Knitting Tutorial: Hollyhock Birdhouse Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the charming and sun-dappled world of the Hollyhock Birdhouse Bunny. This delightful knitting project captures the essence of a quintessential English cottage garden in the height of summer. Our gentle rabbit character is a dedicated ornithologist and gardener, spending her days tending to the towering hollyhocks that line the garden fences and ensuring the local birds have cozy homes.

She is dressed in a nostalgic, nature-inspired ensemble perfect for a day outdoors. She wears a beautiful cream dress featuring a tiered skirt adorned with vibrant bands of pink and magenta hollyhock flowers, mimicking the tall spikes of the plant. To blend in with the foliage while birdwatching, she wears a forest green cardigan embroidered with whimsical birdhouses and climbing vines. Her outfit is topped with a practical oatmeal sun hat to shade her eyes.

She is fully prepared for her garden duties with a collection of wonderful accessories: a knitted birdhouse ready to be hung, a friendly white goose companion wearing a green bow, a “Welcome” sign for the garden gate, and a small shoulder bag for carrying birdseed. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake, evoking the peace and beauty of nature.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the sturdy, 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 durable yet 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 embroidery details pop.

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 the extensive assembly and embroidery, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to cultivate this beautiful project, 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 Hollyhock Birdhouse 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 by a garden pot or sitting on a shelf.

The wardrobe is a celebration of summer flora. The dress features stranded colorwork (Fair Isle) to create the bands of flowers. The cardigan serves as a canvas for surface embroidery, allowing you to paint with yarn to create the birdhouse motifs. The accessories are intricate and narrative-driven, adding depth to the character’s story.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Warm Sand.
• Yarn B (Dress Main): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Unbleached Cotton.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Vines): 60g DK weight yarn in Forest Green or Moss Green.
• Yarn D (Hollyhocks & Hat Flower): 40g DK weight yarn in various shades of Pink, Magenta, and Rose.
• Yarn E (Birdhouse & Sign): 30g DK weight yarn in Light Brown, Tan, or Beige.
• Yarn F (Goose): 30g DK weight yarn in White.
• Yarn G (Goose Beak/Feet): Small amount of Orange.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories like the goose and birdhouse.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small black beads (goose eyes), embroidery floss (dark brown, black, green), stitch holders, small buttons, cardstock (for the sign).

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).
• 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. This method creates a continuous flow and minimizes bulky seams at the waist.

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. This creates the instep of the foot, curving the fabric to form the toe area. (30 sts)
• 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 Hollyhock Garden Dress

This dress is designed to resemble the tiers of a hollyhock flower stalk. It features bands of colorwork flowers against a cream background.

Skirt with Picot Hem

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• Row 5 (Picot Edge): *Knit 2 together, Yarn Over*, repeat to the end. This creates eyelets that form a scalloped edge when folded or blocked.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Rows 7-10: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.

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Hollyhock Colorwork Band (Lower Skirt)

We will now work the first band of flowers. You can use Fair Isle technique (carrying the yarn behind) or Swiss Darning (duplicate stitch) after knitting.

• Rows 11-16 (The Garden Band):
  • Join Yarn C (Green) and Yarn D (Pink/Magenta).
  • Work a pattern of alternating flowers: *3 stitches Green (Leaves/Stem), 3 stitches Pink (Flower)*.
  • For the next row, expand the pink stitches to 5 to create the bloom shape, while reducing the green to 1 stem stitch.
  • Repeat this floral motif across the row.
• Rows 17-24: Work in Cream stockinette stitch. This provides separation between the floral tiers.

Upper Skirt Colorwork

• Rows 25-30: Work a smaller, simpler geometric pattern or smaller flower buds using Pink and Green. For example: *Knit 3 Cream, Knit 1 Pink, Knit 2 Cream*.
• Rows 31-34: Work in Cream stockinette stitch.

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 (Cream).
• 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 Forest Green Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Forest Green) and serves as the perfect backdrop for the birdhouse embroidery.

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

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• 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 for the armhole and neck.

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.

Birdhouse Embroidery

Once the cardigan is assembled, use Yarn E (Tan) and Yarn A (Oatmeal) to embroider the motifs on the front panels.

1. Birdhouse Body: Satin stitch a small square or rectangle in Tan on the left front panel.
2. Roof: Satin stitch a triangle in Dark Brown on top of the square.
3. Door: Make a large French knot or small circle in Black in the center of the birdhouse.
4. Vines: Use Green embroidery floss to stitch curly vines trailing up the sides of the cardigan, perhaps reaching towards the birdhouse.

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Part 4: The Oatmeal Sun Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn A (Oatmeal) with a structured brim and flower decoration.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a stiff brim that holds its shape.
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch for the main dome of the hat.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches and sew the back seam.

Decoration: Knit a large Pink/Coral flower (cast on 40 sts, knit 2 rows, K2tog across, roll up) and sew it to the side of the hat with green leaves.

Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal) or 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. Create a strap using a crochet chain or I-cord and sew across the instep. Embroider a small pink flower on the toe.

Part 6: Garden Accessories

The Knitted Birdhouse

Using Yarn E (Tan/Brown) and Yarn B (Cream).

• Base/Walls: Cast on 14 stitches in Tan. Work in stockinette for 12 rows.
• Roof: Change to Brown. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of every knit row until 2 stitches remain. Cast off.

  Make 2 (Front and Back).

• Sides/Floor: Knit a strip 4 stitches wide long enough to go around the sides and bottom.
• Assembly: Sew the strip between the front and back pieces. Stuff firmly to keep the shape boxy.
• Detail: Embroider a black circle for the hole and a small perch. Attach a loop of yarn to the top for hanging.

The White Goose

Using Yarn F (White), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 8 rows stockinette. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff to make a round body.
• Neck & Head: Pick up 6 stitches on the front of the body. Knit an I-cord or small tube for 1 inch (neck). Increase to 12 stitches (head). Knit 3 rows. Decrease and draw through.
• Beak: Embroider a small orange triangle.
• Feet: Knit two small orange triangles and sew to the bottom.
• Bow: Tie a small piece of Green yarn around the goose’s neck.

The Garden Bag

Using Yarn D (Pink) or variegated yarn.

• Body: Cast on 12 stitches. Work in stockinette for 2.5 inches.
• Flap: Knit 4 rows Garter Stitch. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom up to create the pouch. Sew sides.
• Decoration: Embroider small hollyhock flowers on the front.

The “Welcome” Sign

Using Yarn B (Cream).

• Cast on 15 stitches. Knit 8 rows in Garter Stitch. Cast off.
• Detail: Use black embroidery floss to stitch the word “Welcome”. Glue a small twig or toothpick to the back to act as a post, or attach a string to hang it.

Hollyhock Bouquet

• Make 3 small flowers using the rosette method (Cast on 20 sts, knit 2 rows, K2tog across, roll up).
• Knit green I-cords for stems.
• Tie together with a scrap of yarn.

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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.
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 goose’s beak) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Hollyhock Birdhouse Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the abundant beauty of summer gardens, the joy of birdwatching, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a windowsill or is given as a gift to a nature lover, it is sure to bring the warmth of the sun and the song of birds into any home.