Tulip Lullaby Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the enchanting world of the Tulip Lullaby Bunny. This project captures the essence of a spring nursery, where the softest pink petals meet the fresh green of new leaves. Our charming rabbit character is designed to be a gentle guardian of sleep, dressed in an ensemble that reflects the quiet beauty of a blooming garden at dawn. She is the perfect companion for quiet afternoons and cozy bedtime stories.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the professional and 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. For the intricate clothing, such as the floral dress and the embroidered cardigan, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp. Before you begin, 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 create this magical friend, check your knitting bag 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 Tulip Lullaby 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 bookshelf or being held during a lullaby.

The wardrobe is a study in texture and botanical elegance. The dress features a delicate band of pink tulip motifs rising from the hem, while the cardigan introduces textured leaf pockets and three-dimensional tulip embroidery. The accessories are narrative-driven, with the tiny ladybug and the floral bouquet adding depth to her character as a gentle nature dweller.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress & Headband): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Ivory.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Shoes): 60g DK weight yarn in Sage Green or Muted Moss.
• Yarn D (Tulip Petals): 30g DK weight yarn in Dusty Rose or Soft Pink.
• Yarn E (Leaves & Details): 20g DK weight yarn in Grass Green or Fern.
• Yarn F (Ladybug): Small amounts of Red and Black.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes, small beads for accessories, stitch markers, and 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 (KFB – Knit into front and back of stitch).
• Dec: Decrease (K2tog – Knit 2 together).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• MB: Make Bobble.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.

Part 1: Constructing the 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. (24 sts). 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. (30 sts). This creates the instep of the foot.
• 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.
• Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This long section forms the leg. Ensure your tension remains even here.

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 together.

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Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (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. Ensure both legs are facing the same way.
• 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).
• 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 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).
• 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 cheeks a round shape.
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give room for eye placement.
• 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 111 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts).
• 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, 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, which is a signature of this bunny’s character. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. Keep the edges neat for seaming.
• 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 49 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 4, K2tog. (6 sts).
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 2, K2tog. (4 sts).
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Tulip Lullaby Dress

This dress features a cream base with a beautiful band of pink tulips at the hem. It is designed to fit the bunny body snugly and provide a canvas for the floral work.

Skirt with Colorwork Band

Using Yarn B (Cream), cast on 72 stitches. Use a long-tail cast on for a tidy edge.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Yarn B.
• Row 9 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn D (Pink) and Yarn E (Green). We will create the tulip pattern.

  Pattern: *Knit 3 Cream, Knit 2 Green, Knit 3 Cream*, repeat to end.

• Row 10: *Purl 2 Cream, Purl 4 Green, Purl 2 Cream*.
• Row 11: *Knit 2 Cream, Knit 1 Pink, Knit 2 Green, Knit 1 Pink, Knit 2 Cream*.
• Row 12: *Purl 1 Cream, Purl 2 Pink, Purl 1 Cream, Purl 2 Pink, Purl 2 Cream*.
• Row 13: Break contrast colors. Knit across in Yarn B.
• Rows 14-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream. This provides the main length of the skirt.

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Waist and Bodice

We will now decrease at the waist to create a gathered effect and proceed to the fitted bodice.

• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts).
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (45 sts).
• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 sts, Knit 21, cast off 4 sts, Knit 8.
• Row 44: Purl 8, cast on 4 sts, Purl 21, cast on 4 sts, Purl 8. (45 sts).
• Rows 45-48: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 49: Knit across (Garter ridge for neckline).
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Leave the bodice open and attach a small button or snap fastener at the back of the neck for easy dressing.

Part 3: The Sage Green Cardigan

The cardigan is a cozy layer knitted in Yarn C (Sage Green). It features leaf-textured pockets and three-dimensional tulip embroidery on the front panels.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches using Yarn C. Leave a tail for seaming.

• 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 Leaf Pocket

Cast on 18 stitches using Yarn C.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-12: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Leaf Texture (Row 13): Work across 4 sts, then begin a leaf pattern over 10 sts (K1, YO, K1, YO, K1 etc), then work remaining 4 sts. (Or knit a separate leaf and sew it on later).
• Rows 14-20: Continue in stockinette.
• 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 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 edge. Add two small embroidered pink tulip buds on the upper front panels using Yarn D and E.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 stitches using Yarn C.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 st at each end of Row 8 and Row 16. (24 sts).
• Row 21: Cast off.

Sew the cardigan pieces together at the shoulders and side seams. Sew the sleeves into the armholes. Pick up stitches along the front opening and neckline and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for the band.

Part 4: The Pink Beret

This hat is a stylish beret in Yarn D (Pink), adorned with a cluster of three-dimensional tulips and green leaves.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn D.
• 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.

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Decoration: Knit three small tulip buds (Cast on 6, knit 4 rows, draw through) and three small green leaves. Sew them in a cluster to the side of the beret.

Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn C (Sage Green), cast on 12 stitches. We will build the shoe from the sole up.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around the 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 pink yarn to create a strap across the instep and sew a tiny pink knitted flower or bead to the side for decoration.

Part 6: Garden & Picnic Accessories

The Ladybug Companion

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

• Body: Cast on 6 stitches in Black (underbelly). Increase to 12. Knit 4 rows.
• Shell: Switch to Red. Knit 6 rows. Decrease to 6. Draw through and stuff firmly.
• Details: Use black embroidery thread to stitch a line down the center of the red shell and add small French knots for spots. Sew two tiny beads for eyes.

The Floral Purse

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal) and Yarn D (Pink).

• Body: Cast on 14 stitches in Oatmeal. Work in Garter Stitch for 3 inches.
• Assembly: Fold in half and sew side seams.
• Handle: Knit a short I-cord and attach to the top.
• Decoration: Embroider a single large tulip on the front of the bag using pink and green yarn.

The Tulip Bouquet

• Stems: Knit 3 or 4 small green I-cords (3 stitches wide, 2 inches long).
• Flowers: Using Yarn D (Pink), make small buds. Cast on 5, knit 3 rows, draw through.
• Sew a flower to the top of each stem. Tie the bunch together with a scrap of cream yarn.

Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn B (Cream).

• Cast on 20 stitches.
• Knit a square in stockinette stitch.
• Border: Pick up stitches around the edge and knit a simple picot bind off to create a lacy effect.
• Embroider a small pink flower in one corner.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The assembly process is where your Tulip Lullaby Bunny truly comes to life. Take your time with these final touches to ensure she looks as sweet as possible.

1. Body: Sew the leg and body seams using a ladder stitch (mattress stitch) for a seamless look. Stuff the legs and body firmly, ensuring there are no lumps in the padding. The bunny should feel solid but still have a bit of “squish.”
2. Head: Sew the back seam of the head. Stuff the head into a round shape, ensuring the cheeks are plump and symmetrical. Ensure the neck has extra stuffing to support the weight of the head.
3. Face:
   • Eyes: Place safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, approximately 9 stitches apart. If you prefer, you can use black embroidery thread to satin stitch the eyes.
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. Satin stitch the top part of the “Y” to create a soft, triangular nose.
4. Limbs: Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck seam. Attach the ears to the top of the head, angling them slightly forward for a gentle expression.

Care Notes

Handmade toys deserve special care to remain beautiful for years to come. Because this bunny is made with natural fibers and extensive embroidery, please follow these guidelines:

• Dusting: Regularly use a soft-bristled brush or a lint roller to remove surface dust from the textured knit and embroidery.
• Spot Cleaning: If the bunny gets a minor stain, use a damp cloth with a tiny amount of mild wool detergent to gently dab the area. Do not rub, as this can cause the wool to felt or the embroidery to snag.
• Deep Cleaning: If a full wash is necessary, submerge the bunny gently in cool water with wool wash. Do not machine wash. Rinse gently and press out excess water with a towel—never wring. Reshape and dry flat in the shade.

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Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are all loose ends woven in securely on the inside of the body and clothing?
• Are the safety eyes locked in place and unable to be pulled out?
• Is the bunny’s stuffing even and firm throughout?
• Is the head sitting straight on the neck? (Add more stuffing to the neck column if it feels floppy).
• Are the ladybug’s beads securely stitched if the toy is intended for a small child?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Preserving an heirloom toy requires a mindful approach to storage and environment. Always keep your bunny out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade the delicate pink and green dyes over time. If you plan to store the bunny for a long period, place her in a breathable cotton bag rather than a plastic container to prevent moisture buildup. Adding a small sachet of dried lavender can help keep pests away and add a pleasant scent that matches her garden theme.

Your Tulip Lullaby Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the quiet joy of springtime and the comfort of a handmade gift. Whether she sits on a nursery shelf as a decoration or becomes a beloved companion for a little one, she is sure to bring a sense of peace and beauty to her new home.