Wildflower Journal Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the serene and contemplative world of the Wildflower Journal Bunny. This charming project captures the essence of a quiet afternoon spent in a sun-dappled meadow, documenting the beauty of nature in a sketchbook. Our thoughtful rabbit character is a naturalist at heart, dressed in an outfit that reflects the earthy tones of the forest floor and the vibrant bursts of color found in wild blooms.

She wears a meticulously crafted ensemble designed for a day of observation and sketching. Her dress is a creamy, natural linen-colored garment featuring a skirt adorned with a complex colorwork band of purple, pink, and yellow wildflowers rising from green stems. To keep warm while sitting still to sketch, she wears a mossy olive-green cardigan with functional pockets—one of which holds a tiny pencil—and delicate daisy embroidery. Her look is completed with a matching olive bonnet tied under the chin, sturdy walking shoes, and a collection of unique accessories: a tote bag embroidered to look like a field journal, a lace-edged handkerchief for pressing flowers, and a shy hedgehog companion. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake.

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. The natural crimp of wool helps to hide seams and holds the stuffing shape perfectly.

For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork dress and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the embroidery details stand out clearly. 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 document the beauty of nature, 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 Wildflower Journal 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 on a rock or standing among the tall grass.

The wardrobe is a study in nature-inspired aesthetics. The dress utilizes stranded colorwork to create the meadow border, while the cardigan features pockets that are essential for a journaling bunny. The accessories are intricate and narrative-driven, with the journal bag and the tiny pencil adding depth to the character’s story as an artist and observer.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Warm Sand.
• Yarn B (Cardigan, Hat, Shoes): 80g DK weight yarn in Olive Green, Moss, or Fern.
• Yarn C (Dress Base): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream, Unbleached Cotton, or Linen.
• Yarn D (Wildflowers): Small amounts of Purple, Dusty Pink, and Mustard Yellow.
• Yarn E (Stems & Leaves): 20g DK weight yarn in Dark Green.
• Yarn F (Bag/Journal): 30g DK weight yarn in Beige or Light Brown.
• Yarn G (Hedgehog): Scraps of Brown (textured/bouclé preferred) and Beige.
• 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 (hedgehog eyes), embroidery floss (black, brown, green), stitch holders, small wooden buttons, craft wire (optional for pencil structure).

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).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• 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.

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Part 2: The Wildflower Meadow Dress

This dress is designed to look like a botanical illustration. It features a cream base with a border of colorful wildflowers rising from the hem.

Skirt with Colorwork Band

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.
• Row 9 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn E (Green) for the stems.

  Pattern (Stems): *Knit 3 Cream, Knit 1 Green, Knit 2 Cream*, repeat to end. Vary the spacing slightly if you want a wilder look.

• Row 10: *Purl 2 Cream, Purl 1 Green, Purl 3 Cream*.
• Row 11 (Flowers): Join Yarn D (Purple, Pink, Yellow).
  • At the top of the green stems, create small 3-stitch flowers. Alternate colors (e.g., one purple, one pink, one yellow).
  • Example: *Knit 2 Cream, Knit 3 Pink, Knit 1 Cream*.
• Row 12: Work back, keeping the flower colors consistent.
• Row 13: Switch back to Cream for the main background.
• Rows 14-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.

Note: You can also knit the skirt plain and use Swiss Darning (duplicate stitch) to add the flowers later for more precision.

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)
• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• 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 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.

Part 3: The Olive Journaling Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn B (Olive Green) and features deep pockets for holding treasures and simple 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 with Pocket

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Pocket Detail: You can knit a small square separately (10 sts x 10 rows) and sew it on, or knit it integrally. For the separate method: Knit a small olive square. Sew it to the front panel.
• 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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Finishing: Sew the cardigan pieces together. Pick up stitches along the front opening and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for a button band. Add small wooden buttons. Embroider a small white daisy on the pocket.

Part 4: The Olive Bonnet

This hat is a vintage bonnet style in Olive Green that frames the face.

• Cast On: 60 stitches using Yarn B (Olive).
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the brim.
• Rows 7-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 17 (Decrease): *Knit 8, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 18: Purl.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21: Continue decreasing in this manner until 10 stitches remain.
• Final Row: Break yarn, draw through remaining stitches. Sew the back seam down to the neck nape only.
• Ties: Pick up 4 stitches at each corner of the brim and knit a long strip or I-cord to tie under the chin. Add wooden buttons at the base of the strap for decoration.

Part 5: Olive Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn B (Olive Green), 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 small wooden button to the side. Embroider a small pink flower on the toe.

Part 6: Journaling Accessories

The Journal Tote Bag

Using Yarn F (Beige/Tan).

• Body: Cast on 16 stitches. Work in stockinette for 3.5 inches.
• Assembly: Fold in half. Sew side seams.
• Decoration (The Journal Look):
  • Use Dark Brown yarn to embroider a vertical line on the left side (the spine of the book).
  • Embroider small horizontal lines on the spine to look like binding.
  • Embroider a small floral spray on the “cover” (the front of the bag).
• Handle: Knit two short I-cords and attach to the top.

The Tiny Pencil

Using Wood-colored yarn (Yellow/Tan) and Graphite (Grey).

• Cast on 4 stitches in Tan. Knit an I-cord for 1.5 inches.
• Change to Grey. Knit 2 rows. Draw yarn through tightly to form the point.
• You can insert a small piece of toothpick (remove sharp points) inside to keep it straight. Tuck this into the cardigan pocket.

The Hedgehog Companion

Using Yarn G (Textured Brown for back, Beige for face).

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Beige. Increase to 20. Knit 4 rows.
• Back (Quills): Change to Textured Brown yarn. Knit 8 rows. (If you don’t have textured yarn, use loop stitch).
• Head: Change back to Beige. Decrease to 10 stitches. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Finishing: Embroider eyes and a black nose. Sew tiny ears.
• Crown: Embroider or make a tiny chain of flowers to go around the hedgehog’s head.

Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn C (Cream).

• Cast on 18 stitches.
• Knit a square in stockinette.
• Border: Crochet a scalloped edge around the perimeter.
• Detail: Embroider eyelets along the edge.

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Wildflower Bouquet

• Stems: Knit 3 or 4 Green I-cords.
• Flowers: Use scraps of Pink, Purple, and Blue yarn to create small French knot clusters at the top of each stem.
• Tie the bouquet with a scrap of yarn or ribbon.

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 tiny pencil) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Wildflower Journal Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the quiet observation of nature, the joy of recording beauty, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a bookshelf or is given as a gift to a budding artist or naturalist, it is sure to bring a sense of peace and wonder to its new home.