Daffodil Buttercream Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the sunny and refreshing world of the Daffodil Buttercream Bunny. This project captures the essence of a crisp spring morning, where the bright yellow trumpets of daffodils herald the return of warmth to the countryside. Our charming rabbit character is a vision of springtime joy, dressed in an ensemble that mirrors the soft, buttery tones of heritage daffodils and the clear blue of an April sky.

To create this heirloom-quality companion, we recommend you visit your favorite local yarn shop to select the most premium 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 floral dress and the cabled cardigan, 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 assembly, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to welcome the new season, 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 Daffodil Buttercream 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 carried on a garden walk.

The wardrobe is a study in spring textures and cheerful color contrast. The dress acts as a canvas for the daffodil motifs, which are created using a combination of stranded colorwork and surface embroidery. The cardigan adds a layer of classic sophistication with its traditional cable motifs. The accessories are narrative-driven, with the squirrel companion and the miniature gift box suggesting a story of friendship and early spring celebrations.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress Base & Hat Detail): 60g DK weight yarn in Buttercream or Ivory.
• Yarn C (Cardigan, Hat, Shoes): 80g DK weight yarn in Sky Blue or Cornflower.
• Yarn D (Daffodil Yellow): 30g DK weight yarn in Bright Yellow or Mustard.
• Yarn E (Stems & Leaves): 20g DK weight yarn in Olive Green or Sage.
• Yarn F (Squirrel): 30g DK weight yarn in Warm Brown or Terracotta.
• Yarn G (Gift & Handkerchief): Scraps of Cream and Tan.
• 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, high-quality polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads (squirrel eyes), embroidery floss (black, brown, dark yellow), stitch holders, 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 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).
• C4F: Cable 4 Front (Slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle).
• 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. (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, curving the fabric to form the toe area.
• 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 length of the leg. Ensure your tension remains even here.

Break the yarn for the first leg and place the stitches on a stitch 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 (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 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.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. Keep edges neat.
• 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 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 Buttercream Daffodil Dress

This dress is designed to look like a field of spring flowers. It features a buttercream base with a band of embroidered and knitted daffodils.

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Skirt with Floral Band

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

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

  Pattern (Stems): *Knit 3 Cream, Knit 1 Green, Knit 3 Cream*, repeat to end.

• Rows 10-12: Continue the green stems in stockinette.
• Row 13 (Flowers): Switch back to Buttercream for the main background. We will embroider the daffodils later or knit them in.
• Rows 14-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Buttercream. This provides the main body of the skirt.

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.
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam up to the waist. Attach a small snap at the neck.

Daffodil Embroidery and Appliqué

Use Yarn D (Yellow) and Yarn E (Green).

1. Stems: On the bodice, embroider a single vertical green stem with two leaves.
2. Large Bodice Daffodil: Knit a small yellow trumpet (cast on 10, knit 3 rows, cast off) and sew it in a circle. Surround it with 6 yellow satin-stitch petals.
3. Skirt Daffodils: Embroider small yellow flower heads at the top of each green stem on the skirt band.

Part 3: The Sky Blue Cabled Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Sky Blue) and features traditional cabling and scalloped leaf details at the shoulders.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches using Yarn C.

• 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 start of next 2 rows. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight in stockinette.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front with Cable

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Row 5 (Cable Setup): K2, P1, C4F, P1, K10.
• Row 6: P10, K1, P4, K1, P2.
• Rows 7-20: Continue pattern, cabling every 6th row.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 stitches at armhole edge.
• Rows 22-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 stitches at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off remaining stitches.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing cable placement and shaping.

Scalloped Shoulders: Once shoulders are sewn, pick up stitches around the armhole and knit a short ruffle in Yarn C to create the “leaf” look seen on the cardigan’s top edges.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 stitches. Work in stockinette stitch for 22 rows. Cast off. Sew into armholes.

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Part 4: The Daffodil Hat

This hat is a stylish beret style in Blue, adorned with a large yellow flower.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn C (Blue).
• Rows 1-6: Work in K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 7 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat to end. (80 sts).
• Rows 8-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: K2tog across. Draw yarn through.

Sew back seam. Adorn the side with a large version of the daffodil flower using Yarn D.

Part 5: Blue Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn C (Sky Blue), cast on 12 stitches. Build from the sole up.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around the three sides of the sole.
• Rows 1-5: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 5 times, Knit 10. (25 sts).
• Row 7: Purl.
• Row 8 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 3 times, Knit 9. (22 sts).
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel. Create a strap across the instep and sew a tiny yellow flower button to the side.

Part 6: Spring Accessories

The Squirrel Companion

Using Yarn F (Brown), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 8 rows. Decrease. Stuff firmly.
• Tail: Use Yarn F and work in a large loop stitch or bouclé style for 3 inches. Sew to back.
• Acorn: Knit a tiny brown ball and sew to the squirrel’s paws.

The Floral Basket Bag

Using Yarn B (Buttercream) and Yarn D (Yellow).

• Body: Cast on 14 stitches in Buttercream. Work in Garter Stitch for 3 inches.
• Assembly: Fold in half and sew sides.
• Handle: Knit a short I-cord and attach to the top.
• Decoration: Embroider a small yellow daffodil on the front.

Gift Box

Using Yarn G (Tan/Cream).

• Knit a square (10 sts x 10 rows). Fold into a cube. Stuff with a small piece of foam or fiberfill. Sew edges. Wrap with a piece of brown yarn as a “ribbon.”

Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn B (Buttercream).

• Cast on 20 stitches. Knit a square in stockinette.
• Border: Pick up stitches around the edge and work a picot bind off to create a lacy effect.

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 leg and body seams. Stuff the legs firmly to ensure the bunny can sit nicely. Stuff the body firmly, making sure the tummy is round and the neck is solid.
2. Head Assembly: Sew the back seam of the head. Stuff until the cheeks are plump and symmetrical. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly to support the head.
3. Face:
   • Eyes: Place 9mm safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, approximately 9 stitches apart.
   • Nose: Using dark brown floss, stitch a small “Y” for the nose and mouth. Satin stitch the top for a soft, triangular nose.
4. Limbs: Attach arms to the sides of the body below the neck. Attach ears to the top of the head, angling them slightly forward for a gentle expression.

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Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Because this bunny is made from natural fibers and features intricate embroidery, follow these tips to keep her looking beautiful:

• Dusting: Regularly use a soft-bristled brush or a lint roller to remove surface dust from the textured knit.
• Spot Cleaning: Use a damp cloth with mild detergent to gently dab away stains. Do not rub, as this can cause the wool to felt.
• Washing: submerge gently in cool water with wool wash if a deep clean is needed. Never machine wash. Press out water with a towel and dry flat in the shade.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are all loose ends woven in securely on the inside of the garments?
• Are the safety eyes locked and secure?
• Is the bunny’s stuffing even and firm throughout?
• Does the head sit straight on the neck? (Add more stuffing if needed).
• Are all small accessories securely stitched if intended for a child?

Your Daffodil Buttercream Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the quiet joy of spring and the timeless beauty of the garden. Whether she sits on a shelf or is given as a gift, she is sure to bring a sense of renewal and cheer to her new home.