Gardenia Pearl Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the sophisticated and lustrous world of the Gardenia Pearl Bunny. This exquisite project captures the essence of a high-society garden party, where the scent of white gardenias fills the air and elegance is paramount. This refined rabbit character is a vision of grace, dressed in a timeless ensemble that combines the softness of fine wool with the shimmer of delicate pearls.

She wears a breathtaking outfit designed for a grand occasion. Her dress is a creamy, porcelain-hued garment featuring a skirt scattered with pearls and hemmed with intricate, three-dimensional white Gardenia blooms and deep green leaves. To protect against the evening breeze, she wears a textured mint-green cardigan embroidered with matching white blossoms. Her look is crowned with a slouchy mint beret adorned with a cluster of flowers and pearls, white Mary Jane shoes, and a collection of luxurious accessories including a pearl-encrusted handbag, a lace handkerchief, and a graceful white Swan companion. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the luxurious, professional finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the most premium materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a soft cream or white shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch. The natural halo of merino adds to the ethereal quality of the doll.

For the intricate clothing, such as the pearl-studded dress and the delicate accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a silk-blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the fabric has a lovely drape. 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, plenty of premium fiberfill, and a supply of small craft pearls. If you are ready to craft this elegant figure, 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 Gardenia Pearl 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 method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time, whether she is sitting at a tea table or displayed on a collector’s shelf.

The wardrobe is a study in texture and embellishment. The dress features a smooth stockinette canvas that allows the applied pearls and 3D flowers to shine. The cardigan adds a pop of soft color in mint green. The accessories are intricate: the swan is a sculptural knit, and the handbag is a miniature work of art.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Cream, White, or Off-White.
• Yarn B (Dress & Flowers): 80g DK weight yarn in Porcelain White or Ivory.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Hat): 60g DK weight yarn in Mint Green, Sage, or Seafoam.
• Yarn D (Leaves): 20g DK weight yarn in Forest Green or Deep Emerald.
• Yarn E (Swan): 30g DK weight yarn in Bright White.
• 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), two small beads (swan eyes), embroidery floss (black, orange), stitch holders, small pearl buttons, approximately 50 small sew-on pearls (4mm or 5mm).

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.
• MB: Make Bobble.

Part 1: Constructing the Cream 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 (Cream) 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.

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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.

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 (Cream), 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 Gardenia Pearl Dress

This dress is designed to act as a canvas for the exquisite pearl and flower details. It features a cream base with a scalloped lace hem.

Skirt with Scalloped Hem

Using Yarn B (White/Ivory), cast on 73 stitches.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Scallop Pattern): K1, *K2tog twice, (YO, K1) 3 times, YO, SSK twice, K1*, repeat to end.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: Knit.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Repeat Rows 3-6 three times to create a deep, beautiful lace border.
• Rows 15-34: Work in stockinette stitch. This large, smooth area is where the pearls and flowers will be attached.

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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. (55 sts)
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (44 sts)
• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 20, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 44: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 20, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (44 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.

Embellishing the Dress

This is the most critical step for this character. Use Yarn B (White) and Yarn D (Green).

1. Gardenia Flowers: Knit small strips (Cast on 20, Knit 2 rows, bind off). Roll these strips into rosettes to mimic the dense petals of a gardenia. Secure the base with thread. Make 5-7 flowers.
2. Leaves: Knit small diamond shapes in Green.
3. Placement: Sew the flowers and leaves along the hemline of the dress, just above the lace border.
4. Pearls: Using a fine sewing needle and matching thread, sew small white pearls scattered across the upper part of the skirt and the bodice. Place a pearl in the center of each knitted gardenia.

Part 3: The Mint Green Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Mint Green) and provides a soft pop of color.

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.

Embroidery: On the front panels of the cardigan, embroider small white lazy-daisy flowers with pearl centers to match the dress.

Part 4: The Pearl-Adorned Beret

This hat is a classic beret in Mint Green, heavily embellished to match the theme.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn C (Mint).
• Rows 1-6: Work in K1, P1 Ribbing for a snug fit.
• Row 7 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat to end. (80 sts). This creates the 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.

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Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

Decoration: Knit three white gardenia rosettes (as per the dress instructions). Sew them to the side of the beret. Sew pearls of varying sizes around the flowers and scattered on the crown of the hat.

Part 5: White Pearl Shoes

Using Yarn B (White), 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 strand of white yarn to create a strap. Sew a pearl bead onto the strap as a button closure.

Part 6: Elegant Accessories

The Swan Companion

Using Yarn E (White), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 10 rows stockinette. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff firmly to make an oval.
• Neck: Pick up 6 stitches at one end. Knit a tube (I-cord style) for 3 inches. Insert a pipe cleaner if you want to curve the neck gracefully.
• Head: Increase to 12 stitches. Knit 4 rows. Decrease to 4. Draw through.
• Beak: Embroider an orange triangle with a black base.
• Wings (Make 2): Cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 10. Knit 6 rows. Decrease to 2. Cast off. Sew to the sides of the body, angled upwards like folded wings.
• Decoration: You can sew a tiny flower to the swan’s back.

The Pearl Handbag

Using Yarn A (Cream) or Yarn C (Mint).

• Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in Garter Stitch for 1 inch (Base).
• Sides: Pick up stitches around the base rectangle. Work in stockinette for 2 inches.
• Flap: On the back stitches only, continue knitting for 1.5 inches, decreasing at the sides to form a curved flap. Cast off.
• Decoration: Sew pearls all over the flap of the bag.
• Handle: Knit a short I-cord and attach to the top.

Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn B (White).

• Cast on 20 stitches.
• Knit a square in stockinette stitch.
• Border: Pick up stitches around the edge and knit a picot bind off (*Cast on 2, bind off 4*, repeat) to create a lacy edge.
• Embroider a small green stem and white flower in one corner.

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 or pink 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 and delicate pearls, it requires specific care to last for generations.

• Dusting: Regularly dust the bunny with a soft brush or a lint roller. Be very careful around the pearls to avoid snagging threads.
• Washing: Never machine wash this bunny. Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild wool detergent. If a full wash is absolutely necessary, submerge gently in cool water, press out excess water (do not wring), and reshape on a towel to dry.
• Storage: Store out of direct sunlight to prevent yellowing of the white yarn. If storing for a long period, place in a breathable cotton bag with a lavender sachet to repel moths.

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Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Have all loose ends been woven in securely?
• Are the safety eyes secured properly?
• 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).
• Safety Check: Are all pearls and beads securely sewn? If this toy is intended for a small child, please omit the pearls and beads entirely and use embroidery instead to prevent choking hazards.

Your Gardenia Pearl Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of elegance, the beauty of white flowers, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a dressing table or is given as a gift to a bride or a lover of beauty, it is sure to bring a touch of grace to its new home.