet pointing forward.
6. Slide boots onto legs and secure with a few hidden stitches if needed.
7. Put on the dress, aligning coneflower motifs across the front hem.
8. Add the cardigan, keeping it open so the dress bodice shows.
9. Place the hat over the ears, letting ears drape beneath the brim.
10. Add the camera bag strap diagonally across the chest.
11. Tack bouquet to one paw with a few stitches so it stays posed.
12. Dress the hedgehog and position it close to the bunny’s side.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face symmetry before tightening any knots. Use a small amount of shaping: pull a stitch line from the back of the head to slightly indent the eye area if desired. Keep the cheeks smooth. The look in the image is calm and minimal, with tiny features and lots of softness.

Care Notes

This is a decorative knitted doll. Display away from direct sunlight to reduce fading. Handle accessories gently, especially the hat brim and bag strap. If gifting, include a note that small parts may be a choking hazard for young children, especially safety eyes and tiny closures.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head shape: round, firmly stuffed, no lumps
• Eyes: even height, calm spacing, secure backing
• Muzzle: centered, edges neat, nose aligned
• Ears: matched length, attached evenly, draping under hat
• Outfit: dress hem flat, coneflowers secured, cardigan edges neat
• Accessories: bag strap secure, bouquet attached, hat embroidery tidy
• Hedgehog: sits well, outfit fitted, face cute and simple

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot-clean only when possible. Use a barely damp cloth with mild soap and gently dab, then air-dry fully. For deeper cleaning, hand-wash clothing pieces separately in cool water, press in a towel, and reshape flat to dry. Avoid twisting. Store in a breathable cotton bag with silica packets to reduce moisture.