Gaillardia Pinwheel-Fair Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere of a vintage summer fair, brought to life by the Gaillardia Pinwheel-Fair Bunny. This project captures the pure joy of a sunny afternoon spent winning prizes, riding the carousel, and enjoying the simple pleasures of childhood. Our charming rabbit character is the star of the show, dressed in a festive ensemble that reflects the bold colors of the Gaillardia flower (also known as the Blanket Flower) and the spinning motion of a playful pinwheel.

She wears a stunning dress featuring a sky-blue bodice speckled with confetti-like details and a skirt that bursts with a golden-yellow and burnt-orange sunburst pattern. To ward off the evening breeze after the fairground lights turn on, she wears a cozy cream cardigan featuring classic cable details on the sleeves and whimsical geometric pinwheel motifs on the front. Her look is topped with a textured newsboy cap, matching blue shoes, and a collection of prize-winning treasures: a pinwheel-motif handbag, a pink flamingo toy, a sweet lollipop, a fairground ticket, and a bouquet of summer blooms. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the durable, professional finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the best materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a warm oatmeal or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin to create a classic, vintage texture that is soft to the touch. For the intricate colorwork clothing and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the colors remain bright. 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 visit the fair, check your knitting bag for stitch markers and let’s 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 Gaillardia Pinwheel-Fair Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be robust yet elegant, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for precise shaping of the curves. This method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time, whether she is sitting on a shelf or being carried on an adventure.

The wardrobe is a celebration of summer geometry. The dress uses stranded colorwork to create a “rising sun” or flower petal effect on the skirt. The cardigan combines texture (cables) with intarsia colorwork (the triangles). The accessories are intricate and narrative-driven, each telling a part of the story of a day at the carnival.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Warm Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress Bodice & Shoes): 50g DK weight yarn in Sky Blue or Cornflower.
• Yarn C (Skirt Base): 40g DK weight yarn in Golden Yellow.
• Yarn D (Skirt & Pinwheel Accent): 30g DK weight yarn in Burnt Orange or Rust.
• Yarn E (Cardigan): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream or Aran.
• Yarn F (Hat & Bag Base): 40g DK weight yarn in Light Brown or Taupe.
• Yarn G (Flamingo): Small amount of Bright Pink.
• 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 (dark brown, black, yellow), stitch holders, small wooden buttons, wire (optional for flamingo neck support).

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.

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).
• C4F: Cable 4 Front (Slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle).
• 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.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You will now have 24 stitches.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts)
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row. This smooth section forms the base of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. This creates the instep of the foot, giving it a realistic shape. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 9. (24 sts)
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts)
• 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 holder. 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.

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Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (this forms the crotch), then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg from the holder.

• Row 43: You should now have 42 stitches on your needle.
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (44 sts)
• 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)
• 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.
• 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)
• 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)
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give the bunny its classic round face.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts)
• 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.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to the end. (15 sts)
• 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.

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)
• 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 Gaillardia Sunburst Dress

This dress mimics the vibrant petals of the Gaillardia flower (also known as the Blanket Flower). The skirt features a yellow base with orange tips resembling a sunburst or pinwheel.

Skirt with Colorwork

Using Yarn C (Golden Yellow), cast on 72 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a non-rolling hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch using Yellow.
• Row 9 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn D (Burnt Orange). You will work a stranded colorwork pattern (Fair Isle).

  Pattern Concept: We want to create triangular spikes of orange rising from the hem.

  Row 9: *Knit 3 Orange, Knit 3 Yellow*, repeat to end.

  Row 10: *Purl 2 Yellow, Purl 4 Orange*, repeat to end.

  Row 11: *Knit 5 Orange, Knit 1 Yellow*, repeat to end.

  Row 12: Purl across in Orange.

• Rows 13-16: Continue in Orange for a few rows to solidify the color band.
• Rows 17-34: Switch to Yarn B (Sky Blue) for the main body of the skirt. Work in stockinette stitch.

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Decoration: Once the blue section is complete, use embroidery floss or scrap yarn to stitch small “seeds” or “confetti” in rust and cream scattered across the blue fabric.

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 (Blue).
• 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 Pinwheel Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn E (Cream) and features two distinct design elements: cable knit sleeves and intarsia pinwheels on the front panels.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 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. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front (with Pinwheel)

Cast on 18 stitches. You will use the Intarsia technique for the colored triangles.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Row 5: Knit 4 Cream, Join Rust Yarn (Triangle 1), Knit 4 Rust, Join Blue Yarn (Triangle 2), Knit 4 Blue, Knit remaining Cream.

  Note: You are creating two small triangles that meet at a center point to look like pinwheel blades.

• Rows 6-12: Continue working the triangles, decreasing the colored stitches by 1 on each side every row until they come to a point.
• Rows 13-20: Work in Cream stockinette.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 stitches at the armhole edge.
• Rows 22-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 stitches at the neck edge.
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off remaining stitches.

Right Front

Work as for the Left Front, reversing the shaping and the pinwheel placement.

Cabled Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in Stockinette stitch, but work a C4F (Cable 4 Front) cable on the center 4 stitches every 6th row. Increase 1 stitch at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches along the front edges and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for the button band. Add small wooden buttons.

Part 4: The Newsboy Cap

This hat has a distinct shape with a brim (visor) and a fuller crown.

The Crown

Using Yarn F (Light Brown/Taupe), cast on 60 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the band.
• Row 5 (Increase for Volume): *Knit 4, Inc*, repeat to end. (72 sts)
• Rows 6-16: Work in stockinette stitch. This creates the “floppy” top part of the cap.
• Row 17 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 18: Purl.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: K2tog across.

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Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

The Visor (Brim)

Pick up 20 stitches along the front edge of the garter stitch band.

• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3: K2tog, Knit to last 2 sts, K2tog.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: K2tog, Knit to last 2 sts, K2tog.
• Row 6: Cast off.

Decoration: Crochet or knit a small Orange Gaillardia flower (yellow center, orange petals) and sew it to the side of the cap above the brim.

Part 5: Blue Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn B (Sky Blue), 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 yellow embroidery floss to stitch a small sunburst or star on the toe of each shoe.

Part 6: Fairground Accessories

The Pinwheel Bag

Using Yarn A (Base) and Scraps (Blue, Orange, Yellow).

• Front & Back (Make 2): Cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 24 stitches to make a flat circle.

  Colorwork: While knitting the circle, alternate colors every 4 stitches to create a spiral effect. (4 sts Blue, 4 sts Orange, etc., shifting the color change by one stitch every round).

• Gusset: Knit a long strip (4 sts wide) in Beige.
• Assembly: Sew the gusset between the two circles.
• Handle: Knit a long I-cord and attach.

The Pink Flamingo

Using Yarn G (Pink).

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 6 rows stockinette. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff.
• Neck: Pick up 4 stitches on the front. Knit an I-cord for 2.5 inches.

  Note: Insert a pipe cleaner or wire into the neck before closing to allow it to curve elegantly.

• Head: Increase to 8 stitches at the top of the neck. Knit 4 rows. Decrease. Embroider a black and white beak.
• Legs: Knit two long, thin I-cords. Knot the middles for “knees”. Sew to body.

The Pinwheel Toy

Using scraps of Blue, Yellow, Orange, Cream.

• Knit 4 tiny triangles (Cast on 5, dec to 1).
• Sew the points together at the center.
• Attach to a small wooden stick or a stiff knitted I-cord (the handle).

The Lollipop

• Twist pink, white, and blue yarn together tightly.
• Coil the twisted yarn into a flat circle.
• Stitch the coil together so it holds its shape.
• Insert a small white stick (cut from a cotton swab or toothpick).

The Ticket

Using Yarn A (Beige).

• Cast on 8 stitches. Knit 6 rows in Garter Stitch. Cast off.
• Use a black fine-liner pen or embroidery thread to write “TICKET” on it.

Gaillardia Bouquet

• Flowers: Cast on 5 stitches in Brown (Center). Knit 2 rows. Change to Orange. Increase to 10. Knit 2 rows. Change to Yellow. Bind off loosely. Roll into a flower shape. Make 3.
• Stems: Green I-cords.
• Tie together with a scrap of yarn.

Picnic Blanket

Using Red and White yarn.

• Cast on 20 stitches in White.
• Row 1-2: White.
• Row 3-4: Red.
• Repeat until square. This creates a striped carnival rug.

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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; you may want to insert a small roll of felt or extra stuffing into the neck column for stability.
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.

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 flamingo’s neck wire) safe if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Gaillardia Pinwheel-Fair Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of summer fun, vibrant colors, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a shelf or is given as a gift, it is sure to bring the joy of the fairground into any home.