Knitting Tutorial: Statice Dried-Bouquet Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Welcome to the rustic and nostalgic world of the Statice Dried-Bouquet Bunny. This heartwarming project captures the essence of late summer and early autumn, a time for gathering blooms to dry and preserve for the colder months ahead. Our practical and artistic rabbit character is a master of floral preservation, dressed in an outfit that reflects the textures of woven baskets, dried petals, and the earthy tones of a harvest workroom.

She wears a stunning ensemble designed for a day of sorting and arranging. Her dress features a skirt with a complex “basketweave” texture in a warm golden-brown, mimicking the wicker baskets she uses to collect her flowers. The bodice is a deep violet, representing the vibrant heart of the Statice flower, adorned with delicate embroidery. To keep comfortable in her potting shed, she wears a heavy, oatmeal-colored cardigan featuring a row of decorative bobbles along the opening and pockets embroidered with potted plants. Her look is topped with a slouchy, textured beret and sturdy brown loafers.

She is fully prepared for her craft with a collection of charming accessories: a drawstring “seed” bag, two jars of preserved goods or pigments, a linen cloth for pressing flowers, a fresh bouquet of Statice (Sea Lavender), and a loyal donkey companion who helps carry the heavy loads. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake, evoking the quiet satisfaction of making things by hand.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the textured, 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 soft sandy beige or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch. The natural crimp of the wool adds volume and life to the character.

For the intricate clothing, such as the textured skirt and the detailed accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend. These fibers provide excellent stitch definition, which is crucial for the basketweave pattern and the bobbles to 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 assembly, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to preserve a moment of beauty, 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 Statice Dried-Bouquet 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 standing on a potting bench or sitting on a shelf.

The wardrobe is a study in texture. The dress skirt utilizes a knit-and-purl combination pattern to simulate a woven basket. The cardigan adds a cozy, tactile element with its bobble edge and garter stitch details. The color palette is earthy and grounded—tans, browns, and oatmeals—punctuated by the vibrant purples and yellows of the Statice flowers.

The accessories are intricate and narrative-driven. The donkey is a delightful new friend, representing a beast of burden in the garden. The jars add a touch of realism to the “preserving” theme. The bouquet requires careful assembly to look like a bundle of drying herbs.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Light Tan.
• Yarn B (Skirt & Bag): 60g DK weight yarn in Golden Brown, Camel, or Wicker color.
• Yarn C (Bodice & Flowers): 30g DK weight yarn in Deep Violet or Purple.
• Yarn D (Cardigan & Hat): 80g DK weight yarn in Beige or Unbleached Wool color.
• Yarn E (Donkey): 40g DK weight yarn in Grey or Taupe.
• Yarn F (Shoes & Donkey Hooves): 20g DK weight yarn in Dark Chocolate Brown.
• Yarn G (Jars): Scraps of Pale Blue (Glass) and Cork/Tan (Lid).
• Yarn H (Statice Flowers): Scraps of Yellow, White, and Green.
• 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 donkey and jars.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two 6mm beads (donkey eyes), embroidery floss (black, green, purple), stitch holders, small buttons, cardstock for the “Handmade” tag.

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. Consistency is key when making matching limbs.

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).
• MB: Make Bobble (Knit into front, back, front, back of stitch; turn, P4; turn, K4; pass 2nd, 3rd, 4th sts over 1st).
• 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 seamless transition at the neck provides better stability for 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. 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 Basketweave Garden Dress

This dress is designed to look like a sturdy, woven garden smock. The skirt features a basketweave texture that adds significant visual interest and thickness to the fabric.

Skirt with Basketweave Texture

Using Yarn B (Golden Brown/Camel), cast on 72 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Basketweave Pattern (Rows 5-24):
  • Rows 5-8: *Knit 4, Purl 4*, repeat to end.
  • Rows 9-12: *Purl 4, Knit 4*, repeat to end.
  • Repeat these 8 rows twice more. This creates the check/weave effect seen in the photos.
• Rows 25-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Yarn B. This transition allows the dress to drape better before the bodice.

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Waist and Bodice

We will now decrease for the waist and switch to the Violet yarn for the bodice.

• 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)
• Row 38: Change to Yarn C (Violet). Purl across.

Floral Bodice:

We will embroider the statice flowers on the bodice later, so knit this section smooth.

• Row 39 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 40: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 41-48: Work in stockinette stitch in Violet.
• Row 49: Knit across (Garter ridge for neckline).
• 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.

Statice Embroidery Guide

Statice flowers grow in clusters of tiny, papery blooms. Use Yarn H (Yellow/White/Purple) and Green yarn.

1. Stems: Using Green yarn, stitch vertical, branching stems rising from the waistline of the purple bodice.
2. Flowers: Use yellow and white yarn to create dense clusters of French knots at the ends of the stems.
   • Cluster 5-6 French knots together to form one “flower head”.
   • Scatter these clusters across the front of the purple bodice.
   • The contrast of the yellow/white against the purple mimics the bright centers of the Statice flower.

Part 3: The Bobble-Edged Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn D (Beige/Oatmeal) and features a charming row of bobbles down the front opening, giving it a playful, handmade feel.

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 Bobbles)

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Row 5 (Bobble Row): Knit 2, Make Bobble (MB), Knit to end.
  • MB: Knit into front, back, front, back of stitch; turn, P4; turn, K4; pass 2nd, 3rd, 4th sts over 1st.
• Rows 6-10: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 11: Knit 2, MB, Knit to end.
• Rows 12-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 17: Knit 2, MB, Knit to end.
• Rows 18-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 stitches at the armhole edge (right side).
• Rows 22-28: Work straight (continue placing bobbles every 6th row if desired along the edge).
• 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. Place the bobbles at the end of the knit rows (Knit to last 3 sts, MB, K2).

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.

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Embroidery: Embroider a small “pot” or basket on the left side of the cardigan using Brown yarn, with Green stems and Yellow flowers rising out of it.

Part 4: The Slouchy Beret

This hat is knitted in Yarn D (Beige) to match the cardigan.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Work in K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 7 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat to end. (80 sts). This creates volume.
• Rows 8-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 27: *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

Decoration: Knit a small cluster of Statice flowers (small purple/yellow knots) and sew to the brim.

Part 5: Brown Loafers

Using Yarn F (Dark Chocolate Brown), 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. Embroider small beige dots (French knots) on the toe to mimic the perforations on leather shoes.

Part 6: Harvest Accessories

The Donkey Companion

Using Yarn E (Grey) and Yarn F (Dark Brown/Black) for mane/hooves.

• Body: Cast on 12 stitches in Grey. Increase to 24. Work 10 rows stockinette. Decrease to 12. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Pick up 12 stitches. Work 6 rows. Decrease to snout. Draw through.
• Ears: Cast on 4 stitches. Knit 6 rows (long ears). Decrease to point. Sew to head.
• Hooves (Legs): Cast on 4 stitches in Dark Brown. Knit 2 rows. Change to Grey. Knit 4 rows. Cast off. Make 4. Sew to body.
• Mane/Tail: Cut short lengths of Dark Brown yarn. Latch hook them down the back of the neck for a mane and at the rear for a tail. Trim.

The Preserving Jars

Jar 1 (Glass): Using Pale Blue yarn.

• Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 6 rows stockinette. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff.
• Lid: Using Tan yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Knit 2 rows (Garter). Sew on top of the blue ball.
• Label: Embroider a small beige square on the side.

Jar 2 (Clay/Ceramic): Same pattern but using Tan/Beige yarn entirely.

The Seed Bag

Using Yarn B (Golden Brown).

• Cast on 14 stitches. Work in stockinette for 2.5 inches.
• Sew side seams and bottom.
• Drawstring: Crochet a chain or use a piece of yarn. Weave through the top row of stitches. Tie in a bow.
• Tag: Cut a small rectangle of cardstock. Write “Handmade” or “Seeds” on it. Punch a hole and tie it to the drawstring.

The Linen Cloth

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal) or White.

• Cast on 20 stitches.
• Work in Garter Stitch for 20 rows (Square).
• Border: Using Blue or Purple embroidery floss, stitch a running stitch border around the edge. Add French knots in the corners.

Statice Bouquet

• Create 3-4 stems of flowers.
• Flowers: Use Purple, Pink, and Yellow scraps. Tie clusters of knots at the top of Green I-cords.
• Wrap the stems in a small piece of fabric or tie with string.

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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 donkey’s mane) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Statice Dried-Bouquet Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the harvest, the beauty of preserved flowers, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a potting bench or is given as a gift to a creative soul, it is sure to bring a sense of rustic charm to its new home.