The Azalea Bush Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the vibrant and energetic world of the Azalea Bush Bunny. This delightful project captures the explosion of color that arrives in late spring, where the garden is suddenly ablaze with hot pink blooms and fresh green foliage. Our charming rabbit character is the spirit of the garden border, dressed in an outfit that reflects the joyous intensity of an azalea bush in full flower.

She wears a show-stopping ensemble designed to turn heads at any garden party. Her dress is a magnificent creation in bright magenta, featuring multiple tiers of ruffled knitting that mimic the dense layers of petals on an azalea shrub. To provide a grounding contrast to this burst of color, she wears a forest green cardigan, representing the sturdy leaves that support the blooms.

Her look is completed with a matching magenta beret studded with pearls to look like morning dew, sensible black gardening shoes, and a collection of outdoor essentials: a garden fork for tending the soil and a cheeky chipmunk companion who loves to hide among the roots. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for anyone who loves the vibrancy of nature.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the durable, 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 oatmeal or sandy beige 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 ruffled dress and the textured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality acrylic blend to ensure the colors remain vivid and the ruffles hold their shape. 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 plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to plant some joy, check your knitting bag for stitch markers and let us 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 Azalea Bush 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 digging in the garden or sitting on a shelf.

The wardrobe is a study in volume and color saturation. The dress utilizes a tiered construction method, where ruffles are knitted separately or picked up to create a “stacked” effect. The cardigan provides a dark, matte contrast to the bright dress. The accessories are narrative-driven, with the chipmunk adding a touch of woodland mischief.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Warm Sand.
• Yarn B (Dress & Hat): 80g DK weight yarn in Bright Magenta, Fuchsia, or Hot Pink.
• Yarn C (Cardigan): 60g DK weight yarn in Forest Green or Deep Emerald.
• Yarn D (Shoes & Chipmunk Stripes): 20g DK weight yarn in Black.
• Yarn E (Chipmunk): 20g DK weight yarn in Warm Brown or Copper.
• Yarn F (Garden Fork): Scraps of Grey and Brown.
• 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 (chipmunk eyes), embroidery floss (black, pink, white), stitch holders, small pearl beads for the hat, stiff card for shoe soles.

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 to ensure the bunny stands evenly.

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).
• P2tog: Purl 2 together.
• 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 between stitches.
• 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 Tiered Azalea Dress

This dress is designed to resemble the full bloom of an Azalea bush. It features multiple tiers of ruffles in a vibrant magenta pink.

The Ruffles (Make 3)

We will knit three separate strips that will be gathered to form the tiers. Use Yarn B (Magenta).

• Bottom Tier: Cast on 100 stitches.
  • Knit 6 rows in Garter Stitch.
  • Work 8 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
  • Decrease Row: *K2tog*, repeat across the row. (50 sts).
  • Place on a holder.
• Middle Tier: Cast on 90 stitches.
  • Knit 6 rows in Garter Stitch.
  • Work 6 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
  • Decrease Row: *K2tog*, repeat across. (45 sts).
  • Place on a holder.
• Top Tier: Cast on 80 stitches.
  • Knit 4 rows in Garter Stitch.
  • Work 4 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
  • Decrease Row: *K2tog*, repeat across. (40 sts).
  • Place on a holder.

Assembling the Skirt and Bodice

Now we join the tiers to create the full skirt.

1. Put the Bottom Tier (50 sts) on your needle.
2. Knit across it.
3. Knit 2 rows straight.
4. Hold the Middle Tier (45 sts) in front of the Bottom Tier (centering it). Knit the stitches of the Middle Tier together with the corresponding stitches of the Bottom Tier. You will have a few stitches left over on the edges of the bottom tier; just knit those plain.
5. Knit 2 rows straight.
6. Repeat the process with the Top Tier (40 sts), joining it to the fabric. You should now have a very full, tiered skirt on your needle.

Bodice:

Continue with Yarn B (Magenta).

• Rows 1-10: Work in stockinette stitch on the remaining stitches (approx 40-45).
• Row 11 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 6, cast off 4, Knit 20 (across front), cast off 4, Knit 6.
• Row 12: Purl 6, cast on 4, Purl 20, cast on 4, Purl 6.
• Rows 13-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 17: Knit across.
• Row 18: Cast off.

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 is a simple, classic shape to represent the leaves of the bush.

Back Panel

Cast on 34 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. (28 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.

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Right Front

Work as for the Left Front, reversing the shaping for the armhole and neck.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 22 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. (26 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Finishing: Sew the cardigan pieces together. Pick up stitches along the front opening and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for a button band. No buttons are needed as it is worn open, but you can add decorative ones.

Part 4: The Pearl-Studded Beret

This hat is a stylish beret in Magenta to match the dress, embellished with “dew drops”.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn B (Magenta).
• 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 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: Sew small white pearl beads scattered over the top of the beret.

Part 5: Black Garden Shoes

Using Yarn D (Black), cast on 14 stitches.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 32 stitches around three sides of the sole rectangle.
• Rows 1-5: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe Shaping): Knit 11, (K2tog) 5 times, Knit 11. (27 sts)
• Row 7: Purl all stitches.
• Row 8 (Toe Shaping): Knit 11, (K2tog) 3 times, Knit 10. (24 sts)
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam. Use a strand of black yarn to create a strap across the instep. You can embroider a tiny white dot on the strap to simulate a button.

Part 6: Garden Accessories

The Chipmunk Companion

Using Yarn E (Brown), Black, and White.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Brown. Increase to 20. Work 8 rows stockinette.
• Stripes: You can knit in the stripes or embroider them later. To knit: Work 2 stitches Black, 2 White, 2 Black down the center of the back for 6 rows.
• Decrease: Decrease to 10 stitches. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Pick up 10 stitches. Work 5 rows. Decrease.
• Tail: Knit a bushy tail using loop stitch or simple garter stitch for 3 inches. Sew to back.
• Ears: Tiny brown triangles.

The Garden Fork

Using Yarn F (Grey and Brown).

• Handle: Cast on 4 stitches in Brown. Knit an I-cord for 3 inches.
• Fork Head: Change to Grey. Knit 2 rows.
• Tines:
  • Knit 1 stitch, cast off 2 (drop them or bind off), knit 1.
  • Break yarn and fasten off. This is very fiddly; alternatively, cut a fork shape from felt and sew it to the knitted handle.

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

Your Azalea Bush Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the vibrancy of the garden, the joy of bold colors, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a potting bench or is given as a gift to a gardener, it is sure to bring a burst of floral happiness to its new home.