Hellebore Winterkiss Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the serene and frosty world of the Hellebore Winterkiss Bunny. This exquisite project captures the quiet beauty of a winter garden, where the brave Hellebore (Christmas Rose) blooms against the snow. Our elegant rabbit character embraces the chill, dressed in layers of warmth and sophistication. She is the keeper of the winter garden, ensuring that life continues even in the coldest months.

She wears a stunning mauve dress featuring a textured bodice and a skirt adorned with a colorwork band of evergreen leaves, symbolizing resilience. To protect herself from the biting wind, she wears a cozy oatmeal cardigan with a classic collar, embroidered with the delicate Hellebore flowers she tends. Her look is completed with a cloche hat, warm boots, and a collection of winter essentials including a thermos of hot cocoa, a penguin companion, and a bag for collecting winter greens. 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 soft oatmeal or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch.

For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork dress and the detailed accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the embroidery details pop against the knit fabric. 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 embrace the beauty of winter, 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 Hellebore Winterkiss 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 sitting on a snowy bench or being carried on a winter walk.

The wardrobe is a study in winter textures and muted jewel tones. The dress features a Fair Isle band of leaves, requiring attention to tension. The cardigan adds a layer of sophistication with its collar and floral embroidery. The accessories are intricate and narrative-driven, adding depth to the character’s story as a winter wanderer.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress & Hat): 80g DK weight yarn in Dusty Mauve or Antique Rose.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Thermos): 60g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal or Light Beige (slightly lighter than skin tone).
• Yarn D (Colorwork Leaves & Stems): 20g DK weight yarn in Forest Green or Pine.
• Yarn E (Colorwork Background): 20g DK weight yarn in Cream or White.
• Yarn F (Penguin): 30g DK weight yarn in Black and White.
• Yarn G (Shoes): 20g DK weight yarn in Mauve (matching dress).
• 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 penguin.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads (penguin eyes), embroidery floss (yellow, pink, green), stitch holders, small 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.

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).
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.
• Moss Stitch: K1, P1 across; on next row, P1 over K, K over P.

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.

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Part 2: The Winterkiss Hellebore Dress

This dress is designed to reflect the muted, dusty beauty of winter flowers. It features a mauve body with a colorwork band of winter foliage.

Skirt with Colorwork Band

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Row 5 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn D (Green) and Yarn E (Cream/White). We will create a band of leaves on a cream background.

  Pattern Setup: Switch to Yarn E for the background.

  Row 5: Knit across in Yarn E.

• Row 6: Purl across in Yarn E.
• Rows 7-14 (Leaf Motif):
  • Work a Fair Isle pattern of v-shaped leaves using Yarn D (Green).
  • Example Row: *Knit 3 Cream, Knit 2 Green, Knit 3 Cream*, repeating to create the leaf shapes.
  • Ensure you catch long floats on the wrong side to keep the work neat.
• Row 15: Break contrast colors. Knit across in Yarn B (Mauve).
• Rows 16-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Mauve. This provides the main body of the skirt.

Waist and Bodice

We will now decrease for the waist and create a textured 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)

Textured Bodice:

• Rows 38-42: Work in Moss Stitch (*K1, P1* across, offset on next row). This adds a lovely texture that contrasts with the smooth skirt.
• 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 Moss 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 Collared Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Oatmeal) and features a classic collar and floral 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.

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Collar Construction

Once the cardigan pieces are sewn together at the shoulders, pick up stitches around the neckline (approx 40 sts).

• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3 (Increase): *Knit 3, Inc*, repeat to end. This makes the collar lay flat.
• Rows 4-8: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 9: Knit.
• Row 10: Cast off.

Hellebore Embroidery

Hellebores have 5 broad petals. Use Yarn B (Mauve) and Yarn D (Green).

1. Placement: Embroider one flower on the left and right front panels of the cardigan.
2. Petals: Satin stitch 5 teardrop-shaped petals in Mauve.
3. Center: Use Yellow or Light Green floss to make a cluster of French knots in the center.
4. Stems: Stitch a green stem and a few leaves below the flower.

Part 4: The Winter Hat

This hat is a structured cloche in Mauve to match the dress.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn B.
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a stiff brim.
• Rows 7-18: Work in 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. Sew back seam.

Hat Decorations

• Flowers: Knit two smaller versions of the Hellebore flower (cast on 20 sts, knit 2 rows, bind off, roll into rosette) in Mauve and lighter Pink. Sew to the side of the hat.
• Leaves: Knit two small green diamond shapes and sew them under the flowers.

Part 5: Mauve Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn G (Mauve), 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. Crochet a strap and sew a tiny green leaf button to the side.

Part 6: Winter Accessories

The Penguin Companion

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

• Body: Cast on 12 stitches in Black. Increase to 24. Work 8 rows.
• Tummy: Intarsia method: Knit 8 Black, Knit 8 White, Knit 8 Black. Continue for 10 rows.
• Decrease: Decrease evenly to 12 stitches. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Wings: Knit two small black triangles. Sew to sides.
• Beak: Embroider a small orange triangle.
• Flower Crown: Using embroidery floss, stitch a tiny ring of flowers around the penguin’s head.

The Thermos

Using Yarn B (Mauve) and Yarn C (Oatmeal).

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Mauve. Increase to 20. Knit in stockinette for 2.5 inches. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff firmly into a cylinder shape.
• Cap/Cup: Using Yarn C (Oatmeal), cast on 22 stitches. Knit 6 rows. Cast off. Sew this strip into a ring and attach it to the top of the thermos bottle.

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The Winter Bag

Using Yarn C (Oatmeal/Beige).

• Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in Garter Stitch for 1 inch.
• Sides: Pick up stitches and work in stockinette for 2 inches.
• Flap: Decrease to form a triangle flap. Cast off.
• Wreath Embroidery: On the front of the bag, embroider a circle of green leaves and tiny pink buds to represent a winter wreath.
• Handle: Knit a short I-cord and attach.

Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn E (White).

• Cast on 20 stitches.
• Pattern:
  • Row 1: Knit.
  • Row 2: *K2tog, YO*, repeat to end.
  • Rows 3-18: Stockinette stitch.
  • Row 19: *YO, K2tog*, repeat to end.
  • Row 20: Knit.
• Cast off. This creates a delicate, lacy cloth for the bunny to hold.

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

Your Hellebore Winterkiss Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the quiet strength of winter nature, the warmth of handmade clothing, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a mantlepiece or is given as a gift to bring cheer during the colder months, it is sure to warm hearts.