Stockflower Cottage-Window Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the cozy and rustic world of the Stockflower Cottage-Window Bunny. This project captures the essence of a peaceful afternoon spent in a countryside cottage, looking out through leaded glass windows at a garden blooming with fragrant stock flowers. Our gentle rabbit character embodies the warmth of home and the beauty of a tended garden. She is the keeper of the cottage keys and the tender of the flower beds.

She is dressed in a nostalgic ensemble that reflects her love for her home. Her dress is a masterpiece of texture and color, featuring a hem that mimics the grid of a cottage windowpane, transitioning into a field of embroidered pink and purple stock flowers. To stay warm while tending her garden in the crisp air, she wears a sturdy beige cardigan adorned with cables and floral motifs. Her outfit is completed with a striped beanie hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a collection of treasures including a windowpane-check market bag, a tiny raccoon friend, a potted plant, and a scented sachet. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the heirloom-quality 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 natural, soft texture that is durable and huggable. For the intricate clothing and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp. 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 build this cottage scene, 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 Stockflower Cottage-Window 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 windowsill or being carried on an adventure.

The wardrobe is a study in texture and storytelling. The dress features a unique “windowpane” check texture at the hem, representing the cottage windows, which transitions into a garden of flowers. The cardigan adds warmth with its cable details and buttoned front. The accessories are intricate and plentiful: a bag that matches the dress texture, a realistic raccoon companion, and a potted plant that brings the garden inside.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Warm Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress Base): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Unbleached Linen.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Bag): 60g DK weight yarn in Light Brown, Camel, or Dark Beige.
• Yarn D (Stock Flowers): Scraps of Pink, Magenta, and Purple.
• Yarn E (Stems & Leaves): 20g DK weight yarn in Leaf Green.
• Yarn F (Raccoon): 30g DK weight yarn in Grey, Black, and White.
• Yarn G (Pot & Shoes): 20g DK weight yarn in Terracotta or Brown.
• 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 raccoon.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two 6mm beads (raccoon eyes), embroidery floss (dark brown, pink, green), stitch holders, small wooden buttons.

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).
• 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. 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 Cottage Window Dress

This dress is designed to look like a rustic linen garment. It features a unique “windowpane” texture at the hem and a button-down front panel. The floral embroidery adds a splash of color, resembling a garden bed.

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Skirt with Windowpane Hem

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Windowpane Texture (Rows 5-14):
  • Row 5 (RS): *Knit 2, Purl 1, Knit 2, Purl 1*, repeat to end.
  • Row 6: Purl across.
  • Row 7: *Knit 2, Purl 1, Knit 2, Purl 1*, repeat to end.
  • Row 8: Knit across (This creates the horizontal bar of the windowpane).
  • Repeat these 4 rows twice to create the grid texture seen at the bottom of the dress.
• Rows 15-34: Work in stockinette stitch. This smooth area is where the Stock flowers will be embroidered.

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)

Button-Down Bodice:

We will create a faux button band by knitting a central panel in Garter stitch.

• Row 38 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 39: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 40-48:
  • Knit 20 in Stockinette, Knit 5 (Center Band in Garter), Knit 20 in Stockinette.
  • Ensure the center 5 stitches are always knitted to create a vertical ridge.
• Row 49: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Sew small wooden buttons down the center front band of the bodice and skirt.

Stock Flower Embroidery

Use Yarn D (Pink/Magenta/Purple) and Green yarn.

1. Stems: Stitch wavy green vines around the skirt, just above the windowpane hem.
2. Flowers: Stock flowers grow in tall spikes.
   • Stitch clusters of small French knots or satin stitches in pink and purple ascending the green stems.
   • Make the flowers denser at the bottom of the spike and smaller at the top.
3. Leaves: Stitch long, slender leaves in green along the base of the stems.

Part 3: The Cabled Cottage Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Light Brown) and features classic cabling on the front panels for a cozy, traditional look.

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.
• Row 5 (Cable Setup): Knit 2, Purl 1, C4F (Cable 4 Front), Purl 1, Knit 10.
• Row 6: Purl 10, Knit 1, Purl 4, Knit 1, Purl 2.
• Row 7 (Cable Twist): Knit 2, Purl 1, Knit 4, Purl 1, Knit 10.
• Row 8: Repeat Row 6.
• Rows 9-20: Continue pattern, twisting cable every 6th row.
• 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.

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Embroidery: Embroider a small windowpane check or a tiny flower on the pocket area of the cardigan.

Part 4: The Striped Beanie

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Cream) with stripes of pink and green.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Knit in K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 7: Change to Yarn D (Pink). Knit one row.
• Row 8: Purl one row.
• Row 9: Change to Yarn B (Cream). Knit one row.
• Row 10: Purl one row.
• Row 11: Change to Yarn E (Green). Knit one row.
• Row 12: Purl one row.
• Rows 13-18: Continue in Cream stockinette stitch.
• 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.

Part 5: Garden Shoes

Using Yarn C (Light Brown) or Yarn G (Terracotta), 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 a lighter yarn to create a strap across the foot. Embroider a small flower on the toe.

Part 6: Cottage Accessories

The Raccoon Companion

Using Yarn F (Grey, Black, White), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Grey. Increase to 20. Work 10 rows stockinette. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head:
  • Cast on 10 stitches in Grey.
  • Increase to 15.
  • Mask: Work 2 rows in Black.
  • Snout: Change to White. Work 2 rows. Decrease to 8 stitches.
  • Draw through. Stuff. Embroider eyes and nose.
• Tail: Cast on 6 stitches. Work in stripes of Grey and Black. Sew to body.
• Limbs: Knit 4 small black tubes for legs/arms.
• Bow Tie: Tie a small piece of Yellow yarn around the raccoon’s neck.

The Windowpane Market Bag

Using Yarn C (Light Brown) and Yarn B (Cream).

• Body: Cast on 16 stitches in Light Brown.
• Pattern:
  • Row 1: Knit in Brown.
  • Row 2: Purl in Brown.
  • Rows 3-6: *Knit 3 Brown, Knit 1 Cream*, repeat. (Carry the cream yarn loosely behind).
  • Row 7: Knit across in Cream.
  • Rows 8-11: *Purl 3 Brown, Purl 1 Cream*, repeat.
• Repeat until piece measures 3 inches. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold in half. Sew side seams. Knit two I-cord handles and attach.

The Potted Plant

Using Yarn G (Terracotta) and Yarn E (Green)/Yarn D (Pink).

• Pot: Cast on 12 stitches. Work in stockinette for 1 inch. Purl 1 row (rim). Knit 2 rows. Cast off. Sew side seam. Stuff bottom.
• Soil: Knit a small brown circle. Sew inside the rim.
• Plant: Knit several green I-cords (stems) and sew small pink bobbles (flowers) to the tops. Stitch these to the soil.

The Scented Sachet (Envelope)

Using Yarn B (Cream) and Yarn C (Brown).

• Cast on 12 stitches in Cream.
• Knit 2 rows.
• Change to Brown. Knit 2 rows.
• Repeat stripes for 2 inches. Cast off.
• Fold in half, sew sides. Stuff with a little lavender or fiberfill. Sew top closed.

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Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn B (Cream).

• Cast on 20 stitches.
• Knit in stockinette stitch for a square.
• Border: Crochet a simple scallop edge around the perimeter or sew on a piece of pre-made lace trim.

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 raccoon’s beads) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Stockflower Cottage-Window Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the simple joys of home, the beauty of a cottage garden, 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 a sense of warmth and comfort to its new home.